USA > Illinois > DeKalb County > Portrait and biographical album of DeKalb County, Illinois : containing full-page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county > Part 85
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The art of hunting not only supplied the Indian with food, but, like that of war, was a means of gratifying his love of distinction. The male chil- dren, as soon as they acquired sufficient age and strength, were furnished with a bow and arrow, and taught to shoot birds and other small game. Suc- cess in killing large animals required years of care- ful study and practice, and the art was as sedu- lously inculcated in the minds of the rising gen- eration as are the elements of reading, writing and arithmetic in the common schools of civilized com- munities. The mazes of the forest and the dense tall grass of the prairies were the objects of the most searching scrutiny, and revealed at a glance the animal that made any visible traces, the direc- tion it was pursuing, and the time that had elapsed since it had passed. In a forest country he selected the valleys, because they were most frequently the resort of game. The most easily taken, perhaps, of all the animals of the chase was the deer. It is en-
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dowed with a curiosity which prompts it to stop in its flight and look back at the approaching hunter, who always avails himself of this opportunity to let fly the fatal arrow.
Their general councils were composed of the chiefs and old men. When in council they usually sat in concentric circles around the speaker, and each individual, notwithstanding the fiery passions that burned within, preserved an exterior as immov- able as though cast in bronze. Before commencing business a person appeared with the sacred pipe, and another with fire to kindle it. After being lighted it was first presented to heaven, then to the earth, then to the presiding spirit, and lastly to the several councilors, each of whom took a whiff. These formalities were observed with as close exactness as state etiquette in civilized courts.
The dwellings of the Indians were of the simplest and rudest character. On some pleasant spot by the bank of a stream, or near an ever-running spring, they raised their groups of wigwams, constructed of the bark of trees, and easily taken down and re- moved to another spot. The dwelling-places of the chiefs were sometimes more spacious, and con- structed with greater care, but of the same materi- als. Skins taken in the chase served then for re- pose.
Though principally dependent upon hunting and fishing, the uncertain supply from these sources led them to cultivate small patches of corn. Every family did everything necessary within itself, com- merce, or an exchange of articles, being almost un- known to them. In case of dispute and dissension, each Indian relied upon himself for retaliation ; blood for blood was the rule, and the relatives of the slain man were bound to obtain bloody revenge for his death. This principle gave rise, as a matter of course, to innumerable and bitter feuds, and wars of extermination, when such were possible. War, in- deed, rather than peace, was the Indian's glory and delight-war, not conducted as in civilization, but where individual skill, endurance, gallantry and cruelty were prime requisites. For such a purpose as revenge the Indian would make great sacrifices, and display a patience and perseverance truly heroic ; but when the excitement was over he sank back into a listless, unoccupied, well-nigh useless savage. During the intervals of his more exciting pursuits,
the Indian employed his time in decorating his per- son with all the refinement of paint and feathers, and in the manufacture of his arms and canoes. These were constructed of bark, and so light that they could easily be carried on the shoulder from stream to stream. His amusements were the war dance, athletic games, the narration of his exploits and listening to the oratory of the chiefs ; but during long periods of such existence he remained in a state of torpor, gazing listlessly upon the trees of the forest and the clouds that sailed above them ; and this vacancy imprinted habitual gravity, and even melancholy, upon his general deportment.
The main labor and drudgery of Indian communi- ties fell upon the women. The planting, tending and gathering of the crops, making mats and bas- kets, carrying burdens,-in fact, all things of the kind were performed by them, thus making their condition but little better than slaves. Marriage was merely a matter of bargain and sale, the hus- band giving presents to the father of the bride. In general they had but few children. They were sub- jected to many and severe attacks of sickness, and at times famine and pestilence swept away whole tribes.
The Indians had not only their " manitous," but also their evil spirits; and the wild features of the lake scenery appears to have impressed their savage minds with superstition. They believed that all the prominent points of this wide region were created and guarded by monsters; and the images of these they sculptured on stone, painted upon the rocks, or carved upon the trees. Those who " obeyed " these supernatural beings they thought would after death range among flowery fields filled with the choicest game, while those who neglected their counsels would wander amid dreary solitudes, stung by gnats as large as pigeons.
The principal Indian settlements in this county were at Shabbona Grove, where for many years the noted chief, Shabbona, resided ; at Squaw Grove, in what is now Squaw Grove Township; at the point in De Kalb Township, where the village of Coltonville was subsequently located, but which has since been vacated; and in Kingston. The early settlers have many interesting incidents to relate of the habits of the Indians when the settlements were first made in this county. It was a custom of an Indian when passing and desiring a rest in the middle of the day
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to unceremoniously open a door of a cabin and throw in his blanket. If it were suffered to remain, he would walk in, lie down upon it and take a nap; if it was immediately thrown out, he would pick it up and go on his way. No Indian was ever known to knock at a door. While engaged in their household duties, the women would often be frightened on looking up to find one who had noiselessly entered, and who usually went in only for the purpose of obtaining something to eat. When their wants were supplied
they would go away as unceremoniously as they entered.
In September, 1835, the last payment was made to the Indians at Shabbona Grove, and those who were then here, with the exception of Shabbona and his family, were removed across the Mississippi River to their new reservations. Shabbona remained for some years, and is well remembered by many who came in even at a later day. The reader is referred to page 533 for a lengthy sketch of Shabbona.
First
Settlement
HE first permanent settle- ment in De Kalb County was doubtless made by Wil- liam Sebree in the fall of 1834, at Squaw Grove. By some it is thought that Peter Lamois located north of the present city of Sycamore in the summer of the same year. The evidence, we think; is not sufficient to substantiate the claim, Lamois' settlement being made early in 1835. A house for some years oc- cupied by Reuben Root in Somo- nauk Township is thought by some to be the first one erected in the county, its erection being claimed for the summer of 1834. A Mr. Rob- inson is said to have occupied this house in the win- ter of 1834-5. No one seems to have any personal knowledge of the man; and should it be true that he was there at the time stated, his settlement here could not be said to have been a permanent one.
Early in 1835 settlements were made at Paw Paw by David A. Towne, Benoni Harris, Edward Butter- field; in Somonauk, by Reuben Root, William Poplin, Joseph and William Sly, Thomas and William Brook, Capt. William Davis and others; in Sycamore, by
Peter Lamois, Lysander Darling and others; in De Kalb, by John B. Collins, N. C. Moore and others. There were also settlements made in Kingston, Clin- ton and Mayfield Townships. For a full history of each of the settlements the reader's attention is directed to the various township histories, where the settlement of each is treated in detail. Suffice it to say, in this connection, that when it became known that the Indians were removed settlements were rapidly formed, and in 1837 a county was organized.
The first settlers of De Kalb County, like those of every other section of the country, located in the groves, or in the timbers along the streams. The Government survey had not then been made, and each man made claim to a tract of timber, covering, as he supposed, about 80 acres, and generally about 160 acres of prairie land. In order to protect them- selves in their claims when the land came into mar- ket, claim associations were formed in which the members pledged themselves to defend one another in their rights, and to deed to each other free of cost any part of the claim made which might be part of the purchase made from the Government. There were two associations formed in this county, one in the northern and the other in the southern part. That in the northern part was formed in 1836, while that in the southern was formed shortly after.
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Topographical.
OUNDING De Kalb County, we find on the east Kendall and Kane Counties ; on the west Lee and Ogle, on the north Boone and McHenry, and on the south La Salle County. It is in the second tier of counties south from the Wisconsin line. The county comprises 18 Congressional town- ships, and is 18 miles across from east to west and 36 miles from north to south. The surface of the county is a rich, roll- ing prairie, with here and there a small natural grove, and watered by a few small streams, the largest of which is the Kish- waukee River. The county occupies the elevated ground between the Fox and the Rock Rivers, which are noted for their purity and beauty.
The central portion of the county contains but little timber, and only a few running streams. There is more timber and water in the northern and south- ern parts of the county. The largest stream in the county is the Kishwaukee River. This stream heads in the town of Shabbona, and flows through the towns of Milan, Afton, De Kalb, Mayfield, Syca- more, Genoa, Kingston and Franklin; and empties into the Rock River, in Winnebago County. It has several branches, one of which heads in the town of Virgil, Kane County, and flows through Cortland and Sycamore Townships, and enters the main branch in
the town of Mayfield. There are several small creeks that flow through the northern part of the county, which are valuable to the farms which they water. Along the banks of the Kishwaukee, in the northern half of the county, stretches one continuous forest composed principally of white, red and burr oak trees, and some maple, butternut, black walnut and hickory. This grove furnished at an early day the north half of the county with fuel and fencing timber. The rolling prairies occupy almost the entire surface of the cen- tral portion of the county. The early settlers of the county made their claims in close proximity to the timber and water, and could hardly believe that the distant prairies would ever serve any other purpose than that of a large range. for stock. They felt sure that no farmer could live there, so far away from the timber. They little thought that many of them would live to see it all settled and occupied by man. Some of the wealthiest farmers and the most productive farms of the county, are now found on the prairies. The central portion of the county has but little water. The southern portions of the county, like the north- ern, are better watered and timbered than those towns which occupy the center. The townships of Paw Paw and Shabbona are watered by the Big In- dian Creek, while Shabbona Grove and Ross Grove furnish its timber. The Little Indian Creek waters the townships of Victor, Paw Paw and Clinton; while Somonauk and Squaw Grove Townships are watered by Somonauk Creek; and along this stream will be found timber enough to supply the wants of the sur- rounding country. Some limestone is found in Kingston, Franklin and Afton Townships.
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ORGANIZATION.
EGULAR steps were taken shortly after the settlement of the county for its organization. Therefore, on the first Monday 2 in May, 1837, in accordance with an act of the Legislature, the election was held to deter- mine whether the county of De Kalb should be set off from the county of Kane, of which it then formed a part. The result was a majority in favor of the division. By the same act calling this election the bound- aries of the new county to be created were defined as follows : " All that tract of country beginning at the southeast corner of township 37 north, range 2 east of the third principal meridian, thence north to the northeast corner of township 42 north, range 2 east of the third principal meridian, and thence along the northern boundary of township 42, in ranges 3, 4 and 5 east of the third principal meridian, thence south on the southeast corner of township 37 north, range 5 east, thence west on said township line, to the place of beginning."
By section 8 of the act determining the bound- aries of the county, for the purpose of fixing the per-
manent seat of justice of the county, Benjamin Thruston, of La Salle County, James Walker, of Cook County, and Germanicus Kent, of Winnebago County, were appointed Commissioners, and required to meet at the house of Frederick Love, on the first Monday in June, or as soon thereafter as may be, for the performance of their duty.
When the result of the election to determine whether De Kalb County should be set off from the county of Kane was officially announced, the County Clerk of Kane County issued a call for an election to be held at the house of Frederick Love, at which there should be chosen three County Commissioners, one Sheriff, Recorder and Coroner. The election was held July 3, 1837, resulting in the election of the following named: Rufus Colton, Robert Sterrett, Levi Lee, County Commissioners; Joseph C. Lan- der, Sheriff; Jesse C. Kellogg, Recorder; Eli Barnes, Surveyor; Lysander Darling, Treasurer.
. De Kalb County was named in honor of the re- nowned Baron De Kalb, who, on the outbreak of the American Revolution, offered his services to the Colonies, was accepted, and after nearly four years' fighting, bravely fell in battle, thus giving his life, as he so aptly expressed it, for the rights of man. He was born in a German province, which, at the time of his birth, was in possession of France.
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DE KALB COUNTY.
Location of the County Seat.
HE commissioners appointed by the Legis- lature to locate the county seat met at the "house ot Fred. Love some time during the month of October, 1837. There were three competing points, and citizens representing each of the three met with the commissioners and proceeded with them to view each separate one. After three days spent in riding about and listening to the pleas of the interested persons, the commis- sioners decided upon the present site of Sycamore, and drove their stake where the court-house now stands. A local writer thus describes this scene: "In the presence of quite a crowd of interested observers, they set a long pole upon the green prairie, placed on it a streaming flag, and declared it to be the location of the county seat of the new county of De Kalb. Captain Eli Barnes now ad- vanced and christened the new town by the name of Orange. No objection was raised to this, and for some time thereafter the point was known by that name. Some objection had been made to the exact spot selected by parties who thought the land a half mile south more favorable. This was admitted; but it was decided that this spot was as far out on the broad prairie as the center of the town ought to be placed, and here it was put. It did indeed seem to be, in the phrase of the country, clear out of sight of land, a lonely, windy, grassy, desolate spot. The inhabitants of the rival locations, disappointed at the result, ridiculed and denounced the selection, chiefly for this reason. It was argued, however, that the great State road from Vandalia, the capital of the State, north to Lake Superior, passed through this place, that the State road from Chicago to Galena would cross here, and that consequently it would be more accessible than the Coltonville and Brush Point settlements, which were further to the west. It was also held that there was a great deal more timber on the eastern side of the county than on the western side ; and as, of course, the settlements must always be near the timbered lands, the center of population would rather be at the east than at the west. The
location was made north of the center of the county, partly because it was thought that the southern end, divided from the north by a broad stretch of bare prairie, would ultimately be set off into some other county."
County-Seat Contests.
HE selection by the commissioners of the present site of Sycamore for the location of the county seat, did not end the matter. The question was not to be decided so easily. The hopes raised in the breast of the citizens of Brush Point and of Coltonville were not to be thus rudely quenched by the dictum of any three men.
During the session of the Legislature of 1837-8, Henry Madden, a citizen of Brush Point in the pres- ent township of Mayfield, and a member of the Legislature, procured the passage of an act provid- ing that a vote should be taken for or against the re- moval of the county seat from Orange. The design was that the friends of Brush Point and Coltonville should combine to carry the measure through, then have the question submitted as to which of the two should be the county seat. Boies, in his History of De Kalb County, thus speaks of this attempt to procure the removal of the county seat : " Madden returned and made no public mention of the passage of this act, but it was strongly suspected by the Orange men that something of the kind had been done and was to be put through on the sly. It was finally discovered in this way: A certain bachelor of Genoa, Gleason by name, who was attached to tlie Orange party, invaded the Brush Point settlement one Sunday night in search of a wife. From his fair Dulcina, he learned to his surprise that on the next Monday week an election was to be held in that set- tlement to remove the county seat. Gleason in- formed his friends of what he had learned, and it was agreed that the Orange men should meet them at the polls and vote the removal project down. J. C. Kellogg and E. G. Jewell were dispatched south in the night to rouse their friends in Somonauk. In due time the polls were opened, and, to the surprise of the Brush Pointers, were opened in those precincts opposed to the change as well as in those favor-
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DE KALB COUNTY.
able to it. The unfairness of the secret conspiracy was so apparent that in Somonauk precinct, which then included six townships, 45 of the 47 votes cast were against removal. The project was voted down by 17 majority in the whole county."
An election was subsequently held, at which but few votes were cast, but a majority in favor of the re- mnoval of the county seat to Coltonville. On the 3d of January, 1840, an act was passed by the Legisla- ture to " permanently locate the seat of justice for the county of De Kalb." On the third Monday in
August following, an election was held in pursuance of the act. There were given at this election 240 votes in favor of the removal of the county seat from Coltonville, and 143 votes against the removal. At the same time there were cast 207 votes in favor of Sycamore to be the permanent county seat and 137 votes in favor of Brush Point, showing a ma- jority of 70 votes in favor of Sycamore.
Other attempts have been made from time to time to take from Sycamore the seat of justice of the county, but without avail.
Acts ofthe County Commissioners.
HE first meeting of the Coun- ty Commissioners' Court was held at the house of Rufus Colton, July 3, 1837. There were present Rufus Colton, Levi Lee and Robert Sterrett. After administering the oath of office to each other they ap- pointed Jesse C. Kellogg Clerk of the Court. Mr. Kellogg at once entered into bonds with Eli Barnes as security in the sum of $1,000 to faithfully perform the duties of the office. On the 11th of July a special term of the Court was held at the house of Rufus Col- ton and the county was divided into five election precints, each precinct being made a justice's district. The first precinct was called Kingston, its boundary being as follows : Com- mencing at the northwest corner of the county, from thence south 12 miles, on the county line, from thence northeast, crossing the Sycamore River, in- cluding Benjamin Stephens in the precinct, from
thence north to the county line, from thence west to the place of beginning.
The second precinct was called Sycamore and was bounded as follows: Commencing at the northeast corner of Kingston precinct, from thence westerly to the line of Kingston precinct to the southwest corner of the same, thence south so far that an east line will cross Sycamore stream between James and Isaac McCollum's, thence easterly so as to include Char- tres' Grove to the east line of the county, thence north to the place of beginning.
The third election precinct was called Orange, with the following boundary line: Commencing at the northeast corner of Sycamore precinct, from thence westerly on the line of Sycamore precinct, to the southwest corner of the same; thence south so far that an east line will include Lost Grove; from thence east to the county line; from thence north to the place of beginning.
Somonauk was the name given the fourth precinct, with boundary lines as follows: Commencing at the southeast corner of Orange precinct, from thence westerly ten miles, from thence south to the south line of the county, from thence east to the southeast corner of the county, from thence north to the place of beginning.
The fifth precinct was named Paw Paw, and was
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bounded as follows: Commencing at the northwest corner of Somonauk precinct, thence west to the west line of the county, from thence south to the southwest corner of the same, from thence east on the county line to the southwest corner of Somonauk precinct, from thence north to the place of begin- ning.
Elections were ordered and judges of election appointed for the several districts as follows :
Kingston district, at the house of Levi Lee, with George H. Hill, John Whitney and Jonas Hait, judges of election.
Sycamore precinct, at the school-house near Ly- sander Darling's, with William A. Miller, James A. Armstrong, and Samuel Cory, judges of election.
Orange district, at the house of Rufus Colton, with Frederick Love, James Root and Eli Barnes, judges of election.
Somonauk district, at the house of Woodruff and Lane, with William Davis, Frederick A. Witherspoon and Samuel Price, judges of election.
No election was appointed for the Paw Paw pre- cinct, and there probably was none held, for on the 11th day of August the Commissioners allowed the sum of one dollar each to the judges of election for each of the foregoing districts, without reference to Paw Paw.
At this term of court it was ordered that Levi Lee, Benjamin Harris and Richard Hogeboom obtain a writ of ad quod damnum for the purpose of damming the Sycamore River for the erection of mills.
At this session the clerk prepared three tickets, on the first of which was written, " one year," the sec- ond, "two years," and the third, ".three years." The Commissioners then proceeded to draw, the ticket drawn representing the term of years each was to serve. Levi Lee drew one year, Rufus Colton two years, and Robert Sterrett three years.
In August, 1838, another election was held for three county commissioners, made necessary by a change in the law. E. G. Jewell, Burrage Hough and Henry Hicks were elected. They issued an order that the October term of the Circuit Court should be held at the house of Eli Barnes at the proposed county seat. The house not being erected at the time mentioned, court was held at Colton ville.
At the September meeting of the board the ques-
tion of the erection of a court-house and jail was considered, but no plan adopted.
Eli G. Jewell was authorized to secure the ser- vices of a surveyor to plat the new county seat.
The compensation of jurors was fixed at 75 cents, but subsequently reduced to 50 cents per day.
Three tavern licenses were granted this year-one to Russell Huntly, at which is now the town of De Kalb; one to John Eastabrooks, at Squaw Grove, and one to H. N. Perkins, at Genoa.
In 1839 the county was divided into three assess- ment districts-the election precincts of Franklin, Kingston and Kishwaukee constituting one, with H. F. Page as assessor. Sycamore, Orange and Ohio precincts were made the second district, with Austin Hayden, assessor. Somonauk and Paw Paw was the third, Stephen Arnold being appointed assessor.
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