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 68
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738
HISTORY OF MO HENRY COUNTY.
SCHOOL STATISTICS.
The following statistics show that this township has not neglected its educational interests in its rapid and prosperous strides in other interests and vocations. Number of school-houses in the township, nine; amount of salary paid to teachers annually, $4, 367.01; Number of children of a school age in the township, 520; value of school property $4,300.
CEMETERIES.
There are within the limits of the township three cemeteries. The one lying north of the village of Marengo about two miles is owned and occupied chiefly by the Scotch people who laid it out several years ago. It is in good condition and of fair size. The other two cemetries are situated in the village of Marengo and are owned by the Catholics and Protestants. The Catholic grounds lie in the northern portion of the village and contain about two acres. These grounds were laid out only four or five years ago.
The Protestant, or village cemetery, as more commonly called, lies directly north and quite near the railroad. It contains ten acres and was laid out in 1861. No where are more beautiful grounds for the burial of the dead found than here; neither time, labor nor expense have been spared in ornamenting and beautifying this city of the dead. The lots are regularly laid off with beautiful walks and drives between. The long lines of lovely shade trees extending from the north to the south side of the grounds, together with the many beautiful monuments and head-stones standing as regular and straight as a line can be drawn, present indeed a charming sight and one which causes a person to view the spot with quite a degree of pleasure despite the sad thought of death so vividly suggested.
MARENGO VILLAGE
is the pride of McHenry County and the cherished home of hier happy and prosperous citizens. Its location is a most happy one indeed when viewed in a pecuniary point of view for here centers the trade of nearly every surrounding township, and other trading points are at such a distance or cut off for want of direct railroad facilities that they interfere but slightly, and scarcely enter into the field of competition. Its rapid and substantial growth and the exceptional prosperity of her business men bear out this statement.
739
HISTORY OF MO HENRY COUNTY.
DATE OF SETTLEMENT.
Upon the present site of Marengo was the first settlement in the township made, and here seems to have been the nucleus from which the settlement spread and afterward the city grew. Several families lived in this vicinity when the village was laid out by Messrs. Damon & Spencer in the year 1846. The surveyor was A. B. Coon. Since the first survey two additions have been made by Calvin Spencer. The first one was made in 1853 and lies on the north and cast sides of the village. The second one, lying north of the first, was made in 1856. The charter granting Marengo the privilege of becoming an incorporated village is dated Feb. 24, 1857. First officers: F. Safford, President; Calvin Spencer, Fletcher Lindsley, A. R. Parkhurst, I. P. Warner, Trustees; J. B. Babcock, Clerk. Present officers: B. S. Parker, President; S. K. Bartholomew, A. J. Shurtleff, C. W. Ingersoll and A. W. Kelley, Trustees; I. T. Belden, Clerk.
FIRST EVENTS.
The first house built in the place was by Joseph Bryton in 1835. The first store was opened by Moody Bailey in 1837.
A. M. Canon opened the first wagon shop. Mr. Blakesley was the first blacksmith.
The first hotel was built by Calvin Spencer in 1835; it was situ- ated on the corner of State and Main streets. It was a log struct- ure sixteen feet square which he erected for his own private use, but scarcely had he the building completed when he found himself entertaining strangers who were seeking homes in the West. Scarcely willing to be crowded into the duties of a landlord, he found the exigencies of the circumstances and times demanded it of some one, hence in the spring of 1836 he built two log struct- ures, one 18 x 26 and the other 18 x 18, situated far enough apart to have a kitchen between. This served the purpose of a hotel till 1838 when he added to this structure a frame building 16 x 18. At this time he was fully initiated into the numerous duties and per- plexities of a frontier landlord. His custom had gradually in- creased till his trade exceeded by far the fondest hopes of the landlord of modern times. He kept the hotel till 1842. In 1841 David Hammar erected a log house in which he kept hotel a short time. In 1842 Mr. Spencer sold his hotel to a Mr. Basford who soon afterward took David Hammar in as partner. Basford & Hammor afterward erected a frame building of considerable size
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740
HISTORY OF MO HENRY COUNTY.
which was used by different parties many years as a hotel. It is now the property of D. Johnson and is occupied as a private residence. About 1853 or 1854 Jacob A. Davis built a hotel where the Ryder House now stands. This was the third hotel built in the place. It was used as a hotel till 1876, when it was consumed by fire. At the time of its burning it was the property of A. Ryder who immediately rebuilt what is known as the Ryder House.
CHURCHES.
The religious interests of Marengo have not in consequence of its rapid advancement in other directions fallen in the back- ground, but to the contrary, we might say, they stand paramount to all other surrounding interests.
The Presbyterian Church was organized in 1850 under Rev. Geo. F. Goodhine, who came directly to this field of labor from Princeton Theological Seminary, New Jersey. He preached for this people seven years, at the expiration of which time he was elected President of the Collegiate Institute. He was followed in the church by Dr. R. H. Richardson who remained about one year. He was succeeded by Rev. Gill who supplied the church one year. Rev. L. M. Stevens was then called as pastor to the church which position he filled five years. His successor was Rev. H. P. Peck who remained about three years when he was succeeded by Rev. J. H. Carpenter who filled the office of pastor about the same length of time. Rev. J. N. Hutchinson was thien called to the pastorate January, 1875, which position he has since filled. The church was organized with but fifteen members. It enrolled 110 in 1875, and at present has a membership of 182. No con- gregation in the place has made more sure and steady ad- vancement than this one. Its members and pastor seem to be united in their one great and common cause, and the church is in- deed a strong one, both financially and spiritually. In 1852 they erected their beautiful house of worship at a cost of about $8,000. It is a fine stone structure and will seat 300 people.
Baptist Church .- This society was originally organized in the fall of 1840 by Rev. Isaac Marvin, with seven members, viz .: Isaac Marvin and wife, A. Bridges and wife, Elijah Dunham and wife and Abigail Rogers, all of whom are dead except Isaac Marvin and Mrs. Bridges. The former is a resident of Wisconsin and the latter a citizen of Riley Township, this county. Elder
741
HISTORY OF MO HENRY COUNTY.
Marvin was sent to take charge of this society by the Home Mis sionary Society. The church, at the time of organization, was called Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. In 1842 they held services regularly in a school-honse in Coral Township, about three miles southeast of Marengo, and the name was changed to Coral Baptist Church. Previous to this change they held their meet- ings in private houses, chiefly at the residence of Moses Spen cer. The society grew in numbers till its membership numbered eighty-three. In 1852 Elder Marvin organized another church which some suppose to be the original organization of the Bap- tist society in Marengo. This new organization commenced to build a house of worship, but failed for want of funds. Their membership numbered only thirty-eight. The Coral church then joined with this new organization and consolidated the two, agreeing to use the books of the Coral church, as it was the largest and longest established body, but the church records were either accidentally or intentionally lost and were never recovered, hence it is that the majority of people have no knowledge of a Baptist church beyond the organization of the lost branch which was swallowed up by the first organization. The history of the present and second organization of the church was given us as fol- lows, which shows how the Coral church became a part of the Marengo church, as the people of that church understand.
At a meeting held Aug. 28, 1852, at the old school-house, the First Baptist Church of Marengo was organized. At this date a house of worship was erected in company with the Free-Will Bap- tists, whose pastor, Rev. King, preaclied for tlien a time. When Rev. King retired the Baptists purchased the church property, and called Rev. L. W. Lawrence to preach for them. At this time the Coral Baptist Church joined them. The old records were closed and new ones opened. Rev. Lawrence was succeeded by Rev. Roe, of Belvidere, who supplied the pulpit till 1857, when Rev. Z. A. Bryant became the pastor. The following January, Rev. W. N. More hield a revival service which resulted in adding forty members to the church. In August, 1858, Rev. D. E. Halteman was elected to the pastorate. He afterward became the Chaplain of the Fifteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. During his stay in the army liis place was filled at Marengo by Rev. James King, who resigned in favor of the pastor upon liis return home. Rev. T. F. Barchurs was their next pastor. He preached till about the year 1872 when Rev. O. B. Stone became the pastor. A. B. White
742
HISTORY OF MO HENRY COUNTY.
succeeded him in 1879. After him came R. L. Halsey the present pastor. The church has since its earliest existence had reason to rejoice in its prosperity and the good it has accomplished. At present it is in quite a flourishing condition with bright prospects for future prosperity.
The first Deacons of the church were James Andrews and M. Butterfield. E. N. Howe was the first Clerk and M. Butterfield the first Sunday-school Superintendent.
Free Methodist .- This society was formed in 1860. The first meetings were held in the house of Mrs. Damans, and afterward they held meetings in Lansing's Hall. For a time previous to holding services in their church they occupied the parsonage. Their church was dedicated by Rev. B. T. Roberts in September, 1862.
The following is a list of the first members: J. W. Ridfield, M. S. Ridfield, O. Joslyn, Mary Joslyn, W. M. Sanford and wife, M. L. Hart and wife, L. H. Bishop and wife, John Hance, Dan Boy- ington, H. A. Coon, Julia Ward, Francis Barron and wife, Martha Bishop and W. D. Bishop. The following were the first Trustees elected: L. H. Bishop, O. Joslyn, O. P. Rogers, R. Wagar, H. A. Crandall and F. Barron. First Class-Leader, D. Boyington. At the time of the church organization they organized a Sunday- school with O. P. Rogers, Superintendent. Their first pastor was Rev. E. P. Hart and their present one E. C. Best. Fifteen pastors in all have had charge of this body.
Methodist Episcopal .- This might be properly called the pioneer church of the county. As early as 1837 the conference formed a circuit which was named the Sycamore Circuit and embraced all the territory from Sycamore north to the Wisconsin line, running east as far as Fox River and west to Rock River. The regular ap- pointed places for holding services were Sycamore, Rockford, Bel- videre, Round Prairie, Garden Prairie, Marengo, Harmony, Ridgefield and McHenry, besides many private places where services were held when found convenient. At this date churches were not as numerous as at the present time. Of all these ap- pointments there was no place provided for holding services except in private houses. During the year 1837 and most of 1838 the preachers in charge of this circuit were Leander S. Walker, P. C. Gaddis and Wm. Gaddis. The latter came to Marengo in the fall of 1837 and preached his first sermon at the house of Dr. Eli Smith, in Riley Township. The audience did not exceed eight
743
HISTORY OF MO HENRY COUNTY.
persons besides the Doctor's family. Sometime in the year 1838 the minister in charge formed a class in Marengo, holding meetings in the house of Calvin Spencer. The following were the first members of this society: Eli Smith, Class-Leader, Asenith Smith, Samuel and Polly Smith and Eunice Cobb. A few days after- ward the names of O. P. Rogers, Mary S. Rogers and Clester Williams were added to the list. During the following winter, meetings were held at the residence of O. P. Rogers, and the fol- lowing names were added to the church roll of membership: Thomas Thorn and wife, William Thorn and wife and Mr. Thorn's two sisters.
In consequence of this circuit spoken of being about 300 miles in circumference, requiring nearly one year for a pastor to make the round, the circuit was subdivided. In 1838 Rev. L. S. Walker and Nathaniel Jewett were sent to Marengo appointment.
At the first quarterly-meeting held at Round Prairie, the follow- ing Stewards were elected: Wesley Diggins and O. P. Rogers. Revs. Walker and Jewett received for their services about $100 per year, and their duties were to preach one sermon each week day and three on Sunday.
In 1852 Marengo was made a special point on the circuit and ever after was favored with regular religious services and stated ministers. During the winter of 1856-'57 one of the most remark- able revivals ever known in the West was held here. It com- menced in the fall and lasted till spring with no decrease of inter- est from first till last. From far and near the people gathered, filling the house to overflow. The result of this revival was the conversion of over 400 souls. In the year 1855 this society built their fine house of worship. It was dedicated in the spring of 1856 by Rev. John Demster.
Since first organization of this society up to the present time there have been in charge forty-seven ministers, Rev. L. S. Walker being the first and Rev. J. M. Clendening the last. The Sabbath-school was organized in 1840 and held in a log house where S. H. Goodsell now resides. The first Superintendent was P. Ferry, a local preacher. The school began with nine scholars and has to-day over 100.
Independent .- This body of Christians was organized in 1876, by Rev. N. D. Fanning. The members were principally from the Methodist Episcopal church, though all denominations were repre- sented, making a membership of ninety to begin with, which soon
744
HISTORY OF MO HENRY COUNTY.
increased to 160. They remained an Independent body but a few years when an attempt was made to form a Congregational church of it, which failed and resulted in the formation of a Wesleyan Methodist church. This occurred in December, 1882, and the fast decrease of membership indicates that it is not a growing institu- tion at least. Its present membership is but forty. This falling off is due to the fact that the majority of the members of the Inde- pendent body were Congregationalists at heart, and did not join the rest in the formation of the Wesleyan Methodist church. During the time they existed as an Independent body the following pastors ministered unto them : Rev. N. D. Fanning, Rev. Coleman and Rev. Bailey. When they became a Wesleyan Methodist church they were supplied for a time by Rev. Bedford, from Wheaton Theological Seminary. The present pastor is Rev. Shephardson. Their church is a frame building, capable of seating about 175 persons. Its cost was nearly $7,000. At present it is occupied by the German Lutheran church, which was organized only recently, and is still financially weak, though rapidly growing.
Episcopal .- This church was organized many years ago, but its membership has always been quite small. A church was built and occupied for several years when the society disbanded and the church was sold to the Catholics, who still occupy it. It is a frame building with a capacity for seating about 150 people.
The Catholic society at this place is large and is supplied by a priest from Belvidere.
SOCIETIES.
The Woman's Christian Temperance Union was formed in March, 1883, Mrs. S. A. Crissey and Mrs. George Saunders being the prime movers in the enterprise. The list of charter members numbers seventy-five, and the present membership is over 100. The officers first elected, and who still hold their seats, are as fol- lows : Mrs. Crissey, President; Mrs. Saunders, Secretary; Mrs. Flanders, Treasurer. In March, 1884, they established a reading- room on Main street, which affords a rare opportunity for all so disposed to acquaint themselves with popular authors and valuable works. Here daily papers are always found, together with the standard magazines and periodicals. Here is also found a fine circulating library consisting of over 300 volumes of the choicest of literature.
745
HISTORY OF MO HENRY COUNTY.
Marengo Lodge, No. 138, A. F. & A. M., was established under the Dispensatory March 3, 1853. The lodge was organized under the charter Dec. 7, 1853. The date of the charter is Oct. 5, 1853. The following is a list of charter members with the first officers: J. W. Green, W. M .; C. D. Canon, F. W .; A. B. Coon, J. W .; David Barron, \Wm. Barnes, N. Terrill, A. Rogers, R. Al- cott, R. B. Simpkins, Cornelius Lansing, D. Wilbur. The present membership is seventy-seven in good and regular standing. The size of the lodge has diminished and increased owing to removals, deaths and new-comers, but has at all times had a good, full mem- bership. During the whole time of their existence they have been calledupon to support but two or three families of deceased mem- bers. The lodge had been running along finely for about four years when complaint was made against many of its members which nearly resulted in the downfall of the lodge but good management on the part of some of its leaders soon rallied the forces and placed the lodge on sounder footing than before. The fol- lowing will show who has held the office of Master Mason each year from the time of its organization : Dr. J. W. Green in 1853, 1855, 1858, 1860, 1863, 1875, 1878, 1880, 1883; A. B. Coon, 1854; Colonel Lansing, 1856; O. S. Jenks, 1857; O. H. Rogers, 1859; T. R. Ercanbrack, 1864; G. B. Wells, 1865; J. B. Babcock, 1866, 1874. Present officers are as follows : L. Barber, W. M .; S. B. Oakley, S. W .; H. M. Fillmore, J. W .; F. S. Rogers, Secretary; J. V. Wells, Treasurer; O. H. Lincoln, S. D .; F. A. Patrick, J. D .; A. G. Beath, Tyler. The lodge meets every second and fourth Monday evening of each month.
Marengo Lodge, No. 231, A. O. U. W .- This lodge was organ- ized¿Dec. 7, 1882, with the following charter members: F. L. Nutt Geo. W. Saunders, M. F. Drake, F. S. Rogers, J. Q. Adams, J. S. Rogers, H. H. Fickes, Charles Church, M. O. Frazier, James L. Lewis, W. S. Jackson, H. J. Kapus, E. C. Sears, F. R. Ocock, J. W. Elliott, L. J. Hilly, A. S. Norton, E. W. Treat, C. Fillmore, J. F. Wilson, H. B. Smith, J. H. Ocock, J. W. McDonald, F. J. Pray, Ira R. Curtiss, W. L. Morse, E. H. Vandervere, A. McIn- tyre, N. F. Calver. The lodge has not been in existence long enough to make a telling effect upon the already large charter membership, but it is surely in good running order, and bids fair to become a valuable organization to its members. The Ancient Order of United Workmen is purely a benevolent and business or. ganization, numbering now over 100,000 members, embracing all
746
HISTORY OF MO HENRY COUNTY.
classes, from the humble laborer to the wealthy merchant, banker and men of the leading professions, men of every religion and nationality. Their motto is "Charity, Hope and Protection. Practicing charity toward the suffering, live in hope and ex- tend the strong arms of protection to the weak." The following is a list of the first officers elected in this lodge : F. L. Nutt, Master Workman; F. S. Rogers, Foreman; M. F. Drake, Overseer; J. S. Rogers, Recorder; J. Q. Adams, Receiver; H. H. Fickes, Finan- cier; Charles Church, Guide; M. O. Frazier, Inside Watch; J. L. Lewis, Outside Watch. Present officers are as follows: George W. Saunders, M. W .; N. F. Calver, F .; L. J. Hills, O .; J. S. Rogers, R .; F. A. Ocock, Receiver; H. H. Fickes, Financier; H. B. Smith, G .; J. W. McDonald, I. W .; F. S. Rogers, O. W .; F. L. Nutt, Med. Examiner. Present number of members fifty-four.
Select Knights of the A. O. U. W .- This branch of the order was established July 29, 1884, with the following thirty-six char- ter members: A. P. Abbott, A. G. Beath, Thos. Bright, H. Barber, W. J. Casely, Chas. Church, N. F. Calver, J. M. Clapp, M. F. Drake, L. T. Duvon, Daniel Dewar, J. M. Eby, A. F. Fickes, F. G. Hackley, L. J. Hills, John B. Hoof, N. L. Jackson, E. F. Mc- Kinney, J. W. McDonald, A. W. McIntyre, W. L. Morse, F. L. Nutt, A. S. Norton, J. H. Ocock, M. O'Conner, F. R. Ocock, J. S. Rogers, F. S. Rogers, H. P. Smith, G. W. Saunders, J. F. Wil- son, J. T. Smith, Geo. E. Waterman, R. G. White, M. D. York, H. J. Kapus and F. M. Elliot.
First officers were as follows: F. G. Hockley, S. C .; E. F. Mc- Kinney, V. C .; M. F. Drake, L. C .; A. S. Norton, Recorder; A. P. Abbott, Treasurer; R. G. White, Recording Secretary; L. J. Hills- J. F. Wilson 'and F. L. Nutt, Trustees; F. L. Nutt, Chaplain; Chas. Church, Standard Bearer; H. B. Smith, Sen. Workman; J. T. Smith, J. W .; A. F. Fickes, Marshall; H. H. Barber, Guard of Legion; F. L. Nutt, Medical Examiner. This list of officers con- stitutes those whose time has not yet expired, hence the first officers are the present ones. The society holds its meetings the second and fourth Tuesday evenings of each month in the Masonic Hall. Their uniforms consist of ostrich plumed chapeau, black silk cap, for evening wear, three chain plaited link, belt and sword with buck gauntlet gloves. The spirit of the lodge is a mutual life insurance of its members. The friends of each member receives at his death $3,000; assessment made and money comes through the Grand Lodge of the State.
C
747
HISTORY OF MO HENRY COUNTY.
Lancing Chapter, No. 73, R. A. M .- This chapter was organ- ized under a dispensation and held its first meeting Oct. 27, 1864; charter issued Oct. 6, 1865. The following are the charter mem- bers: G. V. Wells, D. C. Peck, W. A. Treat, F. C. Fillmore, John Couch, Lefler Strell, T. R. Ercanbrack, P. S. Griffeth, H. Nickerson, W. W. Poyer, C. B. Read, W. H. Rockwood, Jas. Underwood, P. T. Parkhurst, L. Woodward, E. F. Mckinney, G. D. Holmes, A. G. Simons, Thos. Dimond, J. B. Babcock, A. P. Mead, B. Wilbur, J. C. Casley, H. A. Buck, A. H. White, Ira R. Curtiss. The following were the first officers elected: G. V. Wells, High Priest; D. E. Peck, King; Lefler Strell, Scribe; E. F. Mckinney, O. H .; J. B. Babcock, B. S .; Ira R. Curtiss, R. A. C .; F. C. Fillmore, M. 3d V .; W. A. Treat, M. 2d V .; P. T. Parkhurst, M. 1st V .; J. Couch, Treasurer; J. C. Casely , Secretary; Geo. Sampter, 1st Steward; D. C. Thomas, 2d Steward; W. H. Rockwood, 3d Steward; J. Couch, Chaplain; T. Deamon, Sentinel.
This chapter held their meetings once a month in the Masonic Hall. Their meetings are well attended and the chapter is in a flourishing condition, though their membership has been higher than at present, which is forty-five in number.
The present officers are as follows: Ira R. Curtiss, H. P .; L. Barber, King; J. W. Green, Scribe; P. T. Parkhurst, C. of H .; E. F. Mckinney, P. S .; W. J. Casely, R. A. C .; J. D. Bliss, M. of 3d V .; S. B. Oakley, M. of 2d V .; H. M. Fillmore, M. of 1st V; G. V. Wells, Treasurer; S. K. Bartholomew, Secretary; J. B. Bab- cock, Chaplain: Geo. Crego, L. Woodward and Geo. Sampter, Stewards.
Harley Wayne, Post No. 169, G. A. R., Dep. of Ill .- This post was organized Dec. 29, 1882, with the following charter mem- bers: J. W. Green, R. Miller, C. S. Strickland, C. A. White, W. J. Casely, W. H. Sanders, B. F. Parker, J. B. Babcock, J. Q. Adams, D. A. Steadman, Samuel Rowland, Amos J. Boyington, A. London, W. A. Mallory, C. W. Mallory, H. M. Fillmore, John Kennedy, Wm. Sullivan.
The first officers elected were as follows: Ira R. Curtiss, Post Commander; John Kennedy, Sen. Vice-Commander; B. S. Parker, Junior Vice-Com .; W. H. Sanders, Q. M .; A. J. Boyington, Adjt .; J. W. Green, Surgeon; J. B. Babcock, Chaplain; D. A. Steadman, Officer of the Day. Present number of members is eighty-nine and meet every second and fourth Friday evenings of 47
748
HISTORY OF MO HENRY COUNTY.
each month in the Masonic Hall. Below will be found a list of the present officers: Ira R. Curtiss, Commander; John Kennedy, Sen. Vice-Com .; B. F. Parker, Jr. Vice-Com .; W. H. Sanders, Q. M .; A. J. Boyington, Adgt .; J. W. Green, Surgeon; J. B. Babcock, Chaplain; Wm. Sullivan, Officer of the Day.
Kishwaukee Farmers' Club .- This club was formed somne time in March, 1875, through the instrumentality of Messrs. Israel Boice, T. McD. Richards and Patterson Pringle, who met at the house of Mr. Richards early in the spring of 1875, and after dis- cussing the feasibility of the matter a:nong themselves, selected fifteen of their best neighbor farmers to join them. Their plans were heartily accepted by all, and it was not long before the mem- bership of the club exceeded fifty. They held their meetings once a month, at the residence of one of its members, where they dis- cussed in a friendly manner the propriety of various modes of farming, together with all the various branches of agriculture, horticulture, stock-raising, dairy business, etc. By previou appointment some member would read a lecture which he had prepared for the occasion, treading upon some subject relative to the interests of the farmer and which subject was afterward taken as a topic for discussion. In this and various ways they not only advanced their interests and informed themselves upon useful sub- jects, but it proved to be a source of great pleasure to the participants and a splendid school for cultivating the social and moral qualities of the neighborhood. Time forbids further mention of the numer- ous enjoyable occasions witnessed by this club, or it would be our delight to enter into detail and to show the great attractiveness loaned to these various occasions by the ready hands of the wives and daughters of the club's members. Thos. McD. Richards was the first President, which position he held six consecutive years. Present President, R. M. Patrick.
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