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 99
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INCORPORATION.
In 1858, Sycamore was incorporated under the general act as a village. In 1859 a special charter was secured from the Legislature, the act being ap- proved Feb. 21, 1859. The provisions of the special charter was thought to be more acceptable than those of the general act, and better adapted to the welfare and growth of the village.
The first election held under the special charter was held March 14, 1859, and all other elections were ordered held on the second Monday in March of each year. At the first election the following named were elected members of the Board of Trus- tees : Edward L. Mayo, H. F. Page, George Weeden, W. H. Stebbins, C. B. Beckwith. Tyler K. Waite was elected Justice of the Peace; Daniel Pierce, Assessor ; H. A. Joslyn, Constable.
The first meeting" of the Board was held March 19. E. L. Mayo was elected President of the Board and David Farnsworth, Clerk pro tem. This was all the business transacted. On the 4th of April Mr. Farnsworth was elected Clerk for the year.
For ten years the village government, under its special charter, existed, when it was thought advis- able, by the people, to organize under a civil govern- ment. A special charter was secured, approved by the Governor March 4, 1869. The city was divided in four wards, and under the charter its first election was held March 15, 1869, at which time the follow- ing officers were elected : Reuben Ellwood, Mayor; Tyler K. Waite, Justice of the Peace; Aldermen- Ist Ward, C. T. Stuart, C. O. Boynton; 2d Ward, R. L. Divine, J. W. Hunter; 3d Ward, Charles Brown,
J. H. Rogers ; 4th Ward, Alonzo Ellwood, G. S. Robinson. These were all representative men in the fullest sense.
The first meeting of the Council was held the evening of election. W. R. Thomas was elected Clerk; G. S. Robinson, City Attorney; 'Samuel B. Middleton, Marshal. At its second meeting, after the appointment of committees, R. J. Holcomb was appointed Constable and Collector; S. B. Middleton, Fire Warden, R. L. Divine, Treasurer. This com- pleted the organization of the new city government. At the first election there were 385 votes cast.
The affairs of the city have generally been man- aged in a satisfactory way, and few cities, for the money expended, can exhibit a better record.
The following is a complete list of city officers from its organization :
MAYORS.
Elected
Elected
Reuben Ellwood.
.1869
John B. Harkness. .1873
Moses Dean ..
.1870
Richard L. Divine
. 1875
Richard A. Smith ..
.1871
Nathan Lattin
. 1877
Richard A. Smith . .. .. 1872
Nathan Lattin
.1879
John B. Harkness,
Charles T. Stuart. 1881
elected to fill vacancy . .. 1872
Chauncey Ellwood . 188 3
CITY CLERKS.
W. R. Thomas. 1.269
Charles Cornelius. . 1875
W. R. Thomas ..
1870
Volaski Hix, to fill vacancy .. 1875
Cassius M. Conrad,
Preston K. Jones. .1876
elected to fill vacancy .. .. 1870
H. T. Lawrence. . 1877
John S. Harroun. .. .1872
Benjamin Nilson. 1876
John S. Harroun .. .1873
Benjamin Nilson. . 1881
Edward Crist.
1874
Benjamin Nilson .1883
CITY TREASURERS.
Richard L. Divine. .1869
Charles T. Stuart .. 1875
John L. Pratt. .1870
A. C. Colton ..
. 1876
A. C. Colton. 1871
Warren F. Peters.
.1877
A. C. Colton
. 1872
George B. Morris.
. 1879
A. C. Colton
1873
Charles E. Hyde. .1881
A. C. Colton.
1874
Warren F. Peters .. . 1883
CITY ATTORNEYS.
George S. Robinson. .1869
Charles Kellum. .1875
George S. Robinson .1870
Charles Kellum. .1876
John L. Pratt. . 1871
Harvey A. Jones. .1877
Oliver J. Bailey. .. 1872
William C. Kellum
.1879
A. S. Babcock ..
.. 1873
Frank E. Stevens. 1881
John L. Pratt.
. 1874
George W. Dunton . 1883
POLICE MAGISTRATES.
Z. B. Mayo . 1870
Z. B. Mayo .. .1874
Aaron C. Allen . ........ 1882
William Tasker. .. 1883
ALDERMEN-FIRST WARD.
Charles T. Stuart. .186g
E. B. Shurtleff. 1877
Charles O. Boynton. .1869
Walter W. Wharry
1877
N. S. Dorwin .. .1870
Alonzo Ellwood 1878
Oliver J. Bailey.
.1871
Charles E. Knight
1870
A. C. Colton ..
.1872 .
Abram Ellwood. 1880
Frank Smith .. .1873
Charles E. Knight 1881
Alonzo Ellwood 1873
A. J. Driver ... .I882
Milo Dayton 1874
Alonzo Ellwood.
. 1883
John S. Brown .1875
A. J. Driver. . 1884
Miln Dayton .. 1876
Frank W. Smith .. .. ...... 1879
Z. B. Mayo. .1878
-
DE KALB COUNTY.
855
ALDERMEN-SECOND WARD.
Elected
Elected
Richard L. Divine. .1869
Norman C. Warren .. . .. .1875
J. W. Hunter.
. 186g
William C. Black - 1876
Norman C. Warren
. 1870
John Shuld. 1877
Jesse Alden .
James S. Waterman. .1878
Jesse Alden ..
.1872
John B Whalen 1880
George W. Nesbitt. . 1872
George Knipp .. 1881
John Syme.
.1873
John B. Whalen .1882
A. W. Sawyer
.1873
William M. Byers .1883
John Syme.
. 1874
John B. Whalen .. 1884
ALDERMEN-THIRD WARD.
J. H. Rogers. ·¥86g
George M. Sivwright. .1877
Charles Brown. ¥869
Daniel Dustin .1877
George P. Wild .1870
W. W. Marsh 1878
Natham Lattin 1870
Henry C. Whittemore. . 1879
Seymour Hix. .1871
Harmon Paine. .1880
Daniel Dustin .1872
Theron Stark. .1881
W. W. Marsh. .1873
Michael Burke 1882
James C. Fulkerson .1873
John Shuld. .1883
W. W. Marsh. .x874
William R. Tifft. .1883
J. C. Fulkerson . 1875
Harmon Paine .1884
ALDERMEN-FOURTH WARD.
Alonzo Ellwood .1869
A. E. Hix. .1879
George G. Robinson. .. ¥86g
Willliam Graham. . 1880
Alonzo Ellwood. . 1870
Chris. Ohlmacher. 188 I
John B. Harkness. .1871
William Graham. .1882
Frank W. Smith . .. 1872
John Black 1883
William Graham .1878
Charles E. Hyde .1883
A. E. Hix. 1878
A. Stroberg .. -1884
SUPERVISORS.
The following named have served the village and city as members of the Board of Supervisors :
E. L. Mayo . 18 50
L. Lowell. .1866
C. M. Brown. .1860
C. O. Boynton . 1867-68
A. Ellwood. 1861
Reuben Ellwood. . 1869
C. O. Boynton 1862
Moses Dean. . 1870
A. Ellwood .1863
Richard A. Smith. 1871-72 C. Kellum. .x864-65
The city marshal in 1884 was N. R. Harrington. Saloon licenses were fixed in that year at $600, and druggists' permits at $25 per year.
COMMERCIAL INTERESTS.
The first merchants in Sycamore were John C. and Charles Waterman, who commenced business in 1839. Their stock- was small, but suitable to the wants of the infant settlement. As the county in- creased in population and in wealth, other merchants began business, the Watermans increased their stock, and in due time almost every class of trade was represented.
POSTOFFICE.
This office was established in 1837, with Mark Daniels as postmaster. For that year the income of the office was $16.88. Mr. Daniels was succeeded by John R. Hamlin in 1841. The receipts of the office now amounted to $59. Jesse C. Kellogg, well-known to all the old settlers, came next. He served four years and was succeeded by Z. B. Mayo, the laywer.
J. C. Waterman was next in order. Then came William P. Dutton, who gave way to Mr. Moore. Chauncey Ellwood, J. W. Burst, D. B. James and H. L. Boies, each had it one term. In 1878 C. F. Mar- tin was appointed, and was re-appointed in 1882. He makes a very popular and efficient postmaster. His assistant, Mr. Joslyn, is also quite popular. The duties of the office could not be better attended to than by Mr. Martin and Mr. Joslyn. A money order department was established in July, 1865.
HOTELS.
The first house erected in Sycamore, as stated, was for hotel purposes, and yet stands on the south- east corner of the public square, and is yet in a good state of preservation, and still used as a hotel. That house has sheltered some of the greatest men of the State, among whom may be mentioned Gov. Ford, T. Lyle Dickey, Judge Caton, as well as a host of others. If the scenes that have transpired therein, and the stories that have been told, could be written up, what a volume it would make!
The Ward House is now the most pretentious house in the place. It is a large, three-story brick, with accommodations for 75 guests. H. A. Ward is the present proprietor.
EDUCATIONAL.
The first school of which there is any record was taught in the old court-house, in 1840, by Dr. Bell. In the winter of 1841-2, also in the winter of 1842-3, Edward L. Mayo, Esq., taught the school in the court-house. Mr. Mayo was afterwards a promi- nent lawyer at the De Kalb County Bar, also County Judge. In the winter of 1843-4, Sheldon Crossett taught in the court-house, and also in the summer of 1844. In the winter of 1844-5, William J. Hunt taught the school in the court-house. In the sum- mer of 1845, Miss Charlotte Gates taught a school in a building which stood near the present residence of Col. A. W. Lloyd, on Main Street.
In the winter of 1845-6, a Miss Reed taught school in the court-house. In the following summer Miss Elizabeth Richards, (now Mrs. Henry Wood) taught school in a little house on the north road, about a mile from the court-house, near the resi- dence of John Carnes.
In the winter of 1846-7, Charles Robinson taught the school in Deacon Harry Martin's house on the south side of West State Street. In the summer of
Moses Dean. .1876
. 1871
George K. Hibbard .1879
Horatio H. Mason. .1870
856
DE KALB COUNTY.
1847, there was probably no school. In the winter of 1847-8, Mr. Roswell Dow taught the school in Deacon Martin's house. Joseph Sixbury and Spar- rock Wellington were two of the directors; the name of the third does not now appear. Mr. Dow asked $15 per month to teach the school. The directors, thinking this too much, offered him $12, assuring him that he would not have over 30 pupils. Mr. Dow agreed to teach the school for $12 per month, provided, that he should have pay in proportion for all over 30. School opened. The number of scholars steadily increased until the roll showed 64 names.
It is not known whether or not there was any school in the summer of 1848.
In the winter of 1848-9 there was no public school, but Roswell Dow had a select school in the court-house, and in the summer of 1849, Miss Eliza- beth Richards had a school there, whether public or private is a matter of uncertainty.
In the fall of 1849 and winter of 1849 and 1850, Mr. Dow taught a select school in a building known as the Sons of Temperance Hall, which stood where the jail now stands.
In the summer of 1850, Miss Theresa E. Richards (now Mrs. R. Dow) taught the school in the Uni- versalist church, where Arthur Stark's residence now is. In the winter of 1850-1, J. A. Simmons taught the school in a house standing on the north- east corner of Main and Ottawa streets. In the summer of 185 1 there was no public school as far as is now known. Mr. Dow's school continued.
In the winter of 1881-2, Ezra W. Robinson taught the school in the south end of Simon Snyder's black- smith shop, situated where Wilkins' Block now stands.
In March, 1853, William S. Harrington taught the public school in an old drug store which had been occupied by the firm of Halsey & Ambrose. The building may have been the old court-house. After a few weeks the school became so large that it was removed to "Dow's Academy." In May follow- ing the directors hired Miss Amelia Hudson, sister of Rev. C. F. Hudson, to assist Mr. Harrington. A recitation-room was fitted up in the basement of the Academy. Thus, the graded school of Sycamore took another step forward. The school closed Oct. 14, 1853-
In the winter of 1853-4, also in the summer of
1854, Miss Hannah Dean taught the school in the building now occupied by Ruel Davis as a dwelling- house. It is also quite probable that there was another district school in the village.
In 1853 steps were taken for the erection of a school-house-the first in the village. A lot was purchased on the northeast corner of California and Exchange Streets, and in 1854 a house was com- pleted. Miss Hannah Dean was the first principal in the new house.
The population of the village increasing, it was found necessary in 1859 to erect another building, which was accordingly done, at a cost of $6,000. This building was of brick and consisted of four rooms.
In the early part of January, 1863, the school- house was burned. The directors at once rented George's Block for school purposes, and after an in- terruption of a few days, the schools opened and continued through the school year.
The building was erected during the following summer and fall, at a cost of $15,500. It was con- structed of wood. It has eight large school-rooms, the requisite cloak-rooms, recitation-rooms, ap- paratus-room, Superintendent's office-used also by the School Board for holding meetings-a large assembly hall, and is a handsome edifice. The schools were opened late in the fall of 1863. The number of pupils steadily increased from year to year. In 1876 the Board rented the basement of the Methodist church, and used it as a primary school- room. In 1877, a two-room, wooden building in the west part of the city was erected, at a cost of about $2,000, Messrs. Dunning & Cougle, contractors. The building and lot cost $2,500; it stands on the west side of Cross Street, and is known as the "West School.".
In the summer of 1880 the Board of Education purchased a lot on the south side of East Elm street, and proceeded to erect thereon a two-room school- house. It was completed at a cost of $4,500, Wil- lard & McAlpine, contractors. This school is known as the " East School."
During the past three years, the old furniture, which was put in when the main building was fur- nished in 1863, has been removed, and replaced by that which is new and elegant; so that at the present time the furniture in all the school buildings is substantially new and in excellent condition.
857
DE KALB COUNTY.
In accordance with an act of the Legislature ap- proved. April 1, 1872, the control of the schools was taken from the board of directors and lodged in a board of education, consisting of six members, who hold office for three years each.
The following named were the first elected : P. M. Alden, George K. Hebbard, R. L. Divine, Calvin Shurtleff, Charles Brown and Henry R. Jones.
The schools of Sycamore have been thoroughly graded, and since 1875 classes have been graduated each year. Since that time graduates have been sent out from the high school, many of whom are now occupying prominent positions before the public. Since August, 1877, Prof. A. J. Blanchard has occupied the office of Superintendent of Schools of the city, and to him much of the credit is due for their efficiency. The following named comprise the list of teachers for 1884-5 : Superintendent, Prof. A. J. Blanchard; high school, Agnes I. Love; 8th grade, Claire L. Lattin ; 7th grade, Mary H. Alden ; 6th grade, Mary A. Shurtleff; 5th grade, Mary F. Gilson; 4th grade, Lizzie A. Langhorn; 3d grade, Jennie B. Anderson ; 2d grade, Amy H. Luther ; Ist and 2d grade, Estella L. Tifft. In the East Ward School are, 3d grade, Ida L. Bannister; Ist and 2d grades, Florence Harkness. West Ward School, 3d grade, Elizabeth J. Walker; rst and 2d grades, Anna Maxfield.
The Sycamore Select School was first opened by Roswell Dow, in September, 1848, in the old court- house. The following year it was held in Temper- ance Hall. In 1850 Mr. Dow erected a brick building for his school, the first school building erected in Sycamore. It was on the corner of Main and Ottawa Streets. Roswell Dow was principal of the school, with Rev. C. C. Hudson, Pastor of the Congregational Church, and Miss Theresa E. Rich- ards, who afterward became the wife of the principal. This school, while called by Mr. Dow a " select school," was usually called "Dow's Academy." Philosophy, algebra, geometry, chemistry, astronomy, Latin and Greek were taught in this school. The school was discontinued in 1853, partly on account of the ill health of the principal and on account . of the establishment of the public-school system.
RELIGIOUS.
There is no city of its size in the State of Illinois that can boast of more and better church edifices
than Sycamore. This may be regarded as an evidence that the moral and religious welfare of the people are well attended to. The Lord's house should at least equal that of His people.
The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in June, 1836, by Revs. Mr. Royal and Samuel Pills- bury. The first services, however, were held in May, 1836, at the house of Mark Daniels, by Levi Lee. These were the first religious services in the town- ship. The class organized was also the first in all this region of country. The following named com- posed the class : Edward F. White, leader; Mary White, Mark Daniels, Mrs. Daniels, Peter Walrod and Mary Walrod. In September, 1836, the first quarterly meeting was held, Rev. S. R. Beggs sup- plying the place of the presiding elder. At the an- nual conference held in the fall of 1836, Sycamore was made to form a part of the St. Charles Circuit, which embraced all the country between the Fox and Rock Rivers from Somonauk to Rockford. Rev. Wm. Gaddis was assigned to this circuit. The class in Sycamore, increasing in numbers and strength, determined to erect a house of worship; accordingly a plain frame edifice was buit in 1874 and dedicated to the service of Almighty God. It was 37 x 45 feet. Becoming too small, in 1865 a larger and better building was erected at a cost of $13,000, which is an honor to the Church and to the city. Rev. R. M. Hatfield preached the dedicatory sermon. Rev. W. D. Atchison is the pastor. The Church is in a flour- ising condition, with a membership of 200. In 1874 a parsonage was built, at a cost of $3,100. Dr. Nit- terauer is Superintendent of the Sunday-school.
The First Congregational Church .- On the 11th of April, 1840, this Church was organized in the old court-house. The council called to assist in the or- ganization consisted of Rev. James Mackie, Rev. Ebenezer Brown and Rev. N. Clark, with one dele- gate from the Church at Byron. Twelve persons en- tered into the organization. The congregation met for worship in the old court-house and in the private dwellings of some of its members until the erection of its first church edifice. Rev. William Mackie preached occasionally during 1840. In July, 1841, a Presbyterian minister from New York, Rev. David I. Perry, began labor here and continued with the Church until August, 1843. There were sixteen ad- ded to the Church during his ministry. In the fall of
858
DE KALB COUNTY.
1843 Rev. E. E. Wells took the care of the Church, remaining three years. During his ministry 45 were added to the Church. In the spring of 1846 the first move was made towards the erection of a house of worship. Captain Eli Barnes donated the site on the east side of the square. On account of prevailing sickness in the community, but little was done till the following year, when the contract was let to frame and enclose the building. Rev. Oliver W. Norton was now pastor of the Church. He remained one year, but on account of sickness of the mechanics and a lack of funds he did not see the house finished. In September, 1848, Rev. C. F. Hudson became pas- tor, and nine were added to the Church, during his ministry of five years. Rev. D. Gore followed him in 1853 and served until 1860. The additions in this time were 112. Rev. E. J. Allen then served three years, and 19 were added. Rev. J. T. Cook served two years with 37 additions. Rev. William Windsor served six years, with 44 additions. Rev. O. W. Fay served three years, with 83 additions. Rev. William Gallagher followed for one year, and was succeeded by Rev. T. G. Grassie, and he by Dr. Burton. Rev. F. J. Brobst is the present pastor. Early in 1884 the erection of a new and handsome church edifice was commenced on Somonauk Street, which when completed will cost about $20,000. The officers of the Church in January, 1885, were: Rev. Flavius J. Brobst, pastor; Harry Martin, J. H. Rogers, Samuel Alden, deacons; Daniel Dustin, clerk and treasurer; David A. Syme, superintend- ent of Sabbath-school; Elthom Rogers, assistant superintendent. The present membership is 178.
Universalist Church .- Services were held as early as 1845, by those holding views of the Universalist Church, in the old court-house. The first to preach that faith here was probably Rev. Roundsville. The first who engaged his services for any stated time was Rev. Van Olstine. He was engaged for one-fourth his time for one year. Rev. J. M. Day was also one of the first to preach this faith. In 1853 Rev. D. J. Carney located here and organized the society. Among those composing the organization, were the following named, with their families : Phineas Joslyn, John Waterman, George Weeden, Curtis Smith, Hosea Willard, H. A. Joslyn, H. H. Gandy, L. F. Dow, Kimball Dow and George G. Spring. The society soon undertook the erection of a church build- ing, which was completed in 1854, at a cost of
$1,600. At the time of building the following named were the trustees : Curtis Smith, George G. Spring, George Weeden, N. H. Peck and Sylvanus Holcomb. In 1856 a Church organization was formed. The church building not being such as was demanded by the age, it was disposed of for a dwelling, and in 1875 a handsome brick structure was erected, on State Street, at a cost of $13,500. The Church and society is now in a flourishing condition, being out of debt and with a surplus in the treasury. Among those who have labored for the society have been Revs. D. J. Carney, R. S. Sanborn, A. J. Fishback, B. N. Wiles, S. F. Gibbs, N. S. Sage, H. V. Chase and W. S. Ralph. There are about 100 members of the Church and society.
Episcopal Church .- In the summer of 1855 Rev. Julius Waterbury visited Sycamore and held a week- day service in the Congregational Church. The prospect for an organization seemed good and, Rt. Rev. Henry J. Whitehouse, being notified, he resolved on. a visit to the place. In August of the same year, he came and also held service in the Congregational church. In September Rev. Julius Waterbury was sent to effect an organization, which was accom- plished, and Isaac Johnson, of Cortland, was elected senior warden and Mr. Glass, of Genoa, junior war- den. The vestrymen elected were Dr. Page, J. R. Hamlin, Ben Page, Joseph Morse, J. C. ,Waterman and J. S. Waterman. Steps were at once taken to raise funds for building a church, and nearly $1,000 was raised in a few hours. J. S. Waterman donated a lot on which to build. The ladies of the parish organized a social for active work. In August, 1856, the corner-stone of the building was laid, and in 1857 the building was completed, and July I con- secrated to the service of Almighty God, by Bishop Whitehouse, of Illinois. Its cost was something over $2,000. Rev. Julius Waterbury was called to the rectorship in September, 1857, and served until Jan- uary, 1858, when he resigned. In March, 1858, Rev. Warren Roberts was chosen rector. During this year the parish became self-sustaining. The congregations had increased in number, a flourishing Sunday-school was in existence and a Bible class was formed and taught by the rector. In 1859 the communicants had increased from 7 to 30. In Feb- ruary, 1863, Mr. Roberts resigned, and during the summer following Rev. Mr. Cooper, of Chicago, oc- casionally officiated. Early in the fall of 1864, Rev.
859
DE KALB COUNTY.
Mr. Foster was called to the rectorship. On account of ill health, he resigned Easter, 1865. In June, of this year, the Bishop sent Rev. Mr. Hendley to min- ister to the parish. In August following, he was called to the rectorship, but only served until March, 1866, when he resigned. Rev. D. Cushman was at once called to fill the vacancy, accepted, and en- tered upon his dusties as rector the first Sunday in May. During this year the church building was improved and enlarged and a new pipe organ pur- chased. On Easter Monday, in 1869, Dr. Cushman resigned, and only occasional services were held un- til October, when Rev. Mr. Hume accepted a call. He served but six months. In April, 1871, Rev. M. F. Sounson visited the parish, and in June became rector. Some funds were raised for building a rec- tory and J. S. Waterman donated a lot for the pur- pose. When built it was pronounced by the Bishop the most finished in his diocese. In 1872 the rector lost his wife and four children by death. In 1873 Mr. Sounson resigned, and June 7, 1874, Rev. W. E. Toll entered upon his duties as rector, having been called to the parish. He served for seven years, during which time the present church edifice was erected, at a cost of $17,000, and consecrated by Bishop W. E. McLaun in 1879. During the rector- ship 52 persons were confirmed and 133 baptized. In October, 1881, Rev. William Elmer was called to the rectorship, since which time many improvements have been made in the interior of the church. On the death of J. S. Waterman it was found that sufficient property had been left by him on the death of his wife to partially endow the parish forever. The Church is in a most prosperous condition, with a membership of 70 communicants and an organization of 250.
Baptist Church .- A Baptist Church was organized in the township of Franklin in 1852, with the fol- lowing named constituent members : A. L. Warner, Deacon; Andrew Chapman, Clerk; Adam Miller, Jane Miller, Martin Barringer, Mary A. Barringer, Caroline Mason, A. L. Warner, Andrew Chapman' John Bean, Jane Bean, Susan Reddell, Hiram Hud- son. Rev. Adam Miller was ordained pastor. In 1856 the Church was transferred to Sycamore. Rev. A. C. Kingsley was the first pastor. Until the completion of their house of worship in 1858-9, services were held in the school and court-house. Among those who have served the Church as regular pastor or sup-
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