USA > Illinois > Whiteside County > History of Whiteside county, Illinois, from its first settlement to the present time, with numerous Biographical and Family Sketches > Part 62
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In 1852 the property holders of Sterling by common consent deeded to John Galt one-half of their unimproved lots, in trust, to be conveyed by him as such trustee to a company that would duly organize under the laws of the State, and construct a dam across Rock river, opposite the town, together with a suitable head race. A company known as the Sterling Hydraulic Company, with John A. Holland then at its head. was accordingly organized in 1854, and the work on the dam and race commenced. The dam was finished in September, 1855, at a cost of about seven thousand dollars, and is one thousand feet in length, and fourteen feet wide, the power being under a six foot head of water. The present officers of the Hydraulic Company are: Lorenzo Hapgood, Pres- ident, and James M. Wallace, Secretary and Treasurer.
The first bridge connecting Sterling and Rock Falls was erected in 1856-'57, but was washed away by a freshet soon after its completion. The present bridge was built in 1863 by the Sterling Bridge Company, at a cost of thirty thousand dollars. It is a toll bridge, and has been extensively used since its construction. In 1868 a part of the bridge was carried away, but the loss was soon replaced. The officers of this Company are: William L. Patterson, President, and William A. Sanborn, Secretary and Treasurer. During the ses- sion of the last General Assembly an act was passed to allow the construction of bridges over the waters within the State, according to the provisions therein contained, and under it the electors of Sterling held an election in August last to decide whether or not a free bridge should be built across the river connecting Sterling and Rock Falls. The project had been discussed for some time pre- viously, and the contestants for quite a period were supposed to be pretty evenly divided, but as the election approached the friends of the bridge increased in numerical force, and finally carried the day by a large majority. The bridge will extend from the foot of Mulberry street in Sterling, to Bridge street, a little east of the Industrial Building, in Rock Falls. Work has already commenced on the structure on the south side. The entire cost will be borne by the city of Sterling, which has voted $40,000 for its construction. It will be built of iron, and made throughout a substantial structure. After the destruction of the first bridge in 1857, B. G. Wheeler, a banker in Sterling, and one of its first Aldermen, started a ferry above the rapids, but it got so frequently out of re- pair that it was comparatively useless. When that was abandoned James A. Patterson ran one for a time below the rapids, but stern fate decreed that it should not be a success, and it was also abandoned. In 1874, George W. Barr purchased a steam tug of some parties in Lyons, Iowa, fitted it for a ferry boat, and conveyed it to Sterling where he launched it upon the river above the dam, and commenced the ferry business. The little steamer was christened the White Swan, and from the start has done a good business, making one hundred and fifty trips daily during the season, It has passed through several hands
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HISTORY OF THE CITY OF STERLING.
since it was launched by Capt. Barr, but in 1876 came into the possession of James A. DeGroff, who is the present owner. Mr. DeGroff is one of the solid men of Sterling, and although not taking charge of the boat himself, sees that every comfort and convenience are afforded to those who patronize it.
Sterling is lighted with gas furnished by the Sterling Gas Light Company, which was incorporated in 1874. The works, which are quite extensive, were erected during the same year, at a cost of forty thousand dollars. Between three and four miles of mains have been laid, and a large number of lamp posts erected throughout the city. The business streets, and many of those on which private residences are exclusively situated, are finely lighted. The hotels, public halls, and many of the stores and dwellings are also lighted by gas furnished by these works. The officers of the Company are: Joseph M. Patterson, President; William L. Patterson, Secretary; and John Charter, Treasurer.
The Fire Department of Sterling is composed of one engine company, three hose companies, and one hook and ladder company. It is in excellent condition, and the members number about one hundred and fifty in all, active, energet- ic, experienced men, ready at any time when duty calls them. The companies are as follows: Columbia Engine and Hose Company, No. 1, located on Market street, north of Third street; Niagara Hose Company, No. 2, located at the foot of Locust street, on the water power; Hose Company, No. 3, located on the corner of B and Third streets; and Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, located on Market street, north of Third. The latter company carries six ladders, four Babcock Fire Extinguishers, as well as all other necessary appliances. The city has the Holly system of pumps for fire purposes. These are located on the water power at the foot of Locust street, the wheel and power furnished by the Hydraulic Company. Pipes extend from this point to different parts of the city, and at all necessary corners of streets fire plugs are situated so that in case of conflagration a good supply of water can be obtained. An abundant supply can also be furnished by the artesian well belonging to the estate of the late Joel Harvey, and in time it will undoubtedly be utilized for fire, and largely for domestic and other purposes. This well is situated in the northeastern part of the city, and is 1,665 feet deep, having a flow of fourteen feet. The power furnished by it is sufficient to reach the upper story of any building in the city.
The Postoffice is located at No. 90 Mulberry street, a few doors south of Third street, to which place it was removed by Mrs. Emily J. C. Bushnell, now Mrs. M. S. Henry, shortly after she received her appointment as Postmistress. Upon her resignation in 1871, Mrs. Electa E. Smith, the present Postmistress, was appointed. The business of the office has increased rapidly in the past few years, and as a consequence it has been enlarged from time to time as the pub- lic needs demanded. It now contains eight hundred and eighty-two boxes, and one hundred and twenty-five drawers. During the fiscal year of 1876, the office paid to the Government six thousand dollars, besides defraying all expenses. The money order department during the same year transacted a business of two hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars.
We have been enabled from the records to obtain the following amounts of city indebtedness for the years named: On the first of April, 1867, the in- debtedness was $16,056,39; on February 15, 1870, $17,030,87; February 15, 1871, $12,747,86; February 15, 1872, $10,237,01; February 15, 1873, 85,129,54; February 15, 1874, $6,223,10; February 15, 1875, $9,733,91; February 15, 1876, $4,588,64; February 15, 1877, $4,225,14. The present indebtedness is small when we take into consideration the size of the city, the expenses necessarily
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HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY.
incurred in sustaining its government, and the amount expended for needed improvements.
The charter election in Sterling for several years has turned almost wholly upon the question of licensing the sale of spirituous, vinous, and malt liquors. Since 1873 the no-license party has been largely in the majority, and not only carried the entire eity ticket at each election, but nearly every Alderman. At the in-coming of the anti-license party in 1874, a stringent ordinance was passed prohibiting the sale of spirituous liquors, ale, wine and beer, in less quantities than five gallons. The ordinance provides that "every person or corporation who shall, by himself or herself, or by agent, employe, servant, or otherwise, within the limits of said city of Sterling, or within one mile of said limits north of Roek river, sell or barter, in any manner, any wine, run, gin, brandy, whisky, malt liquors, strong beer, ale, porter, mixed liquors, or any intoxicating liquors whatever, in less quantities than five gallons, shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not less than ten dollars, nor more than one hundred dollars." For the sale or barter on Sunday, within the limits mentioned, the penalty is not less than twenty dollars, nor more than one hundred dollars. The ordinance further provides that the giving away of liquors, or other shift or device to evade its provisions, shall be deemed and held to be unlawful selling within its intent and meaning. The eity authorities have been very active in discovering every violation of the ordinance, and when once ascertained the violators are prosecuted to its full extent. The result is that liquor is not sold openly, and probably but comparatively little in secret dives or dark corners. The example set by Sterling has been followed by several other towns and villages in the county.
A large number of business houses and private residences have been erect- ed in the city within the past few years, and notably so during the years 1876 and 1877. During the latter year several large blocks of stores, mainly on Third and Locust streets, besides over one hundred private residences in different parts of the town, have been built. Additions and improvements have also been made to the various manufacturing establishments. The Galt house, one of the finest hotels west of Chicago, was erected in 1876-'77, and formally opened to the public on the 21st of August, of the latter year. Over five hun- dred guests participated in the complimentary banquet given in its honor, under the management of Messrs. A. A. Terrell, Joseph M. Patterson, and E. W. Ed- son, an executive committee on the part of the citizens. The hotel is situated on the southwest corner of Locust and Fourth streets, with a front of one hun- dred and twenty feet on the former street, and one hundred on the latter. It is four stories high, with a basement, and has all the room, convenience, and elegance of the modern first class hotel. It is owned by Thomas A. Galt. The Wallace House, long known as a capital hotel, has been greatly enlarged and improved during the past year, by its enterprising owners, and ranks with the best in the country. The Boynton House is also a fine hotel, and has been kept for many years by its owner, J. H. Boynton.
The city of Sterling in 1877 contains ten dry goods houses, fourteen gro- ceries, six hardware, stove, and tin stores, seven drug stores, seven clothing stores, eight boot and shoe stores, four jewelry establishments, three musical in- strument establishments, four agricultural implement establishments, two hat and cap dealers, three furniture dealers, one wholesale and retail harness and saddle manufacturer and dealer, three harness shops, four milliners, five dress- makers, two stationers, two marble and granite works, three cigar manufactories, five tobaeconists, three bakeries, one feed store, one auetion store, one paint store, three photographers, seven coal dealers, four barber shops, three plumb-
429
NEWSPAPERS.
ing establishments, four meat markets, two wholesale liquor dealers, two live stock dealers, three butter dealers, three lumber dealers, two ice dealers, two brick makers, two tanneries, three confectionery stores, three eating houses, one laundry, one packing house, two grain dealers, one brewery, three livery stables, four cooper establishments, seven blacksmith shops, seventeen lawyers, twelve physicians, three dentists, three newspapers, six hotels. The manufactories, mills and distillery are mentioned under the appropriate head.
In 1855, the city of Sterling had a population of 1,741; in 1860, 2,427; and in 1870, 3,998. The population in 1877 is estimated at 7,500.
The following extract from an article published in the Western Manufac- turer, of Chicago, shows the light in which Sterling is regarded by non-residents, and is a fair expression of the estimation entertained by all who have visited it:
" It is a city presenting advantages to the business man and manufacturer second to none in the country. Possessed of an almost unlimited water power, with the rapid growth of the industrial interests of the West its future grand possibilities cannot be over estimated. It abounds in an educated and industrious population, unexcelled public schools, numerous well appointed and well united churches, live newspapers, and every essential element which characterizes a city. Sterling offers to capitalists opportunities for the most profitable investment of their money in manufacturing and business enter- prises, as well as the refinements and comforts of a pleasant home."
NEWSPAPERS.
When the Dixon branch of the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad was fin- ished as far west as the former place, the people of Sterling saw that its ter- minus would not remain there if proper efforts were made by the towns between that point and the Mississippi river. Iowa had been admitted into the Union; the country between Sterling and the great river was steadily settling up, while that on the other side also showed signs of rapid growth. It was a matter of interest, therefore, for the people west of Dixon to hasten the construction of a road which would pass through this country, and eventually reach far toward the Pacific coast. One of the great aids in securing the consummation of all great projects is the newspaper, and it was not long before the citizens of Sterling determined to call to their assistance this aid in procuring the construction of a railway line so deeply vital to their interests. Several meetings were held at the Court House to devise means for the establishment of a newspaper organ, the matter finally terminating by the employment of Charles Boynton, who had recently published a paper at Albany, to edit and publish it. Every business citizen in Sterling agreed to furnish assistance and patronage. Mr. Boynton brought his press and what material he had, from Albany, and upon adding additional type, etc., commenced the publication of the Sterling Times, the first number being issued on the 7th of December, 1854. There was considera- ble diversity of opinion as to the name of the paper, previous to its publication, but at the suggestion of Col. W. M. Kilgour, the name of the Times was finally adopted. Mr. Boynton, in his introductory, said: " Our paper is small, but it is young; and if it is so fortunate as to meet with its proper nourishment, we see no reason why it will not very shortly be able to stand in the same crowd with its more portly neighbors. The location is one of the best of the best counties in the best State, with immense undeveloped agricultural resources. Within the range of our vision lies the dormant water power which would put in motion as many factories as now stud the Merrimae, and a virgin soil that will yield twice as much as would feed the operatives. We have waited long for the slow and gradual development of the resources of this country; have grated corn on a lantern for our daily bread, and more than once followed the trail to the Garden City, sounding the depths of every slough, and wading through miles of water."
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HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY.
This was a true picture of the country at that time. The land between Sterling and Chicago, where some of the best farms are now located, was in many places covered with water in wet seasons, and the settlements along the way were long distances apart. Among the first advertisements published in the Times, were the following: Mrs. D. R. Beck, millinery goods; Hall & Blakesley, hardware; Galt & Crawford, dry goods, groceries, etc .; Happer & McIlvaine, dealers in gen- eral merchandise and produce, Albany, Illinois; R. L. Wilson, insurance agent, and lands, lots, cattle, and horses for sale; Alfred Bush, oysters, and bottled porter; A. McMoore, confectioneries, and paper hangings; Bixby & Shannon, booksellers and stationers; Samuel Emmons and A. McMoore, administrators of the estate of Daniel L. Smith, deceased, notice to creditors to file claims against the estate in the Probate Court, at the February term, 1855; R. L. Wilson, Clerk of Circuit Court, and recorder of deeds, office in the Court House; Ed- ward N. Kirk, attorney at law, office in the Court House; M. S. Henry, attorney at law, exchange broker, notary public, and Commissioner of deeds for Massa- chusetts and Pennsylvania; Stillman & Sackett, attorneys at law; Dr. M. C. Auld, physician and surgeon; Dr. A. S. Hudson, physician and surgeon, office in the Court House; Dr. A. P. Holt, homeopathic physician, Lyndon, Illinois; Eagle Hotel, Albany, W. S. Barnes, proprietor. The Times was neutral in poli- tics under Mr. Boynton's administration, but upon its purchase by Messrs. Grat- tan & Norwood, in 1855, became a Republican paper. In the spring of 1856 Grattan & Norwood sold to L. D. Crandall, and the Times hoisted the Democratic banner, and supported James Buchanan for the Presidency, the editor being Wm. Hyde, afterwards managing editor of the St. Louis Republican. In the winter of 1856-'57 the paper was purchased by Worthington & Biggart, and conducted by them until the publication was discontinued.
In July, 1856, William Caffrey commenced the publication of the Sterling Republican, and strongly advocated the election of John C. Fremont as Presi- dent. In the winter of 1857-'58 H. G. Grattan, who had previously purchased the press and material of the defunct Times, started the Sterling Gazette. The proprietors of these two papers afterwards united them under the name of the Republican and Gazette, and continued joint publishers and editors until Mr. Grattan sold his interest to Walter Nimocks. The partnership of Caffrey & Nimocks continued only a short time, when it was dissolved, and the material divided, Mr. Caffrey continuing the publication of the paper, and Mr. Nimocks taking his share to Kansas, where he established an office. Soon after this the name of Republican was dropped, and the paper was called the Sterling Gazette. In 1861 the paper came into the hands of C. M. Worthington & Co., and short- ly afterwards Mr. Worthington purchased the entire interest, and remained editor and proprietor until he sold the paper, and the entire office, to George Terwilli- ger. During Mr. Worthington's administration the paper increased rapidly in circulation and influence, and took a leading position among the newspapers of Northwestern Illinois. Mr. Terwilliger took possession of the office on the 3d day of September, 1870. He brought to his position a good deal of experience as a newspaper man, having been for several years editor of the Syracuse (N. Y.) Daily Journal, and also connected with the editorial staff of other papers. The Gazette continued to thrive under his charge, but being desirous of locating on the Mississippi river, at which point he had intended to settle when coming West, sold the office back to Mr. Worthington, and purchased the Fulton Journal. In January, 1873, Mr. Worthington sold a half interest in the establishment to W. F. Eastman, and the firm became C. M. Worthington & Co. In March, 1876, Mr. Eastman became the sole editor and proprietor, and so remained until July of that year, when D. J. Jenne purchased a half interest, and the present firm
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MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS.
of Eastman & Jenne was established. Under the able management of these gentlemen the Gazette has continued to thrive, and it is now the largest paper in the county, having a circulation second to none in this section of the coun- try. Its polities have always been Republican.
The Whiteside Chronicle was established by Theodore H. and Charles M. Mack, in the spring of 1868, and was edited and published by them jointly for sometime, when the former purchased the interest of the latter. Theodore H. continued the publication of the paper under the name of the Chronicle until 1870, when he changed it to that of the Sterling Standard, which title has since been retained. The Standard is an outspoken Independent Republican paper, a strong and fearless advocate of the temperance cause, and enjoys a steadily increasing patronage.
The Sterling Clear Grit issued its first number on the 13th of October, 1877, its editor and publisher being Ralph W. Norwood, a son of A. A. Norwood long connected with the newspaper press of Sterling. The Clear Grit has so far confined itself almost purely to local matters, but the ability it has already dis- played, shows that it is capable of entering a wider field. It deserves the grati- fying encouragement it is receiving.
MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS.
The present Sterling School Furniture Company was organized as a stock company, April 3, 1869, by virtue of an act of the General Assembly of the State, granted the March previous. The Company was then known as the Novelty Iron Works Manufacturing Company. The first buildings were erected, and the land, and water power purchased by A. J. Hull and F. T. June, in the summer of 1868, their object being to make sewing machines, and other castings. Their attention was drawn to the feasibility of manufacturing school furniture, by making some castings for that kind of furniture for a Chicago firm, and the re- sult was the placing of the "Sterling Seat" upon the market. The seat at once became popular, and very soon the factory was over-run with work, necessitating more land, buildings, and capital. These were secured, and A. J. Hull elected President of the Company; F. T. June, Secretary, and A. J. Hull, F. T. June, Charles H. Presbrey, W. A. Sanborn, and Edward Thomas, Directors. The cap- ital stoek was then $16.000. In 1871 this was increased to $50,000, and upon the resignation of Mr. Ilull as President, F. T. June was elected in his place, and A. A. Terrell, Secretary and Treasurer. In 1873, the name of the Com- pany was changed to the Sterling School Furniture Company, so as to better represent the business. The capital stock was also increased to $100,000, at which amount it still continues, with a large amount of surplus fund. In the spring of 1873, Mr. June severed his connection with the Company, and W. L.
Patterson, who had become a large stockholder, was elected President. In 1874 the Company made the Secretary the General Manager of the works, and busi- ness, and since that time A. A. Terrell has had full charge of both. The present officers are : H. G. Harper, President; and A. A. Terrell, Secretary and Gen- eral Manager. The buildings and land of the Company are located on the north bank of the river, are convenient to the depots of the Northwestern Railroad, and cover over thirty-five thousand square feet of ground. The goods manu- factured consist of school, church, office, and lodge furniture, porcelain work of all kinds, stove pipe registers, pump cylinders, stove reservoirs, gray enameled ware, and small castings of every description. The material purchased by this Company is the best that can be obtained, and is thoroughly prepared before being used. The work in every department is done by skillful and experienced hands, and when once turned out is unequalled for strength, durability, and
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HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY.
beauty of finish. The reputation of the Sterling School Furniture Company is already National, and the amount of manufactured articles turned out by them simply immense. They have a branch honse at Albany, New York, and one at San Francisco, California, where their goods are kept.
The Williams & Orton Manufacturing Company was organized in June, 1871, with a capital stock of $100,000. The basis of the organization were the foundry and machine shops of Williams & Orton, which were situated where the present manufactory stands. At the organization of the Company Mr. Williams was elected President, and Mr. Orton, Secretary. Present officers : John Charter, President and Treasurer, and G. M. Robinson, Sec'y. The buildings of the Company are situated on the water power, and are four in number. The main building, which is the largest used for manufacturing purposes on the Sterling side of the river, is 60 by 150 feet in size, and three stories high; the second building is 30 by 50 feet, and one story high; the third is 40 by 150 feet in size, and also one story high, and the fourth, 40 by 50 feet in size, and two stories high. The articles manufactured are, mill machinery, and general machinists goods. The manufacture of these is very heavy, and the goods are sold all over the country, giving the utmost satisfaction. The Company is also preparing to make the celebrated Williams' Reaper and Mower, and will have them in the market next season (1878). These machines are the invention of Dyer Wil- liams, and for the past ten years have been manufactured at Syracuse, New York. They are extensively used in that State, and cannot fail of becoming so here now that the manufactory will be in the West. The Company have a large frontage on the river, and sufficient water power to more than double their capacity for manufacturing purposes.
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