USA > Illinois > DuPage County > History of Du Page County, Illinois 1876 > Part 8
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Ehle, Austin J.
Ehle, John H., died at Alexandria, Va., April 1862.
Eggist, Christopher, transferred to Co. M.
Fink, Barney H., Addison.
Fournier, Euseba, veteran.
Gannon, Thomas, veteran.
Gerhardt, Livingstone E., reported dead.
Goodwin, Wm. W.
Giedman, Henry, Addison.
Hackendorf, Henry.
Hues, Elkhannon, veteran.
Kollinan, Henry, transferred to Co, M.
Kohn, Frederick, transferred to Co. M.
Landon, Allen S.
Landon, Charles, veteran.
Lawrance, Dennis.
Landing, Dedrich, York, veteran.
Muzzy, Emeric O., died at Alexandria, Va., Feb. 7th, 1862.
Meacham, Sylvester.
Mund, Dedrich, York, died at Andersonville prison Sept. 6th, 1864, of grave 7989.
McIntosh, Hugh, veteran.
Nasn, De Witt.
Northrup, Albert, promoted corporal.
Noon, John, veteran. Pierce, Wm. D., transferred to Co. H.
Pflarger, August, veteran.
Rickert, Jacob D. Rave, Wm. D. Rode, Ernst, York.
Sedgwick. Estus P., died at Alexandria, Va., March 1862.
Seegus, Henry, killed at Culpepper, Va., Aug. 1863.
Teimer, Herman, Addison.
Thorn, Alex. P , Wayne.
Volke, John, Addison, died at Washington, D. C., Oct. 26th, 1862.
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HISTORY OF DU PAGE COUNTY.
Weaber, Benj. F., killed near Boonsboro', Md., July 8th, 1863. Weaber, Wm. Wilk, Henry, veteran. Wedmeir, Henry, veteran.
Woodworth, Henry, Wayne, veteran.
Way, Edmond, transferred to Co. M.
Wright, Sylvester.
Bonheimer, Henry, veteran, Nov. 30th, 1863.
Bye, Wm., veteran, Nov. 30th, 1863.
Clarke, Charles S., veteran, Jan. Ist, 1864.
Dunning, Andrew, Addison, veteran, Jan, Ist, 1864, promoted Ist lieutenant.
Lewis Fehrman, veteran, Dec. 20th, 1863, promoted corporal.
Fehrman, August, Addison, veteran, Jan. Ist, 1864.
Rave, August, veteran, January Ist, 1864.
Schneder, Frederick, veteran, Nov. 30th, 1863.
Weidmore, Henry, veteran, Nov. 30th, 1863.
Binso, Wm., Oct. 13th, 1864.
Dunning, Samuel N., Addison, Feb. 24th, 1864.
Elbert, Wm., Addison, Oct, 8th, 1864.
Miner, Wm., Oct. 14th, 1864.
Reinhardt, Henry, Addison, Oct. 8, 1864.
COMPANY E.
Kelley, Elisha S., Milton, captain, promoted major.
Flagg, Benj. L., Milton, Ist lieutenant. Taylor, Woodbury L., Milton, 2d lieutenant, promoted Co. L.
Buck, Daniel W., Naperville, Ist sergeant, promoted captain. Foster, George, Milton, Q. M. Sergt., veteran.
Jones, Marcellus E., Milton, sergeant, promoted 2d lieutenant.
Smith, Samuel W., Naperville, sergeant, promoted captain.
Hines, Thomas S., Naperville, lieutenant.
Mott, Merritt, Milton, sergeant. Whitaker, Owen, Milton, corporal, veteran.
Harner, Benj. F., Naperville, corporal, promoted sergt., wounded. Overholzer, Samuel, Naperville, corporal.
Fosha, George, Naperville, corporal, veteran.
Riddler, Alex. McS. S., Naperville, promoted Jieut.
Crosby, Frank, Milton, corporal.
Ackley, Frank M., Milton, corporal, veteran.
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EIGHTH CAVALRY REGIMENT.
McNorth, George S., Winfield, corporal, veteran.
Lund, Henry, Milton, bugler, promoted chief bugler. Bond, Samuel, Naperville, farrier, veteran. Brooks, Edwin H., Milton, veteran. Bartholomew, George W., Winfield, promoted chief bugler. Benjamin, Henry H., Lisle. Burnham, Remembrance, veteran. Cooley, Herbert, Milton, veteran. Clark, Corbet, Milton. -
Chadwick, William H., Milton, veteran.
Churchill, William H., York. Ditzler, Eli H., Naperville. Davis, Samuel, Milton.
Dense, Darwin, Milton, veteran.
Dissenger, Aaron, Naperville. Dodge, Horace O., Milton. Foster, James, Winfield.
Franks, Benjamin, Naperville, veteran.
Flagg, Sewell, Milton, promoted sergeant, killed near Manassas, Va., Oct. 15, 1863.
Farrar, Judson, Downer's Grove, died at Alexandria, Va., June 18, 1863, of wounds.
Guio, Augustus, Milton. Gross, Daniel N., Lisle, wounded, foot amputated.
Gates, Jacob, Downer's Grove. Hardy, Edgar A., Milton, veteran. Hart, Horace, Milton, veteran.
Hymes, Jacob, Naperville. Hale, James O., Winfield, veteran. Hughes, Morgan, Naperville, veteran. Hector, Frank, Milton, transferred to Co. A. Howell, Charles, Downer's Grove, promoted corporal. Havens, John W., Downer's Grove, veteran. Hyde, James, Naperville, veteran, Heim, George, Lisle, veteran. Jewell, Solomon W., Milton, wounded. Jones, Wm., Milton, promoted sergeant. Jepperson, Herman K., Winfield, veteran. Jacob Kockly, Naperville, veteran. Kelley, Benton J., Milton.
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HISTORY OF DU PAGE COUNTY.
Kinzie, Abram A., Naperville, veteran.
Loser, Wm., Naperville, veteran.
Loser, John, Naperville, veteran.
Mott, Gilbert, Milton, veteran.
Meacham, Frank, Milton.
Mertz, Franklin B., Naperville.
Mills, Geo. A., Milton, died at Alexandria, on Feb. 22d, 1862.
McCauley, Augustus, Naperville.
McMillan, Daniel, Downer's Grove.
Plummer, Benj., York.
Polson, Emerick, Milton,
Potter, Nelson A., Milton, transferred to Co. A.
Plant, Roswell, Naperville, veteran.
Plant, Charles, Naperville, wounded.
Pinches, Wm., Downer's Grove, promoted corporal.
Perry, John, Downer's Grove.
Persem, George, Naperville, killed at Funkstown, Md., July 10th, 1863.
Ringman, Geo., Milton, killed at Morton's Ford, Va., July Ist, 1863. Rogers, Francis A., Downer's Grove.
Styler, Charles, Milton, died at Alexandria, Va., July Ist, 1863, wounds.
Strouse, Lewis, Lisle, veteran.
Snyder, Daniel, Lisle, killed at South Mt., Md., Sept. 14th 1862. Stoner, John, Naperville, veteran.
Schæffer, Levi S., promoted sergeant.
Stevens, Abraham, Winfield.
Schuster, Franklin, Milton, veteran.
Tobias, Wm. J., Naperville, veteran.
Wheeler, Allen, Downer's Grove. Wentworth, Henry, Winfield.
Weicoman, Curtis S., Milton,
Wayne, Edward, Naperville, veteran.
(The following were residents of Naperville and mustered Feb. 4th, 1864, except those specified.
Ashley, Benedict, Downer's Grove, Oct. 18th, 1864.
Albright, Nicholas A., Milton, Feb. 24th, 1864.
Burnham, Oscar D.
Britegan, Wm. Feb. 24th, 1864.
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EIGHTH CAVALRY REGIMENT.
Bennett, Wm. Milton, Sept. 27th, 1864.
Bunn, Henry, Downer's Grove, Oct. 18th, 1864.
Culver, Charles S., Winfield. Campbell, John, died at Camp Relief, D. C., July 6th, 1864. Desenbrock, Henry, Blacksmith.
Dixon, Charles G., Downer's Grove, Oct. 18th.
Freets, Wm. Milton, Sept. 18th 1861.
Graham, James. Gerbrick, Levi, Feb. 24th.
Gleason, Watson W., Downer's Grove, Oct. 18th.
Hudson, Wm., Winfield, died in rebel prison, Richmond, Va. March 4th, 1865.
Johnson, Oscar, Milton, Sept. 18th, 1861.
Kribill, John.
Mertz, Owen, Lisle, Feby. 24, 1864.
Murry, John.
Neff, Joseph, killed at Monocacy, Md., July 30, 1864.
Robinson, Ashael F., Milton, veteran.
Robinson, Daniel F., Milton, August II, veteran. Stucker, David.
Schaftmetyl, Charles. Stalt, Charles, Downer's Grove, Oct. 18. Wilson, Thomas, Milton, Feby. 24.
Ward, James A., Winfield.
Winderburg, Louis.
Ward, Charles H., Winfield, died in District of Columbia, July 23. 1864, of wounds.
COMPANY F.
Brown, James, DuPage county, Sept. 18, 1861.
Hawley, Oliver, Du Page county, Sept. 18, 1861, veteran. COMPANY H.
(All of the following were residents of York, and mustered September
18, 1861, except those specified.)
Hull, Frank, promoted sergeant.
Hull, Delos, veteran.
Hull, Tidd. Kenyon, Perry, Milton.
Newhall, William E., veteran.
Nichol, William, Feby. 4, 1864, died Feby. I, 1865.
9
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HISTORY OF DU PAGE COUNTY.
Harris, Perry, Feby. 29, 1864.
Maas, Peter, Feby. 4, 1864.
Pierce, William B., Bloomingdale, died at Andersonville Prison, August 3d, 1864.
COMPANY I.
Meacham, Frank, Milton, veteran.
COMPANY K.
Colegrove, Larius, Milton, veteran.
COMPANY M.
(All of the following were residents of Bloomingdale, and mustered Sept. 18, 1861, except those specified.)
Avery, Daniel.
Baltz, William, veteran.
Churchill, Amos, Milton.
Coleman, Henry, veteran.
Eggert, Chris.
Kohn, Frederick, veteran.
Reichmann, Henry, March 14, 1864.
Steinke, William, March 20, 1864, wounded.
Walker, Phineas A., Milton, Feby. 24, 1864, promoted bugler.
Clifford, Patrick, Wayne, Oct. 24, 1864.
Camell, Charles, York, Oct. 14, 1864.
Clark, Morgan L., Feby. 3, 1864.
Duffy, Charles, Wayne, Oct. 24, 1864.
Drum, Michael, York, Oct. 14, 1864.
Fitzler, Henry, Downer's Grove, Oct. 18, 1864.
Griffith, Samuel, Winfield, Jan. 12, 1864, died at Camp Butler, Feby. 4, 1864, veteran.
Jones, John, Winfield, October 24, 1864.
Kelley, Sylvester, Addison, Oct. 12, 1864.
Maxwell, Samuel, York, Dec. 29, 1863, veteran.
Miller, Henry, Oct. 14, 1864.
Meahan, Patrick, York, Oct. 14, 1864.
Russell, James, Winfield, Oct. 24, 1864.
NINTH CAVALRY. COMPANY D.
Tonne, Dedrick, Addison, September 26, 1861.
COMPANY F.
Bostwick, Henry C., DuPage county, corporal, Oct. 7, 1861, pro- moted sergeant.
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EIGHTH CAVALRY REGIMENT.
COMPANY H.
Orcutt, Philip, Naperville, October 7, 1861.
COMPANY K.
Woodworth, Frank, Bloomingdale, March 16, 1864, promoted 2d lieutenant.
HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH CAVALRY.
This regiment has been called the "Twin regiment of the Eighth." Their histories are, in many respects, the same. They passed through many of the same scenes. They fought, marched, endured privations and won vic- tories together. A large proportion of the men, and several officers of Company C, were enlisted in DuPage County.
The 12th was sent to Virginia, and its first serious encounter was near Winchester, on the 7th of September, 1862, when a detachment, under Lieut. Col. Davis, being attacked by an outnumbering force of Ashby's cavalry, gained a brilliant victory.
From Martinsburg, the regiment marched with Gen. White's command to Harper's Ferry, where it remained until the 14th of September, when, the place being sur- rounded by the enemy, the cavalry cut its way through the lines, and reached Greenearth, Pa., on the 15th, march- ing sixty-five miles and losing fifty men. From this time until Dec. 8th, the regiment served with the forces on the Upper Potomac, when it marched to Dumfries, Va., where it remained until March 1863. While here, it defended and held the place against a greatly superior force of cavalry and artillery, under the rebel General Stewart.
The 12th was assigned to the 2d brigade, 3d division of the cavalry corps, Army of the Potomac, and took
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HISTORY OF DU PAGE COUNTY.
an important part in the "Stonewall Raid." Opposed by superior numbers, a detachment of 300 men, under Col. Davis, marched from Thompson's Cross Roads, passing in the rear of Lee's army and within two miles of Richmond. In this raid the 12th lost three officers and fifty men.
In June, 1863, it formed the 1st brigade, 1st division army corps, and, during the next four months, shared in more than twenty important battles.
At the close of the campaign of 1863, the regiment returned to Chicago, where it was recruited to the max- imum, and, on the 16th of February, 1864, was sent to St. Louis. It remained here a month and was ordered to New Orleans, where it arrived April 1st. Left New Orleans April 20th, and performed picket and scouting duty in the Red River region until June 1st, when it arrived again in New Orleans. From this time until February 1865, the regiment was constantly employed, picketing, raiding and skirmishing at various points in the states bordering on the lower Mississippi. On the 28th of this month, after three years service, and with a brilliant record, a portion of the regiment was mustered out and the remainder organized into eight companies.
TWELFTH CAVALRY. COMPANY A.
Drury, John, Naperville, Feby. 28, 1862, died at Camp Butler, March, 1862.
Muck, Henry, Naperville, Feby. 28, 1862, veteran COMPANY B.
Miskoski, Egnotz, Naperville, Feby. 28, 1862, veteran.
COMPANY C.
(All of the following were residents of Milton, and mustered Feb- ruary 28, 1862, except those specified.)
Bronson, Stephen, captain, promoted major.
125
TWELFTH CAVALRY REGIMENT.
Ward, George .F., 2d lieutenant, promoted Ist lieutenant. Mills, Alexander, Ist sergeant, promoted 2d lieutenant. Standish, Stephen, Lisle, Ist sergeant, veteran. Chadwick, Edwin, corporal, veteran.
Paine, Robert E., corporal. Finch, Charles L., bugler, veteran. Stearns, Benjamin, Winfield, blacksmith.
Atkinson, Robert, Wayne, saddler. Cheeney, E. M., wagoner.
Ackerman, J. D. Ackerman, G. M., York, veteran.
Albright, Nicholas.
Bedford, Franklin, promoted hospital steward.
Bronson, Charles.
Burnes, Patrick, veteran.
Butterfield, Theodore. Finch, Elisha W., veteran.
Hickey, Ball. Higgins, Owen, Wayne, prisoner of war. Lewis, John, veteran.
Mason, E. H., veteran. Moon, G. N., veteran.
Mott, Willard, veteran.
Riley, John, Wayne, veteran.
Ushuer, Ferdinand, killed at Gettysburg, July Ist, 1863. Vinton, William, York.
Wakefield, James B., Wayne, veteran.
Welch, John, Winfield, veteran. Wentworth, C. E. H., promoted hospital steward. Wright, William. Fesich, Charles L., Naperville, February 28, 1864. Ferich, Elisha W., February 28, 1864.
Ensworth, Edgar, February 28, 1864. Woods, William, February 28, 1864. COMPANY D. Keith, Charles, Wayne, February 24, 1862. Langly, F. M., Wayne, February 24, 1862, veteran. Ogden, Alonzo, Wayne, February 24, 1862. Painter, Allen, Wayne, February 24, 1862. Pettibone, Cancy, Wayne, February 24, 1862.
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HISTORY OF DU PAGE COUNTY.
Rabus, Louis, Wayne, February 24, 1862. Brown, Henry D., Wayne. February 24, 1862, veteran. COMPANY M. McGintry, Jos., York, Dec. 15, 1863.
THIRTEENTH CAVALRY. COMPANY A.
Bicker, Fried. W., Addison, Dec, 31, 1861.
Jenson, Franz Z. F. W., York, Dec. 31, 1861. COMPANY B.
Kretzer, Ferd., Naperville, Dec. 31, 1861. COMPANY C. Schroeder, N. K., York, Dec. 31, 1861. COMPANY E. Waskon, Wm., Addison, Oct. 23, 1861. COMPANY H.
Blackman, Reuben, Naperville, Dec 31, 1861. Eyer, Peter, Naperville, Dec. 31, 1861.
FIFTEENTH CAVALRY. COMPANY H.
Bushell, Joseph, Naperville, corporal, Aug. 7, 1861.
Warner, Wm., Wayne, corporal, Aug. 7, 1861.
Monk, Joseph, Winfield, corporal, Aug. 7, 1861. Coffman, A. G., Wayne, Aug. 7, 1861.
Canlon, Arnold, Wayne, Aug. 7, 1861.
Reinhart, Chas. C., Winfield, Aug. 9, 1861, veteran. ~COMPANY I.
Haydom, Geo. W., Milton, corporal, Sept. 23, 1861.
Mowry, Allen, Winfield, corporal, Sept. 23, 1861, veteran.
Rathburn, Joshua, Milton, Sept. 23, 1861.
Lucker, L. C., Winfield, Sept. 23, 1861, veteran.
Vangorder, John, Winfield, Sept. 23, 1861. COMPANY K.
Larkin, Nathan, Wayne, corporal, September 23, 1861, veteran. Balch, Edwin E., Naperville, September 23, 1861, veteran.
COMPANY L.
Barr, John C., DuPage Co., sergeant, Sept. 23, 1861, killed at Fort Pillow.
127
SEVENTEENTH CAVALRY REGIMENT.
SEVENTEENTH CAVALRY. (The following were residents of Naperville and mustered Jan. 22d, 1864, except where specified.) COMPANY H.
Smith, Samuel W., adjt., Nov. 25th, 1863, promoted captain Co. H. Hiler, Thos., York, Q. M. sergeant, promoted Ist sergeant.
Oberholser, Samuel, sergeant.
Harner, Benj. F., sergeant, promoted reg. Q. M.
Mong, Abram W., Bloomingdale, corporal, promoted sergeant.
Porter, Frank H., Milton, corporal, promoted sergeant.
Green, Jesse F., York, corporal.
Wells, Milton J., Milton, corporal, promoted reg. com. sergeant. Good, Walter L. corporal, promoted sergeant.
Parsons, Peter, corporal, promoted sergeant.
Dewey, Andrews, Milton, wagoner, promoted corporal.
Andrews, August, Winfield, promoted corporal.
Blessman, Fred., York.
Bollman, Fred., York.
Barthall, Henry, Bloomingdale.
Bonnear, Henry, Addison.
Benchert, Lawrence, Naperville.
Bond, Elijah, Bloomingdale.
Bedows, Wm., Bloomingdale, promoted sergeant major.
Birchcle, Henry. Bond, Rosalvo, promoted sergeant.
Coltman, Wm.
Cavanor, Patrick.
Caulkins, Joshua.
Decker, Squire W., Winfield.
Dunn, Joseph, Downer's Grove.
Desinger, David.
Edwards, John W. Fry, Wm. Grumbrin, Solomon. Gibhart, Fred., Milton. Grant, Adelbert, York. Gushart, Samuel. Griffin, Joseph, Winfield.
Heinburg, Chas., Addison, died at Fort Scott, of wounds, Nov. 16th, 1864.
128
HISTORY OF DU PAGE COUNTY.
Hatch, Franklin, Bloomingdale.
Krestling, Aug., Addison.
Kenyon, Chas. L., Milton. Ketchem, Elias D.
Lyon, Chas., Milton.
Lyman, John F., drowned near Pleasant Hills, Mo., Jan. 1865. McMillan, Alexander, promoted hospital steward.
McMasters. Frank, York.
Morgan, Royal S., Milton, promoted corporal.
Larney, John, promoted corporal.
Meyers, Henry, bugler.
Meacham, Henry, died at Sedalia, Mo., Oct. 28th, 1864. Mitzler, Samuel.
Minninghous, Louis, Bloomingdale, promoted corporal,
Minor, Martin, York.
Plummer, Benj., York, promoted reg. com. sergeant.
Priess, Frederick, Milton.
Rippy, Samuel A., Bloomingdale.
Rohler, Henry.
Stoner, Wm., York.
Sperlow, John, Milton.
Schofield, Jos. E., Bloomingdale.
Scott, Samuel.
Sininger, John, York.
Turner, Geo. J., Addison.
Votner, Wm., Milton.
Warmke, Frederick, Milton.
Warren, Martin J., Downer's Grove.
Ditzler, Wm., Feb. 25th, 1864, drowned at Glasgow, Mo.
Daniels, John, April 21st, 1864, died of wounds received in battle at Hunt, Mo., July 24th, 1864.
McCurdy, James, York, Feb. 4th, 1864.
Noddlehoffer, Wm., March 30th, 1864.
Reinhardt, Frederick, March 20th, 1864. Snibley, Henry C., Feb. 12th, 1864, promoted corporal. Warkle, Chris., Jan. 22d, 1864.
COMPANY I.
Laird, Wm. J., 2d lieutenant, Naperville, Jan. 22d, 1864, promoted Ist lieutenant.
129
FIRST ARTILLERY REGIMENT.
FIRST ARTILLERY. COMPANY M.
Andreuss, Chas. B., York, Oct. 14th, 1864, died Camp Butler Nov. 20th, 1864.
Darst, J. H., Winfield, Oct. 26th, 1864.
SECOND ARTILLERY. COMPANY G.
Maurer, Ignatius, Naperville. Dec. I, 1864.
COMPANY I.
(All of the following were residents of Naperville, and mustered December 31, 1861, except those specified.)
Keith, Chas. W., captain.
Haight, Charles D., Q. M. Sergt., promoted 2d lieut.
Stolp, Rufus, sergeant, veteran.
Rich. Judson, sergeant, promoted captain.
Ward, George F., sergeant.
Rose, Wm.
Black, Neal J., promoted corporal.
Potter, Robt. K.
Stolp, Rufus S., Jan. 3, 1864.
Ward, George T., Jan. 3, 1864, promoted Ist lieut. COMPANY K.
Pool, Francis K., Downer's Grove, Oct. 18, 1864. Young, John, Downer's Grove, Oct. 18, 1864. COMPANY L.
(All of the following were residents of Downer's Grove, and mustered February 28, 1864, except those specified.)
Gager, Charles M.
Coe, Samuel A.
Ireland, John, York.
Reynolds, Allen, veteran.
Smith, Otis A., York.
Coffin, M. C., Oct. 18, 1864.
Fox, Herman M., Oct. 18, 1864.
Burk, Thomas, Winfield, Oct. 25, 1864.
PETTIT'S BATTERY.
Wesley, Christian, Milton.
130
HISTORY OF DU PAGE COUNTY.
BARKER'S DRAGOONS.
Litchfield, Cyrenus W., York, April 19, 1861. Reihausperger, Lawrence, Winfield.
Reiley, John, Winfield.
HISTORIES OF THE TOWNS IN DU PAGE COUNTY.
ADDISON.
The settlement of this town began in 1834. The first inhabitants were Ebenezer Duncklee and Hezekiah Duncklee, from Hillsborough, New Hampshire, and Mason Smith, from Potsdam, New York.
They left Potsdam on the 13th of August, 1833, and arrived at Chicago on the 3d of September, traveling by land across Michigan and Northern Indiana. Leav- ing Chicago on the 8th of September, they followed the trail of Gen. Scott's army, which had preceded them, to the Des Plaines river, where they camped for the night, near a party of three hundred Indians. On the follow- ing day they proceeded along the trail as far as the south line of Addison. Here they found a grave, supposed to be that of a soldier in Gen. Scott's army. The grave was on the west bank of Salt Creek. On the opposite bank, near what is now called Gray's Grove, were the remains of the army encampment. Some of the tent posts were still standing. Upon examination it was found that the waters of the creek were not salt, as they had supposed. The stream received its name from this circumstance : A hoosier team, loaded with salt, became " stalled " while fording it, and the driver was obliged to lighten his load by rolling several barrels into the
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ADDISON TOWNSHIP.
water. The party left the creek at 5 o'clock, and pur- sued the trail. Soon after dark they discovered a light, which seemed at no great distance. One of the com- pany set out in advance, hoping to reach it ; but, after making a circuit through the tall prairie grass, he came upon his comrades near the place from which he started, and the party camped for the night among the prairie grass and flowers. Their slumbers were somewhat dis- turbed by the prairie wolves, which howled most hid- eously about them during a greater part of the night ; but, wearied by their long marches, they rested full as well as could be expected under the circumstances.
On the following day they reached Meacham's Grove, where they found three settlers by the name of Meacham. Here they obtained some instruction in the arts of bor- der life. They learned how to make their claims, how to construct cabins, and how to manufacture their beds. From this place they proceeded to Elk Grove, and thence along the west bank of Salt Creek to Duncklee's Grove, and camped for the night on the spot where the house of the late H. D. Fisher now stands.
On the 12th day of September they took a northern direction through the timber, and made their claims near the north end of the grove. The timber claims were made by marking trees, and the prairie claims by plow- ing a furrow entirely around each. Immediate prepara- tions were made for the erection of a house. The ground was leveled with a hoe, and prairie grass, which was cut with an ax, was spread upon it for beds. A tent was made of cotton cloth, and here they lived for half a month, until their cabin could be completed. The sides
-
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HISTORY OF DU PAGE COUNTY.
of the new cabin were formed of logs, drawn together by the pony, an important member of the company, of
whom honorable mention is hereafter made. The floor was formed of split logs, and the roof of oak shingles.
The family of E. Duncklee arrived in August, 1834. The 18th day of June, 1835, was the date of the birth of the first white child in the town. Three barrels of frozen apples were planted by Mr. Duncklee in the spring of 1836, from which nearly all the region has been supplied with fruit trees. He sold from his own orchard, in 1855, upwards of $600 worth of fruit.
This is strictly an agricultural town. The first attempt at farming, of which the writer has any account, was in the fall of 1834. Mason Smith and Hezekiah Duncklee cut and stacked a few tons of hay near Salt Creek, to keep a small pony, which was their joint possession, and which had brought them all the way from Detroit. Their stack was completed after several days' hard labor, and they were advised to burn the grass for several rods around it, in order to protect it from the annual fires lighted by the Indians. Being unacquainted with the business, they set the fire too near, and not only burned up the grass about it, but the whole stack was consumed, leav- ing the pony destitute of a winter's allowance. Winter came on, and, having no hay, they turned him into the grove, where he lived and prospered until the opening of spring.
The land in this town came into market in 1842, hav- ing been surveyed the previous year. When the first settlers came, the land being unsurveyed, each made what was termed a claim, by staking, or surrounding
133
ADDISON TOWNSHIP.
with a furrow, as much land as he thought he would be able to pay for when it should come into market. The usual quantity claimed was 160 acres ; some, however, claimed more and some less than that amount. There were some conflicting claims, but these difficulties were generally settled, when the land was sold, by the one having the largest portion of the disputed claim buying the whole and then re-deeding to each holder his propor- tion. In this way all obtained their lands as claimed, without regard to government lines.
There are three groves of thrifty growing timber in this town. Duncklee's grove lies on the east bank and along the Salt Creek. It is about three miles in length and half a mile in width. Gray's grove lies also on the east bank of Salt Creek, and contains about 100 acres. Kaler's grove, though smaller, affords considerable fuel and timber.
The balance of the land of this town is chiefly flat prairie. The soil is from two to two and one-half feet in depth, with a sub-soil of clay. It produces good spring wheat, oats, corn, potatoes, &c. Winter wheat generally kills out in the spring, by alternate freezing and thawing. The greater part of the hay is made from prairie grass, which grows luxuriantly on the creek bot- tom and on the low ground. Clover, timothy and herd- grass do well. The lands produce an average of about twenty bushels of spring wheat, forty bushels of oats, forty bushels of corn, and one hundred bushels of potatoes to the acre.
The Chicago and Pacific Rail Road was completed
-
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HISTORY OF DU PAGE COUNTY.
through this town in 1873. Several villages have grown up along its line.
Bensonville, near the east line of the town, has sev- eral stores, and promises to be a place of considerable business.
Lesters, in the center of the town, occupies a beauti- ful location. There is a large cheese and butter factory at this place.
Itaska, two miles west of Lesters, is another new town, pleasantly situated, and destined to rank with its neigh- bors. A cheese and butter factory is located here.
Addison Village is on the old Galena and Chicago turnpike. A settlement was made here at an early day. It has several stores and a flouring mill.
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