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 26
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The first marriage occurring in the township is said to have been that of John G. Ragan with Miss Hannah Tucker, January 9, 1839. They were married by Hiram Kennicott, a Justice of the Peace.
The first child born in the township was David Booth, in November, 1837.
The first death which occurred in what is now the town of Fremont was Oliver Booth, who died in the Spring of 1840. He was buried at Bangs' Lake. The funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Samuel Hurlbut, father of Henry Hurlbut, now living in the town at Ivanhoe.
The first Justice of the Peace acting in this township was John G. Ragan. He was elected when this county formed a part of McHenry County, and com- missioned by Gov. Duncan, August 5th, 1837. He joined in marriage James M. Washburn and Hannah Hubbard, on the 6th of August, 1837. This was the first marriage in this county after it became a part of McHenry County.
On the 4th of July, 1842, a celebration of the day was held on Fort Hill, being the first occurrence of the kind in the township. The arrangements for the occasion were very complete and extensive, and a large congregation were as-
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sembled. People came from all parts of the county; a celebration of this kind at such a place, away off on the prairie, being considered a novel affair. The oration was delivered by George Thompson. During the day, an accident occurred, which cast a gloom over the occasion, and soon brought the proceed- ings to a close. A son of Elisha Clark, of Mechanics' Grove, was accidentally shot by a pistol in his own hands, and died soon after being removed home.
The first town meeting for this township under township organization was held at the house of Peter C. Schenck, on the first Tuesday in April, 1850. A. B. Partridge was chosen Moderator, and Christopher Seeber Clerk. The following persons were elected town officers : Hurlbut Swan, Supervisor : Christopher Seeber, Town Clerk ; Justices of the Peace, Sheldon Wood and Henry Ames ; Commissioners of Highways, William Colvin, Joel B. Sherman and Thomas H. Payne ; Constables, E. P. Pennaman and D. Gibbons ; Over- seer of the Poor, A. B. Partridge ; Collector, D. Gibbons.
The eastern portion of the township is mostly prairie, while the western portion is mostly woodland and oak openings. There is, however, a fair share of woodland in proportion to the prairie. A portion of Diamond Lake is in the southwest corner of this town, on Section 36. On Section 17 is another small lake or pond, called Grass Lake, from which Squaw Creek takes its rise, and runs northwestward into Fox River.
The inhabitants are mostly from the Eastern States, with a small share of Germans. The neat and tasty appearance of the farms in this township affords the best evidence of the perseverance and industry of its citizens.
The fruit nursery of Thomas H. Payne, Esq., is a matter worthy of a mo- ment's attention, and one which reflects much credit upon the flourishing town of Fremont. It contains about 100,000 trees of different kinds and varieties. He has also about thirty acres of orcharding, composed of bearing trees and of the choicest varieties of grafted fruit. He has about ninety varieties of apples, sixteen of plums, thirty of cherries, forty of pears, fifteen of grapes and five of apricots.
The valuation of property of this town for 1850, including both real and personal, was $73,150. The amount of tax computed thereon was $920.41.
The total assessed value of property for this year, 1877, was $382,349.
Hurlbut Swan is a prominent citizen of this township, and identified with its early history. He is a thrifty farmer in the north part of the town, and has held several public positions of honor and trust. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention of Illinois, in 1847. He was the first Supervisor of the town and was for two terms a Representative for Lake County in the State Legislature.
Thomas H. Payne, whose name has been mentioned as one of the early settlers of this township, has from an early day been a prominent citizen of the county. He was one of the County Commissioners, at the time of the removal of the county seat from Libertyville to Little Fort. It was his vote in the
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Board that decided the question in favor of Little Fort-the efforts of the people of the county at that day being to contribute all in their power toward building up the latter place, to make it a market place and point for shipment on the lake, it being before the days of railroads and before it was supposed that a railroad could be built and made successful from a point east of the lakes to this country. Mr. Payne has always been a man of great public spirit, earnest and zealous in whatever he undertakes, both in his own business affairs as well as in matters of public concern. He was the pioneer in this part of the country in the nursery and fruit business, and in this regard his labors have been of much value to the county. He is a brother of Henry B. Payne, of Cleveland, Ohio, and recently a member of Congress from that State.
John G. Ragan, whose name is also mentioned as among the earliest settlers of this town, who is so closely identified with its early history, and who has been styled the Patriarch of Fremont, has long been a prominent citizen of this township. He was elected County Commissioner in 1844, and was after- ward Sheriff of the county.
Charles H. Bartlett, who has been before referred to as one of the first County Commissioners of McHenry County and one of the oldest citizens of the county, is likewise a resident of this township, living near Diamond Lake. Mr. Bartlett, as has also been before stated, was one of the first County Com- missioners of Lake County, after it was set off from McHenry. He resided at that time near Libertyville, and the interest of those he more immediately rep- resented led him in the matter of the removal of the county seat to support the cause of Libertyville. His course, however, was characterized by candor, and he preserved the respect of the people.
The name of a citizen of this town, now nearly forgotten, may be mentioned in this connection to show an instance of personal integrity seldom equaled. A man by the name of Bates once lived in the central part of this town, who be- came partially insane. He had married a second wife, who had a family of children. After his insanity, he left his wife, sold his property and disap- peared for some time. He went to Chicago, and there called to see Philo Car- penter, a well known citizen there, who had been an old friend and acquaint- ance of his. He informed Mr. Carpenter that he had $800 that he wished him to take and keep until he called for it. Mr. Carpenter stated that he did not desire to take it on such terms ; that the church to which he belonged was then building a house of worship, and could use the money for a time and al- low him interest on it; that he would take his money for the use of the church, and repay it at. a time named, with interest. Bates accordingly handed him the money, refusing to take any note or evidence of the transaction whatever. Bates thereupon went away. The time for payment of the money arrived, but Mr. Carpenter heard nothing of Bates, neither did he know where he lived or had gone. Time rolled on, and finally Mr. Carpenter heard by accident that
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Bates was dead, and had left a widow in Lake County, in the town of Fremont. He at once communicated to the widow the fact that her husband had some years before left with him a sum of money, which awaited the order of his legal representatives. His administrator called on Mr. Carpenter and received the money, with interest. The name of Philo Carpenter is familiar to every one in the city of Chicago as a man of property and influence. He came to Chi- cago at an early day, and was very successful in business.
The first school house in this town was built in the Marsh settlement, on Section 33, about 1839. The first school taught was about the same time, in this house, by Laura B. Sprague, of Half Day.
The first church organization in this town occurred at the house of Alfred Payne, February 20, 1838, at which Rev. Mr. Blachford acted as Moderator, the church being Presbyterian in form of government. The following were the first members of the church : Elisha Clark, Cornelia Clark, Hiram Clark, Melinda Clark, Matthew Hoffman, Lucy Hoffman, Ira Harden, Phoebe Harden, Oliver L. Payne, Mary Payne, Mercy Payne, Alfred Payne, Naney Gridley, Paulina Norton, Emeline A. Schenck, Sarah Harden-in all, sixteen members.
The church was changed to Congregational in form of government in 1844. The first minister of the church, by some, is said to have been Rev. Joseph Payne; by others, Rev. Elbridge G. Howe. A house of worship for the church was first built at Libertyville in 1845. This building was finally aban- doned, and a church building was built in 1856 at Dean's Corners. Rev. A. R. Fox is the present minister. St. John's Church, Roman Catholic, was organized in 1841, and a church building was erected the same year, in the southwest part of the township, on Section 30, on land owned by John Murry. The first priest was John Guigan ; the present priest is Patrick O'Neil. The first members of the church were John Murry, Michael Murry, Hugh Devlin, Felix Givens, Robert Conmee, Michael Senott, John Roney, William Simmons, John Ryan.
The Methodist Episcopal Church at Diamond Lake was organized in this town in 1858. A church building was erected the same year. The first min- ister was Rev. H. S. Trumbull ; the present minister is W. A. Adrian. The first members of this church were as follows : William Wenban, Charles Whit- ney, Mrs. Daniel Cruver, Gideon Wenban, Samuel Hulbert, Mrs. Stephen Bennett. The present Trustees of the church are Alexander Bolinski, Fayette Butterfield, John Allison, Salem Cruver, C. G. Wenban. The Weslyan Meth- odists in this vicinity worship in the church building aforesaid ..
The St. Mary's German Roman Catholic Church, of this town, was organ- ized some twenty-five years ago. Their house of worship, which was built many years ago, is on Section 21.
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TOWNSHIP OF GRANT.
This township is situated on the western boundary of the county, and is only four miles in width. As a Congressional township it is known as Town- ship 45, north Range 9 east. It has the least population, and ranks the least in the assessed value of property of any town in the county.
Among the early settlers of this township were Harley Clark, Rufus Wil- lard, Robert Stanley, Chester Hamilton, Devereaux and Henry Goodale, T. D. and D. C. Townsend and Timothy B. Titcomb.
The first house in the township was built by Harley Clark, on the north side of Fish Lake, in the Summer of 1839.
This town was originally named Goodale, in honor of Devereaux Goodale. who was one of the early settlers, and then a resident of the town. Mr. Goodale stated to his neighbors that if the inhabitants would consent to have the town named after him he would proceed, within a reasonable time, and erect a town house, for the use of the town, at such point as might be selected. There were.but very few inhabitants in the township at the time, and as far as known they consented to this name.
A. certificate was laid before the Commissioners having the matter in charge. signed by Noah Dunbar, Chairman, and Wm. C. Neale, Secretary, setting forth that at a meeting of the citizens of Township 45, north Range 9 east, held in said township on the 18th of January, 1850, it was agreed that the same be named Goodale ; whereupon the Commissioners named it accordingly.
But the town house, promised in consideration of the name, was never built. Mr. Goodale soon afterward removed to California, and has never re- turned. In 1867, the name of the town was changed to Grant.
This town is watered by Fish Lake, Wooster Lake, Sullivan's Lake, Mud Lake, Duck Lake, Long Lake, part of the Pistakee Lakes and some two or three smaller ponds, not named ; also by Squaw Creek, which passes through the northern portion.
The Pistakee Lakes, so called, spoken of, are a chain of lakes in the western part of the county, which are attracting much attention of late as a place of resort for hunting and fishing, especially the locality within this township. These lakes are three in number. The first is commonly called Grass Lake, and the second, Fox Lake.
Although forty years have elapsed since the settlement of the country around these lakes was commenced, yet that portion in the immediate vicinity presents nearly as wild an appearance to-day as at the beginning. This results largely from the peculiar topography of the country. In some places the land is low and marshy. The shores of the lakes are irregular, interrupted by in- numerable nooks and points, and within the lakes are several islands.
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Before the settlement of the country, this was a place of general resort for the Pottawattomie tribe of Indians. This was within their country. Here were their villages and most extensive cornfields. The lakes were filled with fish ; the waters were covered with wild fowl, and the country around abounded in game.
In a newspaper published in Chicago in 1844, we found several articles referring to these lakes and country around, in one of which the writer states that it was Blackhawk's endeavor in commencing his war with the whites, in 1832, to reach this chain of lakes with his tribe as a place of security ; and the writer remarks that had Blackhawk succeeded in gaining this ground, the many points and islands of these lakes would have long secured his forces from an army unacquainted with the country. No authority is given for this conclusion, but a reference to Blackhawk's own account of the circumstances attending the commencement of his hostilities would lead to the correctness of this statement. This account shows that his plan was to form a coalition with the Pottawattomies, by which they would provide him a place of security for the women and children and old men of his tribe. These lakes were then in the heart of the Pottawattomie country. It is known that the Pottawattomies entertained Blackhawk's proposition at a three days' council on the Aux Plaines River, west of Chicago. It is said to have been defeated only by the efforts of Billy Caldwell and Alexander Robinson, two half-breed chiefs.
The following from Blackhawk's narrative, as given at Rock Island after his return from captivity in 1833, to Mr. J. B. Patterson, through the Gov- ernment Interpreter, will be found of especial interest in this connection, as confirming the opinion given of the original intention of this noted chief of coalition and finding security in the country of the Pottawattomies, as has been hereinbefore stated :
" About this time, Ne-a-Pope (who started to Malden, where it was ascer- tained that the great war chief, Gen. Gaines, was coming to remove us) re- turned. He said he had seen the chief of our British Father, and asked him if the Americans could force us to leave our village. He said : 'If we had not sold our village and land, the American Government could not take them from us. That the right being vested in us, could only be transferred by the voice and will of the whole nation ; and that as we had never given our consent to the sale of our country, it remained our exclusive property, from which the American Government never could force us away ! And that in the event of war we should have nothing to fear, as they would stand by and assist us." He said he had called at the Prophet's village, on his way down, and there learned for the first time that we had left our village. He informed me, pri- vately, that the Prophet was anxious to see me, as he had much good news to tell me, and that I would hear good news, in the Spring, from our British Father. The Prophet requested me to inform you of all the particulars. I would much rather, however, you should see him, and learn all from himself.
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But I will tell you that he has received expresses from our British Father, who says that he is going to send us guns, ammunition, provisions and clothing, early in the Spring. The vessels that bring them will come by way of Mil- wa-ke. The Prophet has likewise received wampum and tobacco from the different nations on the lakes-Ottawas, Chippewas and Pottawattomies-and as for the Winnebagoes, he has them all at his command. We are going to be happy once more !"
We-a pope said : "The Prophet told me that all the different tribes before mentioned would fight for us, if necessary, and the British would support us. My party having all come in and got ready, we commenced our march up the Mississippi-our women and children in canoes, carrying such provisions as we had, camp equipage, etc., and my braves and warriors on horseback, armed and equipped for defense. The Prophet came down and joined us below Rock River, having called at Rock Island, on his way down, to consult the War Chief, agent and trader, who (he said) used many arguments to dissuade him from going with us ; and requested him to come and meet us, and turn us back. They told him, also, that there was a war chief on his way to Rock Island, with a large body of soldiers.
The Prophet said he would not listen to this TALK, because no war chief dare molest us as long as we are at peace ; that we had a right to go where we pleased, peaceably, and advised me to say nothing to any braves and warriors until we encamped that night. We moved onward until we had arrived at the place where Gen. Gaines had made his encampment the year before, and encamped for the night. The Prophet then addressed my braves and warriors. He told them to "follow us, and act like braves, and we had nothing to fear but much to gain; that the Americans might come, but would not nor dare not interfere with us so long as we acted peaceably ! That we were not yet ready to act otherwise. We must wait until we ascend Rock River and receive our re-enforcements, and we with them be able to withstand any army ! "
That night, the White Beaver (Gen. Atkinson), with a party 'of soldiers, passed up in steamboats. Our party became alarmed, expecting to meet the soldiers at Rock River, to prevent us from going up. On our arrival at its mouth, we discovered that the steamboats had passed on. I was fearful that the war chief had stationed his men on some bluff, or in some ravine, that we might be taken by surprise. Consequently, on entering Rock River, we com- menced beating our drums and singing, to show the Americans that we were not afraid. Having met with no opposition, we moved up Rock River leisurely some distance, when we were overtaken by an express from the White Beaver with an order for me to return with my band, and recross the Mississippi again. I sent him word that I would not (not recognizing his right to make such a demand), as I was acting peaceably, and intended to go to the Prophet's village, at his request, to make corn.
968 Partiog
JUNIOR EDITOR " WAUKEGAN GAZETTE"
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"The express returned. We moved on, and encamped some distance below the Prophet's village.
" Having accomplished that, the White Beaver would not permit us to remain here. I began to consider what was best to be done, and concluded to keep up the river and see the Pottawattomies and have a talk with them. Several Win- nebago chiefs were present, whom I advised of my intentions. As they did not seem disposed to render us any assistance, I asked them if they had not seen us wampum during the winter, and requested us to come and join their people and enjoy all the rights and privileges of their country. They did not deny this, and said, if the white people did not interfere, they had no objection to our making corn this year with our friend, the Prophet, but did not wish us to go any further up.
" The next day, I started with my party to Kish-wa-co-kee. That night I encamped a short distance above the Prophet's village. After all was quiet in my camp, I sent for my chiefs, and told them we had been deceived ; that all the fair promises that had been held out to us, through Ne-a-pope, were false! But it would not do to let our party know it. We must keep it secret among ourselves and move on to Kish-wa-co-kee, as if all was right, and say something on the way to encourage our people. I will then call on the Potta- wattomies, and hear what they say and see what they will do. We started the next morning, after telling our people that word had just come from Mil-wa-ke, that a chief of our British father would be there in a few days.
"Finding that our plans were defeated, I told the Prophet that he must go with me and we would see what could be done with the Pottawattomies. On our arrival at Kish-wa-co-kee, an express was sent to the Pottawattomie villages. The next day a deputation arrived. I enquired if they had corn in their vil- lages. They said they had very little and could not spare any ! I asked them different questions and received unsatisfactory answers. This talk was in the presence of all my people. I afterward spoke to them privately and requested them to come to my lodge, after my people had got to sleep. They came and took seats. I asked them if they had received any word from the lake, from the British. They said no. I inquired if they had heard that a chief of our British father was coming to Mil-wa-ke, to bring us guns, ammunition, goods and provisions. They said no. I then told them what word had been brought to me, and requested them to return to their village and tell the chiefs that I wished to see them and have a talk with them.
" After this deputation started, I concluded to tell my people that if the White Beaver came after us we would go back, as it was useless to think of stop- ping or going on without provisions. I discovered that the Winnebagoes and Pottawattomies were not disposed to render us any assistance.
" The next day, the Pottawattomie chiefs arrived at my camp. I had a dog killed and made a feast. When it was ready, I spread my medicine bags and the chiefs began to eat. When the ceremony was about ending, I received
E
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news that three or four hundred white men, on horseback, had been seen about eight miles off. I immediately started three young men, with a white flag, to meet them and conduct them to our camp, that we might hold a council with them, and descend Rock River again, and directed them, in case the whites had encamped, to return, and I would go and see them. After this party had started, I sent five young men to see what might take place. The first party went to the encampment of the whites and were taken prisoners. The last party had not proceeded far before they saw about twenty men coming toward them in full gallop ! They stopped, and, finding that the white men were com- ing so fast in a warlike attitude, they turned and retreated, but were pursued and two of them overtaken and killed! The others made their escape. When they came in with the news, I was preparing my flags to meet the war chief. The alarm was given. Nearly all my young men were absent, about ten miles off. I started with what I had left (about forty), and had proceeded but a short distance before we saw a part of the army approaching. I raised a yell and said to my braves : 'Some of our people have been killed !- wantonly and cruelly murdered ! We must revenge their death ! '
" In a little while, we discovered the whole army coming toward us in full gallop ! We were now confident that our first party had been killed. I im- mediately placed my men in front of some bushes, that we might have the first, fire when they approached close enough. They made a halt some distance from us. I gave another yell, and ordered my brave warriors to charge upon them, expecting that we would all be killed. They did charge. Every man rushed and fired, and the enemy retreated in the utmost confusion and con- sternation before my little but brave band of warriors.
" After pursuing the enemy some distance, I found it useless to follow them, as they rode so fast. and returned to my encampment with the few of my braves (about twenty-five having gone in pursuit of the enemy). I lighted my pipe and sat down to thank the Great Spirit for what we had done.
" The next morning, I told the crier of my village to give notice that we must go and bury our dead. In a little while all were ready. A small depu- tation was sent for our absent warriors, and the remainder started. We first disposed of our dead, and then commenced an examination in the enemy's deserted encampment for plunder. We found arms, ammunition and provisions, all of which we were in want of-particularly the latter, as we were entirely without. We found also a variety of saddle-bags (which I distributed among my braves), and a small quantity of whisky, and some little barrels that had contained this bad medicine, but they were empty. I was surprised to find that the whites carried whisky with them, as I had understood that all the pale faces belonged to temperance societies.
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