USA > Illinois > Winnebago County > Rockford > Golden anniversary exercises, historical record and manual of the Second Congregational church, Rockford, Illinois. November 7, 1849. November 7, 1899 > Part 9
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enter their meetings, for his sympathetic presence was never a hindrance, but always an inspiration.
How many times in the mid-week prayer-meeting have we delighted to listen to his reminiscences of the early days of the church, and how plainly he made us see the guiding hand of the Heavenly Father in all the changes.
One of his beautiful customs, for which many blessed him, was to spend part of each Sunday afternoon visiting the sick and the shut-in, talk- ing with them in his cheery way of the divine love, and often leading them in prayer. Those Sunday-afternoon calls were like sunshine to the weak and sorrowful. But why should we speak at greater length of that sweet, beautiful life which we all have seen and felt, and which is one more golden cord drawing us to those "fields of living green" where he now sings the songs of God's redeemed ?
For the continued presence with us of Mrs. Dickerman we are grate- ful, and our prayer is that her life may be spared to us for many years. Her high ideals of life, her sweet, Christian living, her ready help in all church activities, her cordial, entering into the interests of others, and her sympathy and gentleness have endeared her to all. "Let her own works praise her in the gates."
FIELD.
Mrs. Elizabeth B. Field united with the First Congregational Church of Rockford, January 3, 1841. Her maiden name was Jones. She is well remembered by early residents of our town and by the earlier mem- bers of our church as an earnest, faithful Christian, but definite facts of her life before coming to Rockford we have not been able to learn.
Mr. and Mrs. Horace Field were of the members who imigrated to Iowa in 1855, and helped to found the town of Rockford. Mrs. Field was one of the eight charter members of the Congregational Church of the Iowa Rockford, which was founded February 27, 1858. She was a faithful, devoted follower of Christ. Always in her place in the church and in the prayer-meeting, and ever ready to lend a helping hand wherever needed. She died in March. 1864, in Iowa.
FRANKLIN.
Particulars of the life of Mr. and Mrs. Burton P. Franklin in Rock ford, Illinois, we have been unable to learn.
Mr. Franklin was born in 1801. Rachael Bushnell, his wife, was born
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in Fairfeld, Herkimer County, New York, in 1810. She was a near rela- tive of Prof. Bushnell, of Beloit College, Wisconsin, and of Horace Bush- nell. After Burton P. Franklin and Rachael Bushnell were married they lived for a time in Canada, and later near Pecatonica, Illinois, before com- ing to Rockford.
Mr. and Mrs. Franklin united with the First Congregational Church, May 5, 1848, so we know they came to Rockford before that date.
Mr. Franklin and family, with others, formed a small colony from Rockford, Illinois, and vicinity in 1855, which located in Floyd County, Iowa, laying out a town which they named for their former home, Rock- ford. Mr. Franklin built a substantial stone dwelling to which every one was made welcome. New settlers, circuit riders and transients gladly availed themselves of his hospitality. He was a quiet man, yet with a fund of wit, was social in his nature and by his honesty and uprightness, his efforts to establish Christian institutions and to uphold them when estab- lished was a power for good in the community. His home was the meet- ing place for religious services until the school-house was built. He was the first postmaster of Rockford, Iowa, the office being in his house.
February 27, 1858, the Congregational Church of Rockford, Iowa, was organized, Mr. and Mrs. Franklin being among the eight charter mem- bers. Mr. Franklin was the first deacon, and the only one until his death. Though suffering from impaired health and the burdens incident to the development of a new country, he was one who looked on the bright side of things, and helped to inspire others with courage and fidelity to the cause of Christ. His death occurred March 27, 1861.
It is not necessary to say his end was peaceful. "Blessed are such, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."
Mrs. Franklin was a woman of more than ordinary ability, of sterling piety, keeping herself well informed on the issues of the times in which she lived. Always ready to entertain with that love and cordiality so welcome in a new country.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Franklin were James, Charles, Richard and Mary. James and Charles served in the civil war, and although their enlistment was soon after Mr. Franklin's death, their mother bade them "God speed." Her life was long and useful, closing on earth May, 1886.
FRINK.
Mary A. Frink was born in Towanda, Bradford county, Pennsylvania - November 14, 1821. Her early girlhood days, after her mother's death,
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were spent in the home of Mrs. Lemira Myer, whom she regarded almost as a mother. Miss Frink came to Rockford with the families of Harry Spalding and U. M. Warner in 1847. She united with the First church March 4, 1849. July 4, 1850, Mary A. Frink and Moses G Hascall were married by Rev. Lansing Porter. Mr. Hascall did not bring his letter from First church to our church until April, 1850, but he attended the Second church from its foundation, and was the leader of our first choir. In Jan- uary, 1851, Mr. and Mrs. Hascall took their letters from our church to the Congregational church of Udina, Illinois. The next fall they returned to Rockford, where Mrs. Hascall died October 18, 1851. Mr. Hascall now resides in Fitzgerald, Georgia, but he has never lost his interest in this church, which was so dear to both.
GORDON.
Jane Chapman was born in Riven, Parish of Marnich, Scotland, in 1782. She was married to George Gordon in her childhood home, and after her husband's death she came to this country and made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Alexander Patterson, until February 28, 1878, when she passed to the higher life. Mrs. Gordon was a remarkably hale, cheery ambitious woman. A welcome guest in any home she chose to favor with her presence. She was always in church on the Sabbath until age made it impossible for her to attend service regularly, when she made it a point to be present on Communion Sabbath. In her early Rockford life she with her daughter, Mrs. Patterson, would often walk to church Sabbath morning five miles across the unbroken meadows and through the woods, much preferring this mode of travel to riding behind an ox team in a lumber wag- on, the only conveyance those early settlers of the country had. Mrs. Gordon was a woman of wonderful vitality and energy, and she expended much of this strength visiting friends and neighbors in their sickness or trouble.
GORHAM.
Alonzo Gorham, another of those sturdy New Englanders, who have done so much for Rockford, was one of the first deacons of this church. He was born in Poultney, Vermont, August 11, 1801, and was the young- est of five brothers.
Mercy A. Humphrey was born March 24, 1801, in Rutland, Vermont, her parents having moved there from New Hampshire. Her ancestry were English. In early life amid the hills of Vermont, she taught the vil-
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lage school. She drew and colored maps and taught her pupils the art. She was also an acknowledged authority in grammar and in spelling.
Alonzo Gorham and Mercy A. Humphrey were married in West Rut- land, Vermont, May 17, 1827. In 1846 Mr. and Mrs. Gorham came to Winnebago County, locating on what is now known as the Shepherd Leach farm, where they resided two years, and then moved onto a farm near the village of Winnebago, where the family resided for forty years. Chicago was then the nearest and only market for the farmer, and Mr. Gorham very frequently drove to Chicago to sell the farm products and to do his shopping. He later spent several years in California and one year at Put- in-Bay, Ohio.
Deacon Gorham took a keen interest in public affairs, was a staunch abolitionist, with strong traits of character from early youth. After a few years Deacon Gorham and his family took their letters from this church to the Congregational Church in Winnebago, known as the Stone Church, which celebrated its fiftieth anniversary in 1897. In church work Deacon Gorham was aggressive. He was one of the committee appointed to draft those resolutions against slavery and intemperance which have marked the history of the "Stone Church." His pastor said of him : "He was the best judge of what constituted a first-class sermon whom I ever knew." No man from the land of the heather and the thistle could quicker detect a wandering from the text, yet he was not a carping critic. Deacon Gor- ham died in May, 1889, at the home of his son, Mr. O. R. Gorham, then living in a house which stood on the spot where now stands this church. He was laid to rest near the site of the "Old Stone Church," in Winnebago, for which he and his family had so earnestly and so faithfully labored.
Mrs. Gorham was of a deeply religious nature, wholly devoid of sham or hypocrisy, sincerely a Christian. She did not ask if a certain line of con- duct was expedient, but whether it was right or wrong. She was devoted to her home and family and to all good works, loved and trusted by all who knew her as a faithful friend, retiring in her manner, yet firm in her con- victions. A keeper at home, such a woman as is described in the good Book as fitted to be a deacon's wife. No thought of failure ever entered her mind, but to do faithfully the work at hand her untiring effort. She passed from earth August 8, 1866, in the village of Winnebago, where Mr. and Mrs. Gorham had bought a home on retiring from the farm.
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MRS. HANNAH GORHAM WELDON, SURVIVING CHARTER MEMBER.
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GORHAM.
Hannah Lorain Gorham was the oldest of Alonzo and Mercy A. Gor- ham's family of eight children. She was born June 27, 1828, at West Rutland, Vermont, and was just in her teens when the family moved to Illinois. She attended the Seminary, now Rockford College, and was a diligent student, loved and trusted by teachers and friends. Miss Sill often called upon her to assist in teaching. She also taught school in Rockford and later in Pecatonica. In her home she was a counselor among her brothers and sisters and a support to her parents.
Miss Gorham joined the First Congregational Church with her parents and at the time the good people withdrew to form the Second Church she was one of that number. She was then boarding in the family of the Rev. Lewis H. Loss, pastor of the First Church, and she can recall the grief and anxiety the separation caused him and his good wife. Miss Gorham was a teacher in our first Sunday-school. January 1, 1852, she was mar- ried to Mr. Salmon Riege Weldon, who was a member of our church choir, though of the Episcopal faith. Mr. and Mrs. Weldon taught school for a time in Pecatonica after their marriage, later Mr. Weldon studied in Jubilee College, Illinois, and spent two years in the Theological Seminary at Gambier, Ohio, and June 17, 1860, he was ordained for the ministry of the Episcopal Church. Mrs. Weldon assisted her husband much in his ministerial work, first at Freeport during his seven years' pastorate of Zion Church.
In 1868 Rev. Weldon went to Put-in-Bay, Ohio, where he was established many years as rector of St. Paul's, and where for many years his was the only church on the Island; also for adjoining islands, the people coming by boats to service in summer and skating to church during the winter. Here Mrs. Weldon had a large Bible class of young people, and with her talents and peculiar fitness for the work, she was enabled to do great good. She not only won the love and respect of the young peo- ple, but was the means of influencing many heads of families to come into the church. October, 1872, Rev. and Mrs. Weldon, with their family. moved to Santa Barbara, California, and there united with the Congrega- tional Church. Mr. Weldon died May 31, 1887, at Santa Barbara, where Mrs. Weldon continues to live with her son and daughter.
HANFORD.
Mrs. Eliza Hanford, who came to Rockford with Mr. and Mrs. Mich- ael Burns in 1840, was born in 1818. Her maiden name was Eliza Mor- Hist. Rec. 13.
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gan. Her first husband, Mr. William Hanford, was killed by lightning a year or so after their marriage, and their only child, Lydia Elizabeth, died soon after her father's death. Mrs. Hanford united with the First church in 1848 by letter. In 1871 Mrs. Hanford married Mr. John Campbell, and they lived on his farm a few miles northwest of Rockford. Mrs. Han- ford Campbell was faithful in her attendance upon all the services of the church, and continued her membership with our church until her death in 1880.
HYDE.
Among the charter members of our church we find the names of Mr. and Mrs. Ebenezer Hyde and four of their children, Sarah D., Esther A., Henry C., and Gershom C. Hyde. This interesting family came from Springfield, Massachusetts, which had been their home for some years, to White Pigeon, Michigan, and from there in 1837 to the village of Winne- bago, just south of what we now call Harlem Park. In a short time the family moved to a farm three miles northwest of Rockford. After living but a few years on the farm they moved down on the State road to what afterwards became Hyde's Addition, now known as Dr. Fitch's place on West State Street.
Ebenezer Hyde, the father, was born in Lebanon, Connecticut, in 1794. The mother, Lucy C. Howard, was born in Coventry, Connecticut, in 1796. After the marriage in Coventry, Connecticut, in 1817, of Lucy C. Howard and Ebenezer Hyde, these young people made their home in Springfield, Massachusetts.
From Rockford the family moved in 1856 to Fayette County, Iowa, where they were active in the work of the Congregational Church for many years, and where the husband and father died. Mr. Hyde was the charter member of our church who joined on profession. He was a modest, retir- ing man, but an earnest, helpful Christian, loved and highly esteemed by the community in which he lived. After her husband's death in 1870 Mrs. Hyde and Miss Esther A. Hyde came to Freeport, Illinois, to reside, as other members of the family were living there, and united with the Second Pres- byterian church, of which Mrs. Hyde was a consistent member until her death in 1879.
Sarah D., Esther A. and Henry C. Hyde were born in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1825, 1830, and 1834, respectively. They came west with their parents.
JUDGE HENRY C. HYDE, SURVIVING CHARTER MEMBER.
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Sarah D. Hyde taught school one winter on the home farm for her sister and brothers and a few of the neighbors' children. Miss Hyde also taught school in Rockford in the old Baptist Church on the west side of the river, at the corner of North Main and Peach streets, where now stands the residence of Mr. W. A. Knowlton. She was also a teacher in our first Sun- day School. In 1856 Miss Hyde married Rev. Charles R. French, of the Presbyterian Church, who preached in Wisconsin, and also in Iowa, where, after many years, he died. Mrs. French then moved to California with her three children, a son and two daughters, and spent several years, but after the death of her daughters she came to Freeport, where with her sis- ter, Miss Esther A. Hyde, she has continued to live.
In writing of the organization of this church Mrs. French said : "One thing impressed on my mind at the time was the few young people among us." only two young ladies besides the four young people belonging to her own family. Mrs. French's son, Henry L. French, is still living in Santa Barbara.
Miss Esther A. Hyde has always been a great worker in the church, one much esteemed by pastor and people. She became a Christian while attending the " Father Kent " Church at Galena, and united with the First Church in Rockford at the age of twelve years. She is still living in Free- port with her sister, Mrs. French. We are glad that both these charter members are here with us to-day.
Henry C. Hyde became a member of the First Church June 30, 1848, when about thirteen years of age. He has lived for many years in Freeport, where he is well known as Judge Hyde. He married Mary Morrow, an earnest and devoted lady of the Episcopal Church, and has always been connected with that church in Freeport. Mrs. Hyde died during the past winter. Judge Hyde has two sons, both living in Chicago, one on the edi- torial staff of the Chicago Tribune, and the other a lawyer. We regret that Judge Hyde did not feel that he could be with us during this celebra- tion.
Gershom C. Hyde was born in White Pigeon, Michigan, in 1837. He came with his parents to Rockford, where he grew to manhood. He united with the First Church June 30, 1848, at the age of eleven years. He married Josephine Page, and moved to Titusville, Pennsylvania, where the remaining years of his life were spent, and where he and his wife were active members in the Episcopal Church. A man in whom anyone in trouble always found a friend. He was in a bank in Titusville for many
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years. He was an honorable, upright Christian. He died in 1893, leaving a wife, four daughters and one son, all earnest workers in the church.
LEVINOS.
Anna Nunn was born in Liverpool, England, March 21, 1801, com- ing to America with her parents in 1809. The family located in New York City, where Anna grew to womanhood. At the age of fifteen years she united with the Episcopal Church, Dr. Pettis, pastor. Her devoted consci- entious spirit was manifest at that early stage of her Christian life. The day she united with the church she removed the handsome plumes from her hat and never afterwards could she be induced to wear either flowers or feathers upon her hats, considering it not becoming a professing Chris- tian to yield to worldly pride. October 20, 1820, Miss Nunn was married to Joseph Lewis. One child was born to them, who died in infancy, and Mrs. Lewis was early left a widow. She was united in marriage with Peter R. Levings, on May 7. 1834. In 1843 Mr. and Mrs. Levings moved to Illinois, locating near Rockford, bringing with them three small children to their western home. Mrs. Levings was a very devout Christian, loved and admired by all who knew her, a sweet, gentle, loving spirit in whom "pa- tience had had her perfect work." She was remarkable for her great faith and zeal, many souls being brought into the kingdom through her influence. Her Bible was her constant companion. Upon her arrival in Rockford she immediately connected herself with the Congregational Church. Mrs. Levings departed this life June 10, 1878, leaving five children to mourn her loss. Four of the number, George W., Mrs. Harriet Levings Pease, Thomas and Margaret A. reside in this city, and the three latter are mem- bers of this church, while the youngest son, Dr. A. Hamilton Levings, President of the Wisconsin College for Physicians and Surgeons, is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She walked with God while upon earth and her children rise up and call her blessed.
MYER.
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Lemira, the daughter of Elisha and Cynthia Satterlee, was born April 16, 1790, in Athens, Bradford County, Pennsylvania. She married Col. Harry Spalding, February 1, 1807, and moved to Towanda, Pennsylvania. Col. Spalding died in 1821, and in 1827 Mrs. Spalding married Mr. William Myer, of Towanda. After her husband's death in 1844, Mrs. Myer came to Byron, Illinois, and made her home with her sons, Asa and Simon
MRS. SARAH HYDE FRENCH, SURVIVING CHARTER MEMBER.
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Spalding for a few years, when she removed to Rockford, and lived with her daughter, Mrs. U. M. Warner. She united with the First Church in March, 1847. She died November 1, 1855. Two of her sons, Harry and Asa Spalding, were at one time well known residents of Rockford, and Miss Fanny Spalding, of 302 Horsman street, is a granddaughter. Mrs. Myer was a woman of strong character, a warm-hearted, earnest Christian.
PATTER SON.
Alexander Patterson was born in White Hills, Scotland, August 12, 1801, where he grew to manhood and where he learned the blacksmith's trade. Ellen Gordon was born in Riven, Parish of Marnich, Scotland, November 9, 1811. She was united in marriage to Alexander Patterson at her childhood home in the month of June, 1833. Mr. and Mrs. Patter- son with their little daughter Ellen came to Canada in 1836, and in 1838 they removed to Winnebago County, Illinois, and settled in a little hamlet known as Winnebago, just south of what is now called Harlem Park. Here Mr. Patterson worked at his trade. He was the first blacksmith in this section. The following year the family settled on a claim five miles north- west of Rockford, where Mr. and Mrs. Patterson spent the remainder of their lives and where by industry and frugality they became prosperous. Mr. Patterson was honored and respected by all who knew him. A man of strictest integrity, a genial and whole-souled Christian. He passed from earth to life the 29th day of November, 1880.
Mrs. Patterson was called home one beautiful Sabbath morning, the 5th of May, 1895. She died as she had lived. a practical, every-day Chris- tian-serving the Master with an untiring zeal and rejoicing in the love of her Saviour. She was a great Bible student, and although a never idle mother, she taught her children the stories of the Bible, simplifying the truths to suit the little ones. Utterly unselfish, she was constantly plan- ning for the comfort of others ; not in her own home alone, but throughout the entire neighborhood was she a ministering angel.
Eight children came to this home : Ellen, deceased ; George W., of Paris, California ; Alexander and James H., of Rockford ; Jennie M., now Mrs. Chapman, of Coopeston, Ill. ; John L., Los Angeles, Cal. ; William, deceased, and A. Lizzie, now Mrs. Joseph Shipe of Belvidere.
ELLEN PATTER SON.
Ellen Patterson was born in Banff, Scotland, September 15th, 1834. When two years of age she came to this country with her parents, Mr. and
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Mrs. Alexander Patterson. Her early education was begun with Miss Sarah D. Hyde, who taught school at the Hyde homestead in the country. In early womanhood Ellen attended school taught by Mr. Huntington in Rock- ford, and later spent some time in Rockford Seminary, now Rockford Col- lege. She taught school in Rockford and vicinity, in Hudson, Wisconsin, and in Denver, Colorado. June 10, 1869, she married Mr. Rufus Young, of Hudson, Wisconsin. Two sons were born in this home, Clarence B. and Herbert Patterson Young. Mrs. Young lived a sincere Christian life, dying October 13, 1891, at her home in Hudson.
PLATT.
Harriet W. Trowbridge was born in New Haven, Connecticut, Decem- ber 11, 1814. At the age of 22 she married Mr. John Platt and then came west. Mr. and Mrs. Platt settled first in Alton, Ill., but a year later came to Rockford, whence they moved to a farm near Pecatonica. Here they remained but a few years, returning to Rockford, where Mrs. Platt still resides.
Mr. Platt died in 1880, and. Mrs. Platt married Mr. Robert Cotton, but was a few years after again left a widow. Mrs. Platt Cotton united with the Congregational Church in New Haven early in life, and when she moved west brought her church letter and united at once with the First Church of Rockford in 1847. She was one of the faithful who never allowed any- thing personal to keep her from church service or from prayer-meeting, -until the past few years, when her health has not permitted her to leave her home. She is one of the five charter members of our church at present living in Rockford.
POR TER.
James Porter was born at Koupe, Banff County Scotland, April 24, 1817, leaving his native country for America April 15, 1843.
After a tedious voyage of five weeks and one day he landed on Ameri- can shores. By way of the St. Lawrence river and the great lakes he came on to Chicago. Here he procured a team and came to Rockford. He at once secured a tract of government land and after erecting a log house began to clear and improve his farm.
Barbara Kirton was born in the parish of St. Fergus, Aberdeen County, Scotland, April 26, 1808. She also sailed for America with her mother and family April 15, 1843, arriving in Chicago in the autumn of that year.
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MISS ESTHER A. HYDE, SURVIVING CHARTER MEMBER.
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She married Mr. James Porter September 30, 1843. The young people left at once for Rockford, where they settled in their new home.
In early life they had united with the Presbyterian Church in Scotland and on coming to Rockford attended the First Congregational Church, un- til they united, by letter, with the Second Church, November 7, 1849,
In the year 1855 they severed their connections with this church in order to assist in organizing the Congregational Church at Wempleton, Illinois, and Mr. Porter was chosen a deacon' of this new church. In 1861 they transferred their membership to the First Presbyterian Church of Rockford, with which society they were actively associated at the time of their death.
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