History of Whiteside County, Illinois, from its earliest settlement to 1908, Vol. I, Part 9

Author: Davis, William W
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago : Pioneer Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 706

USA > Illinois > Whiteside County > History of Whiteside County, Illinois, from its earliest settlement to 1908, Vol. I > Part 9

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A few miles south of the village, on a corner, is a white frame church bs- longing to the Methodists. The society was organized in 1848, and in 1860, the ·building was erected at a cost of $2,000, the first church in the township. It was built on the land of William Minta. First on the Albany and then on the Fulton circuit. No regular services now, and the house looks lonely and deserted. The original members are dead or away, and the people who have come since are of other denominations. This is not the only case in the county, where the church homes of early worshipers are left standing among strangers who have no attachment.

"Gone, gone, are the old familiar faces."

MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY.

At the annual meeting of the Garden Plain Mutual Fire Insurance Company, held in the town hall at Garden Plain in January, 1908, this report was read:

This company was organized and began business. in June, 1874, with policies written at that time amounting to $50,000. Since then it has had a steady growth until the membership has reached 666 with insurance amounting to $999,995.

During the year just closed the company has written 161 policies

HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY

amounting to $246,000. The losses paid during the year were on fire risks, fifty-one dollars; lightning, $712.41.

When the company was first organized it included for territory the towns of Garden Plain, Newton and Fenton. Since then the towns of Ful- ton, Ustick, Albany and Erie have been added. The present secretary, J. M. Eaton, has held that office continuously since 1875, a period of thirty- two years.

To show the price of land, we may mention that the C. R. Rood farm in Garden Plain of 160 acres was sold in 1908 to James Smith of that town for $125 an acre. Mr. Smith had rented the farm and conducted it for several years previous to the purchase.

EARLY GARDENERS.

When Adam dolve, and Eve span, Who was then the gentleman ?- Hume's History.

. We have several familiar names of men who were well known through- out the county. James A. Sweet, 1839, who was elected Sheriff in 1844, and supervisor for years. His wife, Miss Judith Greenborn, Lyndon, formerly from Vermont, died in 1877. Mr. Sweet was a New Yorker. William Minta, England, 1839, had thirteen children. Consumption carried off most of the family. A devout Methodist, and he gave the ground for Zion church. Three children removed to California.

Another New Yorker was Charles R. Rood, who came to Whiteside in 1836, but did not make a permanent residence in Garden Plain till 1844,; when he returned with his wife, Miss Sarah Churchill, of Clinton county, N. Y. Mr. Rood was a surveyor, a master in his profession, and on the organization of Whiteside in 1839 he was elected county surveyor. Har- risburg and Chatham, Lyndon, Albany, Fulton, as well as main roads, farms and blocks, were laid out by his compass. He was first postmaster at Garden Plain. From Ohio, the state of Grant and Mckinley; came David Mitchell in 1838 to Albany, where he lived until he bought his farm in Garden Plain. Highly esteemed, and served as county treasurer from 1839 to 1841. He died in 1850.

The writer had an interesting chat with Edwin Parker, who lives on his farm near the village. He found the gray-haired pioneer doing his even- ing chores in the barn yard. He is one of the six sons of Abel Parker, 1836, David, Jacob, Truman, Francis, Hiram, himself. Three sisters, Clarissa, Eliza, Mina. He spoke of his older brother, David, who kept travelers when they wanted lodging and meals, and of his going to California when the gold fever broke out. Edwin was born in Vermont in 1831, and married Mary Jane Dewey in Fulton in 1858. In those days wolves were trouble- some. Although 75, Mr. Parker is spry and able to attend to the lighter duties about his place.

In the village we called upon the oldest woman of the place, Mrs. Mar- garet Storer, who makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Andrew Stowell, in a comfortable cottage. Her maiden name was Curry. She was born near

HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY

Pittsburg, Pa., 1818, Dec. 29, and is now in her ninetieth year. She came west in 1853 by boat on Ohio and Mississippi, landing at Albany in this county. Mrs. Storer is naturally somewhat feeble, but sits in her chair and enjoys visitors. She spoke of Mrs. Happer, of Albany, ninety-one, as her older sister.

THE CREAMERY.

Not far south of Garden Plain on the direct road is a creamery, which has been in operation for 25 years. It is in charge of Samuel Murphy, but started by Robert from Ohio. Samuel has been the manager for four years. Churning is done every day in summer but Monday. The butter product for September, 1907, was 17,800 pounds, but the amount has reached 26,000. It is shipped to Chicago, Clinton, and other points, besides furnishing a large local trade. A high reputation in market. Four men are employed, and three teams of their own gather the cream. The residence is near the factory.

THE ROADS.

The road running alorg the Mississippi from Rock Islard to Galena, a stage route, was the main line of travel before any of the present towns were laid out. It is now the Fulton and Albany road. A second road ran from Union Grove to Albany. In 1839 the most ambitious scheme was under- taken in the construction of a highway across Cat-tail slough with rails and earth, a sort of corduroy, and over this the Frink & Walker stage company organized a lightning express from Chicago to Albany, then the exporting metropolis of the county, a point for the landing of emigrants from the east or shipping grain on the river. It is now the Albany and Morrison road.

ITEMS.

The postoffice at Garden Plain was established in 1846, and Charles R. Rood was appointed postmaster. The first mail was carried from Peoria to Galena, and afterwards from Chicago to Rock Island. This was by stage. Then came the railroads.

The old ferry from Garden Plain to Clinton across the Mississippi river was called the Aiken Ferry, and it was used until the railroad bridge was built.

Father Mckean, Methodist minister, living at Elkhorn Grove, who as a kind of home missionary, a second Peter Cartwright, traversed the country, preaching as he could, and in Garden Plain held services in the log school- house.

Two tornadoes have visited the township. One on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 11, 1875, coming from the southwest, destroying buildings, fences, hogs, cattle, poultry and trees but doing no injury to people. The other was the memorable cyclone of June 3, 1860, which ravaged the south- ern section of the county.

The citizens have always shown a deep interest in moral questions. At an early day was a temperance reform club. Wherever possible Sunday schools and religious services arc held in the school houses. There is a

HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY

Woman's Missionary society which holds an annual praise festival in the church.

NEWTON.

Nature and Nature's laws lay hid in night ;

God said, Let Newton bel and all was light .- Pope.

In one respect, Newton differs from all the other townships. Instead of a village or city, a strong church is the center of influence. All its early history, its cherished traditions, its present social life, are bound up in New- ton Presbyterian church, which lies in the heart of a community of farms and homes which hold many a precious association. Its semi-centennial, 1857-1907, was celebrated in the latter year, and from a pamphlet issued at the time, we glean many interesting particulars.

As early as 1839 the Millers, Thompsons and Booths were upon the scene, and at once felt the importance of religious services. Mr. and Mrs. John S. Thompson took part in the organization of a church at Albany in 1839. After the Methodists appeared, both denominations held services as they could secure ministers in the log schoolhouse near the James Smack place. After the old Kingsbury school house was built in 1854, the Presby- terians met there until the erection of their present edifice. Ministers from Albany, Fulton, Morrison and other towns in the presbytery sent supplies. Finally a meeting was called in the Kingsbury schoolhouse, March 11, 1857, . and a permanent organization effected with James Blean and John Thomp- son as ruling elders. The sermon was preached by Rev. Louis Gano, and the constitutional questions proposed by Rev. W. E. Mason, of Fulton. Four- teen persons united in the organization: Joseph Miller, Robert Blean, John Thompson, Thomas Wilson, James Blean, Mrs. Nancy Kennedy, Mrs. Em- mons, Mrs. Joseph Miller, Mrs. John Thompson, Mrs. James Blean, Mrs. Deborah Booth, Mrs. Sarah Thompson, Mrs. Robert Blean, Mrs. Thomas Wilson. The same day, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Slaymaker, William Weakley and Mrs. Ephraim Rexroad united with the church. For eleven years the people continued to meet in the Kingsbury schoolhouse, but in the spring of 1868, assisted by the Board of Church Extension, sufficient money was raised to erect a building.

The church was united with that at Albany as one charge until 1873, when Rev. Josiah Leonard of Clinton agreed to preach for what salary they could raise. In 1877 Rev. D. B. Fleming became resident pastor, and that fall a parsonage was crected on the lot adjoining the church. He was succeeded by Rev. J. L. Lafferty. For twelve years or until 1885, the church was self-sustaining. Of late, however, the congregation has not felt able to maintain a regular minister, and services are now held in connection with the Garden Plain church, one society to have preaching in the morning for three months, and then the other. This order was adopted at the installation of Rev. W. C. Miles in 1891.

THE SOCIETIES.

To the church are due the existence of several flourishing bodies which

HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY

have done so much for the welfare of the community. Fourteen women, at the suggestion of Mrs. Helen Fleming, the pastor's wife, met Sept. 25, 1877, and organized the Ladies' Home Missionary society. The first officers were: Mrs. M. J. Arrell, president; Mrs. Helen V. Fleming, vice president; Miss Mary Carruthers, secretary; and Miss Alice Arrell, treasurer. Since 1902 it has been called the Woman's Missionary society. One of the members, Miss Edith Jenks, went in Oct., 1901, to the Punjab, India, and is laboring faith- fully as a foreign missionary. Meetings are held monthly and officers are elected annually. At present the society numbers 23 active and three hon- orary members. Altogether 83 have been enrolled since the beginning. The society has made and sold carpets and quilts, given dinners, suppers and socials. The total amount raised since organization is $1,969, divided equally between home and foreign missions. Since 1883 a scholarship has been sustained in Miss Noyes' school, Canton, China. The salary of a missionary teacher at St. George, Utah, has been assisted. Occasionally addresses have been delivered, the last by Rev. W. S. Marquis, D. D., of Rock Island.

GIRL S MISSION BAND.

This was organized Nov. 12, 1887, with a membership of nineteen girls from two to fourteen years of age. Mrs. L. A. Slaymaker was elected first president, and re-elected for fifteen years until her removal to Albany in 1902. At present twenty-two on the roll. Meetings are held regularly every month .. Each girl pledges five cents a month. Various methods for raising money have been adopted, such as mite barrels, birthday offerings, earning dollars, autograph quilts, fairs, bazars, mite boxes, sociables. Dur- ing the first ten years $489 were raised. Since, $512, making a total of $1,001, all given to the cause of foreign missions. This is a record hard to surpass for a country society. The secretary regularly attends meetings of presbytery and brings back reports for encouragement. Since Mrs. Slay- maker, five of the girls have been presidents.

THE NEWTON Y. P. S. C. E.

This was organized Feb. 22, 1891, with twenty-six members. It was in existence for thirteen years, but was finally discontinued owing to removals and other causes. In 1894 the society undertook to aid in the support of Graham Lee, missionary in Corea,- by raising $1.10 per member from 59 members. This obligation was afterwards assumed by the Rock Island church. In 1895 a series of four lectures were given. Dr. Skinner of Mor- rison, "The Bible in Literature;" Mccluskey of Genesco, "Formation of the New Testament;" Dr. Davis of Aledo, "Bible Inspiration;" Dr. Marquis, of Rock Island, "The Bible and Its Monuments." During its short but earnest history, the society gathered $403 for missions and other , charities.

TIIE BOYS' BAND.

These Mission Soldiers, as they are sometimes called, were organized in 1888 with seven boys: Albert, Jesse, George and Louis Slaymaker, Alvin Van Fleet, Edward Hawk and Robert Blean. During the twelve years fif-

HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY

teen boys were enrolled and $85 collected for missions. As the boys grew to manhood, they entered into other Christian work.

THE NEWTON BIBLE SOCIETY.

This met in the old log schoolhouse at Newton Center until 1859, when quarterly meetings were held at different places. Since 1859 by donations and subscriptions, a total of $2,100 has been collected. It is undenomina- tional, the offerings being from all good people interested in the cause.

PASTORS OF NEWTON CHURCH.

A long roll of devoted clergymen. Rev. Louis Gano, 1857 to 1859. Dr. Lackey closed his service in 1862. Rev. Jacob Coon was seven years . from 1863. Rev. John Giffin, 1871-1872. During much of the time the Newton and Albany charges were served by the same minister. Rev. Josiah Leonard began his ministry in 1873, and remained over three years. Rev. David Fleming came to the Newton church in 1877, spending six and a half years of faithful labor. From 1883 to 1885 Rev. James Lafferty occupied the pulpit. Rev. Edward H. Sayre, after seven years in India, began his ministry in 1885, for two ycars being the first pastor who served the Newton and Garden Plain churches as one field of labor. Rev. John L. Henning preached two years from 1887. C. S. Bain for one year, when his mind became affected. Rev. Will C. Miles remained two years from 1891. Rev. William H. Hyatt came to Newton and Garden Plain in 1893, remaining over two years. Rev. Andrew McMacken next for two years from 1896. Rev. Charles P. Andrews, 1899, served the two churches for three years. Rev. Lewis C. Voss came in 1902 and recently resigned for another field.

THE CHURCH AND THE MANSE.

On Sunday, Jan. 24, 1869, the present edifice, 36 by 52 feet, was dedi- cated. Rev. Josiah Leonard of Fulton, and Rev. Jacob Coon of Albany conducted the exercises. The building cost about $2,000 and will seat 250 persons. In 1877 subscriptions to the amount of $1,300 were made and the parsonage was erected on a lot bought from Joseph Marshall for $200. Also from him was purchased the cemetery lot in 1858 for $50, and here repose many of the early citizens. At the semi-centennial in 1907, Rev. Lewis C. Voss preached the sermon from I Corinthians: "For other founda- tion can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." The records show that 281 persons have been members of the church. The number of deaths is fifty-six .. The present membership is eighty-six. It was highest in 1899 with 136 members, but numerous removals and deaths have mate- rially reduced the roll.

THE PIONEER MILLERS. Up, then, with speed and work; Fling easc and self away- This is no time for thee to sleep- Up, watch, and work, and pray ?- Horatius Bonar.

HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY

Among the first comers no name is more deserving than that of Miller. Three brothers, Joseph, John and Samuel, who made their first trip to Whiteside, like the Wallaces of Sterling, on horseback. This was in 1838. In 1840 they settled in Newton. Joseph and Samuel had several children. John was single. At an old house along the main township road the writer met Jack Miller, son of Samuel, who emigrated from Cumberland county, Pa. He proved to be a veteran, having enlisted in the 93rd Illinois Infantry, Col. Putnam, and saw three years of service. He is sixty-seven, and lives on the original claim. Part of the house is ancient, half of it having been moved from another on the hill. Mr. Miller is still active. His- uncle, Joseph, was one of the charter members of the Presbyterian church.

Alexander Thompson, 1839, was another Cumberland county man. Luke Abbey, 1837, and John Beardsworth, were from England. Wm. Booth, 1839, was from Virginia, and also Henry Rexroad. Stephen B. Slo- cumb, a genuine Sucker, was born in White county, on the Wabash river, 1813, and settled in Newton in 1841. Most of these pioneers reared large families. The broad prairies were lying waste and they believed they should be peopled.

THE CEMETERY.

Kings have no such couch as thine, As the green that folds thy grave.

Not far from the church is the cemetery. The soft, shady lawn, in perfect order, speaks volumes for the refined and earnest people whose kin- dred are here. As you ramble over the sacred grounds, familiar names of the early settlers are inscribed on the marble and granite: Millers, Booths, Robert and Mary Blean, John Blean, 1796-1867, Elizabeth Kilgour, 1794- 1874, Slaymakers, Alexander Thompson, 1840, aged eighty-three, and his wife, 1783-1859, Sarah F. Hawk, 1877, aged seventy-eight. The Beards- worth family have a massive monument. John, 1810-1895, Mary, 1815- 1870. Alfred B. was a soldier, 1837-1863. No family name has a worthier record than that of Blean, worthy in church and state. The Bleans were Christians and patriots. Here is James H. Blean, second lieut. Co. B, 75th Ill. Infantry, Perryville, Oct. 8, 1862. D. K. Blean, Co. G, 156th Ill. Infan- try. Major Joseph A. Ege, 1805-1861.

What a pretty prospect as one- gazes over the wide expanse of alluvial lowland, dotted with cottages, to the bluffs on the horizon. In one lot are the town hall and Kingsbury school, 1898, both white, making a pretty contrast with the foliage of the grove. Miss Flora M. Parker presided in the youthful realm with 21 pupils.

A RURAL ARLINGTON.

As you drive east from Newton church to Fenton Center, lying on a hill, north of the road, is one of the most inspiring spots in the county. St. Paul's, London, has Wellington, Nelson, and her heroes under the pave- ment, but here the patriot graves lie open to sun and shower. A goodly company of soldier boys. They were lovely and pleasant in their lives,

HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY

and in their deaths they are not divided. Elisha Ege, 75th Ill., 1864; Wil- liam S. Abbey, Co. A, 34th Ill., died in camp, 1861; Ellis Passmore, shot on his way to regiment, 1865; Robert M. Hawk, Co. G, 156th Ill. Vol., 1865, with Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty;" Ira A. Payne, killed at Mis- sion Ridge, Tenn., Nov. 25, 1863; William Rainier, Co. F, 16th Iowa Infantry, 1873; Harrison R. Myers, Co. C, 8th Ill. Cavalry; Harry Hawk, Co. F, 93rd Ill. Vol., wounded at Mission Ridge, Nov. 25, 1863, died Dec. 5, 1863. Then there are many of the fathers and mothers who bore the burden and heat of the day at home while the noble sons were battling at the front. Luke Abbey, Yorkshire, England, 1869, at eighty-two; Van Fleet, 1809-1882; Polly Wells, 1847, at sixty-six; Rexroad; Myers and others. A charming situation. It is a city set on a hill that cannot be hid, city of the dead.

-Duncan is in his grave. After life's fitful fever, he slecps well.

ITEMS.

Slocumb street was originally a trail made by a log dragged with an ox team from Albany by Stephen Slocumb in 1837.

A fine quality of winter wheat was once grown, and threshed with flail or by tramping with oxen. No nearer market than Galena or Chicago until Albany became a shipping point.

Eliza Abbey taught the first school in 1839 in Henry Rexroad's cabin. Ten pupils, and by subscription.

The Methodists were first as usual on the field, and preached in the Rexroad and Slocumb cabins in 1839. McMurtay and Mckean the min- isters.

The first schoolhouse was built in 1842 near Mineral Springs. It was of hewn logs. When the schoolhouses were ready, religious services were held in them.

Near the eastern boundary were two springs whose waters were once so highly esteemed that they promised to be the Carlsbad of the county. A romantic spot. Ideal for a picnic or an excursion.

In 1856 a rail fence, staked and ridered, five feet high, was decided to be a lawful fence. In 1862 it was voted to invest $50 of tax moncy in wolf scalps, one dollar for old fellows. In 1864 a tax of one per cent on each $100 valuation was voted to pay soldier's bounties.

GENESEE.

Sweet fields beyond the swelling flood, Stand dressed in living green,. So to the Jews old Canaan stood, While Jordan rolled between-Watts.

There are two ways of invading Genesee from Sterling: North on the Pennington road and then west, south of the big mound, or west to Emer-

HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY

son and then north. Let us take the latter. It is early autumn, and the roads are smooth and well beaten. Here and there the hills have been cut down, and the ditches along the side keep the main track dry and in good condition. The country is gently undulating, and the extensive cornfields stretch away with their rich harvests.

Heap high the farmer's wintry hoard, Heap high the golden corn, No richer gift hath autumn poured, From out her golden horn.

Much in shock. In early days cattle were turned in to roam at will, destroying more than they ate, but now the eastern custom prevails; the stalks are shocked, husked and hauled to the yards to be shredded. Pity so many poor fellows lose their hands and arms. A pleasing feature as you drive along is the grassy roadside, clean as a lawn, no coarse weeds to annoy the eye and seed the adjoining fields.

What neat white building on the west of the road? That is St. John's Lutheran church. It has had only three pastors, John Becker, now in Mitchell, Iowa; C. Prottengeier, now in Dubuque, and the present, Carl Holtermann, who came in May 4, 1902. He was born in Lamstedt, Han- over, Germany, educated at Verden, universities of Berlin and Gottingen, coming to America in June, 1890. His previous charges were in Missouri and Nebraska. The congregation consists of fifty families, and the Sunday school of 40 to 50 scholars. All services arc in German. Most of the people come from Grossherzagtum, Oldenburg, Germany. With this congregation is connected. the West Genesee Lutheran church, two miles west of Coleta. Its name is Immanuel. There are 24 families, and the services are in German. The officers of East Genesee church are: Eibe Folkers, Julius Schultz, Edward Remners, Herman Balster. The officers of the West Genesee are : Carl Buhrow, Wilhelm Rohde and Dirk Dirks. Mr. Holtermann is 44 years old and in the prime of his usefulness. He has a fine family, and happily situated in a white frame parsonage just across from the church. It is affiliated with the Iowa Synod.

By the side of the church is the grave yard, with several substantial monuments. On the tombs we read the names of, well known families: Beutel, Wahl, Engel, Eilers, Harms, Dirks, Stern, Matznick. Glancing through the windows of the church, the interior showed two long rows of pews, finished in oak, with other ecclesiastical furniture in proper keeping.

Few old or weather-beaten houses are noticed. The farmers as they improved in circumstances, tore down the early tenements, and now in every direction you see the pretty dwellings with piazzas and the huge red barns and necessary out buildings.

A short drive further and we enter the village of Colcta, the emporium of Genesee. The houses stand along two main streets, north and south, east and west. Besides the cottages, there. are two general stores, Charles Garwick and Hugh Shannon; hardware, Adam Myer; blacksmiths, P. Eckel, H. Wolf and Laren Hughes; confectionery and restaurant, H. Carpenter. Here

HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY

you can get a delicious country dinner that no moncy can buy in the stale supplies of the cities. Cream from their own Jersey eow, and bread like a cork of Mrs. C's own baking. J. S. Bushman is postmaster. Dr. Proctor, a graduate of Rush Med. College, began practice here in 1896.

One main school with two departments, taught by Prof. C. L. Hurless and wife. He is son of Cephas Hurless, long prominent in county affairs. There are 75 pupils in both rooms, and eight grades of study with one year of high school work for those who graduated last year. Their sixth year of service here. Mrs. H. received her education in Iowa, at the Jefferson County high school and the Iowa State Normal school at Cedar Falls. Six years' experience in Iowa. Prof. Hurless, after the common school course, attended the Milledgeville high school, the Illinois college at Fulton, and the South Dakota Normal School at Spearfish. His experience extends over eleven years, and as an educator he commands the confidence of the whole community.

The churches are frame. The United Brethren, Radical, dating from 1889, has 75 members, with Rev. Arthur Harrison, pastor, in his second year, residence at Mt. Carroll. He was previously presiding elder.

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History of Whiteside County, Illinois, from its earliest settlement to 1908, Vol. I, Part 9

Author: Davis, William W Publication date: 1908 Publisher: Chicago : Pioneer Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 706

Author: Davis, William W
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago : Pioneer Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 706