Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 18

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 972

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of the Second National Bank, and continuously served as its president from 1864 until 1881, when he resigned to accept the presidency of the Rockford Insurance Company. He served as a member of the library board and was senior · warden of the Episcopal church for forty years. Dr. Lane died March 7, 1891.

Anthony Haines, born April 21, 1829, in Penn- sylvania, came to Rockford in 1854, and formed a partnership with Elisha A. Kirk for buying and shipping grain over the Kenosha railroad. In 1880, with other gentlemen, he organized the Rockford Street Railway company, of which he was elected president and general manager. Mr. Haines, at the time of his death in 1898, was vice-president of the Manufacturers National Bank. '

Charles O. Upton, born in Massachusetts in 1832, came to Rockford in 1854. Mr. Upton was prominent in the banking business of the city. He was a director of the Second National Bank twenty years and the last two years was its vice-president. In 1889 he led in the organiza- tion of the Manufacturers National Bank, and was its president ten years. Mr. Upton served the public in the city council, on the county board, and as treasurer of Rockford one term.

Carlton W. Sheldon was a native of New York, born March 14, 1828. He came to Rock- ford in 1852, entered the law office of Jason Marsh, and was admitted to the bar in the au- tumn of the same year. In 1869 he entered the employ of the Rockford Insurance Company as adjuster, and remained five years, and in 1874 he was elected secretary of the Forest City In- surance company, and held this position five years, when he resumed the practice of law. Mr. Sheldon had four children: Charles E., George, Mrs. Dora Benson, and Mrs. Ethel Mont- gomery. Mr. Sheldon died February 3, 1914.

Isaac Utter, a native of New York, came to Rockford in 1852, and formed a partnership with Orlando Clark, on the water-power. For twenty- one years he was associated with Levi Rhoades, in the manufacture of paper. Mr. Utter was a stockholder in the People's Bank and in the Winnebago and the Second National. He was a man of great energy, and good judgment in business affairs. Mr. Utter died May 7, 1SSS. He was father of Mrs. J. M. Fraley.

Alexander D. Forbes was born in Perthshire, Scotland, December 13, 1831, came to Rockford in 1854, and in partnership with his father,

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

Duncan Forbes, began business on the water- power. In 1864 they established the first malle- able iron works west of Cincinnati. The father died in 1871. Mr. Forbes was president of the People's bank at the time of his death, which occurred March 30, 1902.

Major Elias Cosper, born in Wooster, Ohio, in 1824, came to Rockford in 1854, and entered the banking house of Robertson, Coleman & Company, as teller, and in 1857 became its cashier. Upon the outbreak of the Civil war Mr. Cosper sold his interest in the bank and entered the service with Company E, Seventy- fourth regiment. After the battle of Chicka- mauga he was promoted to the rank of major. Upon his return to civil life, Mr. Cosper, in com- pany with T. D. Robertson, Melanchon Starr, and John P. Manny, organized the John P. Manny Reaper Company, and was its manager. From 1874 Mr. Cosper was connected with the Rockford Tack Company, and was its secretary and treasurer. Mr. Cosper may be called the father of the public library. He spent much time in soliciting subscriptions and was a mem- ber of the board of directors for more than twenty years. Mr. Cosper had a fine private library of about 1,300 volumes. He died Oc- tober 12, 1900.

John G. Penfield is a native of Vermont and settled in Rockford in 1854. Since that time he has been continuously in business as a broker and dealer in real estate and insurance. Mrs. Penfield gave the lot to the First Congregational church on which the parsonage now stands. They have three daughters: Mrs. Charles E. Sheldon, Mrs. Helen Revelle and Miss Kate.

John P. Manny was born in New York, March 8, 1823 ; settled at Waddam's Grove, Stephenson County, Ill., in 1842; came to Rockford in 1852, and for several years he manufactured knife sections for J. H. Manny's machines. Early in the sixties he perfected several inventions, which were handled by N. C. Thompson. After the Civil war Mr. Manny became interested in the John P. Manny Company, in which he was asso- ciated with Elias Cosper, T. D. Robertson and Melancthon Starr. This company and Mr. Thompson paid him royalties upon his inven- tions, and the Mississippi River was the dividing line between their respective territories. Mr. Manny's income from this source was at one time $60,000 a year. He purchased the John S. Coleman estate on North Main street, which

was his home for many years. This property is now owned by William Nelson. While residing at Waddam's Grove Mr. Manny married Miss Eunice Hicks. George J. was their only son who attained his majority. He died in 1892, leaving one son, Dwight. Mrs. J. P. Manny died in 1864, and in 1867 Mr. Manny married a daugh- ter of Melancthon Starr. They had four chil- dren : Mrs. Charles Sackett, John Starr Manny, Virginia and Henry Manny. Mr. Manny died November 16, 1897.

John A. Holland was born in what is now West Virginia, and died September 29, 1855, at Mount Vernon, Ohio, while he was on a visit to his father-in-law, who resided there, in com- pany with his family. The remains were brought to Rockford for burial. Resolutions of respect were adopted by the Masonic bodies and by the bar of the city. The funeral was held at the Unitarian church on Sunday. Rev. Mr. Murray, the pastor, preached the dis- course. He came to Rockford in 1845, from Wooster, Ohio, where he had practiced law. He formed a partnership with T. D. Robertson in the practice of his profession. He was the attorney for the Galena & Chicago Union rail- road, and assisted the Illinois Central in secur- ing the right of way from Chicago to Cairo. Mr. Holland was an attendant at the Unitarian church, but was not a member. He was a man of comprehensive mind, great energy and sagacity, and always operated upon a large scale. He was a leading spirit in every public enterprise. The Holland House was named in his honor. Mr. Holland was father of Hosmer P. Holland and John A. Holland. His second wife was a daughter of Dr. J. C. Goodhue.

Charles Williams was a native of Massachu- setts, came to Rockford in 1855, and with his son Lewis was engaged in the hardware busi- ness. Mr. Williams was the war mayor of Rock- ford, serving from 1859 to 1864. His home was the residence now owned by John Barnes. Mr. Williams died in 1876. He was father of Miss Elizabeth Williams and the late Mrs. C. L. Williams.

William M. Rowland came to Rockford in 1855. He was a native of Connecticut, and when a young man he removed to Augusta, Ga., where he was interested in the Iron Steamboat Com- pany. Soon after the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, Hon. Alexander H. Stephens, mem- ber of Congress, informally received the promi-

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

nent citizens of Augusta. Mr. Rowland is said to have been the ouly gentleman present who did not offer congratulations to Mr. Stephens upou the repeal of that law, but assured him that it would prove a calamity to the south. Mrs. Rowland' was a daughter of Rev. Henry Wight, D. D., a graduate of Harvard, and for forty years pastor of a Congregational church at Bristol, R. I. Mr. Rowland died April 29, 1869. William L, and Robert C. Rowland were sons. The former, William L. Rowland, was graduated from Yale College in the class of 1852, and removed to Rockford with his father's family in 1855. When the public library was founded in 1872, Mr. Rowland was appointed librarian, and continuously retained this posi- tion until his death, September 27, 1900. Under his able and conscientious supervision, the library grew from an exceedingly humble begin- ning to an institution worthy of a much larger city. The Rockford Public Library is universally conceded to be unsurpassed by any other library in the country of its size, for the use of the student and specialist. The library is Mr. Row- land's monument. An uncle of Mr. Rowland, Rev. John B. Wight, a Unitarian clergyman, was the author of the first public library law of Massachusetts, enacted in 1851. Mr. Wight was sent to the legislature from Waylaud for the express purpose of securing the passage of this law.

Benjamin Blakeman, a native of Connecticut, came to Rockford in 1856, and carried on a lum- ber business, first on South Court, aud later on South Main street. About 1871 he formed a partnership with William Dobson, in manufac- turing. Mr. Blakeman died March 4, 1909. Mrs. Anna C. Vinceut is the only survivor of his family.

Col. Garrett Nevius, a native of New York, came to Rockford in 185S. He was a member of the Rockford City Greys, and in 1861 he enlisted with the Eleventh Illinois Volunteers, and rose to the rank of colonel. He was killed in the charge of Ransom's brigade on the enemy's works at Vicksburg, May 22, 1863. Colonel Nevius was only twenty-six years of age. Nevius Post, G. A. R., was named in his honor.

Robert H. Tinker was born at Houolulu, Sand- wich Islands, in 1837, where his father, Rev. Reuben Tinker, was a missionary, sent out by the Presbyterian church. Mr. Tinker came to Rockford in 1856. He built the Swiss cottage,

on Keut's Creek, the most picturesque home in the city. The plan of his unique library, on two floors, with winding stairway, was suggested to Mr. Tinker by his visit to Sir Walter Scott's library, more than fifty years ago. In 1870 Mr. Tiuker married the widow of John H. Manny. He was elected mayor of Rockford in 1875; and served one term. Mr. Tiuker has been interested in various manufacturing enterprises.

John H. Hall came to Rockford in 1855, and engaged in the grocery trade. He served the city as alderman, and as a member of the school board. The Hall school is named in his honor. Mr. Hall was father of Mrs. H. N. Baker, and Henry and Mrs. Helen Hortou. His death oc- curred in 1882.

Lucius M. West was born at Vermont Center, New York, June 19, 1820. He was united in mar- riage to Miss Sarah A. Sturtevant, of his native couuty. In 1858 Mr. and Mrs. West and their three sons came to Rockford. In 1862 Mr. West built the store now occupied by J. C. Peers & Son, where he carriedon trade in rubber goods and boots and shoes. About 1874 he engaged iu the manufacture and jobbing of au enamel car- riage top dressing, which has attained a world- wide reputation. Mr. West was actively identi- fied with the religious interests of the city. In 1875 he appointed a religious service for Wood- ruff's Addition, and for three years and a half conducted a mission school there, and furnished the building at his own expense. Deacon West was benevolent, and freely gave of his means to relieve the sick and needy. He died August 20, 1893.

Charles L. Williams was born in Chenango County, N. Y., October 20, 1828, was graduated from Hamilton College in 1847, in 1851 received the degree of M. A. from his alma mater, and came to Rockford in 1859, and engaged in a mer- cantile business. He married a daughter of Mayor Charles Williams and subsequently pur- chased his father-in-law's house on North Main street, which included the lots now belonging to John Barnes aud Mrs. Julia P. Warren. Mr. Williams took an active interest in organizing the public library, and from 1872 to 1878 he was a member of the board of directors. Mr. Wil- liams had four children : Mrs. C. R. Smith, of Chicago; Mrs. W. D. Williams, of Omaha; Miss Sarah, and Lewis A. Williams.

Daniel N. Hood was born at Salem, Mass., September 25, 1834, and came to Rockford in

Le. M. Dale.

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

1858. Prof. Hood was for many years at the head of the musical department of Rockford Seminary, and for more than ten years of this period he was organist of the Second Presby- terian church in Chicago. Prof. Hood now re- sides in Boston. Mrs. Frank D. Emerson is his daughter.

Gilbert Woodruff was born near Watertown, New York, November 20, 1817. He came to Rock- ford in 1857, and soon after he purchased and platted a farm which is now known as Wood- ruff's Addition. Easy terms of payment were given purchasers of lots. Mr. Woodruff was therefore in a real sense one of the builders of Rockford. He was president of the Rockford National Bank from its organization ; president of the Forest City Insurance Company since its organization in 1873 ; and president of the Forest City Furniture factory since 1875. In 1842 Mr. Woodruff was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Fay. They had five children : Mrs. Sarah Parmele, deceased; Volney D .; Mrs. Emma Ferguson ; William F .; and Mrs. R. W. Emer- son, deceased. Mrs. Woodruff died in 1877. In 1879 Mr. Woodruff married Mrs. Augusta Todd. Mr. Woodruff was mayor of Rockford from 1873 to 1875. He died October 2, 1903.

Horace W. Taylor was born in Massachusetts February 1, 1823, and was graduated from Am- herst in 1848. In 1857 he came to Rockford and was admitted to the bar in the autumn of the same year. For forty years Mr. Taylor was a well-known member of the legal profession of this city. In 1866 he began his work as master- in-chancery under appointment of Judge Shel- don. This position he held until his death, ex- cept an interim from 1872 to 1876. Mr. Taylor was elected a member of the legislature in 1878, and served one term. His death occurred at a sanitarium at Kenosha, August 29, 1898. There were two daughters, Mrs. J. R. Crocker, of Chicago, and Miss Ama. Mr. Taylor was the first president of the New England Society of Rockford.

Marquis L. Gorham, a native of Vermont, came to Rockford in 1857. He obtained a patent for a seeder manufactured by Clark & Utter, and for a corn cultivator made by N. C. Thompson. He was also the inventor of the first twine binder, the patent for which was sold to C. H. McCormick. Mr. Gorham died at Philadelphia in 1876, while attending the Centennial Expo- sition.

Norman Cornelius Thompson was born in Georgia, May 25, 1828. Mr. Thompson entered Yale College, and during his junior year his father's home and store were destroyed by fire. This misfortune changed his course in life. He came to Rockford in 1857 and built one of the largest manufacturing plants on the water- power. His immense output contributed in no small degree to the prestige of Rockford as a manufacturing city. He was a public-spirited citizen, and a generous supporter of the First Presbyterian church. Mr. Thompson died July 4, 1898. N. F. Thompson, of the Manufacturers National Bank, is a son, and Miss Norma C. Thompson is a daughter.

Thomas Butterworth was born in Manchester, England, September 6, 1827, and learned brick- laying in his native country. In his twentieth year he came to America, and landed at New Orleans. On account of yellow fever, he immedi- ately went to Cincinnati. He entered the employ of Stacy & Company, the proprietors of the Cin- cinnati gas works, and in their interest he was sent to repair the works in Rockford about 1856. The latter plant was then owned by Lane, San- ford & Co. He remained in Rockford and as- sumed the management of the works. He also continued the business of contractor, and built Brown's Hall, the old People's Bank Building on State street, and other buildings. He subse- quently sold his contracting business, and in time became the sole owner of the gas plant. In 1878 he was elected a member of the legislature. He died April 5, 1885.

Levi Rhoades was born at Hinsdale, New York, June 25, 1830. In 1847 he came to Rock- ford. He learned the cooper's trade, and during the war he laid the foundation of a large estate in supplying the demand for barrels. He con- tinued in this business until 1884. Mr. Rhoades was interested in many manufacturing enter- prises, and was a man of great force and execu- tive ability. He was elected mayor of Rockford in 1876, and served one year. His death oc- curred November 19, 1891.

W. D. Trahern was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, March 24, 1824. In 1848 he came to Rockford, and the following year he began the manufacture of threshing-machines. In 1862 Mr. Trahern engaged in the manufacture of iron pumps. Mr. Trahern was successful in business, a considerate employer, and was highly es-

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

teemed. He died November 2, 1883. O. P. Tra- hern is a sou.

About 1855 James S. Ticknor was appointed agent of the American Express Company, and held this position until 1SS1. He came to Rockford in 1854, preceded by his brother, D. W., who came in 1846, and taught school. The brothers were in the drug and book business a short time. J. S. Ticknor died September 18, 1899.

Among other well-known citizens who came to Rockford during this period were: Horace Brown, T. J. L. Remington, 1850; J. M. South- gate, Andrew G. Lowry, Horace Buker, 1852; William A. Knowlton Jacob Hazlett, D. A. Baruard, Samuel Ferguson, 1853; Henry Fisher, Melancthon Smith, T. W. Carrico, William aud George R. Forbes, 1854; George Trufant, George H. Denuett, Wm. McKinley, 1855; David Keyt, S. F. Penfield, D. S. Hough, H. B. Hale, W. H. Smith, C. A. Shaw, 1857; John R. Porter, 1859; F. H. Manny, 1859.

Other citizens engaged in active business dur- ing the fifties were: L. H. Todd, dealer in boots and shoes ; Thomas Ennett, contractor; D. Mil- ler, boots and shoes; J. W. Seccomb, books; C. T. Sackett, painter; W. G. Johnson, painter ; Robert Smith, hatter; J. B. Agard, grain buyer ; Joseph Burns, dry goods; Wm, Lyman, physi- cian ; John Fraley, druggist; Israel Sovereign, hardware dealer. James B. Skinner, who con- ducted a blacksmith shop on North Main street, became the founder of the manufacturing firm of Skinner, Briggs & Enoch. He was father of Mrs. C. F. Henry and Mrs. A. C. Gray.

The most beautiful home in early Rockford was that of Mrs. J. H. Manny, on South Main street. The "Manny mansion" was built in 1854 by John A. Holland. The grounds had a front- age of 325 feet, and extended from the northern limit of G. N. Safford & Company's lumber yard to a point below Kent's Creek, and were frouted by a stone fence. The beauty of these grounds was due, in large measure, to John Blair, a Scottish landscape gardener, who came from Canada. He laid out the grounds, and set the standard for landscape gardening in Rockford, and in this way he left his impress on the city. Mr. Blair subsequently laid out the grounds of the Elgin Insane Asylum. About 1860 this splendid estate passed into the ownership of Mrs. J. H. Manny. The fine estate which ad- joined Mrs. Manny's on the south was owned by

Rev. Lansing Porter, the first pastor of the Sec- ond Congregational church, He built the stone feuce which fronted the property. Mr. Porter sold this home to Elias Cosper, aud he in turn sold it to S. C. Withrow, who, in the course of a few years, completed a beautiful residence.

In 1853 the three-story, double-store brick block on the southwest corner of State and First streets, was built by Abraham I. Enoch, and his brother-in-law, Daniel Davis. Mr. Davis was a "forty-niner," and returned from California with quite an amount of ready mouey. In 1861, C. C. Briggs erected a substantial residence ou East State street. It was built of Milwaukee brick, two stories, with cupola, and ornamented by a veranda, extending the entire length of the building on the west. Its estimated cost was $9,000. It stands today like a deserted castle, frowuing upon the pleasant modern homes that have intruded upou its former spacious grounds.

Judge Church's substantial stone residence on South Avou street was built in 1857, and was in its time oue of the finest houses in the city. Gilbert Woodruff's spacious house was built by E. H. Potter. When financial reverses came to him, he disposed of the property to C. A. Shaw, father of Mrs. W. H. Worthington. The fine residence owned for many years by Mrs. David Keyt, south of the city, was built by Orlando Clark, of the firm of Clark & Utter. Allen Gib- son, secretary of the Rock River Mutual Insur- ance Company, built the residence now owned ·by D. J. Stewart. Mr. Gibson expended $20,000 in the construction of this house and later im- provements.

The Rockford Forum of July 7, 1852, appeared in mourning for the death of Henry Clay, which occurred June 29th. Bells were tolled upou re- ceipt of the intelligence. A mass meeting of the citizens was held at the courthouse to make arrangements for a public tribute to the memory of the great statesman. Anson S. Miller was chairman, aud John A. Phelps secretary of the meeting. Newton Crawford, William Browu, John A. Phelps, John Edwards, Seldon M. Church, Anson S. Miller and Mayor Wheeler were appointed a counnittee to complete arrange- ments. Memorial services were held at the Bap- tist church July 24th, Prayer was offered by the pastor, and Ex-Governor Bebb pronounced au eloquent eulogy. It has been said man is, as he is related to other men. Henry Clay could be measured by this standard. He was the greatest

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

parliamentary leader of his time, with Douglas and Blaine as close seconds.

The Forum a second time appeared in mourn- ing, for the death of Daniel Webster, which oc- curred in October, 1852. Although Mr. Web- ster's death made a profound impression throughout the country, it did not so stir the hearts of Rockford citizens as did the passing of Henry Clay. Men loved Henry Clay ; they ad- mired Daniel Webster. One moved men; the other expounded principles. The work of Web- ster is the more enduring.

An incident of the early Swedish immigration to Rockford reads like fiction rather than fact. The first Scandinavian settlers had come in 1852. An epidemic of cholera swept over the country in 1853-54, and Rockford was visited by the scourge. A party of Swedish immigrants arrived in Rockford in 1854, while the cholera was at its height. Some of them were cared for in the abandoned schoolhouse which stood on the East Side public square. The story is told of Mrs. John Erlander, who died October 21, 1915, that while going to a religious meeting on the first Monday after her arrival in Rockford, she saw a hearse, in which rested a cheap casket, with no mourners in attendance. Two days later she learned that the funeral was that of her father, who fell a victim to the cholera. The authorities had not notified her of her father's illness, fearing that she would hasten to the side of her stricken parent, and that she in turn would be taken ill. Her mother died from the same illness within a week, and her parents, to- gether with thirteen other members of the band which came from Sweden, were laid to rest in one row in Cedar Bluff cemetery. No record was kept of the names or location of the graves. Some of the cholera patients were cared for in a barn which Jason Marsh had offered for their relief.

Public improvements concerned the leading citizens very early. On September 6, 1854, the city council passed an ordinance for the con- struction of sidewalks. On February 15, 1855, a charter was granted the Rockford Central Rail- road Company, the incorporators being Rockford citizens. It was proposed to make a connection with the Illinois Central at Mendota, and run through Rockford to the Wisconsin pineries, and make a north and south line to Cairo. Piles were driven in Rock River at Rockford, for a bridge, which are now used by the Burlington company.

The route was surveyed, but no track was laid. The telegraph line was completed to Rockford in October, 1855. It was owned by the Chicago & Mississippi Company .. The line connected at Freeport with the line on the Illinois Central.

BAYARD TAYLOR'S TRIBUTE.

Bayard Taylor, in a letter to the Tribune, pub- lished in the spring of 1855, paid Rockford this generous tribute : "I last wrote to you from Rockford, the most beautiful town in northern Illinois. It has the advantage of an admirable waterpower, furnished by the Rock river; of a rich, rolling prairie, which is fast being settled and farmed on all sides, of a fine building ma- terial in its quarries, of soft yellow limestone, resembling the Roman travertine; and of an un- usually enterprising and intelligent population. Knowing all these advantages, I was not sur- prised at the evidences of growth since my first visit a year ago. People are flocking in faster than room can be furnished, and the founda- tions of two new hotels, on a large scale, show the requirements of the place. I was pleased to note that taste keeps pace with prosperity here, as elsewhere in the northwest. The new Uni- tarian church is a simple but very neat Gothic edifice, and the residences of Mr. Holland and Mr. Starr are very fine specimens of home ar- chitecture. The grounds of the former are ad- mirably laid out; there is nothing better of the kind on the Hudson."

In 1856 a military company was organized. under the name of the Rockford City Greys. which enkindled the enthusiasm of a large num- ber of the young men of the city. In the sum- mer of 1858 Colonel E. E. Ellsworth was engaged as drillmaster, and under his instruction the company attained a high degree of proficiency. In September, 1858, an encampment was held on the fair grounds, which continued four days. Companies from Freeport, Elgin and Chicago were in attendance. This company continued in excellent condition until the outbreak of the Civil war, when, under the name of Rockford Zouaves, many of the company volunteered in the three months' service, under the call of the president for seventy-five thousand men ; and as part of the Eleventh Illinois Volunteers, were de- tailed to garrison duty at Cairo and at Bird's Point.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 18

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn Publication date: 1903 Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 972

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 972