USA > Illinois > McHenry County > History of McHenry County, Illinois, Volume I > Part 1
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39
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LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
977.322 H628 v. I cop. 2
IL HIST. JUL ....
2
HISTORY
OF
McHENRY COUNTY ILLINOIS
BY SPECIAL AUTHORS AND CONTRIBUTORS
STALL
LOVFREIGNT
NA
VOLUME I
ILLUSTRATED
CHICAGO MUNSELL PUBLISHING COMPANY PUBLISHERS 1922
In the first century of the Christian era, Tacitus (perhaps the greatest of Roman historians) wrote that the object of history was "to rescue virtuous acts from the oblivion to which the want of records would consign them."
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FOREWORD
One of the conspicuous evidences of modern progress is manifested in the increased interest in local and personal history. In a general sense, real history is the record of past events, while biography is the history of individual life. The close relationship of these two branches of history is recognized by the brilliant essayist and historian, Carlyle, in the statement that "History is the essence of innumerable biog- raphies," and that, "in a certain sense, all men are historians," in the fact that they furnish the material facts which constitute true history.
In the formative period of each new community the attention of its members is largely absorbed by the present-the necessity of securing means for personal and family support-the study of natural resources and planning for future development. But as time advances and conditions change, there comes a change in the popular mind and an increased interest in the past. That such has been the condition within the last century in MeHenry county, as well as in the Middle West generally, is apparent to the general observer.
These evidences of change and development are taken note of, and in the preparation of the forty chapters, it has been the object to present, in compaet form and under appropriate topical headings, the main facts of county history from the earlier settlements and political organization to the present time. Various topics and localities have been treated with reasonable fulness under their appropriate chapter headings by contributors especially selected for that purpose. Of the
large number of contributors to these and other departments, it is not necessary here to make special mention, as their names are attached to their respective contributions in the body of the work. For the value of the aid thus rendered thanks are hereby cordially expressed.
With the feeling that the work, as a whole, has been prepared with special care, and with full appreciation of the interest already mani- fested and patronage pledged by the citizens of MeHenry county in its success, it is submitted to its many patrons and the general public in the hope that it will prove of permanent and personal value to a large class of readers.
THE PUBLISHERS.
INDEX
CHAPTER I TOPOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY AND NATURAL FEATURES
GENERAL SURFACE-FOX RIVER-PISTAQUA LAKE-THE NIPPERSINK-THIE KISIIWAUKEE-SMALL LAKES-CAUSE OF PRAIRIES-GEOLOGICAL FEA- TURES-STONE QUARRY-GOOD CLAY-GRAVEL AND SAND-PEAT BEDS- RECENT DRAINAGE. 17-22
CHAPTER II INDIAN OCCUPATION
ORIGIN OF THE INDIAN-ILLINOIS TRIBES- BLACK HAWK WAR-DEATII AND BURIAL OF BLACK HAWK INDIAN IN THIS COUNTY-INFLUENCE OF THE INDIAN-INDIAN MOUNDS-INDIAN OF TODAY. 23-26
CHAPTER III EARLY SETTLERS AND SETTLEMENTS
FRONTIERSMEN-PRIMITIVE CONDITIONS-THIE NEW HOME-EARLY ROADS- EARLY MILLS - PASTIMES - FIRST RECORDED SETTLERS - PREVENTING CLAIM JUMPING-PIONEER CONDITIONS-OLD SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION- REUNIONS- PIONEER SETTLERS 27-36
CHAPTER IV LAND TITLES
BY GEORGE W. LEMMERS
ORIGINAL OWNERS-PECULIAR INSTANCES-ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS-EARLY DEEDS 37-43
CHAPTER V ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNMENT BY WILLIAM DESMOND
BOUNDARIES -- ORIGIN OF NAME-ANNEXATION TROUBLES-HISTORIC SITUA- TION- ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY-SELECTION OF COUNTY SEAT- POPULATION-FIRST ELECTION-ROAD DISTRICTS PRECINCTS-PRECINCTS REFORMED-TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION REMOVAL OF COUNTY SEAT- FIRST COURTHOUSE - SECOND COURTHOUSE - PRESENT COURTHOUSE - PRESENT JAIL-POOR FARM-COUNTY JUDGES-SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS-SHERIFFS-COUNTY TREASURERS-COUNTY CLERKS-CIRCUIT CLERKS AND RECORDERS-CORONERS-SURVEYORS-SUPERINTENDENTS OF POOR-STATES ATTORNEYS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS-BOARD OF SUPER- VISORS-NEW ASSESSMENT LAW. 44-74
CHAPTER VI POLITICAL REPRESENTATION BY M. F. WALSII
SEVERAL APPORTIONMENTS -- EARLY REPRESENTATIVES- LATER REPRESENTA- TIVES-A CAPABLE OFFICIAL-MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY- STATE SENATORS-STATE REPRESENTATIVES- POLITICAL STATISTICS- PRESIDENTIAL VOTE 75-80
CHAPTER VHI EDUCATION
BY RICHARD W. BARDWELL
ORIGIN OF SCHOOLS-PIONEER SCHOOLHOUSE-FIRST SCHOOLS-EARLY INSTI- TUTES-COUNTY INSTITUTES-INCREASE IN SCHOOLS-EARLY SCHOOLS BY TOWNSHIPS-OTHIER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS-TEACHERS' INSTI- TUTES-SCHOOL STATISTICS-GROWTH OF COMMON AND HIGH SCHOOLS- MC JIENRY COUNTY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS ASSOCIATION-COUNTY SUPER- INTENDENT OF SCHOOLS-TODD SEMINARY. 81-97
CHAPTER VIII CHURCHES
RELIGIOUS SPIRIT-LACK OF FACILITIES-FIRST SERVICES-FIRST CHURCHES -BAPTISTS-CATIIOLIC-CHRISTIAN SCIENCE-CONGREGATIONAL-EPIS- COPAL - LUTHERAN - METHODIST - PRESBYTERIAN - UNIVERSALIST 98-128
CHAPTER IX COURTS, BENCH AND BAR BY JUDGE CHARLES P. BARNES
CIRCUIT COURT-FIRST GRAND JURY-CIRCUIT JUDGES-COUNTY COMMIS- SIONERS-COUNTY JUDGES-EARLY ATTORNEYS-STATE'S ATTORNEYS- PRESENT ATTORNEYS-MC HENRY COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION-IN MEMO- RLA M 129-144
CHAPTER X MEDICAL PROFESSION
BY DR. C. M. JOHNSON
THE HEALING ART-EARLIEST PHYSICIANS-ALDEN-ALGONQUIN-CARY- CHEMUNG-CORAL -- GREENWOOD-IIARMONY-HARTLAND - HARVARD- IIEBRON - HUNTLEY-MC HENRY-MARENGO-RICHMOND-WOODSTOCK -COMMON DISORDERS OF EARLY YEARS-SIDELIGHTS ON EARLY PIJYSI- CIANS-PHYSICIANS OF A LATER DATE-COTTAGE HOSPITAL AT HARVARD -WOODSTOCK HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION-PRESENT PHYSICIANS-MEDICAL SOCIETY 145-154
CHAPTER XI JOURNALISM .
BY CHARLES F. RENICH
FIRST NEWSPAPER-ILLINOIS REPUBLICAN-WOODSTOCK DEMOCRAT-WOOD- STOCK SENTINEL-WOODSTOCK CITIZEN-ANTI-MONOPOLIST-NEW ERA -MC HENRY COUNTY DEMOCRAT-WOODSTOCK AMERICAN-MC HENRY PLAINDEALER-MARENGO REPUBLICAN-NEWS-CRYSTAL LAKE HERALD -HARVARD HERALD- ILARVARD INDEPENDENT-HEBRON TRIBUNE-RICII- MOND GAZETTE 155-166
CHAPTER XII BANKS AND BANKING
BY FREMONT HOY
FIRST UNITED STATES BANK-FIRST BANK OF CHICAGO-WOODSTOCK BANK- ING INSTITUTIONS-STATE BANK OF WOODSTOCK AMERICAN NATIONAL BANK OF WOODSTOCK-FARMERS' EXCHANGE STATE BANK-WOODSTOCK NATIONAL BANK-BANKING AT CRYSTAL LAKE-UNITED STATES BANK- HOME STATE BANK OF CRYSTAL LAKE-HARVARD BANKING INSTITUTIONS -HARVARD STATE BANK-FIRST STATE BANK OF HARVARD-FINANCIAL REMINISCENCES OF MIC HENRY - FOX RIVER STATE BANK - RINGWOOD STATE BANK-FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF MARENGO- DAIRYMAN'S STATE BANK OF MARENGO- STATE BANK OF UNION-HEBRON STATE BANK- STATE BANK OF HUNTLEY-ALGONQUIN STATE BANK-WEST MC HENRY STATE BANK-SPRING GROVE STATE BANK-CARY STATE BANK-STATE BANK OF RICHMOND VICTORY LOAN SUBSCRIPTIONS-PATRIOTIC SERV- ICE ACKNOWLEDGMENT- WAR WORK EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE-BANK SUMMARY 167-196
CHAPTER XIII AGRICULTURE AND COUNTY FAIRS BY GEORGE A. HUNT
IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE-MC HENRY COUNTY FARMERS' INSTITUTE- MC HENRY COUNTY FARM BUREAU - BOYS' AND GIRLS' CLUB WORK - MC HENRY COUNTY HOLSTEIN BREEDERS' ASSOCIATION - MC HENRY COUNTY HOME BUREAU - AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES - OTHER FAIRS - MARENGO AGRICULTURAL BOARD-KISHWAUKEE FARMERS' CLUB-FARM STATISTICS-REGISTERED FARM NAMES 197-216
CHAPTER XIV DAIRY AND LIVE STOCK INTERESTS
BY W. J. KITTLE
LEADING INDUSTRY-DIFFERENCE IN METHODS-EARLY AND LATER DAY IN- TERESTS-FORMER CHEESE AND BUTTER ACTIVITIES-RADICAL CHANGE- PIONEER SHIPPERS-INTELLIGENT DAIRYING-DAIRY INTERESTS-IMPOR- TANCE OF DAIRY COW 217-222
CHAPTER XV
RAILROADS AND INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES
SOURCES OF PRESENT PROSPERITY-FIRST STEAM RAILROADS-PRESENT RAIL- ROADS-ELECTRIC RAILROADS-RAILROAD MILEAGE-LOCAL SHOPS-IN- DUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES-WOODSTOCK-MARENGO-HARVARD-ALGONQUIN -ALDEN - MC HENRY - WEST MIC HENRY - CRYSTAL LAKE SPRING GROVE-TERRA COTTA-RICHMOND-FARMERS' NEW ERA TELEPHONE COMPANY 223-238
CHAPTER XVI MILITARY
PATRIOTISM-WAR WITH MEXICO-QUOTA IN CIVIL WAR-FIFTEENTHI ILLI- NOIS-TWENTY-THIRD CONSOLIDATED- THIRTY-SIXTHI-NINETY-FIFTHI- ONE HUNDRED FORTY-FIRST-ONE HUNDRED FORTY-SECOND-ONE HUN- DRED FORTY-SEVENTIL - ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-THIRD - ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-SIXTHI - EIGHTH CAVALRY - SEVENTEENTH CAVALRY - MISCEL- LANEOUS - RETROSPECT - SPANISHI-AMERICAN WAR - MEXICAN BORDER WARFARE-DEPARTING FOR MEXICAN BORDER-THIRD REGIMENT STAFF- TRUE SPIRIT OF AMERICANISM-WORLD WAR-DECLARATION OF WAR- VOLUNTEERS-SELECTIVE DRAFT-REGISTRATIONS-WORLD WAR REGIS- TRARS - ADMINISTERING THE OATH OF CITIZENSHIP - EXEMPTION BOARDS-WAR WORK-BY TOWNSHIPS-CASUALTIES-ROLL OF HONOR -SOLDIERS HOME-COMING WEEK-CHAIRMEN OF HOME-COMING COM- MITTEES-WOODSTOCK NATIONAL GUARD-GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC -WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS-AMERICAN LEGION. 239-269
CHAPTER XVII DAYS OF MOURNING
DEATH OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN-DEATH OF JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD-DEATH OF U. S. GRANT-DEATH OF PRESIDENT WILLIAM MC KINLEY. ... 270-275
CHAPTER XVIII PERSONAL REMINISCENCES BY E. E. RICHARDS
PREAMBLE-FIRST MEMORIES-EARLY YEARS-FREE PASTURES-THE COURTS -COUNTY FAIRS-MUSICAL EVENTS - FISHING - HUNTING - ORIGINAL CHARACTERS-MUSICAL REMINISCENCES OF HALF A CENTURY . . 276-289
CHAPTER XIX
FRATERNAL SOCIETIES AND ORGANIZATIONS
FREEMASONRY-ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR-INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS-DAUGHTERS OF REBEKAII-KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS-MODERN WOODMEN OF AMERICA-ROYAL NEIGHBORS OF AMERICA-MYSTIC WORK- ERS OF THE WORLD KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BENEVOLENT AND PRO- TECTIVE ORDER OF ELKS. 290-307
CHAPTER XX PUBLIC LIBRARIES BY IDA L. GEIIRIG
WOODSTOCK LIBRARY - MARENGO LIBRARY - DELOS F. DIGGINS LIBRARY 308-312
CHAPTER XXI WOMAN'S CLUBS
BY MRS. W. II. DOOLITTLE
ALGONQUIN-CRYSTAL LAKE-HARVARD CIVIC ASSOCIATION-HARVARD FORT- NIGHTLY-HARVARD WOMEN'S CLUB-HUNTLEY-LOTU'S COUNTRY-MA- RENGO-MC HENRY COUNTY FEDERATION-RICHMOND-RUSH CREEK- SCHUMANN-SENECA ASSOCIATION OF DOMESTIC SCIENCE-WOODSTOCK 313-332
CHAPTER XXII MISCELLANEOUS
TAXABLE PROPERTY-EARLY RATES-GOING TO MARKET-PRICES BY PERIODS -VILLAGE PLATS-CEMETERIES-POPULATION-SELECTED NATIVITY- INTERESTING ITEMS-TORNADO OF 1862-CYCLONE OF 1883-UNUSUAL AND UNFORTUNATE OCCURRENCES- FROZEN TO DEATHI-AN EARLY TEM- PERANCE SOCIETY MEETING-CENTENARY DRIVE-IIOME BUREAU-CIVIL WAR RELICS-INSTALLING A NEW TYPESETTING MACHINE-WAR WAGED ON CANADIAN THISTLES-WORLD'S FAIR CORN EXHIBIT-SPRING GROVE FISH HATCHIERY . 333-353
CHAPTER XXHI ALDEN TOWNSHIP
BOUNDARIES -- ORIGIN OF NAME TOPOGRAPHY-FIRST SETTLEMENT-PIO- NEER EVENTS-BURIAL PLACES-FIRST SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES-POST OFFICE-ALDEN VILLAGE-POPULATION-TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS. . 354-357
CHAPTER XXIV ALGONQUIN TOWNSHIP
BOUNDARIES-ORIGIN OF NAME TOPOGRAPHY-EARLY SETTLERS-PIONEER EVENTS-POPULATION-ALGONQUIN VILLAGE-POST OFFICE-MUNICIPAL IHISTORY - PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS - CITY OF CRYSTAL LAKE - POST OFFICE-MUNICIPAL HISTORY-CITY OFFICIALS BY YEARS-PUBLIC IM- PROVEMENTS - VILLAGE OF CARY - BUSINESS INTERESTS - TOWNSHIP
OFFICIALS 358-367
CHAPTER XXV BURTON TOWNSHIP
BOUNDARIES-EARLY SETTLEMENTS-EARLY EVENTS-SPRING GROVE VILLAGE -INCORPORATION-POST OFFICE - POPULATION - TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS 368-371
CHAPTER XXVI CHEMUNG TOWNSHIP
BOUNDARIES-TOPOGRAPHY-ORIGIN OF NAME-EARLY SETTLERS-VILLAGE OF CHEMUNG-CITY OF HARVARD-EARLY EVENTS-HARVARD IN 1876- HARVARD IN 1885-INCORPORATION-PRESENT OFFICIALS-PUBLIC IM- PROVEMENTS - POST OFFICE-INDUSTRIES-CEMETERY-POPULATION- TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS 372-378
CHAPTER XXVII CORAL TOWNSHIP
BOUNDARIES-EARLY SETTLEMENTS-INDIAN VILLAGE-PIONEER EVENTS- VILLAGE OF CORAL-VILLAGE OF UNION-INCORPORATION-POST OFFICE- DEFUNCT HARMONY-POPULATION-TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS. 379-383
CHAPTER XXVIII
DORR TOWNSIHIP
BOUNDARIES-ORIGIN OF NAME-EARLY SETTLERS- PIONEER EVENTS- CEME- TERIES-RIDGEFIELD-POPULATION-TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS-WOODSTOCK -HIGHEST ALTITUDE-FIRST BUSINESS INTERESTS-HOTELS-PUBLIC SQUARE-SOLDIERS MONUMENT-POST OFFICE-POSTMASTERS INCOR- PORATION-FIRST VILLAGE OFFICIALS-VILLAGE PRESIDENTS-FIRST CITY OFFICIALS-MAYORS-PRESENT CITY OFFICIALS-PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS -CHICAGO INDUSTRIAL HOME FOR CHILDREN- OLD PEOPLE'S REST HOME -COUNTRY CLUB-COMMERCIAL AND COMMUNITY CLUB. . . . . . . 384-393
CHAPTER XXIX DUNHAM TOWNSHIP
BOUNDARIES TOPOGRAPHY-EARLY SETTLERS-ORIGIN OF NAME-PIONEER EVENTS-CEMETERIES-SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES-CYCLONE OF ISS3- POPULATION-TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS 39-1-396
CHAPTER XXX GRAFTON TOWNSHIP
BOUNDARIES- ORIGIN OF NAME EARLY SETTLERS-PIONEER EVENTS-CHOL- ERA-CEMETERIES - TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS - VILLAGE OF HUNTLEY - EARLY BUSINESS INTERESTS- POST OFFICE-INCORPORATION. . . . 397-401
CHAPTER XXXI GREENWOOD TOWNSIHP
BOUNDARIES-TOPOGRAPHY-EARLY SETTLERS-CEMETERIES-MILLS - BIT- TER AND CHEESE FACTORIES-VILLAGE OF GREENWOOD-EARLY INTERESTS -POST OFFICES-HARVEST PICNIC-POPULATION-TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS 402-406
CHAPTER XXXII HARTLAND TOWNSIHP
BOUNDARIES-FIRST SETTLERS-PIONEER INCIDENTS-CEMETERIES-BROOK - DALE POST OFFICE-EARLY COUNTERFEITERS-POPULATION-RAILROAD- VILLAGE OF HARTLAND-TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS 407-410
CHAPTER XXXIII HEBRON TOWNSHIP
BOUNDARIES-ORIGIN OF NAME-FIRST SETTLERS-PIONEER EVENTS-CEME- TERIES-EARLY INDUSTRIES VILLAGE OF HEBRON-POST OFFICE-IN- CORPORATION-EARLY HISTORY OF HEBRON-POPULATION-TOWNSHIP' OFFICIALS 411-420
CHAPTER XXXIV MARENGO TOWNSHIP'
BOUNDARIES-EARLY SETTLERS-ORIGINAL NAME- EARLY EVENTS-CEME- TERIES - POPULATION - TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS - CITY OF MARENGO - EARLY BUSINESS INTERESTS-MUNICIPAL HISTORY-FIRE DEPARTMENT- PLACES OF AMUSEMENT-HOTELS-POST OFFICE-COMMUNITY CLUB- REMINISCENCES OF MARENGO - FIFTY YEARS AND MORE AMONG THE BEES 421-432
CHAPTER XXXV MCHENRY TOWNSHIP
BOUNDARIES-EARLY SETTLERS-PIONEER EVENTS-CEMETERIES-INDIAN FORD-VILLAGE OF MO HENRY-FACTORIES-BUSINESS FACTORS IN 1885 -INCORPORATION-PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS-POST OFFICE- 110TELS- WEST MC HENRY-JJOHNSBURG-RINGWOOD-SPECIAL FEATURES- POPU- LATION-TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS 433-441
CHAPTER XXXVI NUNDA TOWNSHIP
BOUNDARIES-ORIGIN OF NAME-EARLY SETTLERS-PIONEER EVENTS-OLD VILLAGE OF NUNDA-BARREVILLE-TERRA COTTA-POPULATION-TOWN- SIIIP OFFICIALS 442-445
CHAPTER XXXVII RICHMOND TOWNSHIP
BOUNDARIES-FIRST SETTLERS-PIONEER EVENTS-VILLAGE OF RICHMOND- POST OFFICE - PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS - MUNICIPAL HISTORY - SOLON
MILLS - ORIGIN OF SWEET BY AND BY - POPULATION - TOWNSHIP' OFFICIALS
416-450
CHAPTER XXXVHI RILEY TOWNSHIP'
BOUNDARIES AND TOPOGRAPHY-EARLY SETTLERS-PIONEER EVENTS-CEME- TERIES-SOUTH RILEY-POPULATION-TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS. . . 451-453
CHAPTER XXXIX SENECA TOWNSHIP
BOUNDARIES-ORIGIN OF NAME-FIRST SETTLERS-PIONEER EVENTS-CEME- TERIES - SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES - FRANKLINVILLE - POPULATION - TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS 454-457
CHAPTER XL
THE PART OF BIOGRAPHIY IN GENERAL HISTORY-CITIZENS OF MC HENRY COUNTY AND OUTLINES OF PERSONAL HISTORY-PERSONAL SKETCHES ARRANGED IN ENCYCLOPEDIC ORDER. .459-959
PORTRAITS
Allen, Charles T. . 24
Barnes, Charles P.
32
Bassett, Cora M.
Bassett, Eber E. 40
Buckland, John V
48
Burnside, Thomas.
64
Burnside, Mrs. Thomas
64
Burton, Daniel.
258
Gardner, Ben.
258
Garrison, Orlando.
214
Gault, Richard. 222
Getzelman, Benjamin C. 230
Gile, Harry D.
238
Gile, Hattie M.
238
Gile, Children of Mr. and Mrs. Harry
2.42
Cowan, Ellen E.
118
Cowan, Robert
118
Ilneger, Robert E.
250
Hanaford, Frank E. 258
Hastings, Homer M. 266
Higbee, Charles C. 274
Holmes, Dora 282
Holmes, Riley
2.82
Hoy, M. D. 290
Ilubrig, Martin H 298
Hull, Harry D 306
Hunt, Carlton C. 314
Ilunt, George A. 322
Johnson, Colonel M 330
Durkee, Mrs. Harvey G
164
Eaton, Howard D.
174
Ebel, Henry C. 182
Ehorn, Harry L. 190
Ellsworth, Alice E 844
Fleming, Allen G. 198
Fleming, Isabella. 198
Freeman, William M
206
Chase, Hartson
A
582
Cole, Alson . 72
Cole, Thomas D. and Family 78
Corlett, E. Christian 102
Corlett, Robert E. 102
Covell, Lucien B. 110
Diener, Delia M. 134
Diener, John C. 134
Diggins, Albert B 142
Diggins, Emma J 142
Dike, Abial. 150 Dike, Olive H. 150
Dodge, Nellie L 158
Dodge, William A
158
Durkee, Harvey G.
164
Johnson, Horace W
330
Davis, William II. 126
Davis, Mrs. William II 126
40
Kelley, Abner W .. 338
Nogle, Lester ('. . 530
Knapp, Gardner A .. 346 Nowak, Edward E. 540
Knapp, Marian E. 3.46
Kreutzer. Frank.
354
Peak, Alonzo S .. 548
Peak, Emily E. 54%
Peak, Ernest G. 556
Peter, John.
564
l'eters Mrs. John 564
Kruse, Anna. 382
Peters, John 572
Kruse, Charles
382
Peterson, Anna E. 5.82
Lace, Claude C 394
LasCella, Andrew 258
Lindsay. Thomas 402
Lowe, George. 410
Lowe, Jessie Watson. 110
Lundgren, Franz E. 418
Lundgren, Pehr II.
Lundgren, Mrs. Pehr HI
418
Mann, Willis Il. 430
Marks, Charles E
438
Maxon, Clara B. 4.16
Maxon, Fred A. 416
MeCaffrey, Daniel J 452
Mel'onnell, Elizabeth. .174
McConnell, George. 466
McConnell, Mrs. George. 466
McConnell, William A
474
MeDiamond, Eliza A. 844
MCEvoy. Martin J 482
MeLaughlin, John F 490
MeLaughlin, Julia 490
MeLaughlin, Julia 490
Me Laughlin, Mary
490
Mc Millan, Henry 498
McMillan, Mrs. Henry 499
Mead, Cyrus L. 506
Meger, Frankie. 844
Merriam, Hamilton 514
Merriam, Mary L 514
Miller, John C. 599
Miller, Mary A s.14
Rchorst, Henry. 590
Rehorst, Mary 590
Reimer. Ernest ( 598
Renich, Charles F 606
Renie, Phineas A. 614
Richards, Erastus E 622
Richards, Mrs. Erastus E
Richardson, Cora B 630
Richardson, Jesse B. 630
Rushton, George
638
Rushton, Jean M
638
Schmitt, Anton M 616
Schmitt, John M. and Family 654
Schmitt, Katharine. 646
Schroeder, Fred II. 662
Seward, Ellsworth E 670
Sheldon, Marvin. 258
Sherburne, Vernon D. 678
Sincerbox, Hattie J. 686
Sincerbox, William S. 686
Smith, Adolph B. 69.1
Smith, Barbara A 702
Smith, John J. 702
Stanford, Charles 710
Stenger. Carl W. 718
Stevens, Burton A 726
Stevens, Frane A 726
Street. Henry G. 734
Tryon, Charles II 742
Kreutzer, Mrs. Frank
354
Kreutzer, Kunigunda. 368
Kreutzer, Paul. 368
Kroeger, John P. 376
Turner, Henry M
750
Turner, James H. 758
Whitson, Mrs. Thomas. $28
Williams, John E 836
Vecke, Robert C ... 776
Willis, Charles N 54.1
Willis, Elmer J. 8.44
Walkup, Eva M. 780
Willis, Mary C ..
814
Walkup, L. W.
77-1
Willis, William N
84-1
Walsh, Michael F
Wingate, James W
852
Webster, Carlton. . . 796
Wingate, Lillian. 852
Webster, Mrs. Carlton. 796
Woodard, William (' 860
Welch, William J
804
Wright, William.
West, Hyde. 812
Whiston, Harry E.
820
Zander, Josephine E. 876
Whiston, Ida M.
620
Zander, William C. 876
Whitson, Thomas .... .. 828
Welch, Ella G
504
Wright, Mary 568
ILLUSTRATIONS
Community High School, Woodstock.
82
Cottage Hospital, Harvard. 152
High School and Gymnasium, Crystal Lake
90
Interior of First National Bank, Marengo
424
Map of MeHenry County.
Following Title Page, Vol. 1
Masonic Temple, Harvard
372
MeHenry County Court House, Woodstock
56
Public School, Harvard.
94
Soldiers' Monument and Band Stand, Woodstock
386
St. Mary's School, Woodstock.
86
Williams Street, Crystal Lake.
360
History of McHenry County
CHAPTER I
TOPOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY AND NATURAL FEATURES
GENERAL SURFACE-FOX RIVER-PISTAQUA LAKE-THIE NIPPERSINK-THE KISHWAUKEE-SMALL LAKES-CAUSE OF PRAIRIES-GEOLOGICAL FEA- TURES-STONE QUARRY-GOOD CLAY-GRAVEL AND SAND-PEAT BEDS- RECENT DRAINAGE.
GENERAL SURFACE
The surface of the county is varied, consisting of prairies, both level and undulating, wooded ridges, and hills of considerable elevation. The configuration is such that artificial drainage is rendered comparatively easy, while nature has provided ample water courses. The Fox River, rising in Wisconsin, flows south, in Lake and MeHenry counties, keeping near the county line. This is a noble stream, one of the finest in the country. Ultimately it unites with the Illinois River. The Fox enters MeHenry County about eight miles from the Wisconsin state line, flow- ing out of the Pistaqua Lake, which body lies in both counties, and is but the expansion of the river itself'. A little over two miles further south, the river bends westward into MeHenry County, this time coming from Lake County. From this point it courses down the line until the southern line of the county is reached again at Algonquin. The Nipper- sink, a tributary of the Fox, rises in MeHenry County and traverses the northeastern part of the county. This county is also the source of the Kishwaukee River, its chief branches rising in the central and western part of the county. This stream flows westward into Rock River. There are other smaller streams throughout Me Henry County.
Small lakes or ponds, were originally quite numerous in this county, but to a great extent these have disappeared through drainage systems
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HISTORY OF MCHENRY COUNTY
of the last half century. There are, however, several left yet. Some of these are fed by never failing springs while many are surface sloughs and depend largely on surface water and heavy rains for their existence.
CAUSE OF PRAIRIES
The state authorities after having caused a survey, or rather a re- survey of the topography of the county after the Civil War, published in substance the following concerning its appearance and condition :
"The surface elevation very nearly approaches the highest in the State (since then it is known for a certainty that the stand-pipe of the Woodstock water-works is built on the highest point in Illinois) a fact which further accounts for the wholesomeness of the climate. The county is somewhat unequally divided into woodland and prairie the latter being much in excess. Good timber is quite plentiful, and the people are sup- plied at home with all that is required for fuel and some for general common building purposes. In 1880 it was believed that there was fully as much timber in the county as when first settled in the thirties. The prairies stretching their broad grassy surface between the groves present an interesting natural phenomenon, and in as much more than half of MeHenry County is composed of them, the question of their origin cannot fail to interest the local reader. Much speculation has been made upon this subject, the results of which may be summed up in two distinct theories.
"The first theory presupposes that the soil of the prairies was formed by the decomposition of vegetable matter under water, with attendant conditions unfavorable to the growth of timber. Those who hold to this theory maintain that prairies are even now forming along the rivers and shores of lakes. River channels are constantly changing, by reason of freshets. The heaviest particles transported by the water fall nearest the channel, and here repeated deposits first cause banks to be elevated above the floods. Trees spring up on the natural levies, serving to strengthen them and render them permanent. When an overflow takes place these barriers keep subsiding waters from returning to the river bed; and by frequent inundations the bottom lands become slonghs or swamps. The water is usually shallow and stagnant, and is thus soon invaded by mosses and aquatic plants, which grow beneath the surface and contain in their fibers silica, alumina and lime, the constituents of clay. To these plants mollusks and other small aquatie animals attach themselves and find in them their subsistence. Henee a constant decomposition, both of animal
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HISTORY OF MCHENRY COUNTY
and vegetable matter, ensues, and finally forms a stratum of clay, like the underlying prairies.
"The marshy bottoms are thus gradually built up to the surface of the water; vegetable matter becomes more abundant, rushes, reeds and coarse grasses being added to other forms of plant life. These plants, rising above the water, absorb the carbonie aeid gas of the air and convert them into woody fiber, which by decomposition first forms the clay mold and afterward the black mold of the prairie. Such agencies, now operat- ing in the ponds which skirt river banks, originally formed all the prairies of the Mississippi Valley. According to geologists, the surface of the land was submerged toward the elose of the drift period, and as it slowly emerged afterward it was covered with extensive ponds of shallow water which finally became swamps, and then prairies. One remarkable feature about the prairies, namely, the absence of trees, is accounted for first by the formation of ulmic acid, which is favorable to the growth of plants, but retards that of the trees; second the roots of trees require air, which they cannot obtain when the surface is under water or covered by a eom- pact sod; third, marshy flats offer no solid points to which the trees may attach themselves. But when the land becomes dry, and the sod is broken by cultivation, almost all varieties of native woods grow and thrive upon the prairie. The uneven surface of some of the prairies is due to the erosive action of subsiding waters. The drainage following the erecks and rivers, finally resulted in the formation of rolling prairies.
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