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 97
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M. P. Cleveland located at Pappoose Grove. He was from New York. After remaining here a few years, he sold out, moved West and has since died.
Watson Y. Pomeroy was a brother-in-law of Cleve- land, and was also from New York.
John Eastabrooks was a native of Pennsylvania. He located on the north side of Squaw Grove, where he remained till his death in 1850. He was accom- panied here by his son Decatur and his daughter Mary. His wife and the remainder of his family came the following year. Decatur Eastabrooks moved to Carroll County many years ago, where he yet resides. When Mr. Eastabrooks came to the county he brought with him two large, powerful dogs. When the men were away from the house, the dogs would allow no one, especially an Indian, to come near, unless called off by Miss Eastabrooks.
Samuel Miller was from Floyd Co., Ind., He re- mained here till his death.
In 1836 several others came into the township, among whom were Timothy L. Pomeroy and W. A. Fay. Mr. Pomeroy located at Pappoose Grove. He subsequently became a Methodist preacher and yet preaches the gospel somewhere in the State. Mr. Fay located on section 29, in the Somonauk timber.
But few of the settlers of 1835 are now living. Among the number are Mrs. Rachel Lee, George W. Lee, Mrs. Sarah J. Sebree, W. M. Sebree, C. B. Lee, Mrs. Mary E. Millard and Decatur Eastabrooks. Of the number Mrs. Lee, George W. and C. B. Lee, Mrs. Sebree and W. M. Sebree yet reside in the town- ship. There may be others, but these are the only ones remembered by George W. Lee.
E. W. Willard and Mary E. Eastabrooks were united in marriage in November, 1836. This was the first in the township. Esquire Root performed the ceremony.
The first birth was that of Martha Jane, daughter of William Sebree. She was born Oct. 14, 1835. She grew to womanhood in Squaw Grove and sub- sequently married Amos Jackson. She now lives at Janesville, Minn. John Miller has been thought to be the first, but it appears his birth did not occur for some months afterwards.
The first death in the township is claimed by George W. Lee to be that of a Mr. Boardman, front whom Jacob Lee obtained his claim. The date must have been in the summer or fall of 1835. The first death of which the early settlers yet living have any distinct recollection was the death of Julia, daughter of E. W and Mary E. Willard. Her death occurred in 1841. Mrs. Robert Sebree was the next to die in this township.
The first physician to permanently locate in the township was Dr. Winslow, who located about two miles from the present village of Hinckley.
The first school has been a matter of dispute. It is asserted by some that Jane Sanford taught a term of school in the summer of 1840, and that M. P. Cleveland succeeded her in the winter following. Both terms were held in the house of Jacob Lee. Others say Mr. Cleveland taught the first, and was succeeded by Miss Sanford. All agree that the first was in 1840, and was taught by one or the other. A log school-house was shortly afterwards built at the grove, Mr. Albee, now living at Hinckley, making the window frames for the same. Among the early teach- ers in the township were John Clark, Henry Clark, Mr. Church and James Furman. The first school money was drawn by Mr. Cleveland. At present the township has eight school districts, each being supplied with a frame school-house, the total value of which is placed at $5,300. From the County Su-
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perintendent's report for the year ending June 30, 1884, it is learned that there were 548 persons under 2 1 years of age, of whom 375 were between 6 and 21, with an enrollment in the public schools of 326. There were 5 males and 16 female teachers em- ployed, the highest monthly wages received by any being $60 and the lowest $25.
Squaw Grove Township, in 1884, had 22,245 acres of improved land, valued at $324,350 The town lots amounted to $50,680; personal property, $98,- 629. A total of $473,659. The State Board of Equalization reduced this amount to $418,115. Among the items of personal property were the fol- lowing : Horses, 641 ; cattle, 1,776; mules and asses, 19; sheep, 672; hogs, 2,440; steam engines, 4; safes, 5; billiard tables, 1 ; carriages and wagons, 223 ; sewing and knitting machines, 158; pianos, 8; melodeons and organs, 59.
SUPERVISORS.
A. L. Heminway 1850-2
C. H. Taylor. . I865-8
W. C. Tappan. .1853-6
J. T. Beitel. .1869
Philo Slater I857-8
James F. Glann .. 1870-4
W. C. Tappan .1859
John M. Curry .1875-6
James F. Glann . . 1877-81
W. C. Tappan .1862-3
D. C. Winslow
.1864
Hinckley.
INCKLEY is finely located on section 15, Squaw Grove Township. It was surveyed and platted by Francis E. Hinckley, from whom it derives its name. While having but about 400 inhabitants, it is one of the neatest towns of its size in the State. The dwelling- houses of those residing here are generally large two-story buildings, the yards well kept and all pre- senting an attractive appearance. As a business point it is good, having a fine farming country around, which is tributary to it.
When it was determined by Mr. Hinckley to lo- cate the railroad station here, Merrill & Wagner, who were in business at the grove, at once began their preparations for removal. They commenced early in the spring of 1872 the erection of the large, fine, two-story building now occupied by Mr. Merrill, and on its completion removed here their stock of goods, and thus became the first merchants in the village. The partnership was some years afterward dissolved,
Mr. Merrill becoming sole proprietor. He carries a stock of general merchandise second to none in the county, and enjoys an immense trade.
While the store building was being erected, Mr. Merrill was also engaged in putting up the dwelling- house in which he yet resides, and infto which he moved in the spring of 1872. This was the first dwelling-house built upon the village plat, though two others have been there since an early day.
Schilling & Evans and Case & Vawter can also be numbered among the pioneer merchants of the vil- lage.
The first druggist was L. H. Wikoff.
J .. D. Curry was the first grain-buyer. He built an elevator and commenced buying in the spring of 1873. He was succeeded by H. M. Maltby & Co., who continued until the fall of 1883, when S. H. Sid- well, who owned a half interest in the elevator, be- came the sole dealer.
G. W. Severance and Theodore Klein were the first stock-buyers. They are yet in the business.
Samuel Miller was the first liveryman in the vil- lage. He began business in 1875.
The first hotel was opened by C. S. Palmer in 1873, in a building opposite Merrill & Wagner's store. The business was continued here for about seven years. The second house was that now known as the Adams House, built by Hayden Spencer, in 1875. It has been known as the Pennsylvania and the Hinckley House. B. H. Adams became the pro- prietor in April, 1883. He changed its name to the Adams House. It is a two-story frame building, with 12 sleeping rooms, with parlor, office, dining- room and kitchen.
The first meat-market was opened by C. W. West, in 1873.
The first exclusive hardware store was kept by Evans & Evans.
The first harness-shop was owned by A. G. Wal- lace.
The first shoe-shop was opened by C. H. Beecher, in 1872.
The village of Hinckley comprises a part of Dis- trict No. 1. The school-house was erected here in 1873. There were then two rooms, two departments being represented. In 1883 an addition was made to the school building and the school divided into three departments-primary, intermediate and higher, The teachers for the year 1884-5 were Fred A. Lat-
Philo Slater 1860-I
Stephen A. Hall .1882-4
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tin, Principal ; Miss Carrie C. Potter and Miss Emma Jones. There were in January, 1885, an en- rollment of 136 pupils. The school property is valued at $2,800.
The postoffice was located here in 1872. This office was originally located at the grove and was known as the Squaw Grove postoffice. William C. Tappan was the first Postmaster, the office being es- tablished in 1852. His first year's receipts were. $2.55. In 1855 his receipts had increased to $23.52. The mail route was from Ottawa to Belvidere. Mr. Tappan was succeeded by Henry Putnam, who in turn was succeeded by Mr. Johnson, E. Spencer and Frank E. Merrill. The latter was appointed in 1867 and held the office for 17 years, resigning in April, 1884, when C. S. Palmer was appointed. A money- order department was created for the office in 1878, the first order being secured by A. F. Prince, in favor of George J. Prince, for $10.75, July 7, 1878.
The village of Hinckley was surveyed and platted in March, 1873. It was incorporated under the general act in 1877. The first trustees were John A. Coster, A. E. Sweet, A. G. White, N. Naldenhouse, Peter Coster. Clerk, F. L. Winslow. Since that date the following named have served :
1878-J. J. Davis, C. S. Palmer, N. Naldenhouse, J. H. Bauder, A. E. Sweet, Ira Hamlin, trustees ; F. L. Winslow, clerk.
1879-T. E. Merrill, C. A. Reed, P. S. Winslow, Ira Hamlin, A. G. White, C. S. Palmer, trustees ; F. L. Winslow, clerk.
1880-M. N. Tomblin, S. Miller, F. Young, J. A. Le Brant, W. H. Mead, A. Cheney, trustees; Lee E. Tomblin, clerk.
1881-W. H. Mead, M. N. Tomblin, H. M. Maltbie, C. S. Palmer, Philo Slater, trustees; H. W. Fay, clerk.
1882-Philo Slater, H. M. Maltbie, C. S. Palmer, August West, Cyrus Slater, F. L. Winslow, trustees ; H. W. Fay, clerk.
1883-W. M. Sebree, O. T. P. Steinmetz, J. A. Le Brant, A. J. Miller, F. L. Winslow, C. T. Slater, trustees ; H. W. Fay, clerk.
1884-Philo Slater, Charles S. l'almer, Wells A. Fay, J. A. Le Brant, O. T. P. Steinmetz, W. M. Sebree, trustees, H. W. Fay, clerk.
The religious well-being of the village is repre-
sented by organizations of Baptists and Methodist Episcopals.
The benevolent societies are represented by lodges of Masons and Odd Fellows.
Ingersoll Lodge, No. 301, A. F. & A. M. was chartered by the Grand Lodge Oct. 5, 1859, its meetings being held in the village of Cortland. Its charter members were Charles S. Ingersoll, W. M., in whose honor the lodge was named; John B. Fletcher, S. W; Nathan A. Cottrell, J. W .; L. F. Dow, Jonathan Mattison, Richard A. Smith, Richard J. Webb, Onesimus Hitchcock. The name of the lodge was subsequently changed to Cortland Lodge. In 1875 it was voted to remove to Hinckley, the majority of its membership living in or near that vil- lage. On its removal its name was changed to Hinckley Lodge, No. 301, A. F. & A. M. At this place it has flourished, its membership embracing some of the best men in the village. Its present membership is 26. Since its removal the following named have filled the chair as presiding officers of the lodge : Archibald Cone, C. H. Hitchcock, F. E. Merrill, George E. Hobbs, J. W. Le Brant, the latter being elected January, 1885. In addition to J. W. Le Brant, W. M., the following named constitute the officers for 1885 : A. Grass, S. W .; C. E. Long, J. W .; David A. Hobbs, Treas .; A. F. French, Sec .; J. A. Le Brant, S. D .; H. C. Baie, J. D.
Beacon Hill Lodge, No. 680, I. O. O. F., was or- ganized July 21, 1880, with George E. Hobbs, N. G .; J. A. Le Brant, V. G .; A. W. Le Brant, Sec .; A. Grass, Treas. ; J. T. Kerr, Warden ; William Richard- son and Christian Keamerle. The following named have served as N. G .: J. A. Le Brant, A. Grass, John T. Kerr, William Frazier, William Lockwood and B. C. Allbee. The following named were in office January, 1885 : B. C. Allbee, N. G .; H. H. Hopkins, V. G .; P. F. Albee, Sec .; J. W. Le Brant, Treas .; John Clark, Warden. The lodge has a membership of 28, and financially and otherwise is a strong body.
The following named firms were doing business here in the spring of 1885 :
General merchants-F. E. Merrill, Bauder & Coster, O. T. P. Steinmetz.
Furniture-Simon Kuter.
Hardware-W. H. Menk.
Drugs-T. R. Davis & Co.
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Groceries and restaurant-L. E. Ziegler. Jewelry-E. C. Long.
Butcher shops- G. Snyder and Fred Jurries.
Agricultural implements-P. S. Winslow, C. H. Taylor.
Millinery-Mrs. R. B. Curry.
Dressmaking-Van Nostrand & James, Mrs. A. F. Prince, Rose Bloodgood and Em. Holdenhous.
Barber-Dan Green.
Shoe-shop-Adam Grass, Chas. Becker.
Coal dealers-J. K. Kuter.
Oil Blacking Manufactory-Grass & Smith, pro- prietors.
Lumber-M. J. Pogue & Sons.
Grain-G. H. Sidwell, Chicago, proprietor ; H. M. Maltbie, buyer.
Harness-shop -- J. H. Le Brant.
Bankers-H. D. Wagner & Co. Livery-William Misner.
Tobacco, cigars and candy-A. Elsaman.
Blacksmiths-Jno. Metz, William Wilkening, A. Cash.
Road cart factory -- J. B. Allbee, proprietor.
Wagon shop-Sam. Wheeler.
Cooper shop-T. W. Eddy.
Silver Spring Creamery-Gurler Bros. & Co., proprietors ; H. H. Hopkins, resident manager.
Hay Press-E. S. Ashley.
Carpenters-Frank Loveland, R. B. Curry, William Garrett, Holley Goodell, Jesse Flanders, John Powers, Jake Biehl.
Masons-Henry Binder, Leopold Bender.
Dray-Sam. Flanders, Chas. Hinamire.
Physicians-C. H. Hitchcock, Merritt F. Potter. Lawyer-Jno. Hopkins.
Bakery-Jos. Eagle.
Hotel-Adam House, B. H. Adams, proprietor. Skating rink-P. S. Winslow, proprietor. Photographer-Edwin Luce.
Painters-Ernest Schramm, Chas. Adam. Auctioneer-W. H. Rickert.
Milk wagons-J. B. Myers, J. M. Curry.
Stock shippers-Theo. Klein, Christ. Baie. Tile factories-P. H. Nichols, Jno. Kerr.
Justices of the Peace-J. M. Curry, D. L. Sackett, Adam Grass.
Newspaper and printing office-The Review; H. W. Fay, editor and proprietor.
SOMONAUK TOWNSHIP.
HIS township lies in the southeast corner of the county, with Kendall County on the east, La Salle on the south, Squaw Grove Township on the north, and Victor on the west. It has a good supply of timber along the banks of Somnanauk Creek, with which it is well watered. The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad passes through the southern portion of the township, through the city of Sandwich and village of Somonauk.
The first permanent settler of the township was Reuben Root, who first located on section 35, the place now owned by David V. Kinney .. He sold this claim to Mr. Davis in the summer of 1835, and moved a little farther north, occupying a house which some years after became the property of Mr. Beveridge, and which it is said was erected some time in 1834, and occupied in the winter of 1834-5, by a Mr. Robinson. The exact date of Mr. Root's settlement is not known, but supposed to be in February, 1835. He was living on the Davis place when William Poplin arrived in March, 1835. Reuben Root was a native of New York. For some years he kept a tavern and was the first postmaster of Somonauk. Selling his claim here, he moved west and has since died.
Willliam Poplin was doubtless the second to locate on Somonauk Creek, in this township. He arrived here, as stated, in March, 1835, made a claim, erect- ed his cabin, and made other improvements the same year. His selection was a wise one, and with his " good wife " he yet resides upon the old home- stead, where they have spent a full 50 years.
Among others who made settlements along the creek in 1835, were William and Joseph Sly, Simon Price, Amos Hannon, William Davis, Simon Price, Thomas and William Brook.
The Sly brothers were natives of Ireland. Joseph remained in the township during the remainder of his life and was a well respected citizen. His house for some years was used for religious purposes, by representatives of any denomination who were will- ing to preach the gospel to the few then living here. William Sly moved into La Salle, where he died.
Simon Price was from Pennsylvania, but, it is said, lived so near the Virginia line that he imbibed strong
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DE KALB COUNTY.
pro-slavery sentiments. He moved to Iowa, where he has since died.
Thomas and William Brook were likewise from Pennsylvania. Thomas died here. William Brook is yet living in Sandwich.
The first marriage in the township was that of Isaac Potter and Elizabeth Brook, in the fall of 18 36. The ceremony was perfornied by Elder B. Mack.
The first birth was that of Harriet Poplin, daugh- ter of William Poplin, born Jan. 25, 1836. She is now the wife of Herbert C. Cotton. The second birth was that of Mary A. Davis, born June 2. 1836. George W. Davis and a son of Burrage Hough were probably the two first males born in the township.
The first death was that of Fannie Hannon, who died Sept. 11, 1836.
The first ground broke was by Amos Hannon in the spring of 1835. All the settlers of 1835 broke ground that year, but Simon Price and William and Joseph Sly are the only ones remembered that at- tempted to raise a crop.
The first religious services were probably at the house of Simon Price, in the winter of 1835-6, by Rev. William Royal, a Methodist Episcopal divine. Mrs. Joseph Sly disputed this fact, claiming that a Congregational minister, whose name was forgotten, preceded Mr. Royal a short time. None of the early settlers now living remember the man or the occasion of his preaching. Mrs. Royal early in 1836 organ- ized a class, with the following named among the number : Mrs. William Davis, Mrs. Thomas Brook, Mrs. Simon Price, Mrs. Joseph Sly, and Miss Lorena Dennis, now Mrs. Jacob M. Hall. The first quarterly meeting was held soon after, Elder B. Mack officiat- ing. This meeting was held at the house of Thomas Brook.
In the winter of 1836-7, at the house of Thomas Brook, the first school was taught by Lucius Frisbee. He had about one dozen scholars. The first school- house was of logs and was erected in 1837 on section 22. Charles Eastabrooks taught the first school in this house the following winter. The educational interests of the township have kept pace with the increase in population and wealth.
There are eight school districts in the township, with twelve school-houses, the total value of which is estimated at $17,250. From the County Superin- tendent's report for the year ending June 30, 1884,
the following facts have been gleaned : There were 1,649 persons under 21 years of age, of whom 1,185 were above the age of six years. There were five graded and seven ungraded schools, employing six male and 18 female teachers. The highest salary paid any teacher per month was $III.II, and the lowest $20. The tax levy was $9,155.
Until Somonauk postoffice was established, the settlers along Somonauk Creek obtained their mail at Holderman's Grove, about 12 miles southeast. A number of families clubbed together and arranged to take turns in going once each week for the mail. In order to make each realize the necessity of going to the office when his turn came, it was agreed that should one fail to go, that his mail would not be brought by any of the others until his turn should again come around and he attended to the matter.
A postoffice under the name of Somonauk was es- tablished near what is now known as Freeland Corners, in 1837, with Reuben Root as postmaster. Mr. Root served one or two years and was succeeded by John Eastabrooks. The receipts of the office in 1837 were $15.34. In 1839, when Mr. Eastabrooks was postmaster, the receipts had increased to $22.52. David Merritt succeeded Mr. Eastabrooks and was in turn succeeded by Alex. R. Patten, Lyman Bacon, Charles Bradbury, Joseph Hamlin, and William Robertson, the incumbent. In 1854 a postoffice was established at the village of Somonauk, called Somo- nauk Station. Mail designed for Somonauk would go to the station, and that for the station would fre- quently be sent to Somonauk postoffice; so a request was made to the postoffice department to change the name of the latter office. The name of Freeland was suggested and adopted, the name by which the office is now known. It is supposed that the name was suggested from the fact that the neighborhood was composed of liberty-loving people, those who strongly believed in a free land.
William H. Beavers started a store at the "cor- ners," now known as Freeland Corners, about 1848. He was succeeded by David Merritt, who subse- quently sold to Patten & Beveridge. The latter sold out to the former, who, in 1854, removed the store to Sandwich.
Mr. Hamlin was the first blacksmith at the cor- ners.
John Lane and Peter F. Hummel kept tavern
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here as early as 1841. Reuben Root was engaged in the same business at a still earlier date.
The Beveridge neighborhood, in this township, was composed almost exclusively of anti-slavery people. The house of George Beveridge was sup- posed to be a depot of the Underground Railroad, and the charge was never denied by any of the family. A local writer, in speaking of this fact, said: " In 1852, a gentlemanly stranger begged shelter for the night at this house (George Beveridge's). Some- thing led the family to suspect that he was a detect- ive, searching for evidence of their connection with the crime of aiding slaves to their freedom. Finally, seeking an opportunity of privacy, he asked directly of the venerable mother if she had not at times secreted fugitive negroes. 'Yes,' said she, ' and in spite of your oppressive laws, I will do it again whenever I have an opportunity.' Instead of im- mediately arresting her, as she had expected, the stranger laughed. He was an eminent physician of Quincy, engaged in establishing stations on the Un- derground Railroad, and during many subsequent years there was a frequent stoppage of trains at this station, and much time and money was spent in for- warding the flying negroes on to the stewards at Plano, and to other places of refuge." .
The United Presbyterians began holding meetings . in the vicinity of the " corners " as early as 1841, but an organization was not effected until March 18, 1846. It is now one of the strongest country Churches in the State, with a house of worship that cost $12,000. No more devoted Christians than those worshiping here can anywhere be found.
Somonauk Township, in 1884, had 19,642 acres of improved land, a less number than any other in the county, but at a higher valuation, amounting to $r6.15 an acre, or a total of $317,255. The town lots were assessed at $290,225 ; personal property, $245,495. A total of $866,665. This was reduced by the State Board of Equalization to $762,292. Among the items of personal property reported were the following : Horses, 875 ; cattle, 2,271; mules and asses, 52; sheep, 247; hogs, 3,126; steam engines, 3; safes, 23; billiard tables, 5 ; carriages and wagons, 462; watches and clocks, 375; sew- ing and knitting machines, 390; pianos, 66; melo- deons and organs, 88. With the exception of Syca- more, Somonauk has more pianos than any township in the county.
SUPERVISORS.
The members of the Board of Supervisors from this township have been as follows :
Lyman Bacon .1850-3
Andrew Beveridge. ... . . . 1873
William Patten . 1854-5
W. W.Sedgwick ... 1874
J. H. Furman . 1856-7
Thomas J . Wright (ass't). 1874-5
William Patten .1858
H. Latham.
1859
W. W. Sedgwick .. 1876-7
William Patten 1860
John Clark (ass't) ... ..... 1876
C. Winne. 1861 Charles Merwin (ass't .... 1877-8
J. H. Furman 1862
E. W. Lewis
1863
Charles S. Lewis (ass't. .. 1879-80
W. Patten .. .1864
W. W. Sedgwick . 1865
W. L. Simmons. .1866-7
Edward Hoxey (ass't) .... 1872
Peter C. McClellan(ass't). 1883-4
Village of Somonauk.
B EFORE the completion of the railroad to this point, the railroad company deter- mined to locate here à station, believing it would be acceptable to the people in the neighborhood and an accommodation to the farmers living near. The road was com- pleted in the fall of 1853, but for some cause the village was not platted till in June, 1855, though many lots had previously been sold and quite a thriving village had sprung up. The original plat was upon sections 32 and 33, township 37 north, range 5 east, and embraced property belonging to Alverus Gage, Lyman Bacon, Franklin Dale, Thomas Brown and James H. Beveridge, Mr. Gage owning the greater portion of it. Several additions have since been made.
In the fall of 1853, before the railroad had been completed here, and while the employees engaged in its construction were yet in the vicinity of the old red school-house, on the site of the present city of Sandwich, Franklin Dale went to Mr. Gage and proposed purchasing some ground of him on which to erect a store building. Desiring the land in the vicinity of the depot, Mr. Gage prevailed on the engineer engaged in the survey to come down and designate where the depot building should be erected. Mr. Dale then made his selection and at once commenced the erection of his building. Gustave Hess commenced to erect a building for a store and dwelling about the same time, but Mr. Dale had his completed first; and, occupying it with a stock of gen- eral merchandise, became the pioneer merchant of the
William Patten ... .. 1875
Washington L. Simmons. 1878-82
Carter E. Wright (ass't) .. 1881-2
John N. Culver .... ... 1883-4
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place. Mr. Hess was not far behind him in open- ing out his goods.
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