USA > Illinois > Ogle County > Mount Morris > Mount Morris: past and present, an illustrated history of the township and the village of Mount Morris, Ogle County, Illinois, in their various stages of development, together with a local biographical directory > Part 20
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Stonebraker, Lewellyn R., May 5. 1887. 11
Shaw, Hiram T., April 21, 1869 20
Stephens. Dr. Benj. G .. Jan. 10. 1879 59
Stanger. John F .. Sept. 12. 1850. 81
Stroh. Cecilia A., Oct., 1840 1
Stroh, Alfred E., Oct. 29. 1870. 27
Stroh. Elizabeth. Nov. 16. 1894 86 Stroh. Rev. Nicholas J., Jan. 1. 1897 98
Sprecher. Orville H., Nov. 14. 1889 7
Thomas. William T .. April 28. 1879.
Thomas. Garoline C .. Jan. 30, 1880
.60
Thomas. Blauche E .. June 9. 1890. 11
Thomas. Ruth. Sept. 24. 1896. . Infant
Thomas. Emma Bell. Nov. 14. 1896. .15
Thomas. Joshua. March 18, 1884 73
Thomas, Eliza Jane. Feb. 5. 1897 11 Thomas. Abram. Aug. 29. 1879
Trapp, Mrs. Sarah J., Sept. 5. 1867 Tice .-
Tice. Gertrude. June 12. 1887
18
Tracy. Willis B., Jan. 29. 1888 5
Withers. Thomas W .. Feb. 12. 1850.
Withers. Elsie May, March 24. 1881
1
Withers, Hanora V. E .. Oct. 7. 1856. 19
Withers. Blanche. Aug. 11. 1882 Infant
Withers, Benjamin F .. Dec. 25. 1882 .29
Withers.
Infant
Withers. John W
Withers. Elizabeth. Jan. 14. 1885. 7.3
Withers. Henry. Nov. 4. 1887 72
Withers, B. C., March 20, 1888 15
Withers, Frank. Nov. 4. 1887
Withers. Emma E .. April 18. 1898
Wagoner. Edger E., Nov .. 1864
Williams. Willis W .. April 19. 1875
1
224
MOUNT MORRIS: PAST AND PRESENT.
Williams.
Windle, Charles Elmer. Aug. 24. 1955 . ... 19
Williams. Elias. Oet. 6. 1890 .67
Wingert. David R., April 15. 1>$0 .... ... 64 Wolf.
Woltz, Jacob Elmer, Jan. 14. 1888 1
Wolf, Charlotte. March 16. 1891. 38
Woltz, James Walling, May 26. 1-69 72
Wolf. William. Oct. 14. 1892
Woltz, L. Albert, Jan. 19. 1892 ... Infant
Wolf, Grant.
Woltz. Lonsia A .. April 10. 1898
. 76
Wendle.
ATHLETICS.
In the way of athletics the principal game which has fascinated the gymnastic propensity of youth in Mount Morris in the past has been the great national game of base ball. For many years the great enthusiasm
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MOUNT MORRIS BASE BALL TEAM OF 1895.
for this sport ran high and few weeks of summer passed without Satur- day afternoon or mid-week contests on the diamond, with nines from neighboring towns or between home teams. Probably the most interest- ing series of games ever played in Mount Morris was during the summer of 1895 when a tri-county league was formed, composed of Mount Morris, Oregon, Dixon, Lanark and Polo teams, and a series of games played for the championship. Mount Morris easily out-classed Polo, Oregon and Lanark and tied Dixon for the championship, but lost in the deciding game in a close score.
Among professional base ball players produced by Mount Morris are J. D. Lookabaugh and Wm. Householder. The former is a pitcher and
225
MISCELLANEOUS HISTORY.
has played for years with league teams. Some years ago he stopped play- ing ball and is now practicing magnetic healing in Mount Morris. Mr. Householder commenced his professional career with Freeport, staying with them several seasons. Last season he was with the Souix Falls, South Dakota, team and did very creditable playing. Prospects for his rapid advance in favor in base ball circles are promising.
For several years past the game of base ball appears to have some- what fallen from favor with Ogle county athletes. Few games of any im- portance have been played for several years. Foot ball appears to be more popular and each year is demanding more attention.
CHAPTER XV.
MOUNT MORRIS OF TODAY.
Mount Morris of today! What a contrast to seventy years ago, when the spot, where now stand beautiful residences, business houses, churches and institutions of learning, was then a trackless prairie, roamed over by the native American- the Indian. Then, where now is heard the hum of voices in song, the conversation, laughter and merry-making of jolly school children and shouts of lively students, the ring of anvils, and oth- er evidences of energetic life,-then were heard only the howl of the prairie wolf, the hiss of poisonous reptiles, and the sighing of the wind as it swept through the forest trees or swayed the long prairie grass. Mount Morris of today is a flourishing little city of 1200 inhabitants, situated in the midst of one of the richest and most fertile agricultural districts in the state of Illinois. The country which surrounds Mount Morris is al- most entirely taken up by well-improved farms. The original wooded lands have been mostly cleared of trees and the low lands and swampy places redeemed by thorough tiling. Farmers, as a general rule, cultivate over one hundred acres, some as high as two hundred or more. The prin- cipal products are corn and oats, and some cattle and hogs in the way of live stock. The land is mostly in a condition to make the raising of grain the more profitable, however, and the principal source of income is, there- fore, from the products. Some of the levelest, most productive and best improved farms in close proximity to Mount Morris are valued at over ninety dollars per acre and some even higher.
Mount Morris township, including the village, is an exceptionally wealthy community. The schedule of all personal property in the town- ship on the first day of April, 1900, and all the lands and town lots as re- ported by the assessor, Mr. Allen, shows that the total value of all proper- ty whatsoever in the township was $2,432,975. Considering that the total population is 2,000, this would make an average wealth of $1200 for each man, woman and child in the township. The following tabular statement showing the totals of personal and real property by the last assessment will show the wealth of Mount Morris township.
The village of Mount Morris is situated in section 26 and 27 near the southern part of the township, a little to the east of a line running through the center. The area enclosed within the corporate limits of the village is about 640 acres. There are laid off and platted at the present time about fifty blocks. Within the corporate limits of the village are now 270 habitable residences and fifty public buildings, including the stores, churches, college buildings, public school; building, livery[stables, (226)
227
MOUNT MORRIS OF TODAY.
A TABULAR STATEMENT
SHOWING THE TOTALS OF PERSONAL AND REAL PROPERTY OF MOUNT MORRIS TOWNSHIP, FOR THE YEAR 1900.
Compiled from the Books of the Township Assessor.
PERSONAL PROPERTY.
No.
Value
Horses of all ages,
1273 $ 72,615
Cattle of all ages,
3374
67,470
Sheep of all ages,
201
1,085
Hogs of all ages,.
2198
17,522
Steam Engines, including Boilers,
12
3,800
Fire or Burglar Proof Safes,
17
1,285
Billiard, Pigeon-hole, Bagatelle, or other similar tables,
1
10
Carriages and Wagons of whatsoever kind,
692
18,655
Watches and Clocks.
547
4,413
Sewing and Knitting Machines,
341
3,810
Piano Fortes,
6-4
7,405
Melodeons and Organs,
130
3,345
Annuities and Royalties,
₿
2,410
Merchandise on hand,
47,750
Material and Manufactured Articles on hand.
200
Manufacturers' Tools, Implements and Machinery,
5,885
Agricultural Tools, Implements and Machinery,
12,370
Gold and Silver Plate and Plated Ware,
645
Diamonds and Jewelry,
1,000
Moneys of Bank, Banker, Broker or Stock Jobber,
2,700
Moneys of other than Bank, Banker, Broker or Jobber,
700
Credits of other than Bank, Banker, Broker or Jobber,
315,785
Bonds and Stocks,
15,000
Property of Companies and Corporations, not enumerated,
1,500
Household or Office Furniture or Property,
49,445
Investments in Real Estate and Improvements thereon,
150
Grain on hand,
43,120
All other Personal Property required to be listed,
185
TOTAL VALUE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY,
700,260
LANDS.
Improved and Unimproved Lands,
1,454,340
Town Lots, improved and unimproved,
278,375
TOTAL VALUE OF ALL PROPERTY AS ASSESSED,
2,432,975
228
MOUNT MORRIS: PAST AND PRESENT.
blacksmith shops, elevators, lumber offices, creamery, etc. The streets in the village measure approximately nine miles in length with probably about twelve miles of sidewalk, much of which is tar-concrete; in fact an ordinance passed by the village board of trustees prohibits the building of any more board walks and they are gradually disappearing.
Mount Morris has all the modern improvements of an up-to-date little city, - fire protection, water works, telephone exchange and electric lights. The Mount Morris water works system is owned and operated by the village. An account of the official proceedings leading up to the building of the sys- tem is to be found on pages 66 and 67. It was in 1895 when the citizens of Mount Morris determined to secure themselves against fire, and before the coming of cold weather the system was completed. The water tower is an ele- gant steel structure, 115 feet high from the foundation to the peak of the roof. The roof is also surmounted by a 35- foot flag-pole, from which Old Glory floats on special occasions. The tank has a capacity of 21,000 barrels and is kept full of good, pure water at all times for emergencies in case of fire, and to supply the many patrons of the system. At present there are 58 water renters, most of which are for private residences and lawns. An arte- sian well 500 feet in depth furnishes an exhaustless supply of water, which is lifted from the well and forced up into the tank by a powerful air pump, operated by a 29-horse gasoline engine. The power house or pumping station is situated just at the foot of the mag- nificent tower, and is in charge of Samuel Rowe. At the present time the water mains are extended over the principal streets of the village a total
THE NORTH BUSINESS BLOCK.
231
MOUNT MORRIS OF TODAY.
distance of only a few hundred feet less than two miles. A hose cart with 700 feet of hose is kept in the power house, ready to be pulled out on a minute's notice. Enough hose is kept on hand so that the houses in the most out-lying parts of the village can be reached by a stream of water in case of fire, though hydrants are in some places several blocks distant from the farthest houses. A fire company composed of a number of the younger men of the town, is formed and know what to do in case of an alarm. A large fire bell is hung beneath the tower, with which a very speedy alarm can be turned in. C. H. Whitman is fire marshal.
The local telephone exchange is one of the improvements of the year 1900. The Ogle County Telephone Company, of Rochelle, was granted
VIEW OF MOUNT MORRIS LOOKING NORTHWEST FROM WATER TOWER.
a franchise to string their wires through the streets and alleys of the vil- lage in the May meeting of the village board of trustees. During the month of September the poles were set, the wires strung and the 'phones placed in the residences and business houses of the patrons of the sys- tem. At first there were thirty-five phones put in, but since others have been occasionally added and at present about 40 of the most en- terprising people of the town save time and bother by this convenience. The principal streets of the town have assumed quite a metropolitan aspect by the addition of the rows of poles heavily laden with tele- phone wires. The exchange office is located in the north Seibert block
232
MOUNT MORRIS: PAST AND PRESENT.
over the Citizens' Bank. The day operator is Miss Mande Rowe and the night operator, Mr. David Craley.
The electric lighting system is the latest of the improvements of the year 1900. A franchise was granted in October by the village board of trustees to Edward Thomas to do the necessary wiring in the streets and alleys. A new building was erected for the accommodation of the plant in the north part of the village, near the railroad. At the time of the publication of this book the system is nearing completion, and is ex- pected soon to be in active operation. Present indications are that it will be liberally supported both by the village and private individuals.
Mount Morris is pre-eminently a residence and college town. As a res- idence town it has many advantages over the majority of small cities and towns. In the first place it is one of the most beautiful places to be found in many a day's journey, with its beautiful and imposing college campus and buildings, its neat lawns and the long rows of shade trees lining near- ly all of the streets, so that in summer time it looks like a cool and beau- tiful forest. A view of the street along the west side of A. W. Brayton's elegant lawn, one of the finest of the shady streets, is shown on page 205. It is seen that the branches of the trees on either side of the street al- most meet in the center, forming a most beautiful arch of green. The many shade trees in Mount Morris are not native here, the spot having originally been open prairie, but the work is all result of judicious fore- thought on the part of the early settlers, who brought the young maples from the Mississippi river. One of the largest of the many stalwart maples is the one half way between J. Strock's grocery and C. U. Niman's livery stable, standing with a protecting wing over the old house at one time occupied by John Ankney. Mr. Ankney himself planted the tree nearly sixty years ago. It is supposed to be the oldest tree in town. The spread of its roots before disappearing under ground is marvelous.
Mount Morris is desirable as a residence town because it is one of the most healthful places to be found. It stands on an eminence among the highest in Illinois, and has excellent drainage: no waste or swampy land anywhere in the vicinity. Ague and kindred diseases are unknown. Water is easily reached at a depth of twenty-five feet to sixty feet, and is of the purest and sweetest quality, which one can never forget who has once become acquainted with it.
The religious advantages of Mount Morris are probably unexcelled in northern Illinois. The very atmosphere of the place is religions, and this in connection with the advantages enjoyed by the different denomina- tions represented, renders the town particularly attractive to those re- ligiously inclined. No better location can be found for the retired busi- ness man or farmer who prefers to spend his declining years with his family, where the best of intellectual and spiritual influence may be en- joyed. The intellectual inspiration coming from the college, blended with the strong moral and religious sentiment prevading the town and community, give strength and refinement to the moulding influences of society. Young men and young women reared under such healthy
233
MOUNT MORRIS OF TODAY.
influences will be well equipped for the conflicts of a busy life. The saloon has never been tolerated in the town, which accounts largely for the high standard of morality among both the young and old. The Christian denominations represented are the Methodist, Lutheran, Chris- tian and Dunkard, a complete history of each of which is given in a sepa- rate chapter on religious organizations. All of these churches are well represented and members of any of them who are looking for a location will do well to investigate Mount Morris. This is especially true of the Brethren. Many of the most substantial citizens are members of this church and are exerting a wide influence for good in the community. They are bitterly opposed to the liquor traffic in all its forms, and as well
SIX MOUNT MORRIS BOYS WHO BELONG TO THE STATE MILITIA.
as the members of the other churches, may be counted upon as a solid in- fluence against the saloon business. In no town in northern Illinois can so many Brethren families be found, and at no other place in the United States can they find such superior church, Sunday school and educational privileges. This they are not slow to see, as may be attested by th? families coming here each year with a view of making it their home. Mount Morris certainly can be recommended as a very desirable place for the Brethren, desiring the best of church privileges, to locate. Es- pecially is it desirable for those who wish to retire from the active pur- suits of life and spend their last days quietly in the midst of their breth- ren.
234
MOUNT MORRIS: PAST AND PRESENT.
The educational advantages afforded the citizens of Mount Morris is another feature which makes the place an exceptionally fine residence town. True education consists in the development of all the powers of man,-physical, mental and moral. Mount Morris claims to possess facilities for this purpose in a very high degree. It has already been stated that the atmosphere of the place seems to be religious, but it may be said with emphasis that it is more intensely educational. Education is the life of the town. It is intensified in the very spirit of the people. It can be noticed on every important movement among our citizens. The very foundation of the town was laid in that spirit, and by it the peo- ple have been swayed and influenced for nearly two generations. As everybody knows, the foundation of Mount Morris College was laid way back sixty years ago when the wild animals still roamed over the prairie and no vestage of Mount Morris of today was to be found. A class of people have grown up around the institution, who seem to thrive on the intensely religious and educational influences that have continually pre- vaded the place.
The public school is among the best in the country. The building is large, commodious and substantial. The course of instruction is thor- ough and affords a good preparatory education on which to build the more advanced culture of the mind. Concerning the history and more about the present condition of the public school see the separate chapter upon that subject.
Concerning Mount Morris College, the pride of the town and com- munity, we cannot speak too highly. It is centrally located and affords the best of educational advantages for the young men and women desiring to fit themselves for the active and responsible duties of a useful life. Here a polished education can be obtained under the most favorable moral and religious influences. Education alone may tend to skepticism, but when secured in connection with such moulding influences as per- vade this institution it becomes a power for good in all the responsible pursuits of life. The managers of the College are deeply imbued with the spirit of morality and religion, as well as the spirit of education, be- lieving that all true education should be given in connection with prop- er religious culture, and for this reason the school has a reputation for a high order of training, in all that goes to make up true manhood and womanhood, that should be a credit to every state. While the College is exclusively under the control of the Brethren, it is opened to pupils from all denominations, and not a few of them are sending their children here on account of the moral restriction thrown around them while in pursuit of knowledge.
.
A home college is a great thing for the people of the place where the college is located. Viewed from a financial angle Mount Morris College is very valuable to Mount Morris and vicinity. It saves thousands of dollars expense and at the same time brings in thousands of dollars in- come. It saves the expense of sending away to college the young people of our community. Parents have an opportunity to give their children
AUNT KITTY RICE, Who will be 104 years of age, August 24, 1901.
237
MOUNT MORRIS OF TODAY.
a college education with no outlay of money other than the tuition. This is a small sum compared with the expense incurred by those who come long distances by rail, and when here are obliged to pay, besides tuition, board, room and fuel. All this expense is saved to the people of Mount Morris in the education of their children, and in its stead they receive as an income thousands of dollars brought here by those who come here from a distance. This is not all. Our home college is also a college home. To be convinced that this is true, one need only visit the several departments of the college and note the manner in which everything is directed. Therefore aside from the financial phase, the people of Mount Morris receive the culture resulting from this well-ordered college life blended with the helpful atmosphere of a safe and cheerful home life.
Details concerning Mount Morris College, its history and condition at the present time and also a history of the old Rock River Seminary are to be found in separate chapters elsewhere in the volume.
Many other desirable points in favor of Mount Morris as a residence town might be mentioned. We repeat again that the people are of the very best class. They are whole-souled, free-hearted, intelligent, sociable, and a pleasant people to live among. Eastern states are represented in the make-up of the population, the larger number being from Maryland and Pennsylvania. Of late years Ohio and Indiana are also beginning to be represented. Mount Morris is a growing town, and becomes more desirable every year. Property and lots are not advanced to fancy prices, however, as in some growing towns. Good building lots within a few blocks of the college can be obtained at moderate prices. Building ma- terial is cheap, stone quarries are convenient and all facilities for build- ing are of the best. In fact, to any out-of-town reader of this book who is looking for a place of residence, to one who wishes to retire from business or from the farm to educate children, to enjoy the privileges of churches, Sunday schools, to live in a place of quiet comfort and ease, we say come and see Mount Morris. You will find a spot combining many of the advantages and few of the evils that go to make up a desirable place of residence.
BUSINESS ENTERPRISES.
Mount Morris College is, of course, the leading business enterprise in Mount Morris. Dozens of families are supported directly or indirectly by its presence. In fact, it is the very backbone of the village. The at- tendance of sev ral hundred out-of-town students raises the apparent population during nine months of the year, and gives more hustle and bustle to things in general. Concerning this enterprise much has been previousiy said in this book.
DOCTORS. The medical profession in Mount Morris is ably represent- ed by Drs. George McCosh, W. W. Hanes and C. J. Price. Dr. McCosh acquired his first knowledge of the profession from his father, Dr. John McCosh, under whom he studied for three years. He then took the pre-
238
MOUNT MORRIS: PAST AND PRESENT.
DR. GEORGE B. MCCOSH.
is President of the Village Board of Trustees. Dr. C. J. Price, physician and surgeon, is a comparatively new man in Mount Morris, having located here in August, 1900. He took up the practice abandoned by the late Dr. David Newcomer. He is a man of ability and the citizens of Mount Morris are giving him a good share of their patronage. He has more than the usual amount of med- ical training, having attended both the Northwestern Med- ical school and the Hahne- mann Medical College, tak- ing a special course in the lat- ter. He has also spent his va- cations in Chicago in and about the hospitals, and gained much useful experience in that way.
scribed course in the Rush Medical College in Chicago, graduating in 1880. After grad- uation he commenced prac- tice immediately in Mount Mor- ris, and has built up a large business. He has his office lo- cated in rooms over his drug store. Dr. W. W. Hanes has been practicing medicine in Mount Morris since 1886, hav- ing come here from Adeline, Ill. He is a graduate of the P. M. Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio, and directly after gradu- ation in 1883, he located at Adeline, Ill., and after three years there came to Mount Morris. He has built up a good substantial practice and is considered a good physician. His office is located over C. E. Price's hardware. Dr. Hanes
DR. W. W. HANES PRES. VILLAGE TRUSTEES
THE SOUTH BUSINESS BLOCK.
241
MOUNT MORRIS OF TODAY.
He occupies the old Newcom- er office, north of the College campus, where he can be found night or day.
VETERINARY SURGEON. - Dr. D. F. Stevens is the only veter- inary surgeon in this vicinity, and is kept constantly busy attending to the many calls for his professional skill. He is a graduate of the Ontario Vet- erinary College, located at To- ronto, Canada, finishing the prescribed course in April, 1888. He came to Mount Mor- ris in July of the same year, and has since practiced at this place.
DENTISTS .- Mount Morris has two dentists, Drs. J. B. Moats and J. F. Canode. Both are ex- pert workmen and give general satisfaction. Dr. Moats has
J. B. MOATS, DENTIST.
DR. C. J. PRICE.
been established here the long- er period. He is a graduate of the Dental Department of the Iowa State University, having previously attended the Chi- cago College of Dental Sur- gery. After graduation he lo- cated here and built up a good practice. His office is over McCosh's pharmacy. Dr. Can- ode is also a graduate of the Chicago College of Dental Sur- gery, where he attended three years. He located in Mount Morris in 1898. His office is lo- cated up stairs in the old Bank of Mount Morris building. The office is conveniently divided into a number of nicely-ar- ranged apartments, including a reception room, operating room, and laboratory. Mr. Canode perfectly understands his pro-
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