USA > Illinois > Will County > History of Will County, Illinois, Volume One > Part 24
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The Rossi Macaroni Company manufactures the Lincoln Brand of macaroni and spaghetti. This brand is known for its excellence throughout the United States. The National Journal of the macaroni factories is also published at Braid- wood. The factory employs forty people.
The clothing factory employs about thirty giving employ- ment to young men and women who do piece work and acquire skill which enables them to make fifteen, eighteen, and twenty dollars per week.
Two grade schools are operated, one in Lower Braidwood where they have two teachers taking care of about sixty chil- dren. When the coal mining industry was at its heigth this school had six rooms with an average attendance of five hun-
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dred. The other school on the East edge of the village employs three teachers in the grades taking care of one hundred chil- dren. This is less than one-fourth of what it was in the gala days for Braidwood. Reed-Custer Township High School is a four year high school with four teachers employed. In 1928, the enrollment was forty-seven. It is a good school rendering service to many who could not go elsewhere. Superintendent Dille has charge of the high school.
Troy Township .- Jedediah Woolley, Sr., was one of the earliest settlers of Plainfield, but of that township it could hardly be said that he became a permanent resident, as he removed from it before the land came into market. He, how- ever, lived there some time, and there experienced some of the trials and privations of pioneer life incident to this country at a period prior to 1835. In the year named, he removed to Troy Township, made a claim and settled permanently. His son, Jedediah Woolley, Jr., had already made some improve- ment, having built a saw-mill on the Du Page, which flows through the township. The saw-mill was completed and in operation by the Fall of 1834. His was the first mill enterprise in Troy, and one of the very first in the county. It was looked upon as a great addition to the industries of the community, and furnished lumber for most of the early buildings in this vicinity. The canal and railroad, though dreamed of, had not been built, and the only commercial communication with the village of Chicago was by means of wagons, and so most of the houses prior to that date were built entirely of logs. A dwell- ing of the character in use in those days would be almost a curiosity now; and, as compared with the fine farm houses and almost palatial residence of Troy and vicinity, would, at least, be considered a novelty.
Jedediah Woolley, Jr., was County Surveyor when Will was was a part of Cook County, and surveyed the county. A man
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named Chipman was partner with the younger Woolley in the saw-mill. Chipman was from the State of Ohio. He did not find the country all that he had anticipated, and, after a short residence, he returned to the Buckeye State.
Alford McGill, a son-in-law of the Elder Woolley, moved to the township at the same time. It was McGill who guided the Knapps and the Tryons of Channahon, to the place of their location, and recommended it as the finest soil in the country. Cary Thornton was a native of Pennsylvania, but had lived in the State of New York prior to coming here, in 1835. At that date, he came West, and attended the land sale and purchased a half-section of land. The next year, 1836, he, with his brother William, moved from New York to the land purchased the year before, each occupying one-half. The location of the land was in the southern part of the township. Cary Thornton removed to the city of Joliet in 1866.
Josiah Holden, a brother of Phineas Holden, who settled in New Lenox at an early date, was in the township as early as 1836. He moved away and died many years ago. Dr. Alex- ander McGregor Comstock, whom, from the name we imagine, to have been a Scotchman, came here from New York, about 1837. He moved the city of Joliet and died of cholera, during the reign of that fatal plague years ago. He was the first res- ident physician, and a man of much intelligence and of excel- lent attainments. Horace Haff was from the Black River coun- try, of New York, and settled in this township about 1837. By him the township was named West Troy, probably from the city of the same name, near which he had formerly lived. A portion of the name was afterward dropped, leaving it as we now have it. Andrew and Marshall King came to this place from Indiana, and settled in the north part of the township. Andrew died here, October, 1849. Marshall moved to Texas, where he died several years ago.
23-VOL. 1
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After the settlements already mentioned, but few additional were made for some years. The panic of 1837, continuing for several years, put a check upon immigration, and not until the completion of the Canal, which passes through the southeast corner, did the township again grow in population. In several ways, the Canal contributed to the rapid development of this part of the State. The works were pronounced complete in 1848, and boats began to ply along the line. Formerly, grain and produce of all kinds had to be hauled by wagon over bad roads, to the nearest market, which was Chicago, and supplies of groceries and other necessities had to be obtained there by the same means, and, consequently, emigrants looking for homes, located at points where commercial advantages were more convenient. When the Canal was completed, bringing these facilities to this portion of the State, immediately a new impetus was given to the settlement of Troy Township. Again, a number of the laborers on the works being now out of em- ployment, and having saved some of their earnings, located on the adjacent lands. Quite a number of our Irish citizens date their arrival in the township, with the completion of the Can- al.
The subject of education has received its share of atten- tion by the Trojans. The first school was taught in a little log structure, erected for that purpose, on Mr. Thornton's place. This was about the year 1836 or 1837, but who was the pioneer educator is not now remembered. The first teacher whose name can be recalled with sufficient distinctness to fix dates, was Miss Rebecca Boardman, who taught here in 1840-41. From this small beginning was developed, in proportion to the development of the country, a system of education in this town- ship, that compares favorably with any township in the county.
Though the Gospel was preached at an early date in this township, owing to its proximity to Joliet, and other points
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where churches and all the means of affording religious ad- vantages abound, no church-buildings are to be found here.
Bird's Bridge is on the Illinois & Michigan Canal, about five miles south of Joliet. It received its name from a man of the name of Bird, who formerly lived near the bridge, a hundred yards below the place. A grain warehouse and elevator were erected here by H. S. Carpenter, of Joliet, about the year 1867.
Grintonville, or Grinton's Mill, is another little hamlet on the Du Page River, five miles from Joliet. It was regularly laid out by Wm. Grinton and called after his name. Mr. Grin- ton was an early settler, and built a mill here about the year 1845. It was a three-story building, with three runs of buhrs.
In the early times, when much of the clothing was made at home, and the cloth from which it was cut was spun and woven there, woolen factories or carding machines were common all over the country. Sheep were raised principally for their wool, and nearly all the product was consumed in the neighborhood. Now, a mill for the purpose of making rolls, is a novelty. The wool-picking, the carding, the spinning, the weaving, are all of the past; and even the making of the clothing, though there is a sewing machine in almost every house, is largely done by manufacturers. A factory for the purpose of converting wool into cards preparatory to spinning, was built here by the Mc- Evoys; but for many years it has stood idle, though at one time it did an extensive business. The factory was built about 1848 or 1849.
Troy Township made a splendid beginning with the mill at the river. This was one of the very first mill enterprises in Will County and was considered a great advantage to the in- dustries of our county. It furnished lumber for most of the buildings in this vicinity. A store was started and Troy at that time promised to be quite a town with possibilities for being a city. The railroads and the canal passed the village by quite a
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ways off, and the village never increased in size. At the pres- ent time, there are three or four houses which are occupied. There is an oil station and also a large dance hall which is used occasionally. Bird's Bridge was started many years ago when. the Illinois & Michigan canal was an important factor in trans- portation. This is still a good market for grain. The Rock Island Railroad came through and it was possible to ship on that road, hence it has remained to the present day in a pros- perous condition. Grintonville or Grinton's Mill was another little hamlet on the Du Page which made a good start and ended in failure.
While no towns or villages have developed in the township, many people find summer residence in cottages along the Du Page River. This is a beautiful stream of water and is a favor- ite resort for hundreds of people each summer.
CHAPTER XIII.
TOWSNSHIPS CONTINUED.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP-BEECHER-EAGLE LAKE-WESLEY TOWNSHIP- WHEATLAND TOWNSHIP-WHEATLAND PLOWING MATCH-WILL TOWN- SHIP-WILMINGTON TOWNSHIP-CITY OF WILMINGTON-WILTON TOWN- SHIP-WALLINGFORD-WILTON CENTER
Washington Township .- This township is situated in the extreme southeastern part of the county, and is the most dis- tant from the county seat of any township, being from its cen- ter, in a direct line from Joliet, twenty-seven miles and by rail not less than thirty-five. Since the division of Reed Township, this is one of the two greatest in area in the county, including within its limits all of Congressional Town 33 north and 14 east, and about one-fourth of Range 15. The township pres- ents more than an ordinary variety of soil and surface, being in some portions quite flat and in others rolling; in some por- tions a deep, rich soil, and in others lacking in this character. It is watered by the small stream which drains Eagle Lake, which also furnishes stock water for the northeastern, central and southwestern parts. Eagle Lake, formerly much larger than at present, covers an area of a quarter of Section 7, and the swamp adjacent, nearly all of this and Section 18. Before the work of draining the lake was begun, hundreds of bushels of cranberries were annually produced and gathered here, but now this industry is destroyed.
The Chicago, Danville & Vincennes Railroad passes through the western part, furnishing an outlet for its products and a
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means of communication with other parts of the country. Prior to the completion of this line, most of the marketing was hauled direct to Chicago, or shipped by the Illinois Central at Peotone or Monee. Most of the land in this township, being outside of the Illinois Central limits, was sold to original set- tlers or to speculators for $1.25 per acre, and was occupied within a period ending about 1857.
The first settler in the township was a man of the name of Jesse Dutcher. But little is known as to whence he came or whither he went; but, in 1851, he was found here occupying some land a couple of miles north of Washington Center. The line running through the Center, and continuing through Crete, and thence to Chicago, with its southern terminus at Vincennes, Ind., was the main traveled road between these two extremes, and was one of the most used thoroughfares in the State. Marketing of all kinds was hauled from Vincennes and all intermediate points by way of this road to Chicago. As a consequence, little settlements sprang up all along the line, and at short distances, houses for the accommodation of the trav- eler and teamster, and for the profit of the owners, were opened. These houses were scarcely deserving of the name of hotel or tavern, but were owned by parties who were opening farms, and having built cabins of more than ordinary size, established this species of lodging-house in connection with their farming operations. Such an establishment was Dutcher keeping at the time remembered by the earliest settler, in 1851, and for two or three years later. How long he had been there, we are unable to say; but those who saw him there at the date named, judging from the looks of his house and other improve- ments, credit him with a half-dozen years' previous residence. Dutcher was also a preacher, and, as now remembered, was of the Methodist persuasion.
Along this general highway other habitations sprung up in due time, and the "big-road" settlement was distinct for many
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miles up and down its course. Among these were John Rose, William Strain and Joseph Maxwell. John Rose was probably the third settler in the township, and is almost entitled to the credit of being the first, as the settlements previously named could scarcely be called permanent. Certain it is that the Rose family is now the oldest family in the bounds of Washington Township. Mr. Rose was a native of Ireland, and came to this part of the country in 1851. He settled on the west side of Sec- tion 3, which, it will be noticed, is near the line of the former "big road." John Rose died in 1858.
William Strain was also a native of Ireland. He came to this place in 1852.
Joseph Maxwell came from Ohio with T. L. Miller, and still resides here.
Philip Nolan was also one of the earliest settlers in this part of the township. Nolan had lived in Chicago a couple of years before removing to this vicinity in 1851. Joseph White was one of the prominent men of the early times in this neigh- borhood, though his residence here was but brief, extending from the year 1854 till about 1858. It was at his house, on the Dutcher farm, that the first township election was held, in 1856; and at this election he was chosen one of the first Justices of the Peace. After the exodus of Dutcher, White installed himself as landlord and farmer, and continued here until 1858, when he removed to Indiana.
While these settlements were being made, another, known at the time as "The Settlement," was being made in the north- east corner of the township, in the vicinity of Eagle Lake. Among the first settlers in that neighborhood were Henry Bahlman, Peter Bohse, Andrew Carstensen, Pade Kruse, Char- les Fuller and William Bliss, most of whom have since removed to other places.
By 1856, farms were also being opened in the southern and western parts of the township. The Germans, who are now
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more than half owners of the township, were beginning to ar- rive; and by the year last named, there were about twenty ad- ditional families, among whom are remembered; Rensellaer and Edwin C. Richards, W. and C. Lyon, Joseph Irish, Horace Morrison, William and M. Watkins, Richard Lightbown, Isaiah and Stephen Goodenow, Robert and David Dunbar, John B. Bowes, John Miers, Peter Dohse, H. Spanler, John Tatmire and Aaron and Miles Johnson. The township was yet a part of Crete, and voted and transacted all political business with that precinct. In the year mentioned, however, a move was made toward establishing this as a separate precinct. A peti- tion was prepared and presented to the Board of Supervisors; and no good reason appearing to the contrary, an election for the purpose of organization and for selecting township officers was by them ordered to take place on the 1st Tuesday of April, 1856. As has been stated, the election was held at the house of Joseph White, and the record which is still extant indicates that there were thirty voters present.
The oldest organized church in the township is St. John's Evangelical Lutheran, near Eagle Lake. This organization was accomplished in 1850; but, as has already been stated, there were not more than two families resident in Washington Town- ship, and they, as has been intimated being of other belief; in regard to religious matters, it will be surmised that the organi- zation could not have been effected here. The church was at first established a mile north of its present location, in the township of Crete. A building for religious and educational purposes was erected there at the date named, and church and school were kept open there until 1864. Rev. Gustav Pol- lack was the organizer of the enterprise, and was Pastor for fifteen years. In 1864, it having been determined to build a new house of worship, a new location was selected for the same, though school has been kept open at the old site till the present time.
ELLIOTT STREET ECCHE
ELLIOTT STREET, BEECHER, ILL.
HIGH SCHOOL , LOCKPORT , ILL,
HIGH SCHOOL, LOCKPORT, ILL.
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St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, located a mile northwest of Beecher, was organized in the Spring of 1865, by Rev. Gustav Pollack, who had been preaching in this vicinity.
St. John's German United Evangelical Church, located two miles southeast of Beecher, was established and an organiza- tion effected in 1864. Rev. Peter Lehman had been preaching in the vicinity for a year before, and organized the society at the date named, with a membership of forty families. After the Church had been established, Rev. Philip Albert was in- stalled as Pastor, and acted as such for two years.
The Congregational Church, at the village of Beecher, was organized January, 1872, the house of worship having been erected the year before. The original members were eight in number.
Doubtless, the most interesting industry, and at the same time one which has given the little village of Beecher a reputa- tion co-extensive with the whole country, is the breeding of fine stock, as carried on by T. L. Miller, Esq., of this place.
Mr. Miller came to this place in 1852, and located land, pre- paratory to embarking in the gigantic enterprise in which he is now engaged. He did not, however, begin operations until 1861, in the mean time engaging in other business in Chicago. In the year last named, he removed to this place, and from that time till 1870 engaged in the cattle business in a small way, and with no definite idea of future plans or prospects. During all this time, however, he carried on an extensive correspond- ence, and conducted a thorough course of investigation and experiment, so that in 1870, his mind was fully made up, and his future plans fully mapped out. Then began the great work that has not only proved to be one of the most extensive in the United States, but which led to a grand success. After a care- ful study and minute consideration, he decided, much against the then popular opinion of the leading cattle men of this country, to adopt the Hereford breed. The Durham cattle had
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for years been accorded, by breeders of this country and the landed gentry of England, the first place as beef-producing cattle. For nearly a century the short-horn breeds had held the prestige, though the Herefords were accredited with being good stock. A few feeble attempts had been made in this coun- try, prior to the inauguration of Mr. Miller's enterprise, to introduce the stock; but the great character of the competing herds already attained so overshadowed them that their efforts in this direction were almost lost sight of. When, therefore, Mr. Miller announced his intention of breeding the Hereford stock, he was not looked upon as a competitor, but was re- garded with feelings akin to pity. Even his warmest friends could not but feel apprehensive of his ultimate failure; and, perhaps, no one but himself discerned the grand success with which his efforts have been crowned. After awhile, however, he began to be recognized as a competitor; and since that time, he fought his way, foot by foot, until, if his cattle do not stand pre-eminent, they at least bear the reputation of equal merit with any herd or breed in the world. When it is considered that all of this change in sentiment, in the face of such gigantic opposition, during a time of such severe financial depression, has been wrought almost by one man, we come either to one or the other of two conclusions: that the character of stock which Mr. Miller handles must be of a superior quality, or that he is a man of much more than ordinary courage, good man- agement and pluck. Perhaps it would not be incorrect to credit the enterprise with both of these advantages.
Beecher .- T. L. Miller had begun his fine stock enterprise, secured the location of a station here, and laid out and named the new town. Thenceforward the growth of the Center was checked, and the station became the point, from which improve- ments have widened until the village of Beecher has not only over-shadowed the Center, but by building out toward it, has
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nearly enveloped it in itself. Beecher was laid out in 1870 by George Dolton, for T. L. Miller, and commenced at once to build up, and develop a trade which compares favorably, at this time, with towns three times as old. As we have seen, Metter- hausen opened the first store in the village, in what proves to have been the second building erected, and which also proves to have been the first store-building. Metterhausen had been a teacher in the Lutheran school.
James Burns built the first house-a dwelling-and sold lumber for a few months and then removed to Michigan, from whence he had come.
Shortly after this, Henry Bielfeldt built and opened a hotel. Carl Melow moved his blacksmith-shop from the Corners in 1871, and Rudolph Pecht opened a furniture store. Fred Schmidt built a second hotel, and John R. Miller moved the old dancing hall from the Corners and put in a second stock of goods. William Struve, formerly of Monee, followed Burns in the lumber and coal business. By and by the post office was removed from the Corners to Metterhausen's, and he was appointed postmaster. Elliot Miller, son of T. L. Miller and now partner in the firm of L. Gould & Co., of Chicago, was appointed first station agent. About this time, T. L. Miller built the first warehouse, and Henry Block commenced buying grain, eventu- ally buying the warehouse and continuing the business until the present. The period extending from 1870 to 1873, was a lively one for this vicinity. The sounds of the ax, hammer and saw were heard in all directions, new-comers were arriving almost daily, and, by the end of the period named, the village had grown in size and importance to proportions hardly ex- pected by its most enthusiastic friends.
Eagle Lake is a little village in the northeast part of the township. It derived its name from a lake of the same name which no longer is there, the water having been drained out forty-five years ago. In its place is farming land of unusual
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fertility, with a deep soil rich in humus. The village contains about one dozen houses, most of which are occupied. The store, the post office and the saloon ceased years ago. The church and the school, public and parochial, survive.
Washington Township did not see permanent settlers until 1851. It has made more progress since then than most of the townships in the development of agriculture, transportation and in the business interests of the town of Beecher.
This was one of the towns which had very little drainage and much of the land was flat and low and appeared too wet for farming when the first settlers came. Drainage has made it possible to cultivate all of the land. The soil is fertile and yields good crops of grain. In the last decade the farmers have de- voted themselves very largely to dairying. The Dixie High- way which runs through this township from North to South was a great incentive in this work. Large trucks gather the milk each day, thus making it unnecessary for farmers to haul it very far. A good stone road crosses the township from East to West on the central line. Two other roads from the East connect with the Dixie Highway. There three hard roads give the farmers easy access to the permanent concrete road. The village of Beecher contains a bottling plant which takes care of large quantities of milk each day and ships it out for con- sumption in other cities both North and South. The farmers are progressive in every way. Washington Township usually takes the lead in the number of members in the Will County Farm Bureau. They apply the latest methods in maintaining the productiveness of the soil.
The city of Beecher prospers in all the lines of business found there. The town is well kept with good stores, good homes with well kept lawns and is a good place to live. We enumerate the business establishments because that it is a quick way to show what the business it: General Merchandise, Stade Bros., and Storch & Stelling; Dry Goods, George A.
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