USA > Illinois > Lake County > Historical and Statistical Sketches, of Lake County, State of Illinois > Part 4
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7
The Court House was completed, and ac- cepted in the full of 1844 ; in time for the fall lerin of the Circuit Court.
The prospects of Little Fort had meanwhile become exceedingly flattering. Several good stores had been opened, among which was a very large and well selected stock, opened by Nathaniel Pitkin of Chicago, which he was offering at re luced prices, and was also giv- ing a spirited competition in the buying of wheat and other ki ids of produce.
In the fall of 1 :43, Mr. H. N. H. ald resigned his office as Scl o :| Commissioner, when on the 8th of January following, at a special elec- tion, E. M. Haine:, was elected to fill the va- cancy.
At the August election for 1841, the follow- ing persons were elected County officers :
Digitized by Google
47
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
Horace Butler, Representative ; James Mckay re-elected Sheriff; John G. Ragan, County Commissioner ; and Gilbert Granger, Coroner. A spirited opposition growing our of the feeling between the two local parties, was given to Messrs. Butler and Mckay, which was carried to that extent that it amounted to but little less than persecution. The result of which was, however, that it made for them many warm personal, as well as political friends; and it probably convinced their enemies of the truth of Dr. Franklin's saying, "that whatever is begun in anger ends in shame,"
This was the last of the two sectional parties growing out of the re-location of the County seat.
On the 4th of March 1845, the first number of a Newspaper, entitled the "Little Fort Porcupine and Democratic Banner," was jasu- ed at Little Fort by N. W. Fuller as Publisher, and A. B. Wynkoop as Editor and Proprietor; it being the first Newspaper published in the County.
We give the following extract from the first number of this paper, which will be best appreciated by those who were best acquaint- ed with its subsequent character.
"To-day, March 4th, is notable for two things. It is the inauguration day of President Polk, and Vice President Dallas, as well as the "Little Fort Porcupine and Democratic Banner." Great day this, at Little Fort and Washington."
It is probably unnecessary to make any comment upon the general character of this sheet, as it is no doubt well remembered by all who were residents ofthe County at the time of its publication, which was continued only for about two years, when it was sus- pended "sine die."
Digitized by
48 GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
The "Lake County Herald" by N. P. aud S. M. Dowst, was the second Newspaper in the County. Its publication was commenced in the summer of 1845, and was continued for one year only. It was Whig in its politics, and was well and ably conducted.
Mr. N. P. Dowst had formerly been in charge of the "Southport American," one of . the best conducted political Journals ever published at that place, and consequently was no stranger to the task before him. This paper would doubtless have continued its publication to the present day ; but it was soon ascertained that the business of the town and surrounding country would not sup- port it. The population of Little Fort being at that time only about 500.
At the ensuing August election, the follow- ing persons were elected County officers : D. O. Dickinson was elected County Commis- sioner ; E. M. Haines re-elected School Com- missioner, and Jeremiah Porter was elected Treasurer and Assessor.
This election, although of but little import- ance, was a very exciting one. Benj. Marks, Esq., was the opposing candidate for County Commissioner ; but through the influence of the "Porcupine and Banner" connected with that of certain individuals, he was defeated.
Nothing occurs to our mind, at the present time, as having transpired during the coming year, worth of note.
The August election for 1846, come off after a spirited contest w9 usual, with the following result : George Ela was elected Representative ; James McKay, Sheriff ; Michael C. Maguire and Jacob Drum, County Commissioners ; (Mr. Ragan having resigned, leaving a vacancy of two, in the board of Commissioners,) and Henry W. Dorsett was elected Coroner.
Digitized by
49
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
At this election the question ofa Convention for the revision of the State Constitution was submitted to the people by an Act of the Legislature at its Session of 1844 and '45, which resulted in favor of such Convention by a large majority.
Under an Act to re-apportion the represen- tation in the several Counties in the State, Lake and McHenry Counties were to form a Senatorial and Representative District; being entitled to three Representatives ; one for each County, and one for the two Counties together.
This Act however was superseded by the now Constitution, and consequently never went into effect.
The third Monday in April 1847, was the time fixed for choosing the Delegates to amend the State Constitution. Lake County being entitled to two Delegates in the Con- vention. The candidates regularly in the field, were Hon. Horace Butler, Hon. Hurlburt Swan, E. W. Hoyt, Nathaniel Vose, and Mi- chael C. Maguire, Messrs. Butler and Swan were elected by flattering majorities.
Mr. Butler had previously served one term in the Legislature, during which he secured for himself the esteem of that body and the entire confidence of his constituents. Tbis expression, therefore, ofthe electors of the County was but a renewed assurance of their continued regard.
In the fall of 1846, D. O. Dickinson resigned his- office of County Commissioner, when at a special election, in January following, Alva Trowbridge of Libertyville, was elected in his stead.
In June 1846, Mr. Gavin resigned his office of Clerk of the Circuit Court, when Isaac Hopkinson, Esq., a member of the Lake 1
Digitized by
50
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
County Bar, and the first lawyer who settleu at Little Fort, was appointed by Judge Young in his stend. He continued in office until June 1847, when he was succeeded by George Thomson, Esq., of Fort Hill, under appoint- ment of Hon. Jesse B. Thomas, who had succeeded Mr. Young as Judge of the 7th Judicial Circuit.
Mr. Hopkinson was a man of good abilities and highly respected. His generous and uffable demeanor, together with his upright- ness of conduct had secured for him a large circle of friends in the vicinity in which he lived. He died in April, 1851, in the prime of lite, leaving an interesting family, to mourn his untimely loss.
In the summer of 1847, a newspaper, enti- tled the "Lake County Visitor," published by N. W. Fuller, under the editorial supervision. of H. W. Blodgett, Esq., made its appearance upon the ruins of the "Porcupine," but when we say that it arose upon the ruins of the "Porcupine," we do not wish the reader to infer that in its character, it was, in any re- spect, like that of the "Porcupine," but on the contrary, the "Visitor" was conducted with ability and discretion, and was during its existence, n very popular journal. It was neutral in politics; but its publication was continued only for about six months.
Upon the opening of spring this year, it was discovered throughout the County, as well as throughout a great portion of Illinois and Wisconsin, that the winter wheat which had been sown the previous fell, had been by the very unfavorable winter and spring, en- tirely destroyed, which loss upon the part of the farmers, especially in this County, many of them have at the present day scarcely re- covered from. They had, most imprudently,
Digitized by
53
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
contracted debts in addition to their former aucidental liabilities, upon the bright prospect of an abundant crop of winter wheat, which had now entirely failed. In consequence of which, they were compelled at the close of the year, in order to meet their liabilities, and suvo themselves as they deemed it, from a harder fate, to borrow money at unmerciful rates ofinterest paying in many instances as high as sixty per cent.
The election tor County officers for 18-47 was a very exciting one. The office of County Recorder, it was generally understood, had become a very lucrative one ; in consequence of which their were many eager aspirants. At this time, there was a thorough organization: in the County of their political parties. The Democratic, Whig, and Liberty party. Kach had placed candidates before the people and were urging their claims. The election closed with the following result : D. II. Sher- man was elected Recorder ; Thomas Maguire Probate Justice ; Clearles Hall, County Com- missioner ; Jolin I. Clark, Clerk of the County Commissioners Court ; Isaac H Smith, Schoo! Commissioner ; Ira Holdridge, Treasurer and Assessor ; and George Gage, County Sur- veyor.
Mr. Clark continued in the office of Clerk but a short time when he resigned, upon which the vacancy was filled by the appoint- ment of Arthur Patterson, Esq.
Mr. Mckay soon after resigned his office of Sheriff, when an election was ordered to be held on the 18th of October following, to fill the vacancy of the two offices ; at which Henry W. Dorsett was elected to the office of Sheriff, and An:os S. Waterman, was elected! Clerk of the County Commissioners Court.
During the September term of the Circuit
Digitized by
52
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS,
Court for 1847, a tragedy was perpetrated at Fort Hill, the frightful nature of which caused great excitement over . a wide portion of country. This however, is a matter which perhaps might with propriety be omitted, but as the writer has "promised and undertaken" to give n full and true account of the County, embracing incidents of interest, he feels him- self called upon to give a passing notice. of this affair. Names of individuals must ne- c cesarily be mentioned in connexion with the transaction, but as a jury of their country subsequently acquitted them of the charges preferred, making mention of the subject at this time, cannot certainly operate against them.
On the morning after a hall or harvest party, at Goodale's tavern, the body of one Silas Marble .vas found in the barn yard a short distance south-east from the house, in a schockinlgy mangled condition. Several large clubs were found near the body, which gave conclusive evidence of the manner in which His death had been caused. Coroner Dorsett was immediately notified, when an inquest was summoned over the the body, who after hearing what evidence could be adduced in the case, returned a verdict of death by vio- fence, and that they had. reason to suspect, that Joel B. Sherman, Jacob Sherman and Spencer Miler, living in the neighborhood of Fort Hill, were guilty of. the murder. They were accordingly, on the following morning, arrested, and confined in jail. They were subsequentiy brought out, on a writ of habees corpus before Judge Dickey, but were reman- ded that the matter might have a further in- vestigation, at the next Session of the Court; a special term of which was ordered to be held in the forepart of December following ; at
Digitized by
53
'GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
which they were all indicted for the crime of snurder, and put upon their trial. They were most ably and ingeniously defended by Messrs. J. J. Brown of Chicago, and E. W. Hoyt and H. W. Blodget:, of Waukegan, and after a protracted trial, were acquitted
It seems from the evidence that the deceas- ed wns a young man whose occupation had been that of a pedlar, traveling on foot with tin trunks. That in the afternoon of the harvest party, he was in the neighborhood of the Shermans, traveling in the direction of Goodale's. He was accosted by one of them, and invited to tarry a while, when he could ride up with thein, as they intended going to the party themselves. He accordingly did so.
He was known to have arrived at Goodale's in company with Miller and Jucob Sherman, whi st they, in company with Joel B. Sher- inan were known to have returned without him. Marble was not seen in the house after about 10 o'clock in the evening. There was also a portion of the evening that neither of the accused could give any satisfactory account of their where abouts. There was also som.e singular movements upon the part of the Shermans during the evening, as well as some statements afterwards, on the part of Miller, which bad a tendency to fasten suspicion pretty firmly upon them. But the whole was not sufficient it seems, to convict them.
It is evident that some person or persons with whom he must have been well acquaint- ted, invited him to walk with them in the direction of the barn, and on arriving there, suddenly inflicted several violent blows upon this head with clubs which were afterwards found near the body, which probably caused instant death , and while the murderers were in the act of taking from his pocket what
Digitized by Google
54 GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
little inoney he had in his possession, which. seems to have been the object of the murder, they were evidently disturbed or surprised by a teain which was driven to the barn about that time ; in consequence of which, the body was left unconcealed in the position in which it had been on the following morning.
It is supposed by his friends that he had at the time only about $40 in money upon his person ; only $30 of which the murderers succeeded in obtaining, in consequence of being so surprised.
Great credit was given to Mr. Dorsett for the efficient manner in which he discharged his duties both as Coroner and Sheriff, during the pendency of this investigation.
CHAPTER VI.
The necessity of adopting more efficient measures for the support of the poor of the County, had for some time been under the consideration of the County Commissioners, when at a Special Term of the Court in Oc- tober 1847, they entered into contract with Alva Trowbridge, who was at that time one of their number, for the purchase of his farm at Libertyville, containing about 190 acres, to be held for the retreat and support of the poor. The consideration for the same, including some articles of personal property was $2,025, payable as follows, $1,500 on the first Monday in March 1848, and the balance ou the first Monday in March 1849; with interest at six per cent. after the first payment become due. Possession of the premises was given on the first day of December 1:847.
There was, upon the farin a very comforta- ble convenient dwelling house, sufficient for she purposes for which, in future, it was de-
Digitized by
-
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 55 signed, together with the necessary out build- ings.
This plan, however, of supporting the County poor, was at length found to be very expensive,-much more so, than had even been anticipated. An Act of the Legislature was therefore obtained at its Session in 1851, submitting the question of each township, supporting its own poor, and authorizing the County to dispose of the poor farm, which resulted in favor of township support of the poor. Whereupon an order was made by the Board of Supervisors to dispose of the farm, with the exception of about forty acres, upon which the buildings were situated.
The policy of the County Commissioners in purchasing this farm, we believe, was not generally approved of, especially by the tax- paying portion of the inhabitants of the County. The writer, however, is not disposed here to cast any serious reflections upon that honora- ble body in relation to this transaction of theirs, or in relation to any of their doings .- The record of that Court, is open to all.
About the first of October the publication of the Lake County Chronicle, (now Wauke- gan Chronicle,) was commenced by W. H. H. Tobey and Co, under the editorial supervision of Mr. A. B. Tobey, which superseded the Lake County Visitor. The Chronicle con- tinues its publication to the present time; and has, we believe, ever received, and probably justly merits a liberal patronage at the hands of the citizens of the County.
The August election for 1848, at length, was at hand ; it was one of considerable im- portance, and was, as usual, most warmly contested. The following was the result ; Life Wilson was elected to the office of Re- presentative ; H. W. Dorsett, re-elected She-
Digitized by Google
56
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
riff; D. A. Reese, County Commissioner, and Moses Evans, Coroner.
In the spring of 1849 commenced the great excitement for California-the land of gold- which subsequently induced great numbers of our citizens to leave their homes for the purpose of trying their fortunes in that fur off region. Among the early adventurers from this County, were George Allen Hibbard, Isaiah Marsh, George Ferguson, D. H. Sber- man, William and James Steele, and Jacob Miller.
The fate of young Hibbard; who left in the fall of 1848, being the first adventurer fron. this County, is most sad to relate. He had established himself at Waukegan in the mer- cantile trade, with the most flattering pros- pects of success before him, when at length the current of fortune, seemed as if by magic, to be turned against him .- Betrayed and forsaken by those who professed to; be his friends, he became disheartened, and at length: abondened all hope of ever regaining his former position .- His proud spirit would scarce permit him to make the attempt, lest he might still be unsuccessful. Inspired by the vigor of youth, he resolved to leave his friends and home, and try his fortune in California with the hope, that by a season of' perseverance in that country, which was now well understood to be one of spontaneous wealth, he might return home in such a position as would enable him to triumph over his misfortunes.
On arriving at St. Louis, he learned that Col. Freemont was in the city, raising a company of adventurers to accompany him across the plains; he accordingly waited upon the Colonel, informed him of his intentions, and desired to be enrolled in his service. His
Digitized by
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 57
frankness of expression, together with his dignity of manners, at once attracted the attention of Col. Freemont, who soon became so much prepossessed in his favor, that he eurolled him as one of his corps of adven- turers, which now consisted of about fifty persons, who had been selected with reference to the journey before them. They left St. Louis about the first of December 1848. Nothing of importance occurred to impede their progress, until they had reached a chain of mountains about 1,500 miles from the frontier, when their guide apparently became bewildered, and they suddenly found them- selves engulphed in monutains of snow. Their stock of provisions soon became ex- hausted, which left them no alternative, but to abandon their mules, and make the best of their way on foot in search of ussistance. Ex- hnusted from hunger and;fatigue, several of the company, one by one, sunk down by the way- side iu despair, and closed their eyes forever. -Young Hibbard was among the number .- Some three or four of the party had been des- patched in advance, in quest of relief ; they at length returned with the glad tidings of success. The survivors at once retraced their steps to enquire into the condition of their unfortunate companions, whom they had been compelled, most reluctantly, to leave behind them. They first came to the body of Hibbard which was found lifeless, but somewhat wartr. It was evident, that, could they have renched him a few moments sooner, he might have been restored ; but it was now too late, his spirit had departed to "that haven of peace, where the wicked cease from troubling, and where the weary shall find rest." He left an interesting and accomplished companion, to whom he had been married, but a few months
Digitized by Google
58 GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
previous to his departure, as well as a large circle of friends and relations to mourn his melancholy fate.
In the spring of 1848, the citizens of Wau- kegan became nroused to the necessity of ti- king measures for the improvement of the public roads leading westward. They were receiving liberal patronage from the Counties of McHenry and Boone, and in order to en- sure the same for time to come, they saw the necessity of perinnnently improving some oue at least of the public thoroughfares leading from Waukegan, westward. Accordingly a imeeting was convened at the Court House for the purpose of conference upon the subj ct, und for devising some means to accomplish the object in view. A committee of three. consisting of Capt. Hiram Hlugunin, E. W. Hoyt and Alva Trowbridge, was appointed by the meeting to investigate the subject and report at an adjourned meeting. A very able and elaborate report was made by the com- mittee, in which they recommended the organization of a Company or Association under Chapter XLII, of the Revised Statutes. for the purpose of constructing a plank road from Waukegan to Mr.Henry, which sugges Fon boing concurred in. Captain Hiram Hlugunin, Elmisly Sunderlin and D. S. Dewey, were chosen as a committee to procure a license from the County Commissioner. Court, to enable them to construct the road in ac- cordance with the law.
As is usually the case with great projects of this nature, especially, in new countries, after the lapse of a few months, the excitement in a measure subsided, and the matter became partially forgotten, which, however, resulted, perhaps mostly from a want of funds to prosecute the work.
Digitized by
59
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
In the fall of 1848, John Gage, Esq., who bad been a very successful business operator in the City of Chicago, and who had at this time become a resident, and a very extensive land holder in the County of Lake, saw the great benefits which would result from an improvement of this kind, and resolved to aid the project. Accordingly at the December Term of the County Commissioners Court. the following order was procured and adopt- ed.
Ordered, That license and authority be and the same is hereby given to Hiiram Gugunis, Elmsly Sunderlin and Denuis S. Dewey, their successors or assigue, to construct and estal- Jish a Turnpike Plank Causeway, from Little Fort, [now Waukegan,] in Lake County, to the east line of Mefleury County, on the route of the Belvidere road as it is now laid, or as it may hereafter be changed or relocated, and they may depart from and enter into said rond at any place, for the purpose of straightening or benefiting the location of the road ; com- mencing at or in Little Fort aforesaid, and continuing to the Mellenry County line. They have filed their bond, given the requisite security and affidavits-paid the assessments, and otherwise complied with the provisions of the Statute of Revised Statutes, page 251. &c.
And we further order. That the following rates of toll be established as the maximum :- For each 4 horses and couch, wagou or sleigh, 3%cis. per mile.
For euch 2 horses or oxen, wagon or sleigh, 2/gcts. per mile.
For 1 horse and buggy, wagon
or sleigh, &c., 2 cts. per mile.
For 1 horse,
1 cent per mile.
For each head of cattle, 16 cent per mile.
Digitized by
60
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
For each head of sheep or hogs, + cent per mile. and for things and creatures not enumerated, rates in accordance with the above.
Under this graut Articles of Association were immediately entered into -the name and style of which was to be the "Lake and Mc- Henry Plank Rond Association," with a Capi- tal Stock of 845,000, about 825,000, of which had been already subscribed. The Stock being divided with shares of 850.
The Articles of Association, provided for the election of three Directors, annually, one of whom should act as President, one as Se- cretary, and one as Treasurer, to be deter- mined among themselves.
At the first election, which was held at the Exchange Hotel [Vollar House,] in Wauke- gan, in December 1848, John Goge, John A. 'Tyrrell and Elmsly Sunderlin, where choseu Directors : Mr. Gage was selected as Presi- dent; Mr. Tyrrell as Secretary, and Mr. Sun- derlin as Treasurer. These gentlemen bave been since annually re-elected, and still cou- tinue in office. The energy of Mr. Gage, and the unsurpassed business qualifications of Mr. Tyrrell are so well and favorably known to all, that probably no further comment is ne- cessary .- The business affairs of this Associ- ation can never be committed to better and safer hands.
The Association being now fully organized, and the requisite assessments having been paid upon the stock subscribed, the work of the road was commenced. A contract was entered into with Messrs. John Gage and Alva Trowbridge, for the required amount of plank ; for the purpose of furnishing, which they erected a steam snw-mill upon the Des Plains River at Saugatuck, where all the plank, except one mile of the east end, was
Digitized by
61
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
sawed, After filling which contract, the mill fell exclusively into the hands of Mr. Trow- bridge who removed it to Michigan.
Early in the spring, six miles of the road was put under contract and completed during the summer. The contractors were J. C. Bloom, and Capt. Hiram Hugunin. The summer following the road was put under contract to Wallace Sunder!in, and Collins Gowdy, as far as Hainesville, and completed to that place about the first of October ; ma- king the whole distance of the road completed at this time 1236 miles.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.