USA > Illinois > DuPage County > A history of the County of Du Page, Illinois > Part 12
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HISTORY OF
upon the circumference of the circle alluded to, and then the game was completely surrounded. At a given time the line of hunters began their march, and when they had approached near enough to the centre to close in and form a solid line, they halted and remained sta- tionary, while the captains advanced with their sharp shooters to ascertain whether any game had been sur- rounded. If an unlucky wolf or deer had been drawn into the snare, upon making lis appearance before the lines, he was sure to be riddled by rifle balls. We have been informed by one who frequently participated in hunts of this kind, that he had known of sixty wolves and as many deer being killed in one day. This mode of hunting the deer seemed altogether too cruel and cowardly in the eyes of some, but no scruples were entertained in thus exterminating the mischiev- ous, thieving wolves. To see the harmless deer penned up with no chance of escaping, darting about bewil- dered, with eyes almost starting from their sockets, and then to see them slaughtered in the manner described, appeared cruel in the extreme. The mode of hunting wolves adopted by the settlers at Downer's grove, was different from that described, and obviated the appear- ance of cruelty in slaying the deer.
"The wolf hunt was a source of amusement in this town for years, and whenever a wolf dared to show his head above the prairie grass, the boys were in- stantly in pursuit of him. The pursuers usually went on horseback, carrying in the hand a short club, and the captain of the company was the one who had the swiftest horse. The plan of action was to spread out in every direction and scour the prairie until the game
183
.DU PAGE COUNTY.
was started, when by a peculiar yell, the whole com- pany was called together and the chase commenced. Every horse was now put to his utmost speed, and with his rider, would go flying over the prairie like the wind. It is utterly impossible to describe the wild excitement that attended the wolf chase. - Generally a race of from three to five miles would bring Mr. Wolf down ; then, the day's sport would be ended, and the party would return home in a sort of triumphal procession, bearing the fallen hero. Such reckless, headlong riding was attended with much hazard, and although no serious accident ever happened to the riders, yet it is surmised that the horses might have suffered from ring-bones and spavins induced by undue speed.
" At one of the last of these- hunts a circumstance occurred which may be classed with the serio-comic, as it at first assumed a serious phase, and then, as circum- stances changed, became thoroughly ludicrous. On a cold, blustering morning in January, 1846, the boys (men) started out for a hunt. Wolves were becoming scarce, and the party wandered off some five or six miles, to the north of what was then known as the Duzenberry claim. The new settlers had commenced fencing their lands, and at several places before coming to this claim the party had been obliged to dismount and remove the obstruction, but here they found a ditch fence, which terminated at a great distance on the open prairie, and was built upon the supposition that the cattle could not, or would not go around it, consequently there was no fence on the back side. " The snow had drifted very deep on the side of this
184
HISTORY OF
fence opposite to the party, and although their horses had been trained to jumping, yet an attempt to leap it would only land both horse and rider floundering in á deep snow bank.
" While holding a consultation to decide upon some method of surmounting the barrier, a wolf started from a thicket and crossed the path only a few rods from them. Every man instantly wheeled into line, and as quick as thought darted on after the affrighted animal. In the language of one of the company, 'the wolf was a large, gaunt old chap, and promised - to give us a long pull and a strong pull.' Gard had a fine smart little pony, that would run like the wind, and he led the company. The chase led us far out into the prairie, and before long we found ourselves running inside of the fences on the Duzenberry claim, in a southerly direction, and would soon have to clear one of the ditch fences. There were fifteen horsemen spread out in a line, every man plying the whip and spur, and every horse at the top of his speed. We came to the fence, which the wolf cleared about two rods in advance of Gard, and as he came up, his horse seeming to partake of the general excitement, made a bold leap, clearing the ditch fence in fine style ; but unfortunately landing in a snow bank, the horse stumbled and fell, plunging entirely out of sight - at the same time throwing Gard over his head and bury- ing him beneath the snow. To the party in the rear it appeared as though the earth had swallowed up both horse and rider, as the fence and snow partially concealed the scene from their view. Not a rider at- tempted to check the headlong speed of his horse until
185
DU PAGE COUNTY.
· he had cleared the fence. Some of the foremost horses made a second leap, which carried them completely over the prostrate horse of the first rider. The first thought was for Gard. The general exclamation was, ' He is dead !' - and an awful gloom sat upon the countenance of all. While thus solemnly ruminating upon his almost inevitable fate, the party were not a little astounded at beholding him rise, Phoenix like, from his bed of snow, among the floundering horses.
Among thie company was Alden Stanley, a noble, fine fellow, (alas! he has gone to, his long home,) who was standing by, very much excited. He wore a buffalo coat, made like a frock, cut off at the knees. Soon after Gard came out of the snow, his horse, for the first time, suddenly made his appearance, and seemed very much frightened. The first thing that attracted his attention was Stanley's buffalo coat, and wheeling, he kicked at it like a flash of lightning, carrying away one entire skirt. At this juncture the wolf was dis- covered about a mile distant, standing upon an eleva- tion and looking back over his shoulder. . Taking it all in all, this was one of the most laughable farces I ever witnessed, passing, as it did, from one extreme of feeling to another, and so suddenly too, that none knew whether to laugh or cry until we were just ready to remount and resume the chase, when it was first discovered by Stanley that he had lost one of his coat skirts. The attention of the company was drawn- to the fact by Stanley's remarking that some of his comrades had dressed their sheep skin; and this brought down the house with a loud roar. After mounting their horses, the company started again,
, 186
HISTORY OF
jehu-like, in pursuit of the wolf; and within five minutes from the time of the new start Mr. Wolf had surrendered unconditionally to superior force. I think the wolves even, were superstitious about the Downer's Grove boys, and made it a practice to give up at once when they were on their track. Many of the boys are still living, and reside at or near the grove. Of these may be mentioned Hon. W. Blanchard, D. C. Stanley, John Stanley, L. Stanley, Emerson Stanley, Charles Curtis, E. E. Downer. Ah, when we come to call the roll, there are more missing than we thought for. And now where are they ? Well, the Adamses are in California, the Curtises are at Wheaton, Henry Blod- gett is an attorney at Waukegan, Israel Blodgett is in California, Daniel has gone to his last resting place, Asel is in railroad business, and -and - in fact, there are not as many left as I thought there were ; but there are yet enough to get up a good game of ball now and then."
There are four societies of Protestants and one of Catholics in the town. The Metliodist Episcopal so- ciety was the first to establish preaching at the Grove, which was as early as 1839. Father Ged, as lie was called-an itinerant preacher of that denomination- used to come across the prairies on foot from Barber's Corners, with undeviating regularity, to preach to the people here. The adverse changes of the weather made no difference with him; and wherever he had an appointment he was sure to meet it, in spite of heat or cold, wind or rain. Nothing but a sincere desire to do good could have induced him to undergo, volun- tarily, the hardships to which his itinerancy subjected
187
DU PAGE COUNTY.
him. He succeeded in forming a small society at the Grove, where preaching has been regularly sustained ; and the infant church has grown to be quite numerous. This society has a good meeting house, which was built in 1852. We give some statistics relating to this church. The society was regularly organized in June, 1851, by Rev. Mr. Grundy, with the following named members: J. P. Cotes, Mary C. Cotes, Nancy E. Cotes, Norman G. Hurd, Antoinette Hurd, Eliza Bakeman, Anne Page, Lester Hunt, and Dorcas Hunt.
PASTORS:
Rev. Stephen R. Beggs, served one year.
Rev. S. Stover, served two years.
Rev. H. S. Trumbull, served two years. Rev. S. Washburn, present pastor.
The whole number of members on record is thirty- six. The number of Sabbath school scholars is eighty- five; and the number of volumes in the library is three hundred.
The Methodists have another society and church in that division of the south part of this township called Cass. The first effort towards organizing the church at Cass, was made by the Rev. Elihu Springer, in 1834.
The following are the names of the subsequent pas- tors, as near as ascertained :
Rev. Mr. Blackwell,
Rev. Mr. Jenks,
" Wilder,
.
S. Stover,
" Martin,
L. R. Ellis,
John Nason,
" J. R. Wood,
O. A. Walker,
George Reack,
Nathan Jewett,
" W. A. Chambers,
J. M. Hinman, -
" John Grundy,
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HISTORY OF
Rev. M. Hanna, -
Rev. H. S. Trumbull,
66 S. Stover,
S. Washburn, present pastor.
-Mr. Wilcox, J W. Agard, Presiding Elder.
1
The original members of this church were Hart L. Cobb, Betsey Cobb, George Jackson, Louisa Hill, and John Covely. There are now twenty members of the society, forty members of the Sabbath school, and three hundred volumes in the library.
A society of Congregationalists was organized in this town in March, 1837, by the Rev. N. C. Clark." The first members were G. E. Parmnalec, John . A. Richards, Dexter Stanley, Henry Puffer, Nancy Stan- ley, Susan S. Parmalee, Lucia Puffer, Elizabeth M. Puffer, and Hannah P. Puffer. The pastors in regu- lar succession, have been :
Rev. Orange Lyman, Rev. Alanson Alvord,
Romulus Barnes,
Francis Leonard.
Rev. George Langdon.
The number of members, and other information re- specting this church, we have been unable to obtain.
The Baptist Church was organized under the labors of the Rev. Mr. Holt, in 1853, with about thirty mem- bers. Among the most active members in forming this society were Edward Goodenough, Albin Lull, and Norman Gilbert. The same year it was organized, the society erected a church edifice, which was an honor to those who projected and carried out the en- terprise. No further particulars respecting this church have been obtained.
The Catholics have a church and society at Cass, called the church of St. Patrick. A house of worship was erected in February, 1846, and the society at that
189
DU PAGE COUNTY.
time numbered thirty-four. The following table will show who have been its pastors, and also the number of members at different periods since its organization :
1846 -Rev. John Ingoldsby, Pastor .- No. of members, 34
1848- Dennis Ryan,
66
37 -
1851 - Michael O'Donnell, 66
66
66
41
Feb. 1856 -
John McGloffen,
44
Nov. 1856 -
Michael Harley,
47
1857 - " Nicholas Mulvey, present pastor.
The population of Downer's Grove at this time is about 1,200. The people are chiefly engaged in agri- cultural pursuits, and hence the town contains no vil- lages of much importance. Near the north east part of the town there is quite a smart little "huddle," generally known as Brush Hill; but at present we believe it is dignified by the title of Fullersburg. The first settlement at Fullersburg was made by Orente Grant, in 1836.
There is another settlement at Lower. Cass, in the southi part of the town, on the Chicago and Joliet road. The first settlers here were Albin Lull, Dr. Bronson, Hart L. Cobb, Thomas Andrus, and H. Martin. Of this settlement it may be said that its inhabitants are an industrious, enterprising, "good set of folks,"-a higli compliment to pay to any community.
The original fund derived from the sale of the school lands was $800. It has been increased by interest, and is now $1,063 72.
The amount paid to teachers in 1856 was $1,048 98. The number of school districts in the town is nine. The highest rate of compensation paid to teachers is
40
1853 - James Fitzgerald,
39
1854 - James McGowan,
190
HISTORY OF
$25 per month. The average number who attend school is about 500; and the average number of months in the year, in which schools are taught, is eight. The average monthly compensation of female teachers has been about fourteen dollars.
Names of town officers for the town of Downer's Grove since its organization, in 1850 :
SUPERVISORS :
1850 - L. K. Hatch,
1854 -G. W. Alderman.
1851 - Walter Blanchard,
1855 - Walter Blanchard.
1852-
1856 -S. F. Daniels.
1853-
1857 - S. DeGolyer.
TOWN CLERKS :
1850- A. Havens.
1854 - A. Havens.
1851 -
1855-C. H. Carpenter.
1852-
1856-G. S. Rogers.
1853-
1857- W. H. Dixon. -
.
ASSESSORS :
1850-0. B. Herrick.
1854 - Lyman Clifford.
1851 -George Barber.
1855-
1852-
1856-
1853- :
1857 -A. H. Blodgett.
COLLECTORS :
1850 -Peter Warden.
1854 - M. Walton.
1851 -G. Paige. 1855 - E. H. Gleason.
1852-H. L. Cobb.
1856-
1853- E. H. Gleason.
1857 -George Wheeler.
OVERSEERS OF POOR :
1850 -- Albin Lull. 1854- Daniel Roberts.
1851 -
1855-
1852 - J. Blodgett.
1856-John Oldfield.
1853-
1857 -
191
DU PAGE COUNTY.
COMMISSIONERS OF HIGHWAYS :
1850 - Silas Culver, W. Lutiens, 1854 -J. Craigmile, H. Lyon, B. L. M. Lull. Fuller.
1851-John Marvin, A. H. Blod- 1855 -J. Craigmile, M. Duello, gett, G. Gilbert. M Sucher.
1852 -E. Thatcher, K. Martin, 1856-A. G. Cobb, H. Lyman, H. Andrews. M. Sucher.
1853 - A. Lull, E. Thatcher, G. 1857 - W. H. Clark, J. Oldfield, G. Prescott.
Paige.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE :
1850 - John Marsell, Benjamin 1857 - M. B. Tirtlot, S. J. Ack Fuller. ley
1851-S. F. Daniels.
CONSTABLES :
. 1850 - Peter Warden, Joseph 1854-S. W. Franklin, Luther Boyd. Couch.
1851 - Milton Barr, Peter Bra- 1855-E Gleason. man. 1856-T. O. Roberts
1853 -S. W. Franklin.
-
192
HISTORY OF
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK.
WE are unable to give as complete a history of this town as we could desire, although we have tried faith- fully to obtain the necessary information to do so. We cannot but believe that there are many incidents connected with its early settlement that would, to say the least, be of interest to the inhabitants of the town- ship, if not to the general reader, notwithstanding the contrary opinion, which prevails among the early settlers.
York was first settled in the spring of 1834, by Elisha Fish. His claim was on the south east quarter of section thirty-five, where his widow still lives. The next who came in was Henry Reader, who settled in 1835, on the south west quarter of section thirty-five. Luther Morton settled soon after on section seven ; Benjamin Fuller on section twenty-five; Nicholas Torode, sen., on section twenty-seven; and in April, 1836, John Talmadge removed to this town from Brush Hill, where he had lived since 1834, and set- tled on the south east quarter of section twenty-three. In May, 1836, there were several families added to the settlement. Among these were the families of Jesse Atwater, Edward Eldridge, and David Tal- madge. In July of the same year, the settlement was increased by the families of Jacob W. Fuller and David Thurston. In 1837, Sheldon Peek, W. Chur- chill, Zerais Cobb, John Glos and John Bohlander
193
DU PAGE COUNTY.
came in and settled on what' is now called the St. Charles road. John Thrasher came in about the same time, and settled on section thirty. The first settlers of this town were preeminently fitted to endure the trials incident to frontier life. They were "made of the right sort of stuff," and advanced boldly witlı the standard of civilization, regardless of danger, and knowing no dread of hardships. Many of them had been brought up on the borders of civilization, and were thoroughly inured to all the privations of pioneer life. Perhaps no town in this county can justly claim to itself a more hardy, daring class of pioneers .. John Talmadge, whose name has already been mentioned among the early settlers of this town, was for several years a soldier in the U. S. army. In that capacity he was in the service of his country during the war of 1812, and in several battles fought valiantly under our national banner. Although his head is now "silvered o'er with age," yet that quenchless spirit of patriotism which fired his youth still glows within luis breast and flashes from his fading eye.
This township contains thirty-six square miles of land, and lias a soil, cultivation, vales, fields, land- scapes and scenery, which would not suffer in com- parison with many sections of country more widely and favorably known. It affords an agreeable variety of surface and soil, well adapted to the wants of the husbandman, and, with proper cultivation, yields him most bountiful harvests for the support of the multi- tudes dependent upon his industry.
The principal stream is Salt creek, which runs through the town from north to south.
9
194
HISTORY OF
. Most of the first settlers were originally from the State of New York, and when the inhabitants were called upon to give a name to their precinct, that of York was selected with but few dissenting voices.
The manufactures of this town are unimportant. A steam flouring mill is now in operation at Brush Hill, owned by F. Gray. This mill has two run of stones, and is the only manufactory of much importance in the town. The Galena railroad runs through the town, and upon it two young and thriving villages have sprung up, like Minerva from the brain of Jove, full armed and ready for effective service. These are at Cottage Hill and at Babcock's Grove.
"The village of Cottage Hill is pleasantly situated on the line of the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad, sixteen miles west from Chicago. The first settler here was J. L. Hovey, who came from Painesville, Ohio. He built a small house in 1843, which he kept as a hotel, it being favorably known by the farmers of the Fox and Rock river counties, who then teamed their own produce to Chicago, as the 'Hill Cottage.' The ' Hill' proper lies half a mile from the railroad, and commands as fine a prospect of prairie, cultivated farms, groves, cottages, and railroad trains, as one could desire to behold. This place being but 15 1-2 miles from the centre of business in Chicago; having good water, pure air, and railroad trains hourly pass- ing - all of which stop here -must soon become known to those who would find for themselves and families, at a convenient distance from the city, a re- treat from the noise and dust of its hot and crowded streets."
195
DU PAGE COUNTY.
The railroad was completed to this place in 1849, since which time the village has been chiefly built up. It now contains one hotel, five stores, several manufacturing establishments, a railroad passenger house, some thirty or forty dwellings, and about 200 inhabitants. A fine edifice is now in process of erec- tion, to be used as a church and school house. There is no other church building in the town, although there are several organized religious societies, which hold their meetings in the school houses in different parts of the town.
Babcock's Grove is a pleasant village, of some 200 inhabitants, situated about five miles west of Cottage Hill, on the Galena road. It is an active, business- like place, and promises to become a town of consider- able importance. It has a good hotel, several stores, and a number of fine residences.
The present population of the town of York is not far from 1500. The Germans have settled pretty thickly in some parts of the town, and among them may be found some of the best farmers in the county. They are frugal, industrious, and honest, as a class, and manage their farms with superior agricultural skill.
There are three post offices in the town. George Fuller is post master at York Centre, Jerry Bates at Cottage Hill, and J. B. Hull at Babcock's Grove.
York has the largest school fund of any town in Du PAGE county. The school section was sold at five dol- lars per acre, creating an original fund of $3,200. It is now near $3,500. The highest rate of compensation paid to teachers is $25 per month; the lowest is $10
196
HISTORY OF
per month. The amount paid for teachers' wages amounts to about $800 annually. There are eight public schools taught in the township, which are at- tended by 400 scholars. The average number of months in the year in which schools are taught is eight, and the average number of scholars in each school is forty.
We would here remark that the sources from which we have obtained the statistics relating to this town have not been the most reliable, and if we find errors have occurred, it will not be to us a matter of very great surprise.
The following is a list of officers for the town of York since its organization in 1850.
SUPERVISORS.
1850-Edward Eldridge, 1853-Hiram - Whittemore, ap- pointed to fill vacancy.
Gerry Bates, appointed to fill vacancy. 1854-Asa Knapp.
1851-Gerry Bates.
1855-Robert Reed.
1852-Gerry Bates.
1856-Robert Reed.
1853- Webster Burbanks.
1857-Frederick Gray.
TOWN CLERKS :
1850 - Allen M. Wright, 1853 - Adam Glos.
Charles Mather, appointed 1854 - Adam Glos.
to fill vacancy. 1855 - Adam Glos.
1851,- Peter R. Torode.
1856 - Adam Glos.
1852-Peter R. Torode. 1857 - Adam Glos.
ASSESSORS.
1850 - George Fuller. 1853 - James A. E. Barras.
1851 - John Talmadge. 1854 - Orrin Newell.
1852 - Webster Burbanks, 1855 - George Fuller.
P. R. Torode, appointed to 1856 - George Fuller.
fill vacancy. 1857 - George Fuller.
:
197
DU PAGE COUNTY.
COLLECTORS.
1850- Adam Glos.
1854- Ansel Bates.
1851 - Adam Glos.
1855-Lewis Eldridge.
1852-Benjamin Plummer.
1856-Lewis Eldridge.
1853-David Fuller. 1857-Lewis Eldridge.
OVERSEERS OF POOR.
1850 - Robert Reed. 1854 - Layton Collar.
1851 - Burgess Austin.
1855 - John Thrasher.
1852 - Burgess Austin. 1856 - John Thrasher.
1853 - Asa Knapp. 1857 - John Thrasher.
COMMISSIONERS OF HIGHWAYS.
1850-James L. Snow, John Thrasher, · Reuben Mink.
1851- Asa Knapp, John Thrasher. Frederick Gray.
1852-Lewis Wood.
Samuel Loy. Frederick Gray.
1853-George Fuller,
1856-Milo Porter, John Norbury, Warren Kittell.
Hiram Whittemore, Frederick Gray, 1857-William Boyer,
G. II. Atwater, appointed to fill vacancy.
John Norbury, Warren Kittell.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
1850-David Thurston. 1855-Thomas Filer, clected to Orson D. Richards. fill vacancy.
1852-Cyrenus Litchfield, eleeted to fill vacancy. 1854-Cyrenus Litchfield. Moses Gray.
1856-John Thrasher, elected to fill vacancy .. .
1857-Milo Porter, elected to fill vacancy.
1854-Lewis Wood, John B. Bohlander, E. A. Hall, George Fuller, appointed to fill vacancy. 1855-Lewis Wood, John P. Bohlander, Warren Kittell.
198+
HISTORY OF
CONSTABLES.
1850-David Fuller. C. W. Richardson. 1853-D. Mono, elected to fill vacancy. - 1854-John Norbury, elected to fill vacancy.
1855 - John Norbury, John G. Klcinschrot.
1856 -Lewis Eldridge, elected to fill vacancy.
SUMMARY.
DU PAGE County was first settled by the whites in - 1830. It was surveyed in 18 -; was separated from Cook county, of which it previously formed a part, and became a distinct organization by act of legislature, approved February 9th, 1839. By the census of 1850, its population was 12,807; and assuming a uniform ratio of increase drawn from the census of preceding years, it is now nearly 15,000. It has 3,000 dwellings ; 2,850 families ; 10 villages ; 7 different religious denom- inations ; 22 churches ; 3,150 communicants ; 2,250 children and youth who attend Sabbath school. The following is a list of the post offices in the county :
PLACE.
NAME OF P. M.
. Naperville
Robert Naper,
Big Woods, (Naperville). John Warne,
Addison Henry Bartling,
Sagone
S. D. Pierce,
York Center
George Fuller,
Cottage Hill (York).
Gerry Batcs.
Babcock's Grovc (York). J. B. Hull, Bonaparte H. Dodge,
Downer's Grove.
Warrenville (Winfield)
Col. J. M. Warren,
Winfield, 66
Turner,
Andrew Van Deusen,
199
DU PAGE COUNTY.
PLACE.
NAME OF P. M.
Wheaton (Milton)
C. K. W. Howard,
Danby,
David Kelly,
Wayne
S. Dunham,
Wayne Center
Albert Guild,
Lisle
John Thompson, .
Brush Hill
B. Fuller,
Cass (Downer's Grove).
G. W. Alderman,
Bloomingdale
Hiram Cody,
There are eighteen miles of railroad in this county, upon which seven enterprising villages are situated. We give a statement of freight handled at the several stations, in pounds, and also the amount of cash re- ceipts for freight.
STATIONS.
FREIGHT.
RECEIPTS.
Cottage Hill.
4,275,680
$3,605 23
Babcock's Grove
2,107,700
1,404 63
Danby.
2,234,660
2,728 92
Wheaton
7,544,220
5,880 26
Winfield
4,671,820
3,036 25
Junction
5,480,820
7,164 47
Wayne
1,900,760
1,633 81
The statement in another part of the book, that. Winfield forwards the greatest amount of freight is incorrect, as it appears by the last report of the G. & C. U. Railroad Company, that less tonnage goes from that station, than from Cottage Hill or Junction.
With the above brief summary our history is ended. Enough has been said to give, as we believe, a pretty correct view of the past and present condition of Du PAGE County. If by this compilation anything is rescued from oblivion that will be of consequence
200
HISTORY OF
to our future historian, the authors are satisfied ; and if the work is received with satisfaction among those early settlers, within whose early recollection all the incidents herein detailed have transpired, they will feel doubly rewarded for their labors.
While writing these concluding remarks, news has reached us of the death of Eli Northam, at the ad- vanced age of eighty-seven years. He was an early settler in the south part of this county, and among the foremost in establishing and sustaining our first Christian church. It is fitting to insert here the fol- lowing brief tribute to his memory which is taken from The Chicago Democratic Press :
"Deacon NORTHAM was one of the few men who merited, in all respects, the tribute paid by Luke to Barnabas, 'He was a good man.' Twenty years ago when a student in Williamstown, Mass., we well re- member that he always impressed us with the highest reverence for his character, as a most worthy represen- tative of the honest, dignified, noble Puritans. For many years he had been fully prepared to leave all things here below, and go to dwell at the right hand of his Savior.
" ' His youth was innocent; his riper age Marked with some act of goodness every day ; And watched by eyes that loved him, calin, and sage Faded his last declining years away;
Cheerful he gave his being up, and went.
To share the holy rest, that waits a life well spent.'" .
In conclusion we acknowledge our appreciation of the uniform kindness and assistance which we have received in gathering the material for this work.
ERRATA.
Page 8, second line from bottom, for "were " read was.
Page 10, twelfth and thirteenth lines from top, for "were " read was. Page 18, for "redoutable" read redoubtable.
Page 59, in the table, for "Wells and Grant" read Pierce Downer. Page 71, thirteenth line from top, for "are " read is.
Other errors of a similar character occur, but as they will not be likely to mislead the reader, it is deemed unnecessary to point them out.
*9
INDEX.
PAGE.
PIONEER REMINISCENCES, -
5
First settlement in Du Page County,
Naper Settlement,
6
First settlers,
7
Black Hawk war, 8
9
Flight of families to Fort Dearborn, 9
Paine family, 9
Hobson family, 10
The Patrol "hoaxed," 15
Visit to Potawattomies, 16
The alarmed camp, 18
Flight of settlers, -
18
Captain Brown's scouting party, 19
Massacre at Indian Creek, 20
The Murder of Paine the Preacher, 22
Scott families, . 23
23
Fort Paine, - - 29
Murder of young Buckley by the Indians, 29
30
" White Eagle,"
- 33
The Great Spirit and Tobacco, 35
Hobson and Strong, - - 36
37
A Gentleman missing,
38
Gen. Scott's army, - 38
THE OLD CLAIM FEUDS,
- 39
Land Pirate Company, 41
Big Woods claim protecting society, - 42
Society for mutual protection, 46
The Frothingham claim difficulty,
53
Expedition under Col. Beaubien,
Captain Naper and Alanson Sweet are deccived by appearances, The scouting party,
31
Condition of families at Fort Dearborn,
Fort Dearborn,
204
INDEX.
PAGE.
The Tullis claim difficulty, -
55
The Hognatorial Council, 57
GENERAL VIEW OF THE COUNTY, 59
Face of the county, etc., -
- 60
Products of cultivation, 61
Du Page County Agricultural Society, -
- 61
Education, schools and academies, 62
Health,
- 65
The County Press, -
65
Organization of the County,
- 70
Courts.
74
Murder of Patrick Tole,
75
Members of State Legislature, 76
List of county officers, 76
HISTORY OF MILTON, -
81
Illinois Institute,
83
Danby,
85
Town officers of Milton,
86
HISTORY OF NAPERVILLE,
88
History of first efforts towards establishing a church,
- 97
Schools,
105
Naperville Academy,
- 106
Town officers, 110
HISTORY OF LISLE, ,
- 113
Character of people,
114
How they fared in early times,
- 115
Story of Mr. Hobson's family, 116
List of town officers, -
- 133
HISTORY OF BLOOMINGDALE,
135
The Kent tragedy, -
- 137
Churches of Bloomingdale,
143
List of town officers, - 145
147
List of town officers of Addison,
- 156
HISTORY OF WINFIELD, 158
Warrenville, - 158
Deacon McConnell's account of Turner,
162 -
Winfield Station, - 162
Town officers of Winfield, 167
HISTORY OF WAYNE,
169
HISTORY OF ADDISON,
-
INDEX.
205
PAGR.
List of town officers of Wayne,
173
HISTORY OF DOWNER'S GROVE, First claim difficulty,
- 175
176
' Trouble about Aldrich's claim,
- 179
First School,
180
Wolf hunting, -
- 181
Description of a wolf hunt,
182
History of churches,
- 186
List of town officers,
190
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF YORK,
- 192
Cottage Hill,
. 194
Babcock's Grove,
- 195
List of town officers,
196
SUMMARY,
· 198
.
207
ADVERTISEMENTS.
ANDREW FRIDLEY,
DEALER IN HARDWARE, IRON, STEEL,
NAILS, GLASS, COPPER, TIN AND SHEET IRON WARE. CUTLERY, AND
ALL KINDS OF STOVES, ETC. NAPERVILLE, ILL.
W. F. KEITH & CO., DEALERS IN ALL KINDS OF
GROCERIES AND PROVISIONS
FRUITS AND FISH, YANKEE NOTIONS, CONFECTIONARY, ETC. NAPERVILLE, ILL.
JOHN COLLINS,
BUILDER
AND
DEALER IN LUMBER,
Keeps constantly on hand, at his yards at WINFIELD STATION, and at NAPERVILLE, the largest and best assortment of Lumber to be found West of Chicago, which he sells at prices that leave competi- tion entirely out of the question.
Having in his employ a large number of experienced workmen, he is prepared to do all kinds of Building reasonably, expeditiously and satisfactorily:
NAPERVILLE, ILL.
208
ADVERTISEMENTS.
SKINNER, HAIGHT & CO.,
GENERAL DEALERS IN
DRY
BOOTS AND SHOES, HATS AND CAPS,
GROCERIES , CROCKERY, WOOD & WILLOW WARE, ETC. WHOLESALE DEALERS IN WOOL AND SHEEP PELTS.
NAPERVILLE STORE, MAIN STREET, NAPERVILLE, ILL. S. M. SKINNER, C. D. HAIGHT, R. N. DAVIS.
NEW YORK CHEAP STORE.
CASTLE & NAPER,
DEALERS IN STAPLE & FANCY DRY GOODS, GROCERIES, HARDWARE, CROCKERY, GLASSWARE, BOOTS AND SHOES, HATS AND CAPS, STRAW & MILLINERY GOODS, HOSIERY, CARPETS, MATTING, LOOKING GLASSES, PAPER HANGINGS, WOOD AND WILLOW WARE, Etc. We are agents for, and keep constantly on . hand, Naper's celebrated premium FLOUR - warranted the best in market.
All kinds of Produce taken in exchange for Goods.
NAPERVILLE, ILL.
C. M. CASTLE, WM. NAPER.
209
ADVERTISEMENTS.
H. C. DANIELS, M. D., DEALER IN
DRUGS, MEDICINES
PAINTS, OILS, GLASS, DYE STUFFS, PATENT MEDICINES, BOOKS AND STATIONERY, YANKEE NOTIONS, ETC., NAPERVILLE, ILL.
VALLETTE & CODY, ATTORNEYS & COUNSELLORS AT LAW, AND SOLICITORS IN CHANCERY, Office, One Door West of Court House, NAPERVILLE, DU PAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS. HENRY F. VALLETTE, HIRAM H. CODY.
S. P. STEVENS, MAIN STREET, NAPERVILLE, ILL., -
DEALER IN
DRUGS, MEDICINES
CHEMICALS, TOILET & FANCY ARTICLES, PERFUMERY, BOOKS, STATIONERY, PATENT MEDICINES, PAINTS, OILS, DYE STUFFS, BRUSHES, GLASS, ETC. Pure Wines and Liquors for Medicinal Purposes. PHYSICIANS' PRESCRIPTIONS ACCURATELY PREPARED.
210
ADVERTISEMENTS.
BANK OF NAPERVILLE.
SCOTT, KEITH & CO.,
BANKERS,
NAPERVILLE, ILL.
GOLD, SILVER, AND EASTERN EXCHANGE BOUGHT AND SOLD.
Drafts for Sale on England, France and Germany.
INTEREST ALLOWED ON SPECIAL DEPOSITS.
Collections Made and Proceeds Remitted Promptly, AT CURRENT RATES OF EXCHANGE.
Correspondents --. In Chicago,
-
- H. H. TUCKER & CO.
In New York, - - MERCHANTS' EX. BANK.
CHAS. W. KEITH, Cash.
WILLARD SCOTT, Pres.
CHARLES W. KEITH, AGENT FOR THE ILLINOIS MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE CO., THE PEORIA MARINE & FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, OF ILLINOIS, and the
ATNA FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, Of Hartford, Connecticut. POLICIES ISSUED ON FAVORABLE TERMS.
ADVERTISEMENTS. ||BR/211
E. H. EYER,
EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR OF
URBANA
, NAPERVILLE, ILL. Terms, $1.50 in advance; $2.00 if not paid within six months.
RK
Of every description neatly and expeditiously executed, on short notice and at reasonable terms, for cash.
Pre-Emption House, CORNER OF WATER & MAIN STREETS, NAPERVILLE, DU PAGE CO .; ILL.
J. S. YUNDT, Proprietor.
Having fitted up this commodious house for the accommodation of the publie, the proprietor will spare no pains to satisfy all who favor him with a call.
WILLARD, SCOTT & CO., General Dealers in
DRY GOODS
BOOTS AND SHOES, HATS AND CAPS, GROCERIES, CROCKERY
WOOD AND WILLOW WARE, ETC.
The proprietors have just purchased in the New York market one of the most extensive stoeks of goods, for the Fall Trade, ever brought into Du Page County.
NAPERVILLE, ILLINOIS.
212 41.81
ADVERTISEMENTS.
NAPERVILLE ACADEMY.
AN ENGLISH AND CLASSICAL SCHOOL FOR BOTH SEXES.
LOCATED AT
NAPERVILLE, DU PAGE CO., ILL.
Boarding and Day Scholars received, and charged only for time of attendance.
Rooms are now fitted up in the building expressly for the accommo- dation of Young Lady Boarders, who will be under the supervision of competent Female Teachers.
THE FALL TERM BEGINS
ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH,
and continues until December 24th.
THE WINTER TERM OF 1858, WILL BEGIN ON Monday, January 4th, and continue eleven weeks.
For prices of Board and Tuition, apply to
C. W. RICHMOND, PRINCIPAL, Naperville, Illinois.
NAPERVILLE PLOW FACTORY AND MACHINE SHOP.
S. O. VAUGHAN & PECK,
MANUFACTURERS OF AND DEALERS IN ALL KINDS OF
AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS,
NAPERVILLE, ILLINOIS.
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