History of Cook County, Illinois From the Earliest Period to the Present Time, Part 100

Author: Andreas, A. T. (Alfred Theodore), 1839-1900
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago : A.T. Andreas
Number of Pages: 875

USA > Illinois > Cook County > History of Cook County, Illinois From the Earliest Period to the Present Time > Part 100

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).

llave ) thư Bươoch Toun-a fre qontem of

ou enn mường Hofc shunt, thua đẹp for the firel

thịit Đơn co f tạiạn," lọ the Mathet fone. Gel-

through colemes and enlapre of words to per-

Lc Wright,

vig Lale County. We have bees ancamied to

409

HISTORY OF THE. PRESS.

CHICAGO EXPRESS.

VOL 1

MONDAY EVENING, OCTOBER VL 1958

CHICAGO EXPRESS.

PETANLILS AVAI Sİ EnDUIN.

FisionicaLs

VILLIAN W. ALLTETT,

----------

3.5.000 ft -

DUISTOL & POUTLIL

J YUU Ma ICAN CRI

wirIK FISH.

------------

694 AND .1HTEOVED TONIC FIXTURE

Ta to brit | | 40, the tạonten of the Tom

COCASELLIML A. ATTUBALY AT.LIN, .... .... .. 4 ..

Thế mal

GALERATEL

AUDITIONIC TERIVAL

. IL HILNEYS A WISPKOWY.

-----

DAMOLL'TION. -----

fr:INPUL & PORTER'

JUILLUN PABULL

Ordet 11, 14444 WEIN caxGacy ZATFE.

---

Det JURY & ROWAND.

PHIATING PAFTA

On N4.

Tor wilde

OFL 14. EL

C. U STALESTATOIL

DIOMY ELIYA

# CZNALLAND

TTINTOX & EUSOLL

NEW COOF".

AUTRE

a. n.Id

thứ 10112.

17W af bu bervid sal dinkle srl,

e. P. SALT. & Co.

PAULS LA BHI KRITT,

& BAWILL'S

CINICAOU & MONTELAL.

PRINT ---

T. KLXIMALL AR

FAC-SIMILE OF CHICAGO EXPRESS.

Diosted by Google

AANMELL ISH

Aster CuL

CLARKE & CO

Chp. On K ve &t

GAL.A. AC&

TAIWTTER ME loke +f.

B.F. Aurovee e Kop Terk Site

ALSO Ind

PRIVATL BANKT & 4 AND ISCHANCE

A WNI WALT APLLE

MIX ANDLEIUX

410

HISTORY OF CHICAGO

CHICAGO EXPRESS

..... l

...

-----

---

200

2(H)'

--------

----------

-----------

ms-₦

NO WILDFEL

--- --

--- - -----------

---

------------

1000 DTelu

arruLE.cuzain

-------

---

THE CHICACO RIBLE ROCKETS

ATRITE FITITE

FAC-SIMILE OF CHICAGO DAILY EXPRESS.

Din ed by 4 mogle

--....

---

----

#2·STUL IN THE 11FLR

... N.

-------

--------

-----

start

411

HISTORY OF THE PRESS.

Chicago

ln Journal.

Chicago, Iliseis Teesdas, September 4. 1511.

Tel. L 'Ao US.

1. A FLETES &+ 11.

JIC ICO DAILY JOURNAL.

--------

·LLitits .4

YIHÍ TUN PIRICL

100

------

. ....... . ..... .....

CONNISAUX KIEFICATA

SEN TOLE. ETICL & OSWEGO LESC

STEVETHILLS ALIXF.

T 1 2-1414, 1+

---------

--------

64 IF HITWA,WHILLILE A &T YTAA.

... .. y ........

Sal Tede

C. HAs

CINA ANTIOST A NTINGS Y.

:FESTATL ESSAIE ALLACHANGE

CORDIALI - PAHENCE BLECHAST.

NEW NICE

.... ..

1- 14.4

IL ICHIASUS UIALLLLL: 4 TITETS

--------.-

W.AL

.. 04

HIL

Het FaitA Ce. he

-----------

A.BIGELOW & C!

KI W URULEIT SEORIGI

EITULL 4 FORET DEY OLOUL

ENJOULANSTU

7000."

Sap AplY

FAC-SIMILE OF OLDEST EXTANT COPY OF CHICAGO DAILY JOURNAL.

Dioned by Google

"wwwgittw.

.......

1814

Mus utrtfes

-------

------

---------

412

HISTORY OF CHICAGO.

PRODUCTOSRY DOURYALA

٢+ CH

....

٢٢٧,١ ٠ ٢٠٠

----

.- 4.

---..

.. .

------

٢١٠

......... ......... ...

...

٢٠١٠

------

-----

...

٢٠٠ - ١١٠٠ ٠٢٢٢٣ ٢٣٧٢

Thị lus

ـموبك+١١ ١٠٠٠٠٠

ITENW

١١ ٠١٠٠٠

خراجه ك :

....... ...

مياه ساجدة بولجين بلحا شية .

FIRE TEAAS QUIETIMAL

--------

ALL SORTS OF 941 FrON.

١- ١٠ ٠٠٠٥٠ ١٫٥ ١١٠ ٢

------

# CLW

--------

----------

--------------

.....

ـرى

------ ------

منط ٢٠١٩

ـير وفـ

فجاء

-----

---

---------

--------

----------

-------

---------

Pon cores AtK REASP

----

--------

.........

PUTITON ASPUTNIEL

---

The be

-------

AR IEST & Lntone

EL MIA

-----

-------

1502

. . # MIRR

---------

.........

.....

----------

---------

--------- ٠٠ ١ كيلسم الشوق

----

1٨٠٠٠

...

----- ----

EDAN ILVE

-------

----

------

بيو جدا

٠١٠

---- r

FAC-SIMILE OF OLDEST EXTANT COPY OF CHICAGO DAILY JOURNAL.

413

HISTORY OF THE PRESS.

CHICAGO DAILY TRIBUNE.

MORNING EDIT ION

'CITY OF CHICAGO, DEOEM BER J8, 1850-

MORNING TRIBUNE

Seasal Ervier ofthe Trade and rom- cerca of Calrago for the fear )Nid,

barzin oor, ont 20,208 va-sele whogi were

----

Amcine .it ta. It is Bighly probable shut

there is santer cip in the Wait, of an ettal

- ... +

.....

ergo is nadar'ad through the agency cf tin Es.konge Lestere and Ratkers-1 city tes

? ag+4, ( realen hai tậpa tại an plara)

The thêm great overree and woesort s& lis

Ting of intern and obrat, atd a museus dal of. Es Int candle the flyvine

ELprospo ons forth of the top le tia

. .

ciem portionof the scale. · El erobert · The table dlee ' tury i'm alille bi

Icial of nusi pries for tig prar 2533 -- Ulat for the Rabal evoplus Gros Da. . 44

lelitved to le strkily' eur.et; nesliîng ter

Concorre, stb the rupptina of Lawler

so tona than who'd ofierer-o lave beca os wlis salt demised for than part, sory tale ... s ' Wbetterthan fet fo permier J'y;in the sky. Tha 6ch taser Cuisale ma

c Ralrand od Cand, of certain aruc'est

1 4 ...

punt par. The priest toglp sil

de el -tema. the won't in the bobule of balm

thọ porat & shots of the commerce of Ch+

forward frev'y Ly rocha dorne phes ion

the operat ete le thde depart arsi forthe prete

UN 444)

forå to pip beter priere 11 on thein person.

voie tis trade," Dop-o-ing an là den weigh

.. ..........

.. .........

... .......

to bep'ao arevert at the qrir ity tiesind

FAC-SIMILE OF OLDEST EXTANT COPY OF THE CHICAGO DAILY TRIBUNE.

Dionted by Google

---...

pieper. Tirve fçanta, sila the Bergeive

1La Collecte et Gia port. We bons ppeit-

ifhe proof t'ai fre ks bray so pfsta is D'as cury tros', ford ther esportsligne of

ser tejo were 1464, and the regis's s.d arbe

Kell be plerd in the bob's of Lake Colle talet faire

the zeta il szerint. Take, fot reatry le, 1001;

. .......

ta uwcl üe tfr of sat es )' vomsetre. The

I ute. What to bar ned som tin erchaty test d' is to dipped na tie

Th Alberg nome w, it+ lever

414

HISTORY OF CHICAGO.

...........

------

1 .

E porsonger rare. & vterle. 120 drat*

-------

FAC-SIMILE OF CHICAGO DAILY TRIBUNE.

Dionted by Google

.....

--------

ost 20 orwel lien Drergo, 6 olyantrots fot

-- ----

------

----

In+ 14

...

-44

Man tai 1 hn san Thực pin a le

..............

ĐÀ thực prat, tí Ca tio sỹ Thẻ lo cutveg / Quảng the etter cun of packing the process

cần cha thọ vật c ní the shop

ok teto of thu lagt: 49 Fre. & sprdi cui

415

HISTORY OF THE PRESS.

4.Perbe, ood to prime the anføring. bre

-------

Pare o raistoked ol Stvo Abeet 2000 kol

Se oppoleted to free up o gist of topicsi.

tại Market, 30 frei freet ky vị font dong.

A. C. Wal mnek

Boter ettynt, Tha trinto of the tori's skle

precoling por &Thepigle of that character

Wwet sul Welast minute dof det

J HL WOODWORTIL PHIL.

== ia ża chy Phal detele theis unde time to

Torv and derernane me to the bighoại dipõe

Coll 820.000. J. Rerekh 2, a[ Mw Terk

We tre phard to boro thet cing the

Arrival of the Strater iftira

·· 4 be Để Da Page coorty Phongh Phones-

a bolabe ingenel on the golfare and promper

ma. 000 Calici walnyent angling bol

Avrodr." Cool $4,000., Vrrodi-t, en lr

mening of The 4il day of Mytester, Itd.

|Ca coal during the grar soát. Thete Lee

elevate Il fronte to fret es Dearbare and ettrade bori 330 fort. Rost ted ofhome vist

A. Carter, antesst.

-------

Barvách the rip auch que & #1.20 per 100 | the (ym, Servert & Carlos Ists." Com

Ardres» A. Mgreb hang pal apa spe Ss'e

- Duces -Die Coad ant Hadnat an

FAC-SIMILE OF CHICAGO DAILY TRIBUNE.

Dioned'by Google

There in parktpo on Hotel is the Voce supe

tại bình bollớng co Webech Auster, dn

Lors Pat, Washington -tri ond takoch

Megel covived for tolle danng to save of butter appealing prostorden's to the poble

The mul sheimer Wedl rgtes Copl Ford,

Maken suce, H Dunlop bodde

416

HISTORY OF CHICAGO.

DAILY TRIBUNE MORNING EDITION.

REMO V.A.LA ... 0 .. J: ROSE

PRINTINGIFAPER

...

DOOTS. YOXOER LEATENI

LASTE FINDINGS &O .-

--------

Ma' orfar, December 21, HAJ0;

1.200 vaca Par.

HÌNHAS HALL K-

IN4DE AND COMMERCE ..

--------

----------

MARRIED ..

..............

For the cotiên, trẻ Đương V Tophe, Pay the

+ Treu via Hoạch, má tên, Chách hạn phong-

I'D. OLMITED

...........

JDBY GOODI!

---------- -------

--.....

FAT LOIT.

-----

.....

--------

ITTHE BAKERS

Of Ballıbary. N. H., Fler In Mambei

J. B. SANFORD Lake Strer !!

DRESS GOOPM.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY Mutual Fire Inversaes Company

....... -

...

-------

----------

------

-----------

-- ---

200

CUTLERY BONN CORDIDGE Randolph, Stree !!

-----

---

......

---

----

Cheage Aormal Sebeel. U. D. GLESVOS, Principal,

----

...... . .

---

........

----

-----

----

--------

----

.....

REMOV

FANOY GOODS FORITHE HOLIDAYI IT. O. CARTER

Pa. WELCH

------

-------

--..... ---

--- -----

PHILLIPS & CO.

+HENRY COLLA

-------

-----

---------

----

Lartery for the Holl'nye;

--- 4

------

and cher ta das, tis be svetrd vi tie fen

GET YOUR LIFE INELACO

av Tor Hate Boerring

........

---

....

.. ......

Carteb Grammar.

-------

..... ..... -----

---

சி க்கு

---

----

.......

-----

-------

FAC-SIMILE OF CHICAGO DAILY TRIBUNE.

Dioned'by Google

---- ---- 14

. ..

韩可 CO \0IT-Ax 市

Telegraphie birpat hies

Forming. . The · sier prin tre fort be the

------------

----

---.

---------

. ...

TOWN OF EVANSTON.

EARLY SETTLERS OF THE TOWNSHIP .- Until Cook County was organized into townships in 1850, the territory now comprising Evanston was included in the " Gross Point" Distriet, a tract of country which was of somewhat uncertain dimensions, but which was supposed to exist for the convenience of the voters. In 1850, when the township of Ridgeville was organized, it included the present towns of Evanston and Lake View. Thus it continned until the township of Evanston was formed in 1857, when the Wilmette Reservation was added to the latter. In 1859 this territory was disconnected from the township of Evauston and added to New Trier. It is this tract of country (known as the town of Evanston, since township organization was abolished under the consti- tution of 1870) that is to be spoken of hereafter, in matters touching first settlements and general early history.

In the year 1836 Phillip Rogers settled on the northern part of Sections 31 and 32, and must be ac- counted the pioneer of the town of Evanston. His laud is now a portion of Rogers Park. After ereeting a log honse he commeneed burning charcoal, which he brought to Chicago with an ox-team. He married in 1841, and his wife, Mrs. Mary Rogers, still resides on the old homestead, with her son-in-law, P. H. Tonhy. In Angust, 1836, Abraham Hathaway built a log honse at Evauston, situated on the present park, near the Presbyterian church, and soon thereafter con- verted it into a tavern. It is said that its reputation was not of the most savory character. James Carrol settled upon the northwest quarter of Section 30, but Edward II. Mulford had already claimed that tract by pre-emption, and in 1838, when he came to assume possession, he was obliged to drive off the " squatter " at the muzzle of a pistol. In the year 1837 Samnel Rohrer arrived with considerable live-stock, and first settled at Rose Hill, on the premises now occupied by Mr. Weber; but he soon concluded to move further north, and, in accordance with a superstition which he held, he set fire to his shanty before he left it, tliat he might have "good luck " thereafter. When he arrived in the neighborhood of Gleneve, which was then called by the Germans "Ewige Qual" (Everlast- ing Punishment), and saw the lake on one side, the "skokey " (swamp) on the other, and bintfs and gullies before him, he turned back to permanently locate at Evanston-on the southeast quarter of Section 25, now ocenpied by John Muno. Here Mr. Rohrer lived nutil in 1847, when he bonght a part of the school section of Niles. In 1838 Edward HI, Mulford, who had ejected JJames Carroll from his claim, built a tavern, and old settlers who are now living assert that his charges were exceedingly high, although his accommodations were good. About this time James and John Carney settled on the sonthwest quarter of Section 18, which now " includes the most valuable residence portion of the village of Evanston, In 1839 Otis Mann settled in the neighborhood of Mr. Merrill's residence,

and John Zender located on the southeast quarter of Section 31, a little south of Rogers' Park. Paul and George Pratt settled on the northwest quarter of Sec- tion 18, and built their house where Briennan's black- smith shop stands in Evanston. Peter Schmitt located himself west of Rogers Park, on the northwest quarter of Section 31. Edward Murphy, supervisor for a number of years, bought a claim of Moses Trader, and settled on it. O. A. Crain came to South Evanston in 1840, and in 1842 his brother Charles arrived, purchased a farm and learned the cooper's trade of William Foster, working at it for twelve years. George W. Huntoon, a Constable from Chicago, settled near the center of Section 19, where South Evanston now stands, in 1841. Jacob Phillips bonght fifty acres west of Rogers Park during the next year, and still resides there. In 1843 John O'Leary and Ed- ward Davlin made their home on the northeast quarter of Section 30,' the site of Calvary Ceme- tery being a portion of the land which they then purchased. From 1844 to 1847 David Hood, John Beck, Peter Bletsch, Heury Fortmann, Joseph Klein, John Tillman, Henry Reinberg, Michael Breit, Peter Rinn, Frank Schmitt, and Peter Muno settled along the so-called "ridge " between Rose Hill and Evans- ton. In fact, until the village of Evanston was platted and the site drained by the Drainage Commissioners, the settlements in the present town were generally confined to the territory along the ridge.

TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION .- The town of Ridge- ville (or "Ridgevill," as it is called in the old records,) was one of the first to be organized under the act of 1849, which went into effect in April, 1850. The first election was held on the second of that month, the Moderator, Ebenezer Bennet, "making proclamation in a loud voice," at the door of George Reed's house, that the polls were open, ready for the reception of votes. Up to the time of closing the polls (6 o'clock r. M.) ninety-three votes were cast, Edward Murphy being elected Supervisor : S. S. Bil- lings, Town Clerk ; Peter Smith and E. II. Mulford, Justices of the Pence ; Phillip Rogers, Assessor ; Jacob Smith, Collector : Otis Munn, Overseer of the Poor, and David Woud, Charles Miller and Martin Young, Com- missioners of Highways; Andrew Faber and Jacob Smith, Constables.

Having been appointed a committee for this pur- pose, the Moderator and Clerk divided the township into four districts. Messrs. Pratt, George W. Hun- toon. Isaae Burroughs, Edward Murphy and Jacob Smith were appointed a committee on " animals run- ning at large," and reported that to the best of their judgment all eattle and horses should be shut up during the months of December, January and Feb- ruary, and hogs and geese during the entire year, the law to tuke effeet on and after May 1. It was decided by the township legislators, also, to establish two pounds, one in each end of the township W. B. Huntoon, Jacob Hartman, John Moore and Abram Snyder were elected Overseers of Highways in the 417

Diosted by Google

418

HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY.

four districts, and David W. Burroughs and David Hood, Ponnd-masters.

Soon after the assembling of the township Solons in their first meeting, a special one was held, at which Clerk Billings " proclaimed that the sum of $175 was necessary to defray the expenses of the town." But the Board, by a vote of six to two, refused to raise the amount. At the next meeting. held on May 25, the town was more fortunate, it being resolved to raise " #200 to defray general expenses and for the survey of tlie . Ridge road."" In July and August Joseph E. Thompson, Deputy County Surveyor, by order of the Highway Commissioners, surveyed not only this road, bnt a number of other minor highways in the town.

In April, 1851, the new townsllip organization act went into effect. Although it repealed the one passed in 1849 and anthorized any county at any general election. to adopt township organization, it retained the provisions of the previons act. Under the new law Edward Murphy was elected Supervisor of the township and Samnel S. Billings, Olerk. The act further provided for the election of one Assessor, one Collector, one Overseer of the Poor, three Commissioners of Highways, two Constables, two Justices of the Peace, " as many Overseers of Highways as there are road districts, and as many Poundmasters as the electors may determine." Any town having 800 or more votes was entitled to one additional Supervisor, and each town constituted an election precinct.

The remaining officers of the town of Ridgeville were : Jacob Smith, Collector ; Phillip Rogers, Assessor ; Overseer of the Poor, Matthias Dunlap; Commis- sioners of Highways, Andrew Faber, John Bugner and Otis Munn; Constables, Andrew Faber and Jacob Hartman ; Justices of the Peace, Peter Smith and Ed. HI. Mulford.

As a specimen of an oath required to be taken by the officers of these times, the following is of interest :

"Peter Smith, having been elected Clerk of the town of Ridgeville, made the following affidavit before Ebenezer Ben- net. J. P., on the 9th day of April, 1853; 'I do solemnly swear that I have not fought a duel, uor sent or accepted a challenge to fight a duel, the probable issue of which might have been the death of either party, noz been a second to either party, nor in any manner nided or assisted in such duel, nor been knowingly the bearer of such challenge or ac- ceptance, since the adoption of the constitution, and that I will not be so engaged or concerned directly or indirectly in or about any such duel during my continuance in office. So help me God.""

The first recorded assessment of the township was made by Mr. Rogers in 1853, and the value of its tax- able property was placed at $6,000. Among the property owners then assessed are the following still living in the town of Evanston: William Foster, Eli Gaffield, Paul Pratt, Mrs. Pratt, O. A. Crain, Charles Crain, G. W. Inntoon, Peter Muno, John O'Leary, Patrick Goodwin, Jacob Phillips, Peter Smith, Sr., Anton Haskamp and John Georges. Edward Murphy acted as Supervisor until April, 1855, when George W. Huntoon was clected, serving three years.

The town of Evanston was organized from Ridge- ville in April, 1857. Edward Murphy, A. Haskamp and W. S. Steele held a meeting at the ollice of the Town Clerk, J. B. Colvin, and divided the town into four road districts. Messrs. Reynolds and Colvin con- tinued to act as Supervisor aud Clerk respectively until November, 1860, when Edwin Haskins was elected to the former and J. M. Hill to the latter position. Mr. Haskins was re-elected in November, 1861, but re- signed before the conclusion of his term, and was suc-

ceeded by G. F. Foster. In November, 1860, J. M. Hill was chosen Clerk. Mr. Hill was succeeded by J. W. Clongh in November, 1861, who resigned in Feb- ruary, 1862. L. Clifford, who was appointed in his place, continned to serve until November, 1864. E. Haskins was elected Supervisor in November, 1862. and was succeeded by E. S. Taylor, who served for three years. E. A. Clifford acted as Clerk until 1873, wlien J. R. Fitch was chosen to the position. George W. Reynolds acted as Supervisor from November, 1866, to November, 1870, and Eli A. Gage from 1870 to 1874 inclusive.

At the annual election in April, 1874, A. J. Grover was elected Supervisor, and J. R. Fitch, Clerk. From that date until the present time Mr. Fitch has served as Town Clerk. The Supervisors have been J. O. Humphrey, elected in 1876, removed from torm in November of that year, and James Currey appointed in his place: George W. Huntoon, Jr., 1877, and Max Hahn, the present incumbents, elected in April, 1878.

The present town officers are as follows : Supervisor, Max Hahn; Assessor, John A. Pearsons; Collector, Joseph M. Lyons ; Clerk, J. R. Fitch ; Highway Com- missioners, Samuel Reed, Dominick Schreiber, John C. Murphy ; Justices of the Peace, James Currey, J. A. Hoisington, George Kearney, W. L. McGarry, John C. Murphy ; Constables, George W. Franklin, William Carney, B. F. Berry and Ed. Murphy.

EARLY SETTLERS OF EVANSTON VILLAGE .- The building of the Chicago & Milwaukee Railroad through the county, in the summer and fall of 1854, caused a rapid settlement of the country along its line. The road reached Evanston in September of that year, and was opened to Wankegan January 1, 1855. The survey of the road brought to the site of Evanston one of its earliest and best known citizens, George Kearney. The young man accompanied hia brother, who was contractor for the construction of the road, and he decided to settle here. This was in April, 1854, and he accordingly located upon the land where he now lives, north of Emmerson Street and west of Ridge. The house which he built in 1855 is still his home.

At the time of Mr. Kearney's arrival, which was just previous to the platting of the town, there were living within the present limits of the village of Evanstou a number of farmers who are still residents. Paul Pratt and family were settled upon a piece of land which would be on the corner of Leon Street and Ridge Avenne, it being now occupied by M. Merrill. Eli Gaflleld resided then as now in a locality north of Foster Street and east of Ridge Avenne. Mrs. Eliza. beth Pratt, sister of Mr Gaffield, built a new frame house that year upon land which lies south of Emer- son Street and west of Ridge Avenue. John Carney, brother of James, and father of the village police officers, owned and lived upon his land west of Ridge Avenue and north of Dempster Street. South of Mr. Carney lived, and still lives, Charles and Ogro A. Crain.

The house now occupied by S. V. Kline, west of Ridge Avenue and south of Lincoln Avenne, was then the residence of William Foster, who was both farmer and cooper. Mr. Foster is still living in the immedi- ate vicinity. South of Mr. Foster's place, on the weat . side of Ridge Avenne, lived David Burroughs and family. Next south, on the west side of the Ridge, was Mrs. Jellerson, widow of O. Jellerson, and then Panl Pratt. Shortly afterwards Mr. Kearney's house was built south of Mr. Pratt's,

419

TOWN OF EVANSTON.

Anthony Haskamp lived east of the ridge and north of the present Central Avenue.

Dr. John H. Foster, of Chicago, who had owned a large tract of land north of Dempster Street and east of Sherman Avenue, had sold it to the trustees of the Northwestern University, and, as the ouly spot fairly above " swamp level," it had recently been laid out into lots by Rev. Philo Judson, agent of that institu- tion, and also a well-known preacher. In the spring of 1854 upon all this tract of nearly three hundred and eighty acres there was only one little honse situated upon the present campus grounds of the University. South of the Dr. Foster purchase was the farm owned by Abram Snyder, the father of Mrs. George H. Montieth and Mrs. S. Il. Densmore. S. S. Billings resided on the corner of Ridge and Central avenues, being one of the old settlers who has deserted Evanston, as have also Isaac and D. W. Burroughs, An- drew Robinson, John Spence and a few others, who composed the Evauston of 1854. 'In that year D. W. Bur- roughs kept the post-office in the house where Alonzo now lives, and brought the mail once a week, on horse- back, from Chicago. The next year the railroad brought so many new comers that mail service was iu- creased to twice a week.

The first public school had been maintained for several years, being located in a log building, corner of the present Ridge Avenue and Greenleaf Street. Henry Clark, a farmer who had located on the north half of the northwest quarter of Section 19, in Feb- ruary, 1841, had sold it to the town of Ridgeville for a burying-ground and a site for a school-house and church. Here in July, 1854, the first quarterly con- ference of the Methodist Episcopal Church for Evans- ton was held. The land upon which the school-house and church stood is now platted in Pitner's addition.

Except the land lying along the ridge aud the University grounds, the present village site, in 1854, was low, wet, swampy ground. But under the act passed in 1852, tlie drainage commissioners were at work during 1854-55 to reclaim the land. They dug one ditch from the ridge east to the lake, along what would now be Milburn Street, and they dug another running from near Winnetka, northeast and southwest to a slough which emptied into the North Branch of the Chicago River. By these means the low lands of the village site were made habitable, although it was not for many years afterward-until the town com- menced to raise and grade her streets-that it was considered fairly " out of the wet."

Among the pioncer merchants who flourished about this time were Charles Wilson, who kept a tavern and general store on Ridge Avenue, north of Noyes Street (Section 7); and Philo Judson, whose building was situated npon the site of W. C. Garwood's drug store. The upper part of the structure was used by the Methodist Episcopal Church for religious services.

ORIGINAL TOWN PLAT .- The origin of the town of Evauston is traced to the successful efforts of those who founded the Northwestern University. In the summer of 1853 a committee appointed from that institution to select an appropriate university and vil- lage site, fixed upon the land then owned by Dr. John H. Foster, of Chicago. It was beautifully located, along the lake shore, and comprised what is now the principal portion of the University grounds and a large part of the corporate territory of the village. During the fall and winter of 1853 Rev. Philo Judson platted the purchase. comprising three hundred and seventy-nine acres. Early the next year the two hun-

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.

History of Cook County, Illinois From the Earliest Period to the Present Time, Part 100

Author: Andreas, A. T. (Alfred Theodore), 1839-1900 Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Chicago : A.T. Andreas Number of Pages: 875

Author: Andreas, A. T. (Alfred Theodore), 1839-1900
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago : A.T. Andreas
Number of Pages: 875