USA > Illinois > Whiteside County > History of Whiteside County, Illinois, from its earliest settlement to 1908, Vol. I > Part 49
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A Chautauqua under the management of H. M. Holbrook has been held here for four successive seasons, the summer of 1908 making the fifth. The usual program of lecture, music, and mixed entertainment. The star per- formers have been Bryan, Col. Bain, Mrs. Logan, Billy Mason, Billy Sunday. A season ticket is two dollars, single admission 25 cents. A three-room tent is furnished for five dollars. Many of the Sterling people, and others fron a distance, find tent life for ten days an agreeable relief from the routine of the residence. The street cars run only to Powell's corner, where omnibuses are ready to meet passengers. A half-mile walk for pedestrians. A spur from the main car track would be a great convenience. . The president of the park association is J. T. Williams ; secretary, J. N. Harpham.
CEMENT IN BUILDING.
For years cement was found to be valuable for curbs and sidewalks, but very suddenly it lias bounded into general usc as a material for houses. First for basement or cellar walls, now the whole residence is constructed of the solid blocks. They have all the effect of stone in an old Norinan castle, and are much cheaper than pressed brick, and more durable in not showing the marks of age. Not only the walls, but the arches, columns, all parts of an edifice, can be constructed of cement, by means of molds adapted to the de- sign. The stone quarry will levy no more tax on our builders.
An enormous quantity of cement was consumed in the two cites in 1907. The records show that 177 cars of the article were shipped in. The total amount used was about 28,320 barrels, having a retail value of $56,640. This is cqual to 177,000 sacks. The heaviest consumers in 1907 were the United States in the government dam and the Hydraulic Company in the piers of the power house, using thirty carloads. Much was required by the Gail Borden milk plant, and by some of the new factories. A number of carloads were used by F. L. Johnson, the Rock Falls Cement and Stone Company, the Ster- ling Concrete Company, the Rock River Concrete Company and George Hall, all manufacturers of cement blocks. Cement in large amounts was also used by Dennis O'Hare, Peter O'Hare, Henry McFadden, W. D. Praetz and others, the last named being cement sidewalk makers and curb builders.
The cement block manufacture has in a short time grown to large pro- portions. Fred Johnson has the credit of starting the business in 1903, and who in 1904 erected a stable of the material at his residence on Fourth avenue. Already in 1907 about 150,000 cement blocks of the 18-inch size were made in the two cities. Many of the new dwellings in Sterling and Rock Falls are constructed of these blocks, having a substantial and pleasing appearance. The crowning exhibition of the fitness of cement in architecture is the Fourth Street M. E. church, which from ground to pinnacle is constructed of the blocks, molded in every form to suit the fancy of the builder. Dr. Hill's home on Locust is the richest private example in the city.
424
HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY
TWO HISTORIC WOMEN.
At her old home on Fourth street and Sixth avenue, Mrs. J. C. Rundlett reached the ninety-second milestone of her long pilgrimage. No celebration. Her daughters were by her side, flowers from thoughtful friends cheered the sitting room with their fragrance and beauty, and various tributes of affec- tion were received from relatives at a distance.
Both by association and descent, Mrs. Rundlett is now the grand old lady of our city. In early life at Newburyport she often saw Hannah Flagg Gould, the poet, author of that familiar poem :
Alone I walked the ocean strand, A pearly shell was in my hand, I stooped and wrote upon the sand, My name, the year, the day.
She dwells fondly upon old Newburyport, next to Boston richest of all New England towns in antiquarian suggestion. This was the home of Wil- liam Lloyd Garrison, and here is the Old South or First Presbyterian church, 1746-1896, in whose crypt was buried George Whitefield, that flaming apostle of eloquence, 1770. His coffin is still shown, and once the skull could be seen.
The family have a large book, called the Lowell Genealogy, containing several hundred names, and tracing the Lowells to their first coming to New England in 1639 from the old country. There were numerous branches, James Russell Lowell belonging to one, and Mrs. Rundlett's kindred to an- other.
Except a bodily weakness which makes a reclining position .most com- fortable much of the day, Mrs. Rundlett's faculties are in excellent preserva- tion. A bright eye, face with scarec a wrinkle, voice clear, and memory that is quick to recall anything she once knew. Always cheerful, glad to meet her friends, and it is pleasant to see her happy expression as she lies on her couch surrounded by devoted daughters, who are quick to anticipate the slightest wislı.
On Second avenue between Fifth and Sixth streets, in a neat brick cot- tage, the home for over fifty years, reside Mrs. Martha Barrett and her daugli- ter Mattie. Although not old, being only seventy-five, Mrs. Barrett has scen Sterling expand from a village at her arrival in 1855 to a young metropolis, and has also sadly witnessed the departure one by one of the early generation she knew so well.
Mrs. Barrett's early years were spent in Rushville, N. Y. Her mother . and five brothers composed a noble family, one of whom has made the name immortal. Marcus Whitman, pioncer, missionary, explorer, was her mother's brother. She was twelve when he left for the west, and remembers Marcus as a tall, stout man with dark hair and earnest movement. He was ambitious, took a medical course at Berkshire institute, and in 1834 was appointed a mis- sionary physician to Oregon.
After a short visit he came back, and with his wife and Rev. H. H. Spaulding and his young wife, they crossed the continent in 1836, driving the first American wagon to the gates of Fort Walla Walla on the Columbia
425
HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY
river. A church was established and a farm opened. Only fifty Americans, 100,000 Indians. But the Hudson Bay Company aimed to secure the land for England. Whitman scented the danger, the loss to the United States, and on Oct. 3, 1842, started to ride to Washington, accompanied by one guide and one white man.
That ride has no parallel. Paul Revere and Sheridan are trifling. Four thousand miles through the snows of the Rockies. He reached Washington, March 3, 1843, and saw Webster, secretary of state, who was unmoved. Pres- ident Tyler was more impressed. Take a wagon train across the mountains and prove the truth of your claim. Whitman led a colony back in 1843 of 200 wagons and 1,000 settlers. That decided the policy. In 1846 the north- western boundary line gave us Oregon.
And what was this Oregon, Washington and Idaho that the winter ride of Marcus Whitman, Mrs. Barrett's uncle, saved from England's grasp to our own domain? It is a small continent, equal to all New England, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia. It is our western empire with California. In 1842 considered worthless by the wise heads at Washington.
Barbara Frietchie's work is o'er, And the rebel rides on his raids no more.
Then Whitman settled down to his work, but he was not permitted to long enjoy the fruits of his heroism. Nov. 29, 1847, the Indians surrounded the mission, slew Whitman, his wife and twelve companions. But his name endureth. Whitman seminary at Walla Walla and the shaft over his grave will keep his devotion ever glorious.
The sweet remembrance of the just, Shall flourish when he sleeps in dust.
SPECULATION IN OIL AND COPPER.
Gold begets in brethren, hate; Gold in families, debate; Gold does friendship separate; Gold does civil wars create .- Cowley.
A tornado swept through Whiteside in 1860, and forty years later a species of brain storm in stocks of oil and copper. It was not surprising. Men have always been eager to make money. Holland, in 1637, had her tulip craze when worthless bulbs sold for their weight in gold. The South Sea Scheme in England in 1720 sent many a luckless investor into bankruptcy. Cali- fornia was a golden Mecca in 1849.
Since that time all sorts of mining schemes have occupied the attention of the American people. The rich mineral regions of Colorado and the Pa- cific slope have especially attracted adventure and capital. Then came the discovery of oil fields in Pennsylvania, and a dozen states. The Standard Oil Company grew to be a colossal concern affecting every household in the nation, in the world.
Two of these commercial propositions were finally placed before the
426
HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY
quiet citizens of Sterling, who herctofore had shown no desire to amass wealth except by gradual accumulation in the course of legitimate business. The first scheme was in the form of oil. A property had been secured in Texas, a company formed, officers elected and stocks offered for sale. The following advertisement appeared in the Sterling papers in 1901:
THE ILLINOIS OIL COMPANY HAS STRUCK A GUSHER! 70,000 BARRELS PER DAY! For a few days longer shares will be sold at ten cents a share.
Excitement for awhile ran high. A few dollars would purchase numerous shares, enough to assure a competence in old age. Rockefeller became a Croe- sus in oil, and he started in a very humble way. What became of the gusher Texas only knows, and the oil craze passed into a local bubble.
As the oil delusion was slipping off, the copper glitter was held before eager eyes. Oil was uncertain, wells gave out, but copper was solid, and there was a mountain of that metal in Idaho, waiting to be blasted, and floated down Snake river to Lewiston. Assays showed a richer yield than the world-famous Calumet-Hecla. Clark was king in the copper world, but his supremacy would not continue. This advertisement appeared in the Sterling dailies in 1902:
BUY COPPER STOCK AT 50c PER SHARE! EUREKA MINING, SMELTING, AND POWER COMPANY.
People of Sterling and vicinity are offered for a short time only, a chance to buy shares in one of the richest copper propositions ever offered the public. So rich are the claims, the company could sell its entire holdings at more than the total capital stock, but declines to consider any such proposition as it is sure of making vastly more.
There were a president, secretary, treasurer, and a board of nine trus- tees. This appeal did the business. The stock sold like hot cakes. All ranks from the retired capitalist to the frugal clerk invested their dollars in a scheme that meant a palace on Fifth avenue and a regular winter in Europe. But the enterprise for a hundred reasons moved slowly towards princely returns. The boiler burst, the boat sank, the machinery failed to arrive, and the pro- moters after deluding the weeping stockholders with a few yearly reports, are in criminal obscurity.
THE ITALIAN MURDER.
Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood Clean from my hand ?- Shakespeare. .
On the night of July 14, 1907, Mrs. Isadoro Gennetti was murdered in a frame house near the river in the first ward. Suspicion strongly pointed to two of her country folk, Luigi and Cristina Randi; they were arrested and
4:27
HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY
placed in Morrison jail, in November, tried and found guilty, and sentenced, Luigi to twenty, and the wife to fourteen, years in the penitentiary. Judge Graves presided. Judge H. C. Ward, counsel for prisoners, made a motion for a new trial, but it was overruled.
OFFICERS OF THE CITY OF STERLING.
Mayor-John L. Janssen.
City Clerk-M. E. Wilger.
City Attorney-Carl E. Sheldon.
City Treasurer-F. A. Caughey. Chief of Police-Chris. Baker.
Chief of Fire Dept .- S. A. Stull.
City Collector-E. H. McGrath.
Supt. of Streets-J. L. Harrison.
Health Officer-Dr. A. H. Harms.
ALDERMEN.
First Ward-A. R. Hendricks, J. C. Mcister
Second Ward-M. C. Wharfield, W. J. Moo1 .. .
Third Ward-E. E. LeFever, F. G. Giffrow.
Fourth Ward-M. C. Ward, C. G. Harrison.
Fifth Ward-J. E. Conlon, W. F. Lawrie,
OFFICERS OF THE UNITED STATES EXAMINING PENSION BOARD.
President-Dr. A. C. Smith.
Secretary-Dr. J. F. Keefer.
Treasurer-Dr. George R. Proctor.
The board meet the first Wednesday in each month.
Sterling claims a population of 10,000, and it is believed in the two cities of Rock Falls and Sterling there are 13,000 people. The vote on April 7, 1908, in the local option contest, was 2,043, the largest cast in the history of the township.
WHITESIDE IN GENERAL.
Work, for the night is coming, Work thro' the morning hours; Work while the dew is sparkling, Work 'mid springing flowers .- Dyer.
Bees do well some scasons, but require some care to make them profitable. Henry Stewart sold 10,000 pounds of honey in 1907.
Alfalfa is receiving more attention every year, as it is found to be valu- able for fecding stock. The seed is a staple at feed stores with clover and timothy.
Wild animals linger about their early haunts. Ralph Mayberry, while out hunting near Rock Falls recently, killed a large coon, weighing forty- two pounds. Andrew A. Tofte, of Rock Falls, also killed an opossum in his hen house. Large coons have also been shot near Coleta in Genesee.
428
HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY
Concrete is the coming article for building. Lumber is high, stone is scarce, but concrete can be made. anywhere. It is a boon to farmers. A farmer lately completed a barn which is built of concrete from base to roof. It is a solid mass, built in a forin not of blocks. A concrete floor in base- ment, and another overhead, so that it is fireproof. Nothing but the crop stored inside can be destroyed. In its construction, 500 sacks of cement were used. The work was all done by the farmer and sons. In a similar way, all the new bridges in various parts of the county, have concrete piers and ap- proaches, with the prospect in the future of concrete floors. Planks decay, and steel rusts.
Within twenty years a marked improvement in roads. Hills leveled, low places filled, sloughs drained, culverts installed, and many of the main high- ways graveled. Travel is now as easy even after rains as on the turnpikes in the east.
Farmers have discovered that it takes no more time, no more feed, to rear good stock than inferior grades. This change is especially noticeable in swine. The University of Illinois is encouraging the movement, by purchasing the best animals for its own herd.
The University of Illinois has recently added three Berkshires to its herd at the total cost of $1,050.00. Besides Berkshires, the University is also breeding Poland Chinas, Duroc Jerseys, Chester Whites, large Yorkshires and Tamworths. In driving past our Whiteside fields, specimens of these high- grade animals may be found leisurely feeding.
Orchards are not flourishing in some parts of the county. Scvere winters killed varieties of apples, and the rows are not filled up. Apples are not per- fect as in early years, and regular spraying is necessary for desirable fruit. Even farmers buy imported apples at the grocers for winter use. Peaches spring up spontaneously, and in favorable seasons, yield abundantly. Wild plums still flourish in timber that has not vanished. Small fruits do well. In good years, plenty of strawberries, blackberries, currants, raspberries. No finer melons are raised anywhere. Our markets well supplied with all kinds of vegetables in season.
One winter diversion of the weary farmer is the public auction held at various places towards spring. These are either regular cattle sales, or sales of implements and stock by men who intend to move or retire. Terms cash for sums under ten dollars, over that amount twelve months credit without interest, or seven per cent afterwards. Always a free lunch of meat, bread, pie and coffee at noon. One generous fellow set out oyster stews, which were received with applause.
The osage hedge in excellence varies with the locality. Some have been cut away and replaced with wire, which is really the best fence as it takes no . room and wastes no ground. Here and there the hedges are quite thrifty.
It is gratifying in traveling over the county to notice the immense change in the farm buildings. What spacious barns, corn cribs, all the necessary out- structures, painted red, and then the neat residence, with piazza, lawn, concrete walk, and picket or iron fence. People in the country live as cosily as in town, and with telephone and rural delivery have all the conveniences of civiliza-
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HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY
tion. The raggedness and isolation of the old log cabin or weather-beaten shanty have all disappeared. No more riding to town on the hard boards of a lumber wagon, but instead the cushioncd seats of a two-horse surrey. Yes, the farmers today are not to be pitied with a bank account and cribs of corn they can hold for advance in market.
Another valuable help to farmers which they duly appreciate and en- courage is the yearly institute held in so many districts. One was held in Sterling in December, 1907, and one in Coleta, January, 1908. At these meetings, which continue two days, there is a varied program of music, read- ings, and addresses by practical men on topics of timely importance : injurious insects, soils, machinery, poultry, selection of secds, putting in crops, education for the boys and girls, most profitable stock to raise. These affairs attract large crowds, occurring as they do at leisure times, and awaken great 'enthu- siasm. Prizes are offered for best displays of fruit and grain.
It does seem that the climate of Whiteside is changing. In earlier years there were heavy falls of snow, blocking the roads, and often lingering till spring. About 1861 or '62 there were three months of sleighing, a rare lux- ury these degenerate days. The last deep snow was in 1881 when remains of drifts were visible in April. Fifty years ago, winter began in November, and in January retired for a thaw and a mild southwest breeze, but after a week's indulgence, broke dreams of spring, with terrific blasts from Esqui- maux land. Our coldest weather of late is in February, and ice men who have begun to despair, find their best crop made by the zero in that month.
Within forty years land has rapidly increased in value. Land that sold for ten or twelve dollars an acre, at the close of the war in 1865, now readily brings one hundred. With good improvements, $150. Much, of course, de- pends on location and buildings. Farms, indeed, are becoming a favorite · form of investment. The cash rent is five dollars or more per acre. But the main consideration is safety. Factories burn, stocks depreciate, stores fail, but the soil, like the flag in the "Star Spangled Banner," is still there. You always know where to find it. You are sure of not being penniless on rising in the morning.
Timber is not as abundant as formerly. The beautiful groves that glad- dened the eyes of the pioneers are slowly vanishing. The land is too valuable for shade or sentiment or beauty. The Coe grove in Jordan, Round Grove in Hopkins, the woods at Empire, the fine trees along the streams everywhere, are yearly showing the ravages of the ax. It is a pity, and nothing is done to replace this early growth except a windbreak or a grove near the house. Trees are not only charming in the landscape, but an important element in modi- fying our climate, and regulating the water supply.
More attention is given of late years in the rural districts to the regular functions of social life as are found in the towns. While spelling schools at an early day or an occasional sermon were the only occasions to draw out the scattered people, now almost every school house has its Sunday school or church service, while the good ladies of the township enjoy frequent reunions with their aid societies and other organizations. Sometimes all classes, young and old, parents and pupils, unite in forming a lyceum at a central place,
1
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HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY
whose literary and musical features are a source of personal improvement and general happiness.
Farm hands are becoming scarcer, although wages are higher. So many young men flock to the cities, and seek more attractive employment. At pres- ent the minimum price paid for liired men is twenty-five dollars per month, and the farmers in addition to paying this sum of money, also kcep a horse and buggy for the help. There are a number of farmers who are paying as high as thirty dollars a month for men, and in addition to this sum also keep a horse and buggy for the help. This high price also includes board and washing, which is worth at least twenty dollars a month, and the horse cannot be fed for much less than ten dollars a month at the present high price of horse feed which would bring the salary of a thirty dollar a month man to sixty dollars a month.
A peculiar feature of the pay received by help this year is in the fact that it includes the month of March. Usually the amount paid for the month of March is about one-half of the amount paid during the farming months of the season.
The population of the county in 1840 was only 2,514, and in 1850, 5,361. But then Cook county, or Chicago, had only 43,000. In 1860 Whiteside had grown to 18,737, in 1870 to 27,503, in 1890 to 30,854, and in 1900 to 34,710.
Investigation reveals the fact that two Mercdosia men ship to London each year the hides of over 150,000 fur-bearing animals, worth $100,000. As most of these pelts come from Illinois the extent of the trapping carried on within the confines of this state is somewhat surprising. The early name is French, Marais de Ogee, and means marsh, and much of the big slough lies in the southern flats of the county.
County Clerk W. C. Stilson has paid out $1,956 for bounties on ground hogs and crows in Whiteside county since the law went into effect, July, 1907. Up to the present 7,595 ground hogs have been killed and 577 crows.
The tax books of Whiteside for 1908 called for a total of $500,100, an increase of $60,000 over 1907. This is due to the revision of values made by the board of review the year before.
No more reckless hunting is permitted by careful farmers. They have at last discovered that these idle freebooters with dog and gun, banging away at straw stack or cattle or poultry, have no business on private property. One of our county wecklies published this card :
WARNING TO HUNTERS.
We, the undersigned, hereby warn all parties against hunting, trapping or trespassing on lands owned or controlled by us, under penalty of the law:
This was signed by fifty farmers. It is hoped that similar notices will be posted all over the county. Our native birds and denizens of the woods are already too scarce. These fellows are trespassers. If they are hungry for game, let them rush for the Rockies.
431
HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY
LOCAL OPTION IN 1908.
One of the greatest election contests Whiteside county ever experienced over the saloon issue was that of Tuesday, April 7, 1908, and the result shows a majority of the voters went on record as opposed to the licensing of saloons.
Local option vote in Whiteside county, Tuesday, April 7:
Yes.
No.
Sterling, First
272
150
Sterling, Second
261
199
Sterling, Third
219
212
Sterling, Fourth
132
198
Sterling, Fifth
124
250
Coloma, First
146
192
Coloma, Second
227
189
Mt. Pleasant, First
237
188
Mt. Pleasant, Second
195
167
Prophetstown, First
1.88
86
Prophetstown, Second
149
48
Fulton, First
87
112
Fulton, Second
94
144
Jordan
108
37
Montmorency
34
53
Hahnaman
35
33
Genesee
140
86
Hopkins
70
150
Hume
46
22.
Tampico
203
140
Clyde
84
44
Lyndon
126
93
Ustick
88
25
Union Grove
87
21
Fenton
53
24
Portland
100
41
Erie
128
139
Garden Plain, not voting
54
27
Albany, not voting
. ..
Total
3,697 2,983
Local option majority
.714
Newton®
The "wet" towns arc, Sterling, by one majority; Coloma (Rock Falls), by eight majority; Fulton, by seventy-five majority ; Montmorency, by nine- teen majority; Hopkins, by eighty majority; Erie, by eleven majority.
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HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY
VOTE OF THE TOWNSHIPS FOR PRESIDENT IN 1904.
Jordan 185
Sterling
1,528 701
Coloma
Montmorency
98
Halınaman
152
Tampico
367
Hume
125
Hopkins
204
Genesee
424
Clyde
171
Mt. Pleasant
823
Lyndon
240
Prophetstown
660
Portland
191
Fenton
154
Union Grove
238
Ustick
187
Fulton
653
Garden Plain
234
Newton
164
Erie
310
Albany
213
One of the saddest sights to be met here and there in a tour of the county is an abandoned church. Solitary and neglected, it is a mute reminder of happier days and departed worshipers. The following notice in the Morrison Record is an illustration :
WHITE CHURCH FOR SALE.
The old Methodist church, known as the "White Church," at Garden Plain, and the lot upon which it stands is offered "For Sale." The building is 32x49 feet, 16 foot walls. Sealed bids will be received for church and lot or for church alone. All bids are to be sent to H. J. Simpson, Albany, Ill., by the 20th of May, 1908, the trustees of said church reserving all rights to accept or reject one or all bids.
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