USA > Illinois > Whiteside County > History of Whiteside county, Illinois, from its first settlement to the present time, with numerous Biographical and Family Sketches > Part 30
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HISTORY OF GARDEN PLAIN TOWNSHIP.
The first death occurring in the township was that of Elijah Knowlton. He died in March, 1838, and was buried in the grave-yard near Albany, being the first person interred there.
The first dwelling was built by Abel Parker, in Parker's Grove, soon after his arrival in 1836. It was of the usual pioneer size, and although room was scarce it sufficed even for a large family, until, by perseverance and hard work, a more commodious one could be erected. Joseph Bacon put up one of about a similar size in the same year, in what is known as the Burch district. The ereetion of frame houses commenced about 1842, although it was some time after 1850 before they began to assume anything like the proportions of the present spacious residences of the town.
The early residents of Garden Plain, coming as they did in a great degree from the Eastern and Middle States, took an earnest interest in the cause of education. Although there was no regular school house in town during the early years, yet the few inhabitants clubbed together and secured a little log house standing then a little north of David Parker's residence, and had a school opened there, with Miss Susannah Boynton as teacher. Seymour Knapp was the sec- ond teacher in that house. This was as early as 1843. The first building put up as a school house was the cement one now standing at Garden Plain Corners, and was erected in 1850. There are six school districts now in the town, with seven commodious and well furnished schoolhouses, the Cedar creek distriet con- taining two-one at Cedar creek, and the other at the Holland settlement. In the latter school the scholars are children of Holland parents, yet the English branches are exclusively taught, the parents desiring their children to obtain as far as possible a good English education. Many of these parents are yet unable to speak the English language intelligibly. The large building at the Corners was built for a graded school, and will be very soon used as such. This school house was dedicated February 9, 1869, at the occasion of the meeting of the Mississippi Teachers' Association there at that time.
The first preacher who ministered to the spiritual wants of the inhabitants, was Father Mckean of the Methodist persuasion, living at Elkhorn Grove, who traveled through that section of the county, and held services for the few in- habitants wherever an opportunity afforded. These pioneer ministers were men of indomitable energy, of fervent piety, and great zeal in their calling, and no dangers of either "field or flood" could deter them from fulfilling an appoint- inent. In Garden Plain he preached in the little log cabin used for school pur- poses.
The earliest traveled road through the territory now comprising the town- ship was the Rock Island and Galena road, running along the river bank, and was used as a stage route. This road was quite extensively traveled before any of the present cities and villages along its route were even thought of, much less laid out into lots and blocks. For many years it was the only overland route from Rock Island to Galena, and competed strongly with the river boats in the transportation of passengers. It is now known in Whiteside as the Fulton and Albany road. The second road used ran from Union Grove to Albany. In 1839 a company was organized to lay out and construet a road across the Cattail, and subscriptions to the amount of $800 were obtained for this purpose. For three-quarters of a mile across the slough rails had to be laid side by side, and upon them was placed a thick layer of earth taken from the bluffs on either side. As this wore down more earth was drawn upon the road, until finally it became quite passable. Mr. C. R. Rood superin- tended the construction of that part of the road. Albany was then the large town in the county, to which grain and produce were taken for a distance ex-
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HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY.
tending even to Sterling. Every road which could be opened to it was, there- fore, a material benefit to both the town and the farmer. After this road had been built the proprietors of the Frink & Walker stages opened a direct line from Chicago to Albany, thus connecting, as it may be termed, the lakes and the Mis- sissippi river by an air line stage route. The road is now known as the Albany and Morrison road, and runs nearly through the center of Garden Plain town- ship. This was also the first legally laid out road after the township organization.
The Postoffice at Garden Plain was first established on the 13th of April, 1846, and Charles R. Rood appointed Postmaster. Mr. Rood continued to hold the position until 1851 when he resigned, and James A. Sweet was appointed in his place. The first mail was carried on a north and south route running from Peoria to Galena, but in 1850 it was delivered by the Frink & Walker line of stages running from Chicago to Albany and Rock Island. When this line gave way to the Dixon branch of the Chicago and Galena Railroad, the office was discontin- ued. In 1862 it was re-established, and D. H. Knowlton appointed Postmaster, who held the office until it was again discontinued in 1864. In the spring of 1876 it was re-established the second time, and L. P. Hill, the present incum- bent, appointed Postmaster. The mail is now delivered by the Chicago, Bur- lington & Quincy Railroad.
The Wesleyan Methodists had the first religious organization in the township, but it was discontinued a number of years ago. It is mentioned that this So- ciety were favored with preachers of much more than ordinary talent. among them being Rev. Mr. Cross, and Rev. Mr. Goodwin. Some local preachers and lay- men also officiated when the regular pastors were necessarily absent, and some- times astonished their hearers by the doctrines taught. One, for instance, said "the doctrine of faith and repentance had become stale, so that it was necessary to present other themes for contemplation," and thereupon proceeded to deliver a regular old fashioned Anti-Slavery speech. But, notwithstanding this break, the gospel was preached in those days in all its purity and power, very little of the milk and water kind furnished so frequently now-a-days being dealt out. Such men as Phelps, Cross, Sinclair, Judson, Goodwin, Mitchell, Emerson, and Cartwright, would not have been at home in the pulpit without the privilege of dealing sledge hammer blows at all unrighteousness. The United Brethren had a standing in the township also at an early day, but like the Wesleyans have ceased to exist as an organization.
The First Presbyterian Church of Garden Plain was organized November 5, 1863, and the act of incorporation duly recorded immediately afterwards. At that time James A. Sweet, C. S. Knapp and Alexander Wilson, were chosen Trustees. This action was had by the counsel of Rev. Josiah Leonard, who presented the preamble and resolutions which formed its basis. The Society was organized, however, at a much earlier date. The first meeting for consulta- tion was held in the school house at Garden Plain Corners, on the first of March, 1850, and was presided over by Rev. J. J. Hill, Rev. H. L. Ballen acting as Seribe. At an adjourned meeting, held March 16, 1850, Francis Parker, James Delay, Samuel M. Kilgore and Mrs. E. Zoins, agreed to unite together in the organization of a church, to be known as the First Presbyterian Church of Gar- den Plain. Articles of faith and a form of church covenant were then adopted, and the meeting adjourned to Saturday, March 23, 1850, at which time S. M. Kilgore was duly received as an elder, and entered upon his duties. The first sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered by Rev. J. J. Hill, March 24, 1850. From that time to the present it appears that regular services have been held, and the ordinances of the church enjoyed, except at short intervals. Rev. W. T. Wheeler commenced his labors as stated supply in the fall of 1850, and
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HISTORY OF GARDEN PLAIN TOWNSHIP.
continued regular services until the fall of 1851, when he was removed by death. Rev. J. Walker was then engaged for one half of his time, commencing December 1, 1851, continuing his labors for about one year, and was succeeded by Rev. E. K. Martin, who in turn was succeeded by Rev. W. S. Johnson. After Mr. Johnson closed his pastorate, the desk was irregularly supplied until Rev. Nathaniel Pine was employed. Mr. Pine commenced his labors in January, 1856, and continued to preach until the fall of 1857. During this period there were several additions to the church, and a good degree of interest manifested in the Sabbath School, the meetings of the Society being still held in the school house. In February, 1858, Rev. Josiah Leonard became pastor, and continued with slight interruptions until the fall of 1871. The church was increased in numbers, and greatly encouraged and strengthened during Mr. Leonard's pastoral charge. In April, 1869, the following entry was made in the record: "The past year there have been twenty-four additions, twenty-one of which were by profession. The church at the close of the year numbered fifty-six-four have left without letters, and two were regularly dismissed. Seventeen adults have been baptised." At the conclusion of the labors of Mr. Leonard, Rev. E. E. Bayliss was invited to become the pastor of the church, and accepting, entered upon his duties in October, 1871. He continued as pastor until the spring of 1874, when the change of his views on the subject of baptism caused his dismissal. After that the pulpit was in the main supplied by Rev. D. E. Wells, pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Fulton, until the middle of August, 1875, when arrangements were made for a union with the Presbyterian and Congregational Societies at Albany, for the services of Rev. N. D. Graves, one- half of whose time should be devoted to the charge at Garden Plain, and the other half at Albany. Mr. Graves is the present pastor. It should also be stated that the names of several other clergyman appear upon the record, be- sides those already named, as supply for brief periods, and among them honor- able mention should be made of Rev. J. Coon, of Albany, and Rev. Mr. Prime- the former officiating at different times as supply in the intervals of no regular pastoral service, and the latter as supply alternately for a year and a half. The records show the following summary: Ten elders have been ordained; whole number of members, 124; regularly dismissed, 30; died, 3; expelled, 3; dropped from the roll, 3; total number now enrolled, 80. The records also show fifty baptisms, about half of which were those of adult persons. Of the present number enrolled, several have moved away without taking letters, leaving the actual membership not far from seventy. As there is almost a total absence of any record of benevolent contributions, and of items incident to the support of preaching, it is impossible to approximate even the amounts given. The church edifice is located at Garden Plain Corners, and is a neat and commodious struc- ture. It was finished in 1870, and dedicated to the worship of God on the first Sabbath in October of that year. The whole expense in erecting and furnish- ing the building amounted to $3,944,96. In addition to the church edifice the Society have erected a beautiful parsonage at an expense, including the lot, of $1,750. The parsonage stands a little to the south of the church. Ample horse sheds have also been erected, which stand as witnesses of hopeful progress, and receive, as they deserve, the commendation of passers by, as well as the thanks of the horses that perform so important a service for the comfort of those who weekly visit this place of prayer and solemn convocation. The pres- ent Trustees are James Burnett, Robert R. Murphy and Andrew Stowell.
The first M. E. Church society in Garden Plain was organized about 1848, Elder Sinclair and Rev. Charles Babcock forming a class of twelve members. The Society became connected with the Albany circuit. In 1860 the church [26-X.]
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HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY.
edifice was built at a cost of about $2,000. It is centrally situated in the south part of the town, is a well-finished building, and was the first church structure erected in the township. Mr. William Minta, father of the late John Minta, was the principal person who secured the ereetion of the building, and contrib- uted liberally toward its construction. It was built on his land. In 1862 the Society was transferred to the Fulton circuit, and has remained a part of that eireuit until the present. Rev. W. H. Smith was then the pastor in charge of the Fulton circuit. The present pastor is Rev. J. S. David. A Sabbath-school is connected with the church. There is an M. E. Society also in the north part of the town, at Cedar creek, which is supplied by the Fulton and Albany preachers. Besides the Presbyterian and M. E. Societies, the Dunkards hold meetings in Garden Plain.
The Temperance Reform Club of Garden Plain was organized at Lock- hart's school-house, in the north part of the town, April 1, 1875, with Elisha Loekhart as President, and William E. Smith, Secretary. The Club started with only fifteen members, but the number inereased afterwards very rapidly. The present officers are : William Snyder, President, and V. B. Stowell, Sec- retary. It was here that the zealous and successful Garden Plain Missionaries, Elisha Lockhart, John W. Baker, Francis Parker, and Thomas J. Burch, organ- ized for their work. . These Missionaries started out in the spring of 1875, and visited places throughout the entire surrounding country, holding meetings in churches, school houses, or wherever they could, carrying the pledge with them, earnestly exhorting all to sign, and organizing similar Clubs to the one at Lock- hart's. Their manner of work is so devoid of pretension, their addresses so pointed, fervent, and convincing, and their zeal so earnest, that they secure the signatures of hundreds to the total abstinence pledge, which otherwise could not have been obtained. Much of the good done by them becomes immediately ap- parent, but much of it, though none the less effective, is not publicly exhibited. This latter is the ease with the moderate drinkers who as yet do not show the effects of liquor because of the small quantities taken, and that only at intervals, but who are saved from becoming drunkards by the influence of the Mission- aries. Many a man, and many a family, blesses this noble band of men to-day for the reformation that has been caused by their labors. Unlike the majority of temperance lecturers they give their time and talents gratuitously to the great eause in which they are engaged. It is only necessary to point out to them a place where they can do good by holding a meeting, and they throw aside busi- ness and pleasure alike to attend. Such men are true reformers, and merit the encouragement of the good and pure everywhere. A Division of the Sons of Temperance was instituted at Lockhart's school house in 1875, by Dr. W. C. Snyder, who also installed the first officers.
The Mendota branch of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad en- ters the town near the southeast corner, on section twenty-five, and ends on sec- tion four, near the Mississippi river, where there is a depot to which a regular line of omnibuses run from Fulton. There is also a depot at Garden Plain Corners. The one at the latter place is a very neat structure. The Western Union Railroad enters the town in the northwest part, on section four, and fol- lowing the river passes out on section nineteen. The Chicago & Northwestern Railroad also runs a short distance through the town, entering on section four, and passing down to the bridge across the Mississippi river. This bridge, com- monly known as the Clinton bridge, abuts on the territory of the township of Garden Plain. The Garden Plain and Clinton ferry starts on the east side of the river, on section seventeen of the township. The Chieago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad when first built through the town, ran down to Cedar creek where a
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HISTORY OF GARDEN PLAIN TOWNSHIP.
small depot was built. The old ferry, the first one started from Garden Plain to Clinton, and known as the Aiken ferry, was then running from that point, and upon this ferry the railroad transferred its freight and passengers to and from Clinton. It was at this point the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Company actually drove some piles in the river, and made other preparations to construct a bridge to Clinton, a few years ago. The work did not progress far, however, before it was abandoned. Whether the Company fully intended to build the bridge, or simply commenced operations to induce the Chicago & Northwestern Company to enter into an agreement allowing them to run their cars over the present bridge at Clinton, the public were never informed. It was conjectured at the time that the latter was the object in commencing the work, as the C., B. & Q. Company had made several attempts to eross the bridge, but were at each time frustrated by the vigilance of the Chicago & Northwestern people. That the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Company desire to cross the Mississippi at or near the Narrows, there can be no doubt, and we predict it will be done in the near future.
The first town meeting, after incorporation under the township organization laws, was held April 6, 1852. The following is a list of town officers from that date to the present :
Supervisors :- 1852, Samuel M. Kilgore; 1853-'54, J. C. V. Baird; 1855, C. S. Knapp; 1856, James A. Sweet; 1857-'61, A. M. George; 1862, C. R. Rood; 1863, A. M. George; 1864, C. R. Rood; 1865-'66, James A. Sweet; 1867, C. R. Rood; 1868, D. B. Arrel; 1869, David Miller; 1870, J. M. Eaton; 1871-'75, David Miller; 1876-'77, J. M. Eaton.
Town Clerks :- 1852-'54, D. C. Kilgore; 1855-'64, John Grant; 1865-'67, Matthew Hanna; 1868, M. Eaton; 1869-774, Alexander Wilson; 1875-'77, Hi- ram E. Sweet.
Assessors :- 1854, James A. Sweet; 1855, J. C. V. Baird; 1856, D. C. Kilgore; 1857, C. S. Knapp; 1858, John Grant; 1859, J. C. V. Baird; 1860, D. C. Kilgore; 1861, J. C. V. Baird; 1862, D. B. Arrel; 1863, J. C. V. Baird; 1864- '65, John S. Kilgore; 1866, D. B. Arrel; 1867, J. C. V. Baird; 1868, W. W. Parker; 1869, Ithamar Johnson; 1870, J. J. Higgins; 1871-774, J. C. V. Baird; 1875-'77, P. J. Kennedy.
Collectors :- 1852-'74, C. II. Park; 1875-76, R. R. Murphy; 1877, A. J. Stowell.
Justices of the Peace :- 1852, James R. Montgomery, Sr., Henry M. Grin- nold; 1856, E. D. Stone, J. C. V. Baird; 1860, J. C. V. Baird, J. H. Adams; 1864, D. H. Knowlton, A. Matthews; 1868, D. H. Knowlton, A. Matthews; 1872, D. H. Knowlton, Alex. Wilson; 1877, D. H. Knowlton.
On Tuesday afternoon, May 11, 1875, quite a severe tornado swept through Garden Plain, destroying considerable property, but fortunately without doing any personal injury. The storm came from the southwest, originating as near as can be ascertained in that portion of the township, and gathering strength as it progressed destroyed trees, fences, and some out-buildings, and killed hogs, cattle and poultry, until it reached the barn of Jacob Parker, part of which it completely demolished, and unroofed the balance, so that Mr. Parker was obliged to build almost entirely anew. Passing on toward the northwest it lifted the windmill on John Hudson's farm from its foundation, carried it over the fence a few yards, and then let it fall, breaking it into fragments. Mr. Parker and Mr. Hudson were also sufferers to a considerable extent in hogs, poultry, fruit and shade trees, fences, etc. Keeping its course to the northwest it carried away more trees and fences, and cut up various other pranks, until it reached Union Grove township, where it did considerable damage. Then, as if satisfied
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HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY.
with its work, it ceased further destruction. The tornado of June 3, 1860 which did such terrible execution at Albany, and in some other parts of the county, also passed through a portion of Garden Plain, a full description of which is given in chapter IV of this History.
Garden Plain contains 17,430 acres of improved land, 1,692 of unimproved. The Assessor's book for 1877 shows the number of horses in the township to be 676; number of cattle, 1,956; of mules and asses, 16; of sheep 373; of hogs, 3,231; carriages and wagons, 227; sewing and knitting machines, 86; watches and clocks, 205; piano fortes, 6; melodeons and organs, 25. Total value of lands, lots and personal property, $461,432; value of railroad property, $174,676. Total assessed value of all property in 1877, $636,108.
The population of the township in 1870, as shown by the United States census reports of that year, was 1091, of which 905 were native born, and 186 foreign. In 1860 the population was 816. The estimated population in 1877 is 1,200.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
CHARLES R. ROOD is a native of Grandville, Washington county, New York, and was born July 24, 1813. He came to Whiteside county in October 1836, and settled first in Albany where he remained three years. During this time he located his present farm on section twenty-two in Garden Plain, then a part of Albany Precinct, and in the fall of 1840 went back to the East, re- maining until 1844, when he returned with his wife and settled permanently in his new home. Mr. Rood was married to Miss Sarah S. Churchill at Mooers, Clinton county, New York, on the 27th of October, 1842. Mrs. Rood is a native of Champlain, Clinton county, New York, and was born November 11, 1815. The following are the names of their children: Myra, born August 12, 1845; Albert Lawrence, born October 11, 1847; Nellie, born November 12, 1848, and Julia, born March 11, 1856. Albert Lawrence died January 3d, 1848. Nellie married James Nimon, and is living in Leavenworth, Kansas. Myra and Julia are residing at home. Probably no man in Whiteside took a more prom- inent part in the affairs of the county at an early day than Mr. Rood, or was more thoroughly acquainted with its people. In 1837 he was appointed Deputy County Surveyor by Mr. Crawford, the County Surveyor of Ogle county, White- side being then attached to Ogle for county purposes, and in 1838 received the appointment of Deputy Sheriff from the Sheriff of Ogle county. Upon the complete organization of Whiteside in 1839 he was elected its first County Surveyor, the term being for four years, but vacated the office in 1842 during his absence at the East. Soon after his return he was appointed Deputy Sur- veyor for the county, and holds that position at present. Mr. Rood surveyed and laid out the towns of Harrisburg and Chatham (now Sterling), Lyndon, Albany, and a part of Fulton, and has surveyed and located most of the lead- ing roads in the county. Besides these public surveys, his services have been very frequently in demand since he first came to the county, to make private surveys of lands, lots, and blocks. As a Surveyor he has no superior in this section of the country. His knowledge of the profession, and his accuracy are unquestioned. Of township offices he has been Supervisor several terms, also Highway Commissioner, School Director and Township School Treasurer. When the Postoffice was established at Garden Plain he was the first Post- master. He has always been an ardent friend of the Temperance cause, and as early as 1837 assisted in forming a Temperance Society in Albany, which was probably the first organization of the kind in the county. This Society was organized in the spring, and by the following June it numbered over forty mem-
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
bers, showing that the leaders were not only zealous, but effective in their labors. Mr. Rood is the owner of one of the finest farms in Garden Plain township-a town, if we may use the expression, running over with splendid farms. The land is rolling, the soil rich and deep, and under his careful man- agement produces abundant crops. His talent and success as an agriculturist are only equalled by those exhibited and attained in his profession. When the Order of the Patrons of Husbandry came into being he took an active part in organizing subordinate Granges, and was the first Master of the County Grange. He is at present connected with the Farmers' Co-operative Manufacturing Company, whose works are at Lyndon.
JAMES A. SWEET was born at Fayette, Seneca county, New York, March 9, 1812, and is one of the earliest settlers of Garden Plain, arriving there on the 20th of September, 1839, and locating at Parker's Grove. He afterwards settled at his present place, at Garden Plain Corners. Mr. Sweet was married at Lyndon, Whiteside county, February 29, 1845, to Miss Judith Greenborn, a native of Greensborough, Vermont. This estimable lady, so long and so favor- ably known in Garden Plain and the surrounding towns, died on the 8th of April, 1877. Her excellence as a woman, and her devotedness as a christian, had endeared her to all, and her death was widely mourned. The children of this marriage are as follows: James L., born May 14, 1847; Sarah E., born March 24, 1849; Margaret, born September 20, 1850; Hiram E., born April 16, 1852; Esther, born October 24, 1853; Edward S., born February 3, 1857; Emma, born October 5, 1861; Willie, born July 19, 1863, and Ernest, born December 10, 1866. Of these Esther died January 22, 1864, and Willie, March 20, 1865. James L. married Esther Emmons, October 19, 1869, and lives in Garden Plain; Sarah E. married Lilburn Slocumb, July 2, 1873, and lives in Kansas; Margaret married Freeman Hanna, September 20, 1872, and lives in Garden Plain; Hiram E. married Mary George, December 29, 1875, and lives in Garden Plain. Edward S., and Emma, reside at home. Mr. Sweet is one of the representative men of Whiteside county. Active, clear headed, vigilant, and of undoubted integrity, he was early selected by his fellow citizens to fill positions of public trust. In 1844 he was elected Sheriff of the county, and held the office two years. The duties of this important position were never more faithfully per- formed than by Mr. Sweet during his term. For nearly ten years he was Postmaster at Garden Plain, and has also been Supervisor and Assessor of the town for several terms each. He has always taken a deep interest in educa- tion, and has been a member of the School Board for many years. His residence is at Garden Plain Corners, and most of his land lies in that immediate vicinity.
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