USA > Illinois > Cook County > History of Cook County, Illinois : being a general survey of Cook County history, including a condensed history of Chicago and special account of districts outside the city limits : from the earliest settlement to the present time, volume II > Part 29
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 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83
309
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
hands, they were so regular, round and abrupt. Dr. Egan was an Englishman and designed this tract after the fashion of an English country residence. He formally opened his garden in 1863. The rapid growth of Chicago in that direction soon terminated the dreams of Dr. Egan for such a home. Schools began to be taught there very early. Mrs. Ella Noble was one of the first teachers, and two men named Hogan and McCarty also taught at an early date.
Kenwood was a term applied to a portion of Hyde Park. One of the first settlers there was Dr. John Kennicott, who built a resi- dence about 1856. It was named Kenwood by Dr. Kennicott in honor of his old home in Scotland. The Illinois Central Railway company established Kenwood station a short distance to the east- ward. It stood at the foot of Forty-seventh street. William Waters, John Remmer and P. L. Sherman were early residents of Kenwood. The railway accident in 1862, when Judge Barron was killed, occurred near Kenwood station. During the '50s and '60s the locality bounded by Thirty-ninth and Fifty-seventh streets and Grand boulevard and the lake was occupied by many of the most prominent citizens of Chicago. Many had previously lived in the cities of the East, had been highly educated, were cultured in art and literature, and surrounded themselves with evidences of modern civilization. Thus Oakland, South Park, Kenwood and Forrest- ville contained many exclusive families. In 1871 a literary society was organized in Hyde Park and was attended by the most promi- nent citizens. It was afterward transformed into a lyceum and philosophical society. Connected with the same was a free reading- room. Early in the '70s a congregation of Methodists was organ- ized in this locality. A branch of the Young Men's Christian asso- ciation was established about the same time. The Forty-seventh Street church was dedicated in December, 1871. At that date the membership numbered eleven. The following year a Sunday school with forty scholars was organized. St. Thomas' church was or- ganized in 1869 with twenty persons as members. Father Bolles was the first to have charge of this church. The first building stood where now stands Kenwood high school. This was the commence- ment of the present St. Thomas' church at Fifty-fifth street and Kimbark avenue. The First Baptist church was located in 1874 on Madison avenue near the corner of Fifty-fourth street. A Scan- dinavian Methodist congregation was organized in 1880. Other religious organizations have from time to time opened in this por- tion of the city. The Hyde Park Herald was started in 1882 by Fred F. Bennett and Clarence P. Dresser. The Metropolitan Press Bureau was later published where the Herald had previously held forth. The South Side News was for a time conducted by I. S. Van Sant & Co. The Hyde Park Weekly Sun was another early weekly paper.
-
310
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
The locality known as South Park was at no time considered a separate hamlet or village, nor even to have definite boundaries. It was located in the vicinity generally of the present Jackson Park. Charles A. Norton located there about 1863. After a few other families had arrived the place began to be called Woodville, but with the consent of Mr. Norton the name was finally changed to South Park. The first station was in an old log building, and around it was little more than a swamp. The families of Fassett, Root, Downs and Wright located early in this locality. The South Park hotel was built about 1874 by a Mr. Hoyt, but was burned in 1883. Gradually as time passed the lands were cleared. Other families built houses and various business enterprises were projected.
Hyde Park is distinguished in particular for its park system, which is one of the most important, attractive and beautiful in the United States. An account of this system will be found elsewhere in this work. The Washington Park club owned the Washington Driving Park. This comprised a tract of eighty acres just south of South Park, between Sixty-first and Sixty-third streets and Cot- tage Grove avenue and Grand boulevard. The founder of the club was Albert S. Gage, through whose influence it was organized with a capital of $150,000. Buildings were erected an the tract laid out, and in time this organization became a conspicuous feature among the amusements of Chicago.
Oakwoods cemetery was established under the act of 1853. It was located between Sixty-seventh and Seventy-first streets and Cottage Grove avenue and the Illinois Central railroad.
Grand Crossing grew up at the junction of the Illinois Central and Lake Shore & Michigan Southern railroads at what is now Seventy-fifth street. Paul Cornell in 1855 purchased a tract there, and later lots were laid out and soon Grand Crossing was estab- lished. In 1871 two schools were located there under the auspices of Mr. Cornell. Among the first business establishments was the Cornell Watch factory.
Brookline was a term applied to the locality near Cornell, and was started about 1860. It was a subdivision by Charles A. Norton and Paul Cornell. It was west of Cottage Grove avenue and north of Seventy-fifth street. Families lived there at a very early date. Among the first were John and Orville Field, Peter Cudmore, the Nichols family, Peter, John and James Storms, etc. The name at first was Brookline, but as this was too indefinite the term Cornell was soon applied to the residences and business houses at this point. At a later date the name Grand Crossing was adopted, owing to the fact that there was another village in the state called Cornell. The first storekeeper there was Joseph Lawton.
The first religious services at Brookline were held in the railroad station in 1872. Rev .. W. H. Holmes conducted the services Henry C. Northrup conducted services there a little later. Mr.
311
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
Cornell assisted the small congregation of about ten or a dozen. A Sunday school of thirteen scholars was soon organized. The Catholic congregation at Grand Crossing was established soon after this date and before many years was large and prosperous. The first meetings were held at Social hall. The West Side Drainage association was located here in the '70s.
Cheltenham Beach was first known as White Oak Ridge, and later, after it was laid out, was called Westfall subdivision. It ex- tended approximately from Seventy-fifth to Seventy-ninth streets. A school was established at Seventy-fifth street and Railroad avenue. Religious societies held services there.
South Chicago had an early origin. It is located at the mouth of the Calumet, and in the eyes of many was a more suitable loca- tion for a large city than was the mouth of the Chicago river. The early French explorers were familiar with the Calumet river and realized its value. At a very early 'date it was proposed to build the canal along what was called the Calumet route instead of along the Chicago route. It is not improbable that Marquette resided on this river a short time before his death. It seems to have been a more popular resort for the Indian tribes than was the insignifi- cant Chicago river. The first proprietor of the land at the mouth of the Calumet was Ashkum, the Pottawatomie Indian chief, who was granted a reservation there. At this time the Indians ceded their rights to the west shore of Lake Michigan. As early as 1830 the Commissioners' court of Peoria county granted to Rev. William See the right to keep a ferry across the Callimink (Calumet), at the head of Lake Michigan, upon the payment of a fee of $2. He was privileged to charge for each wagon or cart drawn by two horses or oxen 75 cents, for each four horses and wagon $1, and each foot passenger 121/2 cents. It is probable that Rev. Mr. See did not conduct this ferry. At an early date Mr. Mann conducted it under the right of Rev. William See. Mr. Mann lived on the east side of the Calumet near Ninety-third street. In addition to the ferry busi- ness he bartered with the Indians for peltries and kept whisky with which to secure the possessions of the natives. Mr. Mann married Arksah Saubli, a girl having Indian blood in her veins. She was the adopted daughter of Antoine Ouilmette. A man named Hale was also an early ferryman on the Calumet.
In 1833 a survey of the Calumet and Chicago rivers was ordered by the government with the object of ascertaining the cheapest and most favorable location for the canal. Jefferson Davis, afterward president of the Southern confederacy, conducted the survey. In his report he considered the Calumet superior to the Chicago for the purpose intended. It should also be said that Stephen A. Doug- las and Louis Benton considered the Calumet region the most favorable location for the canal. Benton may have been influenced by his property interests on the Calumet. He had built there early
312
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
a store on the west bank of the river about sixty yards from its mouth. In addition he had built several cabins for employés and had made preparations so that if the Calumet river should be selected for the site of the canal he would be in a most enviable position as regards property interests. The chances are that the monied interest on the Chicago river outweighed those on the Calumet river and thus secured the coveted prize. Benton in 1833 platted most of Sections 5 and 6, west of the Calumet river, and this place became called the "City of Calumet." Others connected with Mr. Benton in land development were George W. Dole and Elijah K. Hubbard. John Wentworth, with property interests at the present Chicago, steadily fought against the Calumet region. In fact, nearly all of the prominent men at Chicago in early times were envious of the recognized importance of the Calumet region.
The subdivision of Calumet was filed in 1836. The following year George's addition to Calumet was platted. As early as 1835 Thomas Gaughan located in the little village. Benton's Land com- pany owned a tract from Eighty-seventh street to Ninety-third street and Commercial avenue to the lake. At this date the com- pany's store was in full operation. Mr. Crandall was an early resi- dent of Calumet and was located on the east side of the river and a Mr. Tuttle occupied a log cabin on the west side, and Mr. Stone was located near him. John Mann lived in one of the Benton houses. The company was all-powerful at this early period. It had means to put up buildings and to induce people by argument and means to locate at this point. Stephen A. Sexton was an early resident on the Calumet river. In 1836 a hotel was built at Calu- met. It stood close to Mr. Benton's store and was called the Calu- met house and was conducted by Mr. Benton himself. It is stated that a man named Spencer managed the hotel for Mr. Benton. In 1836 Jason Gurley bought the hotel property and thereafter con- ducted a reliable and well-patronized tavern. The stage line from Michigan City to Chicago passed by this tavern. In 1837 Mr. Gurley rented the hotel to Mr. Hampsher and removed to Chicago, where he later managed the Mansion house. The second tavern at Calumet was the Eagle, kept by Gideon M. Jackson. At this date (1836-37) there was an enormous travel between Michigan City and Chicago. The consequence was that the tavern at Calu- met had a very large patronage. It was at this time that the first great settlement throughout the southern part of Cook county was made. Many had come in at an earlier date, but from 1834 to 1838 the settlement was greatest in that portion of the county. Appro- priate mention of these will be found elsewhere in this work.
In the vicinity of Calumet is an elevation known in early times as Indian Ridge, where deceased Indians in considerable number had been buried for many years. This ridge was quite a promi- nent feature in early times near Wildwood, Kensington and Rose-
313
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
land. Numerous Indian trinkets and skeletons have been found on that ridge.
The travel had become so great by 1839 that there were strong demands for a bridge to take the place of the old ferry which had been conducted by John Mann. Accordingly a company was formed in that year, among whom were J. Y. Scammon and F. C. Sherman, who secured a charter empowering them to construct a toll bridge across the Calumet. The bridge was accordingly built and was a floating affair constructed of planking and timbers upon the barge principle. It was located at the foot of Ninety-second street and the river. The first toll-keeper was Gideon M. Jackson. Those who had constructed the bridge were well remunerated for their outlay, as the enormous travel gave them excellent revenue until 1842, at which date a new road was projected via Cassidy's residence, later known as Chittenden's. The floating bridge was damaged by a freshet in 1840, but was repaired and continued to be used until 1843, when it was again demolished by a storm. A new company was formed, however, and a better bridge was built near Cassidy's place, after which the ferry was no longer used. Cassidy was considerable of a sporting man, and his house was a resort of hunters and fishermen. Louis Benton built a bridge on Grand Calumet in 1836. It was on the present site of Hammond, Indiana, which locality was early called Diggings. By 1845 there was quite a large settlement at the mouth of the Calumet. As early as 1834 school was taught there and soon afterward religious services were held by the Methodists and the Catholics. Among the early residents of the town were the Kleinmanns, Spiers, Cul- vers, Rays, Taylors, and others.
In 1848 the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern railway was projected and surveyed through Calumet. The prospect of secur- ing a railway immediately increased the growth of the village. The station in 1850 was located and called Ainsworth. This was the foundation of the present South Chicago. So low was the country in that portion of the county that the railroad was first run on trestle work from Calumet to Englewood. Immediately after the construction of the railway the village became modernized and soon had permanent schools, churches, stores and shops. It was at this time that the citizens of Ainsworth were involved in the attempt of the railways to cut off Chicago to the north. Naturally the citizens residing at the mouth of the Calumet preferred to see that point the terminus of Eastern and Western railway lines rather than Chicago. Accordingly they loaned their influence to the movement to leave Chicago on the north and to make Calumet the principal city on the southern shore of Lake Michigan. More concerning this important step will be found elsewhere in this work. The district around South Chicago was thoroughly organized into school districts in 1851-52. As early as 1853 what was known as Ray school was
1
314
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
erected on the present site of the city. Among the first teachers was Cornelia Wheaton. Irondale, Taylor, Gallistel, Bowen and South Chicago public schools were creations of a later date.
The lighthouse at Calumet afforded a theme for extended com- ment for many years during early times. An account of the build- ing of this lighthouse will be found elsewhere in this book. The first keeper of the light was A. B. Dalton, who a little later was succeeded by Hiram Squires. The light was discontinued in 1855. Calumet harbor was projected at a very early date. It was con- sidered as early as the one at Chicago. In fact, many favored the one at Calumet and insisted that point had better facilities for a harbor than had any other point on the southern point of Lake Michigan. In 1836 a survey of the harbor was made, but nothing of consequence was done except some improvements until 1845. At the latter date the surveyors found that the lake had advanced a considerable distance eastward. It was not until about 1870 that money began to be spent to improve Calumet harbor. Thereafter several hundred thousand dollars were used to render the harbor more satisfactory to mariners and vessels. Many improvements and changes since the early times have been made in the piers and harbor proper.
South Chicago was really started as such about the year 1856. Several Chicagoans at that date, among whom were Elliot Anthony, John Wentworth, O. S. Hough and others, secured a large tract of land there. Soon afterward the Calumet Land Improvement and Irrigation company was organized for the purpose of draining wet lands, reclaiming the same, laying out lots, extending the limits and population of the town, etc. At a later date, by uniting with other interests, it became the Calumet and Chicago Canal and Dock com- pany, which in 1869 was duly incorporated. Of the incorporators J. H. Bowen was first president and the first Board of Directors were T. Bowen, O. S. Hough, Elliot Anthony, Sheridan Waite, T. L. Dobbins and C. L. Gregory. This company really founded the mod- ern South Chicago. Mr. Bowen was the leading power of the company. Beginning with 1874 and thereafter for many years the sales of lots at South Chicago by the dock company and by others were rapid. The postoffice had been established as early as 1853, C. F. Stewart becoming first postmaster. He also was justice of the peace in 1858. As early as 1857 the term Calumet, which had applied to the little village, was changed and thereafter the place be- came known as Ainsworth. In 1858 Michael Doyle was appointed postmaster and continued to serve for many years. In 1871 the name Ainsworth station was changed to South Chicago. In 1855 one polling place served for the towns of Calumet, Hyde Park and Lake. It was located at Berkey's tavern, Englewood. At this date Fred- erick Wright was supervisor, representing this portion of the county. The settlement became so rapid at Calumet that the people soon
315
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
demanded a separate organization and accordingly Calumet was duly separated from Lake and Worth.
Immediately after the Civil war, owing to the fact that several large manufacturing establishments were located at South Chicago, the growth became very rapid. Among the most prominent of these early establishments was the Northwestern Fertilizing company, which was chartered in 1867. In 1869 an immense lumber industry was located here. Previously from an earlier date large quantities of lumber had been manufactured on the upper Calumet and had been floated down the river to the lake and thence to Chicago. In 1869 pine lumber from Michigan and other points in immense quantities were distributed from South Chicago as a central point. Shipbuilding was soon an important industry along the Calumet. About 1880 the North Chicago Rolling mill was established and soon became one of the strongest manufacturing concerns in this portion of the county. The large number of workmen employed in these various industries added greatest to the population of this sec- tion. Among other works were the South Chicago Steam Boiler works, the South Chicago Wrought Iron, Gas and Steam Pipe fac- tory, the Robert Aitchison Perforated Metal company, Sutcliff & Bird's foundry, Benjamin, Fischer & Mallery, South Chicago Forge and Bolt works, and many others added vastly to population and to the business importance of this point. In 1873 South Chicago was made a port of entry. The tonnage in 1875 was 17,442. By 1883 it had increased to over 350,000.
Rev. William See, who secured the first license to keep a ferry at Calumet, was probably the first minister to preach to the resi- dents of Calumet. The Catholics also were there at a very early date. The first church was St. Patrick's, built in 1860, and immedi- ately afterward a school was started. By 1880 the parish con- tained 150 families and the school numbered several hundred chil- dren. The second church was Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran, or- ganized about 1871. The first Congregational church was founded the following year. One of the first important early schools was es- tablished in 1854 by George H. Bird, who graded his school and had several assistants. The Swedish Baptist church was started at a later date as were also the churches of the Swedish Methodists, the Danish Evangelical Lutherans, German Baptists, etc. The Methodist Episcopal society was well established by 1875. A Pol- ish society called the Church of the Immaculate Conception was founded at a later date. Since this time numerous religious organ- izations have supplied the spiritual wants of the inhabitants.
In 1874 the fire department became a prominent local organiza- tion. Yachting clubs sprang into, existence during the '70s. Secret societies, lodges, etc., have contributed to the social enjoyment of South Chicagoans. Numerous newspapers have been conducted here. Several have been called Enterprise, Times, Bulletin, Weekly Sun, Post, Independent, Tribune and many others. .
316
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
One of the most important modern improvements in the southern part of the county was the model town established by George W. Pullman. Under the law it could not exist as such, and after a time the workmen who had gathered there dispersed and the land was sold. The southern terminus of the belt railway is at South Chicago. This places that city in communication with all suburbs and every part of Chicago.
The first man, so far as known, to settle at what became known as Colehour was probably Charles W. Colehour, after whom the suburb was named. The boundaries of the somewhat mythical hamlet were never clearly defined. The locality was also called Ironworkers' Addition to Chicago. Among the first people to locate there were Michael O'Byrne, George Murley, Frank Degnan, Rodger Murphy and Michael Doyle. It is said that Father Kelley said the first mass at Colehour. The real growth of that place began in 1872, after the Silicon Steel company had started up. Taylor's Addition to South Chicago, not far from Colehour, be- came settled at a little later date. The first school consisted of fifteen scholars and was taught in 1874 in the Colehour German Lutheran church. The first public school was established in 1876. The first postmaster was Richard Lender. The first church build- ing was erected in 1875 by the Evangelical association. The Cole- hour German Lutheran church, also the German Baptist church, was built in 1876, and the Swedish Baptist church, founded in 1883, were early religious organizations.
The Colehour Loan and Building association did a great deal to build up that suburb. In 1875 the establishment of the Joseph H. Brown's Iron and Steel company's rolling mill may be said to have laid the foundation of Cummings. This little hamlet was located about a mile and a half from the mouth of the Calumet river. The early settlers in this vicinity were Cassidy, Woodman, James Car- ney, Samuel Roys, Joseph Rees and John Kleinman. The latter was in South Chicago as early as 1845 and owned the toll house at the old bridge. Cassidy lived near the Chittenden bridge; Mr. Woodman kept a stage ranch. The first hotel was built by Abe Kleinman in 1873. The boundaries of Cummings, like all the other early suburbs, were indefinite. The term was simply applied in a general way to a group of business houses and residences. It was located east of the north end of Lake Calumet and between that point and Lake Calumet river. George Phillips was another early resident. Mr. Riley and A. Hartman were others. T. Connors owned the first hall, where various entertainments were given. School was kept in that hall at one time. The first continuous school was located at Irondale and was opened in 1876. The Evangelical asso- ciation as early as 1875 had several congregations and Sunday schools at Torrence hall. The Methodist Episcopal church was built on Torrence avenue in 1880. The congregation of Welsh
317
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
people were there about the same time. Colehour lodge No. 7, A. F. and A. M., was established about 1878. The Cummings company began operations about 1883. The village of Hegewisch is on Sections 31 and 32, Township 37 north, Range 15 east; also Section 5, Township 36 north, Range 15 east, and a part of Section 6, Township 36 north, Range 15 east, on the east of the Calumet river, near the forks of the Grand and Little Calumet rivers. It was named for Adolph Hegewisch, president of the United States Rolling Stock company. This concern did much for the building up of this hamlet. Among those interested in the town site early were C. D. Roys, William B. Keep, Albert Krohn, W. H. Rand, P. M. Mather, H. P. Kellogg, J. W. Eschenburg, Emil Petersen and Herman Petersen. In a short time, through the exertion of these proprietors, the hamlet received an important start and ever since has continued to grow and extend its usefulness to the people of this portion of the county.
Riverdale is situated about fifteen miles from down-town Chicago and the site is located upon Little Calumet river. Almost from the start it grew rapidly and its business industries were numerous and large. . The first settler was George Dolton, who located there in 1835. Near him was an Indian reservation. More concerning the Doltons will be found elsewhere in this work. J. C. Matthews settled near Mr. Dolton the next year. Levi Osterhoudt, John Sherman, Frederick Bachmann and John Hansford were there as early as 1840. This little settlement at first grew rapidly. In 1848 Frederick G. Reich, Frederick Rau, Frederick Schmidt, Emanuel Goldschmidt and Frederick Nitzsche, Hollanders, located near this spot. Among the first transactions on what is now the village site was the platting of the place by David Andrews in 1868. The second plat was made the following year by several of the Doltons. As early as 1836 the County court, as will be seen elsewhere herein, granted a ferry license to George Dolton and J. C. Matthews. This became known as Riverdale crossing of the river. The ferry was continued in operation until 1842, when George Dolton and Levi Osterhoudt erected an excellent bridge, which became known to all travelers as the Dolton bridge. A toll was charged, but in 1856 it was purchased by the county and thereafter was free. Riverdale became a separate school district in 1867, although school had been taught there at the date of the first settlement. Rev. Mr. Williams preached there probably as early as 1838. It was so early and the settlers were so few that when he appeared prepared to preach, messengers were sent out to bring the few settlers together. At a later date the Methodist German Evangelical Lutherans, Catholics and others formed congregations. A postoffice was established there in 1873. A. Reich, Jr., became the first postmaster. As a matter of fact, Riverdale and Dolton were one settlement. They were so close together, one being a part of the other, they could
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.