USA > Illinois > McHenry County > History of McHenry County, Illinois : together with sketches of its cities, villages and towns : educational, religious, civil, military, and political history : portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, also a condensed History of Illinois > Part 49
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 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87
Flavel L. Sheldon, section 3, Coral Township, was born in Steu- ben County, N. Y., Dec. 10, 1837, a son of Allen and Chloe (Picket) Sheldon. In 1840 his parents moved to McHenry County, where his father died in 1870, aged eighty-three years, and his mother in 1876, aged eighty-two years. They liad a family of seven children-Allen J. died at Union in 1880; Erastus L. lives
539
HISTORY OF MO HENRY COUNTY.
at Black River Falls, Wis .; Samuel A., at Irving, Wis., is a phy- sician, and served four years as Surgeon of the Twenty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in the late war; Hannah (Mrs. Ingersoll) makes her home with our subject; William H., now of Clinton, Mo., was First Lieutenant of Company I, Eighth Regiment Illinois Cavalry; Frank H. lives in Coral Township; F. L. enlisted in Company I, Eighth Illinois Volunteer Cavalry and served one year. He was married Dec. 10, 1861, to Hattie R. Robbe, daughter of W. S. Robbe, who settled in McHenry County in 1837. They have two adopted children-Logan S. and Katie. Heisa member of Orion Lodge, No. 358, A. F. & A. M .; also of Union Lodge, No. 302, I. O. G. T., and of Harley Wayne Post, No. 169, G. A. R. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812. His grandfather, Ephaphras Sheldon, was a paymaster in the Revolutionary war, and his great- grandfather, Colonel of the Thirteenth Connecticut Infantry, in the same war.
Frank H. Sheldon, farmer, section 2, Coral Township, was born in Steuben County, N. Y., Feb. 2, 1835, a son of Allen Sheldon. In 1840 his parents moved to McHenry County, Ill., and settled in Dorr Township. In 1854 they moved to Coral Township, where he now owns eighty acres of choice land. He was married Sept. 9, 1868, to Adelia French, a native of Binghamton, N. Y., born Aug. 26, 1849, the only child of Walter and Loantha (Ellis) French, who came to McHenry County in March, 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon have two children-Walter R. and Archie F. Mr. Shel- don is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
Ai Sherwin, the eighth of thirteen children of Levi and Han- nah (Hildreth) Sherwin, was born in Townsend, Middlesex Co., Mass., May 6, 1809. His grandfather, John Sherwin, was of Welsh descent, and his maternal grandfather, Zachariah Hildreth, was a native of Westford, Mass. Mr. Sherwin remained in his native county till 1843, and then went to New Ipswich, N. H., and in 1851 to Mason, N. H., where he was station agent and master of transportation eight years. He then went to New York City and opened a restaurant, but after nine months returned to Mason and engaged in the mercantile business three or four years. In 1866 he came West and lived in Racine County, Wis., two and a half years, then removed to McHenry Co., Ill., and bought a farm in Coral Township. In 1871 he opened a general mercan- tile store in Union, which he sold in 1881 to Leach & Mills. Mr. Sherwin was married Oct. 16, 1831, to Sarah Boynton. But four 34
540
HISTORY OF MO HENRY COUNTY.
of their eight children are living-Wilmot, born Jan. 29, 1835, married Christiana Shindell; Jeannette, born May 28, 1842, mar- ried C. H. Dicks, of Lakewood, N. J .; Rocene, born Dec. 25, 1845, married Rev. Lafayette Holt, President of Neligh College, Neb .; Ai A., born May 8, 1853, married Mattie Kittenger. Mrs. Sher- win died Dec. 28, 1873. Aug. 28, 1875, Mr. Sherwin married Mrs. Minerva Deitz, a native of New York. Mr. Sherwin was a prominent Mason and Odd Fellow in the East, but has never joined any order in the West. Politically he is a Republican. His first Presidential vote was cast for Henry Clay.
John W. Usborne, section 33, Coral Township, was born in Grafton Township, McHenry County, Feb. 17, 1852, a son of William and Jane (Gilbert) Usborne, natives of County Kent, England, his father born Feb. 18, 1819. William Usborne came with his parents to America in 1832, and settled in Madison County, N. Y., where he lived till 1845. He then moved to McHenry County, Ill., and settled on a farm two miles west of Huntley, which he sold in 1881 and retired from the active labors of the farm. He has six children-Mary J., Charles F., Albert H., John W., Louise E. and Almina J. John W. Usborne, has always lived on a farm, and is therefore familiar with all the phases of agricultural life. He now owns sixty acres of good land. He was married Feb. 7, 1877, to Mary R. Morris, daughter of E. R. Morris, of Coral Township. They have one child-Alva M., born Nov. 30, 1877. Mr. Usborne is a Prohibitionist.
Walter Warner, section 19, Coral Township, was born in Che- nango County, N. Y., Dec. 13, 1813, a son of Loring Warner. In 1826 his parents moved to . Ashtabula County, Ohio, where his father died in 1835. In 1837 he moved to La Porte, Ind., and in 1840 to McHenry County, Ill., where he has since made his home. In 1850 he went to California, and in 1852 returned to McHenry County. He has made two trips to California the past year (1884). Mr. Warner was married in June, 1841, to Mary C. Thompson. To them have been born four children; but two are living-Loring and Rhoda. Loring was born in Coral Township, June 24, 1854, and now owns the old homestead which contains 172 acres of fine land. He was married Nov. 18, 1874, to Florence Nickerson, who died Feb. 13, 1881. To them were born four children, three of whom are living-Milo, Roy and Earl. July 19, 1882, he married Einma Miller. They have had one child, now deceased. Rhoda married Wells Stevens, and lives in San Benito County, Cal. She
541
HISTORY OF MO HENRY COUNTY.
has two children-Walter and Glen. Mrs. Warner died April 14, 1870.
Ira Waterman was born in Norwich, Vt. In an early day he moved to Cattaraugus County, N. Y., and in 1844 to McHenry County, and settled in Dorr Township, where he died May 7, 1854. He married Mrs. Lydia (King) and to them were born four children-Susan A., Sarah B. (deceased), George W. (de- ceased), and Nathan K. Susan A. married Hon. Daniel Kinne in 1872, who was born in Washington County, N. Y., in 1814, and died at Waterbury, Vt., Jan. 29, 1878. His father died when he was thirteen years of age, and when eighteen lie went to Erie County, N. Y. He subsequently moved to Michigan, where he was a prominent man. He was a member of the Michigan Legislature two or three terms, and helped to frame the Constitution of the State. He first married Myrtilla Fritz, by whom he had five chil- dren; but two are living-Betsey S., wife of Ellis Russell, and Ann E., wife of Samuel Orr, both of Hillsdale County, Mich. Mrs. Kinne has been a successful school-teacher. She taught forty-two terms, about half the time in McHenry County. George W. Waterman married Malvina Farrar. They had four children; but three are living, now with Mrs. Kinne, who is their guardian. Nathan K. married Cordelia A. Boon, and to them have been born six children, but five of whom are living-Byron F., Frederick D., George E., Archie G. and Aurora Grace (twins). Nathan K. and Mrs. Kinne reside on section 11, Coral Township.
Chapin A. Wilcox, farmer and stock-raiser, section 20, Coral Township, was born in Manlius, Onondaga Co., N. Y., Dec. 25, 1822, a son of Grandison Wilcox. In 1856 Mr. Wilcox moved to Wisconsin and settled in Evansville, Rock County, but a year later moved to Coral Township, McHenry Co., Ill., and settled on 480 acres of land, entered from the Government in 1848. He has improved his farm and added to it from time to time, till he now owns 545 acres in Coral Township, and 120 on section 36, Riley Township. In 1882 and . 83 he built a fine brick residence. Mr. Wilcox was married June 19, 1844, to Susan A. Smith, daughter of P. E. Smith. They three children-F. Belle, Eugene G. and Emmett S. Wilcox.
Hubbard J. Wilcox, section 8, Coral Township, was born in Chittenden County, Vt., June 21, 1829, a son of David Wilcox. He was reared in his native county, working on his father's farm till a young man. He then learned the wheelwright's trade, at
542
HISTORY OF MO HENRY COUNTY.
which he worked eight years. In 1844 he came to Illinois and lived in Du Page County, till 1882, when he moved McHenry County and settled on his present farm in Coral Township. He was married Dec. 25, 1858, to Alice J. Brand. She died Sept. 23, 1879, leaving three children-Frank, Edson, and Frederick. May 26, 1880, Mr. Wilcox married Nettie Kellogg, a native of De Kalb County, Ill., and a daughter of Leander P. Kellogg, who moved from Vermont to De Kalb County, in 1844. Mrs. Wilcox is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
5
CHAPTER XVIII.
DORR TOWNSHIP AND CITY OF WOODSTOCK.
LOCATION. -- DESCRIPTION .- BROOKS AND STREAMS. - RAILROAD .- NAMED FOR GOVERNOR DORR .- SETTLEMENT. - VIRGINIA SETTLE- MENT .- FIRST EVENTS. - PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF RIDGEFIELD .- SCHOOL STATISTICS. - RIDGEFIELD CEMETERY. - CREAMERY. - EARLY REMINISCENCES .- RIDGEFIELD VILLAGE, LAID OUT IN 1855 BY WM. HARTMAN .- POSTOFFICE .- TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.
WOODSTOCK .-- LOCATION AND APPEARANCE .- ITS BEGINNING AND GROWTH .- FIRST EVENTS .- EARLY SETTLERS .- MERCANTILE AND INDUSTRIAL HISTORY. - INCORPORATED AS A VILLAGE, 1852 .- LIST OF VILLAGE OFFICERS .- CITY GOVERNMENT FORMED, 1873 .- LIST OF CITY OFFICERS .- ACCOUNT OF MEMORABLE FIRES .- THE FIRE DEPARTMENT .- POSTOFFICE .- WOODSTOCK MINERAL SPRINGS .- THE CENTENNIAL FOURTH .- ITEMS .- A CURIOUS ORDINANCE .- THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS .- PRIVATE SCHOOLS .- CHURCHES AND SOCIE- TIES .- BIOGRAPHICAL.
Dorr is one of the centrally located townships. Greenwood lies® on the north, Seneca on the west, Grafton on the south and Nunda on the east. It is township 44, range 7.
This township contains no prairie land though comparatively level. The eastern portion contains considerable timber, while the main portion has been cleared and converted into fine farming land. 1
This township is not so bountifully supplied with water as some. The northwest corner is crossed by Hanley Creek. About two miles north of Woodstock a branch of the Kishwaukee rises and flow into Grafton Township.
RAILROAD.
The Chicago & Northwestern Railroad crosses this township in a northwesterly direction, passing through Ridgefield and Wood- stock, making about seven miles of track in the township.
NAME.
This township was named by some of the citizens who wished to (543)
544
HISTORY OF MO HENRY COUNTY.
show their admiration for Governor Dorr, of Rhode Island, who, it will be remembered, opposed the English laws which then controlled that State, under the charter of Charles II., which made the eldest son the only heir to his father's estate.
SETTLEMENT.
Uriah Cattle was the first man who ever made a claim in this township. He came from Virginia in the fall of 1834 and made a claim for himself and for several other friends of Virginia. He returned home, and the following spring came accompanied with William Hartman, Charles and John McClure, and John Walkup. They settled in the eastern portion of the township, known to-day as the Virginia Settlement. They arrived Monday morning and by the following Saturday night they had their shanties up and roofed, though most of them did without floors for several months. Here Mr. Cattle made his home till his death, which occurred sev- eral years ago. He was born in Nicholas County, Va. His family consisted of three sons and four daughters-Sarah M. is single and resides in Center Point, Iowa; Martha is the wife of Geo. K. Bunker, of Woodstock; William died at the age of six months; Ruth L. died in McHenry County, at the age of three years; Charles W. died at the age of twenty-one and is buried at Ridgefield; John C. died at the age of twenty-five from injuries received in he army by the explosion of a shell; his remains lie in Ridgefield cemetery; Elizabeth S. married Herman Wayne and resides at Center Point, Iowa. Uriah Cattle was a life-long member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and was always loved and esteemed or his kind heart and generous hand.
Charles McClure died in Dorr Township, about the year 1844, and there is not to-day a member of his family residing in the county. Christopher Walkup died in Abingdon, Knox Co., Ill., in 1874.
Shortly after the settlement was made John L. Gibson, from Virginia, settle near his Virginia friends in this township and made is home there till 1876 when he died. James Dufield, also a Vir- ginian, who settled here about the same time, is still a resident of the township. William Hartman still resides where he took up his claim at Ridgefield.
FIRST EVENTS.
The first death in Dorr Township occurred in September, 1836 the three-year-old daugliter of Uriah Cattle. The second death
'S
545
HISTORY OF MO HENRY OOUNTY.
was a three-year-old daughter of James Dufield; she also died in fall of 1836.
The first birth was Martha McClure, daughter of Jolin McClure. This event took place in the fall of 1835. She lived to the age of seventeen years.
The first marriage took place May 13, 1839. Contracting parties were Oscar H. Douglass and Sarah Gaff. The ceremony was per- formed by Rev. Joel Wheeler, of McHenry.
The first school was taught by Alvira Cornish in the house of Uriah Cattle in 1836. The school consisted of seven scholars.
The first sermon was preached by Rev. William Royal in 1835, in the house of Urian Cattle.
OHURCHES.
In the spring of 1838 the first religious organization in the county was established in Dorr Township by Rev. Wilcox, a Methodist minister, at the house of Uriah Cattle. At this organization many Presbyterians and Congregationalists came under the watch care of the church and remained with this Methodist guardian till their numbers became large enough for them to form their own societies. For twenty years this Methodist church was an organized body, but was finally disbanded on account of other churches springing up and the members drawing out. They built a house of worship three miles east of Woodstock, about the year 1850. It was after- ward moved to Ridgefield where it was used as a church till it was destroyed by a tornado.
Presbyterian Church of Ridgefield .- This is perhaps one of the largest and oldest organized societies in the county. Its members are scattered over the eastern half of Dorr Township and constitute the leading citizens of the community. The congregation averages an attendance of about 100 while its actual membership is sixty- six. For many years they worshiped in what is now known as the Old Church, which was replaced with a good and stately edifice in 1873. It stands at the end of a broad street where its tall steeples and beautiful architectural design present quite a commanding ap- pearance. The church is not only in a prosperous condition but the Sabbath-school is making fine progress. Its average attend- ance is about seventy-five.
SOHOOL STATISTICS.
Dorr Township contains nine school-houses. School property is
546
HISTORY OF MO HENRY COUNTY.
valued at $55,200; annual salary paid to teachers, $5,677.54; number of children of a school age, 880.
RIDGEFIELD CEMETERY.
This is the only cemetery in the town except the one at Wood stock. It was laid out by Charles McClure as a private burying ground in 1835, but one after another was allowed to bury their dead here till finally it became a spot where the interests of the whole neighborhood centered, and has since then been used by the public generally. It is divided by the east line of Dorr Township, the greater portion lying in Nunda Township. It contains about two acres and is kept in a creditable condition.
CREAMERY.
Dorr Township has but one creamery. It is situated about two miles north of Woodstock and was built in 1878 by R. B. Cooney, who ran it about one year and then sold out to Frank Slator, who ran it about two years and sold out to William Boice, of Marengo, who still owns the property. It is a large establishment and is doing a flourishing business.
EARLY REMINISCENOES.
The first grain that was ever raised in the county was hauled by William Hartman to a mill within three miles of Ottawa, Ill., a dis- tance of seventy miles. The amount was three sacks of corn be- longing to Charles McClure. Mr. Hartman started to go to Du Page Mill about forty-five miles distant, but was told where he put up at night that he could get no grinding done there on account of the water being so low that it would not run the power.
By the following narrative we were reminded of the difference between the surroundings of the people of McHenry County of 1884 and of 1835: In the fall of 1835 Mr. Hartman was compelled to go to Aurora, Ill., to buy corn for his family to live on during the coming winter. He succeeded in procuring ten bushels by pay- ing $1 per bushel. Finding that his own corn held out better than he expected he did not take this to mill till the following March, when the long journey to Dupage Mill was taken, but upon arrival found the mill frozen up and already so full of grain that he was compelled to store his in a private house. The third trip was made in the interests of this meal, which proved to be spoiled and worth- less.
547
HISTORY OF MO HENRY COUNTY.
RIDGEFIELD VILLAGE.
This village was laid out in January, 1855, by William Hartman, who owned the land where the village is now situated. The village was in an early day called Virginia Settlement, but was afterward changed through the request of the railroad company. The name Ridgefield was proposed by J. R. Mack, who laid out the plat. Mr. Hartman gave his consent to this name which it has since borne. Mr. Hartman sold the lots so low through his desire to offer in- ducements to people to come and locate that the enterprise was not a paying one.
J. G. Hartman erected the first building in the place, in which Geo. K. Bunker kept the first store.
J. G. Hartman was the first wagon-maker and still continues in business, with fine shops and a large business.
The first blacksmith was Miles Gaff, who remained in the place several years.
Daniel Root was the first shoemaker; he remained in the place only a year or so.
David Gaff kept the first hotel; he ran it several years and after- ward rented the building to a Mr. Holmes, who ran it a short time. There has not been for many years a hotel in the place.
POSTOFFICE.
The first postoffice was established about the year 1837, about one and a half miles west of where Ridgefield now stands, at the residence of Christopher Walkup, where William Walkup now lives.
Christopher Walkup was the first Postmaster and held the posi- tion till the railroad came through the township and the office was taken to Ridgefield and the name changed from Lezien to Ridge- field.
The first Postmaster at Ridgefield was Isaac Hamilton who was appointed deputy under his brother and had entire charge of the office; he afterward became Postmaster by appointment from Gov- ernment. He held the office about ten years in both capacities. The present Postmaster, A. F. Davis, was appointed in 1876.
TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.
At the first township election held in the court-house in Woodstock, April 2, 1850, the following officers were elected: E. I. Smith, Supervisor; Charles Fitch, Clerk; John Bunker, As-
.
15
548
HISTORY OF MO HENRY COUNTY.
sessor; Henry Duffield, Ira Waterman, and O. A. Hitchcock, Com- missioners of Highways; Nelson Blakesley, Collector; Lindsey Joslyn, Poor Master; Wm. H. Murphy and Nelson Blakesley, Constables; Russel Enos and Christopher Walkup, Justices of the Peace. The present officers are: E. M. Lamb, Supervisor; E. P. Barnes, Clerk; Geo. T. Sherwood, Collector; John D. Short, Assessor; Jacob Zimmerman, Jacob Snyder, and O. S. Marton, Commissioners of Highways; H. G. Ehle, V. E. Jones, and Henry Menroe, Constables; E. B. Smith, and John D. Short, Justices of the Peace; Wm. P. Walkup, School Trustee.
WOODSTOCK.
The county seat of McHenry County is an enterprising city of about 2,000 inhabitants, situated near the geographical center of the county and surrounded by rich farming districts on every side. The site of the city is beautiful, the greater portion of it being slightly elevated above the surrounding country, while a general air of neatness and thrift, evident on every hand, adds much to the natural beauties of the place. The well-kept park in the center of the business portion of the city, the substantial brick blocks around it, the shaded streets and the comfortable and ele- gant private residences all declare to the chance visitor that the citizens are possessed of enterprise, intelligence, and good taste. In its general aspect it is far more like a New England county seat than a Western town. It is a city of homes, too-homes, many of which are costly and beautiful, and all of which are neat and comfortable.
The town was laid out by Alvin Judd in 1844. After the plat was made Judd sold it to George C. Dean, who, in June, 1844, caused it to be recorded.
The place was first called Centreville; but as there are hundreds of villages and towns of the same name in the United States, the citizens early showed their good sense in seeking an appelation somewhat less common, and in February, 1845, the Legislature of the State passed an act changing the name to Woodstock .*
The first house within the limits of the town plat was built by Bradford Burbank, in 1843. It was a log building and was re- moved years ago.
*Joel H. Johnson, Esq., was instrumental in securing the passage of the bill above mentioned. The town was called after Woodstock, Vt., which was the native place of Mr. Johnson as well as of other early settlers of the county.
549
HISTORY OF MO HENRY COUNTY.
Alvin Judd erected a frame building, second house in the town, in 1844, and opened the first tavern. Joel H. Johnson built the third house, also frame, in the winter of 1845-'6. It is still stand- ing, just west of the Baptist church, and is now occupied by Mr. Ed. Fured.
In an old copy of the Woodstock Sentinel the following list of early settlers of town is given with the date of their coming to the county and to Woodstock:
NAME.
CAME TO| COUNTY.
CAME TO WOODSTOCK.
Alvin Judd.
1836
1844
Joel H. Johnson.
1836
1844
James M. Judd.
1836
1844
Wm. E. Dean
1843
1844
E. I. Smith ..
1838
1844
Neill Donnelly
1837
1848
John Donnelly.
1837
1853
Abel W. Fuller
1845
1846
Wm. H. Beach.
1837
1844
Levi Sherwood.
1845
Oscar L. Beach.
1837
1845
Josiah Dwight.
1837
1847
Geo. H. Griffing
1837
1848
Lindsey Joslyn and Sons, M. L., Edward and F. C.
1838
1848
The city has never had any periods remarkable for rapid growth. It has, however, progressed and improved steadily, thus ensuring substantial prosperity.
With the completion of the new court-house in 1857 the citizens began to exhibit an active interest in village improvement. In 1858 and 1859 the public square was graded aud shade trees were set out. Work on the streets was constantly and vigorously carried on, new streets made and old ones improved, sidewalks laid, and rubbish removed, until now Woodstock is noted far and near for its neat streets, good walks and thrifty appearance.
MERCANTILE AND INDUSTRIAL.
The first store in Woodstock was opened in 1845 by Josiah Dwight and Oscar L. Beach. It stood where Whitson's hardware store now is. A little later in the same year Henry Petrie opened a store where John Donnelly's now is. He con- tinued business here about five years.
The firm of Dwight & Beach was subsequently changed to Beach & Norton, and finally A. B. Norton conducted the busi- ness alone. They had but a small stock. A. W. Fuller started a store in 1848; subsequently I. B. Lyon became a partner under
6
550
HISTORY OF MO HENRY COUNTY.
the name Fuller & Lyon. The firm next changed to Fuller & Sherwood, Mr. Fuller continued business until his death.
Wm. Gunning and Allen Dufield opened a store in 1849 and carried on business about a year. Gunning then sold out to John McClure. The business was closed about three years later.
Neill Donnelly opened a general store in 1849 and continued in business until 1883 when he died. He was a shrewd business man, honest and very successful.
John Donnelly started a grocery and liquor store in 1853. He was also a prosperous merchant until his death in 1884.
Ira C. Trowbridge set up a boot and shoe establishment in 1847 and continued in trade until about 1866 when he sold out and went to Minnesota.
Among later merchants came Leonard Burtchy, Jr., A. W. Tappan and L. B. Converse, - Tripp, Joseph Hatch, Blakeslee, I. T. Salisbury, John Bunker, J.J. Murphy, Geo. W. Bentley, J. C. Choate and others.
About 1849 the first hardware store was opened by Mr. Mans field who continued in business several years. J. A. Da engaged in the same business later. F. C. Joslyn opened a hard- ware store in 1868.
A drug store was opened by C. B. Durfee in 1851. He soon took Chris. Walters as partner. In 1854 Dr. Baldwin bought the establishment and conducted it for three years. He then sold out and moved to Elgin, and Durfee & Walters opened a dry-goods store.
A drug store was also started in 1852 by Joseph Golder and Dr. Hedger. The latter died a few months later. In 1856 Dr. O. S. Johnson and Dr. A. D. Merritt bought the store of Golder. Johnson subsequently sold to Merritt, and Merritt to a Frenchman: the latter sold to Holmes & Marvin, who were succeeded by Drs. Davis & Northrup, Nathan Jewett and Dr. Richardson. The latter took Anderson Murphy as a partner. Richardson next sold to L. T. Hoy and the firm was Hoy & Murphy until 1880, since when L. T. Hoy has been sole proprietor.
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.