USA > Illinois > Stephenson County > The History of Stephenson County, Illinois : containing biographical sketches war record statistics portraits of early settlers history of the Northwest, history of Illinois, &c. > Part 60
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Albert Albertson and Lavina Albertson have friends who contend that their claims for the disputed honor are entitled to precedence. They were united along in 1838 by Eli Frankeberger, who in that year was laden with the dignity attaching to the office of County Justice, in addition to the other obligations imposed by citizenship. On April 19, 1839, Elijah Clark and Harriet Hodgson were united at Walnut Grove by Squire Kinney.
In the fall of 1839, Solomon and Jacob Fisher came in from the East and made claim to 600 acres of ground in Sections 25 and 26, which they divided between them. The claim had been previously entered, it is believed, by a miner named Drummond, who had erected a cabin 16x16 and made a well. The claim with the improvements, however, came into the possession of the Fisher
484
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
boys, by purchase, it is said. During the season of 1839-40, the emigration to Rock Grove had been comparatively generous, including, among others who came, Peter D. George and John Fisher, Calvin Preston, J. S. Potter, John Kleckner and others, all settling at the Grove, and remaining in that vicinity about a year, when they "scattered," some going to the northern tier of sec- tions, others to the western tier, and others to the immediate vicinity of their first halting-place. In the spring of 1840, John and Reuben Bolender, father and son, established themselves east of the village, and George and Jacob Maurer in the Grove in Sections 29 and 30; a settler named, it is thought, Joseph Barber, also came in about the same time. Opposite the Grove was a vast prairie, with the timber in the western horizon, presenting a picture of rare beauty. Through that year constant additions were made to the population, including Levi, Adam and Michael Bolender ; the latter removing to Oneco in 1841, the two former remaining and opening farms east of the village. In 1842, Solomon Fisher erected a cabin at the head of Cedar Creek, which has since been changed for the commodious home now occupied by that gentle- man.
During the summer of 1842 or 1843, William Wallace hung himself to a tree on the edge of the Grove in Section 36, a half-mile northeast of Jacob Sullivan's present house. He, too, was the victim of insanity, and the old set- lers say his was the first death announced in the township. He was buried in the vicinity where his tragic death occurred.
At the date mentioned, the inhabitants, who previously depended upon Galena and other points for supplies, had them at home ; indeed, subsequent to 1839, no difficulty was experienced in obtaining meat, flour or meal. The Grove was alive with hogs, and the Curtis Mills, at Orangeville, Van Valzah Mills, at Cedarville, and mills on Rock Run were easily accessible and equal to every demand.
Some time in 1843, the farm of a settler named Daniel Noble, located near Walnut Grove, was the scene of a mysterious tragedy, wherein a man well known under the name of Boardman, employed in a subordinate capacity by Noble, was shot to death; but the causes which led thereto, as also the assassin, are as much involved in mystery to-day as they were forty years ago.
In 1844, Government lands in the township were offered at public sale, and sold for $1.25 per acre in gold, the failure of the United States Bank estopping the Government from receiving any medium but gold and silver in exchange. It was apprehended at the time that trouble would arise between " squatters " and the purchasers, at the sale, growing out of a refusal of the former to perfect the latter's title by transfer of the property purchased, but claimed by right of pre-emption. Happily, this was entirely avoided, and, while similar causes elsewhere produced the results anticipated in other localities, Rock Grove was spared the affliction,
In 1846, a school was begun in the township, in Section 36, and thereafter the cause of education and other attendant circumstances of comfort and pros- perity were portions allotted the township in the lottery of the future. In 1850, the township was set apart, and becoming, as above written, one of the favored townships in point of fertility, productiveness and natural resources, has in the past twenty-four years fully realized unto the inhabitants gathered within its limits, the fullest fruition of promises held out to them nearly half a century ago, as inducements to remain.
485
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
ROCK GROVE VILLAGE
is located in Section 31, a place of quiet, unpretentious beauty, one of the lovely villages of the plain, containing upward of a hundred inhabitants and every feature that would contribute in any degree to satisfy modest ambition.
C. W. Cummings originally owned the land upon which the village is located, which he sold to Peter D. Fisher in early days. Fisher also owned the east half of the southwest quarter of Section 31, 9, 29, and Samuel Guyer the west half of the same quarter and section. Guyer laid off the village about 1850, but in July, 1855, Benjamin Dornblazer re-surveyed and replatted what was then known as Guyer's Addition, about the center of the town.
On the 29th of August, 1856, J. D. Schmeltzer set apart nine acres in the west half of the southwest quarter of Section 31, 9, 29, caused it to be sur- veyed and set apart in lots for village purposes, under the name of Schmeltzer's Addition.
It should be stated that in the winter of 1852, the addition of Peter G. Fisher was sold to Solomon Hoy, and abandoned for village purposes, but on April 22, 1869, Samuel H. Fisher laid off four acres south of Schmeltzer's Addition, for village lots, in use for that purpose.
The village is not thicky settled, each resident having breathing and living room sufficient, without encroaching upon his neighbor's comforts or privileges. It is supplied with a handsome church edifice, schoolhouse, etc., and will always afford a grateful rest to the permanent or transient visitor.
Evangelical Church .- Previous to 1878, the members of this society held services in the Lutheran Church, near the village, put up in 1856. In 1878, the increase in membership induced the congregation to build a church of their own, which was completed the same year, under the direction of a build- ing committee, consisting of George Meyers, Jere Swartz, Jacob Sullivan, William Alexander and A. Bolender, at a total cost of $2,300, raised by subscription in the township. The church was formally dedicated on the 27th of November, 1878, and has been constantly occupied since.
At present, services are held in English on alternate Sundays, under the pastorship of the Rev. W. W. Shuler, and in German, alternate Sundays, the Rev. J. Shafle, officiating.
The German Reformed and Lutheran congregations own a church about one mile from the village, in which services are held occasionally, under the auspices of either sect, circuit riders attending to the pastoral duties.
The remaining churches in the township are located in Sections 3, 20 and 22.
Schools .- Institutions of learning, of course of the most primitive character, were first rendered available about 1841, when Paul Chandler, or some other equally venturesome pedagogue, wielded the birch and educated the callow idea into a complete familiarity with the rudiments of learning.
To-day the school system that is in force throughout the county, is regarded as equal to the requirements. In the township, there are schools at every cross-road, and one of more than ordinary importance at Rock grove Vil- lage. Here, the attendance averages seventy-five daily, during the winter term, and $600 per annum are expended in its support.
The cause of education, like that of morals, is extended a generous and sincere support throughout the township.
486
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
ROCK RUN TOWNSHIP,
located in the western tier of townships, is one of the largest and proportion- lately wealthy sections into which the county is divided. The soil is product- ive, and comprehends 70 per cent of the territory, the balance being grown up with timber. It contains upward of thirty. thousand acres, is watered by Rock Run, furnishing abundant power for mill, and other mechanical under- takings, and is divided in the center from east to west by the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, which has been largely instrumental in developing the town- ship's resources, appreciating the value of property and contributing to her pop- ulation.
The first settlement of a permanent character made in the township is said to have been effected by a Mrs. Swanson, who came to the country with her family and entered upon the possession of a farm in Section 10 or 11. She was a widow, but was aided in the care of her property by a family of children, who accompanied their parent to Illinois.
Settlers had made their appearance prior to the advent of " Widow Swan- son," including S. E. M. Carnefix, Alexander McKinn, Arthur Dawson, and one or two others, but these had remained temporarily in transit to the mines, and it was not until the "widow" became a fixture that they returned to stay. To these pioneers, with Thomas Flynn, E. Mullarkey, Henry Hulse and M. Welsh, William and Leonard Lee, Nathan Blackamore and Aaron Baker, is due the honor of first breaking ground in the township, but they had hardly been located when the precedent they established was emulated, and in the year following arrivals were more numerous. Among these were Nathan Salsbury, who settled in Section 34, and with him Dr. F. S. Payne, D. W. C. Mallory, John Hoag, S. and T. Seeley, who settled near Rock City, Peter Rowe, etc.
The Mullarkeys, with Thomas Foley and one or two others, who came during the previous year, opened farms about two miles south of the present town of Davis, where they established a settlement, that has long been known as "Irish Grove," from the large number of Celts who followed in the wake of those who came in 1836. The following year, Pat Giblin, Miles O'Brien, a man named Corcoran, who subsequently removed to Rockford, were included in the roster of inhabitants gathered at Irish Grove. The same year, Thomas J. Tur- ner put up a grist-mill in Section 34, but sold it to Nelson Salsbury, who in turn disposed of it to James Epley. The first birth in the township is alleged to have occurred this year, it being a son to Albert Flower, at the saw-mill on Rock Run.
During 1838, H. G. Davis, with his family, came to the township, and purchased the saw-mill put up in Section 27 by Stackhouse, Carrier & Flower. Mr. Davis paid $4,000 therefor and completed the dam that summer. The only Catholic Church in the township was built this season, by Thomas Flynn, E. Mullarkey, M. Welsh and a priest believed to have been Father Piltitot, who walked from Galena to disseminate the Gospel among the settlers, and assisted in raising the frame hewed out by Calvin Cloton, alias Amos Isbel. This old church had but two pews for many years, and was kept in service until 1862, when the present edifice was completed. "Pony" Fletcher and Narcisse Swanson were married in the fall of 1838, it is said, and claimed to be the first marriage in the township.
487
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
In 1839, numerous accessions were made, and improvements kept pace with the influx of inhabitants. Among those who settled in Rock Run Town- ship during 1839, were Conrad Epley, Edward Pratt, who subsequently removed to Freeport, M. Flower, Edward Smith, settling on Section 13; Uriah Boyden, on Section 30; Thomas Fox, who removed to Wisconsin ; Thomas Bree, Martin Mullen, Patrick Flynn, Michael Flynn, Patrick Flynn (second), Thomas Hawley and William Marlowe, who identified themselves with the set- tlement at Irish Grove, and some others whose names cannot be recalled.
In the early part of that year, Josiah Blackamore and Leonard Lee built the present Epleyana mills, which then had but one run of stone, and were afterward sold to Conrad Epley. A party of Norwegians settled at the mill on Rock Run in October, 1839, being the first settlement made by this nationality in the United States. The delegation included C. Stabeck, Ole Anderson, Canute Canuteson, who opened the first blacksmith-shop in the township; Civert Oleson and Ole Civertson, the latter opening the first wagon-shop in the vicinity. There was much to encourage the settlers this year, and the country began to bear the appearance of being highly cultivated. But times were hard. Those who had removed from comparative plenty to the West and were compelled to toil with indefatigable energy to triumph over the embargoes which constantly intervened between them and comfort. Game was to be had in abund- ance, but pork and other luxuries were only to be procured from a dis- tance, and at a price ($43 to $50 per barrel) that denied it to the most inde- pendent. Snakes, too, were numerous beyond comparison, and fatal as the plague, and many an old settler recalls the times when he was obliged to pirouette in a lively manner, or drop a sheaf of oats, to avoid being bitten by the venomous massasauga. Yet, in spite of these objections, life in the wilder- ness was not without its charm, and, whatever complaints found expression, did not deter immigration from the East and across the sea, and though clouds shone over the pathway of these venturesome pioneers, there were glimpses of sunshine to relieve the passing gloom and encourage the coming of that perfect day which long since made its welcome advent.
In 1840, D. A. Baldwin settled in Section 30, and Capt. Knese in Section 13 the year following. Additions were made that year to the Irish and Nor- wegian settlements, and every nationality represented in the new field of labor and development had their number increased by fresh arrivals. In 1841, the first regular post office in the township was established at the Rock Run Mill, and H. G. Davis appointed Postmaster. It remained here until 1848, when it was removed to Jamestown-otherwise known as "Grab-all"-near Rock City, where it was retained for a number of years, but finally abandoned when Rock City and Davis were laid out and dignified with the privileges appertaining to towns and villages. A son of John R. Webb died in the fall of this year, the first, it is claimed, in the township.
From 1840 to 1850, the township developed with gratifying rapidity, con- sequent upon the increase in population and cultivation of the soil.
In 1855, the first Presbyterian Church in the township was built, and serv- ices were conducted by the Rev. Joseph Dickey. In 1857, Davis was laid out, and two years later, the Western Union road was completed through the township. During the war, Rock Run contributed her quota to the Union army, and with the dawn of peace her citizens once more took up the " burden of life" with renewed spirit, have borne the burden imposed, with dignity and character. and the homes of comfort that greet the gaze whithersoever the eye may be turned in tramping the township highways are the results.
488
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
DAVIS.
The most pretentious and populous village in Rock Run Township, though of comparatively recent birth, has, since that event grown with each succeeding year, and waxed in strength with age, experience and observation. The town is pleasantly located on the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, in the northeastern section of the township, and is as bustling, busy and prosperous a community as can be found in the State. It is already celebrated for the industry and enterprise of its inhabitants, as a shipping-point for the large crops raised in the vicinity ; also for the publication of the Davis Review, which has been sustained seven years by the patronage it has commanded from the citizens, and many other features of excellence, reserved for mention in their appropriate places.
During the year 1857, at a time when the completion of the Western Union road was a conclusion irresistible, the necessity for a station on that thoroughfare, at a point in the township convenient and accessible to travelers and shippers, was apparent to even those who had taxed their incredulity with regard to the enterprise in progress. It was at a period when great financial embarrassments were beginning to crowd the commercial and speculating spirits of the country, and men hesitated before entering upon new ventures, as much by reason of their apprehension regarding results, as of a lack of resources. Never- theless, it was decided to lay out the town, and in the year mentioned, Samuel Davis, John A. Davis, T. J. Turner and Ludwig Stanton donated a total of 160 acres, for the purpose of a "new dispensation," and caused the same to be surveyed and platted, a task accomplished by Edward McMahon, and chris- tened the result of their labors, "Davis." The first survey was completed with twenty blocks laid off, but in March following (1858) the survey was concluded and the plat promulgated. In 1858, the railroad was finished to Davis, and in September, 1859, the first passenger train was run through the town to Freeport, on the occasion of the State fair, which was holden in that year at the latter city.
When the village was first conceived in the minds of those who were instru- mental in its production and subsequent growth and development, its present site was a territory embracing cultivated farms, occupied severally by D. A. Baldwin and others who resided on the premises, and whose respective homes made up the complement of improvements to be observed at that time. Immediately on the completion of arrangements to lay out a village, these farm appurtenances were removed, and the farms themselves divided and subdivided into squares and lots, with streets of generous dimensions, and named for the old settlers throughout the township, such as Stanton, Turner, Carnefix, Blackamore, Lee, etc. But lots sold slowly. The panic of 1857, and effects incident thereto, prevented ready sale of property, and disappointment was substituted for the feelings of encouragement the founding of the village produced. A few were sold, however, as the years progressed, at prices rang- ing from $40 to $125, and improvements were projected and carried on in spite of the hard times and unpromising outlook. Houses were built, streets rendered passable, sidewalks laid, trees planted, and other efforts made which added to the attractions of the place.
In 1858, Samuel J. Davis erected the first store in the village. It was located at the corner of Stanton and Salsbury streets, and still stands on the spot of its origin. In the summer of 1859, the Evangelical Church was put up and was quickly followed by the erection of other church edifices. The stone
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
schoolhouse was completed in 1858, and the first brick house in the growing town was made ready for occupation in 1866. Ernest Wendt was the enter- prising citizen who made the investment. It is now occupied by John Butler.
From 1857 to 1863, there were but comparatively few additions to the population. After that period of comparative inaction had passed, there was a marked improvement in the quota of arrivals, and steady growth was visible. In the latter year, the frame addition to the schoolhouse was finished, and, during the decade ending with 1869, residences, stores and other marks of prog- ress were increased and sustained by the inhabitants.
On Thursday, May 1, 1873, an election was held to determine the ques- tion of incorporating the town under the provisions of the general law for the incorporation of villages, adopted April 10, 1872. The polls were located at the Pennsylvania House ; S. J. Davis, Peter McHoes and John Gift acted as Judges, and thirty-three votes were deposited in the affirmative, to thirty-one votes against the proposed organization. A meeting was convened on May 5, following, at which the votes were canvassed, with the result cited, and there- after Davis was published throughout the county with its legal prefix of village.
The following is the roster of officers who have served since that date :
1873-E. A. Benton, President ; E. Clark, M. Meinzer, Thomas Crone- miller and M. W. Kurtz, Associates.
1874-John Gift, President; E. A. Benton, T. Cronemiller, M. W. Kurtz, T. Hayes and George Zimmerman, Associates.
1875-John Gift, President ; T. Cronemiller, E. Clark, A. Inman, P. Orth and M. W. Kurtz, Associates.
1876-A. B. Cross, President ; W. Potter, Joseph Gibbons, B. Moorberg, John F. Fink and Henry Deimer, Associates.
1877-Peter McHoes, President ; Joseph Gibbons, John Butler, W. Pot- ter, Jacob Orth and E. Long, Associates.
1878-John Gift, President; J. Bellman, S. J. Haynes, Levi Epley, M. W. Kurtz and John Butler, Associates.
1879-John Gift, President ; S. J. Haynes, M. W. Kurtz, W. Z. Tunks, John Butler and John Barloga, Associates.
1880-Elijah Clark, President ; John Butler, Jacob Orth, and the Presi- dent were qualified to serve one year ; John Long, M. W. Kurtz and Adam Rhenigans, to serve two years.
Meetings are convened monthly in a stone building on Stanton street, erected in 1879 for a council hall and calaboose.
Village Clerk-M. W. Kurtz, 1873; John F. Fink, 1874; Henry Reese, 1875 and 1876; M. W. Kurtz, 1877; J. Potter, 1878 and 1879; E. T. Hinds, 1880.
Village Treasurer-No record for 1873; T. Cronemiller, 1874 and 1875; W, Potter, 1876 and 1877; M. W. Kurtz, 1878 and 1879; W. Potter, 1880.
Police Magistrate-John B. Smith, elected in 1876, to serve four years.
Schools .- Previous to the laying out of the town, pupils residing in the section wherein Davis is located, attended school at Epleyana, two miles north- west of the village. In 1858, a separate district was made in the town site, and a stone schoolhouse erected on the hill in the southwest quarter of the town. The building cost $1,200, and supplied the wants of the residents until 1863. By this time, the number of attendance had increased materially, neces- sitating the building of an addition to the original edifice, which was finished that year. It is of frame, two stories high, 20x30, costing about $2,000, and furnishes abundant accommodations for the present roster of pupils.
490
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
The departments consist of first and second primary, grammar and high schools, employing four teachers and affording the means of education to an average daily attendance of 150 pupils.
The schools are under the supervision of a Board of Directors, composed of M. W. Kurtz, President; Joseph Brinker, Nicholas Heinen and Thomas Cronemiller, and requiring an annual outlay of $1,500 for their maintenance and support.
The Davis Review-The only paper in the township, was established in May, 1873, by K. T. & K. C. Stabeck, when it was known as The Budget, a quarto sheet, published in Freeport also. The Messrs. Stabeck continued in charge of the paper until September, 1878, when they removed to Freeport, abandoning the field in Davis to S. W. Tallman, who purchased the latter office for $600, changed the make-up to a seven-column folio, the politics from Inde- pendent to Republican, and substituted Review for Budget. Since the pur- chase, Mr. Tallman has been conduc ting the enterprise single-handed, and his paper now enjoys a weekly circulation of 350 copies in the townships of Rock Run, Rock Grove and Dakota, of Stephenson County, also in Durand, Peca- tonica and other townships, of Winnebago County.
The paper is issued on Fridays, and the establishment is valued at $800.
Lutheran Church .- The Lutheran society was organized in 1870, through the labors of the Rev. William Schock, of Forreston, with eighteen members. Joseph Keller was Elder, Levi Ungst, Deacon, and services were held in the Methodist Church.
In the spring of 1872, the congregation decided to erect an edifice for its own benefit and occupation, and an effort was made to raise the funds necessary for that purpose. Through the untiring energy and industry of Joseph Keller, Aaron Gold and others, a fund was collected the same season, and the church on Turner street completed and dedicated. It is of frame, 34x50, handsomely finished, surmounted by a steeple 75 feet high, and cost, when ready for service, a total of $3,100. The auditorium affords a seating capacity for 300 wor- shipers.
The following pastors have officiated: The Revs. Charles Young, Richard Lazarus, William Seidel and J. A. Bartler, the present incumbent.
Davis Evangelical Association-Was organized in 1857, with the following members : Thomas Bond and family, Jacob Bond and family, Jacob Weaver, Michael Meinzer, William Kramer and T. Jenuine and families, and Mr. Abber- sted. At first services were conducted in private residences and the school- house, continuing in these resorts until 1862, when the present church was completed at an expense of $2,500, being of frame, finished with reference to convenience and solidity rather than ornament or elaborateness.
The diocese is included in what is known as Davis Circuit, which includes Rock City and other points, having a total of 236 members, 115 of whom are communicants of the church in Davis Village.
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