USA > Illinois > DuPage County > History of Du Page County, Illinois (Historical, Biographical) > Part 27
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Mr. Blanchard's land extended southwardly from the present town, and through the more elevated portions of it. The old trail went leading from Chicago to Naperville ; thence to Dixon and Galena by one branch, and by another to Ottawa.
The track made by dragging the log, as al- ready stated, shortened this curve that went along the portion of Mr. Blanchard's place in- tended for his future residence, which had been made by the early travelers to find better eleva- tions. Like many other young men who came West, Mr. Blanchard was without a wife. Here was a beautiful location, where he had secured a home that any of his female friends left be- hind might feel happy and fortunate to enjoy with him. He did not share the feelings of the young man out here, whose name need not be mentioned, who, looking upon the matter in a business way, said, " I ain't going to pay no freight on a woman, no how, when there's enough here !" But, under the influence of first impressions, returned East, and promptly came back with his new bride ; but, what was his [surprise to find the locality of the road changed so that his first plans had to be modi- fied to suit the conditions. Mr. Blanchard has ever since been one of the representative men
of the place, and nobly died in defense of the country at the battle of Ringgold Gap, in 1863. His remains were brought home and interred in the cemetery at the place.
Henry Carpenter, who bought land with him, did not come to the place to live till 1840. Five years later, he opened a store, the first one es- tablished in the place. Eli W. Curtis was then Postmaster, and, at his request, Mr. Carpenter took the duties of the office as Secretary.
Mr. Carpenter's trade came from the sur- rounding country, and in that day he was obliged to sell largely on credit .. Any one who came into his store with his shoes tied up, could get trusted, and but few of them betrayed his confidence.
In 1855, Mr. Carpenter sold a half-interest in his store to Leonard K. Hatch, and the next year sold out entirely.
A town hall was built by the corporation for holding town meetings, elections, etc., in 1877. It also had cells for confining vagrants, etc. Robert Dixon measured out justice to who all came before him for that purpose, and was the first judicial magistrate at the place.
At a drunken row, while raising a building on Salt Creek, a man was badly hurt, and Mr. Dixon fined the 'offender $15. After this he always refused to taste liquor lest it might set a bad example, although the best of people then drank moderately, for there was no one to say Why do ye so ? Not every public officer is as consistent now-a-days.
J. W. La Salle built a store with a commo- dious public hall over it in 1879.
A company came here in 1872, and bought 600 acres of land, most of which was in the grove which is now being laid off in streets, with artistic curves, rustic parks and lawns, for elegant residences. Gen. Ducat is the prin- cipal proprietor.
After the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company was located, and while it was being built, there was some uncertainty as
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to where the depot should be located in the town. To settle this matter, a meeting was called, to which Walter Blanchard, Henry Car- penter, Samuel Curtis, R. O. Curtis, S. P. Blod- gett, N. K. Whitney and a few others attended.
Five hundred dollars were made up to pur- chase grounds for the depot where it now stands. The owner of the land, John P. Coates, being unfriendly to the road, would not sell it short of this sum, which was a round price, and, inasmuch as the lands a mile to the west, owned by Mr. Dryer, were offered free for the depot, it would have been built there had not the gentlemen mentioned above bought the lands of Mr. Coates and presented them to the company.
The plat of Downer's Grove bears date of September 26, 1864, recorded by Norman Gil- bert, and sitnate on part of Section 8, Town 38, Range I1. At the railroad track it is 150 feet above Lake Michigan.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH.
On August 5, 1851, a little band of Baptists assembled in a schoolhouse, about one mile from the present location of their meeting- house, for the purpose of consulting together as to the propriety of organizing a Baptist Church. After mature deliberation, the seven- teen present unanimously resolved to proceed to organize, and adopted articles of faith and covenant, and at said mecting extended a unanimous call to the Rev. G. F. Holt to be- come their pastor, which he accepted. At the same meeting, Edward Goodenough and Lewis Pound were chosen Deacons. A council of delegates from several sister churches was called to meet with them on the 10th of Sep- tember, which council assembled and unani- mously voted to recognize the church as a Scripturally organized church of Christ, the following-named individuals being its constit- uent members : Edward Goodenough, Lura A. Goodenough, Henry Cruthers, Harmon Good-
enough, William C. Perry, Lewis Pound, Mary C. Pound, Philip Sucher, Emily Sucher, Caro- line Gleason, Josephine Gleason. Am. E. Good- enough, G. Smith, Antoinette Trumbull, Nor- man Gilbert, Emily Gilbert and Sarah MI. Smith. This little band of pioneers all had a mind to work, and with the help of a few accessions to their number and the indefatigable labor of their pastor for help from those outside, suc- ceeded during the first - years in building and paying for a house of worship, at a cost of about $1,200 ; at which time the only settle- ments near, besides the farm community, were a small store, kept by Messrs. Carpenter & Hatch, and a blacksmith, Philip Sncher.
In 1871, their meeting-house was destroyed by fire, without insurance. At that time, the church numbercd about ninety, less than one- fourth being males. They were not diseour- aged. A meeting was soon called of the church and society, a building committee appointed, with instructions to procure plans and build a new house, which was completed and dedicated, free from debt, about one year thereafter, at a cost of about 85,000, in addition to which, something over $600 was raised to pay for organ, carpet and other furniture for the same.
During the first eight years of the history of the church, preaching was only maintained on alternate Sundays. Since that time, the church has maintained preaching every Sabbath, with fair congregations, though three other churches have meeting-houses. One or two other soci- eties have occasional meetings. The present membership is TOS ; a Sunday school with an average attendance of 105, there being 168 names on the Secretary's book .- N. K. WHIT- NEY, Present Church Clerk.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
The Congregational Church of Downer's Grove was organized September 14, 1866. Meetings, at first, were held in a hall rented for the purpose. In the year 1874, a meeting-
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house was built. The audience-room is pleas- ant. A good congregation meets on the Sab- bath, and an interesting Sunday school is held.
The pastors of the church have been T. F. Chafer. Joel Grant, A. L. Loomis, G. T. Hol- comb and S. F. Stratton, who is in the fifth year of his pastorate.
ST. PAUL'S CHURCHI.
This church belongs to the Evangelical Association. In 1860, Martin Escher, Sr., Jacob Rehm, Solomon Mertz, Phillipp Leh- man, Michael Hofat and others, purchased, for the use of this church, the one which the Congregationalists had built some years pre- viously. In 1864, this building was moved to a more central location, the better to accom- modate the members of the church, which then had increased to fifty in number.
The church continued to prosper, and, in 1873, had increased in numbers to seventy, many of whom lived in the village of Downer's Grove. It was, therefore, thought best to again move the church, to place it in a more central location, and to this end an acre of land was purchased of Thomas Hustin, in the south- western part of the village, to which place the church was removed. A flourishing Sabbath school, numbering 100 members, is connected with the church, of which William J. Boidel- man is Superintendent. Rev. Samuel Deikover was the first and Rev. Peth the present pastor.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHIES.
The Downer's Grove Methodist Episcopal Church was organized by Father Beggs in about 1836. The first church was built in 1852. Lewis Wood, Nathan A. Belden, John Howard, F. M. Roe and John Cotes were the Trustees. Rev. - Stover was the first pastor.
In 1864-65, Rev. Richard Wake was pastor. Rev. Samuel Ambrose, Rev. J. R. Allen, Rev. A. W. Patton and Rev. R. D. Russell suc- ceeded till 1868.
Rev. Samnel Hewes was pastor in 1876, and
left. in 1878. Rev. John O. Foster was pastor in 1878-79. In 1880, Rev. T. C. Warrington and Rev. C. W. Cordes were pastors. In 1881, Rev. A. H. Kistler, with Rev. T. C. Cordes, were pastors.
The church now occupied was rebuilt in 1879, at an expense of $15,000, besides the ground, which had been originally donated by Henry Carpenter.
The membership is now thirty-five, and the Sunday school about eighty. The church is out of debt, both for church and parsonage.
The Cass Methodist Episcopal Church was organized as early as 1836, probably by Father Beggs, who would be more likely to pioneer it than any one known to the writer. Services were first held in a log schoolhouse. Elisha Smart, Old Father Cobb and Mrs. John Old- field were among the first members. The pres- ent church was built in 1869. Rev. A. W. Pat- ton and Rev. J. R. Allen were the ones who obtained the subscription to build it. Mr. William Smart donated the ground. The church is valued at $2,500, all paid for. It has the same pastors as the Downer's Grove Church, for which reason its history has suc- ceeded it, though the church is located in the southern part of the town. The Sunday school has ninety scholars, and the church numbers seventy-five members.
TIIE DOWNER'S GROVE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The first schools here were maintained by subscriptions or by pro rata assessments ; but now schools are supported by a publie school fund and taxes paid by freeholders. Early schools were kept mostly in private houses, where accommodations were rude and limited. Now comfortable and commodious buildings, erected for the purpose, give shelter to our public schools.
As early as the winter of 1836 to 1837, in a " lean-to" built to the house of Mr. I. P. Blod- gett, Sr., the village schools had their birth.
Sarah Wanne 82 YEARS OLD.
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DOWNER'S GROVE TOWNSHIP.
Mr. Hiram Stillson, a student from . Oberlin, here instructed the children of Mr. Blodgett and a few others, who were glad to avail them- selves of the opportunities here afforded.
About the year 1837-38, what may be re- garded as the first district school was opened in a house built by Mr. John Wallace, on the spot where Mr. Meadowcroft's house now stands, and of which the old schoolhouse now constitutes a part. Here George Carpenter taught one term.
Subsequently, school was kept under the roof of Mr. Samuel Curtiss, Sr., taught by Norman G. Hurd, followed by E. W. Curtiss.
Later, Mr. L. K. Hatch taught a school in what was then known as the "Norwegian House," or the "old shoe shop," which stood some distance west of the Blanchard place.
In 1838, a schoolhouse was built on the "west side," near the present home of L. W. Stanley. Here Mr. Sherman taught the first school, which was made up of children who came from far and near. Mr. Slawson, E. W. Curtiss, L. K. Hatch and Amos Adams (now Judge of Circuit Court in California) served in the capacity of teacher.
In 1846, a redivision of districts took place, whereupon a site was purchased and a school- house built near the present residence of Mr. F. M. Woods, by Directors James Depue, W. B. Pratt and John Shepard. O. P. Hathaway was employed to teach the first school, and was succeeded by Messrs. H. L. Litchfield, J. M. Valette, Dayton and M. B. Gregory. Here taught, also, Miss Mary Blodgett, who has died long since, and Miss Annis Gilbert, now Mrs. Paige. Our fellow-townsman, Capt. T. S. Rog- ers, here " wielded the birch," "chalked the line " and reigned a " monarch of all he sur- veyed " from behind the teacher's desk. Here J. W. Rogers instructed the youth, who came in such numbers "to sit at the feet of this Gamaliel," that, unless some class was contin- nally on the "recitation floor," all could not
find seats. Others, whose names have escaped the vigilance of memory, here made the best of the advantages afforded in instructing the youth placed under their care.
In 1867, it seems the schoolhouse of 1846 had " served its day and generation," and what is now the " north wing " of the present brick building was erected by Directors John Thatch- er, John Stanley and Gardiner Paige. This building contained two rooms, and was dedi- cated to the cause of education by the Misses Cochrane, who taught the first schools in the new building.
It rapidly increased in numbers, and. in 1873, the brick building was full to overflowing, and a room was rented on Main street to accommo- date a third department.
Owing to the rapid increase in the population of our village, and consequent growth of the school, Directors Curtiss, Blodgett and Farrar, found it necessary, in 1877, to erect the main part of the present building, thus furnishing four commodious rooms, all of which are at present full to their utmost capacity ; and, judg- ing from the unprecedented increase in the school population as recently reported to us by the Clerk of the School Board, it cannot be long ere the sound of the builder's hammer must again be heard on the school premises, and an increased teaching force will be a necessity.
In 1876, the school was thoroughly graded- a ten years' course of instruction adopted- embracing two years of high school work. Three classes have thus far graduated from this school ; in 1879, a class of five members ; in 1881, a class of seven, and, in 1882, a class of six.
The school, at present under the directorship of Messrs. Woods, Blodgett and Curtiss, is in a prosperous condition. At no time during the seven years' work of its Principal has the out- look been more encouraging. Miss Georgia Fitch, in the primary ; Miss Elizabeth F. Marsh, in the intermediate, and Miss Maria L. Clark,
L
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in the grammar department, are the assistant teachers, all of whom are accomplishing credit- able results .- JOHN K. RASSWEILER, Principal.
ABOLITIONISM.
Abolitionism in this county had its exponents in Downer's Grove perhaps to a greater extent than in any other part of the county when such a political doctrine was stained with dis- grace in popular estimation. Its active spirits were Israel P. Blodgett, David Page, Robert Dixon, Henry Carpenter and Rockwell Guild. Walter Blanchard was a Whig Abolitionist, "not that he loved Cæsar less, but Rome more." He took hold of the work as soon as he saw progress.
Mr. Blodgett had charge of the station on the underground railroad. The trains generally ran in the night. Aurora was the first station west, and Chicago on the east, the depot at the latter place being at the house of Philo Car- penter.
From Aurora to Downer's Grove was one night's run, thence to Chicago another night's run. When passengers arrived on these trains, their names were not published on register lists ; on the contrary, the passengers were often concealed in buffalo hides as they were taken from the vehicles in which they rode, and carried into a larder room like a quarter of beef. This was the way the disciples of Free Soil, in their aggressive proselytism, managed to inaugurate a system which ultimately over- turned the mightiest and hanghtiest patri- archal institution that ever grew into existence on American soil, and it is worthy of mention that Du Page County was one of the pioneers in this sweeping change in the public policy of our nation.
PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS MEN.
Pastor Baptist Church, Rev. Mr. Van Osdell ; Pastor Methodist Episcopal Church, Rev. Mr. Cordice.
Real Estate Agents, Street & Pardec, East Grove.
Western Agent New York Lace House, John Radcliffe.
Jeweler and Watchmaker, V. Simonson.
Draper and Tailor, N. W. Peterson.
Blacksmiths and Horseshoers, J. W. Sucher, shop, corner Main street and Maple avenue ; Peter Wertz.
Tinware, Reapers, Mowers, Old Iron and Rags, John Debolt.
Broom Factory, I. P. Blodgett.
Boot and Shoe-makers, and all kinds of fine repairing, George Diener ; Charles Hodgman.
Ice Cream, Confectionery and Bakery, John Welter.
Wagon-maker, Livery and Sale Stable, C. Smith.
Practical Wagon-maker, William Mergen- thal.
Barber, E. E. West.
Harness-maker and Fancy Carriage and Sign Painting, M. F. Saylor.
Harness-maker, George Downer.
Station Agent, Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, F. G. Brown.
Switchman, Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, D. O. Cole.
Engineer, Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, C. W. Frisbie.
Fireman, Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, Wesley Frisbie.
Pastor Congregational Church, S. F. Strat- ton.
Attorney at Law, A. B. Wilson.
Police Magistrate, Gardner Paige.
Postmaster, J. M. Barr.
Dealers in Lumber, Coal, Hardware, Agricul- tural Implements, Salt, Stucco, Lime, Cement and all kinds of Builders' Materials, J. W. Rogers & Co. ; Mochel & Co.
Carpenters and Joiners, B. B. Morgan ; F. Schindler.
Druggist, C. J. Meadowcroft.
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Cheese Factory, Grist and Planing-Mill, Mil- ler & Blanchard. Average amount of milk re- ceived per day, 3,000 pounds ; average amount of butter made per day, seventy-five pounds ; average amount of cheese made per day, 225 pounds.
Bricklayer, and all kinds of mason work. W. J. Beidleman.
Painting, Papering, Whitewashing and Cal- cimining, C. N. Saylor.
Beardsley House, Proprietor, E. S. Beardsley.
All kinds of Millinery work, Mrs. R. C. Bates.
Milliner and Fashionable Dressmaker, Mrs. E. H. Andrews.
Dealers in Dry Goods, Groceries, Ready- made Clothing, Etc., Thatcher & Crescy ; David Kline ; La Salle & Co.
Physicians, J. R. Haggard, M. D., office over drug store ; E. H. Le Duc, M. D., office at drug store.
Dentist, Dr. J. F. Thompson, office in New Music Hall, Chicago, Ill.
Agent for Linden Heights Land Association, F. M. Woods, offiee at post office.
The principal streets of Downer's Grove have been graveled eight inches deep in 1882. The gravel has been brought to the place by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Com- pany from their gravel pits at Montgomery, Kane County, the gravel being laid down at the place at a very low rate for the benefit of the town. It is designed to gravel Maple avenne next year.
CLARENDON HILLS.
Clarendon Hills, situate just west of Hins- dale, was platted October 29, 1873. James N. Walker, Amos T. Hall, Robert Harris and Henry C. Middangh, were the original proprietors. A new depot has been built at the place.
The streets are laid out in curves adapted to the graduating rises of ground on which the whole town is located, some parts of which are the highest points of land on the Chicago, Bur-
-
lington & Quiney Railroad between Chicago and the Fox River. The divide on the railroad track is two miles west of this place. -
The elevation of the track at the depot at Clarendon Hills is 158 feet above Lake Michi- gan, from which place the land rises on both sides, but more rapidly on the northi side, where it justifies its name of Clarendon Hills in mul- tifarious ovals and convexities, intermingled together in Nature's case.
FULLERSBURG.
This village lies within the old Indian boun- dary lines, and, consequently, the land on which it stands was sold in 1835.
It was purchased by Robert Jones, of New York City. The next year (1836), Orin and David Giant, two brothers, came to the place, who were its first settlers. They opened a tav- ern, and established a post office named Brush Hill, and, for many years, it was a well known landmark, to which roads, trails and trade tended throughout the country. Sherman King succeeded him in tavern keeping, who was suc- ceeded by Mr. Atkinson in this business, then so profitable, when the ox-team dragged its ponderous burden over the muddy roads. John S. Coe came to the place in 1839. Jacob W. Fuller then lived two miles to the north. His son, Benjamin, platted the place January 20, 1851, when its name was changed to Fullers- burg. It is a most delightful retreat, among the tree-clad hills just north of Hinsdale, from which place sidewalks extend to its central streets.
The following is a list of its business and professional men : Rev. F. Boeber, Lutheran Church ; A. Ford, merchant ; S. Heineman, mer- chant and Postmaster ; C. Eidam, blacksmith ; C. T. Coe, blacksmith ; F. Tunk, wagon-maker ; I. Haff, wagon-maker; C. Karnatz, shoemaker ; D. Moeder, shoemaker ; I. Ruchty, ice-dealer ; I. Miller, hotel ; P. Bohlander, hotel ; F. Graue, miller ; W. Ostrum, plasterer and mason ; A.
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Froscher, carpenter and builder; W. Wagner, carpenter and builder; Win. Delicate, painter ; L. Kurth, painter; Wm. Ostrum, stone-mason.
Its Church .- In the lovely little village of Fullersburg, Du Page County, there is a Ger- man congregation, called the "German United Evangelical Church of St. John," founded in 1878 by their present pastor, and numbering
already fifty families. The congregation owns five acres of land, whereon the unpretending meeting-house is standing, and wherein the dead of the church find their last resting place. There is also a day school as well as a Sunday school connected with the German Church, and attended by from fifty to sixty children .- FR. BOEBER, Pastor.
CHAPTER X.
NAPERVILLE TOWNSHIP-LIST OF EARLY SETTLERS-VILLAGE OF NAPERVILLE-CHURCHES- SCHOOLS - MANUFACTORIES - THE NORTHWESTERN COLLEGE -- TEMPERANCE MOVEMENTS - NEWSPAPERS - FIRE DEPARTMENT -MILITARY COM- PANY-NURSERIES-THE LODGES-BANK-STONE QUARRY.
"THE history of the Naper settlement com- prised the cream of the pioneer history of the county. It has been told in early chapters in sufficient detail to leave little to be said here; yet a list of the names of early settlers of this township may be a conven- ience to the reader, and the following is given: Joseph Naper, John Naper, John Murray, Christopher Paine, R. N. Murray, Ira Car- penter, John Stevens, Michael Hines, A. H. Howard, John Warne, Daniel Warren, Leister Peet, George Laird, Harry Fowler, Hiram Fowler, E. B. Bill, Nathan Allen, Louis Ellsworth, S. M. Skinner, A. S. Jones, S. Sabin, George Martin, L. C. Aldrich, H. L. Peasley, R. Hyde, George Stroubler, G. Bishop, T. H. Stevenson, W. Rose, R. Wright, E. G. Wight, J. F. Wight, W. Weaver, J. Granger, N. Crampton, W. J. Strong, R. Whipple, U. Stanley, T. Thatcher, A. T. Thateher, J. Lamb, R. Hill, David Babbitt, H. C. Babbitt, J. S. Kimball, J. B. Kimball, L. Kimball, R. K. Potter, J. J. Kimball, Adial S. Jones, Peter Dodd, Benjamin Smith.
The Scotts and H. Boardman were settlers of Will County, just over the line, but were
associated with all the interests of the Naper settlement. Their history is inseparable from that of both Will and Du Page Coun- ties, as has already been made apparent to the reader. It may also be said that the his- tory of Naperville Village further elucidates the early history of the county.
The township has 1,289 children between the ages of six and twenty-one, ten school districts, with a schoolhouse in each, and one graded school.
Outside of Naperville Village are three churches, as follows:
GERMAN BAPTIST CHURCH.
The German Baptist denomination of Christians (commonly known by the name of Dunkards) organized as a society in 1855, and built a meeting-house in 1860, about half way between Naperville and Warren- ville, in Naperville Township. It was built by subscription among themselves. Their ministers, Deaeons and Elders are elected by the members of their society, and none of them have any salary. They take care that none of their people shall become panpers,
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or want for the comforts of life, by visiting every family among their order and supplying them with all that is necessary, if misfortune befalls them. They now number between fifty and sixty members. Its present officers are C. F. Martin, Elder; Jacob Sollenberger, Simon Yundt and Hiram Smith, ministers; Dorence Vroman, Noah Early, Michael Sol- lenberger and John Netzley, Deacons.
It is against their principles to go to law or go to war, or to swear by oath; but they 'affirm when called to give evidence before a court of justice.
Their origin was in Germantown, Penn.
Christopher Sauer, who brought the first printing press to America, was one of the founders of this society.
The name Dunkard is improperly applied to them. Their real name is indicated at the head of this sketch.
ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH.
The following history of the Evangelical Lutheran St. John's Church of Naperville. Du Page Co., Ill., from its origin in 1853 to the present date, is by H. Horstman:
The above-named church owes its origin to about ten or a dozen German citizens of the towns of Naperville and Lisle, in Du Page County, who desired to make the attempt to lay the foundations for a congregation of their own creed, at the same time using ex- clusively the German language as a medium of communication in divine service, for the benefit of those new-comers from the Father- land who might happen to arrive in this vi- cinity.
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