Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 50

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

USA > Illinois > Winnebago County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II > Part 50

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In July, 1845, Charles I. Horsman received the appointment. The postoffice was removed to the West side, nearly opposite the Winne- bago House. The office has remained on the West side to this day. B. G. Wheeler was' appointed in May, 1849, and served four years. In June, 1853, Charles I. Horsman received a second appointment, and served until 1857. G. F. Hambright succeeded Mr. Horsman, in March, 1857, and held the office four years.

Melancthon Smith was commisisoned by Pres- ident Lincoln in 1861. Mr. Smith subsequently enlisted in the service of his country in the Civil war, and went to the front with the Forty- fifth Illinois regiment. He was first chosen captain of his company. The regiment was known as the Lead Mine Regiment, and went into camp at Galena. Upon the organization of the regiment he was chosen major, and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel. Colonel Smith won distinction at Donelson and Shiloh. During his absence the postoffice was in charge of Mrs. Smith. On June 25, 1863, Colonel Smith was mortally wounded at the storming of a fort at Vicksburg by General Logan's division. He lingered three days in a state of half-consciousness, and died Sunday morning, June 28th, in the thirty-sixth year of lıis age.

After Colonel Smith's death the local poli- ticians supported David T. Dixon as the logical candidate for his successor in the postoffice.

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

A petition, however, was numerously signed by of the Union, or who think that it is wise for the citizens, asking for the appointment of Mrs. Smith. Melancthon Starr, who was a cousin of Colonel Smith, went to Washington and pre- sented the matter to President Lincoln. The president endorsed her application, and sent a letter to the postmaster-general, of which the following is a copy :

"EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, July 24, 1863 .- Hon. Postmaster-General: Yesterday lit- tle indorsements of mine went to you in two cases of postmasterships sought for widows whose husbands have fallen in the battles of this war. These cases occurring on the same day brought me to reflect more attentively than I had before done, as to what is fairly due from us here in the dispensing of patronage toward the men who, by fighting our battles, bear the chief burden of saving our country. My con- clusion is, that other claims and qualifications being equal, they have the better right, and this is especially applicable to the disabled sol- dier and the deceased soldier's family.

"Your obedient servant,

"A LINCOLN."

Mrs. Smith accordingly received the appoint- ment, and completed the term. She became the wife of General A. L. Chetlain, of Chicago, and was a sister of Mrs. Julia A. Clemens, of Rockford.

Mrs. Smith was succeeded by Hon. Anson S. Miller, who assumed the duties April 1, 1865. Judge Miller removed the office from the Hol- land House to the Brown's hall block. He re- tained the office six years,

One of the most unique chapters in local political history is wholly unknown to the present generation. It was the refusal of the United States Senate to confirm Colonel Jason Marsh as postmaster of Rockford. On June 7, 1866, while Judge Miller was still holding the office, Colonel Marsh addressed a personal letter to President Johnson, in which he urged his own claims to an appointive office. He referred to his services in the Civil war and asked that in recognition thereof he be appointed either district attorney at Chicago or postmaster at Rockford. He told President Johnson he had always been a Republican, and concluded his appeal with this notable declaration: "But I am not of the class who question the integrity or sincerity of your purpose for the restoration

congress to have got up the unfortunate con- troversy now pending."

Several illustrious Americans have made their fatal mistake in writing a letter at the wrong time, and Col. Marsh signed his political death warrant in his message to the president. It implied a rebuke of congress, which had locked horns with the executive on the conduct of the government. President Johnson nominated Colonel Marsh for postmaster, and the senate of the United States, believing that the colonel had "bowed the knee to Baal," on July 23, re- fused to confirm the nomination. This incident is not only of local historic interest, but shows that the "greatest deliberative body in the world" was swayed in a minor appointment by the passions of the hour.

In 1871 Charles H. Spafford was appointed postmaster by President Grant and served four years. On February 20, 1875, President Grant sent to the senate the name of Abraham E. Smith, editor of the Gazette, for postmaster at Rockford. Mr. Smith was confirmed February 24, received his commisison March 23, and as- sumed the duties of the office April 1. In De- cember, 1875, Mr. Smith removed the postoffice to that part of the block on the river bank now occupied by the Register-Gazette.

The choice of a successor to Mr. Smith was informally determined by a direct popular vote of the citizens. Mr. Smith was a candidate for reappointment but he refused to go before the people. At a special election held Saturday, December 21, 1878, Israel Sovereign received 214 votes ; Thomas G. Lawler, 1,689, a majority for the latter of 1,475. The name of Colonel Lawler was sent to the senate by President Hayes February 19, 1879. He was confirmed February 22, and began the duties of the office March 15. Colonel Lawler was reappointed by President Arthur.

FREE AND SPECIAL DELIVERY ESTABLISHED.

On October 1, 1882, free delivery of mail by carriers in the city was established; and three years later, October 1, 1885, special delivery was inaugurated. Only three letters were delivered on that day.

On October 5, 1885, considerably more than a year before the expiration of Colonel Lawler's second term, President Cleveland appointed John

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

D. Waterman as postmaster, aud he began his duties November 2. Mr. Waterman's term ex- pired during the administration of President. Harrisou and Colouel Lawler was reinstated. Wheu Grover Cleveland was elected president a second time he again appointed Mr. Water- man. His name was sent to the senate De- cember 19, 1893, aud confirmed January 8, 1894. With the adveut of William McKinley to the presidency, Colonel Lawler was again appointed. His nominatiou was sent to the seuate January 13, 1898, and he continued in office uutil his death, February 3, 190S. Colouel Lawler en- joyed the unique distinctiou of receiving com- missions as postmaster of Rockford signed by five presidents of the United States: Ruther- ford B. Hayes, Chester A. Arthur, Benjamin Harrison, William McKiuley and Theodore Roosevelt. For a period of thirty years the postmastership see-sawed between Thomas G. Lawler and John D. Watermau.

Ou February 12, 190S, President Roosevelt seut to the senate the name of Howard O. Hiltou for postmaster to succeed Colonel Law- ler. The nomination was confirmed the same day without reference to committee, which was an unusual proceeding. Mr. Hiltou assumed the office March 6. He was reappointed by President Taft, January 23, 1912. His official term covered nearly two years of President Wilson's administration. Mr. Hiltou held the office uearly seven years, aud under three presi- dents. He retired January 25, 1915.

William H. Hefferau, the present iucumbeut, was nominated by President Wilson December 17, 1914, and assumed its duties January 25, 1915.

Fred Wheat is a veteran iu the postal service. He first entered the local office in April, 1866, and has thus devoted nearly half a century to this branch of the government service. There was an interval of fourteen years when he was in the railway mail service. He then returned to the city office, where he has since remained. He was assistaut postmaster from 1889 to the summer of 1915, when, under a complete reor- ganization, the office was abolished. Mr. Wheat still retains an important executive position.

The government building was authorized by Act of Congress approved February 9, 1891, and an appropriation was made by an act of March 3, 1891. It is located ou the southwest coruer of Main and Green streets. The laud was se-

cured by purchase February 2, 1892, for $17,500. The building was completed aud occupied Oc- tober 1, 1895. The cost of coustruction was $82,169.14. It is constructed of Portage red saudstone, and originally contained a space of 186,000 cubic feet. It has since beeu enlarged.

A few figures will indicate the magnitude of . the business done at the Rockford postoffice. The sale of stamps and postal cards for the fis- cal year eudiug June 30, 1915, was $262,000. The money order business for the same period amounted to $1,800,000. The postal savings for the year were $60,000. There are ninety-four meu permanently employed, divided as follows: In office, thirty-eight; carriers in city, forty- two; rural carriers, twelve. There are also twenty-seven substitutes, comprising six office men, nine city carriers and twelve rural car- riers. There are five contract stations, estab- lished as follows: No. 1 March 4, 1896; No. 2 July 1, 1899; No. 3 July 1, 1899; No. 4 July 1, 1902; No. 5 July 1, 1902. The East Rockford station was established January 1, 1911. Rural delivery was established July 23, 1900.

CHAPTER XXX.

ROCKFORD PARK SYSTEM.

A CITY OF PARKS-PARK BOARD ORGANIZED IN 1909 -TWENTY-FIVE PARKS, SQUARES AND TRIANGLES - SINNISSIPPI - HASKELL - HAIGHT - FAIR- GROUNDS-VOGT-WILLIAMS -- SUNSET - CRAW- FORD-KIMBALL-RIVER VIEW-BLINN-MYOTT- HULIN - BROWN - BLACK HAWK - SOUTH - SOUTHEAST - JOHN SPAFFORD - FRANKLIN - NORTHWESTERN - BOILVIN - LOVELACE POINT- LONGWOOD POINT-BEATTIE-TOTAL AREA -- COST OF PARK SYSTEM-OFFICERS OF PARK DISTRICT.

The statute under which the Rockford park district was organized was passed in 1895.

The movement for a park system for Rock- ford began in February, 1909. The Rockford club had just completed its organization wheu the question arose, "What are we here for?" The members were public spirited and ready for

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

business ; but where should they begin? Rob- ert Rew drafted a petition to Judge Reckhow, as required by law, asking him to submit the question to the voters. This petition, which bears the date of February 2, 1909, described the boundaries of the proposed park district as co-extensive with Rockford Township. Judge Reckhow thereupon issued a call for a special election, to be held March 27. 1

A spirited "campaign of education" followed. The officers of the Rockford club took the initi- ative and nominated the candidates for the first board of park commissioners upon a non-politi- cal basis. Public addresses played a part in creating park sentiment. Robert Rew made an eloquent plea before the Manufacturers' and Shippers' association, and repeated it in sub- stance before the Men's club of the Second Con- gregational church. Fred E. Carpenter also made addresses. The newspapers donated ad- vertising, and the citizens gave their services as judges and clerks of election. The proposi- tion carried at the election. There were 2,181 votes cast. There were 795 votes against and 155 blanks. The commissioners elected were Fred E. Carpenter, Robert H. Tinker, H. W. Williams, George D. Roper and Levin Faust.

PARK BOARD ORGANIZED.

The board of commissioners for the Rockford park district was formally organized April 20, 1909. The terms of office of the commissioners were determined by lot as follows: Fred E. Carpenter, one year; George D. Roper, two years; Henry W. Williams, three years; Levin Faust, four years ; Robert H. Tinker, five years. Fred E. Carpenter was elected president and legal adviser; Frank J. O'Brien, secretary, and Martin Kjellgren, treasurer. The terms of the secretary and treasurer were fixed at two years and they were to serve without compensation until their duties entitled them to a fixed sal- ary. The commissioners had no money. No tax levy was available, and no bonds had been ne- gotiated. A fund for immediate use was neces- sary, and three local banks offered to finance their operations. The Third National, the Winnebago National and the People's Bank and Trust company offered to loan the sum of $47,500 needed for immediate use, at six per cent interest. This sum was advanced by the three banks in equal amounts, on notes personally

guaranteed by individual members of the board. The rule was established at one of the first meetings of the board, that the treasurership should be given in turn to representatives of the several banks of the city, beginning with the three which had jointly made the loan above noted.

SINNISSIPPI PARK.

The first important transaction of the park board was the purchase of the "Rood woods." It was the option on this tract for a limited time that made the temporary loan from the banks a necessity. The owner of the property was the Hon. Edward C. Waller, of Chicago. The tract consisted of seventy-seven acres, for which the park commissioners paid $47,500. June 24, 1909, the park commissioners passed an ordinance providing for a bond issue of $100,000. These bonds were dated July 1, 1909. They were sold at par to DeWitt, Tremble & Company, of Chicago, and bear four per cent interest. The indebtedness at the banks was paid from the proceeds, and the balance was de- voted to the extension of the park system. The commissioners subsequently purchased forty acres adjoining from the Cassidy estate, for $16,080. Block one of Arlington Heights sub- division, consisting of six lots, adjoining the most beautiful part of the park woods on the south, was purchased from W. W. Sawyer for $960. A second tract was secured from Mr. Sawyer for $8,476.26. The total area sold by that gentleman was six acres. The entire first cost of the land of Sinnissippi park was $73,016.26.

Sinnissippi park comprises 123 acres. It is therefore the largest in the district and its area is nearly equal to that of all other parks com- bined. The park was given its name to keep alive the Indian name for Rock River, Sinnis- sippi, which means "clear flowing." A first- class roadway has been constructed from the north to the south entrance, winding through the park a distance of one mile. This roadway is built of brick on a concrete foundation, and was so constructed on account of the condi- tion of the sub-soil and drainage. The park board has adopted a rule requiring all vehicles to enter from the south drive and make all exits from the north. This precaution has been taken against accidents that are possible on

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

the stecp grade and short curves of the drive- way. A well has beeu drilled to a depth of 411 feet. A ten horse-power electrically driven pump has been installed, which can furnish 43,200 gallons of water iu ten hours' pumping. A 50,000 gallon tauk was erected. The park is provided with shelter house, golf links, tennis courts, baseball diamond and atbletic field.

CITY TRANSFERS PARKS.

January 24, 1910, the city council of Rockford, by ordinance, trausferred the management of thirteen parks, squares and triangles to the board of park commissioners. These parks are : Haskell, Haight, Fairgrounds, Vogt, Williams, Sunset. Crawford, Kimball, Riverview, Blinu, Myott, Hulin and Brown's triangle. The city did not convey title to this property, but turned over its maiutenauce to the park board, as pro- vided by the statute creating park districts.

HASKELL PARK.

Haskell park is one of the oldest in the city. It consists of two acres aud occupies a central position in the old resideuce district of West Rockford. It was given to the city of Rockford by Dr. George Haskell aud his brother-in-law, Johu Edwards. The former came to Rockford in 1838 and the latter in 1850. This tract was platted October 2, 1849. A street called Ed- wards place, uow closed, forms the southern boundary of the park. The commissioners have allowed the children of Lincoln scbool the use of a uarrow strip ou the south side of the park for a playground. The trees iu Haskell park are among the finest in the city. The larger number are elms, some of which have attained great size. There are, however, many native forest oaks, of great age aud stately propor- tions. These trees withstood the tornado tbat once swept the city, and the damage to the park was very slight. It was not until the park was placed under the supervision of the district commissioners that any attention was given to shrubbery and flowers. Interior cement walks have been laid, and they are appreciated by the thousands who use them every day.

Haskell park, with its shrubbery and flowers, its wealth of beautiful trees, through which the moonlight softly steals, and the music of laugh-

ing waters, leaping from the fountain, is a veritable "midsummer night's dream."

HAIGHT PARK.

Haight park occupies a position in East Rock- ford corresponding to that of Haskell park on the west side. It derives its name from tbe original owner, Daniel Shaw Haight, the first white settler in East Rockford. He came here in 1835, aud left in the winter of 1847-48. There is a traditiou, which has been commouly_ac- cepted, that Mr. Haight became a soldier in the Confederate army, aud that he died at Fort Worth, Tex., after the Civil war. All of origi- nal East Rockford was platted by Mr. Haight, November 7, 1843.

Fortuue has been less kind to Haight park than to Haskell. The older trees have died or been destroyed by storm. These have been re- placed by youuger growth, consisting of hard maple, walnut and ash. The natural soil con- sists of black sand three iuches deep, with a sub- stratum of gravel of considerable depth which canuot retaiu and store water to sustain growth in dry weather. The soil in the shrubbery beds has been changed to a heavy loam.

FAIRGROUNDS PARK.

The decline of the old time county fair pre- pared the way for the acquisitiou of its realty for park purposes. February 2, 1904, the Win- nebago County Agricultural society authorized its board of directors to negotiate for the sale of the grounds to the city of Rockford. A com- mittee representing the directorate addressed a letter to the city council under date of Feb- ruary S. This communication was signed by Wait Talcott, E. P. Lathrop and W. M. Kimball, who siguified their willinguess to receive pro- posals. Negotiations were prompt, and a deed transferring the property to the city was exe- cuted April 8, 1904. The consideration was $4,020, the amount of the indebtedness of the agricultural society, and an additional sum of $1,500 "to be used as far as necessary in the redemption or payment of the unpledged or un- donated shares of stock in said society uow out- standing."

Fairgrounds park, by reasou of its central lo- cation, receives a large patrouage. The board erected a concrete dam over Kent creek, that

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

affords a swimming pool in summer, and a skating pond in winter. The southeast corner of the park has been converted into a sunken garden, which contains perennials and a foun- tain. It is a beauty spot during the summers. A nursery on the west side of the creek fur- nishes hardy plants for the entire park system, and is kept stocked to its full capacity. The nearness of flowing water makes this an ideal place for the purpose. The beautiful drives about the park make it a popular resort.

VOGT PARK.

Vogt park is a triangular piece of ground at the intersection of East, North Fifth and Jeffer- son streets, and is perhaps the most beautiful of the smaller parks of the district. It was given to the city by Mrs. John Vogt and Mrs. A. E. Goodwin. Mrs. Vogt in her will also bequeathed $1,000 to the city, the income of which should be used in maintaining the park. This sum is invested in a city bond, which bears four per cent interest, or $40. It costs about $100 annually to maintain the park, and the balance has been made up by residents in the vicinity. Vogt park has therefore never been any expense to the city or park district. It has an area of 6,057 square feet.

WILLIAMS PARK.

Williams park is located in the 1400 block on the south side of East State street, and contains 16,074 square feet. It was donated to the city of Rockford by the late Brundage C. Williams, July 8, 1882. Mr. Williams was a descendant of Roger Williams. He died in Rockford a few years ago.

Williams park has been encircled with curb- ing, and the curbs of adjacent property have been improved accordingly. A prismatic drink- ing fountain has been erected on State street, which is surrounded by a wrought iron railing. Cement walks lead to and around the fountain.

SUNSET PARK.

Sunset park was created to meet the demands of the rapidly growing west end of the city. It is located north of Mulberry street, east of Albert avenue, south of Peach street and con- sists of four and one-half acres. That portion

of the park which was turned over by the city to the board was formerly the pesthouse prop- erty. Frank A. Ticknor, who platted the prop- erty, conveyed by quit-claim his title to a tract to the park board without compensation. The board has since purchased lots 10 and 11 in- clusive, in block 6 of Ticknor's subdivision, and that portion of Douglas avenue lying between the land purchased and the pesthouse property was vacated by the city. Sunset park has a baseball diamond and four tennis courts, and is a popular resort for the youth in that section of the city.

SMALLER PARKS AND TRIANGLES.

Crawford park or triangle is named in honor of the late Hon. S. P. Crawford, a former mayor of the city. Its area is 2,420 square feet.

Kimball triangle, on Fisher avenue, is named in honor of the late Henry P. Kimball, who owned property in that vicinity.

River View is more familiarly known as Waterworks park. The most attractive portion of this popular water front was sacrificed for the erection of a reservoir, which involved the removal of fountain, drinking fountain, several flower beds and considerable lawn. On account of building operations on the reservoir, the park could not be kept up to its early standard of neatness.

Blinn triangle is at the intersection of North Main street and Harlem boulevard. It bears the name of an old Rockford family, the founder of which was Jesse Blinn, who settled here in 1850.

Myott triangle is on Auburn street. It de- rives its name from Catherine Myott, a half- breed Winnebago Indian woman. Her sale of a section of land to Nicholas Boilvin in 1835 was the first individual conveyance of land in Win- nebago County.

Hulin triangle, also on Auburn street, was named for William Hulin, who settled in Rock- ton in 1838, and came to Rockford a few years later. He was clerk of Winnebago County from 1849 to 1855.

Brown's triangle is situated at the junction of Woodlawn avenue and North Winnebago street. The triangle has a fountain and an area of 1,890 square feet.

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

BLACK HAWK PARK.

The third notable purchase was what had been familiarly known as the "Lathrop woods," for which the park board paid $46,205. This tract consists of eighty acres, and became the property of the park district in 1911. It has been given the name of Black Hawk in honor of the famous chief of the allied tribes of the Sacs and Foxes, who followed Rock River into Wisconsin in his retreat during the Black Hawk war. The late Hon. William Lathrop owned the tract for many years, and planted a large number of trees. Among the varieties may be mentioned linden, walnut, ironwood, elm, hard maple, sycamore and haw. Among the climbers are bittersweet, clematis, wild grape and wood- bine. Nature has done much for Black Hawk, and the skill of the landscape artist will in time transform it into a dream of beauty. Black Hawk has a frontage of 3,000 feet on Rock River. Interior drives and shelter house are features.

SOUTH PARK.

On March 14, 1910, the park board purchased of George Cormack the real estate known as the Rockford Engine works property, in South Rock- ford. Additional tracks were secured from F. E. Mohns, Condon Thomas, Carter McCabe and J. T. LaForge. The last purchase included the Montague house. The park comprises five acres. Perhaps no other park in the entire district has been of greater service to the people. It is accessible to a large foreign-born population, which has given it a continuous and liberal pat- ronage. The total cost of the land was $5,256.95.

MANDEVILLE PARK,

This tract was a gift to the Rockford park district. The donor was Mrs. Harriet P. Gil- bert, of Fort Wayne, Ind. This valuable prop- erty consisting of three and one-half acres, is bounded by Montague, West and Knowlton streets. It was given the name of Mandeville in honor of the parents of the donor, Michael and Elsey Mandeville. Under date of October 24, 1911, the park board addressed a letter to Mrs. Gilbert, pledging that a fountain and bronze memorial tablet should be placed in the park to perpetuate the memory of these early settlers.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 50

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