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 69
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MARENGO AGRICULTURAL BOARD.
In the year 1872 a Driving Park Association was formed in Ma- rengo, consisting of J. M. Anderson, R. M. Patrick, T. H. St. John, L. W. Sheldon, A. H. Vail, Calvin Gilbert, S. K. Bartholomew, W. A. Boice, Calvin Spencer and others. This association leased of Calvin Spencer for a term of years the grounds which the Agri- cultural Board now controls. They went to considerable expense in grading the track and erecting an amphitheatre, and after holding two exhibitions found the project was a financial failure. The
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association went down, and the property and lease fell into the hands of a few of the former members, who tried to run it for a time with the hope that some horsemen might be persuaded to pur- chase the property. Failing in this, they turned the property over to an Agricultural Board recently formed in Marengo, consisting of A. Jones, R. M. Patrick, E. H. Seward and Calvin Spencer. This board ran the grounds for the three following years, meeting yearly with increased success and abundant encouragement. This induced others to join the enterprise, and the following year a State charter was obtained from the Government, and 220 shares of stock were issued at $10.00 each. This resulted in a full paid-up stock. They have held three fairs, and each year, after paying $2,000 premiums, have had a dividend of ten per cent. on the capital stock left. They are well prepared to give accommodations to sight- seers and exhibitors. Their mile-track is not excelled in the coun- try, while the capacious grounds, containing fourteen acres, is a. show-dield not often seen in the West. They have ninety box-stalls. Their amphitheatre holds over 1,000 people, and the agri- cultural hall is large and commodious. The officers of the Society consist of a president, secretary, vice-president, treas- urer, general superintendent and nine directors. The following is a list of those who at present fill the respective positions: L. W. Sheldon, President; H. Underwood, Vice-President; S. K. Bar- thiolomew, Treasurer; R. M. Patrick, Secretary, and L. Barber, General Manager. W. A. Treat, C. Spencer, C. H. Thorn, L. W. Sheldon, H. Underwood, L. Barber, R. M. Patrick, J. S. Rogers and S. K. Bartholomew, Directors.
MARENGO FIRE CORPS
was organized Oct. 29, 1883, through the instrumentality of H. B. Smith, J. Teeple and A. W. Kelley. The number of charter mem- bers was fifty-two, and while several have dropped out of the ranks, others have filled their places, so that a good, strong corps is ever ready to turn out and fight the fire-fiend, which has on several oc- casione made its power felt in this city. Many will long remember the destructive fire that occurred on Jan. 4, 1867, as well as the one on March 5, 1876, when the Ryder House and several adjoining stores and shops adjoining were destroyed by fire. The citizens of Marengo seemed slow in wakening up to the full sense of danger in which they stood, without any means to exterminate a confla- gration, and not till 1883 did they make any such provisions. At
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this date the city purchased two chemical engines, at an expense of $1,800. These engines are under the control of the fire corps, whose gratuitous duty it is to keep them in good working order and place them on the grounds ready for action soon as possible after the alarm of fire is given. The following is a list of officers elected at the first meeting of the corps: A. S. Norton, Secretary; E. A. Vandevere, Treasurer; H. G. Otis, Charles In- gersoll and J. Teeple, Directors.
EDUCATIONAL.
Owing to the fact that the records were burned at the time the school-house was burned, we are unable to give the exact time when this became a graded school. We are informed that the first Principal after the school was graded was Prof. Wheeler, who re- mained about two years. Following him was Dr. Miller, who was succeeded by Prof. J. Allen. After holding the position ten years, Allen remained as Principal four years, when he returned to his native State, Vermont. He was succeeded by Prof. Talmage, who remained but a short time. The present Principal, C. M. Barlow, came in 1883. The attendance of scholars is about 350, and seven teachers are employed.
The school building is one of the finest in the State, built at an expense of over $20,000. It is a two-story stone building, contain- ing seven rooms above the basement, where is situated the furnace by which the building is thoroughly warmed by steam. Much credit is due to the directors who have so successfully managed the financial and educational interests of this institution since its completion. The present board, consisting of Drs. W. H. Mesick and E. E. Peck and W. P. Abbott, seem to be the permanent choice of the community, who in the main have watched as guar- dian angels many years over this worthy object.
PRESBYTERIAN ACADEMY.
This institution was established in the basement of the new church soon after it was built. The first Principal was E. B. Conk- lin, who held the position but a few years, when he was succeeded by Prof. Scudder. The attendance enrolled from 80 to 120 scholars. This academy was in existence some five years when, in 1857, an Educational Institute was formed. A large, commo- dious five-story brick building was erected for the purpose of car- rying on the institute. The institute had scarcely run one year
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when, for want of sufficient endowment, it fell into the hands of other parties, who might possibly have made a success of it had they not met with the misfortune of having their building burn down.
POSTOFFICE.
This postoffice was established in 1841, and kept by Alfred King on his farm, about one mile west from Marengo Village.
David Hammar was the second Postmaster, the office being kept for a time at the residence of Joseph Deitz, and afterward taken to what was known as the old Vermont Home, on corner of State and Main streets. The office was next moved to where Henry Underwood's livery stable now stands, and Col. Cornelius Lancing appointed as the third Postmaster. Wm. F. Combs was appointed the fourth Postmaster. The office was then kept in a store just in front of the building now occupied by the Free Methodist church. The office was then established on the southwest corner of Main and State streets, where it remained but a short time, when it was taken to the northwest corner of the same streets. Here the fifth Postmaster, L. L. Crandall, held the office. Anson Sperry was next appointed in 1853 and held the office till 1861. The office at that time was located where the Marengo Opera House now stands. From 1861 to 1873 Dr. O. S. Jenks held the office in the building now occupied as a dry-goods store by Wm. C. Stewart. In the same building Win. C. Stewart held the office from 1873 to 1882. J. Q. Adams, the present incumbent, took charge of the office Feb. 1, 1882. The office is now in the building on the southeast corner of State and Washington streets. The first money-order was issued at this office Sept. 9, 1867, to Albert H. Vail. The first money- order paid at this office was to Rev. David Teed, Sept. 25, 1867. Prior to the year 1841 the mail for this section was delivered at Coral postoffice, three miles southeast of Marengo, which at that time was the only one between Marengo and Chicago.
OPERA HOUSE.
This beautiful structure was built by R. M. Patrick at an expense of nearly $30,000. It was opened in April, 1883. The dimensions of the building are as follows: 95 x 53 on the ground, and two stories high, the lower story being fourteen feet and the upper thir- ty-two feet. The full height of the building is fifty-four feet. Its seating capacity is 750, thoughi 1,000 can readily be accommodated
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by the addition of chairs. The seats are modernly arranged and of the latest pattern of the opera chair. The stage appliances and outfit are complete. Fifteen full sets of scenery and many odd pieces comprise the present facilities in that line, though there are being constantly added new scenes.
This house is a model of neatness in every department. The waiting and dressing rooms, the capacious stairway, the grand scenery, the beautiful frescoed ceiling and gilded walls, illumina- ted by over 100 gas-jets, presents a picture almost enchanting in its dazzling brightness and rare beauty.
The house was erected by Mr. Patrick more with a view of pro- moting the interests of Marengo than for financial gains, and in consequence the privileges of the use of the house is extended only to first-class troupes and those known to possess nothing but the highest reputation.
BANKS.
Farmers and Drovers' Bank was first established by Seth Lewis in 1872, who ran it till 1875, when B. S. Parker purchased the bank and all its interests of Mr. Lewis at an expense of $5,000. Since Mr. Parker became the owner of the bank the business has been done chiefly with farmers, stock-dealers and business men generally. At the present time the bank is doing the financial business of over twenty cheese factories and creameries. Since 1875 Mr. Parker has added to his business several thousand dollars, and is at present doing a remarkable business, handling annually over $1,000,000. In 1883 Mr. Parker built his fine bank building at an expense of nearly $4,000. The building and office are rarely sur- passed in the West. Mr. Parker's long acquaintance with the people of this community has afforded them ample time to become thoroughly acquainted with his strict business habits and integrity, who through his perfect uprightness has thoroughly established himself not only in business but in the confidence of the peo- ple, which he most justly deserves.
This bank's correspondents are in Chicago and New York, and is now doing a general banking business.
The First National Bank of Marengo was organized on the 29th day of July, 1871, when the following Directors and officers were elected: Directors, R. M. Patrick, Elias Patrick, Geo. Smith, Ira E. Searls and G. V. Wells; Officers, G. V. Wells, President; R. M. Patrick, Cashier. At the first special meeting Geo. Smith was elected Vice-President, and Elias Patrick, Assistant Cashier.
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HISTORY OF MO HENRY COUNTY.
The first annual meeting was hield Jan. 9, 1872. The following Directors and officers were elected: Directors, G. V. Wells, R. M. Patrick, O. P. Rogers, George Smith and Ira E. Searls; Officers, G. V. Wells, President; O. P. Rogers, Vice-President; R. M. Patrick, Cashier; Elias Patrick, Assistant Cashier. Directors at this date (Dec. 12, 1884), G. V. Wells, R. M. Patrick, O. P. Rogers, Geo. Smith and H. Underwood; Officers, R. M. Patrick, President; O. P. Rogers, Vice-President; N. V. Woleben, Assistant Cashier. Capital stock paid in, $50,000; surplus to date, $21,000.
MANUFACTURES.
Pickle Factory .- This factory was built in 1880 by a joint stock company with a paid up capital of $5,000. The stock company is incorporated under the State laws. Annual meetings of the members are held, while the officers meet once a month. The capacity of the building is 30,000 bushels. Sine its first debut it has been doing a good paying business and the company are thor- oughly in earnest in the enterprise. The present officers are as follows: Ira R. Curtiss, President; R. M. Patrick, Secretary; B. S. Parker, Treasurer.
Cheese-Box Factory .- This building was first erected for a sash and blind factory whichi purpose it served about six years when it was converted into a cooper shop which ran only two years and after lying idle a few months, in 1879 it was purchased by Messrs. Wood & Sherwin, of Elgin, and converted into a cheese-box and tub factory. About one year ago the manufacturing of tubs was dispensed with, and they are now engaged in the manufacture of cheese-boxes alone.
Marengo Flouring Mill .- This once paying institution, situated near the railroad track, was built in 1861 by Butsford, Howe & Spencer at a cost of $10,000. A steam engine afforded the power and they did a fine custom business. Not long after the mill com- menced to run, Mr. Spencer withdrew from the firm. Butsford & Howe continued to do a good business for many years. The present proprietor is S. K. Bartholomew, who uses it exclusively as a feed-mill. While it is still a property of considerable value its depreciation was chiefly on account of the wheat failure in Illinois.
Foundry and Machine Shop .- About the year 1868 Henry Deitz built a structure 18 x 28 feet with a wing called a lien 26 x 18 feet, for the purpose of carrying on the foundry business. For
754 HISTORY OF MO HENRY COUNTY.
about four years he was engaged at it in a small way with only three hands. In 1872 C. E. Kelley purchased the property and proceeded at once to increase its capacity by enlarging the build- ing and adding machinery. The wooden front is now 16 x 62 feet, two stories high. The one-story stone part is 28 x 68 feet, iron roofed. His store-room is a separate building 18 x 50 feet and two stories high. An eight horse-power engine furnishes the power, while three iron lathes, two drills, one planer and gear-cutter besides a host of other appliances constitute the machinery. He usually employs from four to ten hands, though through the busy season a dozen or more are employed. Besides doing a great deal of job work he manufactures small engines and pumps and all kinds of pump supplies.
Canning Factory .- About the year 1875 E. F. & F. L. Mckinney started this business which has since proved a wonderful industry. Scarcely aware of laying the foundation to such an enterprise, jellies and jams were furnished in limited quantities to some of E. F. Mckinney's friends in Chicago, where he at the time was keeping books at the Stock Yards. These products were so highly praised that Mr. Mckinney was induced to make some of the Icading grocerymen acquainted with his goods, who upon examina- tion encouraged him to enlarge his facilities beyond the kitchen stove, and engage in the business of making jains and jellies, canning all kinds of fruits and berries. In 1877 he erected a build- ing 20 x 30 feet near his residence which he used till 1880, when he moved it to its present site and added to it till its present di- mensions are now as follows: Main building, 24 x 70 feet with two wings on the east, each 24 feet square, and two wings on the west side cach 20 x 24 in size. The machinery consists of boiler and engine, corn-cutter, pitting machine, steam vats, etc. He employs all the way from twelve to sixty hands and often during the busy eason employs as high as seventy-five hands. The principal busi- ness is canning goods though hundreds of dozens of jams and jellies of the finest type are produced here annually. The goods are sold chiefly to the Government and consumed by the standing army. Much of the success of this enterprise is due to the care- ful oversight of the foreman, John Noble, who has been in the employ of this company since they engaged in the business.
The following is a summary of Marengo business interests: Agricultural implements, F. G. Vail, Skinner & Treat; banks, Farmers & Drover's Bank, B. S. Parker, President; First National
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HISTORY OF MO HENRY COUNTY.
Bank, G. V. Wells, President ; boots & shoes, Wm. Daugherty, P. T. Parkhurst, Willard Blood; blacksmiths, Alexander Walling, John Kelley, John Arlington & Co .; barbers, Tillman Gallaway, Reuben Miller; cheese-box factory, N. L. Jackson, Cady, York & Thompson; wagon-makers, John Miles, C. H. Hance, F. W. Alder- man; cigars and tobacco, Arthur Wilbur; dressmakers, Miss Emma Norton, Miss Fannie Bliss; dentists, G. L. Boyington, M. A. Webb; druggists, Wm. C. Stewart; Asa Wood, F. W. Patrick & Co .; furniture, Wm. F. Abbott, Casely & Fillmore; groceries, Vail, Otis & Co., A. S. Norton & Co., Gilbert Metcalf; grain dealer, C. W. Ingersoll; harness manufactory, W. H. Sanders; hotels, Pacific Hotel, L. G. Buck, proprietor, Almou & Ryder; hardware, G. F. Renewick, W. A. Treat, S. A. Crissey; jewelry, G. W. Sannders, J. H. Bulard; livery, Almon & Reyder, Henry Underwood, George Crego; lumber, Rodgers Brothers, Teeple & Co., E. P. Persons; lawyers, A. B. Coon, Ira R. Curtiss; merchants, George Sampter, J. A. Read, H. E. & F. A. Patrick, P. B. Smith, A. P. Abbott; meat- market, David Johnson, W. P. Pringle; milliners, Mrs. M. A. Spalding, Mrs. H. C. Thayer, Mrs. M. Buck, Mrs. T. J. Belden, Metcalf & Brown; music store, A. L. Derry; tailor, George Stan- ford; flour-mill, Bartholomew & Co .; physicians, Wm. H. Mesick, S. C. Wernham, L. C. Nutt, J. W. Green, C. N. Clark; photog- raphers, O. L. Sherman; Marengo Pickle Manufactory, J. J. Wilson, proprietor; painter, C. Fraidrich; restaurant, J. Griffen, H. D. Storms, Mrs. E. J. Goodrich; tinners, Frank Gaskell.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
J. B. Babcock was born in Westford, Otsego Co., N. Y., May 14, 1831. His father, Enoch Babcock, moved with his family to Livingston County, N. Y., in 1833, and in 1846 moved to McHenry County, Ill., and settled in Riley Township. J. B. attended the schools of Riley, taught school and worked on the farm till 1852. In the meantime attended Rockford Academy a year. In 1852 he became a citizen of Marengo, where he was employed as clerk in a store, and continued that vocation till 1862, when he cnlisted in Company A, Ninety-fifth Illinois Infantry. He was appointed First Sergeant, and subsequently was promoted to Second and then to First Lieutenant. He served eighteen months, and at the battle of Vicksburg was disabled for future service. He subsequently re- signed and returned home, and after his recovery was employed as clerk in the Provost Marshal's office eighteen months. He was
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then employed as bookkeeper for McKenney & Ingersoll till 1868, since which time lie has edited and published the Marengo Repub- lican. Mr. Babcock has served as Clerk of the township twelve years, and as Clerk of the corporation seven years. He has been a Justice of the Peace four years, and Trustee two ternis. He is a member of Marengo Lodge, No. 138, F. & A. M .; Lancing Chapter, No. 73, R. A. M., and Harley Wayne Post, No. 169, G. A. R. He was married in 1853 to Marcia Dewolf, daughter of Stephen and Bethe Dewolf. They have five children-Jennie, wife of H. E. Patrick; Kate E., wife of C. M. Crego, of Unionville, Iowa; Emily L., Harlan E. and F. D. E. Mr. and Mrs. Babcock are members of the Methodist Episcopal churc .
Israel Boies was born in the town of Blanford, Mass., May 27, 1808, and moved with his parents to Cortland, Cortland Co., N. Y., in 1812, where he grew to manliood. He was married in 1833 to Miss Mary Ives. In 1859 he moved to Darlington, Wis., where he engaged very largely in buying and selling cattle and hogs. He followed this business until 1865, when he moved to a farm in the town of Coral, McHenry County. At the end of one year he sold the farm, and while his family moved to Marengo, he went back to Darlington and continued the stock business until 1869. In the year 1868, together with his son William, he bought the farm of O. P. Rogers, near Marengo, and on this farm commenced the famous system of winter dairying which made the names of Boies & Son known all over the East and West in connection with the manufacture of fine butter. This butter was always in demand at fancy prices in Providence, R. I., Boston, Mass., and Chicago, and from this small beginning has grown the immense creamery busi- ness of Illinois. Mr. Boies died Nov. 15, 1884, aged seventy-six years, at the home of his son William.
William A. Boies was born in the town of Cortland, Cortland Co., N. Y., Dec. 15, 1841. In the year 1859 he moved to Darlington, Wis., with his father's family, where he lived until 1865, when he was married to Miss Lottie M. Shimmins, and moved to Marengo, Ill. In the year 1868 he went into partnership with his father, I. Boies, and commenced the famous system of winter dairying and the manufacture of fine butter, which made the name of I. Boies & Son known all over the land in connection with the manufacture of fine butter. In the year 1876 I. Boies & Son dissolved partner- ship, W. A. Boies retaining the old homestead and continuing the manufacture of fine butter. From this small beginning he now
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owns and controls nineteen factories, which make a specialty of fine butter and cheese, and annually distributes half a million of money to the farmers of McHenry County.
Merrick Butterfield, one of the most prominent farmers of Mc- Henry County, is a native of Vermont. He was born in Andover, Dec. 18, 1819, a son of Joseph and Sarah (Lawrence) Butterfield, who were natives of Massachusetts, of Scotch descent. He remained on the old homestead in Vermont till 1855, when he removed to Illinois, and settled in Riley Township, McHenry County. In 1875 he moved to his present farm in Seneca Township. In 1882, ow- ing to failing health, he moved to Marengo, where he now resides. Mr. Butterfield was married March 1, 1843, to Lucy M. Taylor. They had a family of three children-Lucy Jane, Harlan M. (de- ceased), Leroy T. Mrs. Butterfield died Dec. 20, 1860. March 16, 1862, Mr. Butterfield married Eliza S. Phinney, a native of New York and a daughter of D. P. Phinney. They have one child- Laura M. Mr. Butterfield has been a member of the Baptist church since he was sixteen years of age, and has been Deacon of his church for about thirty years, and for about twenty years of that time has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school. Politically he was an Abolitionist till the formation of the Republican party, and has always been an active worker in the party. He has served his township in several of its minor offices, and has always proved himself to be worthy of the trusts imposed upon him.
Charles Crego, deceased, was born in Onondaga County, N. Y. His mother died when he was six years old and he subsequently lived with his grandfather till manhood. He married Althea Moffitt, a cousin of General Winfield Scott. She was a native of New York, of Irish descent. After his marriage he engaged in farming and dairying in his native county, and was successful, but afterward lost all his own property and $1,800 of borrowed money in a speculation in sheep. He then, in 1840, came to Illinois and entered a farm in McHenry County, and soon had his farm paid for and bis debt canceled. He afterward sold this farm and bought another in Coral Township, where he lived till 1875, when he sold it and moved to Marengo, where he died in June, 1879. His wife died in 1875. They had been members of the Methodist Episco- pal church many years. They had a family of six children- Olive, George, Laura, Jane, James, and Marquis (deceased). Mr. Crego was the first Postmaster of Harmony, and held the position twenty years. He held the office of Magistrate twenty-four years.
758 HISTORY OF MO HENRY COUNTY.
George Crego the eldest son of Charles and Althea (Moffitt) Crego, was born in Cortland County, N. Y., June 4, 1832, and wae eight years of age when his parents moved to McHenry County. He lived in Coral Township till 1865, when he moved to Marengo and opened a livery stable. He has also dealt extensively in horses, buying for the Eastern markets. Mr. Crego was married April 9, 1856, to Adelaide Phinney, a native of Chautauqua County, N. Y., a daughter of David Phinney. She died leaving three sons- Charles, Frank and George Dell. July 2, 1874, Mr. Crego mar- ried Mrs. Hannah (Horner) Parkhurst, a native of Syracuse, N. Y. They have two children-Mary and Maud. Mrs. Crego is a inem- ber of the Baptist church. Mr. Crego is a member of Marengo Lodge, No. 138, F. & A. M., and Lancing Chapter, No. 73, R. A. M. Politically he is a Republican.
Sherman A. Crissey, Marengo, was born in Stockton, Chau- tauqua Co., N. Y., Aug. 19, 1835, the second son of Sylvanus and Mary (Nicholson) Crissey. On reaching his majority, in 1856, he came to Illinois and located in Marengo, where he en- gaged in farming till 1861, when he opened a harness shop and carried on an extensive business till 1883. In 1872 he added a stock of hardware to his other business and now has one of the largest stores in the county. Mr. Crissey was married Sept. 9, 1858, to Martha, daugliter of Hilon Capron. They have had four children-Effie, Edward, Artie and Fannie, the eldest and young- eat are deceased. Mr. Crissey has been a inember of the Baptist church since 1857 and in 1881 was elected Deacou. He has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school since 1879. He casts his suffrage with the Republican party.
Elisha Dayton was the third son of Henry and Sarah Dayton. He was born near River Head, Suffolk Co., Long Island, on the 3rd day of February, 1817 His ancestors were mainly of Scottish and English origin with a slight mingling of the Norman. His early discipline was rigidly religious, his baby primer the chatechism, his boyhood stories confined to the good old book that told of Joseph and his brother. But combined with this Puritanical training, he was taught and imbued with the most thorough love of the truth, integrity and morality. And when in early man- hood he had obtained by his own energy and industry a thorough education at Allegheny College, Meadville, Penn., soon there- after entering the Universalist ministry, his honored father and revered mother though strong Orthodox, bade him God speed,
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