USA > Illinois > Lake County > The past and present of Lake County, Illinois, containing a history of the county a biographical directory war record early settlers statistics history of Illinois the Northwest etc., etc > Part 24
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Among the original owners of property and residents of this place-most of whom still remain-were the following prominent citizens : Thomas R. Willard, Col. William A. James, Maj. J. S. Curtiss, J. B. Preston, Thomas II. Beebe, C. R. Field, A. K. Allen, J. M. Fisher, J. M. Smith, Frank P. Haw- kins, Thomas H. Spencer, F. S. French, George G. Leslie, William H. Boy- ington, C. G. Hammond, George L. Wrenn, Samuel S. Streeter, Van Buren
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Denslow, James W. Dean, G. Gray, Jonas Steers, V. E. Rusco, W. S. Downs, W. S. Davis, J. Atwater, R. Atwater, E. H. Plumer, H. W. Hotchkiss, J. McDonald. Edmond P. Harris, G. S. Green, Hiram Mosier, N. Hawkins, G. H. Dennison, U. Gray and S. B. William.
Highland Park was incorporated as a city under a special act of the Legis- lature, approved March 11, 1869. The charter was accepted by a vote of the people thereof March 27, 1869. The first city election was on the 12th of April of the same year. The following were the first city officers : Mayor, Frank P. Hawkins; City Clerk, Geo. W. Williams; Treasurer, A. O. Fay ; Marshal, J. W. Ayers; Assessor, Jonas Steers ; Police Magistrate, Lucius Field ; Street Comm'r, P. Hoffman ; Surveyor, Milton H. Baker. Aldermen -First Ward, Geo. N. Hammer, Thos. S. Dickerson ; Second Ward, Milton H. Baker, Henry Mowers ; Third Ward, George Grussing, William Osterman ; Fourth Ward, Jacob S. Curtis, A. O. Fay.
At the present time, the city contains but three wards, with the following city officers : Mayor, John Middleton ; Clerk, W. H. Plummer ; Treasurer, Geo. B. Cumming ; Attorney, Edward H. Beebe; Marshal, J. H. Hinckle ; Aldermen-First Ward, O. H. Morgan, A. H. Winslow ; Second Ward, Pat- rick Dooley, Edwid R. Hall ; Third Ward, Martin L. Burdick, Thos. Willard.
At Highland Park is located a preparatory and collegiate institution, for the education of young ladies, styled Highland Hall. The building occupied for this purpose was originally designed for a hotel, as hereinbefore stated.
The location of this school is well chosen. About fifteen minutes' walk from the lake shore, in the midst of picturesque scenery and surrounded by the residences of cultured and wealthy families, quiet and healthful-these natural advantages, combined with its nearness to the city, which enables students to have the benefit of the best concerts and lectures, altogether render it one of the most fortunately located schools in the West. The doors of this institution were opened for the accommodation of pupils, for the first time, in September, 1876. The school is under the control of Prof. Edward P. Weston, a gentleman of rare ability and enthusiasm, who has had a wide experience as an educator to prepare him for this, which he hopes to make the crowning work of his life. For thirteen years he had charge of the Maine Female College, after which he, for a number of years, filled the office of Superintendent of Public Instruction in the same State, from which he was called to the presi- dency of Ferry Hall, at Lake Forest, where he remained until he resigned his position to undertake this more congenial work at Highland Park.
The aim of this institution is to provide opportunities for the most advanced as well as the elementary studies. Thus, there is a preparatory department, a collegiate or classical course, one of music and arts, besides which provision is made for a graduating course of English studies, upon the satisfactory com- pletion of which a diploma is awarded. In connection with the different studies, and supplementary thereto, are numerous historical, literary, scientific
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and æsthetic lectures given each year. Experienced teachers of well estah- lished reputation have charge of the music and art departments.
The school is not sectarian, but in its teachings is decidedly religious.
The corps of instructors is large, and is composed of ladies and gentlemen who have won distinction as teachers. A fine library, cabinet and other appli- ances are already provided, and if Highland Hall has not a successful future, then I am a false prophet.
The building in which this institution is conducted is of elegant and impos- ing architectural appearance-not a wooden barn, after the fashion in vogue at many of the so-called watering places, but a building intended to stand the wear and tear both of the elements and of criticism. The cost was somewhere in the neighborhood of $75,000, and nearly an equal sum was expended in the furniture and fixtures, which are of a very superior character.
It is the policy of this institution not to burden young ladies with arbitrary rules and useless restraints, but to adopt only such regulations as are needed to secure due attention to study and the formation of correct habits and worthy characters. Pupils are expected to yield a cheerful obedience to these regula- tions, under the promptings of conscience and their better judgment, with the least possible resort to penalties.
Teachers and pupils constitute one family, eating at the same tables and sharing the same social life; thus securing, as far as consistent with the disci- pline of the school, the advantages of the home circle. Social, æsthetic and religious culture are carefully combined with physical exercise and mental training.
Every pupil is required to take proper exercise in the open air, when the weather is suitable, either in walking, riding, skating, croquet or other games, while the light gymnastics, calisthenics and the parlor graces receive their appropriate attention. Great care is taken to guard the young ladies against sickness, and to furnish them needed attention when not well. In case of serious illness, parents will be promptly notified, and the treatment of their daughters made subject to their wishes. As a matter of fact, no such cases have occurred since the opening of the school at Highland Hall, the location proving to be eminently healthful. This is to be attributed to its elevated site, its spacious and airy rooms, its careful ventilation, proper heating, abundant pure water, well-regulated diet, good personal habits and careful physical training.
The instructors of this institution are as follows : Edward P. Weston, A. M., President, Mental Science and Civil Government; Nathaniel Butler, A. M., Latin and Greek Languages; Edward B. Weston, A. M., M. D., Natural Sciences ; W. S. B. Mathews, Piano and Organ; Mrs. Edw. P. Weston, General Charge; Miss Fannie E. Marsh, Ethics and Literature; Miss Anna Stoecklein, Modern Lan- guages ; Miss Martha E. Weston, Piano Forte ; Mrs. Grace A. Hall, Drawing and Painting ; Miss Clara E. Munger, Individual Vocal Training ; Miss Eliz-
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abeth B. Root, General English Branches; Miss Abby J. Benedict, Mathemat- ics and Latin ; Miss Charlotte E. Smith, Preparatory Department.
The first Protestant religious organization in Highland Park was an associ- ation of the different evangelical denominations of the place, called the High- land Park Religious Association, organized in October, 1869, of which Rev. G. L. Wrenn was President.
A meeting was held at the residence of C. R. Field, Esq., for the purpose of organizing a Church of the Baptists of Highland Park and vicinity, May 13th, 1871. There were present Jonas Steers, C. R. Field, Rev. George L. Wrenn, Mrs. Pickard, Mrs. C. R. Field, Mrs. C. R. Huntington, Mrs. S. S. Streeter, Mrs. S. S. Dickerson, Charles R. Huntington, Samuel Jeffrey and wife, Mrs. G. V. Orton, Miss Grace Dickerson, Simeon Mears, E. Ashley Mears, C. G. Hammond, Henry Evarts, Mr. and Mrs. Seelye.
They held their first communion June 4, 1871, when the following united by letter, experience and baptism :
Rev. George L. Wrenn and wife, C. R. Field and wife, Mrs. S. S. Streeter, Mrs. S S. Dickerson, Clarence Dickerson, Miss Grace Dickerson, Charles R. Huntington and wife, Miss Eva C. Huntington, Miss Kittie J. Huntington, E. Ashley Mears and wife, V. B. Denslow and wife, Miss Mary H. Henderson, Samuel Jeffrey and wife, Henry H. Evarts and wife, Miss Mary Mooney, Mrs. M. E. Dykeman, Mathias Mason and wife, Samuel Mitchell and wife, William E. Cutting, James Warren. C. G. Hammond and wife united in July following.
A church building or house of worship was erected in 1872, and dedicated October 20th of that year. The total cost of the building was $10,000.
Rev. G. L. Wrenn was the first Pastor of the church, and still continues in that relation. The church has at this time eighty-eight members.
The Highland Park Presbyterian Church was formally organized June 2, 1871, with a membership of thirty-three persons, viz .: Mr. Thos. R. Wil- lard, Mrs. Susan B. Willard, Mr. Stephen B. Williams, Mrs. Susan F. Will- iams, James C. Dean, Mrs. Elizabeth C. Dean, Miss Eliza Dean, Jacob S. Curtiss, Mrs. Laura A. Curtiss, Mrs. Abbie M. Hardinge, Lucius Hardinge, Mrs. Agnes Hardinge, S. Merritt Allen, Mrs. Helen M. Allen, Mrs. Mattie C. Walker, Ephraim H. Denison, Mrs. Caroline H. Denison, Mrs. Pamela H. Bronnell, Edward B. Rambo, Mrs. Mary T. Rambo, Lucius Field, Mrs. Lucia Field, Mrs. Dea. Pliny Allen, Mrs. Lucy T. C. Allen, Mrs. Josephine Carter, Wm. B. Hayes, Mrs. Harriet L. Hayes, Miss Cornelia G. Hayes, Miss Mary E. Hayes, Mrs. Anna M. Allen, Miss Sarah A. Patchin, Mrs. Julia S. Atwater, Mrs. Emma S. Allen.
Messrs. S. M. Allen, S. B. Williams, Lucius Field and E. H. Denison were elected and ordained as Elders, and Messrs. J. S. Curtiss, J. C. Dean, T. R. Willard, T. H. Spencer and Edward B. Rambo, Trustees.
For some time. the church members worshiped with the Highland Park Re- ligious Association, a union church, composed of the members of all denomina-
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tions. Occasionally a communion service was held under the particular auspices of the Presbyterian Church.
In 1873, the church undertook the erection of a building, which was com- pleted and dedicated early in 1874. It was placed at the disposal of the Re- ligious Association, and services held there by that body for some months .-
The Baptist portion of the association organized as a separate church in 1871, and the Episcopalian members also did so in 1874. By general consent of the remaining members, the Association was then disbanded, and the Pres- byterian Church took possession of the building, and called the Rev. E. L. Hurd, the Pastor of the Association, to its pulpit.
In June, 1875, Dr. Hurd resigned, and the church remained without a Pastor until August, 1877, when the services of Mr. F. T. Lee, late of Kenosha, were secured.
The church has as present about ninety members, and numbers among its most valued attendants and supporters several members of other denominations who have not united with it.
Its present officers are : Elders-Messrs. S. R. Bingham, Elisha Gray and E. H. Denison ; Trustees-Elisha Gray, S. R. Bingham, E. H. Denison, H. C. Caun and S. M. Coe; Pastor-F. H. Lee; Superintendent of Sunday School-T. H. Spencer.
An Episcopal Church was organized in Highland Park in 1874. The first minister was Rev. F. O. Osborne, who continued until the Spring of 1875, since which Mr. J. C. Cushman has acted as lay reader. A church edifice was erected in 1875.
Deerfield, or Deerfield Corners, as commonly called, is a place of some local importance, but not incorporated, situated in the southwest part of the township, on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. A post office was established here in May, 1850, and Caleb Caldwell appointed Postmaster. It contains stores and mechanics of various kinds, and is a point of trade for the country around.
The Evangelical St. Paul's Church was organized here May 5, 1875. The following were the first members of the church :
C. Antes, William Stuckel, M. Hermann, William Ostermann, John Ott, M. Horenberger, D. Horenberger, M. M. Horenberger, John Selig, William Bart- mus, A. Hinterberg, F. Gloder, J. Antes, J. Wittmer, John Iehl, F. Meierhoff, P. Bleuriehl, George Ott, C. Strandt, C. Bier, F. Mau, H. Schwingle, C. Ott.
The first Pastor of the church was Rev. J. W. Allard, who still continues in that relation. A church edifice was erected in 1875.
The first Presbyterian Church of Deerfield was organized at Deerfield Cor- ners in May, 1876, by the Rev. Dr. E. S. Hurd, who was the first Pastor. The first members were Lyman Wilmot, Clarissa Wilmot, Philip Gutzler, Ade- lia Gutzler, Louis Todd, Caroline Todd, Mrs. Lizzie Hall, Mrs. Mary S. Muhlke, Lyman Wilmot, Jr.
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A church edifice was built during the present year.
The church has no regular Pastor at the present time. The church is sup- plied by a student from Princeton, N. J., Mr. A. P. Kerr.
The Evangelical Methodist Association was organized here about the year 1845. In 1868, they built a house of worship at Deerfield Corners. It was dedicated October 11, 1868, having at that time forty-five members. It now has about eighty members. The minister at that time was Rev. W. Goessele. The present minister is Rev. Samuel Dickover.
About two miles south of Highland Park, in this township, on the line of the Northwestern Railroad, is the village of Ravinia. The name originally intended to be given to this place was South Highland ; but from its numerous ravines, the name of Ravinia was suggested and adopted. This place is situated midway between Glencoe in Cook County and Highland Park, and just twenty miles from Chicago. The plat of the town was laid out in April, 1872, and contains between five hundred and six hundred acres of land, extending from Lake Michigan westward for about half a mile beyond the railroad. The streets are mostly irregular, conforming to the natural surface of the land and irregular course of the ravines. Roger Williams avenue is straight from the railroad passenger station house to the lake, and is very beautiful. Bridges are built over the ravines at the crossing of the streets, and a beautiful drive connects with Highland Park.
Among the original owners of property here were the following promi- nent individuals : Walter S. Gurnee, Col. Floyd Jones of the U. S. Army, B. F. Jacobs, J. F. Gillette, E. A. Mears, W. W. Evarts, Gen. J. D. Webster, A. F. Bartow, M. A. Farwell, John G. Shortall, H. A. Stowell, D. W. Baker, W. M. Foster, J. S. Turner, R. S. Parker, R. R. Donnelly, F. F. French, J. E. Tyler and A. H. Walker.
Highwood is a village in the township of Deerfield, on the railroad, adjoin- ing the town plat of Highland Park on the north, but the depot or station house at this place is about a mile from that at Highland Park. The town plat of this place was laid out in April, 1871. It is about three miles south of Lake Forest. It is connected with Highland Park by broad avenues, on some of which the buildings are scattered along, so that the dividing point between the two places is not discernible. The streets and avenues were first laid out by Rev. Dr. Evarts. Directly east of the railroad depot he secured a handsome bluff of nine acres of land for his homestead. He afterward parted with a por- tion of the same to his friend and parishioner, W. W. Boyington, the well- known architect of Chicago, who built a fine residence thereon.
Soon thereafter, E. Ashley Mears purchased several tracts of land adjoin- ing and in the vicinity. making in all about 160 acres, and subdivided the same into lots as a part of the town plat, on which he erected a large number of dwelling houses and other buildings, including a fine and attractive residence for himself. The dwellings and buildings he erected were designed for sale to
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HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY.
individuals who might desire to purchase them and become citizens. He has sold a large number of them to permanent residents.
Like Highland Park, the ground of this place is covered with forest trees of natural growth, which add greatly to its beauty.
The handsome fence and park about the depot grounds never fail to attract attention.
The policy of Mr. Mears of building houses of style and price to suit all, and selling them on terms to bring them within the reach of all, has done much to build up this place and add to its population.
Among the original proprietors of property in this place were the following : John Churchill, E. Ashley Mears, Samuel Burkwell, H. Salyard, Henry Evarts, John Skidmore, William A. Baldwin, Louis Wood, Jonas Samson, F. F. Pratt, G. W. Eakle, Rev, Dr. Evarts, George Rose, James Quackenbush, J. J. Way, William H. Hoyner, James D. Robertson, James De Burges, S. C. Culps, Harry Pryke, John Fletcher, James E. Tyler, F. R. Wilson, Jirah D. Cole, Jr., B. F. Jacobs, J. E. Burchill, A. H. Walker, Lucius Willard, Thomas Foster and Simeon Mears.
TOWNSHIP OF ELA.
This, as a Congressional Township, is known as Township 43, north Range 10 east. The settlement of the town was commenced in the Fall of 1835. Among the early settlers were George Ela, John Robertson, S. A. Shephard, John E. Deil, George Cook, Leonard Loomis and Richard Archer.
The town takes its name from Hon. George Ela, one of the first settlers. He came in the Fall of 1835, and made a claim of land at Deer Grove, in the southern part of the town, and built a house there the following Spring, where he continued to reside until a few years ago, when he removed to Barrington Station, on the Cook County side of the line, where he still resides.
When the Commissioners divided the county into towns for township organ- ization, there was no expression of the inhabitants of this township concerning their wishes as to a name, presented to them. They were, therefore, left to select such name as they thought proper. Mr. Ela being one of the first settlers of the town, and being a prominent citizen, having served as a Representative of the county in the State Legislature, the name of Ela was considered by the Commissioners as highly appropriate ; they accordingly selected and fixed this as the name of the town.
The first post office in this town was established in 1844, at the house of George Ela, who was appointed Postmaster. The name of the office was Sur- ryse. This name was afterward changed to Ela.
This town is watered by the several branches of Indian Creek, which stream takes its rise mostly within its limits.
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HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY.
The groves of this town are Long Grove, Deer Grove and Russell's Grove. The woodland and prairie of this town are not so equally divided as in most of the other towns of the county; there being by far a greater portion of the latter. The prairies are dry and undulating and easy of cultivation.
A good share of the population is made up of Germans, who are character- ized for their integrity and habits of industry.
There is a beautiful lake in the western part of this town, called Lake Zu- rich, covering about 500 acres, lying in Sections 17, 18, 19 and 20. This lake was first visited by persons exploring for locations in 1835, and became known at first as Cedar Lake, from the large number of cedar trees around its banks.
In the summer of 1836, Seth Paine, of Chicago, visited the locality of this lake while exploring the country around in search of a place suited to his taste for a farm and rural home. Being forcibly struck with the beauty of this lake and the country in the vicinity, he decided to locate here and purchased a claim which had been made by some one on the south and east side of the lake.
Mr. Paine, being a man of taste and withal much ideality, desired that this lake should have a more attractive name; having in mind the reported beauties of Lake Zurich, of Switzerland, he gave that as the name of this lake.
Mr. Paine was at this time a merchant in Chicago. He was the junior partner of the firm of Taylor, Breese & Co., dealers in dry goods. He after- ward became a man of note for his eccentricities, and was indeed a remarkable man. Soon after the purchase of this claim, he commenced to put up buildings and improve the land. He occupied the place at first by tenants and hired help. He took up his residence there about 1841. Up to this time he had always ranked as a very snug business man, devoting himself exclusively to his busi- ness affairs, abstaining especially from the subjects of both religion and politics. This marked his character as peculiar, because at that day men were rare who were not zealous on either one or the other of these subjects. In his demeanor, Mr. Paine was morose, indulging in few words, giving attention to that only which was in the line of business.
Some two or three years after Mr. Paine took up his residence at Lake Zurich, he suddenly plunged into the Abolition movement, and commenced to advocate the abolition of slavery in the United States. He became promi- nent and exceedingly zealous in this movement. This was at a time when the agitation of this subject was very unpopular. Those who engaged in it were ridiculed by their neighbors and in the public prints without reserve. Paine now became loquacious, and was ready for a confab on the subject of abolition with any one. Among his neighbors he had one sympathizer and co-worker in this movement, in the person of Thomas Haggerty, who lived about three miles north, also in what is now the town of Ela; who is likewise remembered for his zeal, and as a pioneer in this movement.
As the Abolition movement grew in strength and proportions, and became a popular subject, Seth Paine suddenly became a lukewarm adherent. His
Ally that Saves Markegare Il.
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HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY.
specialty in the interest of the African slave gave way to a general sentiment in his mind that the whole human race was in a conditinn of moral slavery more terrible than slavery in other forms. His theory was that all restraint upon human conduct was in violation of natural law, and that the institution of civil government should be abolished. In this connection he considered the institution of marriage under our system as one equally oppressive with Afri- can slavery He would state the case something like this : By the relation of husband and wife, under our laws and customs, a man owns a woman, and she is subject to his absolute control as much so as the slave would be to his master. He would neither vote nor take part in administering the government in any manner. He refused to give countenance to judicial proceedings, either as a party litigant, or as a witness. If his testimony in court was needed, however, he held it to be his duty to aid his neighbor by stating on any occasion required what might be within his knowledge, but he would not give countenance to judicial proceedings by being sworn or taking an oath, no matter what penalty might be imposed for refusal.
He was the owner of considerable property, but he refused to pay the taxes assessed upon it. Payment of taxes he considered would also be a recognition of civil government, which he could not consent to.
He believed that people in communities should assemble often together for social intercourse and free discussion of subjects relating to their welfare. For this purpose he erected a commodious building in what is now the village of Lake Zurich, having a large hall for public meetings, which he called the Hall of Humanity.
He finally obtained some printing material, and had a paper printed for a time at Lake Zurich, called the Christian Banker, one or two numbers of which had some time before been issued in Chicago, where he for a time conducted a banking scheme, as he alleged, on Christian principles. After the paper was removed to Lake Zurich, however, its financial character was dropped, and it became devoted to the general subject of oppressed humanity.
Paine afterward removed to Chicago, and became interested in establishing a home for women who were unable to provide for themselves. In this he la- bored earnestly for several years. He obtained the co-operation of P. W. Gates, and other philanthropic individuals, and caused the erection of a very comfortable and good-sized building on the West Side, called the Woman's Home. It is well managed and has done much for many worthy women in indigent circumstances. Paine labored zealously for the benefit of this institu- tion until his death, a few years ago. Of him it may be justly said, as the Latinist would express it, Requiescat in pace.
It has been before noticed, in a preceding portion of this history, that Seth Paine built a steam saw-mill at Lake Zurich, in 1843. He afterward added a grist-mill, but both have long since disappeared.
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HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY.
What is now known as the town of Ela in early days contained a tavern, or house of entertainment for travelers, of considerable note. It was in the north part of the town, on the road from Half Day to McHenry. It was built by Erastus Houghton, who came from Vermont in the Fall of 1836, and soon thereafter built this house. He called it the "Yankee Tavern," which words he had painted on a sign board and put up in a conspicuous place. Quite a large business was done at this place for many years, and to this day the local- ity is remembered by the older inhabitants as the " Yankee Tavern."
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