USA > Illinois > Whiteside County > History of Whiteside County, Illinois, from its earliest settlement to 1908, Vol. I > Part 33
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
Ex-Governor Van Sant, of Minnesota, expressed his deep interest in the success of the canal, and believed that thesc improved waterways would solve the transportation problem. His suggestion that the two cities by their con- tinual co-operation would best secure their common prosperity, was received with applause.
As Col. Frank O. Lowden was announced, the audience sent up a hearty cheer of welcome for our congressman. He hoped to see the day when he can ship grain from his farm on Rock river, and he proposed during the next session of congress to urge a lock in the dam as a desideratum in the naviga- tion of the river. He advised the cities to secure plenty of space for terminal facilities before private interests would interfere with the freedom of public traffic.
Congressman Benjamin Caldwell, of Springfield, followed in a similar strain, and elicited much applause when he said that he was in favor of a lock in the dam allowing boats access to the river below. Introduce the bill, and I shall not only vote for it myself, but secure the votes of other members.
When Gen. Thomas J. Henderson arose, still vigorous at eighty-two, voice little impaired by time, he was easily the most impressive and historic figure of the day. He reviewed his long struggle in the House for the Hen- nepin project, and maintained that the time has come when canals are im- perative improvements, and that the government owes their construction and support to the people.
Dr. J. W. McGee, of Iowa, chairman of the inland water-way com- mission, and one of the advisers of President Roosevelt on this subject, was
289
HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY
confident that with the advantages of the Hennepin so apparent, other ship canals would follow at no distant day.
Hon. Clayton E. Crafts, formerly speaker of the Illinois House, repre- sented the Chicago Association of Commerce, and declared that Chicago took great interest in the canal as it meant cheaper transportation for the metrop- olis as well as for the people of this section.
Col. Clark E. Carr, of Galesburg, predicted that the Hennepin will do for the cities along its banks what the Erie canal has done for the cities of central. New York, and that Sterling and Rock Falls are to enter upon a career of unexampled prosperity.
This was the last address, and ended the flow of eloquence. The band played a selection, and the multitude gradually dispersed to their homes .. The October pageant of the Hennepin feeder had become a happy memory forever.
And now, 'tis silent all, Enchantress, fare thee well !
HENNEPIN IN A NUTSHELL.
1883-Bill providing for the construction of canal passed.
1890-Captain L. L. Wheeler assumed charge of work on canal.
1890-Congress appropriated $500,000 for work on canal.
1892-Congress appropriated another $500,000.
1892-First dirt taken from the canal at Milan. Contractors start work on the west end of the main line.
1894-Congress appropriated $190,000.
1895-Citizens of Rock Island, Davenport and Moline and Milan joined in monstor celebration and canal was dedicated.
1896-Congress listens to plea of Sterling and Rock Falls citizens and location of the mouth of the feeder is changed to Rock Falls and $45,000 is appropriated.
1898-Congress appropriated $875,000 and work on feeder is started.
1898-Congress appropriated $1,427,740.
Oct. 21, 1907-Celebration at Milan over completion of canal.
Oct. 24, 1907-Canal formally opened and water turned into feeder at Rock Fals.
Nov. 8, 1907-Steamer Marion begins first cruise through canal at Bureau.
Nov. 15, 1907-Steamer Marion completes trip through main line of canal and reached Rock Island.
CAUTION TO TRESPASSERS.
Supt. L. L. Wheeler has published a set of rules and regulations to govern boats and the operation of the canal. The following contain the main points of the regulations :
Trespassing is strictly forbidden on the lands along the canal and cut- ting of trees or digging in the banks is prohibited. Advertisements of any sort cannot be posted on the fences, picrs, bridges or abutments. No refuse
290
HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY
matter may be thrown on the right of way except ashes which may be thrown on the towpath.
Stock will not be permitted to graze on the right of way nor will per- sons be permitted to ride or drive on the embankment.
No hunting will be permitted along the banks of the canal except on permission of the superintendent.
No alcoholic drinks may be sold from any boat in the canal.
Fishing will not be permitted within 100 feet of any fishway or lock. Nets will not be permitted in the canal under any circumstances.
The speed of all boats is limited to six miles an hour and rules governing the passing of boats and the order of precedence through locks, etc., are given. Pleasure boats, etc., will only be put through lock in the morning and evening unless they happen to be locked through with a larger boat.
The violation of any of the rules or regulations is punishable by a fine as high as $500 or imprisonment for six months at the discretion of the United States District court.
THE MILK INDUSTRY. O, Mirth and Innocence! O, Milk and Water! Ye happy mixtures of more happy days !- Byron.
Man from a savage state has passed through the stone age, the iron age, the copper, now he is in the age of steel. So the farmer in the West has had his stages. First wheat, winter or spring, was the main crop. With a big yield, the land was often paid for. When goods were bought at the store, payment was to be made "after harvest," and if harvest was poor, the mer- cliant had to carry the farmer for another year. As the ground failed to pro- duce wheat, then came corn and hogs, oats and horses, pasture and cattle. These different features were pushed according to the market. Diversified or general farming is the only secret of successful agriculture. Corn for a long time has been king. The price is generally good, and it is necessary feed for hogs and cattle. But within a few years a rival industry has sprung up, and the farmer is now in the age of milk. The business has grown so gradually that we hardly realize its extent. The cities have always needed milk, but it was drawn chiefly from the surrounding country.
But now every hamlet, every town, every county, is a milk center. The pretty dairy maid of the poet or artist sitting by a solitary heifer, and sing- ing as she carries her pail to the house, is no longer to be seen. Instead, rows of cows in white barns, and men milkers in white jackets, working for wages. A boon to the farmer's wife and daughters. No more skimming dozens of crocks in damp cellars, or tugging at the churn and waiting for the butter to come. Every morning the milk is carried away in wagons, and that burden of the old fashioned household is removed forever.
The first large concern in Sterling to deal in milk was established by John Gilbert in 1896 on the site of the old Central House. It is now the " Sterling Creamery Company. The milk is gathered outside of the territory of the Gail Borden company, and the receipts are larger than before the con-
291
HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY
densing plant began operations. A contract has been made with a dealer in Moline, and eighty-five cans are shipped daily to that city. Besides milk, the company gathers cream, and 700 pounds of butter are churned every day. Buttermilk is furnished the Legg Poultry Company for fattening fowls, the check for this item in two months amounting to $386. In ad- dition to the money paid for milk and cream, the farmers receive the sepa- rated milk which is given to calves and swine. The receipts in March, 1908, were from 10,000 to 12,000 pounds of milk daily, which were expected to be largely increased in the butter months of May and June.
Another milk depot started later by John Haglock, now controlled by Clement Hey, is also on East Third street. The average receipts in winter are 3,000 pounds a day, which are doubled in summer. This is retailed by wagons through the city. There are four other milk routes: William Freeby, Charles Freeby, Mason and Harting, F. Landis.
But what has given the most powerful impetus to the milk industry in the county is the erection in 1907-1908 of the Gail Borden Condensing Plant. It stands just outside the western limits of Sterling. A ten min- utes' walk from the terminus of the car line brings you to the spot. On thir- teen acres between the Morrison road on the north and the Northwestern on the south are placed the buildings and smoke stacks in pure, beautiful white brick. It is a feast for the eye. Easily the architectural ornament of White- side. The interior is a- model of neatness, solidity, convenience, combining all the results of modern science and sanitation. The flow of the artesian well is 260 gallons per minute. Copper is a prominent material in the ves- sels, very expensive, one huge pan alone costing $5,000. A one hundred horsepower Corliss engine furnishes power. The plant involves an outlay of $100,000, and is only one of a hundred similar institutions, east and west. At present, 25,000 to 35,000 pounds of milk are received every day, which will enlarge with the season. About 25 hands are employed. So far this is simply a condensing plant, no bottling or packages, the material being · shipped to Dixon, where it is put into shape for market. A testing apparatus to detect any variation from the state standard, which requires as the lowest three per cent of butter fat.
Contracts for the milk supply for the first six months of 1908 were signed between the dairy farmers and the dealers in Sterling in March. The purchasers are the Gail Borden Company, Clement Hey and the Sterling Butter & Cream Company. The prices offered by the three concerns are very close, there being but little difference in the prices. The prices are slightly higher than last year, especially the quotations of Clement Hey and the Sterling Butter & Cream Company. The prices offered by the Gail Bor- den Company and the Sterling Butter & Cream Company are identical, and as follows: April, $1.25; May, ninety-five cents; June, eighty-five cents; July, ninety-five cents; August, $1.10; September, $1.20.
The only difference in the contracts of the above companies is that the Sterling Butter & Cream Company furnishes the cans and keeps them in repair, while the farmers furnishing milk to the Gail Borden Company fur- nish their own cans and keep them in repair.
292
HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY
The price paid for milk in Sterling by the Gail Borden Company is identical with that at Dixon. The company has made the division point in hauling milk to the two factories at the Lee-Whiteside line. Those who reside west of the line will deliver milk to Sterling and those east of the line will deliver milk to Dixon.
While the company pays good prices for milk, their contract, as is gen- erally known, insists on absolute cleanliness in stables, utensils, food, wagons, laborers, everything and everywhere, and neglect will vitiate the contract. Inspectors make regular tours of the district. From the time that the cow has been milked not a hand has touched the milk. The sterilization of every instrument used in connection with the business has reduced risk of dirt or infection of any kind to almost a practical impossibility. One has only to watch the process of cleaning the plant and preparing the bottles to realize the importance of the task and the thoroughness with which it is done.
The manager of the plant is A. B. Hicks, an energetic young man, wlio brings to his responsible duties an experience of fifteen years at Elgin. The average weight of milk is slightly over two pounds to a quart, and the cans vary in capacity from 68 to 80 pounds.
The prices offered by the Gail Borden people for milk during the first six months of 1908 are the highest of any ever offered by the firm and bring the price of milk to the highest point it has ever reached in this section.
The following table showing the difference in prices has been prepared from figures taken from the company's books:
1907
1906
October
$1.40
$1.25
November
1.55
1.35
December
1.55
1.30
January
1.55
1.50
February
1.55
1.35
March
1.40
1.30
Sugar is a large factor in the condensing process. A section of one floor is occupied with rows of barrels of the Havemeyer brand, weighing 600 pounds each.
His name is familiar on the immense condensing walls all over the country, and yet few know anything about the man. Who was Gail Bor- den? A New Yorker, born in Norwich, 1801, who after a wandering career in the south, invented pemmican or meat biscuit, used by Dr. Kane in Arctic regions. He came north, and in 1853 applied for a patent for "producing concentrated sweet milk by evaporation in vacuo," and in 1856 secured his patent. Works were soon established east and west, and during the Civil war, condensed milk was extensively used in the army. Borden deservedly acquired wealth by his invention, was very liberal, and dicd in Borden, Texas, in 1874. Let his name be placed with Fulton, Morse; Howe, Good- year, as one of the benefactors of his race.
The development of the milk industry has led to remarkable improve- ments in every direction. Land has rapidly advanced in value, not only near towns, but in the remoter districts, wherever the soil affords rich pasture.
293
HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY
Farms now within five to ten miles of Sterling or Morrison range from $100 to $150 per acre. Property in Kane county, of which Elgin is the center, has made astonishing advances. · Naturally an important consideration is the breed of cows to produce the milk. Jerseys, Guernseys, Ayrshires, Holsteins, all have their advocates, and at the agricultural meetings their qualities are discussed with enthusiasm.
A very desirable feature of the milk business is the cash receipts. The monthly payment puts money into the farmer's pocket, and he has ready funds for all liis outlays at store or shop. No tedious dependence as of yore on the yearly crop, or the slow conversion of grass into cattle or corn into pork. The credit system is bad, inconvenient, and has injured many à farmer by putting him at the mercy of Shylocks and designing tradesmen. Thanks to the milk traffic for its cash. It has encouraged promptness and independence.
Cows are tested at the state experiment stations, and the results care- fully watched. By keeping only high-grade cows the dairy farmers of Illinois could increase their aggregate income from $16,000,000 to $31,000,- 000 a year and make a profit of $31.23 a year from cach cow instead of 77 cents a year from poor cows, according to a report just made by Prof. W. J. Fraser, of the University of Illinois. The figures are based upon a three years' test of food supplies and the results in butter fat. Thirty-six herds containing 554 cows were studied in the experiments. The 136 of the ani- mals produced an average of 301 pounds of butter fat a year each. The poor cows averaged only 1331/2 pounds a year each. At 23 cents a pound for butter-the average Elgin price for the last five years-the average income from each good cow was $67.32 a year and from each poor cow $34.77 a year. Feed for each poor cow cost $30 a year and for each good cow $38 a year. On these figures Professor Fraser finds a profit of only 77 cents a year for each poor cow, but a profit of $30.77 a year on each good cow.
Here as elsewhere Jerseys are a favorite in families, or for small herds, but for beef and productive capacity combined, the short-horns still retain their popularity.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS IN WHITESIDE.
By B. F. Hendricks, County Supt.
Since the year 1877, the date when Mr. Charles Bent's history of White- side County was written, many radical improvements in the educational con- / ditions of the county have been made. In December, '77, Geo. C. Loomis of Fulton became County Superintendent and made an excellent record as a school official. Mr. Loomis, during his term of office, held the position of Supt. of Schools at Fulton and performed the duties of County Supt. on Saturdays and during his school vacations.
In 1882, B. F. Hendricks, at that time in charge of the Rock Falls schools, was elected to look after the schools of the county. He taught school for the remainder of the year and then by order of the Board of Supervisors he began giving his entire time to the work of County Super-
294
HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY
vision. The action of the county board in granting the County Superin- tendent permission to put in his full time attending to county school matters is largely attributable to the efforts of a special committee consisting of Supt. A. Bayliss, Supt. M. R. Kelly and John Phinney, who were appointed by the Whiteside County Teacher's Association to wait upon the Board of Sup- ervisors and ask that the County Superintendent be turned loose.
Superintendent Hendricks was re-elected in 1886 but resigned in 1889 to become city superintendent of the Savanna, Ill., schools. By appoint- ment from County Board, W. J. Johnston became County Superintendent in July, '89 and held the office until December, 1902, when the present incumbent, B. F. Hendricks, was again called upon to take charge of the schools of the county.
Superintendent Johnston was a careful and capable officer and his long term of service emphatically demonstrated that his efforts were duly appreci- ated by the school patrons of Whiteside. In order to make an effort to grade the rural schools, and to give greater system to supervision, the first "School Room Guide" made its appearance in 1884. This course of study supple- mented by future editions and outlines and emphasized by central and final examinations has produced phenomenal results in bettering the cduca- tional conditions in Whiteside County.
New schoolhouses equipped with single desks, elaborate libraries, furnaces in basements, up-to-date apparatus, pictures on walls, etc., have taken the places of many buildings that could no longer satisfy the progressive spirit of the age.
Excepting in a very few schools, the text books now in usc are uniform. This has been a practical and economical change and it has materially aided in bringing about the very satisfactory status of educational affairs.
While we have much to boast of at present, the general watchword is progress.
In the near future, the sanguine prophet predicts that the qualifications of teachers will be much higher, that there will be many more school direct- ers as deeply interested and as capable as the best that now so faithfully dis- charge their full duty, that the larger or centralized school will be very com- mon and that every dollar raised by taxation for school purposes will be made to produce a hundred cents' worth of good to the rising generation.
WHITESIDE SCHOOLS IN NINETEEN HUNDRED AND SEVEN.
County Superintendent B. F. Hendrick's annual report to the state dc- partment of public instructions contains the following facts and figures in regard to the schools of Whiteside county :
Number of boys under twenty-one years of age, 6,737.
Number of girls under twenty-one years of age, 6,457.
Total number of children under twenty-one years of age, 13,194.
Number of boys between the ages of six and twenty-one, 4,787.
Number of girls between the ages of six and twenty-one, 4,585.
Total number of children between the ages of six and twenty-one, 9,372. Number of graded schools in the county, 23.
295
HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY
Number of ungraded schools in the county, 128. Highest monthly wages paid to a male teacher, $180. Highest monthly wages paid to a female teacher, $133.50. Lowest monthly wages paid to a male teacher, $26.50.
Lowest monthly wages paid to a female teacher, $25. Average monthly wages paid to a male teacher, $72.72. Average monthly wages paid to a female teacher, $44.39.
Total amount of wages paid to a male teacher, $22,472.25.
Total amount of wages paid to female teachers, $84,180.32.
Bonded school debt, $43,610.
Total amount of tax levy for school, $151,504.29. Number of school districts having libraries, 151.
Whole number of volumes in district libraries, 14,463.
Balance of distributive funds on hand June 30, 1907, $2,413.30. Balance of district funds on hand June 30, 1907, $58,162.09.
Total amount of school funds on hand June 30, 1907, $205,771.19.
EXAMINATION QUESTIONS.
Slips submitted to the township schools in the spring of 1908, B. F. Hendricks, Supt.
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
1. Write briefly of the early history of Fort Dearborn. When was it first built?
2. Name five Illinois towns begun before 1818 and give an important fact concerning each.
3. Give short biographies of Nathaniel Pope, E. P. Lovejoy and Ninian W. Edwards.
4. Name eight governors of Illinois. Who is governor now?
5. How many counties in Illinois? Name the counties in the thirty- fifth Senatorial District.
6. Give name of the first Illinois State Normal School. When and where was it located? What other Normal Schools in Illinois?
7. Where is The Drainage Canal? When was it completed? How large is Chicago?
8. Name four tribes of Indians originally found in Illinois. Give history of Starved Rock.
9. Tell about the coming of George Rogers Clark.
10. Name and locate the present capital of Illinois. Write about Fort DeCharters.
U. S. HISTORY.
1. When and of whom did the U. S. purchase Louisiana? Who was president at the time? What states were carved out of this territory?
2. Write of the nullification troubles.
3. Give a short sketch of Admiral Dewey and also of Paul Jones.
4. What can you say of John Brown in Kansas?
1
296
HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY
5. Connect these characters with some historic facts: Standish, Custer, Andre, Pontiac, Wayne, Morton, Lief Ericsson, Whitney and Hale.
6. What territory has been acquired by the U. S. since 1861?
7. Was Andrew Johnson popular as president? Why?
8. For what are the following dates noted: 1861, 1811, 1644, 1754, 1582, 1506, 1818, 1871, 1793 and 1866?
9. How often did Lee attempt to invade the North? Name the impor- tant battle of each attempt.
10. During whose administration were the Alien and Sedition laws passed? What were these laws?
WHITESIDE SCHOOL APPORTIONMENT.
The following are the school funds and fines apportioned to the towns of Whiteside county, March 28, 1908, by the county superintendent:
T. 19 R. 3 $ 48.29
T. 19 R. 4 Portland 262.79
T. 19 R. 5 Prophetstown 213.18
T. 19 R. 6 Tampico 220.15
T. 19 R. 7 Hahnaman 121.82
. T. 20 R. 2 26.97
T. 20 R. 3 Newton 129.65
T. 20 R. 4 Fenton
124.43
T. 20 R. 5 Lyndon 244.08
T. 20 R. 6 Hume
121.83
T. 20 R. 7 Montmorency 120.52
T. 21 R. 2 Albany 103.11
T. 21 R. 3 Garden Plain 204.92
T. 21 R. 4 Union Grove 212.32
T. 21 R. 5 Mt. Pleasant 574.75
T. 21 R. 6 Hopkins 193.61
T. 21 R. 7 Sterling 1,597.62
T. 22 R. 3 Fulton 449.00
T. 22 R. 4 Ustick 199.71
T. 22 R. 5 Clyde 182.73
T. 22 R. 6 Genesee 208.85
T. 22 R. 7 Jordan
108.13
$5,740.46
MOUNT PLEASANT.
Sweet Auburn! loveliest village of the plain,
Where health and plenty cheered the laboring swain, Where smiling spring its earliest visit paid, And parting summer's lingering blooms delayed .- Goldsmith.
This was the name of a school, and when the township was organized in 1852 from Union precinct, A. C. Jackson applied the title to the town-
1
297
HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY
ship. He showed excellent taste, for there is no richer or prettier section in Whiteside. The first claims were made in 1835 by W. H. and John D. Paschal, J. J. Thomas, and Felix French. Jonathan Haines built a saw mill at Jacobstown in 1835, but a freshet soon carried it away.
The Winnebago Indians were a source of annoyance, but left in 1838. Wolves were troublesome. In 1836 Horace Heaton, Henry Boyer, and Samuel Love came, William Heaton in 1837, and A. C. Jackson. Pro- visions were scarce, and corn was one dollar a bushel. The first school was taught by Oliver Hall from Massachusetts in a log hut in Paschal's timber. He received ten dollars a month and had to board around. Rev. James Mckean preached at the house of James Thomas, and in 1836 formed a class consisting of James J. Thomas and wife, and George O. James and wife. Barton H. Cartwright reached Union Grove every four weeks. In January, 1843, the land came into market, and as money was scarce, the settlers had to make a strenuous effort, selling hogs at $1.50 a hundred, to secure the cash to pay for their claims. At the first town meeting in 1852, Aaron C. Jackson was elected supervisor; assessor, Alfred Haines; collector, Cyrus P. Emery. In 1857 at a town meeting, a committee was appointed to frame a hog law for preventing swine and sheep from running at large under a penalty of five dollars. In 1865 each volunteer was voted a bounty of $110 under the last call.
Round Grove in the eastern part of Mt. Pleasant was surveyed in Jan- uary, 1856, by W. S. Wilkinson for John A. Holland, C. D. Sanford, J. I. Wonser, and James McCoy. It is a station on the Northwestern railroad.
Jacobstown, so called from Royal Jacobs who had the mill, and around which grew up a store and blacksmith shop, is now a fleeting memory.
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.