IR 
 
L I E> R.AFLY 
 
 OF THE 
 UNIVERSITY 
 OF ILLINOIS 
 
 977.331 
 R592r 
 
 WitBK HISTORICAL SURV'7 
 
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 .<riv[K.imr u foui 
 
 ROCKFORD TO-DAY """ 
 
 Historical, Descriptive, Biographical 
 
 ILLUSTRATED 
 
 PUBLISHED BY 
 
 THE ROCKFORD MORNING STAR 
 
 ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS 
 
 THE CLARK COMPANY PRESS 
 1903 
 
r / 
 
 FOREWORD 
 
 And he gniie it for MM opinion 
 that whoever could make two eiirg 
 of corn or two blades of grass to 
 grow upon a spot of ground where 
 only one grew before, would de- 
 serve better of mimklitd.'' 
 
 DEAN SWIFT. 
 
 
 IN the making of a volume which would 
 convey accurate biographies and faith- 
 ful likenesses of those who have con- 
 tributed their genius and energy toward 
 Rockford's great progress, the publishers 
 acknowledge the co-operation of many 
 citizens, reference to Church's History of 
 Rockford, work of review and compilation 
 ^ by W. W. Austin. 
 
 o 
 
 I 043 1 69 
 
ROCKFORD TODAY 
 
 S~\ ERMANICUS KENT is entitled to the 
 VJ distinction of being the founder of this, 
 today, beautiful ' Forest City," of the west. 
 Mr Kent was born in Suffield, Connecticut, May 
 31, 1790, and inherited those sterling qualities 
 which were characteristic of the early English 
 settlers in the New World." He acquired a 
 practical business education and for some years 
 was engaged in mercantile pursuits at Blacks- 
 burg, Virginia, and at Huntsville, Alabama. He 
 was married to Miss Arabella Amiss, at Blacks- 
 burg, Virginia, June 7, 1827. The business 
 interests of Mr. Kent being in the south and hav- 
 ing married a southern woman, he doubtless 
 acquiesced in the social institutions of that sec- 
 tion, as it is known that he owned slaves and 
 brought one with him to his western home. A 
 brother. Rev. Aratus Kent, was located as a 
 missionary at Galena, Illinois, a mining town of 
 considerable note at that time, and Mr. Kent 
 made it his objective point in seeking a new loca- 
 tion, where he hoped to better his financial in- 
 terests. 
 
 Upon arriving in Galena, he made the ac- 
 quaintance of Thatcher Blake, who was also in 
 quest of a desirable location. Mr. Blake was 
 born in Oxford County, Maine, March 16, 1809, 
 where he resided until 1834, when he went as 
 far west as St. Louis. There he learned of the 
 thriving mining town of Galena, and immedi- 
 ately made his way there. As soon as definite 
 
 plans could be matured, Mr. Kent and Mr. Blake 
 joined interests and started out across the vir- 
 gin prairies and through the unbroken forests of 
 Illinois in quest of a favorable spot where they 
 might make a home and acquire a fortune. 
 After a thorough inspection of the Pecatonica 
 and Rock River valleys th.y finally determined 
 to locate upon the banks of Rock River, the 
 present site of the city of Rockford. 
 
 It was on a quiet Sunday afternoon in the 
 month of August ari on the 24th day of the 
 month, that these pioneers arrived at their desti- 
 nation. In the party were Messrs. Kent. Blake, 
 Evans, and another man whose n? ie is unknown, 
 Mr. Kent gave employment and wages to those 
 who came withhim and immediately commenced 
 the building of a log cabin, which was located on 
 the west bank of the river, near Kent's creek 
 and on the Kent claim. Another log cabin was 
 built on a claim located by Mr. Blake. 
 
 As the season for agricultural work had passed 
 when they arrived, their attention was given to 
 making improvements. During the fall of that 
 year, Mr. Kent built a second and more preten- 
 tious home, into which he brought his family 
 from Galena, in May, 1835. 
 
 Mr. Kent secured workmen from Galena and 
 with their aid constructed a dam in Kent's creek 
 and a saw mill upon its banks. The timber for 
 the mill was cut near by and the material for the 
 dam was found in the immediate vicinity. He 
 
IO 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 also carried on a merchandising business and 
 supplied his neighbors with goods on credit. The 
 following January the dam was swept away by 
 the ice and high water. In the early spring, 
 work was begun on the digging of a race and the 
 construction of a new dam. The task was com- 
 pleted in July. This dam occasioned the over- 
 
 Irby Black, in Blacksburg. in March, 1862. Mr. 
 Blake cultivated his farm until 1 85 1 , when he re- 
 moved to the city and engaged in the real estate 
 business, and in this connection handled large 
 areas of timber land in Wisconsin. He died Oc- 
 tober 8, 1880. Mrs. Blake died at the home of 
 her daughter, Mrs. Clarence Bean, in this city. 
 
 MEMORIAL HALL 
 
 flow of so much land, that it was removed sev- 
 eral years later. Mr. Kent had invested his 
 money in labor, improvements, and merchan- 
 dise, but, as yet, had been able to get but little 
 in return, so that the financial crash of 1837 
 left' him in distress and without prospects of 
 future success. He surrendered his property 
 for the benefit of his creditors, and in 1844 
 returned, with his family, to Virginia, where, 
 after engaging in business at various places, he 
 died, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Mary 
 
 Could Germanicus Kent look out today upon 
 the spot where his early struggles returned noth- 
 ing but bitter disappointment, he would see a 
 picture, the beauty of which would richly repay 
 him for all the sorrow and sadness occasioned by 
 his failure, and his soul would rest in peace. 
 
 His name will be honored and his memory 
 perpetuated, by the successive generations that 
 follow, so long as water shall flow in Kent's 
 creek and the masonry endure in the Kent 
 school. 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 ii 
 
 W1NNEBAGO COUNTY COURT HOUSE 
 
 FIRST SETTLER ON THE EAST SIDE. 
 
 On April 9, 1835, Daniel Shaw Haight, ac- 
 companied by several other men, arrived on the 
 east bank of the river, in quest of a desirable 
 location for settlement This locality is now 
 called East Rockford. 
 
 Mr. Haight was from Bolton, Warren County, 
 New York, and had made a claim near Geneva, 
 in Kane County, Illinois. He sold this claim 
 
 before selecting one on Rock River. His first 
 house stood on the northeast comer of State 
 and Madison streets. He brought his wife and 
 one child, Miss Carey, his wife's sister, and a 
 hired man from Geneva to his new home, in 
 May. Thus Mrs. Mary Haight and her sister, 
 Miss Carey, were the first white women to settle 
 in Winnebago County. Mrs. Kent arriving a 
 few weeks later, on the West Side. 
 
 As one drives over the smoothly paved streets, 
 
12 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 traverses the concrete walks, rides through the 
 principal streets in a car, propelled by an electric 
 current, over ribs of steel, places a little instru- 
 ment to his ear and talks with friends near or 
 remote as though they were sitting side by side, 
 looks at the fine business blocks and imposing 
 public buildings, the beautiful residences, and 
 public parks, listens to the constant throb and 
 beat of the machinery in hundreds of manufac- 
 turing concerns, mingles in the throngs of 
 thousands of happy, prosperous people in the 
 business streets, rides in a horseless carriage, 
 reads the news from all parts of the world, fresh 
 from the daily presses of the city, it is diffi- 
 cult to realize, that, less than three score and 
 ten years ago this part of Illinois was but a 
 trackless wilderness of grass, flowers, and forest 
 trees, where the birds awoke the morning with 
 their sweet melodies and the native wild ani- 
 mals roamed at will. 
 
 The beautiful homes and luxuries of living 
 enjoyed by the people of Rockford today are 
 only the legitimate sequences of the deprivations 
 and indomitable energies of the pioneers. 
 
 GROWTH OF THE FOREST CITY 
 IN 1835. 
 
 The first public religious service in Rockford 
 was held at the home of Germanicus Kent, in 
 June, 1835, by the Rev. Aratus Kent, at which 
 the entire community was present, making an 
 audience of ten people. 
 
 Among the settlers of 1 834, not yet referred 
 to, may be mentioned Thatcher Blake, Albert 
 Sanford and Mr. Van Zant. In 1835 several 
 people from the south and east were added to 
 the colony. Among them were John Wood, 
 James B. Martyn and James Boswell. Closely 
 following these were Eliphalet Gregory, who died 
 in 1876, Samuel Gregory, who died in New York 
 in 1886, and.Ephriam Wyman, after whom a 
 street is named, and who died in 1893. 
 
 Levi Moulthrop, M. D.,who has the distinc- 
 tion of being the first physician to locate in Win- 
 nebago County, arrived in 1835. He married 
 Miss Margaret George, June 30, 1840 and died 
 September 12, of the same year. 
 
 Richard Montague came in 1835 and died 
 in 1878 He has memorials in the name of 
 
 one of the city schools and streets. Adam Keith, 
 after whom Keith's creek is named, arrived dur- 
 ing this year. He died in Nebraska in 1883. 
 
 William E. Dunbar was one of the county 
 organizers and served as county recorder from 
 1839 to 1843. He died in 1847. 
 
 P P. Churchill was a farmer, near town. 
 He died in 1889. 
 
 Among the arrivals of 1835 may be men- 
 tioned, also, the names John Vance, John 
 Caton, Joseph Jolly, Charles Hall, Lewis Haskins, 
 Milton Kilburn, William Smith, Luke Joslin, 
 Israel Morrill, D. A. Spaulding, Lova Corey, 
 Alonson Corey, Abel Campbell, Ezra Barnum, 
 Anson Barnum, James Taylor, William Hollen- 
 beck, V. Carter, Joseph F. Sanford, Jonathan 
 Corey, Daniel Beers, Mason Tuttle, Mr. Noble, 
 Squire Garner, Gaylor, Perry, Norton, Phineas 
 Carey, Jefferson Garner, Nathan Bond, Charles 
 J. Fox and James Broadie. Thus it will be seen 
 that the population of Rockford was considerably 
 increased during the second year of its history. 
 
 ACQUISITIONS OF 1836. 
 
 During the year 1836. the colony was en- 
 larged by the arrival of a number of pioneers, 
 who became important factors in the material 
 welfare of the new town. Among them was 
 Thomas Lake, who came from the county of 
 Somerset, England, and landed in New York in 
 1832, after a voyage of fifty-two days. He 
 arrived in Chicago in October 1835, and came 
 to Rockford the following spring, bringing with 
 him an old acquaintance, Sidney Twogood. Mr. 
 Lake made a claim to a farm and the two men 
 worked at the carpenter trade. Mr. Lake died 
 in Guilford in 1886. 
 
 Herman B. Potter, a native of Connecticut, 
 arrived in October and bought a farm, as was 
 the practice of many of the early settlers, on 
 what is now the Kishwaukee road. Later he 
 moved to town and built a house where the First 
 Congregational church now stands. Mr. Potter 
 served as a member of the county commission- 
 ers' court, and was one of Rockford's prominent 
 citizens. He died in Galesburg, Illinois, in 1880. 
 
 Selden M. Church was born in East Had- 
 dam, Connecticut, March 4, 1804, and came to 
 Chicago by team, in 1835, and arrived in Rock- 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 Y. M. C. A. BUILDING 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 ford in the fall of 1836. Mr. Church imme- 
 diately became one of the most prominent and 
 helpful of Rockford's citizens. He contributed 
 largely to the business interests of the town. He 
 served as postmaster, county clerk and county 
 judge, retaining the latter office for a term of 
 eight years. In 1847 he was a delegate to the 
 State Constitutional Convention. He was a 
 
 setts to Rockford in the fall of 1836. They 
 established a home en what is now known as the 
 Horsman block, where they were joined, a little 
 later, by their daughter, who had contracted a 
 romantic marriage with Charles 1. Horsman, 
 while attending school at the Charleston Semi- 
 nary. Mr. and Mrs Horsman retained posses- 
 sion of this property the remainder of their days. 
 
 NELSON HOTEL 
 
 member of the legislature in 1862, a member 
 of the State Board of Charities in 1868, and a 
 government commissioner to locate a bridge at 
 Rock Island. After a residence in Rockford of 
 fifty-six years, accomplishing much for the best 
 interests of those who inherit the fruits of his 
 labor, Judge Church passed away in 1892.- 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Abiram Morgan were of New 
 England extraction and came from Massachu- 
 
 Sampson George arrived in Rockford from 
 England in September and acquired a large tract 
 of land, but lived only five weeks to enjoy the 
 country of his adoption. He died in his new 
 home and his remains now rest in the west side 
 cemetery. 
 
 Dr. Charles Henry Richings was born in Eng- 
 land, February 26, 1815, and received his medi- 
 cal education in Belgium. He was the second 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 WM. BROWN BUILDING 
 
i6 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 physician to locate in Rockford. where he en- 
 joyed a large practice. He died August 13, 
 1884, but his memory, as a citizen and a physi- 
 cian, is perpetuated in the name and practice of 
 his son, Dr. Henry Richings, who is now a well 
 known resident physician. 
 
 Hiram R. Enoch was a native of Ohio, and 
 while a resident of Rockford was elected to the 
 
 Joseph Posson came from New York and 
 lived on a farm east of town for four years. He 
 removed to Rockford in 1842 where he died of 
 injuries received while building a cooper shop 
 on the corner of Second and Madison streets, 
 the same year. His son, H. A. Posson, is one 
 of the oldest living residents of Rockford town- 
 ship. 
 
 RESIDENCE OF JOHN LAKE 
 
 office of county treasurer, which he held eight 
 years. He was the editor and proprietor of the 
 Rockford Journal and one of the influential 
 citizens. He died in the government's employ 
 in Washington, D. C. 
 
 Isaac Newton Cunningham, who arrived in 
 Rockford during this year was the second sheriff 
 of the county. He died here December 24, 
 1865. 
 
 David S. Shumway was a native of Vermont. 
 He settled on a farm in New Milford, where he 
 reared a large family. His son, Roland H. 
 Shumway. Sr., is the well known seedsman, who 
 has acquired a fortune in this business. 
 
 The names of many of the early settlers are 
 made familiar to the present generation by their 
 being given to our public buildings and streets, 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 which affords a practical lesson in the history 
 of the city. 
 
 ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY 1836 
 
 A history of the City of Rockford would not 
 be complete without reference being made to 
 the organization of the County of V/innebago and 
 the location of the county seat, as much of the 
 importance of the city is due to the fact that it 
 has the honor of containing this location. 
 
 tion of McHenry, Winnebago, Kane, Ogle and 
 Whiteside counties, and the reorganization of Jo 
 Daviess county. This act determined the 
 specific geographical boundaries of the several 
 counties. Those for Winnebago County em- 
 braced a much larger territory than it at present 
 contains, as all of Boone County and the two 
 eastern ranges of townships in Stephenson were 
 included. Thus Winnebago County was carved 
 out of LaSalle and Jo Daviess counties, that 
 
 ROCKFORD COUNTRY CLUB 
 
 Whenever a new settlement was made in the 
 new territory, local government was essential to 
 the permanency and success of the colony. The 
 attention of the state legislature, which was in 
 session at Vandalia, was called to this matter in 
 1835. At this time, Cook, LaSalle and Jo 
 Daviess counties extended from Lake Michigan 
 to the Mississippi river. Out of this vast terri- 
 tory, eight counties have been formed. 
 
 On the 16th of January, 1836, the state legis- 
 lature approved an act providing for the organiza- 
 
 portion east of the third principal meridian being 
 taken from LaSalle and that west of this meri- 
 dian from Jo Daviess. The northern and south- 
 ern boundaries of Winnebago County remain as 
 at first outlined This act of the legislature also 
 directed that an election should be held at the 
 house of Germanicus Kent on the first Monday 
 in May for the purpose of electing a sheriff, coro- 
 ner, recorder, surveyor and three county com- 
 missioners, who should hold their offices until the 
 next succeeding general election and until their 
 
i8 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 successors were qualified. This election was not 
 held in May as directed, however, as the law 
 provided that no county should be organized until 
 a majority of the voters of the prospective county 
 had addressed a petition for the same to the 
 judge of the sixth judicial circuit, or, in his 
 absence, to another circuit judge, and to give 
 satisfactory proof that the proposed county con- 
 tained not less than 350 white inhabitants. A 
 census was taken by Dr. Daniel H. Whitney, of 
 Belvidere, which resulted in demonstrating that 
 the required number of white inhabitants had 
 been found. 
 
 A petition was at once forwarded to Judge 
 Thomas H. Ford, who issued an order, dated 
 July 15, 1836, for an election to be held at the 
 house of .Daniel S Haight on the first Monday 
 in August, for the aforesaid county officers. The 
 legislature designated the time and place for 
 holding this election, but as the organization of 
 the county depended upon a prescribed number 
 of inhabitants, another section of the law, referred 
 the selection of the time and place to the judge 
 of the circuit. Germanicus Kent, Joseph P. 
 Griggs ar,d Robert J. Cross were chosen judges 
 of this election. A deep interest was manifested 
 in this, the first election in the county. A mem- 
 ber of congress and two representatives to the 
 state legislature were to be chosen, as well as 
 the local officers, but the selection of candidates 
 for county commissioners overshadowed all other 
 interests at issue. 
 
 This election marked the beginning of rivalry 
 between the east and west side of the river which 
 has mver been entirely eliminated. No caucus 
 or convention was called, and the factions divided 
 the honors. Simon P. Doty was the candidate 
 for commissioner from the eastern part of the 
 county, Thomas B. Talcott from the northern 
 part and William E Dunbar the compromise 
 choice of the two "sides." The election was 
 held on the first Monday in August as directed. 
 No printed ballots were used, but a viva vocewas 
 taken and this made it easy for those interested 
 to know exactly how matters stood at any time 
 during the election. D. A. Spaulding was made 
 clerk of the election. One hundred and twenty 
 votes were cast, and Simon P. Doty, Thomas B. 
 Talcott and William E. Dunbar were elected 
 
 county commissioners; Daniel S. Haight. sheriff; 
 Daniel H. Whitney, recorder; Eliphalet Gregory, 
 coroner; and D. A. Spaulding. surveyor. At 
 this time there were only three congressional 
 districts in the state and Winnebago was in the 
 third district, which extended from the Wiscon- 
 sin boundary to a line south of Springfield and 
 entirely across the state from east to west. 
 
 The northern half of the state was sparsely 
 settled, the entire tract constituting the congres- 
 sional district. At this first election William L. 
 May, who resided at Springfield, and was the 
 democratic candidate for congress received sev- 
 enty-three votes. His opponent. John T. Stewart, 
 received forty-four votes, thus giving Mr. May a 
 majority of twenty-nine votes and he was declared 
 elected. He served two years. 
 
 The senatorial district in which Winnebago 
 County was included, previous to 1840, covered 
 the Rock River Valley and extended from Dubu- 
 que nearly to St. Louis This vast area was 
 entitled to one senator and two representatives 
 in the legislature At this election there were 
 five candidates for the lower house. James 
 Craig and Elijah Charhs were elected. 
 
 Monday. August 1st, 1836. marked the be- 
 ginning of the political history of Winnebago 
 County, the election held on that day complet- 
 ing the organization of a county destined to be- 
 come one of the foremost in the state. 
 
 LOCATION OFTHECOUNTYSEAT 1836 
 
 The act of the legislature providing for the 
 organization of Winnebago County also made 
 provision for the location of the county seat by 
 designating Robert Stephens and Rezin Zarley 
 of Cook County, and John Phelps as commis- 
 sioners to act in this capacity, The commis- 
 sioners were authorized to meet on the first 
 Monday in May, 1836, or as soon thereafter as 
 may be, at the house of Daniel S. Haight for 
 this purpose. John Phelps never made an ap- 
 pearance, but the other two commissioners met 
 at the place designated on the 14th of July, of 
 that year, and after spending two days in the con- 
 sideration of the matter, agreed upon a location. 
 
 This selection was embodied in a report 
 made by the special commissioners' to the county 
 commissioners court on August 4. 1836. This 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 report set forth that they had met as directed 
 and had selected a site , on lands owned by N icho- 
 las Boilvin & Co., on condition that the pro- 
 prietors should execute a warranty deed to the 
 county of thirty acres of land so long as it should 
 remain the seat of justice. On the same day, 
 Charles Reed presented to the county commis- 
 sioners a deed of twelve blocks, containing two 
 and one-half acres each, situated about two 
 miles above the ferry crossing, conditioned that 
 it should belong to the county so long as it re- 
 mained the seat of justice. 
 
 RESIDENCE OF MRS. LYDIA WILLIAMS 
 
 The report of the special commissioners was 
 rejected by the county commissioners upon good 
 and sufficient grounds, and it was ordered that 
 the circuit and county commissioners courts 
 should be held at the house of Daniel S. Haight, 
 until the matter of location be determined by 
 the people. This contention between Boilvin &. 
 Co., and the county commissioners as to the 
 location of the county seat was continued for 
 a period of several years and led to an enact- 
 ment by the state legislature, approved March 2, 
 1839, submitting the question to a popular vote 
 and providing that an election for this purpose 
 should be held on the first Monday in May, 1839 
 
 Charles Reed had been the moving spirit in 
 the interests of Boilvin & Co., in the effort to 
 
 locate the seat of justice at Winnebago, the point 
 re.'erred to up the river. He was a shrewd busi- 
 ness manager, but as the results of the election 
 will show, was doomed to disappointment. The 
 law provided that if a majority of one hundred 
 of the votes cast should be in favor of Winnebago, 
 that town should remain the permanent county 
 seat. At the election sixtownswere in the race 
 for county seat honors, of which Rockford re- 
 ceived three hundred and twenty votes; Winne 
 bago seventy-five; Roscoe, two; Willow Creek, 
 five; Pecatonica, one; and Scipio one, out of a 
 total of four hundred and four. Rockford hav- 
 ing received a majority of two hundred and 
 thirty-six votes carried off the victory and secured 
 the plum upon which it has since fattened to 
 rotund proportions. 
 
 Winnebago lost its prestige and gradually 
 declined, until in 1847 its plat was vacated by 
 special act of the state legislature, and Charles 
 Reed, its promoter, removed to Rockton, where 
 he died August 26, 1863. 
 
 Pursuant to the result of the election in favor 
 of Rockford, the county commissioners, on June 
 8, 1839, selected the public square on the east 
 side of the river as the site for the location of 
 the court house. Considerable material was 
 donated and placed upon the ground for this 
 building, but the work of construction was delayed 
 for the want of funds. On September 28, 1841 , 
 a proposition was made to the county commis- 
 sioners by a number of West Side residents to 
 furnish suitable quarters for the county offices 
 and a jail in West Rockford. This proposition 
 was accepted by the commissioners, conditioned 
 upon the execution of a bond for $1 ,000 for the 
 faithful performance of these undertakings. 
 
 On December 1 1 th the building for the use of 
 the couniy offices was reported to be ready for 
 occupancy. It was located on the ground now 
 occupied by the Mead block, on South Main 
 street. The donors were given five months in 
 which to complete the jail. This was a log 
 structure and was located on the east side of 
 the present court houss square. 
 
 It would seem that now the location of the 
 county seat was definitely settled, but that was not 
 the fact. The contention was started by those 
 interested in the Winnebago site, as to the 
 
20 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 legality of the May, 1839, election. The point 
 at issue was, whether the law authorized an elec- 
 tion to select a site for the seat of justice or 
 simply for its removal. 
 
 The county commissioners, at their meeting 
 in Septembtr, 1841, each expressed a different 
 opinion in relation to the matter, thus creating 
 a dead-lock, so that nothing was definitely settled. 
 
 sense of the voters at the August election on 
 the question as to whether the county buildings 
 should be located in East or West Rockford. 
 The verdict seemed to be in favor of West 
 Rockford. 
 
 In April, 1843, Daniel Haight and others, 
 submitted a proposition to the county commis- 
 sioners, to build a court house and jail on the 
 
 Or b. o. o 
 
 UMNER 
 
 On May 10, 1842, the commissioners asked 
 the written opinion of the county attorneys as to 
 the effect of the popular vote of 1839. The 
 unanimous opinion of the bar was to the effect 
 that the county seat had been changed from 
 Winnebago to Rockford, in accordance with the 
 evident intent of the law. 
 
 At the session of the commissioners' court 
 in July, 1842, the judges of the election in the 
 several precincts were authorized to take the 
 
 East side to cost $4,000. This proposition 
 could not then be accepted. A few days later 
 West side citizens submitted a similar proposi- 
 tion, agreeing to erect such buildings as the com- 
 missioners might determine necessary, and for 
 which they were to submit plans and to begin 
 their construction before the first day of the 
 following June, and to complete them before the 
 first day of January, 1844. The donors were to 
 deed to the county two and one -half acres of 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 21 
 
 land upon which the buildings were to be placed. 
 This proposition was accepted with the following 
 conditions, viz.: good and sufficient security in 
 the sum of $20,000 within twenty days, the 
 buildings to be worth not less than $6,000, to 
 make a written contract to erect the buildings 
 proposed, and this contract to be placed in the 
 hands of the clerk within three days after its 
 
 in July. The buildings were furnished by the 
 people of West Rockford without expense to the 
 county. 
 
 The first term of court was held in August, 
 1844. The presiding judge was Thomas C. 
 Brown, James Mitchell was the clerk, and G. A. 
 Sanford sheriff. 
 
 EAST STATE STREET, LOOKING WEST 
 
 approval These conditions were all complied 
 with. The commissioners designated block 
 twenty-five in West Rockford, as the place for 
 the erection of the buildings. 
 
 After a contention of seven years the county 
 seat had been permanently located in Rockford, 
 on the west side of the river. 
 
 The brick jail was completed and occupied 
 January 1, 1844. The wooden court house was 
 completed and accepted by the commissioners 
 
 SETTLERS OF 1837. 
 
 As in previous years, Rockford enjoyed the 
 acquisition of a class of people to its citizen- 
 ship during 1837 that constituted a valuable ele- 
 ment in the development of its future possibili- 
 ties. It may be said that Rockford was exceed- 
 ingly fortunate in its early days in being selected 
 as the place of residence of so large a number 
 of liberal minded and public spirited men, who 
 exerted their energies and expended their means 
 
22 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 in the permanent upbuilding of their home town. 
 Progress in the development of those features 
 that embellish and adorn a beautiful city kept 
 pace with the increase of population. Shade 
 tress were planted, parks were established and 
 the log cabins were replaced by more comfort- 
 able and pretentious buildings. During this year 
 the first lawyer of the town, John C. Kemble, 
 opened an office on South Madison street in 
 connection with Dr. Goodrich. Mr. Kemble was 
 a man o' much ability and had been a member 
 of the general assembly of New York. Ex- 
 Governor Marcy and wife of New York, were 
 guests at the Kemb'e home during the summer. 
 Mr. Kemble lost his reason, and was taken to 
 an eastern asylum, where he died in 1840. He 
 had two sons, one of whom died in Italy and the 
 other established the California Star, the first 
 English newspaper in San Francisco. 
 
 John Lake was born March 27, 1821, in 
 Selwonhy Parish, England, and emigrated to 
 America in 1837, arriving in Rockford in Decem- 
 ber of that year. He acquired the carpenter's 
 trade, became a contractor and builder, and en- 
 gaged in the lumbsr business with Phineas Howes 
 from 1852 to 1856. After a visit to Europe, he 
 re-engaged in the lumbsr business with Mr. 
 Howes, and sold out to Cook &. Brother in 1859. 
 In 1850 he again engaged in the lumber busi- 
 ness with Henry Fisher on the West side, which 
 partnership was continued to 1867, when he re- 
 turned to Europe for an extended visit. Return- 
 ing in 1 868 he formed a co-partnership with Seely 
 Perry and engaged in the lumbsr business on 
 the East side during the next six ysars. He 
 visited Europe in 1874, 1877. 1889 and 1891. 
 Mr. Lake was connected with the Rockford 
 Insurance Company during its business life. He 
 represented the Second ward in the Council for 
 ten consecutive years. He has been a supervisor 
 and chairman of the Board of Education. He 
 was married to Miss Almeda M. Danley, of Har- 
 lem, October 1 1. 1849. 
 
 Henry Thurston and his son, John H., arrived 
 in March from Troy, New York. John H. was 
 married and resided in Rockford until the death of 
 his wife in 1890. For more than forty years 
 their home was in the brick house on South Madi- 
 son street, which was used as an annex for 
 
 the high school for several years. Mr. Thurston 
 published his Reminiscences of Pioneer Life, in 
 1 89 1 , which have been highly appreciated by all 
 classes of readers. He died September 19, 
 1896. 
 
 Samuel D. Preston came to Rockford from 
 New York, and resided on North Madison street 
 and later where the Rockford Lumber and Fuel 
 Company's office now stands. He was a promi- 
 nent business man and a public office holder, be- 
 ing county treasurer four years. He died Feb- 
 ruary 11, 1844. 
 
 Eleazer Hubble Potter was born in Fairfield 
 County, Connecticut, and upon his arrival in 
 Rockford formed a co-partnership with Samuel 
 D. Preston and engaged in business. He was 
 prominent in church and educational interests, 
 and was one of Rockford's early bankers. He 
 built the house now occupied by the Rev. Mead 
 Holmes, and later the fine residence now occu- 
 pied by the Hon. Gilbert Woodruff. Mr. Potter 
 died September 1, 1861. Mrs. William Lath- 
 rop is a daughter, and Commodore Potter, of 
 Belvidere, is a son. 
 
 Nathaniel Wilder was born in Lancaster, 
 Massachusetts, June 30, 1794, and came to 
 Rockford in March, 1837. He carried on the 
 business o! blacksmithing for twenty-five years, 
 and became the owner of considerable property. 
 He died Ju'y 1 1 , 1884, aged ninety years. 
 
 Goodyear Asa Sanford was born in Hamden, 
 Connecticut, in 1814, and came to Rockford in 
 1837. He at once engaged in mercantile busi- 
 ness and was prominent in social and political 
 affairs. He served as sheriff of the county and 
 held the office of county school commissioner. 
 He was a member of the banking firm of Dick- 
 erman, Wheeler & Co., which was organized 
 January 1, 1855. In 1856 the firm name was 
 changed to Lane, Sanford & Co. A reorganiza- 
 tion took place in 1 864, when the Second National 
 Bank was established with Mr. Sanford as cash- 
 ier. He was afterward elected to the presidency 
 of the bank, in which capacity he served until 
 his death in 1894. The failure of this bank 
 occurred in 1896, and H. H. Waldo was ap- 
 pointed to the receivership. The liquidation was 
 completed in 1900, when all claims were prac- 
 tically settled in full. 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 David D. Ailing was born at Westfield, Con- 
 necticut, April 27, 1813 and came to Rockford 
 in October, 1837. He was a carpenter by trade 
 and built the old First Congregational church, on 
 the West side. During a residence of sixty-one 
 years in Rockford, he was a contractor and 
 builder and acquired considerable valuable prop- 
 
 Mary I, and Anna in this city. Mr. Beattie died 
 December 3, 1889. 
 
 Benjamin Kilburn was born in Belchertown, 
 Massachusetts, August 8, 1808. He built a 
 house on the site of the Nelson House where it 
 remained until 1 89 1 . He afterward purchased a 
 quarter section of land, in the northwest part of 
 
 RESIDENCE OF INGALLS CARLTON 
 
 
 erty. He died August 1, 1898. Frank Ailing 
 and Mrs. P. W. Dankey are his children. 
 
 John Beattie was one of the first immigrants 
 from Ireland to this section of Illinois. He was 
 of Scotch ancestry and was born in Ireland June 
 21, 1811. He was a carpenter by trade and 
 built the old court house. He acquired valuable 
 real estate in the city, which now belongs to the 
 Beattie estate. Two sons, Edward W. and 
 George D., reside in Montana, and two daughters, 
 
 town, upon which the stone quarry, now operated 
 by his son-in-law, T. W. Carrico, is located. 
 Kilburn avenue is named in his honor. Mr. 
 Kilburn died in 1860. 
 
 John Miller, the second resident lawyer, 
 arrived during this year. He was a popular 
 orator and took an active part as a whig in the 
 campaign of 1840. 
 
 There were probably a score of other arrivals 
 during the year, among whom might be men- 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 tioned Elisha A. Kirk, Levi Taft, William Two- 
 good, Eli Hall, Lewis Keith, P. S. Doolittle, 
 Joseph Hayes and William Peters. 
 
 The late Judge Selden M. Church is authority 
 for the statement that the total population of the 
 county in June, 1837, was 1,086. 
 
 BUILDINGS IN 1838. 
 
 Sixty-seven years ago there were only four 
 buildings north of State street in West Rockford : 
 the ferry house on the site of the public library 
 (not the Carnegie building); Abiram Morgan's 
 log house, on the site of the Horsman residence; 
 a log cabin on the river bank, north of the ferry- 
 house, and a board house near the site of the A. 
 D. Forbes residence. 
 
 South of State street there were quite a 
 number of cabins, among which was a log house 
 near the corner of State and Main streets; D. 
 D. Alling's house in block one, south of State 
 street ; a house opposite the present post office ; 
 another on the corner north of the Northwestern 
 depot ; Benjamin Kilburn's home on site of the 
 Nelson House ; Kent's house and mill, near 
 Kent's creek and W. E. Dunbar's house, south 
 of the creek. 
 
 On the east side of the river were a greater 
 number of buildings, among them, the Rockford 
 House, the only hotel between Belvidere and 
 Freeport ; Bundy & Goodhue's store on the 
 corner of State and Madison streets ; south of 
 this was the Haight building, which contained 
 the postoffice; Potter & Preston's store stood on 
 the corner of State and Madison streets ; east of 
 Potter & Preston's store was the foundation of 
 the Washington House, Daniel Haight's house 
 and Worthington & Searle's drug store. 
 East of the alley on State street was Samuel 
 Little's saloon, the first in Rockford ; Samuel 
 Corey's house, William Penfield's blacksmith 
 shop and Dr. David Goodrich's house, in the rear 
 of which was a log schoolhouse. Anson Barnum's 
 double log house, on the site of the car barns, 
 and the houses of John Phelps, John C. Kemble, 
 James Clark, Thomas Lake, Sidney Twogood, 
 John Vance, James Boswell and Jacob Posson. 
 
 The Winnebago House was built in 1838 by 
 Dr. Haskell, on the site of Andrew Ashton's 
 store. This was the first brick store built north 
 
 of Rock Island, on Rock river. The building 
 was first used as a store and later converted 
 into a hotel. 
 
 CHRISTENING AND INCORPORATION 
 OF THE VILLAGE. 
 
 "What's in a name," is as applicable to a 
 town or city as to an individual. Possibly less 
 significance is attached to the names of towns 
 derived from individuals than from any other 
 source. There is no particular significance in 
 the names Smithville, Jonesville or Brownville, 
 further than the fact that Smith, Jones or Brown 
 was the first settler and perpetuated his name in 
 that of the town. The name Rockford is unique 
 and attractive, when compared with that of Kent- 
 ville or Haightville if a name of a first settler had 
 been perpetuated in the name of the town. 
 
 The first suggestion of a name was made by 
 Mrs. Kent, which was Midway, as the town was 
 located about midway between Chicago and 
 Galena, but what significance would there be in 
 the name today? This name was recognized for 
 several years and what little mail found its way 
 to this community was addressed to " Midway, 
 Rock River, Jo Daviess County, Illinois." 
 
 Under date of October 17, 1837, Mr. Kent 
 writes a letter from Rockford, Illinois. It is not 
 fully certain as to who proposed this name or 
 when, but doubtless the first semi-official action 
 was taken by Daniel S. Haight, Germanicus 
 Kent, William H. Gilman of Belvidere, John P. 
 Chapin and Ebinezer Peck of Chicago, and 
 Stephen Edgel of St. Louis, who met in the office 
 of Dr. Goodhue, on Lake street, in Chicago, 
 on business connected with their mill privilege 
 located at this place. It is said that Dr. Good- 
 hue proposed the name Rockford, on account 
 of the rock-bottom ford in the river at this point. 
 At least, these gentlemen unanimously adopted 
 this name at this time, which was in the year 
 1835. 
 
 The general law of 1831, made provision for 
 the incorporation of towns in the state that had 
 a population of not less than one hundred and 
 fifty white males over twenty-one years of age. 
 In 1839, the people of Rockford felt that it would 
 be to the advantage of the community to take 
 the benefit of this act. Accordingly notices were 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 posted, calling a meeting of citizens at the Rock- 
 ford House, on April 1, 1839. At this meeting 
 David Goodrich was chosen chairman and James 
 Mitchell clerk. It was resolved that the two 
 villages of Rockford, east and west sides of Rock 
 river, be incorporated into one town. Commit- 
 tees were appointed to ascertain the number of 
 inhabitants, to draft an act of incorporation and 
 
 ferryman made a favorable report, upon which 
 the meeting, by a two-thirds vote, completed the 
 act of incorporation. An election for five trus- 
 tees was held April 10, at which Dr. Goodhue, 
 Daniel S. Haight, Samuel Little, Ephriam Wy- 
 man, and Isaiah Lyon were elected. These 
 trustees organized by electing Daniel S. Haight, 
 President ; Anson Barnum, clerk ; John C. Kem- 
 
 RESIDENCE OF WM. KNAPP 
 
 to confer with Mr. Brinkerhoff in relation to free 
 ferriage for the people of the county. An ad- 
 journed meeting was held April 3d, but no busi- 
 ness was transacted. A second adjourned meet- 
 ing was held on the evening of the 4th inst., at 
 which the reports of the committees were sub- 
 mitted. The census committee reported the 
 population to be 235. The committee to draft 
 an act of incorporation presented an acceptable 
 document, and the committee to confer with the 
 
 ble, attorney ; Isaiah Lyon, collector and treas_ 
 urer ; Henry Thurston, assessor for first district; 
 Nathaniel Wilder, for the third district; and S. 
 D. Peterson, for the fourth district. Thus Rock- 
 ford entered upon its municipal career as an 
 incorporated village, which continued until Jan- 
 unary, 1852. 
 
 In 1851 the people of the village felt that 
 the town had outgrown its limited municipal en- 
 vironments and that better facilities for the con- 
 
26 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 duct of its corporate affairs should be secured. 
 Prompted by this sentiment, a call was signed by 
 Jason Marsh, G. A. Sanford, Willard Wheeler, 
 Isaiah Lyon, George Wyatt, Newton Crawford, 
 C. I. Horsman, W. .A. Dickerman, W. P. 
 Dennis, Jesse Blinn and William Hulin, for a 
 meeting of citizens to be held at the court house 
 on November 29th, to take action in the matter of 
 
 Damon, First ward; E. H. Potter, Second ward; 
 H. N. Spalding, Third ward; C. N.Andrews, 
 Fourth ward. William Lathrop was appointed 
 clerk. 
 
 An ordinance was passed creating the fol- 
 lowing city officers; clerk of the council, attorney, 
 treasurer, marshal, assessor, collector, engineer 
 and two street commissioners. These officers 
 
 RESIDENCE OF R. H. SHUMWAY 
 
 incorporating as a city. It was resolved at this 
 meeting to submit the matter to a vote of the 
 people, and for this purpose the village trustees 
 ordered an election to be held on January 3, 
 1 852. At this election, the votes were cast in favor 
 of organizing under the general law of 1849, and 
 the city government of Springfield was adopted 
 as a basis of organization. 
 
 The first city election was held April 19, 
 1852, at which Willard Wheeler was chosen 
 mayor. The alderman elected were : Sumner 
 
 were to be appointed annually by the city council, 
 at its first regular meeting after the first annual 
 municipal election. At the second session of the 
 council, held May 1 , the following city officers 
 were appointed : William Lathrop, attorney ; 
 Hiram R. Maynard, treasurer ; Duncan Fergu- 
 son, assessor; K. H. Milliken, collector; Dun- 
 can Ferguson, city engineer ; Thatcher Blake 
 and William McKenney, street commissioners. 
 A special act of the legislature, of June 18, 
 1852, authorized the city to issue bonds, not 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 27 
 
 exceeding $10,000 in amount, with which to 
 build a bridge across the river. This sum not 
 being sufficient, a second act was passed Feb- 
 ruary 3, 1853, authorizing the issue of $15,000 
 in bonds, and the first act was repealed. From 
 the sale of these bonds a covered bridge was 
 built in 1854. 
 
 There being some technical irregularity in 
 the incorporation of the city, a special act of the 
 legislature was passed and approved February 8, 
 1853, legalizing the previous official acts of the 
 mayor and council. 
 
 A special charter was granted to the city, by 
 the legislature, March 4, 1854, and the general 
 law of 1849 was declared to be no longer in 
 force, so far as Rockford was concerned, except 
 for the completion of matter already begun under 
 the old law. 
 
 This charter was amended February 14, 
 1853, April 26, 1859 and February 22, 1861. 
 
 "An Act of the legislature to reduce' the 
 charter of the City of Rockford, and the several 
 Acts amendatory thereof into one Act and to 
 revise and amend the same," was approved Feb- 
 ruary 15, 1865. 
 
 Rockford was governed by this charter until 
 the city was reorganized under the general law. 
 This general law, enacted in 1872, repealed the 
 general law of 1849, and abolished the system 
 of special charters. 
 
 Previous to 1887, the mayor was elected 
 annually. A complete roster of the city officials, 
 since its organization in 1852 to 1903, is 
 appended. 
 
 1852. Mayor, Willard Wheeler. Aldermen 
 first ward, Sumner Damon; second ward, 
 E. H. Potter; third ward, H. N. Spaulding; 
 fourth ward, C. N. Andrews; City Clerk, Wil- 
 liam Lathrop; City Attorney, William Lathrop; 
 City Treasurer, H. R. Raymond; Police Mar- 
 shall, John Platt. 
 
 1853. Mayor, Hiram R. Maynard. Alder- 
 men, first ward, A. Hitchcock; second ward, 
 H. D. Searles; third ward, U. M. Warner; 
 fourth ward, C. N. Andrews; City Clerk, J. K. 
 Farwell; City Attorney, L. F. Warner; City 
 Treasurer, E. L. Fuller; Police Marshal, 
 Willard Wheeler. 
 
 1854. Mayor, N. M. Warner; Aldermen, 
 first ward, A. Hitchcock; second ward, Jason 
 
 Marsh: third ward, T. D. Robertson; fourth 
 ward, Newton Crawford; City Clerk, L. F. 
 Warner. City Attorney, L. F. Warner; City 
 Treasurer, B. G. Wheeler; Police Marshal, 
 John Travis. 
 
 1855. Mayor, Edward Vaughn; Aldermen, 
 first ward, P. B. Crosby; second ward, Jason 
 Marsh; third ward, Henry Fisher; fourth ward, 
 Newton Crawford; fifth ward, John P. Manny; 
 City Clerk, S. W. Stanley; City Attorney, L. F. 
 Warner; City Treasurer, B. G. Wheeler; Police 
 Marshal, James Dame. 
 
 1856. Mayor, James L. Loop; Aldermen, 
 first ward, P. B. Crosby; second ward, P. 
 Hower; third ward, T. D. Robertson; fourth 
 ward, Isaac Andrus; fifth ward, J. G. Manlove; 
 City Clerk, H. H. Hatch; City Attorney, Orrin 
 Miller, Jr.; City Treasurer, G. A. Sanford; 
 Police Marshal, Ira Baker. 
 
 1857. Mayor, William Brown; Aldermen, 
 first ward, John Spafford; second ward, P. 
 Howes; third ward, D. D. Ailing; fourth ward, 
 Isaac Andrus; fifth ward, J. G. Manlove; City 
 Clerk, Edward Vaughn; City Attorney, James 
 M. Wight; City Treasurer, G. A. Sanford; 
 Police Marshals, W. P. Dennis and J. E. 
 Langdon. 
 
 1858. Mayor, Seeley Perry; Aldermen', 
 first ward, John Spafford; second ward, George 
 Troxell, Jr.; third ward, D. D. Ailing; fourth 
 ward, H. W. Loomis; fifth ward, J. G. Man- 
 love; City Clerk, L. W. Burnham; City Attor- 
 ney, H. D. Adams; City Treasurer, A C. 
 Spafford; Police Marshal, E. C. Roberts. 
 
 1859. Mayor, Charles Williams; Alder- 
 men, first ward, R. A. Bird; second ward, 
 George Troxell, Jr.; third ward, Daniel Dow; 
 fourth ward, H. W. Loomis; fifth ward, J. G. 
 Manlove; City Clerk, Porter Sheldon; City At- 
 torney, Porter Sheldon; City Treasurer, A. C. 
 Spafford; Police Marshals, M. J. Upright and 
 M. H. Regan. 
 
 1860. Mayor, Charles Williams; Alder- 
 men, first ward, R. A. Bird; second ward, Ben- 
 jamin Wingate, third ward, Daniel Dow; fourth 
 ward, J. S. Coleman; fifth ward, J. G. Manlove; 
 City Clerk, R C. Bailey; City Attorney, C. M. 
 Brazee; City Treasurer, A. C. Spafford; Police 
 Marshal, A. J. Pennock. 
 
28 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 1 86 1 . Mayor, Charles Williams; Aldermen, 
 first ward, C. W. Sheldon; second ward, Benja- 
 min Wingate; third ward, Daniel Dow; fourth 
 ward, J. S. Coleman; fifth ward, John P Manny; 
 City Clerk, R. C. Bailey; City Attorney, C. M. 
 Brazee; City Treasurer, N. C. Thompson; 
 Police Marshal, Ambrose Halstead. 
 
 1862. Mayor. Charles Williams; Alder- 
 men, first ward. Henry Strong and James B. 
 
 fourth ward, G. A. Sanford; fifth ward, John P. 
 Manny; City Clerk, R. C. Bailey; City Attor- 
 ney, R. C. Bailey; City Treasurer, N. C. 
 Thompson; Police Marshals, John Fisher, M. 
 J. Upright and Jeremiah Mosher. 
 
 1864. Mayor, Albert Fowler; Aldermen, 
 first ward, Anthony Haines; second ward, John 
 Lake; third ward, E. L Godfrey; fourth ward, 
 G. A. Sanford; fifth ward. Freeman Graham; 
 
 RESIDENCE OF GILBERT WOODRUFF 
 
 Howell; second ward, Benjamin Wingate; third 
 ward, Daniel Dow; fourth ward, J. S Coleman; 
 fifth ward, John P. Manny; City Clerk, R. C. 
 Bailey; City Attorney, C. M. Brazee; City 
 Treasurer, N. C. Thompson; Police Marshal, 
 Ambrose Halstead. 
 
 1863. Mayor, Charles Williams; Alder- 
 men, first ward, Anthony Haines; second ward, 
 Benjamin Wingate; third ward, E. L. Godfrey; 
 
 City Clerk, R. C. Bailey; City Attorney, C. M. 
 Brazee; City Treasurer, R. P. Lane; Police 
 Marshals, G. V. Carr and James Dame. 
 
 1865. Mayor, Albert Fowler; Aldermen, 
 first ward, John H. Hall; second ward, John 
 Lake; third ward, E. L. Godfrey; fourth ward, 
 G. A. Sanford; fifth ward, Freeman Graham; 
 City Clerk, R. C Bailey; City Attorney, C. M. 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 29 
 
 Brazee; City Treasurer, R. P. Lane; Police 
 Marshal James Dame. 
 
 1866. Mayor, E H. Baker; Aldermen first, 
 ward, John H. Hall; second ward, John Lake; 
 third ward, E. L. Godfrey; fourth ward, G. A. 
 Sanford; fifth ward, Freeman Graham; City 
 Clerk, O. A. Pennoyer; City Attorney, C. M. 
 Brazee; City Treasurer. R. P. Lane; Police 
 Marshal, Thomas Sully. 
 
 Lake; third ward, James B. Agard; fourth ward, 
 G A. Sanford; fifth ward. Freeman Graham; 
 City Clerk, Jason Marsh; City Attorney, C M. 
 Brazee; City Treasurer. D. S. Penfield; Police 
 Marshal, Thomas Sully. 
 
 1869. Mayor, S. G. Bronson; Aldermen, 
 first ward, L. H. Potter; second ward, John 
 Lake; third ward, Henry Fisher; fourth ward, 
 
 RESIDENCE OF E. W. BLA1SDELL 
 
 1867. Mayor. Albert Fowler; Aldermen, 
 first ward, L. H. Potter; second ward, John 
 Lake; third ward, James B Agard; fourth ward, 
 G. A. Sanford; fifth ward. Freeman Graham; 
 City Clerk, Jason Marsh; City Attorney, C. M. 
 Brazee; City Treasurer, M. Starr; Police 
 Marshal, Thomas Sully 
 
 1868. Mayor, Edward H. Baker; Alder- 
 men, first ward, L. H. Potter; second ward, John 
 
 G. A. Sanford; fifth ward. W. D. Trahern; City 
 Clerk, Jason Marsh; City Attorney, C. M. Bra- 
 zee; City Treasurer. George E. King; Police 
 Marshal, Thomas Sully. 
 
 1870. Mayor, S. G. Bronson; Aldermen, 
 first ward, L. H. Potter; second ward, John 
 Lake; third ward, Henry Fisher; fourth ward, 
 G. A. Sanford; fifth ward, W. D. Trahern; City 
 Clerk. Jason Marsh: City Attorney, C. M. Bra- 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 zee; City Treasurer, George E. King; Police 
 Marshal, Thomas Sully. 
 
 1871. Mayor, S. G. Bronson; Aldermen, 
 first ward, John Spafford; second ward, John 
 Lake; third ward, T. P. Buell; fourth ward, G. 
 A. Sanford; fifth ward, N. C. Thompson; sixth 
 ward, T. D. Pitkin; seventh ward, S P. Craw- 
 ford; City Clerk, Jason Marsh; City Attorney, 
 C. M. Brazee; City Treasurer, M. Starr; Police 
 Marshal, Thomas Sully. 
 
 1872. Mayor, S. G. Bronson; Aldermen, 
 first ward, John Spafford; second ward, John 
 Lake; third ward, T. P. Buell; fourth ward, C. 
 O. Upton; fifth ward, N. C. Thompson; sixth 
 ward, Ralph Chaney; seventh ward, S. P. Craw- 
 ford; City Clerk, Jason Marsh; City Attorney, 
 C. M. Brazee; City Treasurer. D. S. Penfield; 
 Police Marshal, Thomas Sully. 
 
 1873. Mayor, Gilbert Woodruff; Aldermen, 
 first ward, John Spafford; second ward, D. S. 
 Penfield; third ward, Daniel Dow; fourth ward, 
 C. O. Upton; fifth ward, N. C. Thompson; sixth 
 ward, Ralph Chaney; seventh ward, S. P. 
 Crawford; City Clerk, Jason Marsh; City At- 
 torney, W, T. Hyde; City Treasurer, Horace 
 Brown; Police Marshal, Thomas Sully. 
 
 1 874. Mayor, Gilbert Woodruff; Aldermen, 
 first ward, John Spafford; second ward, Seeley 
 Perry; third ward, Daniel Dow; fourth ward, 
 C. O. Upton; fifth ward, N. C. Thompson; sixth 
 ward, Ralph Chaney; seventh ward, S. P. 
 Crawford; City Clerk, Jason Marsh; City Attor- 
 ney, C. M. Brazee; City Treasurer, G. A San- 
 ford; Police Marshal, Thomas Sully. 
 
 1875. Mayor, Robert H. Tinker; Alder- 
 men, first ward, Anthony Haines; second ward, 
 Seeley Perry; third ward, George E. King; 
 fourth ward, C. O. Upton; fifth ward, Eliphaz 
 Smith; sixth ward, Ralph Chaney; seventh 
 ward, S. P. Crawford; City Clerk, Jason Marsh; 
 City Attorney, E. H. Baker; City Treasurer, 
 G. A. Sanford; Police Marshal. Thomas Sully. 
 
 1876. Mayor, Levi Rhoades; Aldermen, 
 first ward, Anthony Haines; second ward, Gilbert 
 Woodruff; third ward, George E. King; fourth 
 ward, E. L. Woodruff; fifth ward, Eliphaz 
 Smith; sixth ward, Harris Barnum; seventh 
 ward, S. P. Crawford; City Clerk, H. W. Rowell; 
 City Attorney, L. F. Warner; City Treasurer, 
 
 George H. Trufant; Police Marshal, Thomas 
 Sully. 
 
 1877. Mayor, Duncan Ferguson; Alder- 
 men, first ward, Anthony Haines; second ward, 
 Gilbert Woodruff; third ward, George E. King; 
 fourth ward, E. L. Woodruff; fifth ward, Byron 
 Graham; sixth ward, Harris Barnum; seventh 
 ward, S. P. Crawford; City Clerk, A. P. Wells; 
 City Attorney, L. F. Warner; City Treasurer, 
 Horace Brown; Police Marshal, Thomas Sully. 
 
 1878. Mayor, William Watson; Aldermen, 
 first ward, Anthony Haines; second ward, H. C. 
 Scovill;. third ward, George E. King; fourth 
 ward, George S. Haskell; fifth ward, Byron 
 Graham; sixth ward, Harris Barnum; seventh 
 ward, S. P. Crawford; City Clerk, A. P. Wells; 
 City Attorney, E B. Sumner; City Treasurer, 
 Horace Brown; Police Marshal, Thomas Sully. 
 
 1879. Mayor, Sylvester B. Wilkins; Alder- 
 men, first ward, Benjamin H. Witwer; second 
 ward, H. C. Scovill; third ward, George E. King; 
 fourth ward, George S. Haskell; fifth ward, 
 Henry C. Wilson; sixth ward, Harris Barnum; 
 seventh ward, S. P. Crawford; City Clerk, E. K. 
 Conkling; City Attorney, R. F. Crawford; City 
 Treasurer, N. E. Lyman; Police Marshal, 
 Thomas Sully. 
 
 1880. Mayor, Sylvester B. Wilkins; Alder- 
 men, first ward, Benjamin H. Witwer; second 
 ward, Horace Scovill; third ward, George E. 
 King; fourth ward, George S. Haskell; fifth 
 ward, Henry C. Wilson; sixth ward, S. A. John- 
 son; seventh ward, S. P. Crawford; City Clerk, 
 E. K. Conkling; City Attorney, R. F. Crawford; 
 City Treasurer, N E. Lyman; Police Marshal, 
 P. A. Coonradt; Fire Marshal, John T. Lakin. 
 
 1881. Mayor, Samuel P. Crawford, Alder- 
 men, first ward, E. M. Holmes, B. R. Waldo; 
 second ward, H. C. Scovill, J. M. Southgate; 
 third ward, T. J. Derwent, John Belford; fourth 
 ward, W. O. Wormwood, George S. Haskell; 
 fifth ward, Henry C. Wilson, Levi B. Fuller; 
 sixth ward, R. A. Shepherd, C. E. Knudson; 
 seventh ward, James Ferguson, Joseph Burnes; 
 City Clerk, E. K. Conkling; City Attorney, N. C. 
 Warner; City Treasurer, Horace Brown; Police 
 Marshal, Thomas Sully; Fire Marshal, John T. 
 Lakin; Police Magistrate, Arthur H. Frost. 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 1882. Mayor, Samuel P. Crawford; Alder- 
 men, first ward, B. R. Waldo, E. M. Holmes; 
 second ward, J. M. Southgate, H. C. Scovlll; 
 third ward, John Belford, T. J. Derwent; fourth 
 ward, George S. Haskell, W. O. Wormwood; 
 fifth ward, Levi B. Fuller, Lewis Predmore, 
 W. L. Harbison; sixth ward, C. E. Knudson, 
 W. H. Miller; seventh ward, Joseph Burnes, 
 James Ferguson; City Clerk, E. K. Conkling; 
 City Attorney, N. C. Warner; City Treasurer, 
 
 Warner; City Treasurer, George E. King; Police 
 Marshal, Thomas Sully; Fire Marshal, John T. 
 Lakin; Police Magistrate, Arthur H. Frost. 
 
 1884. Mayor, Alfred Taggart; Aldermen, 
 first ward, Thomas Ennett, Thomas F. Palmer; 
 second ward, J M. Southgate, H. C. Scovill; 
 third ward, B. A. Weber. T. J. Derwent; fourth 
 ward, D. H. Ferguson, W. O. Wormwood; fifth 
 ward, Thomas Tole, W. L. Harbison; sixth 
 ward, C. E. Knudson, E. S. Gregory; seventh 
 
 RESIDENCE OF MRS. JUDGE CARVER 
 
 Horace Brown; Police Marshal, Thomas Sully; 
 Fire Marshal, John T. Lakin; Police Magistrate, 
 Arthur H. Frost. 
 
 1883. Mayor, Alfred Taggart; Aldermen, 
 first ward, E. M Holmes, Thomas Ennett; 
 second ward. H. C. Scovill, J. M. Southgate; 
 third ward, T. J. Derwent, B. A. Weber; fourth 
 ward, W. O. Wormwood, D. H. Ferguson; fifth 
 ward, W. L. Harbison, Thomas Tole; sixth 
 ward, W. H. Miller, C. E. Knudson; seventh 
 ward. James Ferguson, Joseph Burnes; City 
 Clerk, E. K. Conkling; City Attorney, N. C. 
 
 ward, Joseph Burnes, James Ferguson; City 
 Clerk, E. K Conkling; City Attorney, N. C. 
 Warner; City Treasurer, George E. King; Police 
 Marshal, Thomas Sully; Fire Marshal, John T. 
 Lakin; Police Magistrate, Arthur H. Frost. 
 
 1885. Mayor, Alfred Taggart; Aldermen, 
 first ward, Thomas F. Palmer, R. J. Randolph; 
 second ward, H. C. Scovill, E. W. Brown; third 
 ward, T. J. Derwent. John M. Kennedy; fourth 
 ward, W. 0. Wormwood, D. H. Ferguson; fifth 
 ward, W. L. Harbison, Thomas Tole: sixth ward, 
 E. S. Gregory, Thour Munthe; seventh ward, 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 James Ferguson, T. F. Hopkins; City Clerk, 
 E. K. Conkling; City Attorney, George M. 
 Blake; City Treasurer, W. H. McCutchan; 
 Police Marshal, A. H. Webb; Fire Marshal. 
 John T. Lakin; Police Magistrate, Arthur H. 
 Frost. 
 
 1886. Mayor, Alfred Taggart; Aldermen, 
 first ward, C. W. Butterworth, Charles Ritchie; 
 
 1887. Mayor, Horace C. Scovill; Alder- 
 men, first ward, Charles Ritchie, C. W. Butter- 
 worth; second ward, E. W. Brown, John L. 
 Clark; third ward, W. B. Reynolds, T. J. Der- 
 went; fourth ward, E. W. Blaisdell. Samuel 
 N. Jones; fifth ward, Alvin E. Crowell, Martin 
 Rhoades; sixth ward, G. A. Salstrom, Wesley 
 D. Clark, seventh ward.S. P. Crawford, Thomas 
 
 RESIDENCE OF H. H. HAMILTON 
 
 second ward, E. W. Brown, H. C. Scovill; third 
 ward, T. J. Derwent, J. M. Kennedy; fourth 
 ward, D. H. Ferguson, Samuel N. Jones; fifth 
 ward, W. L. Harbison, G. C. Robertson; sixth 
 ward, Wesley D. Clark, Thour Munthe; seventh 
 ward, T. F. Hopkins, Thomas W. Cole; City 
 Clerk, E. K. Conkling; City Attorney, George 
 M. Blake; City Treasurer, W. H. McCutchan; 
 Police Marshal, A. W. Webb; Fire Marshal, 
 John T. Lakin; Police Magistrate, Arthur H. 
 Frost. 
 
 W. Cole; City Clerk, E. K. Conkling; City At- 
 torney, A. E. Holt; City Treasurer, Horace 
 Brown; Police Marshal, A. W. Webb; Fire 
 Marshal, John T. Lakin; Police Magistrate, L. 
 L. Morrison. 
 
 1888. Mayor, Horace C. Scovill; Alder- 
 men, first ward, Jeremiah Davis. Samuel P. 
 Chaney; second ward, Mead Holmes, E. W. 
 Brown; third ward, T. J. Derwent, W. B. Rey- 
 nolds; fourth ward, Willis M. Kimball. E. W. 
 Blaisdell; fifth ward, W. L. Harbison, Alvin E. 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 Crowell; sixth ward, Wesley D. Clark, G. A. 
 Salstrom; seventh ward, Thomas W. Cole, 
 Samuel P. Crawford; City Clerk, E. K. Conk- 
 ling; City Attorney, A. E. Holt; City Treasurer, 
 Horace Brown; Police Marshal, A. W. Webb; 
 Fire Marshal, John T. Lakin; Police Magistrate, 
 L. L. Morrison. 
 
 1889. Mayor, John H. Sherratt; Aldermen, 
 first ward, Jeremiah Davis, William G. Bennett; 
 second ward, Mead Holmes, Edward W. Brown; 
 third ward, Thomas J. Derwent, W. B. Rey- 
 nolds; fourth ward, Willis M. Kimball Henry 
 N. Starr; fifth ward, W. L. Harbison, O. P. 
 Trahern; sixth ward, Wesley D. Clark, G. A. 
 Salstrom; seventh ward. Thomas W. Cole, 
 Benjamin F. Lee; City Clerk. E. K. Conkling; 
 City Attorney, Edward H. Marsh; City Treas- 
 urer, C. O. Upton; Police Marshal, A. W. 
 Webb; Fire Marshal, John T. Lakin; Police 
 Magistrate, L. L. Morrison. 
 
 1890. Mayor, John H. Sherratt; Aldermen, 
 first ward, Jeremiah Davis, W. G. Bennett; 
 second ward, Mead Holmes, E. W. Brown; third 
 ward, T. J. Derwent, W. B. Reynolds; fourth 
 ward, Willis M. Kimball. H. N. Starr; fifth ward, 
 W. L. Harbison, O. P. Trahern; sixth ward, 
 W. D. Clark, G. A. Salstrom; seventh ward, 
 T. W. Cole, B. F. Lee; City Clerk, E. K. 
 Conkling; City Attorney, E. H. Marsh; City 
 Treasurer, C. O. Upton; Police Marshal, A. W. 
 Webb; Fire Marshal, John T. Lakin; Police 
 Magistrate. L. L. Morrison. 
 
 1891. Mayor, Henry N. Starr; Aldermen, 
 first ward, C. H. Woolsey, R. A. Shepherd; 
 second ward, A. J. Anderson, E. W. Brown; 
 third ward, T. J. Derwent, Z. B. Sturtevant; 
 fourth ward, W. M. Kimball. L. A. Weyburn; 
 fifth ward, W. L. Harbison, O. P. Trahern; 
 sixth ward, W. D. Clark, G. A. Salstrom; 
 seventh ward, T. W. Cole, D. G. Spaulding; 
 City Clerk, F. G Hogland; City Attorney, R. 
 K. Welsh; City Treasurer, John D. Waterman; 
 Police Marshal, E. L. Tisdale; Fire Marshal, 
 Edward Heffran; Police Magistrate, L. L. 
 Morrison. 
 
 1892. Mayor, Henry N. Starr; Aldermen, 
 first ward, R. A. Shepherd, C. H. Woolsey; 
 second ward, E. D. Chandler, A. J. Anderson; 
 third ward, Z. B. Sturtevant, T. J. Derwent; 
 
 fourth ward, L A. Weyburn, W. M. Kimball; 
 fifth ward, O. P. Trahern, Julius Graham; sixth 
 ward. G. A. Salstrom, C. A. Newburg; seventh 
 ward, D. G. Spaulding, H. H. Stone; City Clerk, 
 
 F. G. Hogland; City Attorney, R. K. Welsh; 
 City Treasurer, John D. Waterman; Police 
 Marshal, E. L. Tisdale; Fire Marshal, Edward 
 Heffran; Police Magistrate, L. L. Morrison. 
 
 1893. Mayor, Amasa Hutchins; Aldermen, 
 first ward, C. H. Woolsey, R. A. Shepherd; 
 second ward, A. J. Anderson, E. D. Chandler; 
 third ward, T. J. Derwent, Z. B. Sturtevant; 
 fourth ward, W. M. Kimball, Wm. Dyson; fifth 
 ward, J. Graham, A. E. Crowell; sixth ward, 
 
 G. A. Salstrom, C. A. Newburg; seventh ward, 
 H. H. Stone, H. W. Dobson; City Clerk, F. G. 
 Hogland; City Attorney, R. K Welsh; City 
 Treasurer, W. F. Woodruff; Police Marshal, 
 
 E. L. Tisdale; Fire Marshal, Edward Heffran; 
 Police Magistrate, L. L. Morrison. 
 
 1894. Mayor, Amasa Hutchins; Aldermen, 
 first ward, R. A. Shepherd, William Knapp; 
 second ward, E. D. Chandler, A. J. Anderson; 
 third ward, Z. B. Sturtevant, T. J. Derwent; 
 fourth ward, William Dyson, W. M. Kimball; 
 fifth ward, A. E. Crowell, J. Graham; sixth 
 ward, G. A. Salstrom. A. Hollem; seventh ward, 
 H. W. Dobson, E. C. Dunn; City Clerk, F. G. 
 Hogland; City Attorney, R. K. Welsh; City 
 Treasurer, W. F. Woodruff; Police Marshal, 
 A. E. Bargren; Fire Marshal, Edward Heffran; 
 Police Magistrate, L. L. Morrison. 
 
 1895. Mayor, E. W. Brown; Aldermen, 
 first ward, Wm. Knapp, R. A. Shepherd; second 
 ward, A. J. Anderson, G. V. Lindblade; third 
 ward, T. j. Derwent, Z B. Sturtevant; fourth 
 ward. W. M. Kimball, F. S. Regan; fifth ward, 
 Julius Graham, A. E. Crowell; sixth ward, Al- 
 bert Hollem, Gust Holm; seventh ward, E. C. 
 Dunn, John Beatson; City Clerk, F. G. Hog- 
 land; City Attorney, R. K. Welsh; City Treas- 
 urer, C. O. Upton; Police Marshal, A. E. 
 Bargren; Fire Marshal, Edward Heffran; Police 
 Magistrate, L. L. Morrison. 
 
 1896. Mayor, E. W. Brown; Aldermen, 
 first ward, R. A. Shepherd. J. T. Joslin; second 
 ward, G. V. Lindblade, F. G. Stibb; third ward, 
 
 F. E. Sterling, T. J. Derwent; fourth ward, F. 
 S. Regan, W. M. Kimball; fifth ward, A. E. 
 
34 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 Crowell, John Lindsay; sixth ward, Gust Holm, 
 J. M. Turner; seventh ward, John Beatson, 
 E. C. Dunn; City Clerk, F. G. Hogland; City 
 Attorney, R. K. Welsh; City Treasurer, C. O. 
 Upton; Police Marshal, A E. Bargren; Fire 
 Marshal, Edward Heffran; Police Magistrate, 
 L. L. Morrison. 
 
 1897. Mayor, E. W. Brown; Aldermen, 
 first ward, J. T. Joslin, R. A. Shepherd; second 
 ward, F. G. Stibb, Hannes Lawson; third ward. 
 
 ward, Hannes Lawson, F. E. Pearson; third 
 ward, F. E. Sterling, H. J. Gallagher; fourth 
 ward, S. A Hyer, M. A. Love; fifth ward, W. 
 L. Harbison, J. F. Ogilby; sixth ward, J. A. 
 Bowman, A. G. Larson; seventh ward, R. G. 
 McEvoy, E. C. Dunn; City Clerk, H. C. Scovill; 
 City Attorney, M. M. Corbett; City Treasurer, 
 P. F. Schuster; Police Marshal A. E. Bargren; 
 Fire Marshal, Edward Heffran; Police Magis- 
 trate, L. L. Morrison. 
 
 RESIDENCE OF P. BYRON THOMAS 
 
 T. J. Derwent, F. E. Sterling; fourth ward, M. 
 A. Love,' S. A. Hyer; fifth ward, John Lindsay, 
 W. L. Harbison; sixth ward, J. M. Turner, J. 
 A. Bowman; seventh ward, E. C. Dunn R. G. 
 McEvoy; City Clerk, H. C. Scovill; City Attor- 
 ney, M. M. Corbett; City Treasurer, P. F. 
 Schuster; Police Marshal, A. E. Bargren; Fire 
 Marshal, Edward Heffran; Police Magistrate, 
 L. L. Morrison. 
 
 1898. Mayor, E. W. Brown; Aldermen, 
 first ward, R. A. Shepherd, J. A. Nash; second 
 
 1899. Mayor, E. W. Brown; Aldermen, 
 first ward, J. A. Nash, R. A. Shepherd; second 
 ward, F. E. Pearson, Wm. Johnson; third ward, 
 H. J. Gallagher, F. E. Sterling; fourth ward, 
 M. A. Love, W. C. Butterworth; fifth ward, J. 
 F. Ogilby, W. L. Harbison; sixth ward. A. G. 
 Larson, Nels Olson; seventh ward, E. C. Dunn. 
 J. M. Clarke; City Clerk. H. C. Scovill; City 
 Attorney, M. M. Corbett; City Treasurer, F. F. 
 Wormwood; Corporation Counsel, R. G. Mc- 
 Evoy; Police Marshal, A. E Bargren; Fire 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 35 
 
 Marshal, Edward Heffran; Police Magistrate, 
 L. L. Morrison. 
 
 1900. Mayor, E. W. Brown; Aldermen, 
 first ward, R. A. Shepherd, J. A. Nash; second 
 ward, Wm. Johnson, F. E. Pearson; third ward, 
 F. E. Sterling, E. F. Pendergast; fourth ward. 
 W. C. Butterworth, M. A. Love; fifth ward, W. 
 L. Harbison, J. F. Ogilby; sixth ward, Nels 
 Olson, A. G. Johnson; seventh ward, J. M. 
 Clarke, E. C. Dunn; City Clerk, H. C. Scovill; 
 City Attorney, M. M. Corbett; City Treasurer, 
 F. F. Wormwood; Corporation Counsel, R. G. 
 McEvoy; Police Marshal, A. E. Bargren; Fire 
 Marshal, Edward Heffran; Police Magistrate. 
 L. L. Morrison. 
 
 1901. Mayor, Amasa Hutchins; Aldermen, 
 first ward, John A. Nash, Charles E. Jackson; 
 second ward, F. E. Pearson, Wm. Johnson; 
 third ward, E. F. Pendergast, F. E. Sterling; 
 fourth ward, M. A. Love, W. C. Butterworth; 
 fifth ward, J. F. Ogilby, A. E. Crowell; sixth 
 ward, A. G. Johnson, Nels Olson; seventh ward, 
 E. C. Dunn, J. M. Clarke; City Clerk, H. C. 
 Scovill; City Attorney, C. O. Carbaugh; City 
 Treasurer, Norman F. Thompson; Corporation 
 Counsel, George M. Blake; Police Marshal, A. 
 
 E. Bargren; Fire Marshal, F. E. Thomas; 
 Police Magistrate, L. L. Morrison. 
 
 1902. Mayor, Amasa Hutchins; Aldermen, 
 first ward, Charles E. Jackson, F. B. McKenney; 
 second ward, Wm. Johnson, F. E. Pearson; 
 third ward, F. E. Sterling, J. H. O'Garr; fourth 
 ward, W. C. Butterworth, W. M. Kimball; fifth 
 ward, A. E. Crowell, J. F. Ogilby; sixth ward, 
 Nels Olson, G. A. Johnson; seventh ward, J. M. 
 Clarke, Robert Lathrop; City Clerk, H. C. Sco- 
 vill; City Attorney, C. O. Carbaugh; City 
 Treasurer, Norman F. Thompson; Corporation 
 Counsel, R. K. Welsh; Police Marshal, A. E. 
 Bargren; Fire Marshal, F. E. Thomas; Police 
 Magistrate, L. L. Morrison. 
 
 1903. Mayor, Charles E. Jackson; Alder- 
 men first ward, C. H. Woolsey, Gust Holm, 
 Charles J. Lundberg; second ward, F. E. 
 Pearson, A. J. Anderson, Nels Olson; third 
 ward, Wm. Johnson, F. J. Leonard, W. C. But- 
 terworth; fourth ward, John M. Clarke, Robert 
 Lathrop, W. M. Kimball; fifth ward, Edward 
 
 F. Carty, H. D. Ticknor, J. F. Ogilby; City 
 
 Clerk, H. C. Scovill; City Attorney, L. M. 
 Reckhow; City Treasurer, W. F. Woodruff; 
 Corporation Counsel, C. W. Ferguson; Police 
 Marshal, A. E. Bargren; Fire Marshal, F. E. 
 Thomas; Police Magistrate, L. L. Morrison. 
 
 GROWTH OF THE CITY. 
 
 The early history of a community must of 
 necessity treat largely of its individual citizen- 
 ship and the origin of its private and public 
 institutions, but as the number of inhabitants 
 becomes larger, the individual is lost in the 
 masses, and the trend of history relates more 
 especially to public events and concrete devel- 
 opment. Public leaders and promoters of 
 municipal upbuilding may be mentioned in 
 connection with current events, but otherwise 
 individualism ceases. 
 
 This is true in the history of Rockford. Its 
 pioneers struggled to maintain an existence and 
 to establish a nucleus from which there might 
 develop a beautiful city. Much of the beauty 
 and substantial progress of Rockford is due to 
 the wise and determined efforts of its founders. 
 The seven years war that was successfully 
 fought out in the location of the county seat, 
 doubtless brought beneficent results that have 
 constituted an important factor in the city's 
 destiny. It may be true that Germanicus Kent, 
 Thatcher Blake and Daniel S. Haight, together 
 with their colaborers, "builded wiser than they 
 knew," but, however this may be, it is evident 
 that the foundation work was well done and the 
 superstructure is a thing of beauty. 
 
 In the remaining pages of the general history 
 of Rockford, only those individuals whose lives 
 were closely identified with the growth and 
 development of the city, will receive special 
 mention. 
 
 James Madison Wight was born in Norwich, 
 Massachusetts, in 1810, and was admitted to 
 the bar of Queens county, New York, in 1837. 
 He then came west and located in Rockton, but 
 soon removed to Rockford where he remained. 
 He enjoyed a large law practice and was an 
 able and conscientious advocate. He repre- 
 sented his district in the state legislature and 
 served on the judiciary committee. He was 
 a member of the constitutional convention of 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 1870, called to draft a new constitution. He 
 was city attorney in 1 857 
 
 Mr. Wight died in 1877, after living a long 
 
 life of kindly helpfulness to his fellow men. His 
 
 name is perpetuated in the Wight school. Mrs. 
 
 Harriot Wight Sherratt is a daughter, and 
 resides in the city. 
 
 Jason Marsh was born in Woodstock, 
 Windsor county, Vermont, in 1807, and was 
 admitted to the bar in 1831. In 1832 he 
 
 gave him so much trouble that he resigned and 
 returned to his home. In 1867 he was elected 
 city clerk and served for nine consecutive years. 
 Colonel Marsh died at the home of his daughter 
 in Chicago, March 13, 1881. 
 
 Francis Burnap was born in Merrimac, New 
 Hampshire, January 4. 1796, and came to 
 Rockford in 1839. He was a lawyer by pro- 
 fession and practiced with brilliant success in 
 the state and federal courts. His ancestors 
 
 RESIDENCE OF DR. E. C. DUNN 
 
 married Harriet M. Spafford. a sister of John 
 and Catlin Spafford. He came to Rockford in 
 1839, where he practiced his profession. He 
 represented the second ward as an alderman in 
 1854 and 1855. Mr. Marsh entered the mili- 
 tary service as colonel of the seventy-fourth 
 Illinois infantry in 1862. He was severely 
 wounded in the battle of Missionary Ridge and 
 returned home in 1863, but two months later he 
 rejoined his regiment at the front. In the cam- 
 paign from Chattanooga to Atlanta his wounds 
 
 were noted in history. His mother was a sister 
 of Major-General Brooks of Revolutionary fame 
 and who was afterward governor of Massa- 
 chusetts for seven terms. His father. Rev. 
 Jacob Burnap, was pastor of the First Congre- 
 gational church of Merrimac for fifty years. 
 Mr. Burnap was never married. He died in 
 Rockford December 2, 1866. 
 
 Duncan Ferguson was a native of Scotland 
 and was born in 1810. He was a student at 
 the University of Glasgow two years; was 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 37 
 
 employed several years in land surveys, and 
 then engaged in the trigonometrical surveys of 
 Great Britain, which he continued for ten years. 
 In 1837 he came to the United States and 
 settled in Pennsylvania where he remained two 
 years, when he removed with his family to 
 Rockford in 1839. In 1840 he was elected 
 surveyor and justice of the peace. He held the 
 
 act of the legislature for the improvement of 
 Rock river. His life work was an integral part 
 of the growth of the city. He died May 13, 
 1882. 
 
 Thomas D. Robertson was born in Edin- 
 burgh, Scotland, March 4, 1818. His parents 
 removed to London when he was but a young 
 child. He lived with a brother for a time, on 
 
 RESIDENCE OF J. D. WATERMAN 
 
 office of surveyor until 1856. In 1862 he was 
 appointed internal revenue assessor, which office 
 he held eight years. For ten years he was 
 supervisor from the seventh ward. On March 
 3, 1873, he was elected chairman of the board 
 of supervisors and held this honored position 
 until 1881. In 1877 he was elected mayor of 
 Rockford and served one year. He held the 
 offices of city engineer, assessor, county treas- 
 urer, and commissioner of the county under an 
 
 the Isle of Shippey at the mouth of the Thames, 
 where he attended school. He subsequently 
 joined his brother in the publication of the 
 Mechanics Magazine. He came to the United 
 States in 1838, and after a brief stay in 
 Chicago, came to Rockford the same year. 
 He studied law in Rockford and in Madison, 
 Wisconsin, and was admitted to the bar and 
 practiced his profession successfully for several 
 years. In 1848 Mr. Robertson and John A. 
 
ROC KFORD 
 
 Holland established the first banking house in 
 Rockford. After the death of Mr. Holland, 
 Mr. Coleman joined Mr. Robertson in the 
 banking business. Mr. Coleman was succeeded 
 by Mr. Starr, Robertson & Starr were suc- 
 ceeded by The Winnebago National Bank, which 
 is now one of the leading banking institutions of 
 the city. 
 
 Hon. Edward H. Baker was born in Ferris- 
 burg, Vermont, April 5, 1828, and came to 
 Rockford with his father, Ira W. Baker, in 
 1838. He was educated at Knox college and 
 Illinois college at Jacksonville. He practiced 
 law with his father-in-law, Jason Marsh. He 
 was made secretary of the Rockford & Kenosha 
 Railway Company and was elected mayor of 
 the city in 1 866 and served one year. Mr. Baker 
 was an authority on Masonic matters, and' 
 highly esteemed. He died January 26. 1899. 
 
 David S. Penfield was born in Pittsfield, 
 Vermont, in 1812, and came to Rockford in 
 1 838. He engaged in the mercantile business 
 with Shepherd Leach, and also carried on a 
 real estate business with his brother, John G., 
 and later became a member of the banking firm 
 of Briggs, Spafford & Penfield, which was 
 merged into the Third National Bank. He 
 died May 20, 1873. Mrs. Penfield donated the 
 site to the Young Men's Christian Association 
 where its beautiful building now stands. 
 
 Shepherd Leach came to Rockford in 1838, 
 and acquired a large amount of landed property. 
 He was highly respected, and was a successful 
 business man. He died July 9, 1885. Mrs. 
 Edgar E. Bartlett and Mrs. J. B. Whitehead 
 are daughters. 
 
 Willard Wheeler came from Upper Canada 
 in 1839, and was the second tinner in the town. 
 He had the honor of being Rockford's first 
 mayor, in which capacity he served one year. 
 He died April 24, 1876. 
 
 Samuel, William, Benjamin Franklin and 
 Isaac Newton Cunningham are four brothers 
 who came to Rockford in 1838 and 1839, and 
 are entitled to notice in this work for their 
 sterling integrity and helpfulness in the upbuilding 
 of the city. 
 
 Joel B. Potter was born in Fairfield county, 
 Connecticut, in 1810, and came to Rockford in 
 1839. He was one of Rockford's early drug- 
 gists. He died November 30, 1880. Mrs. 
 Caroline A. Brazee and Mrs. E. S. Gregory of 
 Rockford, and Miss Frances D. Potter of Chi- 
 cago, are daughters. 
 
 E. L. Herrick was born in Andover, Massa- 
 chusetts, September 30. 1820, and came to 
 Rockford with his father, Elijah L. Herrick, in 
 1 838. His wife was a former teacher in Rock- 
 ford college. A daughter, Elizabeth L., it 
 professor of French language and literature at 
 Rockford college. A son, Charles E., is in 
 Chicago, and another son, Frank J., is a member 
 of the firm of Bedwell & Herrick of this city. 
 
 Charles H., Amos Catlin and John Spafford 
 are three brothers whose history is identical 
 with that of Rockford in its development into a 
 city of renown. Charles H. held the offices of 
 postmaster, circuit clerk and recorder, was 
 president of the Rockford & Kenosha Railway 
 Company. In company with his brother John 
 and John Hall, he built the Metropolitan Hall 
 block. He also, with others, built what is now 
 known as the Chick House block. He was a 
 member of the banking house of Spafford, 
 Clark & Ellis, and when the bank went into 
 liquidation, paid off the liabilities, amounting to 
 $45,000. He aided largely in the founding of 
 Rockford college. He married Miss Abby 
 Warren in 1842, and had three children, Mrs. 
 Carrie S. Brett, Mrs. Charles H. Godfrey and 
 Charles H. Spafford, Jr. He died in Septem- 
 ber, 1892. 
 
 Amos Catlin Spafford was interested in a 
 sawmill on the water-power. In 1854 he be- 
 came a member of the banking firm of Briggs, 
 Spafford & Penfield. Upon the organization of 
 the Third National Bank he became its presi- 
 dent which position he held thirty-three years, 
 until his death. Mr. Spafford was one of the 
 commissioners at the Centennial Exposition in 
 Philadelphia in 1876. He died August 22, 
 1897. A daughter, Jessie I., is professor of 
 mathematics and physics at Rockford college, 
 and a son, George H., is cashier of the Third 
 National Bank. 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 39 
 
 John Spafford was engaged in farming, and 
 in the grocery, grain and lumber trade. In 
 1856 he was made the general agent of the 
 Rockford & Kenosha Railway Company. He 
 was president of the Rockford Wire Work? 
 Company, and the Rockford Suspender Com- 
 pany, and was interested in other industrial 
 enterprises. He died December 5, 1897. 
 
 William, Frank, Charles and Julia. 
 April 11,1 886. 
 
 He died 
 
 Laomi Peake, Sr., was a native of Herkimer 
 county, New York, and came to Rockford in 
 1839. Mr. Peake brought about five thousand 
 dollars in cash with him, which was a large sum 
 of money in those early days. He was the first 
 
 RESIDENCE OF MRS LEVI. RHODES 
 
 William Worthington was born in Enfield, 
 Connecticut, July 5, 1813, and came to Rock- 
 ford in 1838. He built a brick blacksmith 
 shop and was the second blacksmith in the city. 
 He afterward built a wagon shop which was the 
 first institution of the kind on the East Side. In 
 1842, in company with Hosea D. Searles, he 
 opened a drug store, which is now known as the 
 Worthington & Slade store. His children are 
 
 harnessmaker in Rockford. He built a two- 
 story brick building on the corner of First and 
 State streets, for $1,500. This lot is now 
 occupied by the Manufacturers Bank. In 1852 
 he built a second block on the same site, 
 which contained the first public hall in Rockford. 
 This block was burned in 1857. Mr. Peake 
 had twelve children, one of these being L. 
 Peake who now "has a fine wholesale harness 
 
4 o 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 business on West State street. Mr. Peake 
 died November 8, 1891 , aged eighty four years. 
 
 William Hulin was a native of Salem. 
 Massachusetts, and settled in Rockton in 1838. 
 A spring on the land he owned is still known as 
 the Hulin spring. He came to Rockford in 
 the early forties, and was elected a justice of 
 the peace. He served as clerk of the county 
 
 8, 1819, and came to Rockford in 1838. In 
 1866 he engaged in the shoe business in com- 
 pany with the late Daniel Hill, but sold out. 
 He then engaged in the real estate and loan 
 business with Duncan Ferguson. In 1874 he 
 was one of the organizers of the Forest City 
 Insurance Company and served as its treasurer 
 several years. He was an alderman from the 
 
 R. H. TINKER'S SWISS COTTAGE 
 
 court for a number of years and resigned from 
 this office only a few days before his death, 
 which occurred December 10. 1869. Dr. 
 Henry Richings now occupies his old home on 
 North Main street. He was a thorough scholar , 
 and edited a work on school law. 
 
 Harris Barnum, a son of Daniel Barnum, 
 was born in Danbury, Connecticut, September 
 
 sixth ward for four years, and also served as a 
 supervisor. He died February 26, 1899. 
 
 Hon. Horace Miller was born in 1798, in 
 Berkshire county, Massachusetts, and came to 
 Rockford in 1839. He acquired a great deal 
 .of land near the city, upon which he resided 
 until 1861, when he removed to Rockford. He 
 was a member of the legislature in 1850 and 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 1852. William M. Miller is a son, and Mrs. 
 Brown, widow of the late Judge Brown, is a 
 daughter. He died August 5, 1864. 
 
 There were many others who were among 
 the pioneers and lent their energy and aid in 
 the upbuilding of the Forest City. 
 
 principal streets. The present site of the 
 water- works plant was selected on account of 
 the fact that a spring of delicious water made 
 its appearance there. 
 
 A power house was erected, engines and 
 pumps put in, and connections made with a 
 
 WATER WORKS PARK 
 
 ROCKFORD WATER WORKS. 
 
 In 1875 and 1876, under the administration 
 of Robert H. Tinker and Lev! Rhoades, it 
 became apparent that the best interests of the 
 city demanded efficient fire protection and an 
 adequate supply of water for the use of its 
 inhabitants. After a thorough canvass of the 
 matter by the council and the community in 
 general, it was determined to establish a pump- 
 ing station and to Jay pipe mains through the 
 
 well, sunk where the spring was located, and 
 the river. The supply of water from this 
 spring-well proved to be inadequate, and in 1881 
 and 1882, under Mayor Crawford's administra- 
 tion, an effort was made to increase this supply. 
 It was proposed to sink a huge well in the 
 vicinity of the works and near the river, from 
 which it was thought an adequate supply of 
 potable water could be obtained. Accordingly 
 a well, fifty feet in diameter and thirty feet in 
 depth, was put down at a cost of about thirty 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 thousand dollars. This was certainly a large 
 well, but its huge proportions were nothing when 
 compared to the degree of disappointment its 
 results brought with it. Epidemics of diseases 
 followed in its wake, the cause of which was 
 traced to the use of the water from this well 
 which proved to be a veritable cesspool. 
 
 In 1883 Alfred Taggart was elected mayor, 
 and to him is due much of the credit for the 
 development of the present superior water 
 system of Rockford. He planned for future 
 needs as well as for present necessity, and 
 results demonstrate the wisdom and good 
 judgment exercised for the welfare of the city. 
 The possibility of obtaining an unfailing supply 
 of pure artesian water, was to him a reality, 
 He consulted Professor Chamberlain, an emi- 
 nent geologist and reliable authority on geological 
 matters, in regard to the feasibility of his project 
 and was assured that there was no doubt as to 
 the success of such an undertaking. The matter 
 was presented to the council and favorable 
 action secured. 
 
 A contract was made with J. F. Gray of 
 Jefferson, Cook county, Illinois, to sink a six- 
 inch well, which when completed, gave a flow of 
 six hundred gallons per minute. The bore of 
 this well was enlarged to eight inches, and it 
 then gave a flow of eight hundred gallons per 
 minute. The water from this well was turned 
 into the pumping pit in December, i885, and it 
 was demonstrated to have a capacity of produc- 
 ing one million, three hundred thousand gallons 
 of water every twenty-four hours. 
 
 This well is denoted as number one and is 
 1,520 feet in depth, and takes water from the 
 Potsdam formation. In its descent it passes 
 through 125 feet of drift, thirty feet of Trenton 
 lime stone, 225 feet of St. Peter's sand stone, 
 105 feet lower magnesia lime stone, and 1,035 
 feet of different formations of Potsdam sand 
 stone. An analysis of the water was made by 
 Prof. Erastus G. Smith of Beloit college, which 
 shows it to be a superior potable water His 
 report shows the water to contain a very small 
 per cent of sulphates and chlorides of potassium 
 and sodium, a larger per cent of carbonate of 
 calcium and magnesium, and very small fractions 
 of alumina, ferric oxide and silica. Well num- 
 
 ber one cost the city $5,401 73. It was then 
 determined to buy the necessary machinery and 
 put two wells down under the direction of the 
 city authorities. 
 
 Two more wells were commenced in 1885, 
 the water from one of which was turned into the 
 pumping pit that year. At the end of the fiscal 
 year 1886, four wells had been sunk and the 
 water turned into the pumping pit. At the end 
 of the year 1888 five wells had been completed. 
 
 Well number one is 1 ,530 feet deep and 
 cost $5,40 1 .73. Number two is ! ,320 feet deep 
 and cost $3362.35. Number three is 2,000 feet 
 deep and cost $4,257.84. Number four is 1,300 
 feet deep and cost $2,151.49. Number five is 
 1 ,379 feet deep and cost $2,638.81. Conduit 
 and suction cost $6,42.438 
 
 In 1897 a plan for increasing the water 
 supply was devised by D. W. Mead, which was 
 accepted by the council. The plan was to sink 
 a shaft eighty feet in depth and twelve feet in 
 diameter and to connect the wells thought de- 
 sirable by the contractor, or to sink new ones, 
 by tunnels from the bottom of this shaft, for 
 which he was to receive $52,000.00. For this 
 the contractor guaranteed a flow of not less than 
 5,500,000 gallons of water daily. A provision 
 in the contract allowed Mr. Mead a bonus of 
 $2,500 if the supply of water reached a daily 
 capacity of 7,000,000 gallons of water. A later 
 contract provided for a tunnel connection with 
 well number two, for the additional sum of 
 $3,721. After vexatious delays and the sur- 
 mounting of unlocked for difficulties, the work 
 was completed in 1898. Three tests were 
 made as to the capacity of the new system, 
 which were deemed satisfactory, and Mr. Mead 
 was awarded the entire sum stipulated in the 
 several contracts, which aggregated $58,221. 
 
 ROCKFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY. 
 
 Before the establishment of the present 
 splendid library to which the people of Rockford 
 have had free recourse for a number of years, 
 several unsuccessful attempts were made to 
 provide the people with desirable literature, by 
 individual enterprise. 
 
 As early as 1852 the matter of establishing 
 a public library was taken up and received 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 43 
 
 strong support, especially by a temperance 
 organization known as the Sinnissippi Division 
 Number 134, of the Sons of Temperance, of 
 Rockford. It surrendered its charter as a 
 temperance organization and proposed to reor- 
 ganize as a library association, but the effort 
 never materialized. 
 
 The Young Men's Association made an 
 effort in 1855 to secure the books belonging to 
 
 dollars were paid per share upon the formation 
 of the company, and the balance in installments. 
 In the fall of 1858 it appeared that six thousand 
 dollars of this stock had been subscribed for, and 
 on October 14, of that year, the organization 
 was completed. James M. Wight, Seeley 
 Perry, Selden M. Church, Elias Cosper and 
 Thomas D. Robertson were elected trustees. 
 F. M. Bradley was appointed librarian. Library 
 
 GOVERNMENT BUILDING 
 
 the Temperance organization, and to establish a 
 library and reading room, but this effort was 
 not successful. 
 
 In 1857 a well organized effort was made 
 by several public spirited citizens, to establish a 
 public library. A stock company was incorpor- 
 ated under the general laws of the state, and 
 stock at fifty dollars per share was issued. Ten 
 
 rooms were secured over Robertson, Coleman 
 & Company's bank. About one thousand excel- 
 lent books were purchased and subscriptions 
 placed for a number of papers and magazines. 
 During the next two years additions of books 
 were made to the number of several hundred. 
 The library was liberally patronized for several 
 years, but when the Civil war came on, public 
 
I _^__ - 
 
 44 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 thought was turned to other and more stirring 
 scenes and the library was largely neglected. 
 This occasioned the suspension of the operation 
 of the library and the final sale of the books at 
 public auction, and the windup of the company's 
 business in 1865. Hon. Robert H. Tinker has 
 several of these books in his private library and 
 others are in the present public library. 
 
 No further effort was made to establish a 
 public library until after the enactment of a law 
 by the legislature in 1872, providing for the 
 support of public libraries by taxation. 
 
 Early in the spring of 1872 a petition to the 
 city council was circulated and numerously 
 signed by the citizens of Rockford, asking 
 recognition of an act passed by the state legisla- 
 ture and made effective March 7, 1872, granting 
 the right to cities, incorporated towns and 
 townships, to establish and maintain public 
 libraries and reading rooms, by voting a tax for 
 this purpose. 
 
 The petition was received and favorably 
 acted upon by an ordinance passed by the 
 council and approved June 17, 1872. The ordi- 
 nance provided that no indebtedness or liability 
 should be incurred against the city until after 
 March 1, 1873. 
 
 To expedite matters Mayor Bronson, upon 
 the adoption of the ordinance authorizing the 
 establishment of a public library and readingroom 
 in the city of Rockford, nominated the following 
 persons to constitute the first board of directors; 
 Melancthon Starr, Elias Cosper, S. C. Withrow, 
 D. S. Clark, Rev. Frank P. Woodbury, Rev. 
 Henry C. Mabie, N. C. Thompson, James G. 
 Knapp and Charles L. Williams, which nomina- 
 tions were promptly confirmed by the council. 
 
 June 24, 1872, the library board of directors 
 held its first meeting in the council rooms and 
 organized by electing N. C. Thompson, pres- 
 ident. Rev. Frank P. Woodbury, vice-president, 
 and Elias Cosper, secretary. A resolution was 
 adopted at this meeting, by which a committee 
 was appointed to prepare an address to the 
 people of the city, calling for voluntary financial 
 aid with which to proceed at once in the work 
 of establishing a public library. The address 
 proposed that from $5,000 to $10,000 be 
 subscribed. 
 
 A committee of three was appointed to select 
 quarters for the library, and three rooms in the 
 northwest corner, on the second floor of the 
 Wallach block, were secured at a rental of $350 
 per year, the lease to take effect the first day of 
 July, 1872. 
 
 July 30, 1872, a public reception was held 
 in the library rooms which had been nicely 
 refinished for the reception of the library. Upon 
 the above date Miss Mary E. Rankin was ap- 
 pointed temporary librarian by the board of 
 directors. 
 
 September 9, 1872, the first rules and by- 
 laws for the management and control of the 
 library were adopted by the board of directors. 
 September 2, 1872, Thomas M. Martin was 
 appointed librarian at a salary of $450 per year, 
 but declined the appointment, and at the next 
 meeting of the board, September 9. 1872, W, 
 L. Rowland was appointed librarian at a salary 
 of forty dollars a month, which was accepted. 
 
 June 1, 1873, the soliciting committee for 
 the library fund reported the collection of 
 $3,933.1 1, which was used for the purchase of 
 books, the payment of rent and current expenses. 
 
 The rooms in the Wallach block soon proved 
 to be inadequate for the needs of the library and 
 more suitable quarters were sought after. The 
 committee appointed for this purpose succeeded 
 in securing a ten year lease for the second floor 
 of the old postoffice block, at the west end of 
 the bridge, of Messrs. Church, Robertson and 
 Emerson, to be in effect July 1, 1876, at a 
 rental of $500 per year. The expenditure of 
 considerable money was necessary for the refit- 
 ting and furnishing of these new quarters. The 
 library was closed June 28, 1876, for the purpose 
 of removal to its new quarters, and was reopened 
 to the public early in July, since which time it 
 has been open every day in the year. 
 
 At the end of the fiscal year, 1872, the 
 library contained 2,815 volumes, about one half 
 of which were donated, and had cost $1,773.1 1 
 
 Since 1896 the rental of the library rooms 
 has been $900 per year. 
 
 One of the most notable events in the history 
 of the Rockford Public Library, is the munifi- 
 cent gift of $70,000 by Mr. Andrew Carnegie of 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 45 
 
 New York, who has proved himself to be the 
 greatest library builder the world has ever seen. 
 The library board, through one of its 
 members. Prof. O. F. Barbour, opened corres- 
 pondence with Mr. Carnegie in October, 1899, 
 soliciting his interest in making provision for a 
 suitable library building in Rockford. This cor- 
 respondence resulted in the receipt of a letter 
 
 far as the maintenance of the library was con- 
 cerned, and to provide funds for the purchase of 
 a site as soon as they could be made available. 
 Public spirit and civic pride at once mani- 
 fested itself and steps were promptly taken to 
 secure a suitable site for the library building. 
 A spirit of strong rivalry between the East and 
 West sides of the river soon developed as to 
 
 RESIDENCE OF RALPH EMERSON 
 
 from Mr. Carnegie, under date of March 6, 
 1901, proposing to give $60,000 with which to 
 erect a building, provided that the city furnish a 
 suitable site and agree to maintain the library 
 at a cost of not less than $8,000 a year. 
 
 March 11, 1901, the city council passed a 
 resolution accepting the gift of Mr. Carnegie 
 and complying with the conditions imposed, so 
 
 which side should secure the location. Various 
 sites were proposed, among which were what 
 were designated as the Gas site, the Gill site, 
 the Rood site and the O'Connor site. The Gas 
 site was purchased by subscription for $ 1 1 ,000, 
 and offered to the council as a free site. 
 
 After much acrimonious and bitter conten- 
 tion between the people on opposite sides of the 
 
ROCKFORO 
 
 river, the Gas site, on the West side, was 
 accepted by the council January 13, 1902. 
 
 Bradley & Carpenter, Rockford architects, 
 provided the plans for the building and the con- 
 tract for its construction was let to W. H. Cook, 
 a prominent Rockford contractor. Work on 
 the building was vigorously prosecuted during 
 the season of 1902. The structure is an im- 
 posing edifice, of classical architecture, and 
 would be recognized as a library building by a 
 passing stranger. 
 
 The library proper is on the main floor, the 
 book stacks and fixtures, of which, are made of 
 rolled steel. The stacks are two stories in 
 height, with glass floor between. Two large 
 reading rooms are also on the main floor; be- 
 side the librarian's office, study rooms and ref- 
 erence library. In the basement is the child- 
 ren'slibrary, where duplicate books of the school 
 circulating libraries will be kept. On the upper 
 floor is the director's room, art room, lecture 
 room and newspaper room. Besides these 
 designated rooms are others that will be utilized 
 for various purposes. 
 
 The grounds join River park on the east 
 and those of Memorial Hall on the west, con- 
 stituting, with them, one of the most beautiful 
 and artistic landscapes and waterscapes, together 
 with architectural scenery, imaginable. 
 
 It became apparent that the original bequest 
 of $60,000.00 would not complete,' and beautify 
 the building as desired, and Mayor Hutchins, 
 through private correspondence with Mr. Car- 
 negie, secured a further donation of $10,000.00, 
 March, 1903. 
 
 The total cost of the building and grounds 
 is $81 ,000.00. The library is one of the finest 
 in the state and one of which the people of 
 Rockford are very proud. Its establishment is 
 the outgrowth of years of effort, sacrifice and 
 perseverance. Mr. Carnegie recognized the 
 efforts of Rockford to establish a public library 
 as being meritorious and was willing to supple- 
 ment them by the donation of a large sum of 
 money. At the beginning of 1903, the library 
 contained 39,000 volumes which found a place 
 in the new library building. The total expendi- 
 ture of money in books, periodicals, papers and 
 maintenance since the founding of the institu- 
 
 tion is $156,528.36. The library property as 
 it now stands represents an investment of 
 $237,528.36. 
 
 William Leonard Rowland, who was ap- 
 pointed to the office of librarian. September 9, 
 1872, held the position continuously for twenty- 
 eight years, giving the better part of his life 
 work to the upbuilding and success of the Rock- 
 ford Public Library. His death occurred Sep- 
 tember 27, 1900, and his loss to the institution 
 is keenly felt. The death of Mr. Rowland and 
 the munificent gift of Mr. Carnegie are nearly 
 contemporaneous and the names of each will be 
 treasured in the years to come as benefactors to 
 the race. 
 
 Miss Jennie P. Hubbell succeeded Mr. 
 Rowland as librarian, which position she now 
 fills with gratifying success. 
 
 ROCKFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. 
 
 One of the most important municipal depart- 
 ments of the city is that for its fire protection. 
 In its earlier history the city was dependent up- 
 on a volunteer service for this protection, and 
 upon primitive apparatus in the matter of appli- 
 ances. The department was organized under 
 the direction and control of the city authorities, 
 and the officers were elected by the members of 
 the organization. A constitution and by-laws 
 were also adopted by the organization. Mem- 
 bers were initiated upon the payment of a fee 
 and were subject to a fine for the infraction of 
 the rules adopted. A chief and assistant engi- 
 neers were elected, who held these offices for 
 one year. The volunteer service was organized 
 in 1855, with Edward F. W. Ellis as chief engi- 
 neer. During the years following the time of 
 the organization of the paid department in 1880, 
 the following persons served as chief engineers: 
 Samuel I. Church, one year; M. A. Bartlett.one 
 year; Howard D. Frost, three years; A. G. 
 Springsteen, two years; Gordon S. Allen, one 
 year; Calvin Ford, one year; Charles S. Jeller- 
 son, one year; S. A. Granger, one year; 
 James F. Hough, nine years; James Chalmers, 
 one year; John T. Lakin. two years; and Charles 
 Cavanaugh, one year. 
 
 During the first few years, the department 
 depended upon four diminutive engines with 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 47 
 
 which to battle with the fire monster. Its water 
 supply was obtained from the creek, river and 
 wells. Later on, these pony engines were dis- 
 posed of and three hand engines of a larger 
 type were obtained. For an increased water 
 supply, a large cistern was put in at the north- 
 east corner of the court house square, which is 
 
 were assistant engineers. There were five hose 
 companies and one hook and ladder company 
 with a total of 114 men. The apparatus con- 
 sisted of one hand engine, three hose carts, one 
 hook and ladder truck, forty-two hundred feet of 
 hose, a little miscellaneous paraphernalia, and 
 five hose carts owned by citizens. 
 
 SEVENTH STREET 
 
 still there. Another cistern was put in on the 
 East side on Second street. This has been filled 
 up. These cisterns were filled by pumping water 
 from the river and were used until the install- 
 ment of the water works in 1875-6. A report 
 of 1880 shows that the fire department's total 
 expense to the city was $1 ,845.93, and the prop- 
 erty owned by the city in this department, was 
 valued at $13,760.00. J. F. Hough was chief 
 engineer, and W. B. Wood and Wm. Holmes 
 
 In 1880, under Mayor Wilkins' administra- 
 tion, it was proposed to organize a paid fire 
 department, which proposition was accomplished 
 in 1881 , under Mayor Crawford's administration. 
 John T Lakin was appointed fire marshal, and 
 Thomas W. Griffin assistant. In the distribu- 
 tion of the department, hook and ladder com- 
 pany, East side had three men; hose company, 
 West side, had seven men; hose company, 
 South side, had six men; and hose company, 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 East side, had four men; making a total of 
 nineteen paid men. Besides these there were 
 a number of auxiliary or call men, connected 
 with each station. The total expense of the 
 department for the year was $3,982.24. 
 
 From the time of the organization of the paid 
 fire department, the city has gradually increased 
 the efficiency of its system of fire protection 
 
 $13,457.71; No. 3, at $14,481.06; No. 4, at 
 $14,392.73; and the equipment of No. 5, at 
 $2,141.30; making a total value of real estate 
 and equipment of $72,559.69. The force in 
 1902, numbered twenty-nine men and their 
 salaries amounted to $19,850.93. 
 
 The total expense of maintenance of the 
 department was $28,634.14. This sum in- 
 
 A GROUP OF ROCKFORD RESIDENCES 
 
 by the addition of improved appliances. A 
 steam fire engine was purchased in 1890, at a 
 cost of $3,100.00. The second steam fire 
 engine was purchased in 1892, at a cost of 
 $4,350.00. The third -steam fire engine was 
 added to the equipment in 1895, at a cost of 
 $3,780,00. The city has acquired the ownership 
 of four of its five fire stations Station No. 1 , with 
 its equipment is valued $18,416.39; No. 2, at 
 
 eludes the establishment of station No. 5. Since 
 the beginning of 1903, five men have been 
 added to the fores making a total number of 
 thirty-four. 
 
 Frank E. Thomas is the present fire mar- 
 shal and S. T. Julian the assistant. Many of 
 the members of the department have had years 
 of experience and are faithful to duty and pains- 
 taking in their work. It is not assuming too 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 49 
 
 much to say that the Rockford fire department 
 is one of the most efficient, well disciplined 
 and reliable organizations for this purpose in 
 the country. It is a credit to the city and its 
 efficiency adds largely to real estate values on 
 account of the protection it affords, The city 
 has expended since 1880, $408.268.98 in the 
 equipment and maintenance of its fire depart- 
 ment. If the exact figures could be obtained 
 for the previous years the total sum would reach 
 nearly half a million of dollars that has been 
 expended by the city for its fire protection. 
 
 ROCKFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT. 
 
 The Rockford Police Department is one of 
 the best in the country. It is a model in its dis- 
 cipline and its personnel from chief to patrol- 
 men, its membership is made up of intelligent 
 representative men, who take great pride in 
 maintaining the enviable reputation of the city 
 for its good order, progress and refinement. 
 Rockford is on the list of crooks and law- 
 breakers as being a good place to keep away 
 from. Every man on the force is a good detec- 
 tive and is always alert in the discharge of his 
 duties. The character of the police force is 
 such as to prevent the commission of crime in 
 Rockford in a very large degree. 
 
 The establishment of the police force in 
 Rockford is co-existent with its history as a vil- 
 lage, when the peace and good order of the 
 municipality was placed in the keeping of one 
 man, designated as police constable and when 
 the town acquired the distinction of being a city, 
 its peace officer was known as the police mar- 
 shal. John Platt had the honor of first serving 
 in this capacity, being appointed to this office in 
 1 852, and served one year. He was succeeded 
 by Willard Wheeler in 1853, who also served 
 one year. In 1854, John Travis was appointed 
 and served one year. He was succeeded by 
 James Dame, who also served one year. In 
 1856, Ira Barker was appointed and served one 
 year. He was succeeded by W. P. Dennis and 
 J. E. Langdon, who filled this office in 1857. In 
 1858, E. C. Roberts filled this office. In 1859 
 two different marshals again did duty. These 
 were M. J. Upright, who was afterward elected 
 sheriff of the county to fill the vacancy occa- 
 
 sioned by the death of Sheriff John F. Taylor, 
 who was killed by Alfred Countryman, Nov. 1 1 , 
 1856, and M. H. Regan. In 1860, A. J. Pen- 
 nock filled this office. Ambrose Halstead was 
 appointed in 1861, and served two years. In 
 1863, three different persons filled the office, 
 These were John Fisher. M. J. Upright and 
 Jeremiah Mosher. In 1864, the office was 
 filled by G. V. Carr and James Dame; James 
 Dame continued through 1865. In 1866, 
 Thomas Sully was appointed and served con- 
 tinuously fourteen years. In 1880, P. A. Coon- 
 radt was appointed by Mayor Wilkins, and served 
 one year. In 1881, Thomas Sully was again 
 appointed by Mayor Crawford and served four 
 years. In 1885, A. W. Webb was appointed 
 by Mayor Taggart and served six years. In 
 1891, E. L. Tisdale was appointed by Mayor 
 Starr and served three years. In 1894, A. E, 
 Bargren was appointed by Mayor Hutchins, 
 which office he has since continuously held. It 
 will be seen that the city has had in its employ 
 nineteen different men at the head of its police 
 department. Those longest in service have been 
 Marshals Sully and Bargren. There is no doubt 
 but that each one of these chief officers was 
 a capable man and efficient officer. Chief Sully's 
 administration was a notable one, and the peace 
 and well being of the city was carefully looked 
 after. Chief Bargren, the present head of the 
 police department, has achieved remarkable 
 success. He is a fine disciplinarian, is highly 
 respected by his subordinates and the people, is 
 a perfect gentleman, and a terror to evil doers. 
 He is possessed of all the better characteristics 
 and higher qualities that go to make up a leader 
 and efficient officer. The police department 
 has been gradually increased from a force of one 
 man to that of twenty-one, distributed as follows: 
 One marshal, one assistant marshal, two patrol 
 drivers, twelve patrolmen, one jailer, four mer- 
 chant police and one sanitary police officer. 
 Extra police are put on the force upon special 
 occasions and are under the control of the chief, 
 The department has two stations and is 
 equipped with all the necessary paraphernalia 
 necessary to make it efficient, and is valued at 
 $1,824.00, 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 Recently the Gamewell Telegraph Alarm 
 system has been installed at a cost of $2,500.00. 
 Eight boxes are now in use and others can be 
 connected as they may be required. Five 
 Rockford banks are connected by this system 
 with police headquarters, and are thus enabled 
 to call assistance at any moment. 
 
 The police department was placed in the 
 civil service list by popular vote at the munici- 
 pal election of 1903, and the time of service of 
 each member of the force is now indicated by 
 service stripes. The personnel and time of ser- 
 vice of the present force follows: A E. Bar- 
 gren, marshal, thirteen years; M. B. Little, assis- 
 
 RESIDENCE OF JOHN H. SHERRATT 
 
 The cost of maintenance for the year 1902 
 was $15,937.00. During the year 1902, 1180 
 arrests were made. These were for various 
 offenses, among which were 355 for drunken- 
 ness, 215 for drunk and disorderly, 24 for abuse 
 of family, 19 for fighting, and 88 for vagrancy. 
 The remaining 70 1 were for the commission of 
 one or the other of 67 different classified offenses. 
 The list of classified offenses numbers 72, 
 
 tant marshal, fifteen years; M. H. Golden, thirteen 
 years; F. A. Daniels, twelve years; Olof Erick- 
 son. twelve years; J. T, McGrahan, eight years; 
 John Cavanaugh, eight years; Philip Quinn, 
 four years; Homer Read, eight years; Charles 
 Cavanaugh, two years; J. A. Ellison, two years; 
 Charles J. Salen, two years; H. Compton, two 
 years; Frank Sully, one year; Fred Glenny, one 
 year; Gus Stewart, one year; D. C. Chandler, 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 twenty-three years; P. J. Sullivan. 16 years; 
 John Grans, sixteen years; Dennis Dwyer, four- 
 teen years; and C. E. Peterson and Frank Bur- 
 bank appointed in 1902. 
 
 The office of police magistrate is an adjunct 
 of the police department and was established in 
 1881, under the administration of Mayor Craw- 
 ford, when Arthur H. Frost was elected to this 
 office, which he held six years. 
 
 Judge Frost executed the duties of his office 
 with signal success and marked ability. He 
 was succeeded by Judge L. L. Morrison in 1887, 
 who has served continuously since. Judge Mor- 
 rison, during his fifteen years of service, has 
 made an ideal magistrate and his administration 
 of the office has given universal satisfacfion. A 
 just and fair administration of the office makes 
 it essential that the presiding judge should be 
 possessed of superior legal talent and a well bal- 
 anced judicial mind. These Judge Morrison 
 has in a marked degree. 
 
 Since Rockford became a city, it has ex- 
 pended more than $300,000.00 for police pro- 
 tection. Doubtless this has been a judicious 
 expenditure as the city has maintained a high 
 reputation abroad as being one where good order 
 prevails and property and life are secure. 
 
 W1NNEBAGO COUNTY MEDICAL 
 SOCIETY. 
 
 The Winnebago County Medical Society 
 was originally organized in 1851, but owing to 
 a lack of interest and attention of its members, 
 it was allowed to lapse. In 1881, the profession 
 felt the need of concerted action, and the matter 
 was taken up and a re- organization was effected. 
 A meeting was held in the council rooms, at 
 which officers were elected and by-laws and 
 constitution adopted, October 18, 1881. 
 
 The following preamble sets forth the object 
 of organization: "The undersigned physicians 
 of Winnebago County, for the purpose of culti- 
 vating those graces and good qualities, which 
 adorn the profession of medicine and for the 
 purpose of mutual improvement in all that per- 
 tains to the science of and practice of medicine 
 and surgery, do hereby associate themselves to- 
 
 gether, and do adopt for the government of this 
 association the following constitution and by- 
 laws." 
 
 The constitution and by-laws adopted are 
 similar to those of other organizations, and 
 simply provide for the administration of the 
 business of the association. 
 
 At this meeting, Dr. E. P. Catlin was elected 
 president, Dr. S. A. Austin vice-president, and 
 Dr. H. W. Tibbetts secretary. The names of 
 the physicians enrolled at this time, follow: 
 Drs. R. P. Lane, C. H. Richings, G. W. Rohr, 
 Henry Richings, S. E. Goodwin, H. M. Sabin, 
 Geo. Williams, L. Tibbets, W. L. Ransom, A. 
 M. Catlin, D. S. Clark, C. W. Goddard, Lucius 
 F. Foot, Daniel Lichty, E. M. Patten, M. Alex- 
 ander Makintosh, F. ,H Kimball, J. E. Allaben, 
 E. R. Smith, E. N. Huntly, W. H. Fitch, E. E. 
 Oder, L. A. Clark, F. A. Jorden and W. B. 
 Rodgers The list of members was revised in 
 1901, and is now as follows: Drs. George -L. 
 Winn, T. N. Miller, W. R. Fringer, L. Tibbetts, 
 C. V. Starke, T. H. Culhane, A. F. Comings, 
 Henry Richings. J. E. Allaben, F. W. Calkins, 
 W. H. Fitch. F. H. Kimball, W. B. Helm, Daniel 
 Lichty, P. L. Markley, R. E. Coy, F. J Weld, 
 R. Sager, G. W. Rohr, E. P. Catlin, S. R. 
 Catlin, B. C. Anderson, E. E. Ochsner. S. C. 
 Andrus, C. W. Moyer, Albert Green, J. H. 
 Frost, Clinton Helm, Penn. W. Ransom, S. C. 
 Leland, W. E. Park, G. W. Haines, H. A. 
 Stalker, David Penniman, C. L. Sutherland, A. 
 C. Eakin, P. F. Gillett, J. E. Tuite, Jalba John- 
 son, W P. Woodard, Roy P. Williams, S. V. 
 Romig, R. G. W. Kinder, G. S. Henderson, 
 Emil Lofgren, Charles R. Scott, R. W. Mc- 
 Ennes, E. J. Clark, W. W. Crockett, Charles 
 S. Winn, G. A. Howard, and J. E. Haughey. 
 
 By virtue of membership in the county or- 
 ganization, one becomes a member of the State 
 Medical Society. This is a recent arrangement 
 and is of great benefit to the local society. 
 
 The present officers of the county organiza- 
 tion are Dr. T. N, Miller president; Dr. Charles 
 S Winn, secretary and treasurer. Meetings 
 are held on the second Tuesday evening of each 
 month. 
 
R O C K F O R D 
 
 ROCKFORD CITY HOSPITAL. 
 
 In 1883, steps were taken to establish a city 
 hospital in Rockford. The leading physicians 
 and a number of public spirited citizens of the 
 city took the matter in hand. A committee was 
 appointed by the Winnebago County Medical 
 Society in the fall of 1883, for the purpose of 
 
 Vincent. The trustees were W. A. Talcott, 
 William Lathrop, N. C. Thompson, William 
 Brown, Jeremiah Davis, H. W. Carpenter, John 
 Z. Rydburg, Thour Munthe, R. P. Lane, B. F. 
 Whipple, Thomas Butterworth, Frances I. Price, 
 Mary H. Penfield, Jane G. Wilkins and Ada- 
 line E. Emerson. 
 
 RESIDENCE OF JEREMIAH DAVIS 
 
 securing a corporate organization under the laws 
 of the state for such hospital. Application was 
 made for a certificate of organization which was 
 duly granted December 15, 1883. The name 
 of the corporation was the Rockford Hospital 
 Association, and the incorporators were Azro E. 
 Goodwin, Silas A. Austin, Frank H. Kimball, 
 F. K. Hill, Lemuel Tibbetts, and Thomas G. 
 
 January 29. 1884, a temporary organization 
 was formed by electing William Brown chair- 
 man, and W. A. Talcott secretary and treasurer 
 of the board of trustees. A constitution and 
 by-laws were adopted April 8, 1884, and the 
 following officers elected: William Brown, presi- 
 dent; Mrs. Jane G. Wilkins, vice-president; and 
 W. A. Talcott, secretary and treasurer. 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 53 
 
 The present hospital site was purchased of 
 Dr. W. H. Fitch, June 21, 1884, for $6,500.00. 
 The site was fully paid for and a deed bearing 
 date of July I, 1885. received. 
 
 April 11, 1885, Chester Butterworth was 
 elected a trustee to fill the vacancy caused by 
 the death of his father, who died in Ashville. N. 
 C., Aprils, 1885. The hospital was opened for 
 patients October I, 1885. Dr. S. A. Austin 
 and F. H. Kimball were the first attending phy- 
 sician and surgeon, respectively. Drs. R. P. 
 Lane and D. S. Clark were the first consulting 
 physicians, and Drs. W. H. Fitch and Henry 
 Richings the first consulting surgeons. 
 
 Mrs. Martha J. Smith was the first matron 
 of the hospital and served until March 28, 1900, 
 when she resigned. Hospital Sunday was es- 
 tablished in the churches October 10, 1885, by 
 resolution of the hospital trustees, which has 
 since been maintained with a very liberal spirit. 
 The first patient was received October 1 0, 1 885. 
 In 1888, steps were taken to provide a per- 
 manent fund for the maintenance of the hospital 
 and the report for 1893, shows that $43,356.17 
 had been placed in this fund. 
 
 A training school for nurses, in connection 
 with the hospital, was established July 6, 1888. 
 In 1901, Mrs. Adaline E. Emerson, in memory 
 of her son, Ralph Emerson, Jr., deceased, con- 
 tributed the funds for an addition to the hospital 
 for an operating room and office, which cost 
 $1,333.66 this addition was opened March 6, 
 1888. 
 
 William Brown served as president from 
 1884 to 1886, William Lathrop from 1886 to 
 1887, Horatio Stone from 1887 to January 29, 
 1896, when his death occurred. William Lath- 
 rop was elected to fill the vacancy caused by 
 the death of Mr. Stone, which office he has 
 held continuously since. 
 
 Lizzie C. Glenn was appointed as general 
 superintendent of nurses and training school, 
 March 28, 1900. She resigned April 6, 1901, 
 and Miss Flora B. Patch was appointed in her 
 stead. Miss Patch resigned November 1, 1902. 
 and Miss Alma M. Barter received the appoint- 
 ment, which position she now holds. 
 
 W. A. Talcott served as secretary and treas- 
 urer of the hospital from its inception to the 
 
 time of his death, which occurred in Palestine, 
 December 19, 1901. The success of the in- 
 stitution is in large measure due to his liberal- 
 ity and untiring effort. His son, Wait Talcott, 
 was elected to the position so ably filled by his 
 father, April 6. 1901, which position he now 
 holds. 
 
 During the year 1902, 506 patients were re- 
 ceived for treatment. The receipts from all 
 sources during 18 years, have been $244,417.26, 
 and the expenditures $224,678.28, leaving a bal- 
 ance of $19,738.98. The largest contribu- 
 tion to the hospital fund was from the estate 
 of Horatio Stone, which was $27,00000; 
 the next largest is from W. A. Talcott and 
 family $ 1 2,000.00; and A. D. Forbes and family 
 $10,500.00. Several others have contributed 
 from $2,400.00 to $5.000.00. A fine new 
 building is being erected, fitted with modern ap- 
 pliances and perfectly fire-proof, which will cost 
 about $50,000.00. 
 
 ST. ANTHONY HOSPITAL. 
 
 The necessity of a public hospital, located on 
 the east side of the river, where the majority of 
 the people of the city now reside, had been 
 keenly felt for several years. After consider- 
 able inquiry as to how such an institution could 
 best be carried on, the Franciscan Sisters, of 
 Peoria, consented to take charge of the hospital. 
 
 Through the efforts of the late William 
 Grotty, the present site of St. Anthony's hospi- 
 tal was purchased from the late Leonard 
 Schmauss estate for $12,000,00. The house 
 upon the site being large and conveniently ar- 
 ranged for the purpose, was utilized for a hospi- 
 tal building. The Sisters took charge of the 
 hospital July 1, 1899. 
 
 The present fine edifice was built in 1902, 
 at a cost of $40,000.00, and was dedicated by 
 Archbishop Quigley, March 29, 1903. The 
 building contains 60 beds, and is in charge of 
 eleven Sisters with two assistants. The build- 
 ing is equipped with modern hospital appliances, 
 and is fully up-to-date in all respects. Its loca- 
 tion upon a beautiful elevation on East State 
 street, gives it a conspicuity not enjoyed by 
 other public buildings in the city. Its surround- 
 ings are such as to make its location most de- 
 
54 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 sirable for the purpose intended. Among those 
 who were largely instrumental in establishing 
 this beautiful hospital were Dr. A. J. Markley, 
 of Belvidere, Dr. J. E. Allaben, and Dr. Paul 
 L. Markley, of this city. They were not only 
 generous givers in a financial way, but devoted 
 much time in making it a success. 
 
 Miss Frances Bradford also taught school in 
 a log cabin in 1837. 
 
 The early schools were nearly all private. 
 It is probable that there was a district school on 
 each side of the river. The first public school 
 on the east side of the river was taught by L. B. 
 Gregory in 1843. Public scnool teachers, at 
 
 RESIDENCE OF WILL BARNES 
 
 ROCKFORD SCHOOLS. 
 
 The first school in Rockford was taught by 
 Miss Eunice Brown, in a log house with an earth 
 floor, on the site of 1 10 South Second street, in 
 July, 1837. In 1838, the same teacher taught 
 in a building that was located on the present 
 court house square. Miss Brown afterward 
 married J. G. Lyon, and resided on a farm in 
 the township of Rockton, where she died De- 
 cember 7, 1889. 
 
 this time, and up to the enactment of the free 
 school law by the legislature, in 1855, were paid 
 by a rate bill. After the free school law went 
 into effect, the public schools immediately took 
 on a rapid growth, and have continued to im- 
 prove until we have the finest school system in 
 the world. 
 
 The first school ordinance for the City of 
 Rockford was passed by the Council June 20, 
 1855, which divided the city into two school 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 districts, No 1 on the East side and No. 2 on 
 the West side. 
 
 George Haskell, A. S. Miller and Jason 
 Marsh constituted the first board of school in- 
 spectors, 
 
 In December, 1855, a lease of the basement 
 of the First Baptist church was purchased of 
 A. W. Freeman for school purposes, on the 
 West side, and Mr. Freeman was engaged as 
 teacher at a salary of $800 per year. The old 
 court house on the East side was leased and 
 Mr. H. Sabin employed as teacher. July 27, 
 1855, the site where the Adams school (now 
 called the Freeman school) now stands was pur- 
 chased of Solomon Wheeler, and a contract for 
 the construction of a school building upon the 
 same was let September 10th the same year. 
 April 28, 1856, a contract was let for the erect- 
 ion of a school building on the present site of 
 the Lincoln school. Both of these buildings 
 were completed and dedicated August 14, 1857. ^ 
 These two district schools constituted the educa- 
 tional centers for the children of the city down 
 to 1884, when the city was organized into one 
 school district with one high school. 
 
 The principals of District No. 1 were Orlan- 
 der C. Blackmer and Henry Freeman, the latter 
 retaining his position from 1859 to 1880, when 
 he resigned, He was succeeded by Prof. Mc- 
 Pherson, who continued until the district was 
 abolished in 1884. The principals for District 
 No. 2 were George G. Lyon, E. M. Fernald, E. 
 N. Weller, J. H. Blodgett and W. W. Stetson. 
 
 The building of the Kent school took place 
 shortly after those on the East and West sides, 
 and Prof. O. F. Barbour has been its principal 
 for most of the time since its inception, receiv- 
 ing his appointment in 1866. 
 
 The city schools are under the management 
 of a board of five school inspectors appointed by 
 the mayor, with a city school superintendent. 
 
 At the beginning of the year 1903 the city 
 schools number seventeen, all modern buildings, 
 and supplied with the latest and most approved 
 appliances, the total cost of which is $416,- 
 820 20. This includes the cost of the several 
 sites, the construction and equipment of the 
 buildings, but does not include the cost of the 
 buildings demolished to make room for several 
 
 of the new ones. When this is included the 
 sum will reach fully $500,000.00. 
 
 The cost of maintenance of the schools in- 
 creases annually with the growth of the city. 
 
 The appropriation for this purpose for the 
 year 1903 is $105,637.20. 
 
 Following is a summary showing the date 
 and cost of construction of the several school 
 buildings in the city. 
 
 NAME. 
 
 High School, 
 Lincoln School, 
 Freeman School, 
 Kent School, 
 Hall School, 
 Wight School, 
 Brown School, 
 Montague School, 
 Garrison School, 
 Church School, 
 Kishwaukee School, 
 Nelson School, 
 Marsh School, 
 Blake School, 
 Haskell School, 
 Ellis School, 
 Turner School, 
 
 Making a total of $416,820.20 
 
 representing the present value of the city school 
 property. 
 
 The total cost of maintenance of the schools 
 of the city, from their establishment, can be 
 ascertained only by careful estimates and com- 
 parisons, which show an investment of $1,606,- 
 500.00. Including the value of school property 
 the grand total is $2,023,320.20. 
 
 SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' MEMORIAL 
 HALL. 
 
 The legislature of the State of Illinois made 
 an appropriation for the building of a Soldiers' 
 Home, in 1885, and appointed a Board of Com- 
 missioners to select a site for its location. 
 
 At the July session of the Board of Super- 
 visors of Winnebago county, a committee con- 
 sisting of Chairman E, J. Veness, Robert Simp- 
 son and S. W. Jones for the board, and Col. T. 
 G. Lawler, Geo. S. Haskell and C. C. Jones for 
 the citizens was appointed to present the desira- 
 
 DATE. 
 
 COST. 
 
 1885 
 
 1857 
 
 $92,145.97 
 35,00000 
 
 1857 
 
 40,000.00 
 
 1858 
 
 20,000.00 
 
 1866 
 
 30,000.00 
 
 1889 
 
 20,000.00 
 
 1892 
 
 18.000.00 
 
 1883-92 
 
 20,700.00 
 
 1887-92 
 
 18.00000 
 
 1894 
 
 20,000.00 
 
 1896 
 
 30,000.00 
 
 1881 
 
 4.000.00 
 
 1872 
 
 5,000.00 
 
 1899 
 
 28,385.49 
 
 1874 
 
 6,000 00 
 
 1868 
 
 4,000.00 
 
 1898 
 
 25,588.74 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 bility of locating the home in Winnebago county 
 to the commissioners, but nothing was accom- 
 plished. 
 
 The following year, 1886, at the March 
 meeting of the Board of Supervisors, Supervisor 
 John D. Jackson, of Pecatonica, introduced a 
 resolution for the appropriation of $25,000.00 
 for the building of a Winnebago county monu- 
 ment. 
 
 proposition to appropriate $25,000.00 for a Me- 
 morial Hall was carried at the election. 
 
 At the May meeting, Supervisor Simpson sub- 
 mitted a resolution providing for the appropria- 
 tion as determined by the vote of the people. 
 
 On account of a difference of opinion having 
 arisen in the Board as to several points at issue, 
 action on the resolution was deferred until the 
 September meeting, at which it was defeated. 
 
 RESIDENCE OF HORACE BROWN 
 
 The resolution made provision for the loca- 
 tion of the monument on the court house square. 
 Action on the resolution was laid over one day, 
 and in the interim the question arose as to 
 whether a Memorial building would not be pre- 
 ferable to a monument. Meantime Nevius Post, 
 G. A. R., submitted a request asking the Board 
 to let the people vote as to which the memorial 
 should be a monument or a hall. This request 
 was incorporated in the original resolution. The 
 
 The memorial matter was not brought up 
 again until the July session of 1898, when A. D. 
 Early made a plea before the Board for action 
 in this direction. Supervisor Osborne favored 
 the plan, and introduced a resolution providing 
 for the appointment of a committee of five, in- 
 cluding the chairman of the Board, to confer 
 with a committee of citizens with a view of de- 
 vising some plan for securing a monument. 
 The resolution was adopted, and E. H. Keeler, 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 57 
 
 Aug. Peterson, W. L. Osborne and D. W. Barn- 
 ingham, with J M. Rhodes, chairman, were 
 made the committee. Supervisor Van Alstyne 
 moved that the Rockford City Council be asked 
 to appoint a committee of five to confer with 
 the Board committee, which carried, and the 
 Council appointed F. E. Sterling, John A. Bow- 
 man, M. A. Love, John A. Nash and J. F. 
 Ogilby said committee. 
 
 The joint committee met at the court house 
 August 13, 1898, and organized by making F. 
 E. Sterling, chairman, and E. H. Keeler, sec- 
 retary. 
 
 After a thorough discussion of the matter it 
 was deemed advisable to present petitions to the 
 City Council and the Board of Supervisors. Ac- 
 cordingly blanks were sent out over the county 
 for indorsement which were unanimously signed. 
 The committee favored the building of a hall. 
 
 An adjournment was taken to September 13, 
 when a joint resolution was adopted favoring the 
 building of a Memorial Hall. 
 
 The petitions were presented to the Board 
 of Supervisors at the December meeting of 
 1898, together with the recommendations of the 
 joint committee, and a set of resolutions from 
 Nevius Post, G, A. R., asking favorable action 
 at the hands of the Board. Supervisor Keeler 
 had the matter in charge, and offered a resolu- 
 tion setting forth the desire of the people for a 
 Memorial building, and the obligations of the 
 county to recognize the merits of the soldiers of 
 the county, together with a provision for the 
 appropriation of $20,000.00 for the purpose of 
 erecting said building, and moved its adoption. 
 Action was delayed to secure an opinion from 
 the state's attorney as to the legality of the 
 matter 
 
 The following day State's Attorney A. H. 
 Frost rendered an opinion adverse to the propo- 
 sition, and the whole matter was laid over to the 
 May meeting in 1899. Steps were immediately 
 taken to secure special legislation in the form 
 of an enabling act, and a bill was drawn by A. D. 
 Early for this purpose. Hon. Henry Andrus 
 took charge of the bill and secured its passage 
 at the 1 898 session of the legislature. 
 
 A petition to the Board of Supervisors was 
 then presented, asking the submission of the 
 
 proposition to the voters of the county at the 
 November election of 1900. The members of 
 Nevius Post aided in the matter, and the elec- 
 tion resulted in a hearty endorsement of the 
 measure. 
 
 At the December meeting of the Board in 
 1900, the result of the election was announced, 
 and Col. T. G. Lawler, with other G. A. R. men, 
 appeared before the Board and asked that a 
 Memorial Hall instead of a monument be 
 erected. 
 
 On motion of A. J. Lovejoy, the matter was 
 referred to a special committee to ascertain the 
 cost of a site and to obtain plans for carrying 
 out the wishes of the voters, and to report at the 
 next meeting of the Board. The next day, 
 Supervisor Osborne moved that the matter be 
 laid over to the next meeting, and that a com- 
 mittee of six be appointed to investigate the 
 cost and location of a suitable memorial, which 
 carried. Supervisors A. J. Lovejoy, C. H. 
 Latham, D. B. Redington, Walter Van Alstyne, 
 D. W. Barningham and Aug. Nylander were 
 made the committee. 
 
 The following day Supervisor Nylander 
 moved that the committee be authorized to se- 
 cure plans for both a monument and a hall, and 
 that $500,00 be appropriated for the purpose, 
 which carried. 
 
 At the March meeting in 1901, Chairman 
 Lovejoy reported that the committee had made 
 general inquiry in different parts of the state, 
 and had invited four different architects to sub- 
 mit plans for both a building and a monument, 
 and that the committee favored the building of 
 a Memorial Hall, and recommended the plans 
 of Reeves & Bailee of Peoria, provided said 
 building is guaranteed not to cost more than 
 $40,000.00, and also favored placing the build- 
 ing on the southwest corner of- the court house 
 square. Action on the report Was laid over one 
 day, and when taken up, Supervisor Turner 
 moved that it be the sense of the Board that a 
 Memorial Hall be erected, and the motion pre- 
 vailed. 
 
 The motion to adopt the report of the spe- 
 cial committee was lost, and the committee was 
 discharged. 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 Supervisor Carson then moved that a com- 
 mittee of five members be appointed to present 
 plans and specifications for a Memorial Hall 
 with probable cost of same at the next meeting 
 of the Board, which carried. 
 
 The committee were: Supervisors Osborne, 
 Neeley, Redington, Van Alstyne and Carson. 
 
 court house square was successful, and the mo- 
 tion carried with it instructions to purchase the 
 Butterworth site on North Main street, at a cost 
 not to exceed $! 1,500.00. 
 
 The location of the building having been de- 
 termined. Supervisor Nylander moved that a 
 building committee of five be appointed, which 
 
 RESIDENCE OF I. SHOUDY 
 
 At the June session bids were received for 
 sites, and a vote taken on the location of the 
 building, which resulted in the selection of the 
 court house square. 
 
 At the following September meeting an effort 
 was made to rescind the vote locating the build- 
 ing on the court house square, but it failed. 
 
 At the December meeting another effort to 
 rescind the vote to locate the building on the 
 
 prevailed, and Supervisors Van Alstyne, White- 
 head, Lovejoy, Redington and Nylander were 
 appointed. The Bradley & Carpenter plans 
 were adopted at the June meeting. 
 
 The building committee organized Decem- 
 ber 12, 1901, by electing Walter Van Alstyne, 
 chairman, and J. B. Whitehead, secretary. 
 Bids were advertised for January 1 1, 1902. 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 59 
 
 Eleven bids were received, ranging in price 
 from $38,000.00 by W. H. Cook to $52,8 14 00 
 by H. Ferge. These bids were considered too 
 high and were all rejected. The architects 
 modified their plans slightly, and bids were 
 called for again. March 25, 1902, the commit- 
 tee had received four bids, which were opened, 
 and the contract was awarded to W. H. Cook 
 for $35,324.00. Work was begun shortly after 
 and pushed rapidly to completion. 
 
 The building was dedicated by President 
 Roosevelt, Wednesday, June 3, 1903, the occa- 
 sion being the most notable event in the history 
 of Rockford. President Roosevelt was the first 
 president to visit the city, and thousands of peo- 
 ple from near and from far came to do him and 
 the occasion honor. 
 
 ROCKFORD HOTELS. 
 
 The Rockford House, which claims the dis- 
 tinction of being the first hotel built in the city 
 was opened to the public in the autumn of 1837. 
 Previous to that time several of the settlers had 
 opened their homes to strangers, but not as reg- 
 ular hotel-keepers. 
 
 The Rockford House was built by Daniel S. 
 Haight and Charles S. Oliver, and stood on the 
 site of the present Young Men's Christian Asso- 
 ciation building. The first landlord was Henry 
 Thurston, and his son acted in the double capac- 
 ity of clerk and chambermaid, especially for the 
 rooms in the third story which had to be reached 
 by the ladder route. Mr. Thurston was suc- 
 ceeded as landlord by several of the other old 
 time residents, there being at least eight to fol- 
 low him. 
 
 The next season after the Rockford House 
 was opened the second hotel for the village was 
 commenced, and this was completed and opened 
 to the public in 1839. The building known as 
 the Washington House stood in East State 
 street, and was quite a pretentious building. It 
 had a front of sixty feet, with large additions at 
 the rear. The kitchen was in the basement. 
 Soon after the building was completed the street 
 in front was graded and left the building stand- 
 ing on a high bank. Ten or twelve steps were 
 necessary to lead from the street to the entrance. 
 The name of the hotel was later changed to the 
 
 Rock River House, and part of the building now 
 stands at 307 East State street, and the other 
 section is on the southeast corner of State and 
 Madison streets. The building was built by 
 Jacob B. and Thomas Miller. Its first landlord 
 was Jacob Miller, and was followed by nearly a 
 dozen landlords. 
 
 In 1838 the Log Tavern, then called the 
 Stage House, was opened. This was located 
 on the corner where the Second National Bank 
 stood at Main and State streets. 
 
 For some time these three buildings consti- 
 tuted the hotel accommodations of the city, and 
 in 1850 Andrew Brown added to the list by open- 
 ing a new place called Brown's House and G. S. 
 Moore became its proprietor. The American 
 House still stands, and though fifty years old, is 
 a good building yet. 
 
 The Waverly and Union houses were started 
 in 1852, and were located in the south part of 
 the city near where the Northwestern passenger 
 station stands. These buildings are still stand- 
 ing as evidences of the hotel facilities of the 
 early days in Rockford. At the time these 
 places were built they were considered excellent 
 hotels, and the trade they did was enormous: 
 
 The site now occupied by the Chick House 
 was where the Inn was started in 1840 by Spen- 
 cer & Fuller. This house was conducted for 
 several seasons. The Inn was the real begin- 
 ning of the modern hotel, and though not as pre- 
 tentious as those which followed contained many 
 of the improvements in the way of wash rooms 
 and toilets, and the first bills of fare used in the 
 city were furnished guests of the Inn by Messrs. 
 Spencer & Fuller. 
 
 Next in line came the Eagle Hotel, which 
 was erected in South Main street, three blocks 
 from State street, and still stands there. 
 
 The first brick hotel was the Winnebago 
 House. This building was finished in the fall 
 of 1838, but for five years was used as a store 
 building, and when it was completed there was 
 quite a celebration, for this was the first brick 
 building on Rock River above Rock Island. Dr. 
 Haskell and Isaiah Lyon conducted the business 
 until 1843 when Mr. Lyon became sole owner 
 of the stock and building, closed it out and re- 
 modeled the building into a hotel called the 
 
6o 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 Winnebago House, which was continued until 
 1854 when it was again rearranged into stores. 
 The building was located on what is known as 
 Andrew Ashton's corner. 
 
 The real modern hotel first established in 
 the city was the Holland House, which later 
 became the Huffman House. This was the first 
 
 After the establishment of the Holland House 
 there were many other hotels opened, and the 
 city has continued to be one of best supplied 
 places in the northwest for hotel accommoda- 
 tions. The Commercial House, on Green street, 
 opposite the Northwestern depot, was one of 
 those to follow and is still running. For a pe- 
 
 RESIDENCE OF WM. NELSON 
 
 of the hotels to be supplied with elevator, etc. 
 It was opened in 1857. The building stood on 
 the corner now occupied by the Masonic Tem- 
 ple. The hotel continued as the leading place 
 of the kind in this vicinity for many years, and 
 up to the opening of the Nelson was at the top 
 of the list of first class places where the weary 
 and hungry were cared for. The hotel burned 
 on Christmas eve, 1896. 
 
 riod of several years it was known as White's 
 Hotel, and in its earlier days was classed as one 
 of the leading hotels in Rockford owing to its 
 excellent location near the Chicago & North- 
 western depot, at that time the only railroad de- 
 pot in the city, 
 
 The American House on Madison street 
 which is still conducted by E. E. Everett ; the 
 City Hotel was established on the corner now 
 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 61 
 
 occupied by the Forest City National Bank, 
 and some years ago was'razed. 
 
 Those of the other hotels now being con- 
 ducted are the Chick, The Jarvis Inn. The Na- 
 tional, The European, Forest City House, The 
 Victoria and the Nelson. There are several 
 restaurants also, and these, with the hotels, can 
 furnish accommodations for hundreds of guests 
 daily. 
 
 The Nelson and the Chick are the leading 
 hotels, and the former is one of the finest places 
 in the northwest. It is six stories high and has 
 accommodations for over two hundred guests. 
 Its location is in one of the pleasantest parts of 
 the city and guests are close to the business 
 district. Its service and culinary departments 
 are up to the standard of the best hotels in the 
 west. 
 
 The Chick House, together with its cottages 
 and annexes, will accommodate two hundred 
 guests, and is the popular headquarters for com- 
 mercial travelers. It has a large number of 
 regular boarders and many families of the city 
 patronize the house for Sunday dinners. 
 
 The house is centrally located, and the city 
 and interurban cars pass the door. 
 
 Could one of the early day visitors to the 
 city return to-day he would be much surprised 
 at the wonderful changes wrought in hotel facil- 
 ities. 
 
 ROCKFORD COLLEGE. 
 
 The present beautiful Rockford College owes 
 its origin to a conception developed in a conven- 
 tion of churches held in Cleveland, Ohio, in 
 June, 1844, of the necessity of establishing a 
 college for men and a seminary for women in 
 Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois re- 
 spectively. The delegates, upon their return 
 from the convention, called a meeting at Beloit 
 in August, 1844, at which it was deemed advisa- 
 ble to build a college at Beloit and a seminary 
 in Northern Illinois. Three subsequent meet- 
 ings were held, and at each one the resolution 
 of the first meeting was upheld. 
 
 At the fourth meeting, held at Beloit in Oc- 
 tober, 1845, Beloit was selected as the location 
 for the college and a Board of Trustees elected. 
 The charter for the college was approved by the 
 
 Governor of the Territory of Wisconsin, Febru- 
 ary 2, 1846. Then began the discussion as to 
 a site for the location of the seminary, Rockton 
 and Rockford were rivals for the location. 
 
 But Beloit having secured the college, Rock- 
 ton was considered too near for the location of 
 the seminary, and thus Rockford secured the 
 plum. 
 
 A meeting was held in the Methodist church 
 in Rockford October 29. 1845, to consider the 
 location of the seminary. It was resolved to 
 raise the sum of money prescribed by the trus- 
 tees of Beloit college, about $3,500.00. A com- 
 mittee was appointed to secure subscriptions 
 and met with success. A charter was granted 
 to the same gentlemen that constituted the Be- 
 loit College trustees, February 25, 1847. 
 
 June 11, 1849, Miss Anna P. Sill estab- 
 lished a preparatory school under the name of 
 the Rockford Female Seminary. This institu- 
 tion had a board of local trustees, who planned 
 to make it the seminary aimed at by the trus- 
 tees of Beloit College. 
 
 In 1850 more than $6,000.00 were pledged 
 to put up the buildings and secure the ground, 
 and by September of that year the seminary was 
 assured. 
 
 Miss Sill's school was recognized by the 
 trustees of Beloit College in 1851 as the prepar- 
 atory department of the Rockford Seminary, 
 under the charter which they held. 
 
 Courses of study were defined, and upon ex- 
 amination, fifteen were admitted into the first 
 collegiate class in September of that year. Thus 
 the college was formally founded in 1 85 1 . Up 
 to 1892, it was known as Rockford Female 
 Seminary, but in this year was changed to its 
 present name Rockford College. The site 
 was purchased from Buell G. Wheeler, and has 
 not changed in its contour except a strip taken 
 from the west end by the Chicago & Iowa rail- 
 road. 
 
 The first building was erected by John Beat- 
 tie, and cost $7,927.35. The corner stone for 
 this building was laid July 15, 1852, by Rev. 
 Aratus Kent, president of the board of trustees. 
 In 1850, it was deemed advisable by the trus- 
 tees of Beloit College that each institution should 
 manage its own affairs, and the seminary inter- 
 
62 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 ests were turned over to a local board, which 
 was created at this time, and in 1 852 the sem- 
 inary passed into the hands of a separate board 
 of trustees. 
 
 A faculty was appointed in July, 1852, with 
 Miss Sill as principal. 
 
 In 1854 work was begun on Linden Hall, 
 the money for the building of which largely came 
 
 tion was 1,530, and the money contributed from 
 all sources was $39,228.00. 
 
 Miss Sill resigned in 1884. after giving 
 thirty-five years of splendid service to the school, 
 and was honored by being made principal eme- 
 rita, which position she held at the time of her 
 death, June 18, 1889. 
 
 A VIEW OF ROCKFORD COLLEGE 
 
 from the east. Up to Septembers, 1854, Miss 
 Sill had secured $3,659.67 for this building. In 
 1866 a second addition, Chapel Hall, was begun 
 with its connecting corridors, and completed in 
 two years. In 1871, Linden Hall and Middle 
 Hall were connected by corridors. 
 
 From the founding of the school in 1849, to 
 the end of the fiscal year 1861, the total num- 
 ber of students receiving tuition in the institu- 
 
 THE STREETS OF ROCKFORD. 
 There is doubtless no other feature in the 
 building of a city, or one that adds so much to 
 its popular reputation as its streets and walks. 
 The condition of the streets and walks of any 
 city is the first thing to attract the attention of a 
 stranger. If these be indifferent or poor, the 
 city is rated as being one lacking in thrift and 
 progress. 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 Fine business blocks and beautiful residences 
 count for but little if the streets are neglected. 
 Rockford has kept pace in the care and improve- 
 ment of its streets with its development in other 
 departments. Its citizens and property owners 
 have been ready and willing to submit to heavy 
 assessments that the streets abutting their prop- 
 erty might be substantially paved and otherwise 
 improved. 
 
 Thousands of dollars have been annually ex- 
 pended by the street department in improving 
 and beautifying the streets of the city. 
 
 This department has been under the direc- 
 tion of competent engineers, and the work has 
 been thoroughly and well done. The sanitary 
 conditions of any city depends largely upon its 
 drainage, which in turn is controlled by its streets 
 and sewers. The improvement and construc- 
 tion of these constitute one of the heavy bur- 
 dens that must be met by general or special tax. 
 Notwithstanding this fact the investment is one 
 that brings the largest returns to the city. 
 
 The following persons have held the office 
 of city engineer : Duncan Ferguson, 1880-81; 
 T. J. L. Remington, 1882-84; Daniel W. 
 Mead, 1885-89; D. C. Dunlap, 1890-91. In 
 1892 the superintendency of sewers was added 
 to the engineer's department, and Charles C. 
 Stowell was placed in charge. He served until 
 1897, when Edwin Main was appointed, who 
 still holds this office. 
 
 Mr. Main has so systematized the work of 
 the street and sewer department as to give the 
 best possible results. He has his work thorough- 
 ly in hand, is courteous and considerate in the 
 transaction of business connected with the office 
 and his ability is valuable to the city. 
 
 The City of Rockford has 130 miles of 
 streets, 44 miles of which are paved. Two 
 miles are paved with brick and two with asphalt. 
 The remaining 40 miles are macadamized. 
 The walks are mostly made of concrete or tar, 
 and cover about 160 miles. 
 
 The sewerage system is being rapidly ex- 
 tended. At the beginning of 1903 there were 
 twenty seven miles of sewer mains, and six will 
 be added during the year. The sewer system 
 has cost the city in round figures $500,000.00, 
 
 the street improvements $1 ,000 ,000.00, and the 
 sidewalks $450,000.00. 
 
 There are three parks in the city, which has 
 cost to improve and maintain, $60,000.00. 
 
 Another beautiful park will doubtless soon 
 be acquired by the city, as it is proposed by the 
 Winnebago County Agricultural Society to trans- 
 fer the well known fair grounds to the city for 
 this purpose. 
 
 A plan is also proposed to park the east side 
 river bank from State street, north, for a con- 
 siderable distance. With these added improve- 
 ments Rockford will certainly be one of the most 
 beautiful cities in the country. 
 
 ROCKFORD CHURCHES. 
 
 EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 
 
 The first and only Episcopal parish in Rock- 
 ford was organized May 1, 1849. The articles 
 of incorporation were signed by Chauncy Ray, 
 Jonathan Weldon, Horace Starkey, Duncan J. 
 Stewart, John Conrad, S. R. Weldon and Spen- 
 cer S. Weldon, with Rev. Dudley Chase as pre- 
 siding officer, and who was the first rector. 
 Duncan J. Stewart is the only incorporator now 
 living. Rev. Charles Reighley was called to 
 the rectorship November 15, 1852, and with 
 the consent of Bishop Henry John Whitehouse, 
 accepted the call. The site, where the present 
 chapel now stands, was purchased for $200, and 
 a building erected at a cost of $1,900.00, which 
 was consecrated by Bishop Whitehouse, August 
 23, 1853, by the name of " Emanuel Church, 
 Rockford." The present house of worship was 
 built during the service of Rev. D. C. Peabody, 
 who became rector March 1, 1886. The build- 
 ing is known as the " Fairfield Memorial Parish 
 House," and was a gift to the society by Mrs. 
 Eleanor G. Fairfield, as a memorial to her late 
 husband, W. W. Fairfield, and cost $40,000.00. 
 At this time an additional thirty feet of land 
 was added to the site costing $1 ,600.00. and the 
 rectory, No. 82 1 North Church street, was pur- 
 chased for $6,000.00. 
 
 Following are the names of the rectors who 
 have ministered to this society : Rev. Dudly 
 Chase, Charles Reighley, Anson Clark, Michael 
 Schofield, William T. Smithett, Thomas Smith, 
 S, B. Duffield, J. E. Walton, S. D. Day, C. S. 
 
6 4 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 Percival, F. W. Adams, A, W. Snyder, D. C. 
 Peabody, Wyllys Rede and N. B Clinch, the 
 present rector. 
 
 The charter membership was about twenty. 
 The present membership is 260. The total ex- 
 penditures since the organization of the society 
 for all purposes are nearly $170,000.00. 
 
 FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 
 
 The first permanent church organization in 
 Rockford was instituted May 5, 1837, and was 
 christened the First Congregational church. Its 
 
 the end of the first year the membership had 
 been increased to twenty-seven. 
 
 Soon after its organizatian the society held 
 its meetings in the stage barn on the East side, 
 but in the summer of 1838 the trustees began 
 the erection of a frame building on North First 
 street. When this building was nearly comple- 
 ted it was learned that Kent & Brinkerhoff had 
 secured eight hundred dollars from friends in 
 New York with which to build a church. In- 
 stead of turning this money over to the society 
 they proceeded to erect a building on the West 
 
 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN 
 
 SECOND CONGREGATIONAL 
 
 A GROUP OF CHURCHES 
 
 COURT STREET M. E. 
 
 founder was the Rev. John Morrill, who came 
 from New York as a home missionary to this 
 county. He was the first pastor and served one 
 year. The church organization took place at 
 the house of Israel Morrill on the West side, 
 and there were nine charter members, viz. ; 
 Rev. John Morrill, Herman B. Potter, Israel 
 Morrill, Richard Morrill, Elizabeth P. Morrill, 
 Mary I. Morrill, Sophia N. Morrill, Minerva Pot- 
 ter and Eunice Brown. 
 
 Two weeks later the names of Edward Cat- 
 ing, Charles Works, Asa Crosby, Mary Crosby 
 and Mary Danforth were added to the roll. At 
 
 side of the river. When this was completed it 
 was turned over to the society. This was the 
 first church edifice in Rockford. 
 
 The building on the East side was later oc- 
 cupied by the First Methodist society, and still 
 later was known as the old seminary building. 
 
 In 1 846 the society dedicated a new brick 
 church on the East side. This building was 
 occupied by the society until 1870, when the 
 present church edifice, on the East side, was 
 built. 
 
 The organ now in use in the First Congre- 
 gational church was presented by Rufus Hatch, 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 of New York, a former organist, and cost 
 $4,500.00. 
 
 The names of the pastors of this church are 
 appended : Revs. John Morrill, Cyrus L. Wat- 
 son, William S. Curtis, D. D., Oliver W. Nor- 
 ton, Lansing Porter, Lewis H. Loss, H. M. 
 Goodwin, D. D., Wilder Smith, Theodore Clif- 
 ton, William W. Leete and Frederick H. Bod- 
 man, 
 
 FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 
 
 The First church, in its earlier history, was 
 a very strong and wealthy society, but its mem- 
 bership has been drawn upon heavily in the or- 
 ganization of other churches and its resources 
 thereby curtailed. 
 
 In the organization of the Second Congrega- 
 tional church in 1849, forty- three members of 
 the First church withdrew and became charter 
 members of the Second church. 
 
 Again in 1 855 fourteen members withdrew 
 to become charter members in the organization 
 of the Westminster Presbyterian church. 
 
 The cost of the present church edifice and 
 its furnishings was $50,000.00. 
 
 In 1889 Mrs. John G. Penfield donated a lot 
 to the society upon which the present parsonage 
 was built at a cost of $5,000,00. 
 
 The bell in the church edifice was donated 
 to the society by George W. Smith of Guilford, 
 and cost $2,000 00. 
 
 The total amount of money expended by this 
 society from the founding of the church in 1 837 
 to 1903, for all purposes, is approximately 
 $400,000.00. 
 
 The present membership is 430. 
 
 The influence of this church for good in the 
 community is beyond calculation. It has not 
 only furnished material as the nuclei for the or- 
 ganization of other churches, but has rendered 
 financial aid to other and weaker churches, 
 thereby aiding materially in the beautifying and 
 christianizing the city. 
 
 After sixty-six years of successful work this 
 society can congratulate itself that it is now in a 
 flourishing condition and free from debt. The 
 present pastor is an able and conscientious 
 worker, and the outlook of the society is bright. 
 
 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 
 
 The second church organization in Rockford 
 was that of the First Baptist church, which was 
 organized at the house of Dr. George Haskell, 
 December 22, 1838, and was the second Bap- 
 tist church organized in Northern Illinois. 
 
 This society had sixteen charter members, 
 and its first church services were irregularly held 
 until April, 1840, when it was resolved to hold 
 them regularly. 
 
 The society was legally incorporated in De- 
 cember, 1839, and steps were taken to build a 
 church. This building was located at the corner 
 of Main and Peach streets, and the first preach- 
 er was Prof. Seth S. Whitman of Belvidere. 
 His first sermon was delivered May 9, 1841. 
 The first stated pastor was Rev. Solomon Knapp. 
 
 The notable Elder Jacob Knapp became a 
 member of this church in November, 1848, and 
 supplied its pulpit until June, 1849. As a result 
 of his preaching sixty-two additions were made 
 to the church membership. 
 
 Elder Knapp claimed to have preached about 
 6,000 sermons, baptized 4,000. candidates, and 
 was the means of making 100,000 converts, of 
 whom 200 became ministers. 
 
 The present church edifice was completed 
 in 1850 at a cost of $7,500.00. 
 
 Among the most noted pastors of this society 
 were the Rev. Ichabod Clark, D. D., who served 
 ten years and largely increased the church mem- 
 bership, and Dr. Thomas Kerr who became pas- 
 tor June 1, 1860. He was given a vacation of 
 three months, at the end of his first year, in 
 which to visit Palestine. In 1864, he was a 
 member of the Christian Commission and visited 
 the army at the front, doing much efficient 
 work. 
 
 In 1866, he accepted a pastorate at Hani- 
 bal, Missouri, but returned to the pastorate of 
 the First church again in 1869. He resigned 
 this pastorate August 20, 1870. 
 
 Following are the names of the pastors who 
 have served this society: Revs. Seth S. Whit- 
 man, Jacob Knapp, Ichabod Clark, D. D., A. 
 B. Stone, Austin Gibb, C. C. Smith, John S. 
 Mabie, E.Anderson, W. A. Stanton. C. H. Mos- 
 crip, Theo. G. Scares, Charles W. Barber and 
 W. C. Kiersted. 
 
66 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 The First Baptist church edifice is now the 
 oldest church building in the city, and is in 
 thorough repair. It was remodeled recently at 
 a cost of $8,000.00. 
 
 The present membership is 320. 
 
 This society has expended for all purposes 
 since its organization about $151,500.00. 
 
 COURT STREET METHODIST CHURCH. 
 
 Court Street Methodist church was organ- 
 ized January 1, 1852, many of its charter mem- 
 bers having come from the First Methodist 
 church on the East side of the river. 
 
 The first enrollment was but forty, which has 
 been increased to 845. The society purchased 
 a site for a church edifice near the corner of 
 State and Court streets in 1853 for $350.00, 
 and the building was completed and dedicated 
 in November, 1854, at a cost of $7,000.00. 
 Rev. G. L. S. Stuff preached the dedicatory 
 sermon. 
 
 In 1883, this society had outgrown its envir- 
 onments, and steps were taken toward building 
 a more commodious edifice. The present site 
 was purchased September 5, 1883, and a build- 
 ing committee consisting of Messrs. Levi 
 Rhoades, S. B. Wilkins, N. E. Lyman, David 
 Keyt and J. G. Chick was appointed. Ground 
 for the building was broken in September, 1884. 
 The corner stone was laid ( Bishop Merrill officiat- 
 ing) in August, 1885. The building was com- 
 pleted and dedicated in May, 1887, at which 
 time $29,000.00 was subscribed, thus enabling 
 the society to dedicate its building free from 
 debt. 
 
 The site for the present parsonage was pur- 
 chased from the Horsman estate in 1884. 
 Ground for the parsonage was broken in August, 
 and the house completed in October of that year. 
 The total cost of the present church and par- 
 sonage was nearly $82,000.00. 
 
 Before this society owned a church building, 
 services were held in Boyd's Hall on State 
 street. During its first year's history, 140 mem- 
 bers were added to its roll. 
 
 In August, 1857, the Rock River Confer- 
 ence held its annual session in the old Court 
 Street church, which is said to have been one 
 
 of the most interesting and important sessions 
 ever held in this conference. 
 
 The meeting is of note on account of its 
 anti-slavery resolutions and the breaking of 
 ground for the Wesleyan Seminary, which was 
 to be located on West State street. A tract of 
 land was purchased for this school, and consid- 
 erable money raised for the erection of build- 
 ings, but the scheme was abandoned, later, and 
 the land was sold in lots. 
 
 The old parsonage was purchased in 1866 
 for $3,500.00. 
 
 In 1881, the annual conference was again 
 held in the old church, at which Bishop Hurst 
 presided. Among the notable events of this 
 meeting were the address of welcome by William 
 McKinley (who is still living), the heresy " in- 
 vestigation, and the singing of the doxology by 
 the preachers over the election news from Indi- 
 ana. In 1880 the membership had increased 
 to 506. Court Street church has been consid- 
 ered by the Rock River Conference as the chief 
 church outside of Chicago, and but few outrank 
 her there. 
 
 The following pastors have served this church: 
 Revs. M. Chatfield, W. F. Stewart, L. A. San- 
 ford, W. P. Gray (twice), James R Goodrich, 
 W P. Daniels, A. B. Taylor, J. H. Vincent, 
 F. P. Cleveland, T. C. Clendenning, L. Mere- 
 dith, W. Aug. Smith, C. E. Mandeville, T. P. 
 Marsh, T. R. Strobridge, P. H. Swift, W. A- 
 Phillips, W. O. Shepherd, Fred H. Sheets, 
 Robert H. Pooley and Frank D. Sheets. The 
 present membership is 825. 
 
 The society has expended for church prop- 
 erty $92,850.00. 
 
 The amount raised in 1902 for all purposes 
 was $7,531. 
 
 The total amount expended for all purposes, 
 since the organization of the society, is about 
 $300,000.00. 
 
 EPWORTH CHURCH. 
 
 The Epworth church, when organized, was 
 known as the Ninth Street church, and was or- 
 ganized as a feeder to the First Methodist church. 
 
 The society was organized in the spring of 
 1876 by Rev. G. L. Wiley, who was then pastor 
 of the First church. It had fifteen charter mem- 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 67 
 
 bers. The Swedish Methodist church building 
 was purchased for $300.00 and removed to 
 Ninth street, at a cost of $75.00. 
 
 At that time there were but nine houses in 
 the vicinity of the church. 
 
 The auspices of the society were at first not 
 very bright, but it has had a steady growth and 
 is now in a prosperous condition. 
 
 avenue, and the name changed to Epworth 
 church. 
 
 This society has one of the finest orchestras 
 in the city, and the music at the regular services 
 is of the highest order. 
 
 The present membership is 74. 
 
 The total expenditures for all purposes is 
 $24,375.00. 
 
 ST. JAMES CHURCH AND RECTORY 
 
 The society was under the care of the First 
 church during the first year, but at the begin- 
 ning of the second year a pastor was appointed 
 by the conference, since which time it has been 
 independent. 
 
 In 1891 the old church was sold for $75.00 
 and removed from the site and a new church 
 edifice erected at a cost of $3,000.00. The 
 new church was removed to its present location 
 at the corner of Parmelee street and Fourteenth 
 
 Following are the names of its pastors: 
 Revs. G. L. Wiley, Joseph Odgers, W. A. Spen- 
 cer, W. H Barrett, A. J. Brill, E. J. Rose, 
 Joseph Wardell, H. L. Martin, F. R. Hall, J. 
 L. Gardner, J. W. Irish, J. L. Case, Frank 
 Milne, Charles Wentworth, and C. F. Kleihaur 
 the present pastor. 
 
 The Sunday school has a membership of 
 155. 
 
 
68 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 STATE STREET BAPTIST CHURCH. 
 
 The State Street Baptist church was form- 
 ally organized August 17, 1858, with thirty-four 
 members. These had taken letters from the 
 First Baptist church, for the purpose of estab- 
 lishing a church on the east side of the river. 
 
 Rev. Edward C Mitchell accepted the pas- 
 torate of the church September 14, 1858, at a 
 salary of $300 in cash, $300 in board, and $200 
 additional if circumstances permitted. Prof. 
 D N. Hood was secured to conduct the music. 
 
 A small church was erected at the corner 
 of State and North Fifth streets, which is still 
 standing. This churcn was dedicated February 
 2, 1860, and cost $800. This society first took 
 the name Second Baptist church, which was 
 changed to its present name October 26, 1858. 
 The house now occupied was dedicated Novem- 
 ber 18, 1868, and cost $35,000. 
 
 The several pastors of this society have been 
 Dr. Edward C. Mitchell, Revs. Spencer F. 
 Holt, Henry C Mabie, E. K. Chandler, A. R. 
 Medbury, C. R. Lathrop, J. T. Burhoe, R. F. Y. 
 Pierce, Langley B. Sears, and J. T. Burhoe 
 who now occupies this position for the second 
 time. 
 
 The present membership is 437. The total 
 membership is 1 ,400. The total amount of 
 money expended by the society for all purposes 
 is about $200,000. The parsonage was pur- 
 chased in 1883, and cost $3,500. The society 
 is free from debt and in a flourishing condition. 
 The church edifice is being thoroughly refinished 
 and decorated this year, at a cost of over $5,000. 
 
 SWEDISH METHODIST CHURCH. 
 
 The Swedish Methodist church was organ- 
 ized at the home of P. A. Peterson, on Charles 
 street, January 30, 1861, with a membership 
 of twelve people. 
 
 The society purchased the old Westminster 
 church for $600, and removed it to First avenue 
 where it was nicely repaired in 1868. The 
 present handsome brick edifice was completed 
 in 1877, at a cost of $8,000. and was dedicated 
 by Dr. C. E. Mandeville. The present parson- 
 age was built in 1888 and cost $4,500. 
 
 The first Swedish Methodist paper ever 
 published in the world is the Sandebudt (Mes- 
 
 senger), under the auspices of this society and 
 made its appearance July 18, 1862. 
 
 P. A Peterson is the only charter member 
 of this society now living. He resides in the 
 same house, and is about eighty years old. 
 
 The following pastors have served this 
 society: Revs. V. Whitting, Albert Ericson, 
 Peter Newberg, August Westergren, Oscar 
 Shorgren, Olof Gunderson, John Lind, A. Y. 
 Westergren, S. B. Newman, John Weagren, 
 S. D. Sorleine, Herman Lindskog. N. G. Nel- 
 son, J. M. Objerholm, A. Kahlin, A. Dahlberg, 
 M. Hess, O. F. Lindstrom, Richard Cederberg, 
 N. M. Liljegren, N. A. Sorlin, J. H. Johnson, 
 and P. M. Alfoin. 
 
 This society has expended for all purposes 
 nearly $50,000. The present church member- 
 ship is 200, and the Sunday school has 250 
 members. The society is out of debt and in 
 a prosperous condition. 
 
 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 
 
 The First Presbyterian church of Rockford 
 was formally organized in the Court House 
 July 8, 1854, with thirty-eight members. H. C. 
 Meslor and William Shepherd were installed 
 as ruling elders in October. 1855. 
 
 The society held its services in various 
 places until it secured a house of worship for 
 itself. The first place of worship was in ihe 
 abandoned Congregational church on the east 
 side of the river, and then in Peak's Hall. In 
 December, 1853, services were held in Hors- 
 man's Hall, and later in Warner's Hall. Feb- 
 ruary 1, 1854, services were again held in the 
 Court House where -the society was formally 
 organized as stated. 
 
 February 10, 1857, Richard Jackson, was 
 elected to serve as elder and was installed 
 February 22. 
 
 The choir, by vote of the session, was 
 allowed the use of an instrument in leading the 
 services of song in public worship, November 
 25, 1855. 
 
 Rev. H. A. Brown was chosen pastor of the 
 church February 10, 1857, but declined the 
 position, and Rev. John M. Faris was chosen 
 in his stead January 1, 1858. Rev. Brown 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 69 
 
 supplied the pulpit until his successor was 
 appointed. 
 
 September 4, I860, the present church site 
 was bought of Michael Burns for $14,000. 
 March 17, 1862, measures were set on foot to 
 raise a building fund and N. C. Thompson was 
 made depository of the fund. July 7, 1862, 
 Mr. Thompson had received $206.49. 
 
 The society was occupying at this time what 
 was called the "Little Brown Church", on the 
 coener of State and Winnebago streets, pur- 
 chased of the Unitarians for $400. It was 
 removed from the corner of Court and Elm 
 streets to its present location and occupied by 
 the society for the first time in 1856. This 
 building has since been torn down. 
 
 Rev. Paris resigned the pastorate August 25, 
 1862, and Rev. Fauntleroy Senour of Indianap- 
 olis, was installed in his stead as pastor, April 
 15, 1863, at a salary of $900. 
 
 September 21, 1863, resolutions were 
 adopted, setting forth the necessity of building 
 a new church, and on May 25, 1864, a building 
 committee was appointed. The plan was to 
 build a church, costing not to exceed $15,000. 
 October 30, 1864, a report shows that $9,904 
 had been subscribed. 
 
 March 31, 1866. Reverend Senour, after a 
 successful pastorate of three and a half years, 
 resigned and was succeeded by Rev. J S. 
 Grimes. The membership of the society was 
 now 187. 
 
 WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 
 
 The Westminster Presbyterian church was 
 organized as an offshoot from the First Congre- 
 gational church, January 3, 1856, many of its 
 charter members having come from the latter 
 society. The meeting for organization was held 
 in the old First Congregational church at the 
 corner of First and Walnut streets, where an 
 engine house now stands. Twenty-two mem- 
 bers were enrolled at this meeting. 
 
 Meetings were first held In the old court 
 house on North First street. A chapel was 
 erected that year on the present church site at 
 a cost of $600.00, which was occupied in the 
 fall. This soon proved to be too small and Me- 
 tropolitan Hall was utilized for church purposes 
 
 until the present structure was ready for occu- 
 pancy, which was completed in December, 1858, 
 and cost $12.000.00. 
 
 Of the charter members three are now liv- 
 ing, and are Joel B. Potter, at the age of ninety, 
 Mrs. Frances E. Wheat, at the age of eighty- 
 seven, and Mrs. E. T. Cleveland, aged seventy. 
 
 The names of 950 members have been 
 placed upon the rolls of this society since its or- 
 ganization. 
 
 The present membership is 285. The en- 
 rollment of the Sunday school is 86. 
 
 The following pastors have served this so- 
 ciety: Revs. Morrison Muggins, L. H. Johnson, 
 Charles Mattoon, Charles A. Williams, W. S. 
 Curtis, D. D., J. H Ritchie. T. S. Scott, S. 
 L. Conde, W. M. Campbell, W. L. Wilcox and 
 John Henry Boose. 
 
 The membership of this society is not large, 
 but it has never asked nor accepted outside aid. 
 It has been a liberal giver, and can be relied 
 upon to do its share of benevolent work. 
 
 The foundation for the new church edifice 
 was laid in 1868 and the building was dedicated 
 by the Reverend Grimes December 20, 1868. 
 The present lecture room was built in 1872 at a 
 cost of $ 1 ,000, under the pastorate of Rev. A. J. 
 Leyenberger who commenced his labors for the 
 society March 6, 1870, and continued until the 
 spring of 1874. Rev. James Cruickshanks be- 
 came the pastor of the church December 23, 
 1874. The report shows that at this time the 
 new church front had been completed at a cost 
 of $10,000. 
 
 Rev. J. K. Fowler began his pastorate the 
 first Sunday in January, 1878. In 1881 the 
 church was remodeled and improved, at a cost 
 of $5,145. At this time $50,000 had been ex- 
 pended in building operations. 
 
 Rev. John R. Sutherland, D. D., became 
 the pastor in 1887, and he was succeeded by 
 Rev. John Harkness, and he in turn by the 
 present pastor, Rev. B. E. S. Ely, who will cel- 
 ebrate his first decade in the service in 1904. 
 
 The society has expended for all purposes 
 about $150,000. 
 
 It is the purpose of this society to build a 
 new church edifice during the year of its first 
 semi-centennial, which occurs in 1904. The 
 
ROC K FO R D 
 
 sum subscribed for this purpose is now about 
 $27,OCO. 
 
 The present membership is now 559, and 
 the society is in a prosperous condition. 
 
 FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 
 
 The First Methodist Episcopal church of 
 Rockford was incorporated September 20, 1842, 
 with five members, as follows: Horace Miller, 
 James B. Martin, Samuel Gregory, Daniel 
 Beers, and Willard Wheeler. 
 
 which to build a church, and $2,312 were 
 subscribed. February 25, 1846, the ground for 
 the location of the church was purchased for 
 $325. This site is now occupied by the Cen- 
 tennial church and parsonage and which was 
 occupied by the First church and parsonage. 
 The First church was completed and dedicated 
 in 1848, under the pastorate of Rev. James E. 
 Wilson. March 13, 1848, a second subscrip- 
 tion for $2,069 was secured, making a total of 
 $4,381. The total cost of the church was 
 about $7,000. 
 
 FIRST CONGREGATIONAL EPISCOPAL 
 
 A GROUP OF CHURCHES 
 
 ST. MARY S 
 
 Preaching services had been held by various 
 Methodist clergymen in private houses at vari- 
 ous times, several years previously. 
 
 A parsonage was built in the summer of 
 1838, on the east side of the river, the lower 
 floor of which was used as a chapel, during the 
 ministry of Rev John Crummer. 
 
 The first Methodist service held in the 
 county was at the home of Henry Enoch, in 
 Guilford, Reverend Pillsbury preaching the 
 sermon. 
 
 December 6, 1845, subscription papers were 
 started for the purpose of raising funds with 
 
 A unique bit of history reveals the fact that 
 the present beautiful pulpit in the Centennial 
 church was made from the lumber designed for 
 the coffin of the first Methodist class leader in 
 Rockford, Lyford Gregory. 
 
 In 1858 the conference changed the name 
 of the church to that of First church. May 19, 
 1876, the First and Third Street churches 
 were united under the name Centennial church, 
 hence both of these churches are now but 
 matters of history. 
 
 The Third Street church was organized 
 January 9, 1858, as an offshoot from the First 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 church, with eighty members. A site was pur- 
 chased on North Third street for $1,200, and a 
 church was erected by John Early in 1858 at 
 a cost of $4,000. This church was dedicated 
 October 9, 1858, by Rev. Hooper Crews. A 
 parsonage was built on the same site in 1859, 
 at a cost of $600. In 1866 the church building 
 was enlarged at a cost of $1,800. In 1871 a 
 parsonage was bought on East State street for 
 $3.000, and the parsonage on Third street was 
 sold for $ 1 ,300. After a successful career of 
 eighteen years, as has been stated, this society 
 reunited with the parent church under the name 
 of the Centennial church, in 1876. 
 
 What is now the Centennial church has 
 enjoyed marked success during its history of 
 sixty-one years. It has had the ministrations 
 of thirty-eight pastors. Its present membership 
 is 500. The total cost of the church building 
 is $36,799.38, and the cost of maintenance 
 and other expenses during the sixty-one years, 
 or life of the church, would reach fully $1 85,000, 
 making a grand total of $221 ,799.38. 
 
 Following are the names of the pastors who 
 have served this church: Dr. Arnold, Wm. 
 Caddis, L. S. Walker, Nathan Jewett. S. H. 
 Stocking, John Crummer, Silas Boiler, Richard 
 Blanchard, Nathaniel P .Heath, C. D. Cahoon, 
 John Lucock, N. P. Heath, J. C. Park, 
 Wm. P. Jones, Francis A. Reed, Wm. Tasker, 
 James Baume, Hooper Crews, Lewis Anderson, 
 F. A. Reed, Joseph Hartwell, A. P. Mead, 
 David Teed, Joseph Odgers, Wm. H. Gloss, 
 Giles L. Wiley, Hooper Crews, Wm. A. 
 Spencer, Dr. G. R. Vanhorne, Wm. A. Smith, 
 Martin E. Cady, Fred Porter, J. S. Bell, J. R. 
 Hamilton, John Hall, W. W. Painter, John 
 Thompson and Harlow V. Holt, the present 
 pastor. The Rev. Charles Cahoon preached 
 only one sermon after coming to this charge, 
 when he died. 
 
 Francis A. Reed died in 1902. Wm. A. 
 Smith died and was succeeded by Rev Martin 
 E. Cady. James Hartwell died and was suc- 
 ceeded by Rev. A. P. Mead. 
 
 This society is free from debt and is gaining 
 renewed strength daily. Large additions have 
 been made to the membership under the pas- 
 torate of Reverend Holt, and the church edifice 
 
 is being modernized and thoroughly repaired. 
 The present improvements will cost about 
 $3,000. 
 
 The society is free from debt and is in a 
 very prosperous condition. 
 
 WINNEBAGO STREET CHURCH. 
 
 The Winnebago Street church had its origin 
 in a Sunday school, organized May 20, 1856, 
 which held its sessions first in a grove near the 
 river bank, and later in the Kent school by invi- 
 tation of the trustees. It is a matter of note 
 that during the time the sessions were held in 
 the grove, they were not interrupted by rain 
 or storm. 
 
 The school was under the supervision of 
 Court Street church, and as Winnebago Street 
 church is an outgrowth of the Sunday school, 
 this church is a daughter of Court Street church 
 and a grand daughter of the First church, now 
 the Centennial. 
 
 The church was organized March 4, 1864, 
 at the home of Israel Sovereign, with twenty- 
 three members. The cornerstone of the present 
 church edifice was laid August 24, 1864, and 
 the building was dedicated February 12, 1865, 
 by Rev. Thomas M. Eddy, and cost $8,000. 
 The parsonage was built in 1 867 and cost $ 1 ,250. 
 
 Following are the names of the pastors who 
 have served this society : Revs. Robert Bentley, 
 William D. Skelton, Henry L. Martin, John M. 
 Caldwell. F. A. Reed, R. S. Cantine, Win. S. 
 Harrington, W. H. Smith, J. M. Clendenning, 
 Wm. H. Haight, Henry Lea, J. W. Richards, 
 F. F. Farmiloe, M. L. Norris, and F. E. Hard- 
 ing, the present pastor. The present membership 
 is about 300. 
 
 The expenditures of the society for all 
 purposes have been about $60,000. 
 
 The church observed its thirty-ninth anni- 
 versary on June 14, 1903, which was by far the 
 most notable day in its history. It was not only 
 a day of jubilee, but one of ingathering of souls. 
 
 Rev. Joseph W. Powell of Buffalo, N. Y., 
 had charge of the meetings and secured sub- 
 scriptions to the amount of more than $12,000 
 for the purpose of building a new church edifice 
 which will stand on the present church site. 
 Work on the new structure will begin this year 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 and when completed will cost about $20,000. 
 South Rockford will then have one of the most 
 beautiful church edifices in the city. 
 
 SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 
 
 The Second Congregational church of Rock- 
 ford was organized in 1849, with forty seven 
 members, nearly all of whom had taken letters 
 from the First Congregational .church, on the 
 east side. 
 
 A meeting for preliminary organization was 
 held in the school house, on the west side Octo- 
 ber 30, 1849, at which it was determined to 
 hold a meeting November 14,1849, for perma- 
 nent organization. At this meeting articles of 
 faith and rules of government were adopted, and 
 Rev. Dexter Clary of Beloit, declared the 
 Second Congregational church of Rockford duly 
 organized. 
 
 The society purchased and occupied the 
 vacant building formerly occupied by the First 
 Congregational church. In 1851 this building 
 was found to be too small and its capacity was 
 increased by the addition of forty feet to its 
 length. 
 
 The rapid growth of the church as early as 
 1855, made the necessity for more room imper- 
 ative and the building of a new church was 
 determined upon. A committee was appointed 
 to carry out this determination. A site at the 
 corner of South Church and Chestnut streets 
 was purchased of L. H. Rood for $3,000. 
 Several plans for the building were submitted 
 to the committee, among which was that of 
 David and James Keyt of Piqua, Ohio. After 
 careful consideration of the plans and the 
 reliability of the architects, the contract 
 for the construction of the church was 
 awarded to the Ohio parties for $23,478.78. 
 The church was completed and dedicated 
 December 1. 1858. A pipe organ was placed 
 in the church in 1863, at a cost of $2,500. 
 
 The society purchased a parsonage in 1888, 
 at a cost of $9,000. 
 
 The growth of this society kept pace with 
 that of the city and in 1 889 the matter of build- 
 ing a new and larger church edifice was taken 
 up. For this purpose a subscription list was 
 
 started with the intention of raising $80,000. 
 The list was headed with a $10,000 subscription 
 by Ralph Emerson, and in a short time the 
 amount was practically provided for. A site 
 was purchased at the corner of North Church 
 and North streets. The corner stone was laid 
 in 1 89 1 , and the building was completed and 
 dedicated May 8, 1892. This was one of the 
 most noted church events in the history of 
 Rockford. The building was one of the finest 
 church edifices in the west, but it met a fateful 
 day on Tuesday, February 20, 1894, when it 
 was destroyed by fire. The destruction of this 
 beautiful church was felt to be a public calamity, 
 but the society did not despair. Immediate 
 steps were taken to rebuild. The work was 
 pushed vigorously forward and on the second day 
 of the following December the church was 
 rededicated. 
 
 The pipe organ destroyed with the church, 
 cost $8,000, and the present organ was priced 
 at $9.000, but was placed in the church for 
 $8.500. It is a matter of note that Mrs. 
 Chandler Starr has given twenty-seven years of 
 service as organist, to this society. 
 
 The present membership of this society is 
 815. The total membership is 1,681. The 
 society has expended for real estate, buildings, 
 current expenses and benevolence more than 
 $500,000. Its net membership is 805. 
 
 The following pastors have served the 
 church: Revs. Lansing Porter, Joseph Emerson, 
 J. E. Walton, M. P. Kinney, Frank P. Wood- 
 bury, W. M. Barrows, W. C. Haskell, and 
 Peter M. Snyder, an average service of nearly 
 seven years. 
 
 Sixteen different persons have served as 
 deacons, one of which, W. A. Dickerman, 
 served forty-three years, and Benjamin Blake- 
 man forty years 
 
 Seven different persons have served as clerk 
 and treasurer, and eight as clerk. Five have 
 served as treasurer. Thomas D. Robertson 
 was treasurer for thirty-three years. 
 
 Thirty-three different persons have served 
 as trustees, of which G. A. Sanford served 
 thirty years. 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 73 
 
 AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 
 
 This is the first church for colored people 
 established in Rockford. It was instituted in 
 1891, with seven members and has steadily 
 increased in numbers to fifty-two. 
 
 At the time of the establishment of this 
 church many of the colored people were allied 
 to other churches, but have gradually withdrawn 
 from these and united with their own people. 
 
 The society purchased a site of 55 feet front 
 on Elm street and 1 55 feet on South Winnebago 
 street, upon which is a building used for church 
 purposes. The building has a seating capacity of 
 135 and is usually well attended at the regular 
 services. The property cost the society $2,000 
 upon which a debt remains of $1 ,085. This the 
 society hopes to pay in the near future. 
 
 The Sunday school has an average attend- 
 ance of thirty-five pupils. 
 
 The following pastors have served this 
 society. Revs. F. B. Jones, J. C. Anderson, 
 Richmond Taylor, Lewis Dixon, Sandy Mc- 
 Dowell, P. P. Taylor and S. B. Moore, the 
 present pastor, who came in October, 1900. 
 
 The total amount of money expended for all 
 purposes is about $5,000. 
 
 ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH. 
 
 St. James congregation was organized in 
 1850, and in the following year Rev. John 
 Hampston was appointed pastor by Bishop 
 Van de Velde. In 1852 Father Hampston 
 erected a small wooden church and frame 
 dwelling at the corner of North Second and 
 Prairie streets. It was not until 1 866, under 
 the pastorate of Rev. J. S. O'Neill, that a 
 structure adequate to the needs of the growing 
 congregation, was built on the adjoining lot. 
 
 This parish originally included the eastern 
 half of Winnebago county and a part of Ogle 
 county, but now contains four churches, the most 
 important of which is St. Mary's, in West Rock- 
 ford, which was built in 1885 by the Rev. E. H. 
 Murphy, now of Chicago. 
 
 St. James church has had the services of 
 the following pastors: Revs. John Hampston, 
 George Hamilton, William Lambert, J. Bulger, 
 John P. Donelan, J. S. O'Neill, Joseph Mc- 
 
 Mahon, J. T. Butler and James J. Flaherty, the 
 present pastor. 
 
 The parochial residence was built by the 
 Rev. Dr. Butler in 1873, and the school, a fine 
 brick structure, by the present pastor, in 1891. 
 The Dominican Sisters have charge of the 
 school. 
 
 The present church was built in 1866, and 
 cost $20,000. Improvements are being made, 
 which when completed will bring the total cost 
 up to $35,000. The parochial school cost 
 $17,000, and the residence cost $8,000, mak- 
 ing a total of $60,000 for real estate and 
 improvements. 
 
 For maintenance and various church pur- 
 poses the society has expended $252,837, mak- 
 ing a grand total of $312,837 expenditure. 
 
 Father James J. Flaherty has faithfully 
 served this society during the last eighteen years 
 and has earned the kind regards of not only his 
 parishoners but of the people of the entire com- 
 munity. Rev. Frank P. Murphy is serving as 
 assistant to Father Flaherty. 
 
 CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 
 
 The Central Christian church is one of the 
 more recently organized societies, and has made 
 rapid progress. With twenty-three members 
 and an unauspicious beginning November 20, 
 1898, it has had a most wonderful and success- 
 ful career. 
 
 The noted evangelist, E. C. Prather, organ- 
 ized the society after holding a series of meetings 
 in 1898. In 1899 Dr. D. R. Lucas, national 
 chaplain of the G. A. R., was called to the 
 pastorate, and during his pastorate meetings 
 were held in the Y. M. C. A. hall In Septem- 
 ber, 1900, Rev. O. F. Jordon was called to the 
 pastorate in which capacity he is still serving. 
 
 April 14, 1901, the society dedicated its 
 first house of worship, at the corner of South 
 Church and Chestnut streets. On May 1 , 1903, 
 the membership had increased to 145. Its total 
 membership represents 179 individuals. The 
 society has expended for all purposes $8,510. 
 
 FIRST SWEDISH LUTHERAN CHURCH. 
 
 The First Swedish Lutheran church was 
 organized January 15, 1854, with a membership 
 of seventy-seven. The first church building 
 
74 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 was a wooden structure and cost $ 1 ,600. The 
 church was dedicated November 23, 1856, 
 by Dr. Hasselquist preaching the dedicatory 
 sermon. 
 
 Rev. A. Andren was called to the first pas- 
 torate, and began his service in August, 1856. 
 Reverend Andren built a parsonage on the 
 church lot, which he sold to the society upon 
 the termination of his pastorate, in 1860. The 
 seating capacity of the first church was about 
 300. The growth of the society increased so 
 rapidly that more room became a necessity and 
 the construction of a brick church on the present 
 church site, was begun in 1868 and completed 
 in 1869, at a cost of $23,000. 
 
 This edifice also proved to be inadequate for 
 the needs of the society as early as 1883, when 
 the present church was built. The old structure 
 was removed and its place occupied by the 
 present beautiful building which cost $76,000, 
 and has a seating capacity of about 2,000. 
 
 This society has had a remarkable growth 
 from its organization to the present time. The 
 original membership of seventy seven has been 
 increased to 2,200 during the forty-nine years 
 of its history. The original membership of Zion 
 Lutheran church came from this church, but 
 this did not seem to retard its growth. The 
 society is free from debt and is contemplating 
 the building of a fine parsonage, which will 
 doubtless be accomplished in 1904. 
 
 This society will celebrate its semi-centennial 
 anniversary in February, 1904, which occasion 
 will be one of the most important in its history. 
 
 The following pastors have served this 
 church: Revs. A. Andren, A. W. Dahlsten, 
 G. Peters, L. Johnston. Jarl Haff, and J. F. 
 Seedoff. The Reverend Peters served contin- 
 uously for twenty-two and a half years, and the 
 Reverend Johnston eight years. Reverend Haff 
 died in 1896, after serving about one year. 
 The present pastor. Reverend Seedoff, succeeded 
 the Reverend Haff, and has served continuously 
 since. 
 
 In 1902 the society expended for all pur- 
 poses $ 1 1 ,000, and the total expenditures during 
 its work of nearly fifty years will reach the large 
 sum of $360,000. 
 
 The organ in this church cost $3,500. The 
 society is one of the strongest and most flour- 
 
 ishing in the state. The attendance from 
 Sunday to Sunday has a large representation of 
 men, and the average attendance is about 1 ,800. 
 
 TRINITY ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH. 
 
 The Trinity English Lutheran church, located 
 on North First street, is one of the later additions 
 to the large number of beautiful church edifices 
 of the city. It is a brick structure and cost 
 $18,500. 
 
 This church society was organized March 
 10, 1895, with only forty members Services 
 were first held in the Y. M. C. A. building and 
 later in the old Christian church. In 1898 the 
 society purchased the old church property for 
 $3,400. The old church edifice was torn down 
 and the erection of the present church building 
 was commenced in 1900. The building was 
 completed and dedicated December 16, 1900. 
 
 Rev. W. H. Maans was the organizer of 
 this society and was its pastor until he was suc- 
 ceeded by the present pastor, Rev. H. M. 
 Bannen, who took up the work April 1 , 1 896. 
 
 The society has expended about $22,000 in 
 its church property and the total amount of 
 money raised for all purposes during its history 
 will reach $42.000. 
 
 The society is free from debt and in a pros- 
 perous condition. The total membership is 490. 
 The Sunday school is one of the important 
 features in the work of this society and has an 
 enrollment of 650. 
 
 ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH. 
 
 St. Mary's Catholic church was organized 
 in 1885 by the Rev. E. H. Murphy, now of 
 Chicago. This church was formed by an over- 
 flow membership from St. James church on the 
 east side of the river, but is now one of the most 
 important churches in the diocese. The present 
 membership is about 3,000 and is constantly 
 growing. 
 
 Since the pastorate of the Rev. E. A. 
 Murphy, there have been the following pastors : 
 Revs. M. McLaughlin, M. McMann, S. P. 
 Byrne, R. Solan, John Harrington, Paul Burke, 
 and John Darsey, A. Carr and Stephen Woulf, 
 assistant priests. 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 75 
 
 The site for St. Mary's church cost $8,500. 
 The church building cost $50,000, and the 
 parochial residence cost $3,500, making a total 
 value of $62,000 for society property. For 
 maintenance and other objects about $150,000 
 has been expended. Adding this to church 
 property and $212,000 represents the total ex- 
 penditures of money by this society, for all 
 purposes. 
 
 Rev. M. McLaughlin died while serving as 
 pastor. 
 
 GRACE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 
 
 Grace Methodist church is one of the later 
 church societies which was organized in West 
 Rockford in the fall of 1891. This thriving ad- 
 dition to the city had reached a point when many 
 of its citizens felt the need of more convenient 
 church privileges, and the organization of the 
 Grace church was the outcome of this condition. 
 
 A meeting was called and the desire for the 
 organization of a Methodist society prevailed. 
 The charter membership numbered thirty-nine. 
 
 Some of these were from other churches, but 
 this society cannot be considered as an offshoot 
 from any other. 
 
 The site for the church edifice cost $1 ,800. 
 The building cost originally $5,500, but additions 
 were recently made at a cost of $2,000. The 
 parsonage property cost $2,500. 
 
 The church was organized under the admin- 
 istration of Presiding Elder Haight, and the first 
 pastor was Rev. Frank D. Sheets who served 
 five years. He was followed by Rev. Frank 
 McNamer, who served two years. He was 
 succeeded by Rev. 'J. B. Robinson and he in 
 turn by Rev. Thomas E. Ream. The present 
 pastor, Rev. E. K. D. Hester, took up the work 
 in 1902. 
 
 The society is in a prosperous condition and 
 is constantly growing. The present membership 
 is 280. 
 
 The total value of church property is $1 1 ,800, 
 The society has expended for all purposes about 
 $42,000. 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 DR. BROUGHTON'S SANITARIUM. 
 
 Dr. Broughton's Sanitarium for the treat- 
 ment and care of those suffering from alcohol, 
 other drug habits and special nervous troubles, 
 has maintained its hold on first place in its field 
 and is widening its beneficent work every day. 
 
 ist in the treatment of nervous diseases and 
 those attributable to drug and alcoholic addic- 
 tions, he. was most cordially assisted by his fel- 
 low physicians having patients requiring such 
 treatment. During his long service at Dwight 
 
 DR. BROUGHTON'S SANITARIUM 
 
 About three years ago, Dr. Broughton, who had 
 for many years previous been employed by Dr. 
 Keeley at his Dwight Institute, leased Dr. Ran- 
 som's Sanitarium property located on Rock 
 river, opposite Harlem Park, and began the work 
 he had so well fitted himself for. 
 
 A physician of the most ethical kind himself, 
 and having earned a high reputation as a special- 
 
 he formed an acquaintance which encirled the 
 globe. He found that he had friends in every 
 civilized country who were glad to direct afflicted 
 ones to him. 
 
 This recognition resulted in a greater num- 
 ber of patients coming to him than he could ac- 
 commodate in the up-river home, so he pur- 
 chased the Keyt mansion on the Rock river, just 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 77 
 
 south of the city, opening the new place in June, 
 1902. 
 
 The Keyt residence has long been famed for 
 its elegance in architecture, its spacious rooms 
 and costly construction. For many years it 
 stood as a model of fine residence building. It 
 originally cost $30,000.00, and this amount has 
 
 finished differently and furnished in home like 
 fashion. The first and second floors were also 
 redecorated throughout, and the basement was 
 entirely made over for the opening of a large 
 dining room, club room, kitchen and other rooms. 
 The beautifully carved wood work was refinished 
 all over the house and restored to the beauty 
 
 
 AN INTERIOR IN DR. BROUGHTON'S SANITARIUM 
 
 been increased by later improvements, before 
 Dr. Broughton purchased it. 
 
 He immediately began a series of expendi- 
 tures which were to provide every convenience. 
 No expense was spared in refitting the home for 
 Sanitarium purposes. 
 
 The great ball-room on the third floor was 
 partitioned for sleeping rooms. Each room was 
 
 which it mirrored when the house was first 
 opened. A complete system of plumbing, hot 
 water, heating and electric lighting appliances 
 was installed. 
 
 The grounds which cover twelve acres and 
 support the most varied and well cultured forest 
 in this section were carefully groomed. 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 The doctor never paused in his work until 
 he had placed the whole in the state of perfec- 
 tion he had always hoped to attain. 
 
 While the premises are less than two miles 
 from the center of the city, they are so nestled 
 among the trees and shrubbery that the utmost 
 seclusion is insured, and one is as totally apart 
 from city life as in a dense, remote woodland. 
 
 straint, though the clock work of the controlling 
 power moves incessantly. 
 
 Patients from every state in the union come 
 to the Sanitarium. It is not uncommon to hear 
 one say that he has traveled a thousand miles to 
 reach Rockford. 
 
 Dr. Broughton's methods for treating his 
 special class of diseases are confined to purely 
 
 bOUTH MAIN STREET IN FRONT OF BROUGHTON'S SANITARIUM 
 
 The charm and quiet of the place is especially 
 desirable in the treatment of nervous diseases.' 
 The management of the Sanitarium is per- 
 fect. Dr. and Mrs. Broughton seem fitted by 
 nature for the care of such an institution. The 
 strictest discipline is maintained in so kindly a 
 way, that the place has none of the air of re- 
 
 medical lines. He is not exploiting any proprie- 
 tary remedy of any nature, kind or description. 
 His is but a hospital for the treatment of habit- 
 ual diseases along the lines any other specialist 
 would act. 
 
 Unfortunately the recruits to this institution 
 do not seem to grow less. The number he has 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 79 
 
 cured does not seem to diminish the supply, for 
 the rooms are continuously occupied. 
 
 The present large building, which at one 
 time appeared so roomy, is now too small for 
 his needs. If he decides to extend his care to 
 all who apply for relief, another building will be 
 required. 
 
 The Broughton Sanitarium is one of the in- 
 stitutions of which Rockford people are justly 
 proud. Its high professional character, coupled 
 with the personal worth of its proprietor, has won 
 the respect of all. 
 
 AN INTERIOR IN DR. BROUGHTON'S SANITARIUM 
 
8o 
 
 RO C K FO R D 
 
 SCHMAUSS COMPANY. 
 
 Leonard and Joseph Schmauss successors 
 to Leonard Schmauss, their father, in the meat 
 business, have established a large wholesale and 
 retail trade. They buy and slaughter only the 
 best stock the market affords. By this means, 
 together with upright and honorable dealing, they 
 
 They give employment to fifty people in the 
 different departments of their business and are 
 making additions and improvements to their 
 facilities each year. The volume of business 
 is constantly increasing and their customers are 
 found in towns many miles from Rockford. 
 
 have built up a large business. Their market at 
 3!3 East State street, is shown in the cut, and 
 is the finest and most conveniently and thoroughly 
 equipped place of business of the kind in the 
 city, or in this section of the country. 
 
 Besides this central place of business, they 
 operate fine markets on West State, South Main, 
 and Seventh streets, in this city. 
 
 There is scarcely a town in northern Illinois 
 or southern Wisconsin that does not get con- 
 siderable of its meat supply from Schmauss 
 Company. 
 
 Schmauss Brothers own a large amount of 
 city and landed property, and are foremost in 
 making permanent improvements and in beauti- 
 fying the city. 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 ft, 
 si 
 
 SKANDIA HARDWARE COMPANY. 
 
 This institution was established October 10, 
 1 892, and is one of the youngest, and still one 
 of the most prominent industries in the city. It 
 is located at 327-329 Seventh street. The 
 store itself is a beautiful and attractive business 
 place. 
 
 hardware, tinware, builders' hardware, machin- 
 ists tools and everything found in a first class 
 up to-date hardware store. 
 
 The present managers have had charge of 
 the business since its inception. The officers 
 are Sanford Olson, manager ; J. T. Peters, sec- 
 
 SKANDIA HARDWARE COMPANY. 
 
 The company has built up a very successful 
 business by strict integrity, close attention to 
 business, and by handling nothing but desirable 
 goods. 
 
 They keep a complete line of shelf and heavy 
 
 retary; Enoch Nicholson, head salesman; Charles 
 Carlson, head of stove department, and Frank 
 Turnos in charge of the tinners' department. A 
 cut of the Skandia Hardware Co.'s building ac- 
 companies this sketch. 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 O. W. JOHNSON. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born in 
 Ontario, Canada, in 1873, and came to Rock- 
 ford in 1894. when he engaged in business with 
 Root, Johnson & Co. He continued with this 
 firm one year, when J. E. Johnson and Tilson 
 bought the interest of Mr. Root, Mr. O. W. 
 Johnson remaining with the firm 
 
 In 1899 he purchased the interest of J. E. 
 Johnson and the firm continued as Johnson Si 
 
 systems in the country, where their goods are 
 kept sound and fresh and are delivered to the 
 dealer in the best possible condition. In con- 
 nection with fruits and vegetables, the company 
 handles, annually, millions of eggs. 
 
 An office is maintained at 105 South Water 
 street, Chicago, from which point Wisconsin, 
 Illinois and a part of Indiana are supplied with 
 goods. The Rockford trade covers northern 
 
 Tilson. In 1901 Mr. Frank Ward bought the 
 interest of Mr. Tilson and these parties have 
 since constituted the firm. A general commis- 
 sion and wholesale business is carried on by 
 this firm. Vegetables and fruits of all kinds 
 are handled in carload lots or in smaller quan- 
 tities. They have one of the finest cold-storage 
 
 Illinois and southern Wisconsin. In order to 
 handle the trade in central Wisconsin the firm 
 has opened a branch office at Madison, which 
 point will be used as a purchasing point for eggs 
 as well as a distributing point for fruits and 
 vegetables. 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL 
 
 HON. WILLIAM LATHROP. 
 
 Hon. William Lathrop was born in Stafford, 
 Genesee county. New York, April 17, 1825> 
 and was educated in the public schools. 
 
 Mr. Lathrop studied law at Atica, New 
 York, and was admitted to the bar in 1850. 
 He removed to Knox county, Illinois, in the 
 spring of 1850, and to Rockford January 1, 
 1851 , where he has since resided. 
 
 When the city government was organized in 
 1852 he was elected to the office of city clerk. 
 
 Mr. Lathrop is not a politician, but was 
 elected to congress on the Republican ticket in 
 
 and Robert are attorneys and have offices in 
 the building with their father. The family resi- 
 dence is at No. 408 Rockton avenue. 
 
 HON. WILLIAM LATHROP. 
 
 1876, and served one term with marked ability 
 and to the satisfaction of his constituents. He 
 has a large law practice and enjoys the confi- 
 dence of the people of the community. 
 
 Mr. Lathrop was married to Miss Adeline 
 Potter of Rockford, and has five children, Julia, 
 Anna, Edward, William and Robert. Edward 
 
 RALPH EMERSON. 
 
 Ralph Emerson, son of Ralph and Eliza 
 (Rockwell) Emerson, was born at Andover, 
 Mass., May 3, 1831. He was a teacher in 
 New England, where he also studied law. He 
 removed to Bloomington, Illinois, when twenty 
 years of age, where he continued the study of 
 law. He became intimately acquainted with 
 Abraham Lincoln, which acquaintance continued 
 
 RALPH EMERSON. 
 
 during the life of the latter. Through Mr. 
 Lincoln's advice, he abandoned law and engaged 
 in industrial pursuits. 
 
 He removed first to Beloit, Wis., and to 
 Rockford in 1852, where he has since resided. 
 He first engaged in the hardware business and 
 then became a manufacturer. He has been 
 prominently connected, either as president, vice- 
 
8 4 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 president, director, trustee, sole owner, leading 
 partner, or otherwise, with the organization and 
 working of over forty different manufacturing, 
 commercial, financial, agricultural, educational 
 and charitable enterprises, some of national 
 reputation. 
 
 These enterprises include such interests as 
 the manufacture of agricultural implements, 
 knitting machines, hosiery, cotton goods, woolen 
 goods, lumber, two insurance companies, two 
 national banks, and two electric companies, one 
 of which does the entire electric lighting of the 
 city of Rockford. He at one time owned a 
 farm with over three square miles under the plow. 
 
 He is still in active control of several of 
 Rockford's most important industries. He is 
 president of the Emerson Manufacturing Com- 
 pany, one of the largest institutions in the 
 country. 
 
 Mr. Emerson married Miss Adeline Elizabeth 
 Talcott, daughter of Hon. Wait and Elizabeth 
 Anna (Norton) Talcott, September 7, 1858. 
 She was born at Vernon, Oneida county, N. Y., 
 October 12, 1837, and was graduated at 
 Rutger's College. New York City, with the class 
 of 1856, and previous to marriage taught school 
 at Rockton and Rockford. 
 
 Mrs. Emerson has occupied positions of 
 great honor and importance in philanthropic, 
 patriotic and social organizations, not only in the 
 city, but in state and national organizations, 
 representing some of them as delegate at inter- 
 national conventions in Europe and elsewhere. 
 Her printed volumes, "Love Bound and Other 
 Poems" and "Memorial" of her son, have met 
 with a glad welcome and high commendation. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Emerson have had eight chil- 
 dren, five of whom are now living: Adeline 
 Eliza, wife of Norman Frederick Thompson, 
 banker in Rockford; Harriet Elizabeth, wife of 
 William E. Hinchliff, manufacturer of Rockford; 
 Mary, wife of Edward Potter Lathrop, lawyer in 
 Rockford; Charlotte Belle, wife of Darwin Mill 
 Keith, M. D., of Rockford; and Dora Bay, wife 
 of Prof. William Morton Wheeler, Ph. D., cura- 
 tor in the American Museum of Natural History, 
 New York City. The family residence is at 
 No. 427 North Church street. 
 
 CAPT. JOHN H. SHERRATT. 
 
 Captain John Hall Sherratt was born in 
 Winnebago county. Illinois, April 12, 1 844, and 
 
 CAPT. JOHN H. SHERRATT. 
 
 was educated in the public schools. His parents, 
 Thomas and Lydia Holmes Sherratt, were 
 among the early settlers of the county and first 
 resided upon a farm, but later his father opened 
 a harness shop in Rockford. August 7, 1862, 
 he enlisted as a private in the 74th Illinois vol- 
 unteers. The regiment was with the army of 
 the Cumberland and participated in several of 
 the most noted battles of the war. He was 
 mustered out of service January 31 , 1866, with 
 the rank of captain. Upon returning to Rock- 
 ford, he became identified with the Rockford 
 Insurance Company, as general agent for a time 
 and later as assistant secretary. January 1 , 
 1880, he severed his connection with the Rock- 
 ford and became the secretary of the Forest 
 City Insurance Company, which position he held 
 ten years, and was then elected president, which 
 position he still holds. He was a director of the 
 Third National Bank for several years, and at 
 the death of Mr. Spafford, in 1897, was elected 
 president of this institution. Under his admin- 
 istration the business of the bank has met with 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 marked success, and is one of the strong finan- 
 cial institutions of the city. Captain Sherratt 
 was elected mayor of Rockford in 1889, and 
 served two years. He assisted in the organiza- 
 tion of the Country Club and was its first presi- 
 dent. He is a member of the G. A. R. and 
 Military Order of the Loyal Legion. He is the 
 president of the board of trustees of Rockford 
 College and a trustee of the Rockford City Hos- 
 pital, in both of which institutions he is deeply 
 interested. Captain Sherratt wa? married to Miss 
 Harriett E. Wight, daughter of Hon. James 
 M.Wight, of Rockford, July 9, 1873. Mrs. 
 Sherratt is prominent in literary circles, is the 
 author of " Mexican Vistas," and several beau- 
 tiful poems. The family residence is at No. 1907 
 Harlem avenue. 
 
 HON ARTHUR H FROST. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born in 
 St. Johnsbury, Vermont, May 12, 1856, and 
 came to RockforH in 1*l. where he received 
 
 of states attorney in 1892, and re-elected in 
 1896 and 1900. He resigned this office Feb- 
 ruary 24, 1901, and was elected judge of the 
 circuit court February 25, the same year, and 
 was re-elected to this office June 1, 1903. 
 
 Judge Frost has executed the duties pertain- 
 ing to these several judicial offices with distinct- 
 tion and fidelity, and enjoys the confidence of 
 the bar and the people, without exception. 
 
 He practiced law as a member of the firm of 
 Frost & McEvoy, from December, 1888 to 
 March, 1901, with marked success. 
 
 Socially he is a member of the K. of P. and 
 the Masonic order. 
 
 He was married to Miss Ida Southgate, May 
 17, 1883, and has four children: Bertha Helen, 
 aged 19; Raymond Southgate, aged 17; Arthur 
 H., aged 12, and Walter K , aged 7. The 
 family residence is at No 712 North Church 
 street. 
 
 HON. RUFUS C. BAILEY. 
 
 Hon Rufus C. Bailey was born in Auburn, 
 Maine. July 28, 1833. His primary education 
 
 HON. ARTHUR H. FROST. 
 
 his education, being a graduate from the East 
 Side High School. 
 
 Judge Frost studied law in the office of the 
 late N. C. Warner, and was admitted to the bar 
 January 19, 1879. He was elected to the office 
 
 HON. RUFUS C. BAILEY. 
 
 was received in the public schools of his native 
 town, and preparation for college was made in 
 
86 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 the Auburn and Waterville academies. He was 
 graduated from the scientific department of 
 Amherst College in 1855, and came to Rock- 
 ford in October of that year. 
 
 He served as a civil engineer from 1855 to 
 1858 and then took up the study of law. He 
 was admitted to the bar August 18, 1860, and 
 practiced this profession in this city until 1873, 
 when he was elected county judge which office 
 he has held with honor and distinction continu- 
 ously since. He was made city clerk in 1860 
 and held the office during six years. In 1863 
 he was elected to the office of city attorney. 
 
 It is an unprecedented fact that Judge Bailey 
 has most acceptably filled the office of county 
 judge in Winnebago county a greater number of 
 years than any other incumbent in the history 
 of the county. 
 
 Judge and Mrs. Bailey reside at No. 702 
 North Main street. 
 
 GILBERT WOODRUFF. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born Nov. 
 30, 1817, at Watertown, N, Y., and is a son of 
 Mr. ar.d Mrs. Frederick Woodruff. During his 
 boyhood days he attended public school during 
 the winter terms and worked on his father's 
 farm during the summer. Having completed 
 the common branches then taught in the public 
 schools, he engaged, while still young, in the 
 grocery business with a small capital, in his native 
 city. At the end of six months he sold out his 
 stock and opened a large store, which he con- 
 ducted most successfully for two and a half years. 
 By prudent and economical management during 
 this time he had increased his capital so that he 
 was enabled to invest considerable sums in real 
 estate, and this business soon assumed large pro- 
 portions. While engaged in the real estate busi- 
 ness be built many important siructures, among 
 which was the Washington Hall block in Water- 
 town. In 1857, he closed out his business in 
 the east and removed to Dubuque, Iowa, where 
 he spent a year looking after his financial inter- 
 ests. While engaged in the real estate business 
 in Watertown, he loaned considerable money to 
 parties in Wisconsin and Iowa, and had also In- 
 vested in lands in both states. Mr. Woodruff 
 came to Rockford in 1858, and during the first 
 
 three years was engaged in the real estate busi- 
 ness, exchanging his Wisconsin and Iowa lands 
 for property in Rockford and vicinity. During 
 this time he became possessed of forty farms in 
 Winnebago and Ogle counties, which he after- 
 ward exchanged for city property. Rockford 
 owes much of its prosperity, beauty and progress 
 to the enterprise and devoted public spirit of 
 such men as Mr. Woodruff has proved himself 
 to be. He has ever taken a lively interest in all 
 progressive improvements for the betterment 
 and welfare of the city, and acceptably served 
 as its mayor from 1873 to 1875. Woodruff's 
 addition to the city will become an honorable 
 monument to the family. He has seen the 
 place grow from an humble village to the mag- 
 nificent proportions of a beautiful city and has 
 personally aided, by his influence and a liberal 
 use of his money, in securing the location of 
 manufacturing and industrial institutions in 
 
 GILBERT WOODRUFF. 
 
 Rockford until it is conceded to be one of the 
 most important manufacturing centers west of 
 Chicago. 
 
 He was one of the originators of the 
 Rockford National Bank and was elected its 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 president in 1871, which office he has success- 
 fully administered continuously since. He was 
 one of the founders of the Forest City Insurance 
 Company in 1873 and acted as its president for 
 many years. In 1875 he organized the Forest 
 City Furniture Company of which he is still 
 president, and this has become one of the 
 largest industries in the city. To him is due a 
 great share of the credit for the development 
 and wonderful growth of the busy business 
 thoroughfare known as Seventh street. He was 
 among the first to erect business buildings in 
 that section, had firm faith in the future of the 
 street and has expended much money in business 
 blocks along it, adding greatly to its beauty and 
 stability. He can rightly be termed the Father 
 of Seventh street, and its marvelous growth has 
 always been to him a matter of special pride 
 and satisfaction. 
 
 He also built two of the finest business blocks 
 on West State street, one of which is the 
 Rockford National Bank building and the 
 other the Woodruff block, just across the street. 
 To him can also be given much of the credit 
 for the excellent street railway system enjoyed 
 by Rockford today. He invested heavily in the 
 property when it was far from a paying propo- 
 sition, assisted in bringing about a reorganization 
 and consolidation of the two city lines, together 
 with the inter-urbans, with the result that the 
 service has been perfected, the lines extended, 
 and it is today one of the best investments in 
 the west. He was one of the organizers and a 
 heavy stockholder in the Insurance Company of 
 the State of Illinois, of Rockford, and was ever 
 willing to back his faith in its future with his 
 money. Time showed his wisdom and the 
 company is now on a solid, paying basis. 
 
 Mr. Woodruff is an active member of the 
 First Congregational church of Rockford. He 
 is one of the trustees of Rockford College, which 
 ranks high among the educational institutions of 
 the west. He is a staunch republican. Socially 
 he leads a quiet, unostentatious life and is 
 always accessible to the most humble of his 
 fellow citizens. He has bestowed with a liberal 
 hand and an unselfish spirit in all cases of 
 necessity and distress when called upon for aid. 
 In his business career and through life he has 
 maintained a reputation of the highest integrity 
 
 and most scrupulous honesty and among the 
 long list of Rockford's honored citizens there are 
 none more highly honored and esteemed than is 
 Mr. Woodruff, the quiet citizen. 
 
 Mr. Woodruff was married to Miss Nancy 
 Fay in 1840, and seven children were born to 
 them, four of whom are still living, they being 
 Mrs. Sarah W. Parmele. Volney D. Woodruff, 
 Mrs. Duncan H. Ferguson and William F. 
 Woodruff. 
 
 Mrs. Woodruff died in 1875, and in 1879 
 Mr Woodruff was married to Mrs. Augusta 
 Todd and they now reside at the old homestead 
 on South Third street. 
 
 HON. E. B. SUMNER. 
 
 attorney and counselor-at-law, was born in Peca- 
 tonica, Illinois. Nov. 14, 1850, and was grad- 
 
 HON. E B. SUMNER. 
 
 uated from the Rockford High School, class of 
 1866, In 1867 he entered the University of 
 Michigan, and was graduated from the Literary 
 department in 1873, and was admitted to the 
 bar for the practice of law, at Detroit the same 
 year. His admission to the practice of law in 
 Illinois, took place at Mount Vernon, June, 1873. 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 He then located in Rockford where he has since 
 resided. He was elected city attorney in 1879, 
 and to the lower house of the state legislature in 
 1 880 and re-elected in 1882. He was elected 
 to the state senate in 1884 and served four 
 years. He filled the office of Vice- President 
 of the Rockford Forest City Bank for some 
 time. Mr. Sumner has a large amount of fine 
 city and farm property, to the care of which he 
 devotes the most of his time. He is always 
 accessible to his many friends and is able to give 
 counsel or advice in matters political or finan- 
 cial. He is a bachelor and resides at 516 
 North Church street. 
 
 with great success the remainder of his life. 
 He was widely known in the glove trade and was 
 one of the largest dealers in the country. 
 
 While he was deeply absorbed in his own 
 business, he always manifested a lively interest 
 
 HENRY W. PRICE. 
 
 Henry W. Price, one of Rockford's most 
 eminent citizens and city builders, was born in 
 Lakeville, Genesee county, New York, May 22, 
 1837. His parents removed to Chicago while 
 he was but an infant, where they remained un- 
 til Henry was twelve years old. His father then 
 started for California to make his fortune in the 
 gold fields of that state, but died on the way. 
 The family then returned to Lakeville and 
 Henry made his home with his grandfather, 
 Deacon John Holmes, and attended school at 
 the Temple academy in Geneseo. 
 
 When eighteen years old he went to Buffalo 
 and bought a stock of shoes, where he remained 
 in trade until coming to Rockford in 1858. 
 Upon his arrival in the Forest City he at once 
 entered a business career which grew to such 
 proportions as to place him in the front ranks of 
 financiers and masters in giant business enter- 
 prises. His life was his business which was 
 conducted upon a scale that would cause one 
 less timid to hesitate. Mr. Price never faltered. 
 His plans in all business enterprises were well 
 laid and carried out with mathematical precision. 
 If they failed, it was not due to any lack on his 
 part, but to circumstances beyond his control. 
 He relied upon his own resources in planning for 
 future success for himself and the city he loved 
 so well. In the best sense of the term, he was 
 a self made man. 
 
 When first coming to Rockford he engaged 
 in the shoe business, but in 1860 he commenced 
 the manufacture of gloves, which he carried on 
 
 HENRY W. PRICE. 
 
 in the city's welfare, and to him belongs the 
 credit of promoting and instituting some of 
 Rockford's most valuable industries and im- 
 provements. Mr. Price was one of Rockford's 
 prominent citizens and, in fact, he had no peer 
 in his self-sacrificing liberality for the upbuilding 
 of the city. His life was a part of the city's 
 life, as he was one of its early settlers and it 
 grew to its present proud position under his 
 magic touch and inspiration. "New industries" 
 was the keynote he always sounded and others 
 would get into harmony with his music and 
 when all moved together, wonderful results 
 followed. 
 
 He it was who inspired the institution of the 
 watch factory, silver plate works, bolt works, 
 tack factory, city railway, and the Ingersoll 
 Milling Machine company. He invested large 
 sums of money in these industries, and in some 
 instances large sums were lost, but he pushed 
 all the harder to win success for the good of the 
 city. He favored public improvement notwith- 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 89 
 
 standing the fact that he would be heavily taxed 
 therefor. His civic pride, when placed in the 
 financial balance, outweighed all other consider- 
 ations. Among other public enterprises in 
 which he was a moving spirit, was the North 
 End addition in which he invested $250,000.00. 
 
 Mr. Price was the president of the H. W. 
 Price Glove Company, president of the Rockford 
 Silver Plate Company, and vice-president of the 
 Rockford City Railway Company, in all of which 
 institutions he was a heavy investor. Mr. Price 
 was liberal to a fault and many were the chari- 
 ties extended to both public and private enter- 
 prises. Mr. Price experienced heavy losses in 
 some of his enterprises, about $500,000 having 
 been swept away as reverses came, but at this 
 he did not falter. New energy was thrown into 
 his business and much of the losses recovered. 
 
 After spending the best part of his most 
 active and valuable life in the upbuilding of the 
 city of his adoption and of his best love, he was 
 called to his long home at five o'clock in the 
 afternoon of May 20, 1903. 
 
 Mr. Price married Miss Frances Irene War- 
 ner of Milan, Penn., in 1863, and had one child 
 who is Mrs. Maude Price Knight. Mrs. Price, 
 the daughter, Maude, and two grandchildren, 
 Henry Price Knight and Mary Daphne Knight, 
 are now living. The family residence is at 
 No. 929 North Main street. 
 
 NORMAN F. THOMPSON. 
 
 Norman F. Thompson was born in Perry, 
 Georgia, June 27, 1856, and came to Rockford 
 with his parents in 1857, where he received the 
 benefit of the city schools and where thorough 
 preparation was made for a broad and finished 
 education. He was graduated with honors from 
 the Yale University in the class of 1881, and 
 has since been identified with important business 
 interests in New York City, Buffalo and Rock- 
 ford. He was for several years connected with 
 the Equitable Mortgage Company of New York, 
 as assistant secretary and treasurer, and later 
 became the treasurer of the Equitable Securities 
 Company of New York. He resigned this 
 position to take charge of reorganizing a machine 
 screw company in Buffalo, and as assistant re- 
 ceiver of the Equitable Mortgage Company, 
 
 On the completion of this work he returned to 
 Rockford to take charge of the private affairs of 
 Mr. Ralph Emerson. 
 
 At the election of officers for the Manufac- 
 turers' National Bank in 1900, Mr. Thompson 
 was made the vice-president and acting officer 
 of this institution. His large experience in 
 connection with important financial institutions 
 in the east, made him a desirable person to fill 
 this important position in one of Rockford's 
 strongest, most reliable and deservedly popular 
 banking houses. 
 
 NORMAN F. THOMPSON. 
 
 Mr. Thompson was city treasurer from 1901 
 to 1903. He is trustee for the Y. M. C. A. 
 and Archean Union, No. 1 . Socially he is a 
 member of the Twentieth Century Club, Chi- 
 cago; Graduates Club, New Haven, Conn.; 
 Bankers Club, Chicago; and Country Club and 
 Beefsteak Club of Rockford. He is a member 
 of the board of directors of the Burson Knitting 
 Company and the Manufacturers' National 
 Bank. 
 
 Mr. Thompson married Adaline E. Emerson, 
 oldest daughter of Ralph Emerson, on January 
 10, 1883. Their children are Norman F. 
 Thompson, Jr., aged 19, at Yale University; 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 Ralph E. Thompson, aged 15, at Hotchkiss 
 School; Adalyn Thompson, aged 13, at Rock- 
 ford College. 
 
 INGALLS CARLETON 
 is a son of the late Jeremiah Carleton of Barre, 
 Vermont, and his wife Betsey Robey Carleton 
 of Dunstable, New Hampshire. 
 
 INGALLS CARLETON. 
 
 Ingalls Carleton was born in Marshfield, Ver- 
 mont, March 30th, 1824, of English descent, 
 and is a representative of the twenty-sixth gen- 
 eration from the noted Baldwin De Carleton, 
 who lived in England in the year 1066, and 
 whose descendants occupied Carleton Hall for 
 six hundred years. Later, other descendants of 
 prominence appeared, among whom were Sir 
 Dudley Carleton, a statesman, who was created 
 Viscount Dorchester by Charles I., died in 
 1 65 1 , and Sir Guy Carleton, first Governor Gen- 
 eral of Canada, and the first Lord Dorchester. 
 
 Among the Carleton family of this country 
 are found farmers, soldiers, ministers and men 
 of letters. Mr. Carleton's son, Leonard Ingalls, 
 represents the twenty-seventh, and his grandson, 
 Robey Freeman Carleton, the twenty-eighth 
 generation of Carletons of the tenth century. 
 Mr. Carleton, his son and grandson, are entitled 
 to the family coat of arms of Oxfordshire, Lon- 
 
 don and Surrey, the motto of which is, " Non ad 
 Perniciem." 
 
 Mr. Carleton was educated in the public 
 schools of his native town, and when young 
 taught three winter terms of school. He repre- 
 sented his district in the Vermont legislature in 
 1855. In 1856 he came to Rockford, but soon 
 returned to his Vermont home, where he was 
 re-elected to the legislature. In 1857 again 
 came west and located in Rockton, where he 
 formed a copartnership with the late George H. 
 Hollister, and built a large flouring mill and ele- 
 vator, and engaged in the milling and grain busi- 
 ness. After a successful ten year's business 
 the firm sold its milling interests. Mr. Carleton 
 removed to Rockford, where he has since resi- 
 ded in retirement, looking after his large real 
 estate interests in this county and South Dakota. 
 His residence in East State street is one of the 
 most beautiful homes in this city, and has been 
 occupied by the family since 1877. 
 
 Mr. Carleton is one of the few surviving 
 attendants who heard the great Lincoln-Doug- 
 lass debate in Freeport in 1858, and the many 
 stirring incidents of the occasion are still fresh 
 in his memory. He has always taken a deep 
 interest in public affairs, and by his generosity 
 has aided in the development and substantial 
 growth of the city. 
 
 He was married at Rockton in 1869 to Miss 
 Amy Lawrence, a daughter of Luther Lawrence, 
 and his wife, Adelia Loomer Lawrence, of Rock- 
 ton. Mrs. Carleton's father traces his ances- 
 tors to Sir Robert Lawrence of Ashton Hall, 
 England, who was knighted in the year 1190. 
 Among his descendants have been many people 
 of prominence and worth. Conspicuous in this 
 country were Amos and Abbott Lawrence of 
 Groton, Massachusetts, the original home of 
 John Lawrence, of Suffolk, England, who set- 
 tled there in 1635. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Carleton have one son, Leon- 
 ard Ingalls, who was born at Rockton. His wife 
 is Alice Freeman Carleton. a daughter of the 
 late William Edward and Sarah Hill Freeman 
 of Cheltenham, England. 
 
 Two children have been born to them, 
 Leonard Ingalls, Jr., who died January 20, 1902, 
 aged two years, and Robey Freeman Carleton, 
 who was born August 28, 1902. 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 HON. JOHN C. CARVER (DECEASED) 
 The subject of this sketch was a son of John 
 Carver, who came from Pennsylvania and set- 
 tled on a farm near Pecatonica in an early day, 
 where John C. was born November 16, 1843. 
 
 HON. JOHN C. CARVER. 
 
 Judge Carver spent his boyhood days upon 
 his father's farm, and received his primary edu- 
 cation in the public schools. He took a course 
 at the Wlttenburg College in Springfield, Ohio, 
 where he received his degree. He studied law 
 under the tutorship of Gen. Keifer, of Ohio, who 
 was at one time Speaker of -the House of Con- 
 gress. He was admitted to the bar in 1871, 
 and commenced the practice of his profession 
 in Rockford. 
 
 He quickly gained the confidence of the peo- 
 ple and the bar, and rose rapidly in his profes- 
 sion. He was elected States Attorney, which 
 office he filled two terms with marked ability. 
 
 In 1882 Judge Carver was a candidate for 
 Congress, and would have received the nomina- 
 tion and election but for the sudden death of 
 Major Hawk, which occurred shortly before the 
 meeting of the convention which occasioned its 
 adjournment without action. At its next meet- 
 
 ing Robert R. Hitt and Col. B. F. Sheets both 
 entered the race and Mr. Hitt was nominated, 
 although Winnebago county stood by Judge 
 Carver. 
 
 In 1886 Mr. Carver was elected to the Cir- 
 cuit bench to succeed Judge James Cartwright 
 who had been elevated to the Supreme bench to 
 succeed Judge Bailey who had died. After fill- 
 ing out the unexpired term of Judge Cartwright. 
 he was elected to the office for the full term. 
 He served frequently upon the bench in Chicago 
 with great acceptance. 
 
 Judge Carver was a hard, conscientious 
 worker as a lawyer and an exemplary and upright 
 judge. Socially he was a Past Master of E. F. 
 W. Ellis Lodge of Masons, Past Commander of 
 Crusader Commandery, a member of the Con-' 
 sistory and Shrine, Knights of the Globe, Forest 
 City Lodge of United Workmen, Odd Fellows 
 and Woodmen. 
 
 He was married to Miss Sarah A. Segur, of 
 Rockford, November 25, 1875. Mrs. Carver 
 is the daughter of John Segur, who is still living 
 in Rockford. 
 
 Six children were born to Judge and Mrs. 
 Carver, five of whom are now living ; Laura. M., 
 Lewis C., Earl, Eva and Howell. 
 
 The family residence is at No. 1 103 South 
 Main street. 
 
 Judge Carver died November 27, 1901, 
 loved and mourned by the entire community. 
 
 MAYOR CHARLES E. JACKSON. 
 
 With no other name could the title of this 
 work, " Rockford Today," be more aptly asso- 
 ciated than that of Charles E. Jackson who was, 
 in May of this year, installed as mayor of this 
 city. In early life he has won success in busi- 
 ness, is liberal and progressive in his political 
 views, stands for good city government and is 
 essentially a home man. Those estimable qual- 
 ities so typical of Rockford, are reflected by its 
 new mayor, who is a product of its public schools 
 and its business institutions. Mr. Jackson was 
 born on a Boone County farm, four miles from 
 Belvidere, Ills., Nov. 30, 1867, When he was 
 four months old his parents moved to Rockford, 
 which place he has ever since respected as his 
 home. After completing his studies in the pub- 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 lie schools he entered business life as a clerk 
 in a retail clothing store. Reaching a more use- 
 ful era of efficiency, he went out as a traveling 
 salesman, in which vocation he continued for 
 several years. In 1891 he established the whole- 
 sale portrait and frame business, which he has 
 since conducted successfully extending his sales 
 
 MAYOR CHARLES E. JACKSON 
 
 to every state in the union and into foreign coun- 
 tries. As an energetic worker for the commer- 
 cial supremacy of the city he was chosen pres- 
 ident of the East State Street Business Men's 
 Association. In that position he displayed qual- 
 ities for leadership which caused his name to be 
 mentioned as a candidate for alderman from 
 his home ward, and, after a spirited campaign 
 which usually follows in a bailiwick where citi- 
 zenship is appreciated, he became Alderman 
 Jackson. In his new office he surprised his best 
 friends by his temperate demeanor debate, his 
 uniform courtesy toward his colleagues and the 
 clear cut manner in which he cared for the in- 
 terests of his people. During his two years ser- 
 vice as alderman he became the central figure 
 of a movement to modify the existing ward lines 
 of the city so that all voters could be equally 
 represented in the council. The successful ter- 
 mination of that movement made him the logi- 
 
 cal mayoral candidate of a majority of his fel- 
 low citizens, a majority which increased in num- 
 ber as election day drew near. His first offi- 
 cial acts have justified the claims made by his 
 friends as to his fitness for executive honors. 
 He has selected his lieutenants with impartiality 
 as to geographical lines and has inaugurated a 
 progressive business policy which will contribute 
 toward the city's welfare. While essentially a 
 home man he is a member of the Royal Arca- 
 num, Modern Woodmen of America, and A. 0. 
 U. W. fraternal orders, in which he has seriously 
 interested himself. Mr. Jackson was married 
 in 1898 to Nellie L. Brown, daughter of Mr. 
 and Mrs. Chas. E. Brown. If Mr. Jackson has 
 ambitions of a political nature other than those 
 which make for good city government, he has 
 not disclosed them to even his closest friends, 
 and the belief obtains that his foremost aim is 
 to see the best interests of Rockford developed 
 along broad, peaceful and permanent lines. 
 
 HON. CHARLES A. WORKS (DECEASED) 
 was a native of this county, having been born 
 at Guilford, Illinois, May 4, 1848, and was grad- 
 
 r 
 
 HON. CHARLES A. WORKS. 
 
 uated from the East Rockford High School in 
 1868. 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 93 
 
 He served as a clerk of the Supreme Court, 
 at Ottawa, Illinois, from September. 1873, to 
 September, 1875. 
 
 He was appointed superintendent of the city 
 schools of La Salle, Illinois, in 1875, and served 
 with distinction in this capacity two years. 
 
 Mr. Works was then made deputy clerk of 
 the Circuit Court at La Salle, Illinois, and served 
 one year. 
 
 During the year 1878 he was in the govern- 
 ment employ in the Indian service on the Mis- 
 souri river. 
 
 He began the practice of law in Rockford in 
 January, 1879, and soon became one of the most 
 brilliant advocates at the bar in the state. 
 
 He was elected States Attorney for Winne- 
 bago county in 1880, which office he held for 
 three consecutive terms, with honor to himself 
 and to the perfect satisfaction of the people. 
 
 He was elected as a member of the State 
 Board of Equalization in 1 892 and again in 1 900, 
 which office he administered with distinction, 
 having served upon one of the most important 
 committees of the board, and was acknowledged 
 to be an authority in the determination of intri- 
 cate legal questions coming before the board in 
 transacting its business. 
 
 Mr. Works was married to Miss Eva Enoch, 
 daughter of Hon. A. I. Enoch, in November, 
 1880, and had four children, Marein S., Mabel 
 J., Helen K. and Charles Enoch. 
 
 He told them he had resolved to go the follow- 
 ing year, and they finally gave their consent. 
 
 The first week in May, 1837, when but six- 
 teen years of age, he left his beautiful English 
 
 JOHN LAKE. 
 
 John Lake was born on Blackford Farm, 
 Selworthy Parish, England, March 27, 1821, 
 said farm was then the possession of his pater- 
 nal grandfather, who was a farmer, dairyman, 
 miller, malster. and a dealer in all kinds of 
 seeds. William Lake, the father of John Lake, 
 was also born on Blackford Farm in 1798, and 
 died when John was but six months old. John's 
 mother married again, and he was reared by his 
 grandmother in the old home. Mr. Lake was 
 given excellent educational advantages by pri- 
 vate teachers. 
 
 He commenced to earn his own living when 
 fourteen years of age by working on a farm. In 
 May, 1836, he proposed going to the United 
 States, but was opposed in this by his family. 
 
 JOHN LAKE. 
 
 home to gain a competence for himself in the 
 United States. He secured passage on the 
 "Severn," a sailing vessel, loaded with iron for 
 Philadelphia. The voyage was beset by fearful 
 storms and continued through seven long weeks 
 before the arrival at Philadelphia. 
 
 He immediately set out for Rockford, where 
 he expected to join his uncle Thomas, but was 
 detained by illness at Rockport, a small town on 
 the Ohio river, and did not arrive in Rockford 
 until December 1, 1837. 
 
 He did farm work for three years, and then 
 apprenticed himself to Thomas Thatcher, a 
 joiner, carpenter and architect, with wages at 
 $5.00 per month and board. At the end of one 
 year he felt competent to start in business for 
 himself in the same line. He worked by the 
 day and did contract work until 1853, when he 
 formed a partnership with P. Howes to engage 
 in the lumber trade. Their yard was located 
 where the East Rockford, Chicago &. North- 
 western passenger station now stands, which was. 
 
94 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 at that time, the terminal of the Chicago & Gal- 
 ena railway. When the railway was extended 
 across the river in 1853 they removed the yard 
 to the West side, where they did business until 
 
 1856, when they sold out to Mr. Freeman. 
 
 In November, 1856, Mr. Lake visited his 
 old home, returning to Rockford in February, 
 
 1857, and engaged in the lumber business again 
 on the corner of Third and State streets, where 
 he did business until 1859, when he sold out to 
 Cook & Bro. In 1863 he formed a partnership 
 with Henry Fisher on the West side, and carried 
 on the lumber business until 1867, when he 
 again sold out and re-visited England, extending 
 his journey to Ireland, Scotland, France, Italy, 
 Switzerland and Germany, returning to Rock- 
 ford in the fall. In 1868 he formed a five-year 
 partnership with Seely Perry, which was termi- 
 nated in 1874, after which he spent three years 
 in Europe. He visited California in 1885. 
 
 He was vice president of the Rockford Fire 
 Insurance Co. from 1866 to 1886, when he was 
 made president. 
 
 In 1873 he was elected an alderman from 
 the Second ward, and served continuously for 
 ten years, a part of this time he was also its 
 supervisor. 
 
 In 1877 he was the chairman of the Board 
 of Education. 
 
 He was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge 
 of the I. O. O. F. and Representative to the 
 Sovereign Grand Lodge of the United States 
 for six consecutive years. 
 
 Mr. Lake was married to Miss Almeda M. 
 Danley, daughter of Cornelius and Sarah Dan- 
 ley, of Harlem, Illinois, October 11, 1849. 
 Seven children were born to them, but three 
 died in infancy. 
 
 The family residence is at No. 2211 East 
 State street. 
 
 HORACE BROWN. 
 
 Horace Brown was born in Springfield, Wind- 
 sor county, Vermont, June 24, 1824. He is a 
 descendant, on his father's side, of one of our 
 oldest American families which traces its line- 
 age to Edward Brown, who was born in 1591, 
 in Horton, Kenby county, Kent, England, and 
 who came to America, arriving February 17, 
 
 1634, on the ship Hopewell from London, Eng- 
 land, and settled in Ipswich, Mass. 
 
 The grandfather of our subject, Elisha Brown, 
 was born in Ipswich, Mass., January 7, 1748, 
 and removed to Hingham, Mass., where he mar- 
 ried Merriel Bates, and settled in Winchendon, 
 Mass., in 1773. He was a patriot of the Rev- 
 olutionary War, and participated in the battle of 
 Bunker Hill. He removed to Springfield, Ver- 
 mont, in 1778, where the father of our subject, 
 
 , HORACE BROWN. 
 
 Jonathan Brown, was born October 5, 1796. 
 His mother, Hannah Stocker Brown, was of 
 English and Scotch descent, whose father was a 
 soldier in the war of the Revolution, and partici- 
 pated in the battle of Bunker Hill and at York- 
 town, when Cornwallis surrendered. His 
 great grandfather Bates was killed at the battle 
 of Bunker Hill. 
 
 Horace Brown was educated in the schools 
 of his native county. He assisted upon his 
 father's farm until twenty years of age when he 
 engaged to work one season for William Thayer, 
 whose daughter, Mary A., he afterward married. 
 
 In 1845 he engaged in the manufacture of 
 floor oil cloth in Lansingburgh, N. Y., where he 
 remained until 1850, when he came to Illinois, 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 95 
 
 arriving in Rockford May 12th. The popula- 
 tion of the township at that time was about 1 ,800. 
 
 He purchased a farm in New Milford town- 
 ship which he leased, and returned to his home 
 in the east where he was married September 
 12. 1850, to Miss Mary A. Thayer, who was 
 born February 16, 1827, and immediately re- 
 turned to Rockford. 
 
 The following spring he returned to Lansing- 
 burgh, where he worked in the oil cloth factory 
 until June, 1853, when he again returned to 
 Rockford and traded his farm for West side 
 property, and engaged in the livery business in 
 partnership with W. G. Reynolds. After two 
 years of successful business he sold out his in- 
 terest and returned to his native town, where he 
 engaged in several lines of business. In the 
 spring of 1859 he again returned to Rockford, 
 where he has since resided on what is known as 
 Park Ridge, on the East side of the river. The 
 home is one of the most beautifully located in 
 the city. 
 
 Mr. Brown is a charter member of the Rock- 
 ford National Bank, and has served as its vice 
 president since its organization in 1871. He 
 was also a charter member of the Forest City 
 Insurance Co., and has served as a member of 
 its board of directors and as treasurer and vice 
 president. He was elected president of the 
 Skandia Furniture Co. upon its organization. 
 He also served as director and president of the 
 Insurance Company of the State of Illinois dur- 
 ing the first years of its business. Upon the 
 death of Gilbert Woodruff he was elected presi- 
 dent of the Rockford National Bank 
 
 William Thayer Brown, only son of Horace 
 and Mary Brown, was born in Rockford, Illinois, 
 March 2, 1854. is a member of the firm of A. 
 G. Spaulding & Bros. He resides in East 
 Orange, N. Y. His office is at 126 Nassau 
 street, New York. He married Miss Mary L. 
 Spaulding, August 24, 1875, who was born Oc- 
 tober 23, 1854, and has four children, Horace 
 S., Harriet Irene, William Thayer, Jr., and 
 Elizabeth. 
 
 Alice C. was born March 26 1856. She 
 married D. H. Ferguson, of Denver, Colorado, 
 and had one son, Donald Brown Ferguson. She 
 
 died March 23, 1890. Carrie A. was born July 
 27, 1860, and died April 10, 1885. 
 
 JOHN DEXTER WATERMAN 
 
 was born in Decatur, Otsego county, New York, 
 December 27, 1846, and is a son of Hamilton 
 and Mary Waterman. 
 
 When sixteen years of age, he became a 
 
 JOHN DEXTER WATERMAN. 
 
 clerk in a general store, at Worcester, New 
 York, Eighteen months later he entered the 
 United States Naval service and served on Ad- 
 miral Porter's flagship during the last year of 
 the civil war. At the close of the war he came 
 to Rockford and engaged in railroading and man- 
 ufacturing interest/ He served as Rockford's 
 postmaster under both Cleveland administrations. 
 
 He organized the Forest City National Bank 
 and was made its president, which office he still 
 holds. Although this bank is one of the youngest 
 in the city, its business and reliability ranks sec- 
 ond to none. 
 
 Mr. Waterman married Miss Emma J. 
 Wolford, of Cohoes, New York, in 1871. The 
 family residence is at No. 754 North Church 
 street. 
 
 
9 6 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 HON. E. W. BROWN. 
 
 The subject of this sketch is a son of the 
 late Judge William Brown, and was born in 
 Rockford. August 8, 1857, which city has since 
 been his home. There is no other resident of 
 Rockford today, whose life and development has 
 been so much an integral part of the city's growth 
 and vital interests as that of Mr. Brown. Here 
 is where he received his education, in the city 
 
 HON. E. W. BROWN. 
 
 schools, and developed business abilities which 
 are rarely attained by the most astute in business 
 matters. For a time he attended the school at 
 Mt. Morris, but was obliged to give up study on 
 account of the strain upon his eyes and entered 
 an active business life. 
 
 He was a member of the firm of Brown & 
 Eckstine Drug Co. .which did a prosperous busi- 
 ness for five years, the volume of business reach- 
 ing as high as $60,000.00 per year. After dis- 
 posing of his interests in the drug business he 
 entered the wholesale oil business. He secured 
 a contract with the Standard Oil Co. by which 
 he was able to get oil on the best possible terms 
 and to supply many surrounding towns with this 
 product. He built the first oil-tank in Rockford, 
 
 and equipped himself thoroughly for doing a large 
 business. His success in this business is meas- 
 ured by the fact, that he did a cash business 
 amounting to $30,000.00 in six months on a 
 capital of $3,000.00, when he sold his oil busi- 
 ness to John R. Porter & Co. 
 
 In 1884 the Illinois Central Railroad Com- 
 pany was planning to build an air line from Chi- 
 cago to Freeport, and in their survey decided to 
 build leaving out Rockford and locate their line 
 east of New Milford, crossing the river at Hois- 
 ington Rocks below Rockford. 
 
 Judge Brown, who was personally acquainted 
 with Mr. E. T. Jeffries, general manager of the 
 Illinois Central, and Stuyvesant Fish, president 
 of the road, made it a personal matter to see 
 that Mr. Jeffries came to Rockford to look the 
 city over prior to a final settlement upon the 
 location of the line. Mr. Jeffries visited Rock- 
 ford with Isaiah Randolph, chief engineer of the 
 road, and was entertained at Judge Brown's 
 home. They met with a number of prominent 
 manufacturers, including Ralph Emerson, W. A. 
 Talcott, John P. Manny, H. W. Price and Gil- 
 bert Woodruff, and that night Mr. Jeffries deci- 
 ded to build into Rockford. 
 
 The services of Mr. Brown were secured, 
 and he at once proceeded to obtain a right of 
 way for the new line. Active operations in pro- 
 moting this valuable enterprise for the city of 
 Rockford were instituted on the first day of No- 
 vember, 1884. 
 
 Mr. Brown was constituted the first agent of 
 the company in this city, which position he still 
 holds. His thorough business ability is recog- 
 nized by the company, and his advice is sought 
 after in important matters, and his judgment is 
 implicitly relied upon. 
 
 There is doubtless no other agent in the ser- 
 vice of the company that has so great an influ- 
 ence in the conduct of its business as does Mr. 
 Brown. Through his effort, sagacity, and busi- 
 ness tact, a small business in 1884, has grown 
 until it exceeds that of any other railway inter- 
 est in the city to-day in its property investments 
 and volume of business. The company now 
 owns a frontage of 800 feet on South Main 
 street, and a yardage three-quarters of a mile in 
 length free from grade crossings. Its passenger 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 97 
 
 and freight buildings are the finest in the city. 
 Its freight business now averages eighty cars per 
 day and its passenger business is large. Forty 
 people are given employment in the various de- 
 partments of the company's business in the city. 
 
 In 1885, Mr. Brown was elected an alder- 
 man from the old Second ward for seven years. 
 His work in the council demonstrated the fact 
 that he was admirably fitted to preside at the 
 head of the city's affairs, and in 1895 he was 
 elected mayor. This honor was conferred upon 
 him again in 1897 and 1899. After a continu- 
 ous service of six years as mayor of the city, 
 Mr. Brown felt that his railway and private busi- 
 ness imperatively called for so much of his time 
 that he could not possibly give the attention to 
 the duties imposed upon the mayor and declined 
 further service in this office. In 1903, great 
 pressure was brought to bear upon him to secure 
 his consent to a re-election, but for the reasons 
 above stated, he steadfastly declined the honor. 
 
 During Mayor Brown's administration, many 
 of Rockford's most valuable permanent improve- 
 ments were made, Through his effort and 
 recommendation the present system of water 
 supply was instituted in 1897, and was put into 
 effective operation by Mr. D. W. Mead, at a 
 cost of $50.000,00 and affords a supply of 
 7,000,000, gallons of water daily. The water 
 works park was a product of the general im- 
 provements instituted. The present system of 
 macadamizing was instituted, which is doubtless 
 the most economical and the best in the world. 
 As a result of this system, Rockford now enjoys 
 the use of more than forty miles of macadam- 
 ized streets. The fire department was provided 
 with more efficient means for doing effective 
 service. Mayor Brown's appointees to the var- 
 ious city offices were men eminently fitted for 
 the position they occupied. 
 
 A review of Mayor Brown's several annual 
 messages to the council, demonstrates a deter- 
 mination to adhear to a rigid economy in the 
 expenditure of the city funds, a just and exact 
 enforcement of the laws, and together with the 
 co-operation of the council to so administer the 
 city government as to insure stable progress and 
 permanent good. 
 
 Mr. Brown married Miss Lizzie A. White, a 
 daughter of Joshua White, a prominent citizen 
 
 and large land owner of Stillman Valley, Illinois, 
 and has three children. The family residence 
 is at No. 312 South Third street. 
 
 CHARLES SABIN 
 
 Was born at Pomfret, Conn., in 1823, and was 
 educated in the public and private schools of 
 New England. He came to Rockford in 1854, 
 
 CHARLES SABIN. 
 
 where he has since resided. Mr. Sabin engaged 
 in the drug business shortly after his arrival here, 
 and, when he retired in 1893, was the oldest 
 druggist, with reference to number of years en- 
 gaged, in this city. His business career was one 
 of integrity and honor, and was marked with 
 that success to which such a career is justly -en- 
 titled. He was recently the honored guest of 
 his friends and associates in business at a ban- 
 quet given at the Nelson, which occasion was 
 greatly enjoyed by all those participating. Mr. 
 Sabin was married in New Hampshire, in 1846. 
 His present residence is No. 835 North Church 
 street, where he has resided during the last forty 
 years in the same house. This house is now 
 in the central part of the city, but, when first 
 occupied by Mr. Sabin, was quite out in the 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 country. During his business career here, he 
 has seen the place grow from the habiliments of 
 a hamlet to those of a magnificent city, and his 
 life has been an integral part of this growth. 
 Indeed the city owes its prosperity and substan- 
 tial growth to the integrity and business energy 
 of such of its solid business men as Mr. Sabin 
 has proved himself to be. He is entitled to the 
 laudation of his fellowmen and to the rest he 
 now enjoys. 
 
 LOREN L. MORRISON 
 
 Was born at Hebron, Jefferson county, Wiscon- 
 sin, November 18, 1852, and was educated in 
 the public schools of Sherburne, Woodstock and 
 Hartland, Vermont. He was a student at the 
 Worcester Academy. Worcester, Massachusetts' 
 and at Waterville Classical Institute, Waterville, 
 Maine, and was graduated in the classical course 
 from Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois, June 26, 
 1879. During the first four years after gradua- 
 tion he occupied the position of Principal of the 
 graded and high schools of Lyndon, Whiteside 
 county, Illinois, and at the same time gave his 
 attention to the study of law under the direction 
 of the Hon. John G. Manahan, of the firm of 
 Manahan & Ward, of Sterling, Illinois, and later 
 continued his legal studies with the firm of 
 Staples & Goulding of Worcester, Mass. 
 
 He came to Rockford June 12, 1883, where 
 he has since resided. 
 
 Shortly after his arrival here he was admit- 
 ted to the bar, and has since given his attention 
 to general law practice, devoting considerable 
 attention to practice in the United States courts 
 and patent cases. 
 
 Mr. Morrison has served the city as police 
 magistrate during the last sixteen years, and 
 the administration of the office has been emi- 
 nently satisfactory to the people. 
 
 Socially he is connected with the Masonic 
 order, having been made a Mason in 1 889, join- 
 ing Rockford Lodge No. 102. He has taken 
 the Scottish Rite degrees up to and including 
 the thirty-second, his membership being with 
 Freeport Consistory. He is also a member of 
 the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the 
 Knights of Pythias, and the Royal League, of 
 which he is past supreme vice archon. 
 
 Judge Morrison was married to Miss Mary 
 Louise Ball of Holden, Massachusetss, June 19, 
 1882, and has three children. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Morrison are members of the 
 State Street Baptist Church. 
 
 Politically, Judge Morrison is a staunch 
 Republican. 
 
 HON. ROBERT H, TINKER 
 Is a son of Rev. and Mrs. Reuben Tinker, and 
 was born at Honolulu, Sandwich Islands, (now 
 the Republic of Hawaii) December 31, 1836, 
 and came to Rockford in 1856. He has been 
 identified prominently in the manufacturing in- 
 terests and substantial growth of Rockford, and 
 is largely interested in the water-power, the 
 source of Rockford's wealth and prosperity. He 
 was promotor and president of the Chicago, 
 Rockford & Northern Railway Co., which road 
 is now merged in the Burlington system, has 
 served as mayor of the city, (1875-6), presi- 
 dent of the Rockford Water Power Co., and 
 of the Rockford Bolt works, and is connected 
 officially with many other Rockford industries. 
 Mr. Tinker is a connoisseur in art work and his 
 aesthetic taste is conspicuously shown in and 
 about his beautiful home. Nature has done 
 much to make this spot romantic, and Mr. 
 Tinker has so harmonized his improvements 
 with the imprints of nature that the place is a 
 "thing of beauty and a joy forever." In the 
 home is a large collection of curio, obtained by 
 Mr. Tinker in his foreign travels. It also con- 
 tains a library, unique in construction and filled 
 with rare and costly volumes. 
 
 In 1870, Mr. Tinker was married to Mrs. 
 Mary Manny, the widow of John H. Manny, the 
 noted inventor and manufacturer of harvesting 
 machines. His inventions paved the way for 
 much of Rockford's wonderful growth and suc- 
 cess. Later on, Mr. and Mrs. Tinker disposed 
 of the beautiful Manny home on South Main 
 street and made their permanent residence in 
 the Swiss cottage, where, after years of happy 
 wedded life, Mrs. Tinker was called home, leav- 
 ing a devoted husband and a host of friends to 
 mourn her loss. Mr. Tinker's skill and aesthe- 
 tic taste will be called into service in the beau- 
 tifying of the public Library and Memorial hall 
 grounds. 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 99 
 
 COLONEL WILLIAM NELSON. 
 
 Col. William Nelson was born at Sycamore, 
 .llinois, October 29, 1857, and was educated 
 in the city schools and high school of Rockford. 
 He entered a business career while young, in 
 which he has attained eminent success, and 
 now holds prominent official and executive 
 positions in several of Rockford's most sub- 
 stantial institutions. 
 
 Col. Nelson and brothers erected the beauti- 
 ful Hotel Nelson as a memorial to their father, 
 the inventor of the Nelson Knitting Machine, 
 and founder of the Nelson Knitting Company. 
 
 The Nelson is a popular hostelry, and its 
 parlors are utilized for the purpose of holding 
 elaborate social functions and political commit- 
 tee meetings. 
 
 Mr. Nelson is president of the Nelson Hotel 
 Company, vice-president of the Forest City 
 Knitting Company, vice-president of B. F. 
 
 COLONEL WILLIAM NELSON. 
 
 Barnes & Company, and director in the Nelson 
 Knitting Company. 
 
 Socially, he is a member of the Freeport 
 Consistory, Shriner Tebala Temple, Rockford. 
 and Knight Templar Crusader Commandery, of 
 Rockford, and the Elks. 
 
 He was appointed as one of the Governor's 
 aids, with rank as colonel, January 28, 1901. 
 
 Colonel Nelson was married to Miss Lizzie 
 Olson of Rockford, October 6, 1888, and has 
 five children, Loiza, Elsie, William Jr., Hilding 
 and Dorothea. 
 
 The family residence is at No. 737 North 
 Main street. 
 
 WILLIAM F. WOODRUFF 
 
 Was born at Dubuque, Iowa, in 1858, and came 
 to Rockford with his parents in 1859, where he 
 has since resided. He was educated in the city 
 schools and the Rockford Business College. 
 
 WILLIAM F. WOODRUFF. 
 
 When eighteen years of age he entered the 
 Rockford National Bank as messenger, and was 
 elected to the position of assistant cashier of 
 the bank January 11, 1881. In January, 1888, 
 he was elected cashier, which position he still 
 holds. The bank, with which he has been iden- 
 tified for so many years, is one of the strongest 
 and most reliable financial institutions in the 
 state. Its capital is $100,000.00, and has a 
 surplus of the same amount. 
 
 Mr. Woodruff has been instrumental in the 
 development of many of Rockford's most im- 
 
1OO 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 portant improvements. Seventh street, one of 
 the finest business streets in the city, owes its 
 success largely to the efforts and financial aid 
 of Mr. Woodruff. The railway system found a 
 friend in Mr. Woodruff, and its success and per- 
 petuity are due to his timely aid. He is a large 
 real estate owner, and devotes much time and 
 money in its improvement for the beautifying of 
 the city and the good of its citizens. 
 
 Mr. Woodruff is a director and treasurer of 
 the Rockford and Interurban Railway and the 
 Rockford and Freeport line. He is a director 
 and treasurer of the Insurance Company of the 
 State of Illinois and assisted in its organization. 
 He is the vice president and director of the 
 Forest City Furniture Company, treasurer of the 
 Central Heat and Power Company, director in 
 the Hixon Map Company, and treasurer of the 
 Country club. 
 
 He was elected to the office of city treas- 
 urer in 1 893 and served two years and was again 
 elected to this office in 1903. 
 
 He was elected to the presidency of the 
 Forest City Land and Lumber Company in 1903. 
 The company owns 10,000 acres of timber land 
 in the Yazoo Valley, in Mississippi, and is now 
 erecting a mill at Woodruff, named in honor of 
 Mr. Woodruff. The principal office of the com- 
 pany is in Rookford. 
 
 Mr. Woodruff married Miss Lizzie C. Cot- 
 ton, of Rockford, and resides at No. 515 North 
 Main street. 
 
 HON. FREDERICK HAINES 
 
 Is a son of Anthony and Adaline (Rowse) Haines, 
 who settled in Rockford in 1 854. His father was 
 a native of Marietta, Pa., and his mother of 
 Bucyrus, Ohio, who were married in 1853. 
 Anthony Haines was engaged in the grain busi- 
 ness in Rockford for many years, and carried on 
 an important manufacturing plant for several 
 years. He was a member of the county board 
 of supervisors for eighteen years, and represented 
 the First ward in the city council in 1863 and 
 1864. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born in Rock- 
 ford, August 30, 1863, and was educated in the 
 city schools, graduating from the High School 
 in the class of 79. 
 
 He first engaged in business with J. McDer- 
 maid in the coal trade with whom he remained 
 one year. He assisted in the organization of 
 the Rockford Street Railway Co., and was its 
 superintendent until the plant was changed to 
 electric power. He then spent two years with 
 the Rockford Construction Co. 
 
 In 1900 he was elected to the important 
 position of treasurer of the Forest City Insur- 
 ance Co., which position he now holds. This 
 company's business ranks with the foremost 
 companies of the country and is widely and 
 favorably known. 
 
 In the political campaign of 1902 Mr. Haines 
 was nominated on the Republican ticket as a 
 candidate for representative in the State legisla- 
 
 f 
 
 HON. FREDERICK HAINES. 
 
 ture, and was elected by a large majority. At 
 the session of 1903 he was placed on several 
 important committees, and his services were 
 most acceptable to his constituency. 
 
 Socially, he is a Mason, K. of P., and Elk. 
 
 Mr. Haines was married to Miss Minnie 
 Bushnell, of Sterling, in 1887, and has one son. 
 
 The family residence is at No. 620 East 
 State street. 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 101 
 
 RUSSELL BROUGHTON. M. D., 
 
 Was born in Racine, Wisconsin, May 16, 1842. 
 His parents, John and Amanda Broughton, re- 
 moved from Hoosick Falls, New York, by horse 
 team, in 1841 , to Albany township, Green county, 
 
 RUSSELL BROUGHTON, M. D 
 
 Wisconsin, where they entered a quarter section 
 of government land. His father died upon the 
 farm in 1896. His mother is still living. 
 
 Dr. Broughton attended Milton College at 
 Milton, Wisconsin, and Bryant & Stratton's 
 Commercial College at Milwaukee. He grad- 
 uated from Rush Medical College in 1869, and 
 practiced medicine at Brodhead, Wisconsin, 
 twenty-one years. He was in charge of all 
 opium and other drug patients for nine and one- 
 half years at the Keeley Institute, at Dwight, 
 Illinois. 
 
 Two years ago he opened a Sanitarium in 
 Rockford, where he gives special treatment in 
 nervous and drug cases. The Sanitarium is 
 beautifully located , and is a quiet retreat for those 
 desiring medical attention for such ailments. 
 
 Socially, Dr. Broughton is a member of 
 Bicknell Lodge No. 91, A. F. & A. M., Brod- 
 head, Wisconsin ; Evansville Chapter, No. 35, 
 R. A. Masons, Evansville, Wisconsin ; a char- 
 ter member of the W. W. Patton Post No. 90, 
 
 Brodhead, Wisconsin, a member of the Wis- 
 consin Medical Society since 1877, and of the 
 American Medical Association. 
 
 He resides at the Sanitarium. 
 
 Dr. Broughton was married to Miss Julia 
 A., daughter of the late Hon. Daniel Smiley of 
 Albany, Wisconsin, in 1869, and has two sons, 
 William S., who is a medical student at Wash- 
 ington, D. C., and James R., in the employ of a 
 large electrial power plant company at Provo, 
 Utah. 
 
 HON. HENRY ANDRUS 
 
 Is a native of Illinois, having been born on a 
 farm in the town of Harlem, Winnebago county, 
 November 4, 1844, and was educated in the 
 public schools. He resided on the farm until 
 
 HON. HENRY ANDRUS. 
 
 his marriage to Miss Jennie Love in 1868, 
 when he removed to a farm in the township of 
 Pecatonica, where he resided six years. He 
 then removed to a farm in the township of Cherry 
 Valley, where he remained until his removal to 
 Rockford about five years ago. 
 
 Mr. Andrus served as the supervisor of the 
 town of Cherry Valley for nineteen consecutive 
 
102 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 years, and during that time he was honored by 
 the Board of Supervisors by being made its 
 chairman for seven consecutive years, a distinc- 
 tion not attained by any of his contemporaries. 
 
 He was elected to the lower house of the 
 State legislature in 1896 and re-elected in 1898. 
 In 1900 he was elected to the upper house, and 
 still represents the Tenth Senatorial district as 
 its senator. 
 
 Socially, Mr. Andrus is a thirty-second de- 
 gree Mason, member of the Order of Elks and 
 a Modern Woodman. He is married and has 
 two children living, a daughter, Mrs. Edith Scott, 
 who resides on the farm in Cherry Valley, and 
 a son, Dr. S. C. Andrus, a practicing physician 
 of this city. The father and mother of Mr. An- 
 drus are still living and reside with their daugh- 
 ter. Mrs. J. A. Atwood, at Stillman Valley. 
 
 Mr. Andrus has a brother who resides at 
 Mason City, Iowa. 
 
 The present home of Mr. Andrus is at 624 
 North street in this city. 
 
 Among the more important measures, for 
 which Senator Andrus is entitled to credit in 
 securing enactment into law, is the enabling act, 
 which gave the people of Winnebago county the 
 right and privilege of voting for an appropriation, 
 by the Board of Supervisors, of a sum of money 
 for the building of the Memorial Hall in memory 
 of the soldiers and sailors of Winnebago county. 
 
 He also rendered conspicuous service in 
 securing the enactment of the measure provid- 
 ing for the building of the monument at Still- 
 man Valley. Also several measures in the 
 interests of public libraries. 
 
 Hon. John Lake, attending school at the old East 
 side high school. Professor Freeman, who was 
 then principal, placed him in the Intermediate 
 
 ROBERT REW 
 
 Was born in England in 1855. When eight 
 years old he was set to work on a farm, receiv- 
 ing as wages four cents a day, continuing until 
 in his twelfth year, during which time his wages 
 were annually raised until they reached thirteen 
 cents a day. 
 
 At that time there were no free public schools 
 in England, and young Rew acquired the first 
 rudiments of education at night school and Sun- 
 day school. 
 
 In 1867 he came to Rockford, where he has 
 since resided. He first lived in the family of 
 
 ROBERT REW. 
 
 department, but so well did he apply himself to 
 his studies that he reached the high school in 
 three years, about half the time usually required. 
 
 In 1871 he engaged with Mr. Reuben 
 Sovereign on the latter's farm, just east of the 
 city, for twelve dollars a month and board. 
 After working about five months he returned to 
 Rockford, determined to continue his course in 
 school. Out of his wages he had saved forty- 
 four dollars, and obtaining a place at the home 
 of the late Hon. John Early, doing chores for 
 his board, he succeeded after much self-denial 
 and privation, not only in getting through another 
 year of school, but in actually saving out of his 
 forty-four dollars, sixteen dollars. 
 
 In the summer vacation he hired out for two 
 months to work for Mr. Joshua White on his 
 farm at Stillman Valley, for thirty dollars a 
 month and board. At the end of two months, 
 with $59.75 the young man returned to Rock- 
 ford, again staying at Mr. Early 's, doing chores 
 for his board, and attending school, graduating 
 the same year, 1873, valedictorian of his class. 
 During the summer vacation he again went to 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 103 
 
 work in the harvest field at thirty dollars a 
 month and board. After working two months 
 with the sixty dollars earned, Mr. Rew went to 
 the Northwestern University, at Evanston. 
 After paying a term's tuition, a month's board 
 and buying text books, his money was all spent. 
 Obtaining work at digging cellars and unloading 
 vessels at the wharf, he succeeded in earning 
 enough money to pay his way through the first 
 year in college. 
 
 Returning to Rockford in the fall he taught 
 a district school during the winter, at the same 
 time keeping up with his class in the University, 
 and by dint of hard work, hard study and much 
 privation, succeeded in completing three years 
 of the college course. At the end of the third 
 year he came back to Rockford in July with 
 only fifty cents in money left. 
 
 The first thing necessary was to find some 
 work, and on East State street he found a cord 
 of wood to be sawed. Borrowing a buck and 
 saw the young man went vigorously to work. 
 While at work the late Judge William Brown 
 passed by, and requested Mr. Rew, after he had 
 finished his job, to come and stay at his home 
 for the rest of the summer and tutor "Eddie," 
 "Frankie" and "May," as the Judge lovingly 
 called them. 
 
 The Judge had scarcely gone out of sight 
 when the late J. T. Miller, for a long time 
 assessor of the town of Rockford, and then a 
 member of the school board of the city of Rock- 
 ford, came by and after a short conversation 
 hired Mr. Rew to teach in the Second Gram- 
 mar School of East Rockford. The wages were 
 $450 per year for ten months' work. The first 
 year there was an assistant teacher, but the 
 second year Mr. Rew contracted to do all the 
 work for $600 a year. The four following years 
 Mr. Rew taught in the schools of Rockford, in 
 the high school on the East Side, under the late 
 Professor Freeman, and in the high school on 
 the West Side, under Professor Blodgett. Among 
 his pupils were the Hon. Charles W. Ferguson, 
 Hon. Frank S. Regan, Mr. Frank Brown, Hon. 
 Wm. C. Butterworth, Mr. Hosmer Porter, Mr. 
 Samuel Stanley, Mr. Charles Porter, and many 
 other well known citizens. 
 
 He not only taught in the schools, but as 
 tutor of Latin and mathematics after school 
 
 hours, prepared pupils for entrance to the uni- 
 versities. Among those whom he so tutored 
 are Mrs. Stanwood, formerly Miss Louisa 
 Brockway, Miss Julia Lathrop and Mrs. Fred 
 Thompson. 
 
 In 1879 Mr. Rew was united in marriage to 
 Miss Nellie T. Goodwin, daughter of the late 
 Dr. A. E. Goodwin. 
 
 While teaching he studied law nights, and 
 in 1882 was admitted to the bar. The following 
 spring he was elected Justice of the Peace to 
 complete the term of the late Justice Works. 
 
 When the first public sewer was laid in 
 Rockford, the commissioners appointed to 
 assess the cost were the late Hon. Thomas 
 Butterworth, the late J. T. Miller and Mr. Rew. 
 This was the Church street sewer. Every 
 property owner but one filed objections, and 
 every lawyer at the then Rockford bar appeared 
 to contest the assessment, but the assessment 
 stood. The same commissioners also made 
 the assessment for the Market street sewer. In 
 1885 Mr. Rew was appointed, with the late 
 Mayor N. C. Warner, to revise the city 
 ordinances. 
 
 Mr. Rew has a large law practice, especially 
 in the handling of estates. He has traveled 
 quite a little, having been to Europe twice, and 
 all over the United States and the British 
 possessions in North America. 
 
 H. C. SCOVILL. 
 
 The parents of the subject of this sketch, 
 were natives of Connecticut, but removed to 
 Oneida county, New York in 1816. H. C. 
 Scovill was born in Oswego county, New York, 
 and was educated in the public schools. He 
 spent his boyhood days upon the farm. He came 
 to Illinois in 1 853 and settled in Ogle county, 
 where he still worked at farming. He was a 
 student at the Mount Morris Seminary. In Aug. 
 1862, he enlisted as a private in Co. K, 92nd 
 Illinois Infantry. He was made a second lieu- 
 tenant of his company and afterward promoted 
 to first lieutenant and captain. His regiment 
 was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. 
 The regiment was afterward ordered mounted 
 by General Rosecrans and to be equipped with 
 Spencer rifles. This was done and the regi- 
 
IO4 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 ment then joined General Wilder's Lightning 
 Brigade of mounted infantry. Captain Scovill 
 was captured April 23, 1864, while on picket 
 duty, near Tunnel Hill, Gsorgia, and remained 
 a prisoner ten months at Macon, and Atlanta. 
 
 H. c. SCOVILL. 
 
 Georgia; Charleston and Columbia, South Caro- 
 lina; and Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina. 
 He was exchanged at Wilmington, North. Caro- 
 lina, March 1, 1865. He rejoined his regiment 
 at Concord, North Carolina, and, with the regi- 
 ment, was mustered out of service at that place, 
 June 21, 1865. The following September, he 
 came to Rockford and engaged in the lumber 
 business until 1896. Hewas a member of the 
 board of supervisors five years. He represented 
 the Second ward as an alderman in the council 
 from 1878 to 1886, and in 1887, was elected 
 mayor, which position he held two years. In 
 1897 he was elected city clerk, which office he 
 still holds. Captain Scovill was married in 
 Rockford to Miss Rosa Zoller in 1872, and has 
 two children, Gertrude, who is Mrs.W. W. Ben- 
 nett, and Charles, who is ticket agent at the Illi- 
 nois Central office in Rockford. He resides at 
 617 Seminary street. 
 
 SAMUEL H. RECK. 
 
 Samel H. Reck was born in Rochester, Pa., 
 December 14, 1866, and was educated at 
 Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois, where 
 he took his degree in 1886. He was graduated 
 from the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Phil- 
 adelphia, in 1890, and from the law department 
 of the Northwestern University in 1895. 
 
 He was the founder of St. Mark's English 
 Lutheran church in Boston, Mass., 1890-93, 
 which is the first institution of the kind in that 
 city. 
 
 Mr. Reck practiced law in Chicago and 
 Rockford from 1895 to 1899. He is one of 
 
 SAMUEL H. RECK. 
 
 the organizers of the manufacturing company, 
 B. F. Barnes Company, of Rockford. 
 
 Mr. Reck entered the employ of the Equitable 
 Life Assurance Society of the United States in 
 April, 1902, and has been the general agent of 
 the Rockford district since January, 1903. The 
 offices are at Nos. 312 and 314 West State 
 street, Rockford, Illinois. 
 
 Mr. Reck married Miss Anna C., only 
 daughter of John Nelson of Rockford, 111., June 
 29, 1892, and has three sons. 
 
ROC K FO R D 
 
 105 
 
 Socially he is a member of the Masonic 
 order and the K. of P. 
 
 The family residence is at No. 906 Sem- 
 inary street. 
 
 WILLIAM KNAPP. 
 
 William Knapp was born in Eldred, McKane 
 county. Pa., April 23. 1839, and was educated 
 in the public schools of his native town, also at 
 the academy of Olean, N. Y. 
 
 WILLIAM KNAPP. 
 
 He removed to Winnebago county, Illinois, 
 in November, 1854, and located in the town of 
 Burritt, and paid his first taxes in this state in 
 1850. He was a pioneer in the well drilling 
 business in which he was very successful, both 
 practically and financially He followed this 
 business for about fifteen years, during which 
 time he acquired several farms at the price of 
 about fifteen dollars an acre, which he was able 
 to sell later on for seventy-five dollars per acre. 
 
 Mr. Knapp served as town clerk for ten years 
 and was then elected town supervisor which 
 office he held from 1879 to 1888. 
 
 In 1888 he removed to the city of Rockford 
 and was here again elected to the office of sup- 
 ervisor in which capacity he has since served 
 
 continuously, with the exception of about three 
 years. His service as supervisor covers a 
 period of about twenty- four years, during a con- 
 siderable portion of which time he has been 
 the purchasing agent for the county, rendering 
 most acceptable service. 
 
 He served as a director of the Forest City 
 bank for several years. He was elected to the 
 city council as an alderman from the first ward 
 in 1895 and served two years. 
 
 Mr. Knapf. engaged in the real estate busi- 
 ness in 1886, in which he has met with marked 
 success. His son, C. H. Knapp, joined him in 
 this business, under the firm name of Wm. and 
 C. H. Knapp, which was later changed to 
 Knapp, Barnes & Co.. at which time Wm H. 
 Barnes came into the firm. The firm has a 
 fine office at the corner of State and Main 
 streets, on the ground floor of the Second 
 National Bank building, and is one of the lead- 
 ing and most reliable real estate firms in this 
 section of country. The firm buys and sells 
 houses and lots, and farms, and also writes 
 insurance. The motto of the firm is "Small 
 margins and quick sales," The loaning of 
 money is one of the principal features of this 
 business. 
 
 Mr. Knapp has been a member of Star in 
 the East Masonic lodge for many years, and is 
 a Modern Woodman. 
 
 Mr. Knapp was married to Miss Martha 
 Scott of Burritt, in 1 864, and has seven children, 
 one of whom, Charles H,. is married. The 
 family resides at 1506 East State street, which 
 has been the family home since 1870. 
 
 FRED E. STERLING. 
 
 Was born at Dixon, 111., June 29, 1869, being 
 the third son of Edward and Irene Bivins 
 Sterling, early settlers of that section. The first 
 ten years of his boyhood were spent in Dixon, 
 where he attended the public schools until 1880, 
 when his parents moved to Huron, S. D., and 
 settled on a farm near that place. They were 
 among the pioneers of Central Dakota (then a 
 territory), the subject of this sketch assisting 
 his father and brothers in developing one of the 
 first farms in Beadle county. He attended the 
 public schools at Huron during the winter terms 
 
io6 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 and worked on his father's farm during the 
 summer until the age of fourteen years, when 
 he entered newspaper work with the Huron 
 
 FRED E. STERLING. 
 
 Daily Times, which avocation he has since 
 followed, until within the past two years. 
 
 Mr. Sterling, in his boyhood, was constantly 
 thrown in with men of much more mature years 
 than himself, socially, politically and in a busi- 
 ness way, in the development of the Territory 
 and thus acquired a knowledge which the schools 
 could not give him and which has proved useful 
 in the years since. On the promotion of Judge 
 Louis K. Church of Huron, to the Governorship 
 of Dakota, Mr. Sterling, who in spite of his 
 youth had been his close friend and companion, 
 was appointed to the position of assistant com- 
 missioner of immigration, in which capacity he 
 had much to do with the preparation and dis- 
 tribution of literature and statistics extolling the 
 wonders of the Territory, resulting in its rapid 
 settlement by home-seekers from the eastern 
 states. Near the close of his term of office he 
 resigned this position to accept the management 
 of the Dakota edition of the St. Paul Daily 
 Globe, a supplement issued with the daily each 
 Saturday and devoted to the interests of the 
 Territory. In 1890 he came to Rockford to 
 
 accept the city editorship of the Morning Star, 
 which paper he served for a year and left to take 
 a similar position with the Register-Gazette on 
 the consolidation of the two afternoon news- 
 papers. In the service of the latter he continued 
 for nine years when he resigned to take up a 
 different line of work. During that period he 
 also served as the special Rockford correspond- 
 ent of the Associated Press, Inter-Ocean, Times- 
 Herald, Evening Post, Globe- Democrat and 
 other metropolitan papers. 
 
 Ever since he became a resident of Rock- 
 ford Mr. Sterling has taken an active, aggressive 
 part in the political, social and business life of 
 the city and lent his hearty assistance to every 
 movement looking to its progress, welfare and 
 up-building. He enjoys the honor and distinc- 
 tion of having been the youngest man ever 
 elected in Rockford as a member of the City 
 Council, being chosen to succeed Alderman 
 Sturtevant of the third ward. He continued to 
 represent that ward as an alderman for eight 
 years, until the spring of 1903, when he declined 
 a unanimous caucus renomination because of 
 other conflicting duties. He was recognized as 
 one of the leaders of the council, a fine parlia- 
 mentarian and ready debater. During his term 
 of office he served either as chairman or a 
 member of the most important council com- 
 mittees, was for three years secretary of the 
 board of local improvements, and secured for 
 his ward many needed improvements, including 
 the new Blake school building. On his retire- 
 ment from the council he was presented by his 
 friends with a very handsome diamond ring. 
 
 Mr. Sterling is a stanch republican and has 
 taken an active part in county and state politics, 
 serving as a delegate from Winnebago county 
 in every state convention for half a dozen years 
 past. He is now serving his third term as 
 secretary of the Winnebago County Republican 
 Central Committee, and during the presidential 
 and gubernatorial campaign of 1900 was secre- 
 tary and manager of the Press Bureau conducted 
 by the Republican State Central Committee in 
 Chicago, supplying party literature and statistics 
 to the country press. 
 
 In 1901 he was appointed by Gov. Richard 
 Yates as land commissioner of the Illinois & 
 Michigan Canal, and during the legislative ses- 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 107 
 
 sion of 1903 served as assistant secretary to the 
 Chief Executive at Springfield. He enjoys an 
 extensive acquaintance with and the friendship 
 of a host of prominent citizens and politicians 
 throughout the state. 
 
 In February, 1901 , Mr. Sterling was appoint- 
 ed receiver of the Manufacturers' & Merchants' 
 Mutual Insurance Company of Rockford, by the 
 Circuit Court. He made an enviable record 
 for himself in winding up the affairs of this 
 company, paying all loss claims in full and 
 securing his final discharge within two years 
 from the date of his appointment, a feat never 
 before accomplished by the receiver of a mutual 
 insurance company in the United States. 
 
 He is a member of the Elks, Knights of 
 Pythias, Royal League, Modern Woodmen and 
 Home Fraternal League. 
 
 On October 1, 1903, Mr. Sterling purchased 
 an interest in The Register-Gazette, of which 
 paper he is the editor. 
 
 On December 17, 1891, Mr. Sterling was 
 married to Miss Anna C. Parmele and two 
 children have blessed the union, Arthur and 
 Olive. His home is at 110 West street. 
 
 R. H. SHUMWAY. 
 
 R. H. Shumway was born in New Milford, 
 Illinois, July 26, 1842, and was educated in the 
 public schools. His boyhood days were spent 
 upon the farm and there is where he acquired 
 the knowledge requisite to the success of his 
 present business. In 1871 he began to realize 
 the importance of the production of thoroughly 
 good seed as the best means of success to the 
 farmer and gardner, and gave special attention 
 to their development. By close attention to 
 business and economical investment he has 
 made a grand success of his undertaking and 
 has acquired a large competence, valued at 
 about a million of dollars. 
 
 His customers reside in every state and 
 territory in the Union, and for the last several 
 years have numbered 100,000 annually. Dur- 
 ing the busy season he employs from seventy-five 
 to eighty people. He employs no traveling 
 salesmen, but advertises his business by means 
 of catalogues and agricultural papers. It requires 
 two carloads of paper for each edition of his 
 
 catalogues, and these are sent direct to the 
 planters. The Rockford postoffice receives a 
 large business and revenue from the Shumway 
 seed business. 
 
 Mr. Shumway removed from New Milford 
 to Rcckford in 1873, and resides at No. 325 
 
 R. H. SHUMWAY. 
 
 South First street. His warehouse is at Nos. 
 118, 120 and 122 South First street. Mrs. 
 Shumway died in 1899. Five children are 
 now living. 
 
 Mr. Shumway's parents came from Vermont 
 and settled at the mouth of the Kishwaukee 
 river in 1836, soon after the Black Hawk war. 
 His mother, Sallie Greeley, was a cousin to 
 Horace Greeley, of newspaper fame. The 
 country was then "the wild and woolly west," 
 and infested by the notorious outlaws, called the 
 Banditti of the Prairie. 
 
 P. R. WALKER. 
 
 Peleg Remington Walker was born in 
 Brooklyn, Windham Co., Conn., July 1, 1835. 
 When four years of age the family removed to 
 East Brooklyn, now Danielson, where he attend- 
 ed the district school until twelve years old. 
 He then worked on the farm summers and at- 
 
io8 
 
 R OC K F O R D 
 
 tended school winters. At the age of fifteen he 
 attended the West Killingly academy during the 
 fall and winter. In November, 1852, he began 
 teaching in the North Bigelow district in Hamp- 
 ton, Conn. The following summer he worked 
 with his father who was a carpenter and builder. 
 In the winter of '53 and '54 he taught the South 
 Parish school in Killingly. At that time he 
 began preparation for a college course, and at- 
 tended school the following winter. In the 
 spring of 1855 he was obliged to forego study 
 on account of weak eyes, brought on by an 
 attack of measles. 
 
 In April, 1856, he removed with his father's 
 family to Scott township, Ogle county, Illinois. 
 During the following fall and winter he taught 
 a seven months' term of school at Lynville. 
 The following summer he broke prairie, and 
 taught the Smith-Woodburn school during the 
 winter. 
 
 His success in teaching was such that he 
 felt it to be his duty to prepare himself for this 
 profession and at the close of his school he 
 entered the Normal University at Bloomington, 
 111., where he took a full course and such ad- 
 vanced work as was afforded at that time. He 
 graduated from the University in June, 1861, 
 and taught at Dement the following year. 
 
 The Civil war being in progress Mr. Walker 
 felt it to be his duty to enlist in the army in 
 defense of his country, and on August 12, 1862, 
 he enlisted as a private in Company K, 92nd 
 Illinois Volunteers. The regiment was sent to 
 Camp Fuller where it remained until October 
 10, 1862, when it left for the front, The regi- 
 ment was mounted in July, 1863, and supplied 
 with repeating rifles. He participated in the 
 advance on Chattanooga, was with Hooker at 
 Lookout Mountain and saw the battle of Mission 
 Ridge, and was with Sherman, in Kilpatrick's 
 cavalry, from Chattanooga to Atlanta on the 
 march to Savannah. He received a slight 
 wound when in the advance on Raleigh. He 
 was promoted to sergeant, first sergeant, lieuten- 
 ant and had charge of his company during its 
 last year's service. 
 
 Before being discharged from the army, he 
 was engaged to teach the Dement school, where 
 he remained eight years. He was then invited 
 
 to Rochelle at an advanced salary which he 
 accepted. After twelve years of successful 
 work at Rochelle, he was appointed superintend- 
 ent of the Rockford city schools, to which 
 position he has received his twentieth appoint- 
 ment. The schools have made excellent 
 progress under his supervision and rank among 
 the best in the state. His report for 1902 will 
 be found in the school article in this work. 
 
 Mr. Walker has been a regular attendant at 
 the National and State Teachers' Associations. 
 He served several years as treasurer of the 
 State Teachers' Association, and in 1890 was 
 its president. He has been the president of the 
 Northern Illinois Teachers' Association and a 
 member of the State Board of Education for 
 more than twenty years. 
 
 Socially he is a member of the G. A. R. 
 
 Mr. Walker married Miss Martha E. Webb 
 of New York, and has one daughter. The 
 family residence is at No. 716 North Church 
 street. 
 
 WILLIAM WORTH BURSON. 
 
 William Worth Burson was born in Pennsyl- 
 vania and the family removed to McDonough 
 county, Illinois, in 1842, and to Fulton county 
 the following year, where his boyhood and 
 early manhood was passed, thus sharing the 
 experiences of pioneer life. 
 
 For the successful operation of his farm 
 work, he invented and constructed a self-rake 
 reaper in 1858, which was the first machine to 
 regulate the size of the gavel by weight. 
 
 Mr. Burson was a pioneer in the invention 
 of grain binders and obtained a patent on a 
 twine binder in 1860. This was the first patent 
 on a machine to make the present grain-binder 
 knot. He followed this model with two machines, 
 using wire instead of twine, for the harvest of 
 1860. These machines were attached to the 
 reaper and operated by hand. These were first 
 brought into prominence by being operated at 
 the great reaper trial at Dixon, Illinois, in the 
 harvest of 1862. 
 
 Emerson & Company contracted to make 
 one thousand machines for Mr. Burson for the 
 harvest of 1863, the first one thousand grain 
 binders ever made He came to Rockford for 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 109 
 
 the purpose of carrying out this contract, where 
 he resided until 1881, when he removed to 
 Chicago. On account of imperfect workman- 
 ship, lack of field experts and other adverse 
 circumstances, these machines were a failure 
 
 WILLIAM WORTH BURSON. 
 
 financially and the venture disastrous, leaving a 
 heavy debt upon Mr. Burson, which was not 
 entirely liquidated until 1901. 
 
 In 1866, in company with the late John 
 Nelson, under the firm name of Burson &. Nelson, 
 the invention of a family knitting machine was 
 jointly undertaken. Mr. Nelson was obliged to 
 give his attention largely to his sash, door and 
 blind factory for some time, but Mr. Burson 
 applied himself closely to the business in hand 
 and after much tedious labor by both, a power 
 machine was perfected. Upon these machines 
 patents were issued to Burson and Nelson in 
 1868-1870 and 1875, and in 1874 one on hose. 
 
 On December 25, 1869, the part now known 
 as the "presser hook" was developed. On July 
 23d, 1870, the first sock was knit by an auto- 
 matic machine at Rockford. The socks came 
 from the machine joined together and were 
 separated by hand, and the toes closed. This 
 
 was the first practical automatic knitting 
 machine. 
 
 In 1872-3 the parallel row machine was 
 developed. This was the beginning of Rock- 
 ford's present great knitting industry. These 
 machines were automatic and closed to toe and 
 heel, producing a stocking ready to wear, without 
 hand work. "Rockford Seamless Socks" were 
 pioneers in seamless hosiery, driving the old line 
 of goods out of the market. 
 
 In 1 878 Mr. Burson, having withdrawn from 
 active participation with the Burson & Nelson 
 business, built an automatic grain binding har- 
 vester, and a knitting machine with a mitten 
 pattern having a double wrist, with the letters 
 "Pat'd" knit therein, also a patent office model, 
 knitting a stocking with narrowed ankle and 
 fancy top. containing the letter -B," a ribbed 
 scarf with letters at each end, and a shirt sleeve 
 with fancy cuff and widening to the body. All 
 of these articles knit with change of yarn and on 
 a single pattern. 
 
 During 1879 to 1891 he developed a number 
 of important harvesting inventions which were 
 purchased by Whitely, Deering, McCormick, 
 Walter A. Wood, and Milwaukee and Piano 
 Harvesting Companies. 
 
 In 1 89 1 he applied himself again to the per- 
 fection of, knitting machinery and in 1892 
 brought one of his machines to Rockford. 
 These machines were modeled after those of 
 1878 and their product is being shipped from 
 Rockford to all parts of the United States. 
 
 Mr. Burson has been a tireless inventor, and 
 has been allowed more than fifty United States 
 and foreign patents on grain binders, grain and 
 corn harvesters, automatic knitting machines, 
 knit fabrics and other lines upon which he has 
 worked and on which he is still actively engaged. 
 
 AMASA HUTCHINS. 
 
 Hon. Amasa Hutchins was born in Guilford, 
 Winnebago county, Illinois, June 1 , 1 843, and 
 was educated in the public schools. 
 
 He was engaged in farming until 1862, when 
 he enlisted in the Union army and served through 
 the war. 
 
 Mr. Hutchins has been a very successful 
 politician, having been elected sheriff of the 
 
I 10 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 county and mayor of the city of Rockford twice. 
 In 1880 he was elected sheriff on the Repub- 
 lican ticket, and filled the office with credit to 
 himself and with honor to the county. His term 
 of office as sheriff was six years. 
 
 AMASA HUTCHINS. 
 
 In 1887 he engaged in the monument 
 business, which he successfully carried on for 
 fourteen years. 
 
 His home has been in Rockford since 1880, 
 and he has had the best interests of the city at 
 heart, and many of Rockford's most important 
 improvements are due to his efforts and official 
 acts. He took a deep interest in the new library 
 building, and did much toward making the en- 
 terprise a success. 
 
 In 1893 he was elected mayor by a large 
 majority, and gave the city an excellent admin- 
 istration. In 1901 he was re-elected to this 
 office, and during this administration many nota- 
 ble municipal improvements were made. 
 
 He was the builder of the fine steamer 
 " Illinois," and was thus the pioneer in the nav- 
 igation of Rock river for pleasure. 
 
 Since the building of the Illinois other pleas- 
 re boats have made their appearance, and 
 
 Rockford has become a center for pleasure 
 seekers from the surrounding country. Captain 
 John T. Buker is interested with Mr. Hutchins 
 in the management of the boat, and together 
 they make a fine success of the business. 
 
 Socially, Mr. Hutchins is a member of the 
 G. A. R., Elks, and K. of G 
 
 He was married to Miss Elizabeth Harrod 
 in 1873, and has three sons and two daughters. 
 
 The family residence is at No. 323 Bruce 
 street. 
 
 JOEL B. WHITEHEAD. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born on a 
 farm near Hillsboro, Illinois, January 31, 1864, 
 and was educated in the public schools. He 
 
 JOEL B. w 
 
 was also a student at Beloit College two years. 
 After leaving Beloit, in 1885, he taught one 
 term of school in a district northwest of Beloit. 
 Mr. Whitehead came to Rockford in 1886, 
 where he has since resided. He began his busi- 
 ness career here in the office of H. W. Price, 
 where he remained five years. During the last 
 twelve or thirteen years he has done a prosper- 
 ous business in real estate, loans and insurance, 
 and is a very popular dealer on account of strict 
 integrity and fair business methods. 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 1 1 1 
 
 He has served as a member of the board of 
 education, two years as a member of the county 
 board of supervisors from his ward, and was re- 
 cently re-elected for another term of two years, 
 a director in the Insurance Company of the 
 State of Illinois, a director in the Rockford 
 National Bank, secretary of the Winnebago 
 County Agricultural Society for nine years, 
 and a director in the Rockford Chautauqua 
 Association. 
 
 As a supervisor Mr. Whitehead has served 
 on several of the most important committees, 
 and exercised a strong influence in preventing the 
 placing of the Memorial Hall on the Court House 
 square and the selection of its present site. He 
 served as the secretary of the Memorial 
 Hall committee of the board of supervisors for 
 the construction of the building, the duties of 
 which were most efficiently discharged. 
 
 During his long service as secretary of the 
 Agricultural Society, he made the annual fair a 
 success, and was the means of bringing much 
 business to Rockford. 
 
 Mr. Whitehead married Miss Emma A. 
 Leach, youngest daughter of the late Shepherd 
 Leach, one of the early pioneers, who came to 
 Rockford in 1838, in company with David S. 
 Penfield. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Whitehead have two children, 
 Ruth and Loren L., and reside at 848 North 
 Main street. 
 
 AUGUST P. FLOBERG. 
 
 One of the most popular, strong and flourish- 
 ing financial institutions of Rockford is the 
 Manufacturers' National Bank of which August 
 P. Floberg is the able and efficient cashier. 
 He was director and stockholder from this bank's 
 inception and was one of the organizers of the 
 same. He is now treasurer and director of the 
 Mechanics' Furniture Company, which employs 
 one hundred men, and has a capital of $75,000. 
 
 Mr. Floberg was also one of the chief organ- 
 izers of the Rockford Manufacturing Company 
 which was formed in 1889, with a capital stock 
 of $200,000, employing one hundred employes, 
 and is treasurer of the same. He is director 
 and treasurer of the Forest City Bit & Tool 
 Company, was one of the founders of the Rock- 
 
 ford Posten Publishing Company, and is a 
 director and treasurer of the Swedish Building 
 & Loan Association. 
 
 Our subject was born in "Wester Gothland" 
 Province, Sweden, October 5, 1856. He was 
 but eleven years of age when he came to Rock- 
 ford, and he received a good practical education 
 in the schools of the city. Later he accepted a 
 position as office boy, and with the earnings 
 thus saved, gave himself a good education in 
 the Business College of Rockford. He was 
 then book-keeper for different institutions and 
 later was for seven years secretary for the 
 Central Furniture Company. He soon became 
 familiar with his business, and has developed 
 into one of the most thorough-going, enterprising 
 men of the city. He is a bank officer of marked 
 executive ability and vast practical experience 
 and is possessed of those characteristics of 
 
 AUGUST P. FLOBERC. 
 
 energy, promptness and sobriety, which ever 
 secure success. 
 
 Miss Augusta Ekeberg, who became his 
 wife in Rockford in 1880, was born in "Wester 
 Gothland" Province, Sweden, and attained her 
 growth and received her education here. She 
 
I 12 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 came to this country with her parents In 1870, 
 and has since been a resident of this city. 
 
 The political sympathies of Mr. Floberg 
 have brought him in line with the Republican 
 party and in public movements he has ever taken 
 a deep interest. He and Mrs. Floberg are 
 identified with the First Lutheran church and 
 he was trustee for a number of years and is the 
 present treasurer. 
 
 Their marriage resulted in the birth of four 
 children, Adelbert R., Frances E., Mamie L., 
 and Freddie F. 
 
 JOHN T. SAVAGE. 
 
 John T. Savage, of the firm of Savage &. 
 Love Company, is one of Rockford's well known 
 manufacturers. He was born in Canada, April 
 16, 1842, and was educated in the public schools. 
 
 JOHN T. SAVAGE. 
 
 Mr. Savage came to Rockford in 1866, where 
 he has since resided. 
 
 In 1876 he engaged in business in the firm 
 of Savage & Love. This firm is now known as 
 Savage & Love Company, and is doing a suc- 
 cessful business, the factory and business being 
 located on South Main street. 
 
 Mr. Savage has been married and has six 
 sons. Mrs. Savage died in 1901. 
 
 Socially he is a member of the G. A R., 
 Royal League, M. W. A., and I. 0. O. F. 
 
 The family residence is at No. 927 Ferguson 
 street. 
 
 WILLIAM DOBSON. 
 
 William Dobson, one of Rockford's promi- 
 inent manufacturers, was born in Winnebago 
 county, where he spent his boyhood days upon 
 
 WILLIAM DOBSON. 
 
 a farm in the town of Burritt. He came to 
 Rockford in 1868, and was employed as a clerk 
 and in other work for several years. 
 
 He served one year as janitor at the old 
 court house and jail. 
 
 In 1872 he entered the employ of Mr. F. 
 Lander, who was engaged in the manufacture of 
 doors, sash and building material on the water 
 power. Some time after the death of Mr. Lan- 
 der, in 1880, Mr. Dobson formed a partnership 
 with Mr. Benjamin Blakeman, and continued 
 the business, which in 1883, was incorporated 
 as the Blakeman & Dobson Manufacturing Co., 
 and the manufacture of dairy churns and sup- 
 plies was added to the business. 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 Mr. Dobson assumed entire control of the 
 business in 1897, when the manufacture of 
 building material was discontinued, and the 
 name was changed to the Dobson Manufactur- 
 ing Co., which is now engaged in the manufac- 
 ture of a general dairy line of goods. 
 
 The company has built up a large and pros- 
 perous business, and its product is shipped to its 
 patrons in many states. 
 
 GEORGE COLLIS. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born in 
 Portsmouth, England, in April, 1852, and was 
 educated in a private school in that city. His 
 
 GEORGE COLLIS. 
 
 father was in the employ of the English govern- 
 ment and was killed while engaged in placing an 
 engine in the steamship "Furg." 
 
 Mr. Collis learned the trade of coppersmith 
 while young, and was employed in this business 
 for twenty-six years. He removed to Canada 
 in 1879, where he continued work at his trade. 
 He came to Rockford in 1891 for the purpose 
 of joining with Mr. Charles Andrews in the wire 
 works business, and is now the secretary and 
 treasurer of the Andrews Wire & Iron Works. 
 
 Mr. Collis is an earnest, conscientious 
 Christian and an efficient worker in the church. 
 
 He has also advanced in Masonry to the Royal 
 Arch degree, he is a member of the Royal 
 Arcanum and Ben Hur in this city, and retains 
 his membership in the Ancient Foresters to 
 which he has belonged since 1871. He takes 
 an active interest in the welfare of young men 
 whom he delights to welcome to his home, where 
 his good wife entertains them with good things 
 to eat. and he strives to inculcate all that is 
 best in manhood. 
 
 Mr. Collis is married and has a family of 
 five children, and resides at 1726 Chestnut street. 
 
 CHARLES ANDREWS. 
 
 The subject of this sketch is the President 
 of the Andrews Wire and Iron Works of this 
 city. 
 
 CHARLES ANDREWS. 
 
 He was born in London, England, May 30, 
 1845. and was educated in the public schools 
 of that city. 
 
 He came to America and located at Hamil- 
 ton, Canada, in 1870, where he resided seven 
 years. He removed to Rockford in 1877, where 
 he has since resided. 
 
 His first engagement here was with Lock- 
 wood & Lyman in the wire goods manufacture 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 on the water power, and remained with them 
 eight years, when he began the manufacture of 
 those goods on his own account in the John 
 Spafford building on Madison street. 
 
 Twelve years ago the company removed to 
 its present location, and has met with phenomi- 
 nal success. Mr. Andrews has four of his chil- 
 dren with him in the business. 
 
 He is a member of the Royal Arcanum, the 
 Tribe of Ben Hur, and the Second Congrega- 
 tional church. He resides with his wife and 
 family of six children at 813 Kilburn avenue. 
 
 GEORGE L. WILEY. 
 
 George L. Wiley was born in Janesville, 
 Wis., March 17, 1864. His early youth was 
 spent in the city of Lanark, 111., some fifty 
 
 GEORGE L. WILEY. 
 
 miles southwest of Rockford, where he received 
 his education in the public schools, and later 
 took a short college course, fitting himself more 
 especially with a view of engaging in a com- 
 mercial occupation, selecting the banking 
 business For several years after completing 
 his studies, he resided at Omaha, traveling 
 throughout Iowa for a wholesale hardware com- 
 pany. Following this he was admitted to a full 
 
 partnership in a private banking firm at Leaf 
 River, 111., assuming the position of cashier and 
 manager of the bank, which position he filled 
 for six years. He also had charge of quite an 
 active local fire insurance agency, which was 
 one of the departments of the bank. While in 
 charge of the fire Insurance department of the 
 banking business, he decided to give more 
 attention to insurance business, and when the 
 opportunity offered, resigned from the bank and 
 accepted a position with the Insurance Company 
 of the State of Illinois, one of Rockford's fore- 
 most fire insurance companies, of which he is 
 at the present time secretary and manager. He 
 is one of the original stockholders of the com- 
 pany, which was organized in 1895, and 
 served as a director and assistant secretary for 
 a number of years prior to his election to his 
 present position. The home office of the com- 
 pany is on the fifth floor of the Brown building. 
 Mr. Wiley is married and has one daughter, 
 residing at his residence, 1120 North Main 
 street. 
 
 THOMAS D. REBER. 
 
 Thomas D. Reber was born in Reading, Pa., 
 December II, 1863, of Pennsylvania Dutch 
 stock, whose ancestors located there in 1738. 
 His father, Bennville B. Reber, died in 1865, 
 and his mother, Mary Ellen (Dechert) Reber, 
 died in 1899. He was educated in the public 
 schools, Reading Business College, and a three 
 years course in the State Normal, at Millers- 
 ville. Pa. 
 
 In April, 1883. he came to Rockford and 
 worked for Peter Sames, and then for the Cen- 
 tral Union Telephone Co. for a time, after which 
 he served as mailing and shipping clerk in the 
 office of W. F. & John Barnes Co. 
 
 In September, 1884, he entered the employ 
 of Perry & Lakin, lumber dealers, and in Janu- 
 ary, 1885, he purchased the interest of Mr. La- 
 kin, and the firm name was changed to Perry & 
 Reber. 
 
 Five years of successful business followed, 
 when in April, 1890, the firm of Perry & Reber 
 and that of Lawler & Keeler were united under 
 the firm name of the Rockford Lumber & Fuel 
 Company. 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 Mr. Reber was elected treasurer, which 
 office he held until the death of Mr. Perry, the 
 president of the company in 1900, when he was 
 elected to the office of vice president, which 
 position he still retains. 
 
 THOMAS D. REBER. 
 
 During the thirteen years of successful busi- 
 ness of this company, the number of employes 
 has increased from eight to forty-five, the num- 
 ber of horses from six to twenty-six. 
 
 The company now has four yards and offices 
 in Rockford, besides those at Beloit and White- 
 water, Wis. The company's business, at each 
 point, exceeds that of any other concern engaged 
 in these lines. 
 
 The main office is at No. 201 East State 
 street. 
 
 Mr. Reber was an original stockholder in the 
 Forest City National Bank, the Star Printing 
 Co., Superior Brick Co., and one of the organ- 
 izers and member of the first board of directors 
 of the Rockford & Freeport Electric Railway 
 Co., one of the organizers and first board of 
 directors of the Rockford Merchants' and Busi- 
 ness Men's Association, also of the Rockford 
 Manufacturers and Shippers Association, being 
 elected treasurer of each without opposition. 
 
 In 1884 he enlisted in Company H, Third 
 Regiment, 111. N. G., as a private, and Febru 
 ary 2, 1886, was elected first lieutenant. 
 
 Socially, he is a member of Rockford Lodge 
 
 A. F. & A. M. No. 102; Winnebago Chapter 
 Royal Arch Masons No. 23; Crusader Com- 
 mandery No. 17; Knights Templar; Freeport 
 Consistory; Ancient Scottish Rite Mason 32nd 
 degree, and Tebala Temple A. A. O. N. M. S. 
 He has filled the highest offices in most of the 
 above bodies. He is also a member of the 
 
 B. P. 0. Elks, National Union, Royal Arcanum 
 and Rockford Germania Society. 
 
 Mr. Reber married Miss Lydia Loyul, 
 daughter of Wm. and Jane Loyul of Rockford, 
 May 20, 1886, and has two children, Helen 
 Jane, born June 17, 1889, and Edwin Perry, 
 born September 1 , 1 89 1 . 
 
 The family residence is at No. 315 South 
 Third street. 
 
 E. H. KEELER. 
 
 E. H. Keeler was born at Janesville, Wis., 
 August 13th, 1863. In 1869 he moved with 
 his parents to Beloit, Wis. He was educated 
 
 E. H. KEELER. 
 
 at Beloit public schools, Beloit College and 
 Andover, Mass. He entered the employ of the 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 lumber and coal firm of Peet & Keeler at 
 Beloit after leaving scnool and there secured 
 his early training in business. After three years 
 service he was made a member of the firm at 
 the age of twenty-two. 
 
 In 1888 Mr. Keeler came to Rockford and 
 formed a partnership with Col. Thomas G. 
 Lawler under the firm name of Lawler & 
 Keeler, dealers in coal. In 1890 the Rockford 
 Lumber & Fuel Company was organized, Mr. 
 Keeler being made secretary and treasurer, 
 which position he now holds. He is also secre- 
 tary and treasurer of the Keeler Lumber Com- 
 pany of Beloit, Wis., and Rockton, 111., vice- 
 president of the Forest City National Bank and 
 President of the Superior Brick Company. 
 
 Mr. Keeler is a republican in politics, is 
 married and has three children. 
 
 LEVI RHOADES. 
 
 Levi Rhoades was born in Hinsdale, Catta- 
 raugus county, New York, June 25, 1830, and 
 died at his home, No. 710 North Court street, 
 Rockford, Illinois, November 19, 1891. 
 
 In 1836 Mr. Rhoades removed from his 
 native town with his parents, to Troy, Wisconsin, 
 where they settled on a farm. He assisted in 
 the farm work and attended school as he could 
 get opportunity until seventeen years of age, 
 when he came to Rockford and worked at 
 anything he could find to do for self support. 
 
 In 1848 he entered the cooper shop of 
 Harry Landers, and at the end of three years 
 purchased a half interest in the business. In 
 1853 he bought out Mr. Landers, and continued 
 this business until 1884. 
 
 In 1865 he formed a partnership with Isaac 
 and C. M. Utter & Company, for the manufac- 
 ture of paper, and was still at the head of the 
 firm at the time of his death. 
 
 When the People's Bank was organized, 
 Mr. Rhoades was one of its heaviest backers 
 and was a director. He was a prime mover in 
 the organization of the Rockford Watch Com- 
 pany, was its first president, and a director, un- 
 til his death. He aided in the removal of the 
 Watch Case Company from Racine to Rock- 
 ford, and was a stockholder in the Phoenix 
 Furniture Company, and also in the Boot & 
 
 Shoe Company. At the time of his death he 
 held responsible positions in many of Rockford's 
 important industries and had acquired a hand- 
 some competence. 
 
 He was a member of Court Street church 
 and aided liberally in the construction of that 
 fine edifice, his donation being about $6,000. 
 
 LEVI RHOADES. 
 
 He was elected mayor in 1876 and served 
 one term. Mr. Rhoades married Mrs. Frederica 
 (Reik) Rhoades, his brother's widow, December 
 24, 1854, and had three children, two of whom 
 are now living. 
 
 JEREMIAH DAVIS. 
 
 Jeremiah Davis was born in Steuben coun- 
 ty, New York, June 2, 1826. When thirteen 
 years of age he removed with his parents to Mil- 
 ton, Rock county, Wisconsin, where he attended 
 the public schools and Milton Academy. 
 
 His first business effort was the purchase of 
 eighty acres of land which he cultivated until 
 1850, when he made an overland trip to Califor- 
 nia in company with L. P. Knowlton of Water- 
 loo, Wis. He located a miner's claim near 
 Georgetown, California, which he worked sue- 
 
R OC K FO R D 
 
 117 
 
 cessfully for one year. Having established a 
 residence in the territory, he voted for the adop- 
 tion of the first constitution for California, in 
 September, 1850, after which he returned to 
 Milton, Wis. 
 
 
 JEREMIAH DAVIS. 
 
 He removed to Ogle county, Illinois, in 1859, 
 and, when the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul 
 Railway was projected in 1874, he laid out and 
 founded the town of Davis Junction, which bears 
 his name. He owns valuable farm lands near 
 Davis Junction in Ogle county, 
 
 In 1881 he removed to Rockford, establish- 
 ing a residence at No. 216 North Second street, 
 where he has since lived. 
 
 Mr. Davis represented the town of Scott on 
 the board of supervisors of Ogle county for eight 
 years. He was the representative from Ogle 
 county, in the State legislature, in 1871 and 
 1872. 
 
 After coming to Rockford he was elected to 
 the council from the First ward in 1885 and 
 served one term. 
 
 He has been a member of the Masonic order 
 for forty years, and is a member of the Western 
 Society of California Pioneers. 
 
 Mr. Davis married Miss Jane Goodrich of 
 Milton, daughter of Hon. Joseph Goodrich, in 
 
 the spring of 1852, and has six children : J. Mil- 
 ton, Olive, now Mrs. Woodman of Chicago, 
 Henry G., a physician at Monroe Center, Charles 
 E., Elbert Lincoln and Mable, now Mrs. Vande- 
 mark of Rockford. 
 
 L. H. BALEY. 
 
 L. H. Baley is a native of New York "state 
 and was born in 1843. He was educated in 
 the public schools. He removed to Illinois in 
 1855, and came to Rockford in 1883. 
 
 Soon after coming to the city he engaged in 
 the ice business with Mr. Leonard, under the 
 firm name of Baley & Leonard. In 1893 he 
 organized the Rockford Ice Company of which 
 he is the secretary and treasurer. The company's 
 business has grown to large proportions. It owns 
 immense ice houses and supplies the larger part 
 of the trade in the city with ice. From fifteen 
 to eighteen wagons are operated during the 
 busy season. 
 
 Mr. Baley married Clara Miller of Marengo, 
 Illinois, in 1868, and has one daughter. The 
 family residence is at No. 222 North Second 
 street. 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 THEODORE F. HOPKINS. 
 
 Theodore F. Hopkins was born in western 
 New York and was educated in the public 
 schools and Pike, N. Y., seminary. He came 
 to Rockford in 1866 while in his teens and 
 engaged with J. S. Sherman as bookkeeper, in 
 
 THEODORE F. HOPKINS. 
 
 the nursery business. During this engagement 
 he acquired experience in the business and after 
 leaving Mr. Sherman's employ he took up the 
 nursery business in connection with farming, 
 on a tract of land south of town, which he had 
 purchased for this purpose. 
 
 In 1876 he exchanged his farm for an 
 interest in the tannery business, which he has 
 since carried on with eminent success. His 
 business partner is Mr. L. M. Hess. 
 
 In 1883 a corporation was formed which is 
 known as the Hess & Hopkins Leather Company 
 and the business facilities were very much 
 enlarged. From a small beginning with but few 
 employes, in close quarters, the business facilities 
 have expanded until a large area of land is 
 covered with fine brick structures and the num- 
 ber of people employed increased to two hundred. 
 The company is doing practically the exclusive 
 business in this country of manufacturing har- 
 
 ness leather and then manufacturing this into 
 harness goods. Their trade covers a wide area, 
 their goods being shipped both east and west, 
 and the demand for them is constantly increas- 
 ing. Mr. Hopkins is the secretary-treasurer of 
 the company and its business manager. 
 
 Mr. Hopkins served in the city council as an 
 alderman from the seventh ward during '1885 
 and 1886, and was a member of the board of 
 school inspectors from 1896 to 1900. Socially 
 he is a Modern Woodman. 
 
 Mr. Hopkins was married to Miss Alice 
 Wheat of Rockford, in 1878, and resides at No 
 704 North Church street. 
 
 L. M. HESS. 
 
 The subject of this sketch moved from Cen- 
 ter county, Pennsylvania, where he was born, 
 with his parents, and settled on a farm near 
 
 ^^^^B 
 
 L. M. HESS. 
 
 Freeport, Illinois, in 1848, and where he was 
 educated in the public schools. 
 
 In 1862, though young, he felt it to be his 
 duty to enter the army in defense of the Union, 
 and enlisted as a corporal in the 93rd Regiment, 
 Illinois Infantry, and went into camp at Camp 
 Fuller, and from there to Camp Douglass where 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 119 
 
 the regiment was organized. The regiment 
 joined the Army of the Tennessee and partici- 
 pated in the battles of Jackson, Miss., Vicksburg, 
 Champion Hill, Chattanooga, Mission Ridge, 
 Altona Pass, Yazoo campaign, and was with 
 Sherman in his notable March to the Sea. 
 
 He participated in the Grand Review at 
 Washington, D. C., and was mustered out of 
 service at Louisville, Kentucky, in 1865, and 
 returned to Freeport. 
 
 In 1866 he came to Rockford and engaged 
 in the manufacture of leather upon the site 
 where the Hess & Hopkins Leather Co.'s plant 
 
 now stands. 
 
 He was first connected with two other gen- 
 tlemen from Freeport in establishing the plant, 
 which was later leased to Benjamin Hess, his 
 father, and Mr. Tanner. 
 
 In 1875 Mr. Hess took the business, and in 
 company with Horatio Stone instituted the old 
 method of tanning, and built up a prosperous 
 business. 
 
 In 1877 Mr. T. F. Hopkins bought an inter- 
 est in the institution, and the business was ma- 
 terially enlarged. 
 
 In 1883 a corporation was formed under the 
 name of The Hess & Hopkins Leather Co., and 
 the plant was again enlarged. Additions have 
 more recently been made, making the establish- 
 ment one of the largest in the country. Mr. 
 Hess is the vice president of the company, and 
 with his large experience and constant attention 
 to business is meeting with unbounded success. 
 
 Mr. Hess was married to Miss Elizabeth 
 Eveland, October 27, 1870, and has four chil- 
 dren living, two sons and two daughters, B. F., 
 E. L,, Edith and Ruth. The family residence 
 is at No. 701 Kilburn avenue. 
 
 ELIJAH WHITTIER BLAISDELL 
 Was a descendant from an ancestry among whom 
 many have been numbered with the most promi- 
 nent of the nation. They came from the old Norse 
 stock, a Danish family of that name, having 
 imigrated to Wales before the country was sub- 
 dued by Alfred the Great. Its members were 
 mostly forge-men and sailors. 
 
 Sir Ralph Blaisdell, Knight, married a mem- 
 ber of the royal family, and several of his de- 
 scendants were members of parliament. 
 
 The progenitors of the American branch of 
 the family was Enoch Blaisdell, who died in 
 Wales. His widow and three sons. Enoch, Ab- 
 ner, and Elijah came to America about twenty 
 years after the landing of the Pilgrims at Ply- 
 mouth Rock, and settled at Newburyport, Mass. 
 
 ELIJAH WHITTIER BLAISDELL. 
 
 The youngest son is the direct ancestor of 
 Elijah Whittier Blaisdell, the subject of this 
 sketch, and throughout the successive genera- 
 tions this and other Bible names appear, thus 
 showing the religious element of the family, 
 
 A descendant of Elijah Blaisdell died at 
 Amesbury, Massachusetts, and his widow mar- 
 ried Nathaniel Whittier, a member of the same 
 family as the noted poet, John G. Whittier, 
 whence comes the name of our subject. 
 
 The grandfather of our subject, Parrett Blais- 
 dell, served in the Revolutionary War and that 
 of 1812. He is referred to as being "hasty, 
 brave, and fixedly determined," as well as noted 
 for his blunt honesty and his hearty and sincere 
 piety. He reached the advanced age of eighty- 
 six years, and died at Fort Covington, New York, 
 in 1836. His brother Daniel was also a promi- 
 nent citizen, and served as a member of Con- 
 gress in 1808. 
 
I2O 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 Elijah Whittier Blaisdell, Sr., was born in 
 Montpelier, Vermont, in 1800, and removed to 
 Middlebury, that state, in 1837. He was pre- 
 viously married in Montreal to Miss Ann Maria 
 Deacon, a native of Wexford, England, and a 
 member of the Methodist church. On the 18th 
 of July, 1826, their son, Elijah Whittier Blais- 
 dell, was born in Montpelier, Vermont, where he 
 passed his boyhood days. He attended the pub- 
 lic schools, and later, when his father removed 
 to Vergennes, Vermont, where he published the 
 Vergennes Vermonter, he attended the classical 
 school in that village. After leaving school he 
 entered his father's printing office, and with this 
 experience and extensive reading, in later years, 
 he acquired a broad and general education that 
 surpassed that of many a university bred man. 
 
 He shortly assumed the editorship of the 
 paper, and was also appointed postmaster of Ver- 
 gennes by President Taylor. 
 
 To a man of his ambition his environments 
 soon became too narrow, and he resolved to seek 
 a home in the west. Acting upon this determi- 
 nation he came to Rockford and purchased the 
 Forum, which he published for ten years. 
 
 Changing the name to the Republican he 
 again resumed editorial work, and this at a time 
 when vital questions of public concern were be- 
 ing agitated. He was soon recogized as a power 
 in the community and acquired an extended rep- 
 utation. Activity in public affairs brought him 
 in contact with Lincoln, Palmer, Schneider, 
 Browning and others at the meeting in Spring- 
 field when the Republican party was organized. 
 He made a strong speech in favor of the new 
 principles at this meeting, and upon his return 
 to Rockford he placed the name of Abraham 
 Lincoln at the head of the columns of his paper 
 as the new party's candidate for the presidency. 
 It is a matter of history that the Rockford Re- 
 publican was the first paper to suggest the name 
 of Lincoln for president. 
 
 Mr. Blaisdell called a convention in Rock- 
 ford for the purpose of nominating a Republican 
 candidate for Congress, and as a result Elihu B. 
 Washburn was the first man nominated for Con- 
 gress by the Republican party. 
 
 Mr. Blaisdell vigorously espoused the inter- 
 ests of the farmer in behalf of a lower rate of 
 interest, as they were obliged to pay as high as 
 
 twenty per cent, to the money leaner. Upon 
 this issue he was elected a member of the Illi- 
 nois legislature in 1859, where he continued the 
 fight. In behalf of his measure he made one of 
 the most noted speeches ever delivered in the 
 house, which attracted widespread attention. 
 The measure was enacted into law, and was a 
 blessing to the people of the state. He was also 
 instrumental in securing the enactment of a law 
 giving to a wife the right to use her own property 
 under certain circumstances without regard to 
 her husband's wishes. Having accomplished 
 his desires at Springfield he refused a renomina- 
 tion and disposed of his paper, which then be- 
 came known as the Register, and is now the 
 Register-Gazette. 
 
 Mr. Blaisdell then took up the study of law, 
 and after reading thirty or forty of the best text- 
 books on the subject, made application for ad- 
 mission to the bar. Judge Peck, one of the 
 examining committee, having heard his speech 
 in the legislature, expressed surprise that he was 
 not already a member of the bar. Such was 
 the effect of this speech that he was admitted 
 to practice without examination a most grace- 
 ful compliment to his ability. 
 
 His success as an attorney was pronounced 
 from the beginning, and his business netted him, 
 the first year between three and four thousand 
 dollars, and he was equally successful during his 
 thirteen years of practice, 
 
 In 1884 he changed his political views and 
 supported Mr. Cleveland for the presidency. He 
 was a staunch friend of John M. Palmer, and 
 did much to advance his political interests. 
 
 After leaving the bar he gave much of his 
 time to literary pursuits. The Petersons pub- 
 lished one of his novels, which elicited favorable 
 comment from the New York Sun, World, Eve- 
 ning Post and Boston Journal. He also wrote 
 a political burlesque entitled, "The Rajah," 
 which met with great success. He also wrote 
 a number of poems of much merit, and a play 
 entitled, " Eva, the General's Daughter," found- 
 ed on incidents of the Black Hawk War, which 
 was well received by A. M Palmer, the well 
 known theatrical manager of New York. 
 
 Mr. Blaisdell was twice married His first 
 wife, Frances Robinson, died soon after coming 
 to Rockford, the second wife was Miss Elizabeth 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 121 
 
 J. Lawrence, daughter of Judge Ville Lawrence 
 of Vermont, and a sister of the late Chief Jus- 
 tice C. B. Lawrence of Illinois. 
 
 Mr. Blaisdell died January 14, 1901, and 
 left a widow and five children, Byron Rich- 
 ard of Chicago ; Henry, a lawyer of Chicago; 
 Elijah W., an artist of New York, and George 
 and Shelly Pierpont at home. The family resi- 
 dence is at No. 1240 Council Hill. 
 
 E. C. DUNN, M. D. 
 
 The subject of this sketch is one of Rock- 
 ford's most foremost and best known citizens. 
 He is a descendant of a prominent Scotch Irish 
 
 E. C. DUNN, M. D. 
 
 family, which traces its history back for many 
 generations. 
 
 The grand parent, Joseph Dunn, had eight 
 children, of which Hiram, the father of Dr. 
 Dunn, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsyl- 
 vania. Dr. Dunn is the youngest of six children, 
 and was born in Ontario county, New York, in 
 1840. 
 
 When a mere boy he manifested a roving 
 disposition and a spirit of investigation. It was 
 his good fortune to meet Dr, Peebles when but 
 
 fifteen years of age, who became interested in 
 him and took him to his own home, where he 
 was surrounded with all the advantages for cul- 
 ture and education that large wealth could secure. 
 
 Through Dr. Peebles munificence Dr. Dunn 
 received a very broad and liberal education, 
 being a graduate from the University of Penn- 
 sylvania, the American Eclectic College of Med- 
 icine, and holds a certificate from the State 
 Board of Health of Illinois. 
 
 Dr. Dunn is a noted traveler, having visited 
 all the inhabited countries of the globe, and has 
 obtained a knowledge of the habits, religions and 
 characteristics of the various peoples of the world. 
 His fund of information is inexhaustible, and 
 his stories of travel most instructive and inter- 
 esting. During his travels he made a very 
 large collection of curios, gems and precious 
 stones of inestimable value, but met with the 
 loss of many of these, in a museum, in Chicago 
 during the great fire of 1871. 
 
 Dr. Dunn served as secretary of legation at 
 Trebizond, Turkey, where his benefactor, Dr. 
 Peebles was minister from this country. 
 
 Dr. Dunn established a home in Rockford 
 in 1863, but has spent much of the time since in 
 travel and upon the lecture platform. His lecture 
 themes cover a wide range of subjects, being 
 equally at home in matters of science, religion, 
 art and politics. He has lectured In many of 
 the largest cities in the world, and has spoken 
 to audiences ranging from a few hundred in 
 number to many thousands. 
 
 His palatial home in Rockford is one of the 
 most beautiful of the many beautiful homes in 
 the city. Externally it is of oriental design, and 
 its internal arrangement and finish is one of the 
 most artistic of the Queen Ann pattern. The 
 parlors are finished in ebony and gold. The 
 dining room is octagon in shape, and is finished 
 in walnut and cherry and lighted by windows of 
 opalized glass. The house is fitted with the 
 most modern and convenient appliances and is 
 a model of beauty. 
 
 Dr. Dunn was married to Miss Carrie Etts, 
 in Marshall, Michigan, July 27, 1859, and has 
 two children, Aeola, wife of Richard Hamlyn of 
 Rockford, and James, who married Miss Emma 
 Patterson, and resides in Chicago. 
 
122 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 Mrs. Dunn displayed great ability as an art- 
 ist, and her work has received high commenda- 
 tions from the best artists. Her latest work, 
 "Pythias Before the Block," is a painting six 
 feet by four feet six inches in size, and is valued 
 at $1,000.00. Mrs. Dunn died in 1893. 
 
 In later years Dr. Dunn has lived a retired 
 life, devoting his attention largely to a study of 
 the habits and characteristics of the lower ani- 
 mals, especially the horse and dog. 
 
 He recently edited a remarkable work which 
 was published by a Boston firm, entitled The 
 Sagacity of Dogs." The volume is beautifully 
 illustrated and a charming work. 
 
 Socially, he is an Aid-de-Camp of the Su- 
 preme Commander, Gen. Carnahan, of the 
 Knights of Pythias, and meets with the order in 
 State and National conventions, Knight Tem- 
 plar, member of Crusader Commandery No. 17, 
 and an Odd Fellow. 
 
 The family residence is at No. 807 West 
 State street. 
 
 Dr. Dunn does not aspire to political prefer- 
 ment, but was elected as an alderman from the 
 old Seventh ward in 1894, which position he 
 filled with credit to himself and with honor to 
 his constituency for four consecutive terms. He 
 was a strong prospective candidate for the office 
 of mayor, and had the support of a large num- 
 ber of the best men of the city for this position, 
 but did not decide to make the race. Had he 
 done this he doubtless would have been elected 
 by a large majority. 
 
 bership has more than doubled since the begin- 
 ning of his pastorate. A fine winter chapel and 
 school have been built and all departments of 
 
 REV. JAMES J. FLAHERTY. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born in 
 Bureau county, Illinois, in 1853, where he 
 resided until his ordination. He was educated 
 at the Niagara University, at Niagara Falls, N. 
 Y., at which institution he was ordained to the 
 priesthood June 7, 1879, and on July 3, was 
 assigned to duty in the city of Chicago, where 
 he served six years as assistant priest. Rev. 
 Flaherty came to Rockford in 1885, and was 
 made immovable rector of St. James church in 
 1 887 , and Dean of the Diocese in 1 90 1 . Under 
 his wise and economical administration of the 
 affairs of this branch of the church, its mem- 
 
 REV. JAMES J. FLAHERTY. 
 
 the work are in a flourishing condition. Father 
 Flaherty is beloved by his people and has made 
 many friends in the city. 
 
 J. A. WALKER. 
 
 J. A. Walker was born in Ohio and removed 
 with his parents to Iowa in 1857. He spent 
 his boyhood days on the farm and was educated 
 in the public schools. 
 
 He accepted a position with the Singer 
 Sewing Machine Company in 1874 and re- 
 mained with the company twenty-five years. 
 He was rapidly promoted by the company, from 
 the position of solicitor to that of general mana- 
 ger of the company's business in the northern 
 territory of Illinois, which he handled with 
 marked success. 
 
 Upon the termination of his business rela- 
 tions with the sewing machine company, he 
 spent a year in San Francisco, Cal., as manager 
 of the city's manufacturing department. In 1 883 
 he came to Rockford where he has since resided 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 123 
 
 during which time he has built fourteen resi- 
 dences, and accomplished much other work in 
 important improvements and the beautifying of 
 the city. 
 
 The recent organization of the Central Heat 
 & Power Company of Rockford, is due to his 
 
 J. A. WALKER. 
 
 wise management and energy in the promotion 
 of important and substantial enterprises. He 
 was instrumental in securing a franchise from 
 the city for the installation of the company's 
 plant, and was made its general manager in 
 which capacity he is now serving. 
 
 The innovation of this system to furnish 
 heat, power and light to the city and for private 
 use, is a credit to the company and to the city. 
 The work of installation is being pushed forward 
 as rapidly as possible and when completed will 
 be an up-to-date institution. The use of this 
 system by private individuals will result in a 
 great saving of time, money and inconvenience 
 and will reduce to a minimum the danger from 
 fire, thereby securing lower rates on insurance. 
 
 Socially Mr. Walker is a member of the 
 Royal Arcanum and the Royal League. He 
 was married to Miss May McCleery in 1876, 
 
 and has two children, Edward R., who is his 
 assistant in the management of the Central 
 Heat &. Power Company's business, and Elsie 
 B. The family residence is at No. 215 North 
 Court street. 
 
 WILLIAM GROTTY 
 
 Was born in the City of New York, July 4, 1 84 1 , 
 and received a liberal education. He was a 
 teacher for a time in the public schools. 
 
 WILLIAM GROTTY. 
 
 His parents were of Irish extraction and loyal 
 citizens. When William was an infant they re- 
 moved from New York to Harvard, Illinois, 
 where the subject of this sketch spent his boy- 
 hood days. Upon reaching his majority he em- 
 barked in business in Belvidere. 
 
 In 1872 he came to Rockford, where he re- 
 sided until his death, which occurred August 4, 
 1899. 
 
 Mr. Grotty was a " self-made man " in the 
 best sense of the term. He relied upon his 
 own efforts to accomplish for himself, or for 
 others, that which seemed best for all interests 
 concerned. He had the best interest of the city 
 always at heart, and never failed to do that which 
 would promote the public welfare. In 1892 he 
 
124 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 engaged in the real estate and insurance busi- 
 ness and rapidly pushed his way to the front. In 
 a short time his ability became apparent to lead- 
 ing business men and he was made a confident- 
 ial agent, handling large sums of money for in- 
 vestment for others. He was a tireless worker, 
 the soul of honor, strong mentally and physically, 
 and performed faithful service for others, while 
 he amassed a considerable competency for him- 
 self and family. 
 
 He was the owner of a large amount of real 
 estate, the value of which, probably reached the 
 $150,000.00 mark. 
 
 He was a devout Christian, and contributed 
 liberally toward the support of his church and 
 toward the building and maintenance of benevo- 
 lent institutions. He aided largely in the insti- 
 tution of the St. Anthony Hospital, and it may 
 well stand as a monument to his memory. 
 
 He was a member of the East State street 
 Business Men's Association, and did much in 
 the promotion of business interests. 
 
 Socially, he was a member of Skandia Lodge 
 A. O. U. W. and the Y. M. C. U. 
 
 Mr. Crotty was married to Miss Frances M. 
 McLain, of Rockford, May 19, 1874, and had 
 eight children, who, with their mother, survive 
 him. 
 
 The family residence is at No. 727 East 
 State street. 
 
 Mr. Barnes next accepted a position with the 
 William and C. H. Knapp Company in the real 
 estate and loan business, and acquired a partner- 
 ship in the business in March, 1902, under the 
 
 WILLIAM H. BARNES. 
 
 William H. Barnes was born in Steuben 
 county, New York, December 5, 1873. He 
 came to Rockford with his parents when but 
 three months old, and was educated in the city 
 schools. His father having died when he was a 
 mere lad, he was thrown upon his own resources 
 when only thirteen years of age. At this time 
 he began working for the Blakeman & Dobson 
 Manufacturing Company that he might aid in 
 the support of a widowed mother and a large 
 family. He worked for this company for about 
 three years. He then took up the carpenter's 
 trade at which he worked about four years, 
 when he engaged with O. W. Wheat and while 
 there but a short time gained considerable 
 knowledge of the photographer's art. 
 
 WILLIAM H. BARNES. 
 
 <irm name of Knapp, Barnes & Company. He 
 has the distinction of being the youngest man 
 engaged in this important business in the city. 
 
 By faithful attention to business, persistent 
 energy and integrity he has acquired a position 
 in business circles which is an honor to himself 
 and a credit to his family. The company's 
 offices are located on the ground floor of the 
 Second National Bank building, at the corner 
 of State and Main streets, where a large business 
 is being done in buying and selling city and farm 
 property, placing insurance and loaning money. 
 The firm has the confidence of the community 
 and enjoys a large patronage at home and 
 abroad. 
 
 Socially Mr. Barnes is a member of the 
 Illinois Club, Masonic Order, M. W. A., M. W. 
 W., and Royal League. 
 
 He was married to Miss Lucretia Franklin, 
 daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Franklin, May 
 24, 1 894, and has three children. The family 
 resides at No. 605 Woodlawn avenue. 
 
R OC K FO R D 
 
 125 
 
 C. F. HENRY 
 
 Was born in Plymouth, Plymouth county, Mass- 
 achusetts, March 15, 1854, and was educated 
 in the schools of Plymouth and Rockford, hav- 
 ing come to Rockford when ten years of age 
 with his sister, Mrs. Joseph Schmauss. 
 
 Mr. Henry's first employment was in a fruit 
 and confectionery store at a salary of one dollar 
 per week with board and washing, where he re- 
 
 C. F. HENRY. 
 
 mained two years. He was next employed by 
 Isaac Bacharach in the clothing business, where 
 he remained nine and one-half years. He then 
 went into business on his own account, forming 
 a partnership with H. W. Allen and engaged In 
 the crockery business. At the end of one year 
 he sold his interest to Charles W. Haskell and 
 formed a partnership with Henry Stern in the 
 clothing business in the store now occupied by 
 the Hemming Shoe Co. on the corner of State 
 and Wyman streets. In March, 1883, the busi- 
 ness was removed to the corner of State and 
 Main streets, where Mr. Henry's central store is 
 now located. 
 
 Mr. Henry has spent thirty-eight years of his 
 life on State street as clerk or proprietor in mer- 
 
 cantile business. He has occupied the entire 
 building, at the corner of State and Main streets, 
 Nos. 211-213 during the last twenty years. 
 
 By fair dealing and generous treatment of 
 his patrons his business increased so rapidly that 
 it soon outgrew its environments, and he was 
 forced to enlarge his facilities by establishing 
 branch stores. Accordingly, a fine clothing em- 
 porium was established at No. 347 East Bridge 
 street, Beloit, Wis., and another at No. 417 
 Fifteenth street, Moline, Illinois, where he is 
 meeting with merited success. 
 
 Socially, he is a member of Star in the East, 
 Blue Lodge No. 166, Rockford Chapter, Crusa- 
 der Commandery No. 17, Freeport Consistory, 
 charter member Tebala Temple and its first treas- 
 urer, K. of P. in 1875, charter member of first 
 Elk's Lodge, and a Woodman. 
 
 Mr. Henry married Miss Fannie S. Skinner, 
 daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James B. Skinner, in 
 May 1878, and has two children, Rupert J. and 
 Charlotte E. 
 
 The family residence is at No. 619 Mul- 
 berry street. 
 
 A. C. BREARLEY. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born in Lake 
 county, Illinois, August 10, 1850. He came to 
 Rockford in 1855 with his parents and was 
 educated in the city schools. When about 
 seventeen years of age he became the book- 
 keeper for the Rhoades, Utter & Company's 
 paper mills and remained with this company 
 twenty years. 
 
 In 1887 he organized the Rockford Clothing 
 Company and became its secretary and treasurer. 
 During the first two years the factory of the 
 company was located where the Silver Plate 
 works now stand, and then the present quarters 
 were occupied where the business has grown to 
 large proportions. The company enjoys a large 
 patronage in custom-made goods for the local 
 trade and does a large wholesale business 
 throughout the northwest. 
 
 The principal manufacture of the company 
 for the wholesale trade consists of pants, over- 
 alls, working-jackets and shirts. They make a 
 specialty of uniform shirts and supply the city 
 
126 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 police and firemen, generally. The company 
 also does a large jobbing business in suspenders 
 and hosiery. 
 
 especially in South Dakota, where he has done 
 much in promoting the development of a fine 
 grade of stock. 
 
 He places loans to the satisfaction of the 
 borrower and safe to the investor. His business 
 is constantly growing and now reaches a large 
 
 A. C. BREARLEY. 
 
 Mr. Brearley is married and has four children 
 and resides at 727 Cherry street. 
 
 P. BYRON THOMAS, 
 
 Broker and real estate dealer, was born in Bel- 
 videre, Illinois, of Welsh descent. His family 
 traces its history back one hundred and fifty years 
 and has been one of note in the beautiful Isle of 
 Wales. He was the youngest child of Peter 
 Cruth and Sarah Thomas who came from On- 
 tario and settled upon a farm near Belvidere, in 
 the early days. 
 
 Mr. Thomas spent his boyhood days upon 
 the farm and was educated in the public schools 
 of Belvidere. He came to Rockford in 1886, 
 where he has conducted a large loan and real 
 estate business. His office is on the ground 
 floor of the Second National Bank building. 
 
 He has several thousand acres of land, situ- 
 ated in Illinois and South Dakota, and is also 
 engaged extensively in farming and stock raising, 
 
 P. BYRON THOMAS. 
 
 volume annually. His residence is on East 
 State street, a cut of which is shown in 
 this volume. 
 
 JOSEPH BEALE. 
 
 Joseph Beale was born in Twickenham, 
 Middlesex, England, November 23, 1836, and 
 died in Rockford, Illinois, April 16, 1902. 
 
 Mr. Beale came to Rockford in 1858 and 
 engaged in the jewelry business with Clark & 
 Mitchell, which relation continued several years. 
 
 In 1866 he formed a partnership with his 
 brother, Thomas Beale, and went into business 
 on the present site of the Manufacturers' Bank. 
 In 1892 his son, Joseph, joined him in the 
 business. 
 
 Mr. Beale was twice married. His first 
 wife was Miss Maria S. Jones of England, by 
 whom he had two children, Joseph and Arthur. 
 Mrs. Maria Beale died, July 6, 1891. His 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 127 
 
 second wife was Miss Mary Hewett of Rockford. 
 The family residence is at 128 South First 
 street. 
 
 In 1854 he came to Rockford and was 
 immediately and favorably impressed with the 
 beauty of the city and the surrounding country, 
 and upon his return to Milwaukee sold out his 
 business the following day, and the next day 
 made his way back to the Forest City. He 
 immediately purchased the interest of J. J. 
 
 JOSEPH BEALE. 
 
 His sons, Joseph Jr., and Arthur, are now 
 doing business at the old stand. 
 
 LEONARD SCHMAUSS. 
 
 Leonard Schmauss was born in Schneidach, 
 Bavaria, Germany, in 1826, and was educated 
 in the public schools of his native country 
 When twenty-two years of age he came to 
 America and settled in Milwaukee where a large 
 number of his countrymen had preceded him. 
 
 An older brother, Joseph, had already located 
 in Rockford, and was engaged in the meat 
 business in company with J. J. Andrew and 
 Thomas Kettlewell. Joseph was so highly 
 pleased with the business outlook and the beauti- 
 ful situation of Rockford, that he wrote his 
 brother, Leonard, to visit him with a view of 
 locating here. 
 
 Leonard had engaged in the meat business 
 shortly after his arrival in Milwaukee and was 
 making a success of his undertaking, but accepted 
 Joseph's urgent invitation to visit him and look 
 over the city. 
 
 LEONARD SCHMAUSS. 
 
 Andrew in the meat business, and the firm be- 
 came that of Schmauss Brothers & Kettlewell. 
 Later on Schmauss Brothers bought out the 
 interest of Kettlewell and the firm became that 
 of Schmauss Brothers and they continued the 
 business for three years, when the partnership 
 was dissolved and the brother continued the 
 market on the west side and Leonard took 
 charge of the east side market at No. 313 East 
 State street where he remained until succeeded 
 by his sons, Leonard and Joseph, December 
 9, 1889. 
 
 Mr. Schmauss carried on extensive farming 
 operations in connection with the meat business, 
 having owned in 1861 400 acres of fine land 
 in Ogle county, Illinois, and later 1 ,200 acres in 
 the same county. 
 
 His love for his adopted country was most 
 intense and he never failed to speak of Rock- 
 
128 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 ford and its environments in the highest terms of 
 praise, whether at home or abroad. 
 
 His business career was marked by a degree 
 of steadfast integrity and honorable dealing that 
 redound with honor to his memory. Mr. 
 Schmauss died December 9, 1889. He was 
 married to Miss Margaret Shlenck of Milwaukee, 
 in 1850, and had nine children, five of whom 
 are living. 
 
 Mr. Hutchins was married to Miss Nellie 
 Miller, of Rockford, in April 1897, and has two 
 children, Geneva and Alta. 
 
 The family residence is at No. 1908 East 
 State street. 
 
 FRED H. HUTCHINS 
 
 Was born on a farm in Guilford, Winnebago 
 county. Illinois, October 8, 1869, and was edu- 
 cated in the public school and the Rockford 
 High School. He came to Rockford in 1880. 
 
 JAMES M. REID. 
 
 James M. Reid was born on a farm in 
 Harlem, Winnebago county, Illinois, May 28, 
 1876, of Scotch parentage. His father, James 
 S. Reid, was born on the same farm, his father 
 having settled there in an early day and obtained 
 a government patent on the land. 
 
 FRED H, HUTCHINS. 
 
 and for eleven years was in the employ of the 
 People's Bank. He made a trip to Arizona 
 where he remained three years. 
 
 He is now engaged in the real estate, loan 
 and insurance business under the firm name of 
 F. H. Hutchins & Co., and is meeting with fine 
 success. The company is one of the more 
 recent organizations, but it has the confidence 
 of the community and its business is rapidly 
 growing. 
 
 JAMES M. REID. 
 
 Mr. Reid was educated in the public schools 
 and the Rockford high school, after which he 
 took a course in the Rockford Business College. 
 
 He entered the employ of Holland, Ferguson 
 Si Company in February, 1896, and was made 
 the secretary and manager in 1901, which 
 position he still holds. 
 
 The company is the pioneer in the abstract 
 business, having been established in 1869, and 
 has a very large patronage. The reliability of 
 the work done in this office has secured the 
 confidence of the public, which it justly merits. 
 
 Socially Mr. Reid is a member of the Elks. 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 129 
 
 ROCKFORD & INTERURBAN RAILWAY. 
 
 The Rockford & Interurban Railway Com- 
 pany comprises an urban system in the city of 
 Rockford, with a suburban branch extending to 
 Belvidere on the east, and the Rockford & 
 Freeport Electric Railway, which is now under 
 construction, will be consolidated with the pres- 
 ent system, making a through route of forty-three 
 miles in length, of which Rockford is the central 
 point. The system had its beginning twenty- 
 three years ago, when the first mile of city track 
 was built in Rockford, on which two short horse 
 cars were operated. 
 
 The Rockford Street Railway Company was 
 organized in 1880, with a capital stock of 
 $20,000. A state charter was secured January 
 1 , 1881 , and a franchise was granted by the city 
 council June 27, 1881. In September of the 
 same year it was decided to build an extension 
 of the line to the Fair Grounds, and the capital 
 stock of the company was increased to $80,000. 
 During the first six years of its existence the 
 company made a little money, but when it com- 
 menced to extend the lines to the more thinly 
 populated parts of the city, the property ceased 
 to be a paying one. 
 
 In 1889 the property of the old company 
 was purchased by the present owners and the 
 power was changed to electricity. Under the 
 new management the name of the company was 
 changed to the Rockford City Railway Company. 
 
 In 1890 a new company was organized under 
 the name of the Rockford Traction Company, 
 which built a road to the West End for the pur- 
 pose of developing this section of the city. 
 Subsequently the new company extended its 
 lines to South Rockford and to the East Side. 
 This company met with great opposition from 
 the old company and eventually went into the 
 hands of a receiver. In 1895 it was sold and 
 passed into the hands of the present company 
 in 1898, 
 
 When the Rockford City Railway Company 
 and the Rockford Traction Company were con- 
 solidated, the name was changed to the Rock- 
 ford Railway, Light & Power Company. The 
 
 latter name was changed to the Rockford & 
 Interurban Company a few months ago, when 
 the Rockford Railway, Light & Power Company 
 and the Rockford & Belvidere Electric Railway 
 Company were consolidated. 
 
 The entire route serves a population of about 
 65,000, exclusive of the farming population along 
 the line. Starting at Belvidere, with a popula- 
 tion of 7,000, it passes through Cherry Valley, 
 with a population of 400, Rockford, 32,000, 
 Winnebago, 400, Pecatonica, 1,200, Ridott, 250 
 and Freeport, 12,300. 
 
 The officers and operating staff of the Rock- 
 ford & Interurban Railway Company are as fol- 
 lows: President, R. N. Baylies; vice-president, 
 John Farson ; secretary, G. G. Olmsted ; treas- 
 urer, W. F. Woodruff; general manager, T. M. 
 Ellis; auditor, F. W. McAssey; superintendent 
 of transportation, Charles C. Lines ; express 
 and passenger agent, J. H. Groneman ; superin- 
 tendent of track and lines, C. J. McCarty. 
 
 R. N. Baylies born in St. Helena Parish, 
 Louisiana, Sept. 5th, 1845. Moved with his 
 parents to Griggsville, Pike County, Illinois, in 
 1852, from there to Des Moines, Iowa, in 1858. 
 Raised on a farm. Attended the Iowa State 
 University at Iowa City. Graduated in Iowa 
 State University law school in 1868. Practiced 
 law in Kansas eight years and returned to Des 
 Moines, Iowa, in 1876, and practiced his pro- 
 fession there many years. Was at one time judge 
 of the circuit court in Des Moines. Was one 
 of the organizers of the first Electric Railway 
 in Iowa at Des Moines, and president of the 
 company, until it was sold and became a part 
 of the present Des Moines system in 1889. He 
 with W. E. Andrews purchased a controlling in- 
 terest in the Rockford Street Railway Company 
 in November, 1889, and became its president, 
 and changed it over to an electric road in the 
 summer of 1890. He has remained the presi- 
 dent of the company and its successors until 
 the present time. He was also for several years 
 a part owner and president of the Springfield 
 City Railway Company, changing it from ahorse 
 
130 
 
 ROC KFO R D 
 
 'NTERURBAN 
 
 RAILWAY 
 
 car road to an electric road in 1890 and selling 
 it in 1893. He was also formerly interested in 
 the South Bend, Ind., Street Railway, and also 
 president of the Brazil Electric Railway Com- 
 pany, Indiana, and sold that to the present Terre 
 Haute Company. 
 
 Mr. T. M. Ellis, general manager of the com- 
 pany, is a New Yorker, having been born in 
 Whitestown in 1 86 1 . At the age of eighteen he 
 started in the street railway business as a con- 
 ductor and steadily anvanced until he was made 
 assistant superintendent of the Utica Belt Line. 
 
 He was next employed in a responsible capacity 
 by the Edison General Electric Company of New 
 York, from which place he came to Rockford in 
 July, 1892, as general manager of the Rockford 
 City Railway Company. Under his manage- 
 ment the Rockford system has been almost 
 entirely rebuilt, new lines have been extended to 
 cover all parts of the city, the service has been 
 improved and larger cars have been put in use, 
 and the system in general has been put into a 
 first class condition. Mr. Ellis enjoys the utmost 
 confidence not only of the directors but of his 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 employes as well, with whom he has established 
 the most friendly relations. Although a strict 
 disciplinarian, no one is quicker to appreciate 
 and reward faithful service. He is a hard 
 worker and keeps in touch with the smallest de- 
 tail of every department under his management. 
 
 Mr. McAssey, auditor of the company, was 
 born in Ripon, Wis., and educated at Ripon 
 College. After graduating from college, in 1892 
 he was made cashier and bookkeeper of the 
 Rockford Railway, Light & Power Company. 
 He has been continuously connected with the 
 Rockford system since that time and was ad- 
 vanced to the position of auditor of the Rockford 
 Si Interurban Railway Company in 1902. 
 
 Mr. Lines, superintendent of transportation, 
 was born and educated in Monroe, 111., and at 
 the age of eighteen entered the business college 
 in Rockford. He was first employed by the 
 Rockford Railway, Light & Power Company in 
 1 895 as motorman, and advanced by successive 
 promotions to the poistion of superintendent of 
 transportation, in which capacity he has served 
 the company since 1898. 
 
 Mr. Groneman, general passenger and ex- 
 press agent, is a native of Rockford where he 
 was, for three and a half years, water works 
 inspector for the city. He then went into news- 
 paper work and for eight years was connected 
 with the Register-Gazette of Rockford, as cir- 
 culation manager. In this capacity he became 
 widely acquainted in Rockford and the surround- 
 ing territory. He has also acted at different 
 times as manager for various shows and enter- 
 tainments. In June, 1902, he was appointed 
 to his present position with the railway company 
 and much of the success of the express 
 department is due to his active and able 
 management. 
 
 C. J. McCarty was born in Logansport, Ind., 
 in 1875. Was educated at the University of 
 Illinois. Located at Champaign, 111. Became 
 superintendent of electric light plant at Rock 
 Falls in 1898. Started with electrical depart- 
 ment of the C. B. & Q. R. R. in 1899, and in 
 1900 accepted a position with the Elgin, Aurora 
 & Southern Traction Company, taking charge 
 of track and overhead work. In 1902 going 
 with the Aurora, Elgin & Chicago, from where 
 
 he accepted in March, 1903, the position of 
 superintendent of track and overhead work of the 
 Rockford & Interurban Railway Company. 
 
 R. J. BRYHN. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born in Nor- 
 way, March 19, 1864, and came to New York 
 with his parents when thirteen years of age. 
 
 R. j. BRYHN. 
 
 where he remained six years, employed as a 
 shipping clerk. He removed to Chicago in 1883 
 and was employed as a shipping clerk for C. 
 Jevne & Co., where he remained two years. 
 
 He then engaged with the Standard Oil Co. 
 in a like position in Chicago, and at the end of 
 five years was transferred to Rockford and re- 
 mained with the company until 1896, when he 
 engaged in the oil business on his own account, 
 but at the end of one year he sold his interests 
 to the Standard Oil Co. and engaged with the 
 company as its local manager, in which capacity 
 he has met with eminent success. 
 
 He has supervision over a large territory, 
 covering some sixty towns and agencies which 
 are supplied with oil from the Rockford branch. 
 
 Socially, Mr. Bryhn is an Odd Fellow and a 
 Modern Woodman. He is married, and with 
 his family resides at 316 South First street. 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 CAPT. LEWIS F. LAKE, 
 
 Circuit Clerk and Recorder, is a native of Illi- 
 nois, and was born in Owen township, Winne- 
 bago county, in 1846, and was educated in the 
 public schools. He enlisted in the army and 
 did service during the Civil War. He was cap- 
 tured at Atlanta in July 1864, and confined in 
 
 CAPT. LEWIS F. LAKE. 
 
 the Andersonville prison until he was released 
 by a special exchange of prisoners the following 
 September. 
 
 During a portion of his enlistment he did ser- 
 vice in Taylor's Battery, First Illinois Light Ar- 
 tillery, and was engaged in several of the most 
 noted battles of the war. 
 
 Capt. Lake's pride in military life is further 
 evidenced by .fifteen years of service in the Illi- 
 nois National Guard, eight years of which as a 
 member of the famous Rockford Rifles, and 
 seven as regimental adjutant with rank of cap- 
 tain. 
 
 Upon his return, at the close of the war, he 
 worked at the carpenters trade, but soon went 
 into the shops of the Emerson Mfg. Co., where 
 he worked thirteen years. In 1881 he was a 
 candidate for the office of collector and was 
 elected by a good majority. At the expiration 
 of his term of office as collector he was made 
 
 deputy county clerk in which capacity he served 
 six years. He was then elected to the office of 
 circuit clerk, and is now serving his fourth term 
 in this office. 
 
 Socially, he is a member of the G. A. R., 
 Masons, Royal League, A. 0. U. W., Elks, K. 
 of P. and various other beneficiary orders. 
 
 Capt. Lake was married to Miss Martha A. 
 Allen, June 20, 1866. and has had three chil- 
 dred, one of which, a daughter, is now living. 
 The family resides at 229 North Church street. 
 
 MARCUS A. NORTON. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born in the 
 town of Bridgewater, Michigan, January 16, 
 1841. His parents removed to Ann Arbor, 
 
 MARCUS A. NORTON. 
 
 Michigan, in 1844 so as to be able to give their 
 children the excellent educational advantages 
 offered in that city. 
 
 In 1852 the family came to Rockford and 
 made a home on the South side, in the, then, 
 new Fifth ward, since which time Mr. Norton 
 has resided nearly continuously in this city. 
 
 Mr. Norton was among the first to respond 
 to the call for volunteers in defense of the Union, 
 and enlisted as a private in Company G, 44th 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 133 
 
 Regiment Illinois Infantry for three years. At 
 the battle of Chickamauga, September 20, 1863, 
 he was severely wounded and was left on the 
 field when his regiment retreated. He was 
 found by the rebels and taken prisoner, but was 
 paroled with others also severely wounded and 
 was taken to Chattanooga October 1st, 1863. 
 
 After an exchange of prisoners had been ac- 
 complished he returned to his regiment and par- 
 ticipated in the Atlanta campaign under General 
 Sherman, and was present when that city capit- 
 ulated. He was mustered out of service at 
 Atlanta, Georgia, September 17, 1864. 
 
 Mr. Norton participated in many of the most 
 noted battles of the war, among which were 
 Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Lost 
 Mountain, Kennesaw Mountain, Peach Tree 
 Creek, Jonesborough and many skirmishes and 
 engagements around Atlanta. He has never 
 applied for nor received a pension. 
 
 During the last twenty years Mr. Norton has 
 been honored by being made the recipient of 
 various offices of public trust. In 1 883 he was 
 elected supervisor from the Fifth city ward and 
 held the office during three terms, but being a 
 candidate for the office of county clerk in 1 886 
 he declined a renomination for supervisor. 
 
 At the Winnebago county Republican con- 
 vention, in June 1886, he was nominated by ac- 
 clamation as a candidate for the office of county 
 clerk and was elected the following November. 
 He is now serving his fifth term in this office, 
 having been nominated by acclamation at each 
 recurring convention. 
 
 Mr. Norton was married to Miss Henrietta 
 Gardner, in May 1866, by the Rev. Dr. Thomas 
 Kerr. One child was born to them who died in 
 infancy. 
 
 He now resides at 610 North street. 
 
 JAMES H. CARSON 
 
 Is of Scotch-Irish parentage, and was born near 
 Belfast, Ireland, March 10, 1846. His father, 
 Robert Carson, was a native of Belfast, Ireland, 
 and his mother, Jane (McVey) Carson, was a 
 native of Greenock, Scotland, where they were 
 married, and shortly after removed to Belfast 
 where James was born, but returned to Green- 
 ock when he was a year old, where they resided 
 
 about six years. In 1853 they came to Amer- 
 ica and settled on a farm near Rochester, N. Y. 
 
 James H. Carson was the eldest of eight 
 children, five of whom are still living. He was 
 educated in the public schools. 
 
 In 1865 he came to Illinois and was engaged 
 in farming. At the age of twenty-three he was 
 married to Miss Ella M. Thompson, daughter of 
 Hiram Thompson, one of the early settlers of 
 Winnebago county. In 1873 he removed to 
 Rockford where he has since resided. Three 
 children blessed their union, Robert D., the eld- 
 est son, died five years ago aged twenty-six, 
 Frank A., aged twenty-seven, deputy county 
 treasurer, and Mrs. Mabel F. (Carson) Weth- 
 erell resides in Beloit, Wis. 
 
 JAMES H. CARSON. 
 
 Mr. Carson has been identified with the 
 working men of Rockford for many years, hav- 
 ing been employed in the Emerson, Talcott & 
 Co.'s works, the N. C. Thompson manufactur- 
 ing plant, the Briggs & Enoch works, and the 
 Trahern Pump Co.'s works. 
 
 In 1891 he was elected a supervisor from 
 Rockford, in which capacity he served ten years, 
 and was chairman of the committee on fees and 
 
134 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 salaries and served on several other important 
 committees. He was appointed by the Board 
 of Health of the City of Rockford as water and 
 plumbing 'inspector, in which capacity he did 
 efficient service. The Board of Supervisors ap- 
 pointed him to the office of overseer of the poor 
 in which position he served three years. 
 
 At the election in November, 1902, he was 
 elected to the office of county treasurer, receiv- 
 ing the unanimous vote of every town in the 
 county and precinct in the city, which office he 
 now holds. 
 
 Politically, Mr. Carson has ever been a 
 staunch republican, but in local matters he is 
 conservative, and will support the candidate who, 
 in his best judgment, is best qualified to fill the 
 office regardless of party lines. 
 
 Socially. Mr. Carson is a Mason, having 
 served as secretary of E. F. W. Ellis Lodge No. 
 633, A. F. & A. M., for a number of years; 
 K. of P., K. of G.. Tribe of Ben Hur and I. O. 
 O. F. 
 
 Mrs. Carson is also a member of the Ladies' 
 Auxiliaries to these societies. She is a Post 
 Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star and 
 Past Grand of the Rebecca Degree of the I. 0. 
 O. F. 
 
 Mr. Carson is fifty-six years old and bids fair 
 to live yet many years as his ancestors were 
 noted for longevity of years. His father and 
 mother are still living, aged respectively eighty- 
 six and eighty-three years. They reside on the 
 old homestead in Monroe county, New York. 
 
 Mr. Carson has a pleasant home in South 
 Rockford, No. 1 129 Ferguson street. 
 
 ALEX COLLIER. 
 
 Sheriff of Winnebago county, was born in Chen- 
 ango county, New York, March 8, 1848, where 
 he was educated in the public schools, and re- 
 sided until twenty-one years of age. His occu- 
 pation, while young, was that of farming. He 
 settled in Roscoe, Illinois, in 1869 and engaged 
 in the milling business. He adopted the miller's 
 trade as a profession and became an expert in 
 the business. After doing a successful seven 
 year's business in Roscoe, he became the head 
 miller at the Rockton and Beloit mills. On 
 account of his health, he left the mills and re- 
 
 turned to the farm where he remained six years. 
 Mr. Collier represented the town of Harlem in 
 the county board of supervisors three years. In 
 1881, he came to Rockford and engaged with 
 the City Railway company as general mana- 
 
 ALEX COLLIER. 
 
 ger of its stock and employes, but was shortly 
 after appointed superintendent of the county 
 farm by the board of supervisors, which position 
 he filled to the entire satisfaction of the board 
 and the people, for eleven years. In 1902, he 
 was the unanimous choice of the Republican 
 party as a candidate for sheriff of Winnebago 
 county, and was elected to that office at the 
 November election. Socially, Mr. Collier is an 
 Elk and a Mason. He married Miss Eliza J. 
 McMullen, of Fairdale, DeKalb county, Illinois, 
 in 1876, and has two children, a daughter, Ida 
 Marie, and a son, Charles T. 
 
 0. J. KERN. 
 
 County Superintendent of Schools O. J. 
 Kern, was born in Moultrie County, Illinois, Jan. 
 1, 1861. He attended the district school dur- 
 ing a few months in the winter, and after he was 
 twenty-one years old he earned enough money 
 to enable him to take a four years classical 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 135 
 
 course at De Pauw (Old Asbury) University, 
 Greencastle, Indiana. Over study so affected 
 his eyesight that he was compelled to give up 
 further study and return to the farm. After re- 
 maining there a year he decided to attempt 
 teaching. Entirely without friends, influence or 
 experience, he secured a position as principal 
 of a four room school. He came to Winne- 
 bago county in August 1888, a stranger, with 
 funds enough for two weeks board, and taught 
 his first day of school as principal of the Cherry 
 Valley school. After remaining there three 
 years at an increase of salary, in September, 
 1891, he became one of the instructors of the 
 Rockford High School. This position he held 
 for seven years. In April, 1898, he was unani- 
 mously nominated by the Republican County 
 Convention for the position of County Superin- 
 tendent of Schools, and was elected the follow- 
 ing November. He was renominated in 1902, 
 
 COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT O. J. KERN. 
 
 and was elected the same year. Mr. Kern is 
 a fine type of the up-to-date educator who 
 makes the most of the means at his command. 
 He has enlisted the co-operation of teachers, 
 pupils and board of supervisors so that fifty-eight 
 traveling libraries, for district schools, have been 
 
 purchased, representing about 2800 volumes, at 
 anoutlayof $1300. He has organized a Farmer 
 Boy's Experiment Club of 325 members and 
 conducted educational excursions to the Experi- 
 ment Station and Agricultural College. New 
 schools are being built and grounds and build- 
 ings made attractive. During his administra- 
 tion three district schools have been consolidated 
 and a new central building will be erected in 
 1903, the first school of this kind in Illinois. 
 This school will be located in Seward township. 
 That his talent is appreciated is shown by the 
 steady demand for his presence at farmers' and 
 teachers' institutes, and for articles from his pen. 
 He is a regular contributor to the local press and 
 to the School News, published at Taylorville, III. 
 He is also an occasional contributor to other 
 periodicals. His 1902 report of the Winnebago 
 County schools entitled " The Country School 
 and the Country Child," was called for from all 
 over the United States, and requests for it came 
 from South America and Canada. His report 
 of a visit to the Centralized Schools of Ohio 
 received as wide a notice and was reprinted in 
 the report of the National Commissioner of 
 Education at Washington, D. C. Supt. Kern 
 is not content to travel in the ordinary educa- 
 tional rut, and with the hearty co-operation of 
 teachers, pupils and patrons, he will make the 
 district schools of Winnebago county second to 
 none in the state. Mr. Kern was united in mar- 
 riage to Jessie C. Allen at Greencastle, Indiana, 
 August 6, 1889. They have four children 
 Esther, Evans, Louise and Russell. 
 
 FRANK M. MARSH. 
 
 Frank M. Marsh was born at New Milford, 
 Illinois, and was educated in the public schools 
 of East Rockford, under the principalship of 
 Professor Freeman. After graduation he took 
 a course in a business college where he became 
 thoroughly equipped for a business career. 
 
 In 1 874 he engaged in the stock and grain 
 business, which was successfully prosecuted for 
 about fifteen years. In 1888 he formed a 
 partnership with Mr. Maxwell, under the firm 
 name of Marsh & Maxwell, and engaged in the 
 undertaking business, as successors to William 
 Logle. At the end of three years the firm dis- 
 
136 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 solved partnership and Mr Marsh continued the 
 business alone until 1902, when he took his son, 
 Louis, as a partner. This firm now conducts 
 one of the leading undertaking establishments 
 in the city. 
 
 Mr. Marsh has served the town of New 
 Milford acceptably as its supervisor and In 
 1896 was elected coroner of the county. In 
 
 ford Business College, was graduated in 1880, 
 after which he served as a teacher in the college 
 two years. He then turned his attention to 
 
 FRANK M. MARSH. 
 
 1900 he was re-elected to this office in which 
 capacity he is giving acceptable service to the 
 people. 
 
 Mr. Marsh's father had the honor of sug- 
 gesting the name for his native town, New 
 Milford. There was a new mill erected on the 
 river, at a point at which there was a convenient 
 ford, and this fact suggested the name, New 
 mill-ford, which was written New Milford. 
 
 Mr. Marsh is a member of several fraternal 
 societies, is married and has a family of three 
 children. He resides at 215 South First street. 
 
 I. SHOUDY. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born at 
 Pawpaw, Lee county, Illinois, in 1859, where he 
 spent his boyhood days. He came to Rockford 
 in 1879, and after taking a course in the Rock- 
 
 i. SHOUDY. 
 
 farming, and was married to Miss Belle E. 
 Miller, daughter of C. F. Miller, Esq., who 
 served as a justice of the peace for many years 
 in this city. He returned to Rockford in 1889, 
 where he has since resided. 
 
 Mr. Shoudy has the credit for the invention 
 of the first tank-heater and took out the first 
 patent ever issued from the patent office on this 
 useful article. He manufactured tanks in this 
 city two years, and then organized a stock com- 
 pany for the purpose of manufacturing them on 
 a much larger scale. He was so unfortunate 
 as to sell a majority of the stock and thus lost 
 control of the business, and this resulted in its 
 failure. He engaged in the real estate business 
 in 1893 and in 1896 the present co-partnership, 
 Shoudy Si Melville, was formed. The company 
 does, exclusively, a land business. 
 
 Mr. Shoudy is the inventor of the first 
 dumping car ever used, which he patented and 
 sold to eastern parties. The same device is 
 now being used on dumping carts. He also 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 invented a railroad jack the patent for which 
 was sold to the Southern Railway Company for 
 $1,000.00. 
 
 In 1893 he had a position in the land de- 
 partment of the Illinois Central Railway Com- 
 pany. After serving in this capacity for some 
 time, he took a like position with the Yazoo 
 Valley Company, in both of which positions he 
 was very successful. 
 
 In 1899 he handled a large amount of land 
 in Clark county, Wisconsin. During the last 
 year a large area of Texas land has been added 
 to the list. The company now owns and con- 
 trols more than 400,000 acres of land, located 
 In many states. It employs 160 agents who 
 reside in Illinois, Iowa and Indiana. These 
 agents come regularly to this city, and bring 
 many strangers with them, who help swell the 
 great volume of business here. Doubtless this 
 company employs more people and handles a 
 greater amount of land than all other like con- 
 cerns in the city, put together. They move 
 along quietly but an immense volume of business 
 is done every year. 
 
 A portrait of Mr. Shoudy is herewith pre- 
 sented, also an illustration of his home at 2515 
 South Main street. The office of Shoudy & 
 Melville is at 315-317 West State street. 
 
 Mr. Melville was married to Miss Sarah E. 
 Eddy, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. F. W. 
 
 F. L. MELVILLE 
 
 Was born in Lake county, Illinois, 1861, and 
 spent thirty years of his life upon the farm in 
 that county. He came to Rockford in 1890 
 and took a course in the Rockford Business Col- 
 lege, and. after graduation, taught two years in 
 that institution. 
 
 Mr. Melville then engaged in the real estate 
 business, forming a copartnership with Mr. I. 
 Shoudy in 1896, since which time he has been 
 an indefatigable worker in building up a business 
 that is an honor to the firm and a credit to the 
 city. This firm owns and controls more than 
 400,000 acres of land located in Kansas, Mis- 
 sissippi, Iowa and Wisconsin, and has 160 men 
 in its employ. The volume of business trans- 
 acted by it will probably exceed the aggregate of 
 all other real estate concerns in this section of 
 the country. 
 
 F. L. MELVILLE. 
 
 Eddy of Lake county, in 1892. and resides at 
 830 Elm street. 
 
 JESSE DIMOND 
 
 Was born in Boone county, Illinois, May 26, 
 1870, and was educated in the public schools. 
 He was engaged in farming until 1894 when he 
 went into the business of stock buying, and at 
 the same time conducted a meat market at Pop- 
 lar Grove, Illinois, where he remained three 
 years. 
 
 In 1897 he removed to Brookings, South 
 Dakota, and engaged in the real estate business. 
 
 He came to Rockford in 1899, and has since 
 been in the land business. In 1901 he formed 
 a copartnership with Mr. W. H. Marshall, under 
 the firm name of Dimond & Marshall. They 
 make a specialty of buying and selling farm 
 lands. Their immigration business is larger 
 than that of any other dealers in the country. 
 They have sold, and also now have on hand im- 
 mense tracts of land in the Dakotas and Kan- 
 sas upon which they locate actual settlers. Their 
 business makes it necessary to employ a large 
 
138 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 number of men located in different parts of the 
 country. These men to the number of 1 00 or 
 more frequently come to Rockford and thus con- 
 tribute to its resources and popularity. 
 
 Mr. Dimond is an Odd Fellow and Modern 
 Woodman. 
 
 tation to the city for which the community is 
 indebted to this firm. 
 
 JESSE DIMOND 
 
 Having lost his wife he resides with his three 
 children at 813 Mulberry street. 
 
 W. H. MARSHALL 
 
 Is a prominent land dealer in connection with 
 Jesse Dimond, under the firm of Dimond &. 
 Marshall. 
 
 Mr. Marshall was born in Winnebago, Win- 
 nebago county, Illinois, July 5, 1870, and was 
 educated in the schools of his native town, and 
 was graduated from the Winnebago High School. 
 
 His first business venture was in the meat 
 business, after which he engaged in the real es- 
 tate business in which he has been very suc- 
 cessful. The company handles a large amount 
 of western land annually, and employs a large 
 force of men who visit Rockford frequently in 
 the course of their business, thus giving a large 
 amount of free advertising and a splendid repu- 
 
 W. H. MARSHALL. 
 
 Socially, Mr. Marshall is a member of the 
 M. W. A., I. O. O. F., and the Masonic order. 
 
 He is married and has two children. 
 
 The family residence is at No. 1 101 West 
 State street. 
 
 H. W. WILLIAMS 
 
 Was born in Worcester, England, February 27, 
 1830, and was educated in the schools of his 
 native country. He came to the United States 
 in 1845, and spent some time at Ypsilanta, 
 Michigan, where an uncle resided. He then 
 went to Detroit, Michigan, and to Lake Supe- 
 rior points, where he remained until coming to 
 Rockford in 1866. when he secured a position 
 as bookkeeper in the office of N. C. Thompson, 
 where he remained twenty-one years. 
 
 The father of Mr. Williams was a celebrated 
 English artist, whose works were widely known. 
 
 He was married to Miss Lydia Lane Wright, 
 formerly of Newport Pagnell, England, in Rock- 
 ford, June 5, 1870. 
 
 He visited his English home in 1887, where 
 he remained one year to recuperate his health. 
 
R OC K FO R D 
 
 He died in 1893 at the family residence No. 313 
 South Church street. His widow, four sons, 
 Henry Wilson, William Howard, Joseph Thomas 
 and Andrew Price, and one daughter, Lavinia 
 Georgine, reside in Rockford. 
 
 w. WILLIAMS. 
 
 Mr. Williams was an honored Mason and a 
 highly respected citizen. 
 
 LIBERTY WALKUP 
 
 Was born in Pine Creek township, Ogle county, 
 Illinois, in 1844, and was educated in rhe public 
 schools. 
 
 Mr. Walkup's given name. Liberty, is an old 
 family name, and was brought to this country by 
 the Puritan fathers. The parents of Mr. Walkup 
 in bestowing this name upon their son conveyed 
 an heirloom to him of high distinction, of which 
 he has reason to be proud. 
 
 Mr Walkup enlisted in Company K, 92nd 
 Regiment Illinois Volunteers, in 1862, but on 
 account of disability received an honorable dis- 
 charge in 1863, when he returned to his home 
 in Pine Creek, where he remained four years. 
 He then removed to Iowa, where he resided six 
 years, when he returned to Illinois. He came 
 to Rockford in 1881, where he has since resided. 
 
 Mr. Walkup is the patentee of the Air Brush. 
 His work has met with much opposition and 
 criticism by artists on account of its being, so 
 called, machine work, but has been successful 
 in overcoming this opposition, and to-day this 
 work is highly appreciated. It is now in a very 
 high state of perfection, and beautiful half-tones 
 are now produced that excel the best hand-work. 
 Delicate tints and shadings are placed upon the 
 canvas, with the atomizer, that cannot be pro- 
 duced by hand. Air Brush work is sought after 
 
 LIBERTY WALKUP. 
 
 by people from all parts of the world, and there 
 is no product of Rockford's many industries that 
 is more widely known or more highly apprecia- 
 ted. 
 
 Mr. Walkup has an office and studio in his 
 house, where he enjoys his work, and has a large 
 patronage. 
 
 An uncle, Gen. James Ruggles, was one of 
 three men who drew up the first republican plat- 
 form and made possible the election of Abraham 
 Lincoln president of the United States. Gen. 
 Ruggles has visited Rockford several times. 
 
 Mr. Walkup is married and resides at 209 
 North Main street. 
 
140 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 HON. FRANK S. REGAN 
 
 Was bom in Rockford, Illinois, October 3, 1862. 
 His father settled in Rockford in 1840. Mr. 
 Regan was educated in the city schools. 
 
 
 HON. FRANK S. REGAN. 
 
 He first took up the work of making a set of 
 abstract books of Winnebago county in company 
 with Girdon O. Williams, which required seven 
 years to complete. He was appointed to the 
 position of stenographer, in the Illinois legisla- 
 ture, in 1887. 
 
 After completing the abstract work he re- 
 sumed the reading of law in the office of A. D. 
 Early, and was admitted to the bar in 1895. He 
 then opened an office for the practice of law, 
 and has met with marked success. 
 
 Mr. Regan has been an active temperance 
 worker for many years. He served as president 
 of the No- License organization in Rockford. and 
 was elected an alderman from the Fourth ward 
 in 1895, and served two years. 
 
 He identified himself with the Prohibition 
 party soon after the campaign of 1896, and was 
 elected as a representative in the legislature on 
 the Prohibition ticket. His work in the legisla- 
 ture is highly commended. He was the only 
 representative, that year, in the United States, 
 
 elected on the Prohibition ticket. Mr. Regan 
 was a candidate for representative in Congress, 
 on the Prohibition ticket, in the campaign of 
 1902. 
 
 Mr. Regan has been in demand on the lec- 
 ture platform for some time, and has met with 
 gratifying success. 
 
 He is the secretary of the Rockford Chautau- 
 que Association, and was one of the promoters 
 of this enterprise. 
 
 Mr. Regan was married to Miss Helen M. 
 Crumb, of Rockford, June 11, 1896, and has 
 two children, Frances C. and Leland. Resi- 
 dence at 1201 North Church street. 
 
 CLINTON HELM, M. D., 
 
 Was born in Schoharie county, New York, in 
 1829. His father, Woodhull Helm, was born 
 in Orange county, New York, in 1777, and was 
 
 CLINTON HELM, M. D. 
 
 of English and Irish ancestry. The English 
 branch has a coat of arms as a reward for dis- 
 tinguished service to the state. He was con- 
 nected with the state militia for many years and 
 earned the title of captain. 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 141 
 
 He was three times married, and the third 
 wife was Miss Lucy Buggies, the mother of the 
 subject of this sketch, who was the youngest 
 member of the family. 
 
 When Clinton was six years of age his father 
 removed to Jersey county, Illinois, and two years 
 later to Ogle county, Illinois, where he died in 
 Byron in 1845, being sixty-eight years of age. 
 
 Dr. Clinton Helm was educated in the Rock- 
 ford (111.) Academy, and commenced the study 
 of medicine with Dr. Lucius Clark of this city. 
 He graduated from the medical department of 
 the University of Iowa, at Keokuk, in 1852, and 
 commenced the practice of his profession at 
 Oregon, Ogle county, Illinois. He afterward re- 
 moved to Byron in the same county, and later 
 to Beloit, Wisconsin, where he remained eight 
 years, acquiring a very large and successful 
 practice. 
 
 In September, 1862, Governor Yates ap- 
 pointed him surgeon of the 92nd Illinois Infan- 
 try, and during the succeeding year he was with 
 that command in all its marches and battles. 
 
 On September 20, 1863, he was captured 
 by the Confederates at Chickamauga, Tennes- 
 see, and spent two months in Libby prison. Dur- 
 ing the last year of his service he was with Gen- 
 eral Kilpatrick, and was honorably discharged 
 June 21, 1865. 
 
 Dr. Helm located in Rockford in 1878, 
 where he has since enjoyed a substantial and 
 popular practice. 
 
 He married Miss Hannah S. Payneer, who 
 was a native of Connecticut and of French par- 
 entage. Mrs. Helm was a cultured woman, 
 and was noted for her benevolent spirit and help- 
 fulness in the community. Both the doctor and 
 Mrs. Helm were members of the Second Congre- 
 gational church, and were foremost in charit- 
 able work. They were the parents of six chil- 
 dren, five of whom are still living ; Minnie E., 
 wife of E. J. White of Chicago; Clinton, a prac- 
 ticing dentist of Rockford, Eva, Harry S., and 
 Willis. 
 
 Dr. Helm is a member of the Winnebago 
 County Medical Society, and is called in con- 
 sultation in critical cases, over a wide area of 
 country. 
 
 Mrs. Helm died in July, 1899. The resi- 
 dence is at 628 Mulberry street. 
 
 DR. E. P. CATLIN 
 
 Was born in Chester, Ohio, in 1837, and came 
 to Rockford with his parents in 1838. His 
 father, Dr. A. M. Catlin, upon arrival in Rock- 
 ford, combined farming with the practice of med- 
 icine, but his services, as a physician, were so 
 much in demand that he was finally forced to 
 give up the farm and devote his attention to the 
 practice of medicine. His practice extended 
 over a wide area of country and his rides were 
 long and tedious. He died in 1892 after a pro- 
 fessional service of seventy years. 
 
 Dr E. P. Catlin was educated in the Rock- 
 ford district and high schools, and at Kimball 
 Union Academy, New Hampshire. He gradu- 
 ated from Rush Medical College in 1 864. Took 
 a post-graduate course in College of Physicians 
 and Surgery in New York city, and Bellevue 
 Hospital Medical College in 1865. He was first 
 assistant surgeon in the 152nd Illinois regiment. 
 
 Dr. Catlin practiced medicine in Rockford 
 one year, and then located in Manteno, Illinois, 
 where he practiced his profession thirteen years, 
 when he returned to Rockford, where he has 
 since enjoyed a prominent position among his 
 fellow practitioners and the community. 
 
 Dr. Catlin was married in 1866 and has 
 three sons, one of whom, Dr. S. R. Catlin, is 
 now practicing medicine in Rockford, thus rep- 
 resenting the third generation, in the same fam- 
 ily, in the medical profession. The Catlin fam- 
 ily of physicians represents sixty-six years of 
 service in Rockford. 
 
 Dr. Catlin is a member of Post No. 1 , 
 G. A. R. 
 
 HENRY RICHINGS, M. D., 
 
 Is a son of the late Dr. Charles H. Richings, 
 who was born in England, February 26, 1815, 
 and received his preliminary medical education 
 in Belgium, as a medical cadet serving with the 
 French Army of Occupation. 
 
 He came to the United States in 1836 and 
 entered a large tract of land near Pecatonica, 
 Illinois. He soon after returned to England, 
 where he married Miss Mary Stephenson, a not 
 very distant relative of the noted English engi- 
 neer of this name. Upon his return to this coun- 
 try he settled upon his farm, where he not only 
 
142 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 cultivated the land but also took up the work of 
 his profession. He was the second physician to 
 locate in this section of country, he being pre- 
 ceded by Dr. L. Moulthrop, who came to Rock- 
 ford in 1835. His practice grew until he was 
 obliged to give up farming operations and re- 
 moved to Rockford, where he died at his home, 
 on West State street, August 13, 1884, after a 
 successful practice of forty-eight years. 
 
 Dr. Henry Richings was born on the farm, 
 near Pecatonica, in 1842, and was educated in 
 the public schools of Rockford and also attended 
 
 HENRY RICHINGS, M. D. 
 
 school at Beloit, Wis. He studied medicine at 
 Ann Arbor, Mich., and also at the University of 
 New York, where he took his degree in 1864. 
 Soon after he received the appointment of Act- 
 ing Assistant Surgeon U. S. A., and was assigned 
 to the United States General Hospital, Arm- 
 ory Square, Washington, D. C., where as execu- 
 tive officer he served until the close of the war, 
 under Dr. D. W. Bliss, surgeon in charge, who 
 had already become noted as an army surgeon. 
 At the close of the war he formed a part- 
 nership with Dr. Bliss, and practiced his profes- 
 sion in Washington, D. C., for eight years. He 
 located in Rockford in 1878, where he has since 
 enjoyed a lucrative practice. 
 
 Dr. Richings has served as consulting sur- 
 geon on the staff of the Rockford City Hospital 
 since its establishment in 1883. 
 
 He is a member of the Winnebago County 
 Medical Society, the American Medical Asso- 
 ciation, the Illinois State Medical Society, the 
 State Association of Military Surgeons of Illinois, 
 the National Association of Military Surgeons 
 of the United States, the State Board of Health, 
 and is the 'local surgeon for the Chicago, Mil- 
 waukee & St. Paul and the Chicago & Northwest- 
 ern Railway companies, and is also the surgeon 
 for the Third Regiment Illinois Infantry. 
 
 Socially, he is a Mason, K. T. and a Shriner. 
 
 Dr. Richings married Miss Maria Cammann, 
 May 25, 1869, and has one daughter, who was 
 born in Washington, D. C., and who is the wife 
 of Dr. S. R. Catlin of Rockford. 
 
 The family residence is at No. 305 North 
 Main street. 
 
 W. H. FITCH, M. D., 
 
 One of Rockford's most eminent physicians, was 
 born in Cherry Valley, Illinois, June 18, 1844. 
 
 H. FITCH, M. D. 
 
 He is a graduate of Beloit College and of 
 the Medical Department Northwestern Univer- 
 sity. He also pursued post graduate studies at 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 H3 
 
 Ann Arbor University, and the medical schools 
 of Vienna, Berlin and London. 
 
 Dr. Fitch commenced the practice of medi- 
 cine in Rockford in 1870, and has met with 
 eminent success. He has held the position of 
 consulting surgeon for the Rockford City Hospi- 
 pal since its establishment. 
 
 While the doctor pursues no specialty, he is 
 considered to be one of the best all-round con- 
 sultants in this section of country, and is called 
 in consultation in critical cases to all points in 
 Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. 
 
 He has been a member of the Board of 
 Trustees of the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary 
 for eighteen years, and of the Rockford College 
 during the last fifteen years, in both of which in- 
 stitutions he has taken a deep interest. 
 
 Dr. Fitch married Miss Katherine Kountz, 
 of Allegheny, Penn., and has two children. 
 
 Hisofficesare Nos. 303-305 Masonic Temple, 
 and the family residence is on North Main street. 
 
 W. B. HELM, M. D., 
 
 Was born in Butlerville, Iowa, October 12, 1859, 
 and was educated at Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, 
 
 W. B. HELM, M. D, 
 
 High School from which he graduated in 1876, 
 Northwestern University in 1881, and from the 
 Northwestern University Medical School in 1884. 
 
 Dr. Helm comes from a family of doctors, 
 and is among the foremost of the family as a 
 successful practitioner. 
 
 The doctor was married to Miss Mary Gib- 
 son, of Rockford, in 1887, and has two children. 
 
 His office is on the fifth floor of the Brown 
 building, and the family residence is at No. 740 
 North Church street. 
 
 The doctor is a member of the Winnebago 
 County Medical Society, the American Medical 
 Association and the Central Wisconsin Medical 
 Association. 
 
 ALBERT S. GREEN, M. D., 
 
 Is a well known Rockford physician, having come 
 to the city in 1894, where he has established a 
 successful practice. 
 
 Dr. Green was educated at the Mount Mor- 
 ris Seminary, the Northwestern University, 
 Michigan State University, and the Chicago 
 
 ALBERT S. GREEN, M. D. 
 
 Medical College, receiving his degree from the 
 latter in 1878. He began the practice of med- 
 icine at Shullsburg, Wis., where he remained 
 sixteen years. 
 
 Since receiving his degree he has done 
 much post-graduate work. In 1890 he took a 
 post-graduate course at the New York Polyclinic. 
 
144 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 In 1891 a course at the New York Post-Gradu- 
 ate Medical College. In 1894 he attended a 
 course at the Philadelphia Polyclinic, and in 
 1897 he took a medical course at the New York 
 Post-Graduate Medical College. It is not every 
 physician that spends his time and means in so 
 thoroughly perfecting himself for the work of his 
 profession, but Dr. Green would not stop short 
 of the best possible equipment. His patients 
 now get the benefit of his arduous work. 
 
 Dr. Green is a member of the Winnebago 
 County Medical Society, Wisconsin State Med- 
 ical Society, Illinois State Medical Society, and 
 American Medical Association. 
 
 Socially, he is a Modern Woodman and a 
 Mason. 
 
 The family residence is at No. 806 North 
 Court street. 
 
 Dr. Green married Miss Estelle J. Wells, 
 and has four children; John A., Walter C., 
 Harry L., and Frances V. 
 
 DR. T. N. MILLER 
 
 Was born in Vernon, Oneida county, New York, 
 August 24, 1849, and was educated in the pub- 
 
 Medical Department Northwestern University in 
 the class of 1880. 
 
 Dr. Miller practiced medicine in Winnebago 
 ten years and then removed to Rockford in 1 890, 
 where he has since enjoyed a successful practice 
 of his profession. He is a member of the Win- 
 nebago County Medical Society and has been 
 its president during the last three years. He is 
 also a member of the American Medical Asso- 
 ciation. He is also a member of the Illinois 
 State Medical Association and the Central Wis- 
 consin Medical Society. 
 
 Dr. Miller married Miss Arvella A. Lane, 
 June 15, 1880, and has two children ; Edith A., 
 who is now a senior in Rockford College, and 
 Bertha Alvera, in the eighth grade in Church 
 school. 
 
 Socially, he is a member of the Royal Arca- 
 num. 
 
 His residence is at No. 1304 West State 
 street. 
 
 DR. T. N. MILLER. 
 
 lie schools of Winnebago county, Illinois. He 
 was graduated from Beloit College in the class 
 of 1873, and from the Chicago Medical College, 
 
 GEORGE L. WINN, M. D. 
 
 Dr. George L. Winn was born in Cleveland, 
 N. Y., March 10, 1851, from which place he 
 removed to Syracuse, N. Y., and from there to 
 Darien, Wls., in 1864. He received his primary 
 education in the public schools, and for prepara- 
 tory work attended the seminary at Allen's 
 Grove, and attended the State University at 
 Champaign, 111., two years. 
 
 He studied medicine in the office of Doctor 
 Green, at Woodstock, 111., and then attended the 
 Ann Arbor University one year. He then took 
 a course at the Northwestern Medical school 
 and received his degree in 1876. 
 
 He entered upon the practice of his pro- 
 fession at Allen's Grove, Wis., where he re- 
 mained four years, after which he took a post 
 graduate course at Bellevue Hospital, New 
 York City. Doctor Winn located in Rockford 
 in 1882. where he has since resided. 
 
 Dr. Winn keeps well abreast in the progress 
 that is now being made in the work of his 
 profession. He is a hard worker and has met 
 with well merited success in his practice. He 
 has the confidence of his patrons and his practice 
 is constantly increasing. 
 
 Doctor Winn is a member of the Winnebago 
 County Medical Society, the State Medical 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 '45 
 
 Society and the American Medical Association. 
 He is also the medical examiner for the 
 Home Fraternal League, in Rockford. 
 
 Doctor Winn married Miss Kate Dixon of 
 Allen's Grove, in 1879, and has one son. His 
 
 ining physician for the Illinois Insurance Com- 
 pany, the A. U. O. W., the Royal Neighbors, 
 
 GEORGE L. WINN, M. D. 
 
 offices are Nos. 414 and 416 Masonic Temple, 
 and the family residence is at No. 1225 North 
 Church street. 
 
 C. A. WALKER, M. D. 
 
 Was born in Lake Geneva, September 3, 1872. 
 He was graduated from the Lake Geneva High 
 school in the class of 1892, and from the Chi- 
 cago Homeopathic Medical College, in the class 
 of 1896. As a result of his standing, through 
 competitive examination, he was made house 
 physician and surgeon of Cook County Hospital 
 from October 1, 1896 to April 1, 1898. He came 
 to Rockford in May 1898, to take the practice 
 of J. W. Thomas, where he has gained promi- 
 nent standing in the medical profession. His 
 offices are in rooms 301 and 302 in the Masonic 
 Temple. He is a member of the Rockford 
 City Hospital attending staff, and is the exam- 
 
 .C. A. WALKER, M. D. 
 
 and the Fraternal Tribunes. Dr. Walker mar- 
 ried Miss Emma Sinclair, of Sarnia, Ontario, 
 June 27, 1900, and has one daughter, Lornea. 
 
 DR. CHARLES VICTOR STARKE. 
 
 Born March 25th, 1853, in Sweden, near 
 the city of Jonkoping. After finishing the 
 country school he passed through Jonkoping's 
 Elementar School 1867-75. Student at Upsala 
 University 1875, Medico-philosophic exam. 
 1876,Medicinae Cand.exam. 1885 andMedecina; 
 Licenciate exam. 1889 at Upsala, Kingdom of 
 Sweden. 
 
 Lived at Paris, France, Oct., 1878-May, 
 1879. 
 
 In March and April 1890 he passed the 
 reqlementary examinations in the Facultad de 
 Ciencias Me'dicas of the University of Buenos 
 Aires for admission to the practice of medicine 
 in the Argentine Republic, S. Am. Director of 
 the Medico-mechanic Gymnastic Institute at 
 Buenos Aires 1890-91. Practicing physician 
 in the Province of Buenos Aires 1892. 
 
146 
 
 ROC KFO R D 
 
 Arrived in the United States of N. America 
 Oct. 1st 1892, and has lived at Rockford. 111., 
 since Nov 1892, except 18 months passed at 
 Omaha. Neb., 1894-95. 
 
 Married 1 899 to Anna Nordwall from Omaha. 
 
 Dr. Starke's motto is: Nothing in humanity 
 is higher than truth and justice. Do the best 
 you can and don't fear anything. Judge people 
 after their acts and not after their confessions. 
 
 He commenced the practice of medicine 
 in Rockford in 1880, where he has now a 
 large and successful practice. 
 
 DR. CHARLES VICTOR STARKE. 
 
 Let us live well for this world and not anxiously 
 spend our lives preparing for destinies unknown. 
 Try to live and let other people try to live 
 (German: "Leben und leben lassen"). 
 
 As a practicing physician Dr. Starke is not 
 known In Rockford outside of the Swedish 
 colony, probably because of his nationality. 
 Still he considers himself a cosmopolite. 
 
 ROCKWOOD SAGER. M. D. 
 
 Doctor Sager is a member of the Winnebago 
 County Medical Society. Socially he is a 
 member of the I. O. O. F. and Modern Wood- 
 men. He was married to Miss Helma Hegberg 
 of Rockford, in 1900, and resides at No. 1216 
 South Main street. 
 
 ROCKWOOD SAGER, M. D. 
 
 Rockwood Sager, M. D., one of the best 
 known physicians of Rockford, was born in 
 Belvidere, Illinois, in 1863. He was educated 
 in the city schools of Belvidere, and is a graduate 
 of Rush Medical College, Chicago. 
 
 LEMUEL TIBBETS. M. D,, 
 
 Was born in Payson, Adams county, Illinois, 
 August 13, 1842, and was educated in the pub- 
 lic schools and at St. Paul's College, Palmyria, 
 Missouri. He commenced the study of medi- 
 cine in the medical department of the Univer- 
 sity of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and completed his 
 course at the Bellevue Hospital Medical Col- 
 lege, graduating in 1867. 
 
 He commenced the practice of medicine at 
 Dallas City, Illinois, where he remained six 
 years. He removed from Dallas City to Kirk- 
 wood, Illinois, where he enjoyed a successful 
 practice for six years, and then came to Rock- 
 ford in 1878, where he has since remained, and 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 '47 
 
 has enjoyed the distinction of being one of Rock- 
 ford's most eminent physicians. Before com- 
 ing to Rockford, Dr. Tibbets took a post-grad- 
 uate course in New York, where he made a 
 special study of eye, ear, nose and throat dis- 
 eases, and in connection with his regular prac- 
 tice gives special attention to the treatment of 
 these ailments, having supplied himself with the 
 most improved appliances for the successful 
 treatment of these diseases. 
 
 DR. RAY DANIEL WILLIAMS, 
 
 Was born in Anteoch, Illinois, and was educated 
 in the public schools. Prepared for college at 
 the Northwestern Academy at Evanston and 
 
 LEMUEL TIBBETS, M. D. 
 
 Dr. Tibbets was pension examiner under 
 both administrations of President Cleveland. 
 
 He was a charter member of the City Hos- 
 pital Association, and is a member on the med- 
 ical staff of St. Anthony's Hospital for the treat- 
 ment of eye, ear, nose and throat diseases. 
 
 Socially, he is a 32nd degree Mason, a mem- 
 ber of the Freeport Consistory, and Crusader 
 Commandery. 
 
 Dr. Tibbets was married to Miss Cornelia 
 E. Bradshaw, of Elida, Illinois, in 1872, and re- 
 sides at No. 834 North Main street. 
 
 His office is at No. 212 West State street, 
 which he has continuously occupied for twenty- 
 three years. 
 
 RAY DANIEL WILLIAMS. 
 
 received the degree of Ph. B. at Northwestern 
 University in 1896. He studied medicine at the 
 Chicago Medical College. Dr. Williams is a 
 member of the Winnebago County Medical 
 Society, the American Medical Society, and 
 medical director of the Y. M. C. A. Dr. Wil- 
 liams attended the Marine Biological labora- 
 tory, at Boston, during the summer of 1895. 
 His office is in the Blaisdell Block, and he 
 resides at the Chick House. 
 
 w. A. MCDOWELL, M. D. 
 
 W. A. McDowell, M. D., was born in Kirk- 
 land, Illinois, in 1850, and was educated in the 
 public schools and Beloit College. His medical 
 education was obtained at the Hahnemann 
 Medical College, Chicago. 
 
 He commenced the practice of medicine in 
 Rockford where he has met with good success. 
 
148 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 Socially, he is a member of the Masonic Order. 
 He is married and has three children. His 
 
 W. A. MCDOWELL, M. D. 
 
 office is in the Masonic Temple, and his residence 
 at No. 904 North Church street. 
 
 C. HARRY WOOLSEY, 
 
 Is a native of Norfolk, England, and was born 
 December 25, 1853. He came to Rockford 
 with his parents in 1862, and was a student in 
 the city schools six years, when he became a 
 messenger boy for the Western Union Telegraph 
 Company, and also learned the business of an 
 operator. When fifteen years of age he was 
 placed in charge of an office at Neenah, Wiscon- 
 sin. He was in the railway service sixteen 
 years, nearly all this time with the Northwestern 
 Railway Company. He served as cashier in 
 the Rockford office, ticket agent at Winona, 
 Minnesota, and as chief clerk in the office of 
 the F. E. & M. V. Railway Company at Missouri 
 Valley, Iowa. He quit railway service and re- 
 turned to Rockford in 1887. In 1890, he was 
 elected to the city council from the First ward 
 and served four years. In the campaign of 
 1894, he was elected to the state legislature on 
 
 the Democratic ticket. At the municipal elec- 
 tion of 1903, he was again elected to the city 
 council from the First ward. Mr. Woolsey was 
 one of the founders of the Skandia Furniture 
 Company in 1889, and was its secretary two 
 years. Socially he is a member of the K. of 
 P., M. W. A and A. F. & A. M. societies. Be- 
 
 W I 
 
 C. HARRY WOOLSEY. 
 
 ing a lover of flowers, he built a small green 
 house in 1899, and has increased the plant to 
 three large houses besides the erection of a fine 
 sales room. 
 
 Mr. Woolsey was married in 1877 to Miss 
 Lina Cora Howes, daughter of the late Phineas 
 Howes, one of the early pioneers of Rockford, 
 who settled here in 1839, and has had four child- 
 ren, Ralph, Harry, Ella and Beth, two of whom 
 are now living. 
 
 The family residence is at No. 1055 East 
 State Street. 
 
 
 THOMAS CHICK, 
 
 The genial proprietor of the popular hotel, the 
 Chick House, was born in Devonshire, England, 
 November 18, 1846. His parents, William and 
 Hannah (Pengillie) Chick, were natives of De- 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 149 
 
 vonshire, and emigrated to the United States in 
 1851, when Thomas was five years old. He 
 was educated in the public schools, and while 
 still young learned the flour-milling business un- 
 der the supervision of George Phillips. He also 
 became a locomotive engineer and served in 
 that capacity fourteen years, in the employ of 
 the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Co. By 
 steady application to business and the exertion 
 of untiring energy he secured the confidence of 
 his employers and met with gratifying success. 
 
 In 1888 he invested his savings in Rockford 
 property and opened the Chick House, which is 
 one of the most popular and best patronized 
 
 THOMAS CHICK 
 
 hostelries in the state. It is a model of neatness, 
 and its patrons are made to feel at home during 
 their stay at the house. Besides the hotel, he 
 is the owner of considerable desirable real estate 
 in the city and farming lands in the county. 
 
 In February, 1871, he was married to Miss 
 Lena Kennedy, a native of Vermont, who is 
 most helpful in the management of the hotel, 
 and is held in the highest esteem by the many 
 patrons of the house. 
 
 Socially, Mr. Chick is a member of E. F. 
 W. Ellis Lodge No. 633, A. F. & A. M. He 
 was exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch 
 
 Mason in Winnebago Chapter No. 24, and was 
 knighted in Crusader Commandery No. 17,K.T. 
 He is also a member of Tebala Temple of the 
 Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic 
 Shrine, and has held various offices in these 
 orders. He is also a member of the I. O. 
 0. F.,and the Benevolent and Protective Order 
 of Elks. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Chick reside at the Chick 
 House. 
 
 FRANK C. WHITE, 
 
 The subject of this sketch, is a native of Illinois, 
 born at Geneva, 111., June 6, 1865, and was edu- 
 cated in the public schools. When only eighteeen 
 years of age he engaged to work for the Geneva 
 Grape Sugar Co., and has made rapid progress 
 in his profession, being promoted from a subordi- 
 nate position to that of superintendent of one of 
 the most important manufacturing sugar works 
 in the world, during his twenty years of service. 
 
 FRANK C. WHITE. 
 
 He started with the Geneva Grape Sugar Co. in 
 1 883, and remained with that company five years 
 during which time he was promoted to the position 
 of night superintendent. In 1888 he accepted 
 the position of assistant superintendent of the 
 Peoria Grape Sugar Co., of Peoria, 111., where 
 
ROCK FORD 
 
 he remained four years. After this he held the 
 posisition of superintendent of theFirmenich Mfg. 
 Co.'s works at Marshalltown, Iowa, the Ameri- 
 can Glucose Co.'s works at Buffalo, N. Y., and 
 Peoria, 111. In 1897 he accepted the position of 
 assistant superintendent of the Chicago Sugar 
 Refining Co.'s plant at Chicago, 111., and in 1899 
 became superintendent of the same plant hold- 
 ing that position until he was transferred to the 
 Rockford plant in Sept. 1902. Mr. White is a 
 member of the Masonic Order being a member 
 of Geneva Lodge No. 139 A. F. & A. M., Fox 
 River Chapter No. 14 R. A. M., Aurora Com- 
 mandry No. 22 K. T., Peoria Consistory 32nd 
 degree S. P. R. S. In 1890 he was married 
 to Hannah F. Prandy of Pontiac, 111. He has 
 two sons, Amasa L. White and Earl C. White. 
 
 S. J. PETIT. 
 
 S. J. Petit was born in Rockford May 24, 
 1877, and educated in the city schools. He 
 engaged with the Glucose Sugar Refining Com- 
 
 s. j. PETIT. 
 
 pany in 1899 as assistant shipping clerk, and 
 was rapidly promoted through all the clerical 
 positions of that institution until he was appointed 
 agent of the company in September, 1902. 
 
 Mr. Petit is a member of lodge No. 102, 
 A. F. & A. M.; Winnebago Chapter, No. 24, 
 R. A. M.; Crusader Commandery No. 17 K. T.; 
 Tebala Temple A. A. O. Nobles of the Mystic 
 Shrine. 
 
 He is married and resides at 621 Rockton 
 avenue. 
 
 H. H. HAMILTON 
 
 Comes from good Old Virginia and Tennessee 
 stock, his parents having removed from Virginia 
 to Rockford on account of the war, where Her- 
 bert H. was born in 1864. 
 
 At the close of the war his parents returned 
 to the south, but found their estate and old plan- 
 tation destroyed. Shortly after reaching the old 
 home, the father died and the mother and child- 
 ren returned to the north. Mr. Hamilton has 
 been a resident of Rockford during most of his 
 life and received his education in the city schools 
 and at Colgate University, New York. It can 
 be truly said of him that he is a self educated 
 man, having worked his way through the Col- 
 gate University and the Union College of Law 
 of the Northwestern University, from which he 
 graduated in the class of 1883. 
 
 He commenced the practice of law in Rock- 
 ford in 1885, and has handled a large volume of 
 business for his clients. He has always enter- 
 tained a lively interest in the upbuilding of Rock- 
 ford and has contributed largely toward securing 
 its present prosperous position. 
 
 Mr. Hamilton was quick to see the future 
 growth and possibilities of Rockford and with 
 this same sense of perception for the future of 
 the new west, he has taken up the work of assist- 
 ing in the bringing of this realization to the 
 people of North Dakota, where he is now locating 
 a large number of actual settlers. 
 
 Mr. Hamilton married Miss Caroline Shoudy 
 of Rockford, and has one daughter. The 
 family residence is at No. 933 North Second 
 street. 
 
 A. W. BANKS. 
 
 A. W. Banks was born in Cassopolis, Mich., 
 and was educated in the ward and high schools 
 of Des Moines, Iowa. He is a graduate of Ann 
 Arbor High School. He also took a two years' 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 course in the scientific department of the Uni- 
 versity of Michigan and a two years' course in 
 chemistry in the same institution. 
 
 From 1880 to 1888 he was engaged in the 
 retail trade as pharmacist and manufacturing 
 chemist in Detroit, Michigan. From 1888 to 
 the present time he has held the position of 
 district manager for the Mutual Life Insurance 
 
 A. w. BANKS 
 
 Company of New York, in Rockford. Through 
 his efforts the business has assumed large pro- 
 portions and his company has paid more claims 
 and has more representative men insured than 
 any other company doing business in the city. 
 In fact, of all the life assurance representatives 
 doing business in the city, when he came here, 
 he is the only one remaining and therefore he 
 has the right to say that he controls the oldest 
 active life agency in the city. 
 
 Mr. Banks could relate many pathetic exper- 
 iences connected with his business were he so 
 disposed. In all his life insurance work he has 
 never had a contested claim, which goes to show 
 that he knows how to write business right. 
 
 Mr. Banks claims to be thoroughly posted 
 in his line of business and holds a diploma to 
 
 this effect from Prof. Wm. P. Stewart, pro- 
 fessional actuary. 
 
 Socially he is a member of Star in the East 
 lodge, No. 166, A. F. & A. M. He is a 
 member of the Second Congregational church, 
 having served a term as trustee for this society. 
 
 Mr. Banks is married and has four children, 
 three girls and one boy. The daughters have 
 unusual musical ability, and the son is a lover 
 of athletics, is an expert swimmer, and has the 
 distinction of saving three persons from drowning 
 in the Rock river, before he was sixteen years 
 of age. 
 
 The family residence is at No. 1 133 North 
 Church street. 
 
 W. H. KE1G, 
 
 The popular baker, was born in Rockford in May, 
 1863, and was educated in the city schools. He 
 served an apprenticeship in the baker's profes- 
 sion and became an expert in this work. 
 
 w. H. KEIG. 
 
 He engaged in the baking business with his 
 brother-in-law, W. D. Clark, in 1886, and two 
 plants, one on each side of the river, were 
 operated by the company. At the end of two 
 
152 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 years this partnership was dissolved, and Mr. 
 Keig took charge of the business on the West 
 side. 
 
 In 1898 Mr. Keig bought the plant belong- 
 ing to the Forest City Baking Co.. on Cedar 
 street, where he is now located. His retail busi- 
 ness is still carried on at the West State street 
 plant. He does a large wholesale and retail 
 business in Rockford and surrounding towns, his 
 shipments covering a distance of 300 miles. 
 His goods are of excellent quality and have a 
 very high and well merited reputation. 
 
 Mr. Keig is married and resides at 1230 
 Grant avenue. 
 
 Socially, he is an Elk and a Modern Wood- 
 man. 
 
 RUFUS W. FINLEY. 
 
 Rufus W. Finley, M. D. C. D. V. S., was 
 born on a farm in Peoria county. Illinois, 
 February 3, 1863, and was educated in the 
 
 DR. R. W. FINLEY. 
 
 public schools, Amity College. College Springs, 
 Iowa; Hedding College, Abingdon, 111., Prof. 
 S. S. Hammell School of Oratory, Chicago; 
 and Chicago Veterinary College. 
 
 After graduating from the Hammell School 
 Dr. Finley occupied the chair of oratory and 
 voice training in the institution for some time, 
 but on account of his health he was obliged to 
 surrender his chair in this work, and take up the 
 profession of veterinary medicine. He has met 
 with excellent success in this work. He com- 
 menced his practice at Independence, Iowa, in 
 1891, where he made a specialty of lameness 
 and dentistry of race horses. 
 
 He was called to Rockford in 1896, to treat 
 the well known pacer, -Wisconsin King." record 
 of 2:11, Aegon, and Londell, all popular race 
 horses at that time. Doctor Finley liked Rock- 
 ford so well that he determined to make this 
 city his permanent residence, and established 
 a home at No. 224 South Court street, and an 
 office at 222 South Court street. 
 
 Doctor Finley married Miss Susan McKenzie 
 of Waukesha, Wisconsin, in 1893, and has one 
 daughter. 
 
 W. R. KEYT, 
 
 Architect, was born in Piqua, Ohio, September 
 10, 1850 and was educated in the public schools 
 of his native town, graduating from the high 
 school of that city. 
 
 He served three years as an apprentice at 
 the carpenter trade and has been a thorough 
 student of the profession ever since. One of 
 the most marked characteristics of his work has 
 been a constant effort to discover better methods 
 of construction and to work out the details of 
 these discoveries, upon his drafting board, be- 
 fore he let them pass. He has thus become 
 one of the most reliable and thorough architects in 
 this section of country. His services as a builder 
 and architect have been sought in the construc- 
 tion of many of the most notable buildings in the 
 city and surrounding country. Among these are 
 the Centennial Church, Court Street Church, and 
 the rebuilding of the Second Congregational 
 Church. He is now devoting his entire attention 
 to architectural work in all its branches, having 
 opened an office in the Second National Bank 
 building, at the corner of State and Main streets 
 where he employs a strong force of skilled 
 draughtsmen and is receiving the patronage of 
 those who desire perfect plans and detail draw- 
 ings for the construction of important buildings. 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 Constant study and close application to detail 
 in the most approved methods of construction, 
 gives Mr. Keyt a prestige which he well de- 
 serves. 
 
 Fifth avenue and Seventh street. At the end 
 of two years Mr. Widell bought the interest of 
 Mr. Swanson, and continued the business at the 
 same place alone, doing a general insurance and 
 real estate business. 
 
 He was elected a justice of the peace In 
 1901, which office he still holds. 
 
 He is a member of several social orders. 
 
 W. R. KEYT. 
 
 Mr. Keyt is a Modern Woodman and a 
 member of the Royal League. He is married 
 and has two children, a son and a daughter. 
 His daughter is a valuable assistant in his office. 
 He resides at 613 North Horsman street. 
 
 SWAN O. WIDELL. 
 
 SWAN O. WIDELL. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born at Jon- 
 kopings Lan, December 2, 1866, and came to 
 Rockford in 1887. After his arrival he did car- 
 penter work in the city one year. 
 
 In 1888 he engaged with the Central Furni- 
 ture Co., where he remained two years, and 
 then accepted a position with the Skandia Fur- 
 niture Co. and remained one year. In both of 
 these institutions he was employed as a cabinet 
 maker. 
 
 In 1891 he entered the real estate office of 
 West & Hutchins, where he spent one year. In 
 1892 he formed a copartnership with J. A. 
 Swanson, and engaged in the real estate busi- 
 ness at his present location, at the corner of 
 
 Mr. Widell was married in 1891, and has a 
 family of three children, and resides at 1854 
 East State street. 
 
 WILLIAM H. COOK. 
 
 William H. Cook, contractor and builder, 
 was born in Boston in 1859. He came to 
 Rockford with his parents when eight years of 
 age, where he was educated in the city schools. 
 
 His first business engagement was with 
 Henry Knowles in the commission business, 
 where he remained two years. His next en- 
 gagement was with the W. F. & John Barnes 
 Company, where he remained two years and 
 learned the machinist's trade. 
 
 In 1896 his father died. He was a carpen- 
 ter and builder, and Mr. Cook took up the 
 
154 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 business, which he has since followed with 
 marked success. 
 
 Mr. Cook has been interested in the con- 
 struction of many of Rockford's most important 
 public and private buildings, among which may 
 be mentioned the Turner school, High school, 
 Brewing Company's plant. Frank Brown's resi- 
 dence, Moran's building on West State street, 
 John H. Sherratt's residence, Carnegie Public 
 Library, Memorial Hall, and many other struc- 
 tures that are a credit to his genius and ability 
 in his chosen profession. 
 
 He is now engaged in the construction of 
 two beautiful homes, one of which is for George 
 
 WILLIAM H. COOK. 
 
 O. Forbes, and the other for Dr. W. H Fitch, 
 on North Main street. 
 
 Mr. Cook married a daughter of Mr. S. E. 
 Lane of Rockford, and has one child. The 
 family residence is at No. 340 North Avon 
 street. 
 
 FRANK E. PEARSON 
 
 Was born in Rockford, in 1863, of Swedish 
 parentage, his parents having come to Rockford 
 from Sweden in 1852. He was educated in the 
 city schools. 
 
 He is at present the efficient superintendent 
 of the Rockford Manufacturing Co.'s plant, in 
 which he is a stockholder and director. 
 
 He was elected to the City Council from the 
 Second wa>d in 1898, which office he still holds, 
 
 FRANK E. PEARSON. 
 
 and is the chairman of the fire and water com- 
 mittee. He was a member of the board of local 
 improvements one term. 
 
 Socially, he is manager of Camp No. 51 
 M. W. A., and president of Lodge No. 2, Arch- 
 ean Union. 
 
 Mr. Pearson is married and has two sons. 
 
 The family residence is at No. 322 Baker 
 Place. 
 
 NELS OLSON. 
 
 The subject of this sketch, is one of Rockford's 
 popular aldermen. He was born in Sweden in 
 1 852 and came to Rockford when fifteen years 
 of age. He worked as a finisher in the Rock- 
 ford Furniture factory five years. He was then 
 identified with Ugarff in the furniture and under- 
 taking business two years. Ten years ago the 
 Rockford Furniture and Undertaking Company 
 bought out Ugarff's interest and Mr. Olson be- 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 came a stockholder in the company and has 
 since been identified with it and has charge of 
 the undertaking department. 
 
 Mr. Olson has served two terms as alder- 
 man from the Sixth ward, and since the redis- 
 
 this being 191 more than the combined vote 
 for four other candidates. 
 
 NELS OLESON. 
 
 tricting of the city, has just been elected from 
 the Second ward his third term by one of the 
 largest majorities ever given an alderman in 
 Rockford. He is married and with his family 
 resides at 1203 Fifth avenue. 
 
 ED. F. CARTY 
 
 Was born in Dubuque, Iowa, in January, 1868. 
 He removed with his parents to Cherry Valley, 
 Illinois, when three years old, and came to 
 Rockford in 1887. He engaged in business 
 with the Schmauss Company at their main 
 market, on the East Side. Eleven years ago 
 he took charge of the business in South Rockford 
 where he has very successfully managed the 
 business since. 
 
 Mr. Carty was elected to represent his ward 
 in the council as alderman, at the municipal 
 election of 1903, receiving a total of 1,581 votes, 
 
 ED. F. CARTY. 
 
 Socially, he is a K. of P., K. of C., and a 
 member of Council No. 24, Redmen. 
 
 He resides with his mother at 1222 South 
 Church street. 
 
 ANDREW J. ANDERSON 
 
 Was born in the City of Rockford June 7, 1862, 
 and has made this city his home, with the ex- 
 ception of one year when he was temporarily 
 located in Texas, and is of Swedish descent, his 
 father, Jonas R. Anderson, having been a native 
 of Rydaholm, Sweden. 
 
 Mr. Anderson was educated in the city 
 schools a'nd took a course at the Rockford Busi- 
 ness College. 
 
 He was first employed in the mechanical 
 department of the Rockford Watch Factory, 
 where he remained several years. 
 
 In 1881 the Excelsior Furniture Company 
 was organized with a capital of $50,000, and 
 Mr. Anderson was made secretary and treasurer, 
 which position he held for eight years. 
 
 In 1890 he opened an office at No. 421 
 East State street, where he conducted a real 
 estate, loan and insurance business. 
 
5 6 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 In January, 1898, he was made secretary 
 and treasurer of the Union Overall Company, 
 which position he has filled with marked suc- 
 cess and still holds. 
 
 He had charge of a large manufacturing 
 plant in Texas during the year 1 896, when he 
 returned to Rockford. 
 
 ANDREW J. ANDERSON 
 
 He served in the City Council as an alder- 
 man from the Second ward during the years 
 1890, 1891, 1892, 1893, 1894 and 1895, and 
 was re-elected again in 1903. 
 
 Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Hilma 
 O. Johnson, December 30, 1896, and has one 
 child, a son. 
 
 He, with his family, resides at No. 942 
 Kishwaukee street. 
 
 HERBERT D. TICKNOR 
 
 Was born in Rockford, September 6, 1869, and 
 was educated in the city schools. His first busi- 
 ness engagement was with the Rockford Cabi- 
 net Company as shipping clerk, which position 
 he filled until the destruction of the factory by 
 fire in 1895. For a short time succeeding the 
 fire, he was in the employ of the Rockford Tail- 
 oring Company. 
 
 In 1896 he formed a co-partnership with H. 
 H. Chase, under the firm name of Chase & 
 Ticknor, and engaged in trade, handling bicycles, 
 sewing machines and sporting goods. The firm 
 dissolved partnership in 1901 and Mr. Ticknor 
 has since conducted the business alone. He 
 makes a specialty of bicycle repairing, and is 
 doing a very successful business in his various 
 lines. Mr. Ticknor made his first venture in 
 political affairs at the recent municipal election, 
 when he was elected an alderman from the Fifth 
 ward. Socially he is a Modern Woodman and 
 a member of Kishwaukee Tribe of Redmen, 
 No. 24. 
 
 HERBERT D. TICKNOR 
 
 Mr. Ticknor married Miss Atna N. Wigton 
 and has three children, Raymond, Irma and 
 Fern. The family home is at No. 1810 West 
 State street. 
 
 THOMAS WINCHESTER 
 
 Is a stone cutter by trade. He was born in Eng- 
 land in October, 1846, and came to Rockford in 
 1857 where he has since resided. 
 
 His first engagement in this city was with 
 Thomas Ennett, and he remained with him until 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 157 
 
 1890 when he commenced work on his own 
 account and located where he is at present. 
 
 His first work was on the Graham Cotton 
 Mills. He furnished the stone for the Library, 
 
 THOMAS WINCHESTER. 
 
 Mendelssohn Hall, High School, Wight School, 
 Church School, Third Ward School and the 
 Lincoln School, Mrs. Warren's residence, C. & 
 N. W. Railway depot, Y. M. C. A. and many 
 other buildings in the county, the Freeport 
 Library and City Hall. He has the general con- 
 tract for the addition to the City Hospital and 
 will furnish the stone for the C. A. Works 
 residence. 
 
 Mr. Winchester is an Odd Fellow, is mar- 
 ried and has five children, and resides at 720 
 Fifth Avenue. 
 
 WILLIAM CLARKE 
 
 Was born in England in 1839, and came to 
 Rockford in 1870, where he has since resided. 
 
 He is a contractor and builder, and the many 
 residences and public buildings of his construc- 
 tion in this city attest to his ability in his chosen 
 profession. He began contract work here in 
 1 87 1 , and his first work was the erection of the 
 
 John Faxon residence on East State street. 
 He next built the A. D. Forbes residence on 
 North Main street. Among the more notable 
 structures over which he had supervision are the 
 Watch Factory, St. Mary's Catholic Church 
 and St. James Catholic School, the John Felch 
 Block, the William Crotty Block, the Central 
 Block, McPherson's Bakery, T. D. Robertson's 
 Block on West State street and the Schmauss 
 Co. Cold Storage building. The homes of A. 
 Albertson and G. W. Reynolds. North Court 
 street, might also be mentioned as specimens 
 of his handiwork. 
 
 WILLIAM CLARKE. 
 
 Mr. Clarke is married, and has two sons who 
 are following the same business, Robert W. and 
 Thomas H. Clarke who also reside in Rockford. 
 
 Residence, 825 North Winnebago street. 
 
 JOHN ALEXANDER 
 
 Is a contractor and builder. Was born at For- 
 far, Scotland, May, 1851, and came to Rock- 
 ford in 1882. Upon his arrival in Rockford the 
 12th day of May, he immediately took up the 
 work of his profession which he has since suc- 
 cessfully prosecuted. He built the Northwestern 
 depot here, Hutchins, Lake and Johnson block, 
 
S 8 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 the Charles Brantingham residence, Mrs. Julia 
 P. Warren's residence on North Main street, the 
 
 JOHN ALEXANDER 
 
 Hall School and Church School, the Adams 
 School, Wight School, North Town bridge and 
 many other notable structures in this city. He 
 built the National Sewing Machine Company's 
 plant in Belvidere. 111. Mr. Alexander is married 
 and resides at 1115 Harlem Avenue. 
 
 W. A. KEYT 
 
 Is one of Rockford's prominent contractors and 
 builders. He was born in Grundy county, Illi- 
 nois, in 1858, and removed with his parents to 
 Piqua, Ohio, when seven years of age, where he 
 was educated in the public schools of that city. 
 He came to Rockford in 1882, and was em- 
 ployed in construction work with his uncle, David 
 Keyt, during the first five years. 
 
 In 1887 he formed a copartnership with his 
 cousin, W. R. Keyt, under the firm name of 
 W. A. & W. R. Keyt, and during the next five 
 years they were identified with the construction 
 of a number of Rockford's prominent residences 
 and business places. 
 
 Mr. Keyt then continued the business in his 
 own behalf, and has secured the contracts for the 
 
 construction of many important buildings, among 
 which might be mentioned the Lincoln and 
 Brown Schools, the W. F. & John Barnes Fac- 
 tory buildings, the Taylor & Coats and Briggs 
 Flats and the Rockton Public Library. He is 
 now engaged in the rebuilding of the Mead Bros.'s 
 Block which was recently destroyed by fire. 
 
 Mr. Keyt is married and resides at 323 
 North Church street. 
 
 J. A. PALM, 
 
 Contractor and builder, was born in Sweden and 
 came to DeKalb County, 111., in 1869. He then 
 took a trip through the south, visiting many of 
 
 j. A. PALM. 
 
 its important cities and returned to Chicago at 
 the time of the great fire where he remained 
 four years engaged in contract work for masonry. 
 He came to Rockford in 1874, and worked for 
 H. F. Peterson nine years and then became one 
 of Rockford's leading contractors. 
 
 In 1882 he formed a copartnership with An- 
 drew Borg under the name of Palm & Borg, 
 which continued two years. 
 
 Mr. Palm then took up the work on his own 
 account and has been identifed in the construc- 
 tion of many of Rockford's important business 
 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 '59 
 
 places and residences, among which are the Geo. 
 Atkinson, B. A. Knight, John Chick, Stapleton, 
 and John H. Sherratt residences, the Fisher 
 flats, Rockford Wholesale Grocery Company's 
 building and the Wheelock Crockery store. Mr. 
 Palm built the larger part of the big stores on 
 Seventh street and has been identified in the 
 construction work of many other prominent 
 buildings in Rockford. 
 
 Mr. Palm is married and has six children 
 and resides with his family at 224 Seventh street. 
 
 ABNER JOHNSON 
 
 Is a well known carpenter and builder, and was 
 born at Hamburg, Pa., January 28. 1854. When 
 nine years of age he removed to Greene county. 
 
 be mentioned Frank Burr's residence, Knuts- 
 son's residence on Church street, the Rice flats 
 on West State street, and the Flynn flats on 
 North Main street. He also did the wood work 
 in the construction of the Schmauss block. 
 
 Mr. Johnson has the contract for the six 
 double houses to be erected by Mr. Ziock, and 
 the remodeling of the house on the grounds to 
 be moved to Mulberry street, making seven 
 houses in all, said contract obtained without 
 opposition. 
 
 Mr. Johnson is a Modern Woodman, a mem- 
 ber of the Knights of the Globe and of the Mys- 
 tic Workers. 
 
 He is married and has four children, and 
 resides at 121 North Winnebago street. 
 
 RODERICK MACK1NZ1E 
 
 Was born at Inverness, Scotland May 8th, 1859. 
 He sen^ an apprenticeship in the art of stone 
 
 ABNER JOHNSON. 
 
 Wis., with his parents, where he resided for 
 thirteen years. In 1875 he removed to Lena, 
 Illinois, where he acquired the carpenter's trade, 
 and constructed several important buildings in 
 that city. In 1887 he removed to Freeport, 
 Illinois, where he carried on his business until 
 1891 , when he came to Rockford, where he has 
 since resided. 
 
 He has been identified with considerable con- 
 struction work in this city, among which might 
 
 RODERICK MACKINZIE. 
 
 cutting five years in the city of Edinburgh, Scot- 
 land. During this time he also acquired the 
 mason's trade. He was educated in the public 
 schools of his native country, which implies 
 thorough equipment in all practical branches. 
 
i6o 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 Mr. MacKinzie came to Rockford when twenty- 
 three years of age and immediately engaged in 
 the work of his profession, contracting for the 
 most important construction then going on. He 
 furnished the stone and built the High school at 
 Delavan, Wis., the Janesville High school at 
 Janesville, Wis., the Kishwaukee school of Rock- 
 ford, 111., and the Davis Junction school at 
 Davis Junction, 111., and did the mason work on 
 the St. Anthony hospital. He did the work and 
 furnished the material for the Hess & Hopkins' 
 building. He built the fine residence for B. B. 
 Page, of native blue stone and blue Bedford 
 trimmings, Charles Brown's residence, of Naper- 
 ville stone, and the fine residence for Hosmer 
 Porter. He was also the contractor for the 
 building of the beautiful Mendelssohn Hall, 
 W. T. Staplin block in South Rockford, the paper 
 mills on each side of the river, the Bolt works, 
 and five buildings for the Sewing Machine 
 Company, and Trinity Lutheran church. 
 
 Mr. MacKinzie resides at 950 Thomas 
 street, in the fourth ward. 
 
 contract for the construction of the new six story 
 building for Andrew Ashton. 
 
 GUST HOLM, 
 
 Contractor and builder, was born in Sweden July 
 15th, 1852, and was educated in the schools of 
 his native country. He served an apprenticeship 
 in the builder's trade, in Sweden. He came to 
 Rockford directly from Sweden in 1880, and 
 immediately began the work of his profession.- 
 He constructed twenty or more of the principal 
 business blocks on Seventh Street, did the car- 
 penter work on the Republic building and Ma- 
 sonic Temple, rebuilt the Appel store, built the 
 Rockford Frame and Picture Co. 's building, the 
 Rockford Palace Folding Bed Co.'s building, the 
 Haddorff Piano Co.'s plant, the Brown & Son 
 Piano Co.'s plant, the West End Furniture Co.'s 
 plant, the B. F. Barnes Co.'s plant, a part of 
 the Union Furniture Co.'s plant a part of the 
 Chair and Furniture Factory, a part of Rockford 
 Standard Furniture Co.'s plant, and a part 
 of Love Mfg. Co.'s plant, the Globe Clothing 
 Co.'s plant, the Stevens & Duel plant, a 
 part of the W. F. &. John Barnes plant, the 
 Church School, Aug. Floberg's residence and a 
 number of other residences and flats, and has the 
 
 GUST HOLM. 
 
 Mr. Holm is married and has four children. 
 His home is at No. 1604 Fourth Avenue. 
 
 W. J. SHAW, 
 
 Carpenter and builder, was born in Owen town- 
 ship, Winnebego county Illinois, March 8, 1859, 
 and was educated in the public schools. He is 
 a son of Mr. and Mrs. John Shaw who came to 
 Winnebago county in 1853, and are now resi- 
 dents of Guilford township. Mr. Shaw lived upon 
 the farm until coming to Rockford in 1889, 
 where he has since resided. 
 
 He engaged in carpenter work, in Guilford, 
 in 1881 , and has continued this business in this 
 city since. 
 
 Among some of the more important struc- 
 tures over which he has had supervision are the 
 residences of Dr. Franklin. Wm. Eddy on East 
 State street, T. E. Buckbee on Kishwaukee 
 street. Chris. Landen on Franklin avenue, H. 
 K. Hall flats on East street, John Agnew on 
 Franklin avenue, Miss Elizabeth Hancock flats 
 on North First street, and many other buildings 
 
ROC K FO R D 
 
 161 
 
 throughout the city and county that attest to his 
 skill in structural work. His business during 
 the past year amounted to over twenty thousand 
 dollars in this class of work. 
 
 w. j. SHAW. 
 
 He married Miss Lizzie F. Marsh, the 
 daughter of Averill Marsh, of Guilford, June 27, 
 1889, and has three children, Ellis, Eleanor, 
 and Hazel, and resides at 622 North Third 
 street, this city. 
 
 DAVID CARLSON 
 
 Is a carpenter by trade and is a contractor and 
 builder. He was born in Sweden December 15, 
 1855, and came to Rockford in 1881. He 
 learned his trade in his native country where he 
 became an efficient workman. Upon arrival 
 here he engaged to work for Cahill & Tucker, 
 with whom he remained two years. 
 
 His first work on his own account was for 
 the interior finishing of Zion Lutheran chuch in 
 1886. Then followed the erection of Trinity 
 Lutheran Church, the Liljeholm residence on 
 East State street, John Hart's residence on 
 North Second street, (now owned by Mr. Gollyj 
 
 the carpenter work on the Skandia Hardware 
 Co.'s building, the Charles Olander building on 
 Seventh street, the Peterson block on Seventh 
 street, the Rockford Furniture and Undertaking 
 Co.'s building on Seventh street, two flats for 
 Wm. Johnson on Second and Walnut streets, 
 the A T. Barnes residence on National avenue, 
 the Fisher flats on North Church street, the 
 Rockford Mfg. Co.'s plant, residence for self on 
 
 DAVID CARLSON. 
 
 Second avenue, and many other residences and 
 business places in this city and vicinity. Mr. 
 Carlson is married and has four children. He 
 resides at 1217 South Sixth street. 
 
 W. T. NORTON 
 
 Is a carpenter by trade, and is a contractor and 
 builder. He was born at Homer, Minn., Jan- 
 uary 12th, 1866. He came to Rockford in 
 1889 and engaged to work for Reitch Bros., 
 with whom he remained six years, when he com- 
 menced to do contract work on his own account. 
 He has been a successful contractor and builder 
 for eight years, having during this time built 
 many prominent residences in this city, among 
 which might be mentioned the William Moffatt 
 residence, the Richardson flats, Mrs. VanDe- 
 
i6a 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 mark's residence, the Frank Green residence 
 and the Wm. Knowlton residence. He now has in 
 course of construction a fine residence for Lizzie 
 Best, at the corner of Oakwood and West State 
 
 amount of work to be accomplished in so short 
 a time. Mr. Lyddon is married and resides at 
 
 B. R. LYDDON. 
 
 W. T. NORTON. 
 
 streets. He erected two houses for Frank Marsh 
 on Marsh Court, and is now building a fine resi- 
 dence for James Allen on Blaisdell street. Mr. 
 Norton is a member of the Masonic and Wood- 
 men fraternities. 
 
 1713 Chestnut street, 
 constitute the family. 
 
 A wife and three children 
 
 B. R. LYDDON 
 
 Is a contractor and builder. He was born in 
 Summersetshire, England, in 1866; came to 
 America in 1877. Moved to Rockford 1890, and 
 has been identified with the growth of the city 
 since. His first business venture here was with 
 his brother, and the partnership continued six 
 years. He then continued business on his own 
 account. He has built many residences and other 
 buildings among which might be mentioned: 
 The homes of Fritz Ulrici, Douglas Ulrici, 
 Frank Regan, Harry Chase, T. S. Rider, H. D. 
 Ticknor, W. W. Hixon, and over one hundred 
 others. He has also done a large business build- 
 ing large frame barns. This represents a large 
 
 C. J. SWANSON, 
 
 Contractor and builder, was born at Jonkopengs 
 L;'in, Sweden, in 1855, and was educated in his 
 native country. He was a contractor and builder 
 at Upsala, Sweden, from 1879 to 1881, when 
 he came to America and located at Springfield, 
 Mo., where he was employed as foreman in the 
 D. E. Davis planing mills for two years. He 
 then engaged with A. Skog, of Springfield, as 
 foreman of construction work, and continued in 
 this capacity four years. He then engaged in 
 contract work on his own account and did a large 
 amount of work in that city. Mr. Swanson came 
 to Rockford in 1892, and engaged with the 
 Rock River Planing mills as sash and door 
 maker. He was the first man in Rockford to 
 make veneered doors. He made the interior 
 finish for the W. F. Barnes residence, North 
 Main street. He was also the builder of Mrs. 
 Julia Warren's residence on North Main street, 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 163 
 
 the L. Johnson flats, First avenue and Fifth 
 street, the C. Colby flats on North Third street, 
 the J. Colville flats on South Third street, the D. 
 S Hough flats on North Third street, Gust John- 
 son's residence on Longwood street, McEvoy's 
 residence on Spafford avenue, O. M. Brown's 
 residence on Lawn place, four of the W. H. 
 Miller flats on Fourth avenue and Twelfth street, 
 C. Widman's residence on Fourth avenue, and 
 
 He has been a successful contractor and 
 builder, and has constructed many business 
 places and residences on both sides of the river. 
 
 C. J. SWANSON. 
 
 the Wilmarth flats on Kishwaukee street, and 
 many others. Mr. Swanson's shop and residence 
 are at 1 206 South Fifth street. 
 
 FRANK P. NEWBURG 
 
 Was born in Sweden in 1868, and was educated 
 in the public schools of that country. He came 
 to Rockford in 1888 and engaged in carpenter 
 work for his brother. Later he took a position 
 as foreman for Newburg & Nygren, contractors 
 and builders, and remained with them three 
 years. He then went to Belvidere where he did 
 contract work for about two years. Returning 
 to Rockford he formed a copartnership with Mr. 
 Nygren, under the firm name of Newburg & 
 Nygren, and continued the business two years, 
 when the firm dissolved, and he has since con- 
 tinued the business alone. 
 
 
 FRANK P. NEWBURG. 
 
 Mr. Newburg is married, and with his fam- 
 ily of wife and two children, resides at 1317 
 Tenth avenue. 
 
 Mr. Newburg's motto is : Do justice to 
 everybody and life is a pleasure and death is a 
 gain. 
 
 JOHN McLEE 
 
 Is a carpenter and builder and was born in Rock- 
 ford, March 6, 1867. He was educated in the 
 city schools, and this city has been his home 
 continuously. He began doing contract work on 
 his own account in 1 888 , and has been the builder 
 of many important public buildings and private 
 residences, among which may be mentioned the 
 Renwick residence, corner Morgan and Church 
 streets, J. C. Gregory residence on Hinkley 
 street, McCormick flats on North Winnebago 
 street, Bracken residence on South Winnebago 
 street, and the John A. Lins residence, corner 
 of Grant avenue and Napoleon street, Liner res- 
 idence on Napoleon street, and many others. 
 He has done the general repair work on the 
 public school buildings in the city. Mr. McLee 
 
164 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 is a Modern Woodman of Camp No. 5 1 , Knight 
 of Columbia No. 792, and a member of the 
 
 JOHN MC LEE. 
 
 Archean Union. He has a family of three 
 children, and resides at 1111 Chesnut street. 
 
 that time, he established the Rockford Cornice 
 Works at the corner of South Third and East 
 State streets. The business was carried on in 
 this plant until two years ago, when it became 
 necessary to have larger quarters. Mr. Martin 
 decided to have a factory of his own for the 
 business, and had the building at 312 and 314 
 Market street erected, where the business is 
 now carried on. The factory is one of the 
 largest and best equipped of its kind in northern 
 Illinois. A large quantity of the product is 
 shipped to jobbers in Illinois and Wisconsin. 
 
 They manufacture and contract for sheet 
 metal fronts and cornices, skylights, ventilators, 
 steel ceilings, eavestroughs, conductor pipes, 
 rain water filters, and metal, slate and tile 
 roofing, etc. 
 
 Mr. Martin personally superintends all work 
 done by the firm. This company has furnished 
 the work in their line for many important build- 
 ings in this city and vicinity, among which is 
 the Turner school, the Blake school, the High 
 
 ALFRED MARTIN 
 
 Was the first manufacturer of sheet metal 
 cornices in Rockford. He was born in Canada 
 and came to the United States when about 
 twenty years of age. Although quite young, he 
 was well advanced in the art of sheet metal 
 work, having already served six years at the 
 trade with his father who was engaged in the 
 same business, and he has grown up, as it were, 
 right in the work. 
 
 He first came to Michigan and worked in 
 the principal cities in that state and then traveled, 
 working at his trade in most of the principal 
 cities from Michigan to the Pacific in the west, 
 and from Canada in the north to the Gulf of 
 Mexico in the south. Having gained a wide 
 experience in the sheet metal trade, through his 
 travels, he decided to go into the business. 
 
 Coming to Rockford about twelve years ago 
 and seeing a good opening for a cornice business, 
 as there was no business of the kind here at 
 
 ALFRED MARTIN. 
 
 school, Rockford Brewery, Memorial Hall, the 
 Library building, Trinity church, also St. Paul's 
 Evangelical Lutheran church at Fort Atkinson, 
 Wis., St. Mary's Catholic school, Freeport, 111., 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 165 
 
 sheriff's residence and jail at Belvidere, 111., and 
 many other large buildings in different parts of 
 Illinois and Wisconsin, too numerous to mention. 
 
 Mr. Martin is the patentee of the Perfection 
 rain water filter which has a large sale over a 
 wide area of country, and is well known in 
 Rockford as there are hundreds of them in use 
 in the city. 
 
 Mr. Martin is a member of the Royal 
 Arcanum and I. O. 0. F. He is married and 
 resides at 804 North Second street. 
 
 tion of Quarter Master General M. W. A. For- 
 ester with rank of colonel. 
 
 His residence is at 218 South Court street. 
 
 PETER T. ANDERSON 
 
 Is a plasterer by trade. He was born in Scot- 
 land, and came to Rockford in 1882, where he 
 has since resided. 
 
 He has had the contracts for plastering a 
 large number of public and private buildings in 
 the city and vicinity, among which can be men- 
 
 PETER T. ANDERSON. 
 
 tioned H. W. Price's residence, John Sherratt's 
 residence, J. B. Whitehead's residence, the Pub- 
 lic Library, Memorial Hall, High School, Frank 
 Bunn's residence, and the C. F. Henry flats, 
 and others too numerous to mention. 
 
 Mr. Anderson is a K. P., I. 0. O. F., and 
 Modern Woodman, and at present holds the posi- 
 
 GEORGE W. BALDWIN 
 
 Was born in Mt. Clair, New Jersey, June 16, 
 1836, and was educated in the public schools of 
 his native town. He learned the plasterer's trade 
 in all its branches, both plain and ornamental, at 
 Newark, N. J. 
 
 In 1855 he removed to Michigan, where he 
 remained four years, and then returned to New 
 
 GEORGE "W. BALDWIN. 
 
 Jersey. In 1865 he removed to Rochelle, Illi- 
 nois, and to Rockford in 1 88 1 , where he has 
 since resided. 
 
 He was engaged upon the finishing work of 
 many of Rockford's finest buildings, among 
 which is the Second Congregational church, Y. 
 M. C. A. building, Germania Hall, Christian 
 Union church, nine city school buildings, Wait 
 Talcott's new residence, Charles Brantingham's 
 new residence, Wilkins' flats, Fay Lewis and 
 Masonic buildings and Northwestern depot. 
 
 Mr. Baldwin married Miss Emma F. Cour- 
 der of New York city. His home is at No. 201 
 Summit street. 
 
1 66 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 E. J. RYAN 
 
 Is a plasterer by trade. He was born in 
 St. Lawrence county, N. Y., in June, 1851. 
 
 In 1871 he removed to Chicago where he 
 acquired his trade and was employed as a 
 plasterer there for six years. He then removed 
 to Madison Wis., where he plied his trade for 
 twelve years. He then came to Rockford where 
 he has since remained. 
 
 Among the buildings plastered by Mr. Ryan 
 are the Nelson and Parmelee residences, the 
 Roper and Treat flats, St. Anthony's hospital 
 and the Mead block. 
 
 E. J. RYAN. 
 
 Mr. Ryan is a Modern Woodman and a 
 Royal Neighbor. He is married and has six 
 children, and resides at 207 Longwood street. 
 His office is at 1 10 North Court street. 
 
 J. F. WISNER. 
 
 This cut is that of J. F. Wisner, the well 
 known contractor and builder of cement and tar 
 sidewalks. 
 
 Mr. Wisner was born in Lake county, Illinois, 
 in 1848. He removed to Lafayette, Indiana, in 
 1873, and came to Rockford in 1888, where he 
 has since resided. 
 
 His business exceeds in magnitude that of 
 all others in this line in the city, and extends 
 over Northern Illinois, South Dakota and several 
 towns in Iowa, and he is largely advertised by 
 the imprint of his name in the walks he lays. 
 
 j. F. WISNER. 
 
 Mr. Wisner has one of the finest homes on 
 the East side, located on Rural street, opposite 
 the East side cemetery. 
 
 His good wife conducts an experimental fruit 
 and flower garden, and is a breeder of pure blood 
 White Wyandotte poultry. 
 
 P. W. WELCH. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born in Rock- 
 ford January 17, 1856, and has occupied his 
 present place of business during the past ten years 
 as agent for the United States Brewing Company 
 of Chicago, 111., distributing in Rockford and 
 many surrounding cities and towns the celebrated 
 Rheingold and Loewenbrau Beer, Rheingold 
 Export, and Malt Liquid, Blatz Milwaukee Beer, 
 Weiner, Private Stock, Export and Malt Vivine 
 to wholesale trade and for family use. All have 
 an absolute guarantee for purity. Special 
 attention is given orders for all kinds of case 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 167 
 
 goods for family use. The bottling works and 
 storage are located at 328 North Madison 
 
 P. W. WELCH. 
 
 street. 'Phor.e number 543. both Home and 
 Central Union. 
 
 JAMES P. WALSH 
 
 Was born in Rockford in 1867. When quite 
 young he engaged in the grocery business with 
 his father. Later his father bought the Lincoln 
 bottling works, located at 414 South Main street. 
 His business so increased that he was com- 
 pelled to secure more room and better facilities 
 for handling his trade. The result was a move 
 to 501-503 South Church street, where in 1895 
 he erected a new building, adapted to his needs. 
 Here the father retired and the son conducted a 
 prosperous business at this place for five years. 
 He sold this property to the C. & N. W. R. R. 
 company and removed to his present location, 
 502-506 Cedar street, corner Court street, hav- 
 ing purchased the property of the American 
 Cereal company. 
 
 Mr. Walsh now has one of the finest bottling 
 establishments in the west, being equipped with 
 modern machinery, and manufactures pops, 
 ginger ale, mineral waters, and all carbonated 
 
 beverages, selling these goods all over northern 
 Illinois, southern Wisconsin and eastern Iowa. 
 He also carries a full line of saloon supplies, 
 such as glassware, flasks, corks, cordials, 
 bromos, etc. He handles pure apple cider, and 
 has been agent for Fred Miller, "The Best" 
 Milwaukee beer, and Hemming's " Janesville " 
 ales and porters during the last twenty years. 
 
 JAMES P. WALSH. 
 
 The bottling works are open for inspection 
 at all times. Visitors will be courteously re- 
 ceived by Mr. Walsh or his gentlemanly 
 assistants. 
 
 MAX HOPPE 
 
 Was born in Hirshburg, Germany, September 
 5, 1867, and was educated in his native country. 
 
 He learned the brewing business in Germany, 
 where he was engaged in the trade seven years. 
 He visited all the leading cities of Europe, and 
 worked in several of the most important brew- 
 eries of that country. 
 
 He came to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1891, 
 where he was employed in the Pabst brewery, 
 the largest institution of the kind in the world. 
 
 In 1892 he came to Rockford and bought 
 the interest of Charles Meyer as the agent for 
 the Schlitz Brewing Co. in this city. 
 
1 68 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 In 1896 he secured the agency for the 
 Pabst Brewing Co., thus representing two of the 
 most noted institutions in this or any other coun- 
 try. He carries on a large wholesale and retail 
 trade, and makes a specialty of bottling both 
 Pabst's and Schlitz' beer for family use. 
 
 His business is located at No. 218 Walnut 
 street. 
 
 Mr. Hoppe is married and has two sons. 
 
 The family residence is at No. 129 South 
 Madison street. 
 
 P. A. SPONBERG. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born in 
 Sweden in June, 1863, and came to the United 
 States and settled in Rockford in 1 882. 
 
 He entered into an engagement with W. D. 
 Clark and remained in his employ eight and 
 one half years. Mr. Clark then sold his interest 
 
 p. A. SPONBERG. 
 
 to the Forest City Baking company and Mr. 
 Sponberg remained with this company three 
 years. 
 
 He then went into business for himself, secur- 
 ing the agency for the Anheuser-Busch Brew- 
 ing Company's beer, and to this he added the bot- 
 
 tling works in 1895. He has now a fine whole- 
 sale and retail business and makes a specialty 
 of supplying private families. He handles 
 Besley's Waukegan ale, Schlink ale and porter 
 of Belvidere, Budweiser and standard grades of 
 Anheuser-Busch 's celebrated beer. He also 
 keeps on hand Malt Nutrine for medicinal 
 purposes. 
 
 Mr. Sponberg is married and has one child. 
 He resides at 401 Seventh street. 
 
 P. A. PETERSON. 
 
 One of Rockford's foremost Swedish citi- 
 zens, was born in Ving Vestergotland, Province of 
 Smoland, Sweden. September 8, 1848, and was 
 but two years old when his parents emigrated to 
 this country on board a sailing vessel and arrived 
 in New York after a voyage of several weeks 
 duration. 
 
 From New York they came to Winnebago 
 County and settled on a farm in the township of 
 Cherry Valley, where the son grew to manhocd 
 
 p. A. PETERSON. 
 
 and was educated in the public schools. Be- 
 ing possessed of rare business abilities, he 
 found his way to Rockford where a large field 
 for enterprise and keen business accumen pre- 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 169 
 
 sented itself and of which he desired to pos- 
 sess himself. Capitalists and business men had 
 confidence in his ability and integrity, and sought 
 his services in the promotion of various manu- 
 facturing enterprises. Mr. Peterson's keen per- 
 ception enabled him to see the advantages pos- 
 sessed by Rockford as a furniture manufactur- 
 ing center, and the possibilities of the co-opera- 
 tive plan of production. 
 
 This plan was at once put into effective op- 
 eration, and its success has demonstrated the 
 soundness of his judgment. He is now inter- 
 ested in more industrial undertakings than any 
 other resident of the city. His interests are 
 largely located on the East side of the river 
 amid the Swedish population of the city. 
 
 Mr. Peterson is directly or indirectly con- 
 nected with twelve or fifteen manufacturing in- 
 dustries as an official or stockholder, all of 
 which are meeting with satisfactory results. 
 
 Mr. Peterson is a member of the Swedish 
 Lutheran church, but is not identified with any 
 social order. 
 
 has four children; Harry S., who is a noted 
 opera singer, Grace L. (Mellen) residing at 
 
 W. W. AUSTIN 
 
 Is a native of Illinois, and was educated in the 
 public schools and Wheaton College. His boy- 
 hood days were spent upon his father's farm 
 near Rockton. He began teaching in the dis- 
 trict schools when eighteen years of age, and 
 rapidly advanced in the work to the principalship 
 of the South Belvidere schools and at Rockton, 
 Illinois. He also served as bookkeeper in the 
 offices of W. A. Knowlton, late of Rockford, 
 Peet & Keeler of Beloit, M. D. Keeney of 
 Rockton, and Keeney Bros, of Rockford. He 
 has written for the newspapers for many years, 
 and has contributed scientific articles to several 
 popular magazines. He served as city editor on 
 the Laurel Chronicle, of Laurel, Mississippi, in 
 which position he was very successful. 
 
 In connection with his school work he has 
 written a Natural History of Animals, which re- 
 ceived high commendation from several eminent 
 critics. His latest work is the writing of ROCK- 
 FORD TO-DAY. 
 
 Mr. Austin married Miss Josephine A.Drury, 
 of Beloit, who died several years since. He 
 
 W. W. AUSTIN. 
 
 Rockton, Etta M. (Harmon) residing in Mil- 
 waukee, and Ernest W. 
 
 Socially, he is an Odd Fellow and Red Man. 
 
 CHARLES L. MILLER. 
 
 Charles L. Miller's first newspaper experi- 
 ence was in Ogle county, where for a time he 
 edited the Rochelle Register, and later was pro- 
 prietor of the Oregon Reporter. In 1877 he 
 came to Rockford, where he purchased an inter- 
 est in the Weekly Register. In October of that 
 year he established the Daily Register, the first 
 daily newspaper in Rockford to achieve a per- 
 manent existence. The Register remained un- 
 der his editorial and business management for 
 fourteen years when he sold the paper to Mr. 
 E. E. Bartlett, and removed to Quincy, Illinois, 
 where he became one of the proprietors and edi- 
 tor of the Daily Herald of that city. In 1896 
 he returned to Rockford to become one of the 
 proprietors of the Daily Republic. At present 
 he is managing editor of the Republic and presi- 
 dent of the Republic company, and president of 
 the Quincy Herald company. 
 
170 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 HOWARD O. HILTON 
 
 Was born upon a farm in Kansas in 1863, and 
 was educated in the public schools and attended 
 the University at Lincoln, for a time, but was 
 not a graduate. His boyhood days were spent 
 upon the farm, but early in life he engaged in 
 newspaper work and has met with marked suc- 
 cess. He has filled important positions upon 
 the staff of papers in Illinois and other states. 
 
 His work in Rockford has been in connection 
 with the Register, and was one of the founders 
 of the Rockford Republic, of which he is the 
 political editor. 
 
 His services have been sought after by the 
 Republican party, in numerous campaigns, as a 
 platform speaker and manager. He has twice 
 represented his district on the state committee, 
 in which capacity he did excellent work. He 
 was state canal commissioner under Governor 
 John R. Tanner, and is now Congressman Ful- 
 ler's private secretary. 
 
 Mr. Hilton, at one time, held a responsible 
 position in a bank, but has never asked election 
 to a political office. 
 
 He is married and has two daughters. 
 
 J. E. WARFIELD, 
 
 Business Manager of the Daily Republic, has 
 been in the newspaper business, in Rockford. 
 during the past twenty years. His first engage- 
 ment was with the Register for a period of 
 five years, and then for the same length of time 
 with the Morning Star. 
 
 In 1896, in company with C. L. Miller and 
 H. M. Johnson, he purchased the old Republi- 
 can. The name of the paper was changed to 
 the Daily Republic, of which he is now business 
 manager. 
 
 Mr. Warfield has been a resident of Rockford 
 since 1883. He was born at Mt. Carroll, 111. 
 
 He married Miss Alma C. Bacon of Milton, 
 Wisconsin, and has three daughters. 
 
 EDGAR E. BARTLETT, 
 
 Publisher of the Register-Gazette, came to 
 Rockford January 1st., 1891, and consolidated 
 the old Register and Gazette into what has since 
 been known as the Register-Gazette. Mr. Bart- 
 
 lett was for twelve years, previous to this, adver- 
 tising and business manager of the Kalamazoo 
 Telegraph, one of the strong papers of interior 
 Michigan, and since coming to Rockford has 
 made the Register-Gazette a potent factor in the 
 newspaper field of the city. During this time 
 
 EDGAR E. BARTLETT. 
 
 the newspaper plant, over the business end of 
 which he has presided, has been vastly improved 
 by the addition of the telegraph, Associated 
 Press news service, Mergenthaler Linotype cast- 
 ing machines and a fast press, all of which have 
 combined to make the Register-Gazette a 
 marked success. 
 
 HON. J. STANLEY BROWNE, 
 
 Editor-in-chief of the Rockford Morning Star, 
 was born in Albany, N. Y., in 1855, and was 
 educated in the public schools of that city. His 
 parents were people of culture and refinement, 
 and were numbered among the well-to-do citi- 
 zens of New York State, where they lived and 
 died. 
 
 Before coming to Illinois Mr. Browne was 
 employed on the Albany Argus, where he devel- 
 oped acute political talent, and stumped the 
 state in the interests of Tilden for president in 
 
ROCKFORD 
 
 171 
 
 the campaign of 1876. Later, he was twice 
 elected on the Democratic ticket to the New 
 York legislature from Otsego county. He also 
 served as chairman of the Board of Supervisors 
 of his county, and was secretary for a period of 
 five years to Lieutenant-Governor Dorscheimer 
 during the time Tilden was governor. 
 
 Mr. Browne came to Rockford in 1887 and 
 became the editor and publisher of the Rockford 
 Journal, which was merged into The Star March 
 20, 1888, of which Mr. Browne became man- 
 aging editor, which position he has since held 
 with marked ability, 
 
 HON. J. STANLEY BROWNE. 
 
 Politically, Mr. Browne has been a life-long 
 Democrat, and is the leader and teacher of pure 
 democracy of the Cleveland school in Northern 
 Illinois. 
 
 Mr. Browne is a forceful and elegant writer, 
 and his diction is rarely equaled. His eloquence 
 has brought his services into great demand in 
 political campaigns and social functions where 
 he is always at ease. 
 
 The wide circulation of the Morning Star is 
 sufficient evidence of his ability as an editor, 
 and is doubtless the finest encomium the paper 
 can receive. 
 
 Mr. Browne was married to Miss Evalyn Tall- 
 madge of Otsego county, N. Y., who is a lady 
 of culture and fine education, and is a leader in 
 Rockford's social circles. Her ancestry were 
 among the true patriots of the country, her father 
 being a solder in the Civil War and her grand- 
 father in the War of the Revolution. 
 
 The family residence is at No. 917 North 
 Church street. 
 
 ROSCOE S. CHAPMAN, 
 
 Business Manager of the Rockford Morning 
 Star, was born in Rutland, Illinois, January 6, 
 1868, and was educated in the public schools. 
 
 From Rutland he removed to Lacon. Illi- 
 nois, and came to Rockford October 1 1, 1886, 
 and was employed by Warren Woodruff in the 
 hardware trade. 
 
 On January 1, 1887, he relinquished this 
 business, and became identified with the Rock- 
 
 ROSCOE S. CHAPMAN. 
 
 ford Gazette. His work on this paper was for a 
 short time only, as on January 1, 1888, he went 
 to the Rockford Journal, which was merged into 
 the Rockford Morning Star, March 20, 1888. 
 
 Mr. Chapman is one of the original stock- 
 holders of the Rockford Star Printing Co., and 
 solicited the first subscribers on the daily list. 
 
172 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 The Rockford Morning Star is the only morn- 
 ing paper published in the city, and ranks with 
 the best inland dailies of this country. 
 
 He was married in Rockford, June 4, 1890, 
 to Mi 1 s Mae Bills, of Garden Prairie, 111. 
 
 JOHN V, R1LEY, 
 
 Who since January 1, 1895, has been active in 
 the business department of The Morning Star 
 and is now its advertising manager, came to 
 Rockford from Grand Rapids, Michigan, where 
 
 JOHN V. RILEY. 
 
 he was identified with the sales department of 
 several manufacturing concerns during the years 
 he lived there. Prior to his residence in the 
 Wolverine state he was employed in two depart- 
 ment stores in Chicago. It was in those en- 
 virons he acquired the liking for advertising work 
 which eventuated into his present occupation. 
 
 He is a director and one of the principal 
 stockholders in the Rockford Star Printing Co., 
 the corporation publishing The Morning Star. 
 
 He is also a director of the Rockford Public 
 Library. 
 
 Mr. Riley was born in Henry, Illinois. In 
 June, 1891, in Denver, Colorado, he was mar- 
 ried to Miss Lenore Hooker, to whom was given 
 a son, John Stewart Riley, who will be five 
 years old February 4, 1904. 
 
 ROCKFORD ILLUSTRATING CO. 
 
 The Rockford Illustrating Company was or- 
 ganized in 1893 and is the successor to the 
 Rockford Engraving Company, which was or- 
 ganized in the seventies. 
 
 The company has occupied its present loca- 
 tion during the last five years. Its place of 
 business has been recently rearranged and re- 
 fitted, and is now one of the most complete in- 
 stitutions of the kind in the city. 
 
 The company designs, engraves, and elec- 
 trotypes first class work on short notice. It en- 
 joys the patronage of the furniture factories of 
 this city and executes many foreign orders, 
 
 The business of the company is under the 
 management of K. E. Knutsson, and is in a 
 highly prosperous condition. 
 
 THE THEO. W. CLARK COMPANY 
 
 Was organized and incorporated, December 2, 
 1897, and capitalized at $20,000. Its place of 
 business is at 124 West State Street, and is 
 equipped with a complete outfit of the latest 
 appliances for doing the finest work in all kinds 
 of job printing. High grade black and color 
 printing, engraving, embossing and binding, for 
 all purposes, is executed on short notice by this 
 company. 
 
 Its president is Dr. Henry Richings and its 
 business manager and secretary is Theo. W. 
 Clark. 
 
 All kinds of business and society stationery 
 are kept in stock and its patrons are supplied at 
 very low rates, consistent with good quality. 
 
 A large number of workmen is employed and 
 the business is constantly growing with un- 
 bounded success. 
 
INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Blaisdell, E W. residence 29 
 
 Broughton Sanitarium 76, 77, 78, 79 
 
 Brown Building 15 
 
 Brown, Horace residence 56 
 
 Carlton, Ingalls residence 23 
 
 Country Club 17 
 
 Davis, Jeremiah residence 52 
 
 Dunn, Dr. E. C 36 
 
 East State Street 21 
 
 Emerson, Ralph residence 45 
 
 Carver, Judge J. C. residence 31 
 
 Government Building 43 
 
 Group of Rockf ord residences 48 
 
 Group of Rockf ord churches 64 , 70 
 
 Hamilton, H. H. residence 32 
 
 ! nterurban Railway 1 30 
 
 Johnson, O. W. Com. House 82 
 
 Knapp, William residence 25 
 
 Lake, John residence 16 
 
 Memorial Hall... ..10 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Nelson, William residence 60 
 
 Nelson Hotel 14 
 
 Rhodes. Levi residence 39 
 
 Rockford College 62 
 
 Schmauss Company 80 
 
 Seventh Street 47 
 
 Sherratt, John H. residence 50 
 
 Shoudy, I. residence 58 
 
 Shumway, R. H. residence 26 
 
 Skandia Hardware Co 81 
 
 St. James Church 67 
 
 Sumner, E. B. residence 20 
 
 Thomas, P. Byron residence 34 
 
 Tinker's Swiss Cottage 40 
 
 Water Works Park 41 
 
 Waterman, J. D. residence 37 
 
 Williams, Mrs. Lydia residence 19 
 
 Winnebago County Court House 1 1 
 
 Woodruff, Gilbert residence 28 
 
 Y. M. C. A. Building ..13 
 
INDEX 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Acquisitions of 1836. ..12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 
 
 Act Establishing Public Library 44 
 
 African M. E. Church and Roster 73 
 
 Ailing, David D 23,24 
 
 Ailing, Frank 23 
 
 Allen Gordon S 46 
 
 Allaben, Dr. J. E 51,54 
 
 Alexander, John 157, 158 
 
 American House 59, 60 
 
 Amiss, Miss Arabella 9 
 
 Anderson, Dr. B. C 51 
 
 Anderson, Andrew 155, 156 
 
 Anderson, Peter T 1 65 
 
 Andrews, C. N 26 
 
 Andrews, Charles 1 13, 114 
 
 Andrus, Hon. Henry 57, 101, 102 
 
 Andrus, Dr. S. C 51 
 
 Artesian Wells 42 
 
 Ashton, Andrew 24 
 
 Austin, Dr. S. A 51, 52, 53 
 
 Austin, W. W 169 
 
 Bailey, Hon. Rufus C 85, 86 
 
 Baker, Hon. Edward H 85, 86 
 
 Baker, IraW 38 
 
 Baley, L. H 117 
 
 Baldwin, George W 165 
 
 Banks, A. W 150, 151 
 
 Barbour, Prof. 0. F 45, 55 
 
 Bargren, A. E 49, 50 
 
 Barker, Ira 49 
 
 Barnes, William H 124 
 
 Barningham, D. W 57 
 
 Barnum , Harris 40 
 
 Barnum , Daniel 40 
 
 Barnum , Ezra 12 
 
 Barnum, Anson 12, 24, 25 
 
 Barter, Miss Alma M 53 
 
 Bartlett, Mrs. Edgar E 38 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Bartlett, Edgar E 170 
 
 Bartlett, M. A 46 
 
 Baylies, R. N 129, 130 
 
 Beale, Joseph 126, 127 
 
 Bean, Mrs Clarence 10 
 
 Beattie, John 23, 61 
 
 Beattie, Edward W 23 
 
 Beattie, George D 23 
 
 Beattie, Mary 1 23 
 
 Beattie, Anna 23 
 
 Bedwell & Herrick 38 
 
 Beers, Daniel 12 
 
 Biographical 83 
 
 Black, Mrs. Mary Irby 10 
 
 Blackmer, Orlander C 55 
 
 Blaisdell, Elijah Whittier 119, 120, 121 
 
 Blake School 55 
 
 Blake, Thatcher 9, 12, 26, 35 
 
 Blinn, Jesse 26 
 
 Blodgett, J. H 55 
 
 Bolvin, Nicholas & Co 19 
 
 Bond, Nathan 12 
 
 Boswell, James 12, 24 
 
 Bowman, John A 57 
 
 Bradford, Miss Frances 54 
 
 Bradley, F. M 43 
 
 Bradley & Carpenter 46, 58 
 
 Brazee, Mrs. Caroline A 38 
 
 Brearley, A. C 125, 126 
 
 Brett, Mrs. Carrie S 38 
 
 Briggs, Spafford & Penfield 38 
 
 Brinckerhoff, George W 25 
 
 Broadie, James 12 
 
 Bronson, Mayor S. G 44 
 
 Brooks, Major General 36 
 
 Brown, Thomas C 21 
 
 Brown, Mrs. William 41 
 
 Brown, Judge William 41, 52, 53 
 
 Brown, Miss Eunice... ...54 
 
INDEX 
 
 nr / IT v 
 
 175 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Brown School 55 
 
 Brown, Andrew 59 
 
 Brown, Horace 94, 95 
 
 Brown, Hon. E. W 96,97 
 
 Browne, Hon. J. Stanley 170, 171 
 
 Brown's H ouse 59 
 
 Broughton, Russell M. D...76, 77, 78, 79, 101 
 
 Bryhn, R. J 131 
 
 Buildings in la38 24 
 
 Bundy & Goodhue 24 
 
 Burbank. Frank 51 
 
 Burnap, Francis 36 
 
 Burnap, Rev. Jacob 36 
 
 Burson, William Worth 108, 109 
 
 Butterworth, Thomas 52 
 
 Butterworth, Chester 53 
 
 Calkins, Dr. F. W 51 
 
 Campbell, Abel 12 
 
 Carey, Miss 1 1 
 
 Carey, Phineas 12 
 
 Carleton, Ingalls 90 
 
 Carlson, David 161 
 
 Carnegie, Andrew 44, 45. 46 
 
 Carpenter, H. W 52 
 
 Carr, G. V 49 
 
 Carson, James H 58, 133 134 
 
 Carty, Ed. F 155 
 
 Carter, V 12 
 
 Carrico, T. W 23 
 
 Catlin. Dr. E. P 51. 141 
 
 Catlin, Dr. A. M 51 
 
 Catlin, Dr. S. R 51 
 
 Caton, John 12 
 
 Cavanaugh, Charles 46, 50 
 
 Cavanaugh, J ohn 50 
 
 Central Christian Church and Rosier 73 
 
 Chalm ers, J ames 46 
 
 Chandler, D. C 50 
 
 Chapel Hall 62 
 
 Chapin, John P 24 
 
 Chapman, Roscoe S 171, 172 
 
 Chamberlain, Prof 42 
 
 Charles, Elijah 18 
 
 Chicago & Iowa Railroad 61 
 
 Chick House 38, 59 
 
 Chick, Thomas 1 48, 1 49 
 
 Christening and Incorporation 01 Village. ...24, 25 
 Churchill, P. P.. . ..12 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Church, Selden M 12, 24,43 
 
 Church , Samuel 1 46 
 
 Church School 55 
 
 City Hotel 60 
 
 Clark, James 24 
 
 Clark, Dr. D. S 44, 51. 53 
 
 Clark, Dr. L. A 51 
 
 Clark, Dr. E. J 51 
 
 Clark, Theo. W. Co 172 
 
 Clarke, William 157 
 
 Coleman, John S 38 
 
 Collier. Alex 1 34 
 
 Collis, George 113 
 
 ComingsTDr. A. F 51 
 
 Commercial House 60 
 
 Compton, H 50 
 
 Cook & Brother 22 
 
 Cook, W. H 46. 59, 153, 154 
 
 Coonradt, P. A 49 
 
 Corey, Lova 12 
 
 Corey, Alonson 12 
 
 Corey, Jonathan 12 
 
 Corey, Samuel 24 
 
 Court Street M. E. Church and Roster 66 
 
 Cosper, Elias 43, 44 
 
 Countryman, Alfred 49 
 
 Coy, Dr. R. E 51 
 
 Craig, James 18 
 
 Crawford .Newton 26 
 
 Crawford, Samuel P 41, 47,49, 51 
 
 Crockett, Dr. W. W 51 
 
 Cross, Robert J 18 
 
 Grotty, William 53, 123, 124 
 
 Culhane. Dr. T. H 51 
 
 Cunningham, Isaac Newton 16, 38 
 
 Cunningham , Samuel 38 
 
 Cunningham , William 38 
 
 Cunningham, Benjamin FranMin 38 
 
 Dame , J ames 49 
 
 Damon, Sumner 26 
 
 Daniels, F. A 50 
 
 Dankey, Mrs. K W 23 
 
 Danley, Mrs. Almeda M 22 
 
 Davis, Jeremiah 52, 116, 117 
 
 Dennis, W. P 26, 49 
 
 Dickerman, Wneelcr & Co 22 
 
 Dickerman, W. A 26 
 
 Dimond, Jesse 137, 138 
 
 V 
 
176 
 
 INDEX 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Dobson, William 112, 113 
 
 Doolittle, P. S 24 
 
 Doty, Simon P 18 
 
 Dunbar, William E 12, 18,24 
 
 Dunlap, D. C 63 
 
 Dunn, Dr. E. C 121, 122 
 
 Dwyer, Dennis 51 
 
 Eagle Hotel 59 
 
 Eakin, Dr. A. C 51 
 
 Early, A. D 56,57 
 
 Edgel, Stephen 24 
 
 Ellis, Edward F. W 46 
 
 Ellis School 55 
 
 Ellis, T. M 130, 131 
 
 Ellison, J. A 50 
 
 Emerson, Adaline E 52, 53 
 
 Emerson, Ralph Jr 53 
 
 Emerson, Ralph 83, 84 
 
 Enoch, Hiram R 16 
 
 Episcopal Church and Roster 63, 64 
 
 Epworth Church and Roster 66,67 
 
 Erickson, Olof 50 
 
 Europea n H otel 61 
 
 Evans, Mr 9 
 
 Everett, E. E 60 
 
 Ferge, H 59 
 
 Ferguson, Duncan 26, 36, 40, 63 
 
 Fernald, E. M 55 
 
 Finley, Rufus W 152 
 
 Fisher, H enry 22 
 
 Fisher, John 49 
 
 First Settlement of Kockford 9, 10 
 
 First Settler on East Side 1 1 
 
 First Public Religious Service 12 
 
 First Cong. Church and Roster. ..12, 23,64, 65 
 
 First Term of Court 21 
 
 First City School Ordinance 54 
 
 First Baptist Church and Roster 55, 65, 66 
 
 First Presbyterian Church and Roster... 68, 69 
 
 First M. E. Church and Roster 70, 71 
 
 First Swedish Luth. Church and Roster..73, 74 
 
 Fitch, Dr. W. H 51, 53, 142, 143 
 
 Flaherty, Rev. James J 122 
 
 Floberg, August P Ill, 112 
 
 Forbes, A. D 24, 53 
 
 Ford, Calvin 46 
 
 Ford, Judge Thomas H 18 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Forest City Insurance Co 40 
 
 Forest City National Bank 61 
 
 Forest City House 61 
 
 Foot, Dr. Lucius F 51 
 
 Fox, Charles J 12 
 
 Franciscan Sisters 53 
 
 Freeman, A. W 55 
 
 Freeman , H enry 55 
 
 Freeman School 55 
 
 Fringer, Dr. W. R 51 
 
 Frost, Howard D 46 
 
 Frost, Judge Arthur H 51,57, 85 
 
 Frost, Dr. J. H 51 
 
 Gamewell Telegraph Alarm 50 
 
 Garner, Squire 12 
 
 Garner, Jefferson 12 
 
 Garrison School 55 
 
 Carver, Judge John C 91 
 
 Gaylor, Mr 12 
 
 George, Miss Margaret 12 
 
 George, Sampson 14 
 
 Gillett, Dr. P. F 51 
 
 Gilman, William H 24 
 
 Glenn, Lizzie C 52 
 
 Glenny, Fred 50 
 
 Goddard, Dr. C. W 51 
 
 Godfrey, Mrs. Charles H 38 
 
 Golden, M. H 50 
 
 Goodrich, Dr. David 22, 24, 25 
 
 Goodwin, Dr. S. E 51 
 
 Grace M. E. Church and Roster 75 
 
 Granger, S. A 46 
 
 Grans, John 51 
 
 Gray, J. F 42 
 
 Green, Dr. Albert S 51, 143, 144 
 
 Gregory, L. B 54 
 
 Gregory, Mrs. E. S 38 
 
 Gregory, Samuel 12 
 
 Gregory, Eliphalet 12, 18 
 
 Griffin, Thomas W 47 
 
 Griggs, Joseph. P 18 
 
 Groneman, J. H 131 
 
 Growth of City in 1835 12 
 
 Growth of City 35 
 
 Haight, Daniel Shaw 11, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 
 
 35, 59. 
 Haight, Mrs. Mary 11 
 
 
INDEX 
 
 177 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Haines, Dr. G. W 51 
 
 Haines, Hon. Frederick 100 
 
 Hall, Charles 12 
 
 Hall, Eli 24 
 
 Hall, John 38 
 
 Hall School 55 
 
 Halstead, Ambrose 49 
 
 Hamilton, H. H 150 
 
 Hangey, Dr. J. E 51 
 
 Haskell, Dr. George 24, 59 
 
 Haskell, George S 55 
 
 Haskell School 55 
 
 H askins, Lewis 12 
 
 H ayes , J oseph 24 
 
 Helm, Dr. W. B 51, 143 
 
 Helm, Dr. Clinton 51, 140, 141 
 
 Henderson, Dr. G. S 51 
 
 Henry, C. F 125 
 
 Herrick, E. L 38 
 
 Herrick, Elizabeth L 38 
 
 Herrick, Charles E 38 
 
 Hess, L.M 118, 119 
 
 High School 55 
 
 Hill, Daniel 40 
 
 Hill, Dr. F. K 52 
 
 Hilton, Howard 170 
 
 Holland, John A 37 
 
 Holland House 60 
 
 Hollenbeck, William 12 
 
 Holm, Gust 160 
 
 Holmes, Rev. Mead 22 
 
 Holmes, William 47 
 
 Hopkins, Theodore F 1 18 
 
 Hoppe, Max 167, 168 
 
 Horsman, Charles 1 14, 26 
 
 Hotel Nelson 60, 61 
 
 Hough, James F 46, 47 
 
 Howard, Dr. G. A 51 
 
 Howes, Phineas 22 
 
 Hubbel, Miss Jennie 46 
 
 Huffman House 60 
 
 Hulin, William 26, 40 
 
 Hutchins, Mayor Amasa 46,49, 109, 110 
 
 Hutchins, Fred H 128 
 
 Huntley, Dr. E. N 51 
 
 Incorporation as a City 25 
 
 Jackson, John D 56 
 
 Jackson, Mayor Charles E 91. 92 
 
 .1 I / I / 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Jarvis Inn 61 
 
 Jellerson, Charles S 46 
 
 Johnson, O. W : 82 
 
 Johnson , Abner 159 
 
 Johnson, Dr. Jalba : 51 
 
 Jolly, Joseph 12 
 
 Jones, S. W 55 
 
 Jones, C. C 55 
 
 Jorden, Dr, F. A 51 
 
 Joslin, Luke 12 
 
 Julian, S. T 48 
 
 Keig, W. H 151, 152 
 
 Keith, Adam 12 
 
 Keith, Lewis 24 
 
 Keith's Creek 12 
 
 Keeler, E. H 56. 57, 115, 1 16 
 
 Kemble. John C 22, 24, 25 
 
 Kent, Germanicus 9, 10, 12, 18,24, 35 
 
 Kent, Rev. Aratus 9, 12,61 
 
 Kent School 10, 55 
 
 Kern, O. J 134, 135 
 
 Keyt, W. R 152, 153 
 
 Keyt, W. A 158 
 
 Kilburn, Milton 12 
 
 Kilburn, Benjamin 23, 24 
 
 Kimball, Dr. F. H 51., 52, 53 
 
 Kinder, Dr. R. G. W 51 
 
 Kirk, Elisha A 24 
 
 Kishwaukee School 55 
 
 Knapp, James G 44 
 
 Knapp, William 105 
 
 Lake, Thomas 12 24 
 
 Lake, John 22, 93, 94 
 
 Lake, Lewis F 132 
 
 Lakin, John T 46, 47 
 
 Lane, Sanford & Co 22 
 
 Lane, Dr. R. P 51, 52, 53 
 
 Langdon, J. E 49 
 
 Latham, C H 57 
 
 Lathrop, Mrs. William 22 
 
 Lathrop, William 26, 52, 53, 83 
 
 Lawler, Col. T. G 55, 57 
 
 Leach, Shepherd 38 
 
 Leland, Dr. S. C 51 
 
 Lichty, Dr. Daniel 51 
 
 Lincoln School 55 
 
 Linden Hall... ...62 
 
INDEX 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Lines, Charles C 131 
 
 Little, Samuel 24, 25 
 
 Little, M. B 50 
 
 Location of County Seat 18, 19, 20, 21 
 
 Lofgren, Dr. Emil 51 
 
 Love, M. A 57 
 
 Lovejoy, A. J 57, 58 
 
 Lyddon, B. R 162 
 
 Lyon, Isaiah 25, 26, 59 
 
 Lyon, J. G 54 
 
 Lyon, George G 55 
 
 McAssey, F. W 131 
 
 McCarty, C. J 131 
 
 McDowell, Dr. W. A 147, 148 
 
 McEnnis, Dr. R. W 51 
 
 McGrahan, J. T 50 
 
 McKenney, William 26 
 
 McLee, John 163, 164 
 
 McPherson, Prof 55 
 
 Mabie, Rev. HenryC 44 
 
 Mackenzie, Roderick 159, 160 
 
 Main, Edwin 63 
 
 Makintosh, Dr. M. Alexander 51 
 
 Manufacturers' Bank 39 
 
 Marcy, Ex. Governor 22 
 
 Markley, Dr. P. L 51, 54 
 
 Markley, Dr. A. J 54 
 
 Marsh, Jason 26, 36, 38, 55 
 
 Marsh School 55 
 
 Marsh, Frank M 135, 136 
 
 Marshall, W. H 138 
 
 Martin, Alfred 164, 165 
 
 Martin, Thomas M 44 
 
 Martyn, James B 12 
 
 May, William L 18 
 
 Maynard, Hiram R 26 
 
 Masonic Temple 60 
 
 Mead, D. W 42, 63 
 
 Melville, F. L 137 
 
 Memorial Hall 46 
 
 Middle Hall 62 
 
 Midway 24 
 
 Miller, John 23 
 
 Miller, Hon. Horace 40 
 
 Miller, William M 41 
 
 Miller, Dr. T. N 51, 144 
 
 Miller, A. S 55 
 
 Miller, Jacob B... ...59 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Miller, Thomas 59 
 
 Miller, Charles L 169 
 
 Milliken, K. H 26 
 
 Mitchell, James 21, 25 
 
 Montague , Richard 12 
 
 Montague School 55 
 
 Morgan, Abiram 14, 24 
 
 Moore, G. S 59 
 
 Morrill, Israel 12 
 
 Morrison, L. L 51,98 
 
 Mosher, J eremiah 49 
 
 Moulthrop, Dr. Levi 12 
 
 Moyer, Dr. C. W 51 
 
 Munthe, Thour 52 
 
 Nash, John A 57 
 
 National Hotel 61 
 
 Neeley, William N 58 
 
 Nelson H ouse 24 
 
 Nelson School 55 
 
 Nelson, Col. William 99 
 
 Nevius Post, G. A. R 56, 57 
 
 Newberg, Frank P 163 
 
 Noble, Mr 12 
 
 Norton, Mr 12 
 
 Norton, Marcus A 132, 133 
 
 Norton, W. T 161, 162 
 
 Nylander, Aug 57, 58 
 
 Organization of the County 17 
 
 Olson, Nels 154, 155 
 
 Palm, J. A 158, 159 
 
 Peake, Laomi, Sr., 39 
 
 Pearson, Frank E 154 
 
 Peck, Ebinezer 24 
 
 Penfield, William 24 
 
 Penfield, David S 38 
 
 Perry, Seeley 12, 22, 43 
 
 Peterson, P. A 168, 169 
 
 Petit, S. J 150 
 
 Phelps, John 18, 24 
 
 Posson, Joseph 16 
 
 Posson, Jacob 24 
 
 Potter, Herman B 12 
 
 Potter, Eleazer Hubble 22, 26 
 
 Potter, Joel B 38 
 
 Price, Frances 1 52 
 
 Price, Henry W 88, 89 
 
 Reber, Thomas D 114, 115 
 
 Reception in Library Rooms 44 
 
INDEX 
 
 179 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Reck, Samuel H 104, 105 
 
 Reed, Charles 19 
 
 Regan, Hon. Frank S 140 
 
 Reid, James M 128 
 
 Reorganization of City Government 27 
 
 Rew, Robert 102, 103 
 
 Rhodes, Levi 41, 116 
 
 Richings, Dr. Charles Henry 14, 51 
 
 Richings, Dr. Henry. ..16, 40, 51, 53, 141, 142 
 
 Riley, John V 172 
 
 River Park 46 
 
 Robertson, Thomas D 37, 38, 43 
 
 Rockf ord Journal 16 
 
 Rockford House 24, 25, 59 
 
 Rockford College 38, 61, 62 
 
 Rockford Wire Works 39 
 
 Rockford Water Works 41, 42 
 
 Rockford Public Library 42, 43, 44, 45, 46 
 
 Rockford Fire Department 46, 47, 48, 49 
 
 Rockford City Hospital 52 
 
 Rockford Schools 54, 55 
 
 Rockford Hotels 59, 60, 61 
 
 Rockford Churches 63-75 
 
 Rockford & Interurban Railway 129, 130 
 
 Rockford Illustrating Company 172 
 
 Rockford Police Department 49, 50, 51 
 
 Rock River House 59 
 
 Roosevelt, President Theodore 59 
 
 Roster of City Officials 27-35 
 
 Ryan, E. J 166 
 
 Sabin, Charles 97,98 
 
 Sager, Dr. R 51, 146 
 
 Sanford, G. A 21, 22, 26 
 
 Savage, John T 112 
 
 Schmauss Company 80 
 
 Schmauss Leonard 53, 127, 128 
 
 Scovill, H. C 103, 104 
 
 Second Cong. Church and Roster 72 
 
 Settlers of 1837 21, 22, 23, 24 
 
 Shaw, W. J 16, 161 
 
 Sherratt, Capt. John H 84, 85 
 
 Shoudy, 1 136, 137 
 
 Shumway, David S 16 
 
 Shumway, Roland H., Sr 16, 107 
 
 Sill, Miss Anna P 61. 62 
 
 Skandia Hardware Company 81 
 
 Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall 55-59 
 
 Spafford, Amos Catlin 36, 38 
 
 Spafford, Charles H 38 
 
 Spafford, George H 38 
 
 Special City Charter 27 
 
 Sponberg, P. A 168 
 
 St. James Church and Roster 73 
 
 St. Mary's Church and Roster 74, 75 
 
 St. Anthony Hospital 53 
 
 Stage H ouse 59 
 
 Starke Dr. C. V... ...51, 145, 146 
 
 PAGE 
 
 State Street Baptist Church and Roster 68 
 
 Sterling, F. E 57, 105, 106, 107 
 
 Streets of Rockford 62 
 
 Swanson, C. J 162, 163 
 
 Swedish Methodist Church and Roster 68 
 
 Sumner, Hon. E. B 87, 88 
 
 Talcott, W. A 52, 53 
 
 Talcott, Wait 53 
 
 The Inn 59 
 
 Thomas, P. Byron 126 
 
 Thompson, Norman F 89. 90 
 
 Tibbetts, Dr. L 51, 146, 147 
 
 Ticknor, Herbert D 156 
 
 Tinker, Hon. Robert H 41, 44, 98 
 
 Trinity Eng. Lutheran Church and Roster 74 
 
 Turner School 55 
 
 Union H ouse 59 
 
 Victoria House 61 
 
 Walker, P. R 107, 108 
 
 Walker,]. A 122, 123 
 
 Walker, Dr. C. A 145 
 
 Walkup, Liberty 139 
 
 Walsh, James P 167 
 
 Warfield, J. E 170 
 
 Washington House 24, 59 
 
 Waterman, John Dexter 95 
 
 Waverly House 59 
 
 Webb, A. W 49 
 
 Welch, P. W 166, 167 
 
 Westminster Pres. Church and Roster... 69, 70 
 
 Wheeler, Solomon 55 
 
 White, Frank C 149, 150 
 
 Whitehead, J. B 58, 110, 111 
 
 Whitehead, Mrs. J. B 38 
 
 White's Hotel 60 
 
 Widell, Swan 153 
 
 Wight School 55 
 
 Wiley, George L 114 
 
 Williams, H. W 138, 139 
 
 Williams, Dr. Ray Daniel 147 
 
 Winchester, Thomas 156, 157 
 
 Winn, Dr. George L 51, 144, 145 
 
 Winnebago House 24, 59, 60 
 
 Winnebago County Medical Society 51, 52 
 
 Winnebago County Agricultural Society 63 
 
 Winnebago Street Church and Roster 71, 72 
 
 Wisner, J. F 166 
 
 Woodruff, Gilbert 22, 86, 87 
 
 Woodruff, William F 99, 100 
 
 Woolsey, C. Harry 148 
 
 Works, Hon. Charles A 92, 93 
 
 Worthington, William 39 
 
 Y. M. C. A. Building 38, 43, 59 
 
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA