Notes for Sesquicentennial History of Woodstock, 1852-1861
Title
Notes for Sesquicentennial History of Woodstock, 1852-1861
Creator
Date
2002
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en-US
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Text
Text
1852-1861 DECADE NOTES FOR HISTORICAL WOODSTOCK EVENTS Compiled by Joan H. Mansfield 2002
WOODSTOCK LIBRARY-ILLINOIS HISTORICAL SOCIETY MISCELLANEOUS NEWSPAPERS-MICROFILM
WOODSTOCK DEMOCRAT JUNE 1, 1852
1852 Unpaid tax lists-George C. Dean Lots 3 & 4 Block 15
Farm for sale-160 acres in Hartland-timber, prairie, mowing land-part under plow-along the Illinois-Wisconsin Railroad line-Flax seed-C.B. Durfee offers flax seed to farmers to grow flax The Bakers Concert at Presbyterian Church- vocal music Stores have new goods: N. Donnelley, G.W.Bentley, Lyon & Fuller
Soda fountain, ox marrow, bears' oil, rose oil and hair tonics-Woodstock Drug Store- also clover and garden seeds.
Lewis Boon selling good grist mill, saw mill, 180 acre farm with 2 houses and barn and 300 grafted apple trees, peach, plum, pear and cherry trees.
Advertised: Oak fence boards, oak lath and white oak planks for sale E.W. Smith Sawmill W. Mansfield advertises tin shop in Marengo Story: The governor of Ohio salary raised to $2000. Article: How to use chloroform Lime for sale at kiln in Greenwood
WOODSTOCK DEMOCRAT MAY 25, 1853 "
1853 People's Cheap Store
Unpaid tax lists: 160 ared sec 2: total due $691: previous year? $5.44 George C. Dean Lots 3 & 4 Block 15 $30.00 and $36.00
Board of Supervisors refused to grant license to sell intoxicating liquors due to "widespread evils arising from frequent indulgence in ardent spirits"
Board of supervisors appoints committee to look into grounds for new courthouse and jail and county offices.
Improvements; C.B. Durfee and Alonzo Anderson to build 2 more 3-story brick buildings to join Phoenix Block on east-site of recently burned Petrie and G. W. Bentley businessses. F.D. Austin, Post Master advertises 56 uncalled for letters at post office.
Advertise: Carriage and wagon making- Baker & Kelly-south side Public Square behind printing office.
Flax straw wanted need 200 tons- ? Dwight and Quartus Judd Illinois Wisconsin Railroad to replace board of directors.
Alvin Judd advertises - 2 horse carriage routes- to Union, Elgin, Beloit, Big Foot Prairie (Wisconsin), Geneva (Wisconsin) Waukegan
Wanted: Old iron, copper, puter (sic) & brass F. J. Mansfield Advertisement: Coffins-Black walnut made to order- short notice M. Haas
WOODSTOCK DEMOCRAT APRIL 5, 1854
Circuit court judge will not hold court in courthouse building-recommend renting a large hall. Horse thieves in Alton
Illinois Wisconsin Railroad board: issues call to shareholders for 25% on capital stock to be paid. Unpaid taxes: George Dean still owes on Lots 3 & 4 Block 15
Advertisers: W.A. Judd-large and commodious livery stable on Dundee Street; F.J. Mansfield, cooking stoves; Cheap Grocery Store, 16 lbs. first rate sugar $1.00.
WOODSTOCK DEMOCRAT MARCH 23, 1855
E. W. Smith Editor Removal of county seat
Illinois Wisconsin Railroad offers Express service, C.B. Durfee, Commission Merchant Wanted: 3,000 bushels of barley, will pay cash for wheat Osage orange trees for sale,
WOODSTOCK DEMOCRAT MARCH 29, 1855
F. D. Austin Editor
Church Services: Presbyterian church, R. K. Todd 10 Vi a.m.; Episcopal and Baptist at Durfee's Hall;
Methodist at Excelsior
The Rat Hole is rejuvenated- grocery store
Opening a coal yard
For Sale: Presbyterian old church building 26' x 45', 14' posts-to be removed or will be sold by public sale
Lots 7 & 8 in Block 2 Dwelling for sale, boarding house-20 boarders
Advertisement: Wm. A. Judd- Stallion $200 within 1 mile
Many legal notices for guardian of minors
Ad: McCahill & Austin- livery on Dundee Street
Ad: Chicago St. Paul Fond du Lac Railroad: trains run daily except Sunday; Lv. Chicago 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Arrive Woodstock 12 and 6:45 p.m. Leave Woodstock 7:45 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. and arrive Chicago 10:30 a.m. and 7:15 p..m.. Freight train leaves Chicago 8 a.m. arrives Woodstock 3:15 p.m.. Stages meet a.m. train at Brookdale, Cold Spring's Prairie, Chemung, Big Foot Prairie, and Delavan. Ad: Wait & Co. manufacture window sashes and doors.
Pasco Austin selling livery stable-50' x 65' on the ground and 2-stories high-located near the Depot of the railroad.
THE MCHENRY COUNTY UNION Woodstock APRIL 4, 1862 (included here out of order) Woodstock Democrat est. 1850 and Marengo Journal est. 1856 consolidated Oct. 4. 1861 to publish The McHenry County Union
COUNTY INTELLIGENCE
Chicago and Northwestern Railroad timetable.
County Board to inquire about $1,000 loaned to Agricultural Society from Swamp Lands fund. Rejected Dr. Davis claim for $5.00 for post mortem on Bridgett McMahon. Union caucus to meet at courthouse to select nominees for Woodstock officers. Tannery wants hides- has plastering hair for sale.
WOODSTOCK SENTINEL JUNE 15, 1859
Unpaid tax list: Alvin Judd is listed owing taxes on lots 7, 8,9,10,11 in Block 1: Leander Church owes taxes on lots 7,8,9 in block 2: F.J. Mansfield owes on lots 9,10,11,12 in block 5 and 2,5,8,9,7 block 14 and Lot 2 block 13(some is real property tax and some personal property tax unpaid by F.J.)
Legal notices of Sheriff s sales and Master's sales of real estate. Advertisement: Camphene, Turpentine, Burning Fluid for sale.
COUNTY INTELLIGENCE MAY 2,1860 Killing at Huntley Station - 2 Irishmen
WOODSTOCK SENTINEL MAY 15, 1861 A.E. & W.E. Smith Editors
Wed. May 13, 1861 Woodstock Light Guards are in camp at Fort Scott, Freeport, Illinois (Fair grounds) Ten companies. Left for Freeport 10 a.m. Sat. morning last, by train. 78 men and officers- no arms. The Woodstock rifles organized- To report on suitable uniforms-M.L. Joslyn Captain J.H. Johnson an officer: 6 officers and 51 men.
WOODSTOCK LIBRARY-WOODSTOCK SENTINEL 7/17/1856-8/29/1860 MICROFILM
1856 A.S. Smith- Dwight Sentinel Publishers G.L. Webb, T.F. Johnson #8 Phoenix Block 3rd floor.
Sends paper to Chicago to be printed-third page is pied. (7/31) 1856 Adv: A.W. Tappan's Ohio Store
house and 9 acres- $5,000
P.W. Murphy Surgeon Dentist-2nd floor of Old Rat Hole
Dickinson, Lyon & Co.- Produce Commission and Forwarding Merchants, Deals in Produce, Salt, Water Lime and Fruit
Hunt & Fuller- Lumber
Fuller, Johnson & Co.- Banking and Exchange Office- C.B. Durfee Agent: Exchange sold in Chicago, New York and other Atlantic coast cities and Europe. A.W. Fuller, Neill Donnelly, L.s. Church, Joel H. Johnson, C.B. Durfee, G.W. Bentley Office #4 Excelsior Block
Ambrotypes & Daguerreotypes- H.P. Wheeler
Exchange Hotel H.H. Hildreth prop. Corner Benton and Deitz- refurbished (8/7) 1856 Laying telegraph cable from London to New York (8/21)
1856 John C. Fremont for President, Wm. Bissell for Governor, A. Lincoln Elector At Large.
McHenry County Agricultural Society to meet to arrange holding sixth Annual Fair. J.H. Johnson Secy. (8/28)
1856 Boston Cheap Store advertises changes name to Woodstock Cheap Store
1856 Sixth Annual Fair of the McHenry County Agricultural Society (List of premiums) to be held Wed & Thurs Oct 8 & 9 (9/18)
WOODSTOCK LIBRARY-ABSTRACTS OF NOTICES PUBLISHED IN WOODSTOCK SENTINEL 1856-1862 PAMPHLET
1856 From Aug-Sep 1856 county-wide there were 15 divorces 39 marriages
1856-1861 Deaths diseases reported: scarlet fever, consumption dysentery, typhoid fever, cholera, putrid sore throat, stricture of bowel, inflammation of bowels, bleeding of the lungs, typhus fever.
1860 April 4 Scarlet fever death and again April 18, May 9, May 16, May 23
1861 Feb. Henry Waite-had visited Pike's Peak last summer.
1861 Mar. Indians prowling, may have kidnaped child near McHenry, not so- child lost and froze to death.
1861 Dec-March- in C.L. Scarlet fever 4 children die.
1861 May-Mustr roll of Woodstock Lt. Guards & Woodstock Rifles; list sons of Woodstock serving in other places. 1861 June- Light Guards still at Freeport
1861 July-Ladies of Woodstock meet to sew 100 "Havelocks" for the Light Guards at Alton. 1861 August-Light Guards a Fulton, Missouri, need clothes
1861 Capt. Joslyn left for Aurora with enough recruits. Volunteers can muster for cavalry at T.D. Murphy, Esq. Office,
1861 October-McHenry County Muster roll-Ladies Aid Society activities; McHenry County Cavalry at Washington, D.C.
1861 October 31 -son of Joseph Brown of Woodstock- member of the Light Guards dies of typhoid fever at Warsaw, Missouri-is second to die
1861 November-Man severly burned and wife's hands burned when liniment catches fire.
1861 A party of Pottawatomie Indians camped near Dufield's Lake-four men and 3 squaws and 3
papooses- 2 of the men visited Sentinel printing presss- "Big Sandy" spoke English-on their way home to Wisconsin after trip to beg pork & flour, etc. to last the winter.
1861 Rape trial of Levi Olmstead- Rape occurred 7/24/1860 in Chemung-escaped jail and recaptured 11/29/1860- seven years in Joliet.
1861 Some or all of Woodstock Light Guards become Co. A. 15* Regiment of Illinois Volunteers-third death-from consumption.
AT HOME: MCHENRY COUNTY HISTORY 1885
1861 Lincoln becomes President p. 125
1861 April 12 Confederates fire on Fort Sumpter p. 127
1853 To acquire lot to build new courthouse p. 207
1854 Legislature approves tax levy of 2 mills per $1 of real and personal property to build courthouse and jail p. 207
1855 A bill to legislature to have a vote to move county seat to Algonquin Township passes p. p. 207 1855 April Vote for removal of county seat 1,048, against 2,095 p. 207
1855 Ground owned by Mary McMahon, Hill's Tavern occupies, best site for courthouse if citizens of Woodstock would donate to county. Bought land for $3,000. Give old courthouse and site to town. (Old courthouse burns in 1858) p. 208
1855 Van Osdel & Baumann, Architect estimated cost of new courthouse at $34,000. P. 208
1857 New courthouse completed October 1, 1857 at $47,000. P. 209
1866 Before 1866 not a cheese factory in county. Western butter had a bad reputation for quality. P. 213
1867 Woodstock Cheese Factory p. 213
1852 McHenry County Agricultural Society organized . P. 215
1859 McHenry County Agricultural Society bouth 10 acres east of Woodstock p. 215
1866) M.C.A.S bought 5 more acres built exhibit hall p. 215
1867) M.C.A.S. bought 7 more acres p. 215
1855 Chicago, St. Paul & Fond du Lac Railroad reaches Woodstock p. 216 McHenry County overwhelmingly Democratic until 1856 then Republican p. 229 Population p. 235
1861 May- County appropriates $3,000 to Woodstock company and $3000 to Marengo/Union/Riley company- each to use $1,000 for uniforms and equipment-rest is for families. Levied tax of 2 V2 mills per $1 property for war and military purposes. P. 239
1861 Co. A (Woodstock) D, & F held as State militia until mustered into U. S. Service p. 239
1857 New Courthouse p. 549
1858-1859 Public Square graded and shade trees planted p. 549
1854 Dr. Baldwin took over drug store from Walters & Durfee- ran 3 years moved to Elgin p. 550 1852 Joseph Golder drug store (and Dr. Hedger who died) p. 550
1856 Drug store-O.S. Johnson & Dr. A.D. Merritt to Merritt to Frenchman to Holmes & Marvin to Dr Davis, Dr. Northrup to Nathan Jewett, Dr. Richardson to Richardson & Anderson, Murphy to L.T. Hoy & Murphy to LT. Hoy in 1880 sole proprietor p. 550
1855 Alvin Judd sold house/tavern/hotel to Martin Thrall-ran 5 years-to OA. Kent, enlarged and improved into Exchange Hotel until 1868 to H.H. Hildreth to John H. Thomas, burned in 1872 p 551
1854 Roswell Enos built small tannery-burned within few years p. 551
1856 Steam flouring mill G.B. Dake, C. Quinland north part of city-no profit; grist mill in Phoenix Block p. 551
1852 C.B. Durfee opened bank-2 years-failed to Fuller, Johnson & Co. to
1856 National Bank p, 552
1860 Fire: Feb 24: East side of Public Square-Clapp's Tin Shop-little damage
1860 Fire: Feb 25 M.L. Joslyn livery in main loft-destroyed-horses saved-saloon and furniture rooms burned; Irishman Cosgrove arrested, p. 558
1854 Police Ordinance for Woodstock p. 565
1857 Woodstock Fire engine purchased but not workable p. 560
1853 F.D. Austin becomes Postmaster until 1857 p.560 1857 Dr. O.S. Johnson is postmaster until 1861 p. 560
AT HOME- MCHENRY COUNTY DIRECTORY 1877
1857 New courthouse at cost of $40,000 p. 81
1858 Old courthouse burns p.81
1855 Woodstock Sentinel- Republican p. 83
1856 Argus newspaper-not long p.84
1861 Union newspaper-not long p. 84]
1861 Todd's school building burns-was open for 12 weeks-150 students-Cosgrove burned it-prison 6 years. Reopened school in basement of Presbyterian Church until 1867 then moved to new addition to his house. P. 87
1861 Sheriff has office and residence in the courthouse p. 100
1855 Judd sold house to Mr. Trail-moved to former Exchange site p. 101
1856 Waverley House built cheap-then enlarged ; American House on west side of square p. 101
1854 Brick wheat storehouse built-large quantity of wheat grown-M. W. Hunt, Fuller & Lyon p. 102
1855 June-first train came through on broad gauge-enough wheat to load several such trains as run at that time. The wheat moved, the gauge was changed. P. 102
1853 Tannery erected by Swartout & Enoch-had well 4' square-found a tamarack tree 16' long below ground; tannery burned in 1862 or 1863 p. 102
1852 Steam saw mall ran 4 years-closed-used up a large number of oak logs. P. 102 1855 A. W. Tappan opened store p. 102
1854 Burtschy's brewer near barn of old Woodstock House burns, barn is saved. Mr. Bertschy purhased Rich & McCahill house, built an addition and commenced manufacturing beer. John died, Len Burtschy became owner in 1857 and 1859 sold & various owners p. 103
1855 Haas & Griffing built first ice house at Dufield's Lake p. 103
1852 Price per lb. For wool- 42-45 cents (in America well-fed,, well-tended sheep produces approx. 5
lbs. of wool annually) p. 65
HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM-FIRE FILE/WOODSTOCK
1860 February 24-Fire at Clapp's Tin Store east side of square-small damage
1860 February 25-Fire in loft of livery stable on Main Street owned by M.L. Joslyn-destroyed-Henry Sherwood's saloon and R.G. Schryver's furniture rooms destroyed.
AT HOME-WOODSTOCK MINUTES 1852-1856-PHOTOCOPY
1852
8/2 Election held for president, treasurer, constable and six trustees: President Alvin Judd 89;
William Harberson 1; Treasurer/Assessor Charles Fitch 75; Robert Metcalf 10;
Constable/Collector Nelson W. Herich 40; William Harbison 1; Trustees, North Ward Joseph
Goulder 46; Lawrence S. Church 47; Ira C. Trowbridge 45; Trustees, South Ward; Geo H.
Griffing 39; Cyrus B. Durfee 40; Ithrum Taylor 40; Geo. W. Bentley 1. 8/21 First meeting of Board of Trustees of Town of Woodstock held at the courthouse. Chas. Fitch
appointed clerk; John Brink, Town Surveyor; George W. Bentley South Ward Street
Commissioner; Arad Sly North Ward Street Commissioner 11/13 Petition approved and appraisers appointed to extend Tryon south from south boundary of
village plat through lands owned by f.w. Smith, Emily Hutchins, Elijah Burbank and Chas Fitch
to intersect with the Marengo & Dundee Road. 11/22 Vacated the alley on Block 9 of village platt.
11/17 Constable submitted bill for service on 6 appraisers $1.80 and 6 miles travel 30cents. 12/13 Appraiser report on extending Tryon Street awarding $20 to Elijah Burbank. Ordered it to be surveyed.
1853
1/3 Voted to annul Tryon Street extension. Voted to levy tax 40 cents per $100 of assessed value. 1/10 Voted Tryon Street be extended and surveyed.
1/31 Appointed appraisers for Tryon Street again. Voted to rent meeting rooms from Ira Trowbridge at 50 cents per meeting.
1/7 (sic) Passed ordinance #2 regulating dogs and sluts that run at large, unmuzzled. Permission
to shoot or kill. 3/3 Appointed appraisers again.
3/19 Passed ordinance to extend Tryon St. north from north line of platt to Chemung Road.
4/2 Approved payment of $38.93 to five people for city services. Treasurer reported $240 in taxes
collected. Voted to spend $150 on streets. Passed an ordinance providing for impoundment of
any hog, sow or pig running at large. 4/11 Election April 4: President Alvin Judd; Treasurer F.W. Smith; Trustees Wm. B. Hart, F.I.
Mansfield, Lindsey Joslyn, Arad Sly, Chas. M. Willard, Erick Knudsen. Tie vote for Constable:
James M. Kimball wins draw cuts. 4/18 Passed resolution that Board will not grant license for sale of ardent spirits. 4/25 Street Commissioners paid $ 1.25 per day while working from tax & commutation money and
$1/ day from State Road Tax. Voted to require every able-bodied male citizen to work 3 days or
roads or commute the work for 75 cents per day Fin of 25 cents adopted for failure to remove
obstructions from streets. Voted to levy tax of 20 cents per $100 in the outer limits. 5/2 Treasurer reported $232.09 town funds on deposit with C.B. Durfee. 5/30 Ordinance adopted to prohibit strong beer or porter sold, given or drank on Sundays. 6/13 First petition to build sidewalk. Nelson Blakeslee & F.I. Mansfield Brick Block north east
Geo H. Griffing 39; Cyrus B. Durfee 40; Ithrum Taylor 40; Geo. W. Bentley 1.
8/21 First meeting of Board of Trustees of Town of Woodstock held at the courthouse. Chas. Fitch appointed clerk; John Brink, Town Surveyor; George W. Bentley South Ward Street Commissioner; Arad Sly North Ward Street Commissioner
11/13 Petition approved and appraisers appointed to extend Tryon south from south boundary of village platt through lands owned by f.w. Smith, Emily Hutchins, Elijah Burbank and Chas Fitch to intersect with the Marengo & Dundee Road. 11/22 Vacated the alley on Block 9 of village platt.
11/17 Constable submitted bill for service on 6 appraisers $1.80 and 6 miles travel 30cents. 12/13 Appraiser report on extending Tryon Street awarding $20 to Elijah Burbank. Ordered it to be surveyed.
1853
1/3 Voted to annul Tryon Street extension. Voted to levy tax 40 cents per $ 100 of assessed value.
1/10 Voted Tryon Street be extended and surveyed.
1/31 Appointed appraisers for Tryon Street again. Voted to rent meeting rooms from Ira Trowbridge at 50 cents per meeting.
1/7 (sic) Passed ordinance #2 regulating dogs and sluts that run at large, unmuzzled. Permission to shoot or kill.
3/3 Appointed appraisers again.
3/19 Passed ordinance to extend Tryon St. north from north line of platt to Chemung Road.
4/2 Approved payment of $38.93 to five people for city services. Treasurer reported $240 in taxes collected. Voted to spend $ 150 on streets. Passed an ordinance providing for impoundment of any hog, sow or pig running at large.
4/11 Election April 4: President Alvin Judd; Treasurer F.W. Smith; Trustees Wm. B. Hart, F.I. Mansfield, Lindsey Joslyn, Arad Sly, Chas. M. Willard, Erick Knudsen. Tie vote for Constable: James M. Kimball wins draw cuts.
4/18 Passed resolution that Board will not grant license for sale of ardent spirits.
4/25 Street Commissioners paid $1.25 per day while working from tax & commutation money and $ 1/ day from State Road Tax. Voted to require every able-bodied male citizen to work 3 days on roads or commute the work for 75 cents per day Fine of 25 cents adopted for failure to remove obstructions from streets. Voted to levy tax of 20 cents per $100 in the outer limits.
5/2 Treasurer reported $232.09 town funds on deposit with C.B. Durfee.
5/30 Ordinance adopted to prohibit strong beer or porter sold, given or drank on Sundays.
6/13 First petition to build sidewalk. Nelson Blakeslee & F.I. Mansfield Brick Block northeast corner bock 14 on Van Buren. (Specifications listed) comparable to that along Phoenix Block. Estimated at 37 1/2 cents per foot. 1 1/2" x 10' oak planks.
6/27 Ordinance adopted : $25 fine for anyone who sells, barters or allows consumption of any vinus, spiritious or mixed liquors less than 1 gallon.-to prevent tippling.
8/8 Voted to charge circus $5.00 to exhibit. Passed ordinance providing impoundment and sale at auction and fines for any cattle or horses at large between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Passed ordinance to prevent shooting of firearms in town, or canon, anvil or gun barrel
7/14 Establish a police force "Whereas , confusion and turmoil seems to be the order of the day and drinking and dissipation and street fights are practiced by many transient persons of this Town and surrounding County endangering the lives of peaceable citizens and bringing disgrace upon our otherwise moral and peaceable village". To appoint one chief and 6 assistants to suppress intoxication and rioting. Fine is $3 to $100 and $1 jailer fees plus $1 to arresting officers plus $1 for Justice of the Peace or commit to county jail and credited $1.50 per day. Chief can summon additional police from citizens- if they refuse pay $25 fine. Pay police $1 per duty day. Can carry a club 1 54" in diameter 2 14 feet long. President to act if Chief is absent. President to appoint chief Board appointed Thomas Lushbrooke, Arad Sly, Michael McCahill, Caleb Rich, Albert Rich, John Donnelly with Chas. M. Willard as Chief. Petition from Mrs. E.W. Baldwin and 117 other ladies for re-enactment of prohibition ordinance. Lushbrooke refuses police job; Robert G. Schryver appointed. More sidewalk business.
7/16 Repealed previous prohibition ordinance. Reenacted previous ordinance known as Jacksonville ordinance. Proposed amendment that Able W. Fuller only person to sell spiritous vinous, malt and mixed liquors-lost.
8/7 Wm. Besley wants to manufacture beer.
9/11 Town to build more sidewalks that haven't been completed. Chicago, St. Paul railroad called upon to dig ditches because water is accumulating: railroad is obstructing creek drain. Bill for plank for bridge on Clay Street $370. Repealed the Jacksonville ordinance. Levied 3 mills per $ 1 assessed value real and personal property. Permitted dramatic troups to exhibit without a license.
12/1 Issued writ to bring J.H. Johnson to board- before service Mr. Johnson came and took his seat. More sidewalks. To write a license ordinance. $2.00 fine for not attending meetings unless excused.
12/7 Adopted ordinance on licenses-allows liquor license-regulates groceries, taverns and billiard
tables-to take effect 12/27/1855. 12/12 To get a statement from ex-treasurer Smith to report on finances during his term.
1856
1/29 Fined trustees J. Donnelly, J.H. Johnson, Caleb Rich $2 each for non-attendance.
1/23 Town surveyor to estimate amount of earth to be removed from street on west side of Public
Square and from west side of Public Square. To get estimate for cost of fencing Public Square.
Allow courthouse contractors to use and occupy streets around building to pile up all and any
mat'Is necessary for construction. To build previously ordered sidewalks. More sidewalks
requested. A. Sweatman's liquor license revoked. 3/1 Treasurer to invest money at 10% interest. 3/24 More sidewalks-Cass, John, Van Buren-8feet wide, planks 1 !4".
4/5 Bill for $24.09 for lumber to build sidewalk crossings. Vacates alley in Block 9. Pay clerk Geo. A. Austin for services, rent, wood, lights and stationery $125. But he has to turn over town money.
4/7 Election: Neil Donnelly President; M. Church Constable/Collector; L.W. McMasters
Treasurer/Assessor; Trustees: E.M. Lamb, H. M. Wait, Arad Sly, Melvin B. Baldwin, Caleb Rich, John Donnelly.
4/22 Merrill C. Johnson new clerk. Demand records and papers from previous clerk. John Donnelly and John Fury liquor licenses delinquent. Use Argus newspaper. Liquor license trouble with and without licenses. Three days road tax or 75 cents per day.
5/6 Bill for $7 for gunpowder bought to celebrate election to move county seat. Seek town moneys held by Judson Kimberley. Clerk to buy new book and copy proceedingof the present board and
the Ordinance on Licenses. 5/13 Refused to pay for gunpowder. Engineer's report on grade of west side of Public Square 2,460
cubic yards to move. Still seeking records from previous clerk G.A. Austin. Rejected bond of
L.W. McMasters, Treasurer. 5/20 Town money left with Trowbridge to meet hgis liabilities to corporation. Letter to Chicago, St.
Paul & Fond du Lac Railroad regarding poor condition of crossings. Let bid to R.G. Schryver to
grade public square at 16 cents per cubic yard. Vacate an alley. Special election for vacant
Treasurer/Assessor position. No money to fence Public Square. Motion to appropriate $400 for
grading is lost. Neil Donnelly resigns-tabled by Board and later expunged 6/9/1856 from record.
North ward street commissioner to spend 1/3 of his money to grade Johnson Street. South ward
to spend 1/4 of his money to grade Johnson Street. 6/9 Received complaint that John Fury's grocery store is a nuisance. Wm. A. Judd and Charles Lyor
are delinquent in liquor licenses. 6/16 Ira Slocum in special election receives all 27 votes and is elected Treas./Assess.
AT HOME-MINUTES 1856-1874 TRANSCRIPTION 1856
7/10 Nuisance reported in rear of Excelsior Block.
10/14 To collect money from former Treasurer S. W. McMaster. Thomas Sherman, Judson Kimberley, Wm. Rider, Mr. Peterson, Mr. Alvin Judd, Charles Lyon selling intoxicating liquors without a license. Road tax: 3 mills on the dollar on personal property. Voted to pay clerk $50. Street Commissioners to build sidewalks -will sell the land under sidewalks to pay expenses.
12/29 To widen Benton Street. "A random discussion ensued in which all generally and none in
particular took part." Bill presented for building sidewalk on north side of Public Square of (188 14 feet at 36 cents per foot) of $67.86 and paid.
1857
1/19 Adopted license ordinance regulating bowling saloons.
1/26 Re-enacted license ordinance. Paid Hunt & Fuller for lumber for sidewalks $35.70. M.B.
Baldwin present bill for $4.80 for 1/4 expense of building sidewalkl20 feet at 16 cents peer foot
along lots 3 & 4 south side Calhoon street. 1/30 More sidewalk petitions. 2/13 Inspect ladders at H.M. Wait's shop
2/20 Ladders well and substantially made $5 for under 30 feet (blank) for over 30 feet. Voted to send
Neil Donnelly to shop for fire engine. 3/2 Voted to purchase fire engine from Chicago for $500. Hose carriage $5-$30, hose $1 per foot.
100 feet of hose to be purchased. More sidewalk business. A. Judd & Son license-license Scott
& Jackson.
3/30 Petition to extend Wentworth Street to railroad and renamed Main Street. More sidewalks.
Treasurer reports $612.66 monies received; spent $586.66- balance $25.59. Bills totaling $53.65 ordered paid as had been previously approved. (Treasurer's Report follows) 1856 taxes not paid, cannot get McMaster's books and he has $829.10 of town money- GA. Austin, former clerk has $127.50.
4/6 Election: Full slates-close vote: less than 150 voters. M.B. Baldwin President; C.W. Craig Constable/Collector; Ira Slocum Treasurer/Assessor; Trustees: M.W. hunt, E.M. Lamb, E. Richards, Lindsey Joslyn, Chas. Schryver, p.B. Enos. Voted on repeal of City Charter; 213 against repeal; 17 for repeal.
4/14 New board-re-organizing-1 or 2 Street Commissioners?-seeking records and present financial
condition. Licenses: who, by whom granted, expiration? Fire company organized to get fire engine.
4/20 Sidewalks and street crossings. Only one Street Commissioner. Elected M.C. Johnson Clerk. To
draft an ordinance for Fire Dept. Paid $5 for copies of Amendments to Act of Incorporation to
O.M. Hatch, Secy of State. 4/27 New street-sidewalks. F.D. Austin bill of $13.00 for printing submitted again. Adopted fire
ordinance, To widen Benton Street. Daniel Joslyn elected Chief of Police. To buy a suitable
desk for the town.
AT HOME- MINUTES 1856-1874 ORIGINAL BOOK (Has since been given into Library Director's custody) 1857 continued
5/5 Approved new street across block 21. Sidewalk. Voted to widen Benton Street with 20 feet from Public Square. Report the Ex-Fireman from Chicago said they never claimed the engine would throw watter (sic) and would take it back. More sidewalks and street crossings. Voted to have desk made as couldn't find a suitable one in Chicago. Adopted amendments to police Ordinance. George Tyler appointed City Surveyor. Swore in 5 police officers.
5/19 Adopted Health Ordinance. Engine Co. No. One asked that fire engine be returned to Chicago. ; G.S. Greenly to build desk for $25. Printing to be done by Argus and Sentinel. Ask to widen Lake Street.
5/26 Ask to open new street from west end of Calhoun west to John Wood property. Granted. To be public hearing on above. Motion lost to purchase trumpet for foreman of hose Co. No. One. Adopted ordinance setting fines for immoderately riding or driving a horse and for trains faster than 10 m.p.h.
5/28 Public Hearing-Property owners protest new street. 6/12 Ordinance passed to repeal License Houses ordinance.
6/15 Ask Dundee road be taken up and Dean Street extended over said road. Crossings and sidewalks. Damages to be assessed for land taken to build Lake Street. Sidewalks. To meet third Monday every month.
7/27 Sidewalks. New street east side of railroad. Abrogate part of South Street east of Sec. 8. Ask
extend Tryon Street south to intersect with Woodstock-Dundee Road. 8/5 Approved Tryon Street extension. 8/25 To widen Cass, Johnson and Van Buren Street 20 feet.
8/31 Ordinance to extend Dean Street southward to south line of corporate limits. To license billiard
tables, bowling, saloons, etc. 9/8 Adopted ordinance to extend Benton Street to Clay St. Adopted ordinance to take 20 feet off
Public square to be addd to Van Buren, Johnson and Cass Street-making streets 80 feet wide.
Ordinance adopted on combustible matter left or build hog pen, hen house or cattle yard or
deposit manure or heavy wood in streets, lanes or alleys; fine $3 to $10 for every offense. To
survey and platt corporation. Fine of $ 1 set for board members who are late to meetings.
Appoint W. Burton as trustee to replace E. Richards, who resigned. 10/17 To look for suitable building for Fire Department. More sidewalks. Required to register and pay
tax of $1 per head for all dogs, sluts or pups. $1.25 fine per day. 12/28 Paid V. Tracey $2 for burying dogs. More sidewalk business. Levied a property tax of 5 mills on
a dollar. Woodstock Democrat to be publisher of ity. O.S. Johnson appointed to fill vacancy of
Trustee E.M. Lamb who is removing from the corporation.
1858
1/14 Election held for two trustees of north ward. O.S. Johnson & H.M. Wait win. More sidewalks.
Ordinance adopted to levy special tax against property owners who have failed to build
sidewalks as required by ordinance and corporation has built them. Series of ordinances levying.
Repealed levy ordinance of 12/28/1857 because of lack of quorum. 1/25 Paid $1.50 to T. Beardsley for fire watch. Built a sewer across Washington Street $6.50. More
sidewalk ordinances to levy against property. 2/15 Bill for storing fire engine $1.50. Reported on constitution of Excelsior Engine Co. No. 2. Levy
property tax of 3 mills per dollar. Ordered Fire Warden to notify F.D. Austin to remove ashes
from adjoining room behind the Democrat- in violation of Fire ordinance and fined $10. 3/22 Ask to cut off 6 feet from east side of Dean Street and add it to west side. J. Eddy bill $82.83 for
boarding prisoners. 3/29 Still trying to settle with ex-treasurer McMasters.
4/6 Paid bills for rent $19.30, storing fire engine and fire wardens $9 and police $3.
4/12 Reported election of President M.W. Hunt; Police Magistrate Enos W. Smith,
Constable/Collector C.W. Craig, Treasurer/Assessor B. Carter; Trustees: H.B. Burton, C. M. Willard, N. S. Wicker, G.B. Drake, W.P. Jewett, Calvin Pike. Full slate in opposition.
5/10 Levied poll tax 2 days-commute 75 cents per day. Clerk to purchase stationery and fluid for lamps. Levied property tax of 1 mill for road and highway purposes.
5/17 Rescinded previous levy and levied 2 mills on one dollar for property tax for road and highway.
5/24 Ask for sewer on north side of Calhoun from SW corer Block 14 to bridge on Jefferson Street.
Petition with 172 signatures for prohibiting sale of liquor. Ordinance adopted for suppression of sale of such liquors, unless licensed. Licenses $50-$ 100. Albert Rich appointed Police Chief-Assistants; J.A. Whiting, S. van Curen, G. Watrous, W.B. Hill, Chas. R. Rumsey, Malachi Church. Clerk to publish ordinance on fast driving.
7/19 Sewer on Calhoun Street rejected. Amended Prohibitory Law passed 5/24/1858 to define
licenses. (See page 649 in Minute Book) To make repair to cell provided for police court. (See also Ten Pin Alley Ordinance on page 630 of Minute Book.)
8/28 Police cell ready except for a mattress. Robert Schryver elected Police Chief to replace Albert Rich.
9/8 Sidewalks on Chemung Road and extension of Wicker Stret. 10/4 To grade and fence public square for $569.99.
11/29 Notify Owen McCoy, Valentine Fay, George Sherwood, Frederick Bertchey, Jospeh B. Wright to remove any spiritous, vinous or malt liquors in their possession out of town or be prosecuted. To extend Wicker Street. Mr. Jewett becomes Fire Warden.
12/9 Reported 9 liquor licenses. Series of licenses granted plus 5 at next meeting- fourteen licenses in all.
1859
3/17 More sidewalks.
3/29 Levied a property tax of 4 mills to the dollar and $200 appropriated to complete improvements to Public Square.
4/4 Election: President H.B. Burton, Treasurer/Assessor George Tyler, Constable/Collector S. van Curen, Trustees: P.W. Murphy, Cornelius Quinlan, Alvin Judd, Geo. Hebard, Geo. R. Griffing, Chas. Schryver, Clerk C.B. Watrous.
4/22 Appoint Adam Givins Town Surveyor; Police chief and six assistants. Complaint that Chicago, St. Paul and Fond du Lac railroad obstructing street crossings. Petition by 100 for abolition of all liquor licenses and adopt Jacksonville Ordinance. Mr. Walsh had an alabi but Mr. Collier was bound over on police assault. Sentinel is printer for town. A.G. Rich is Police chief.
5/4 Try to settle with old collectors. Levied poll tax of 2 days $1.50 commutation. Levied 2 mills on real estate. Highway known as Union Road running west from corner of cemetery to limits be called and extension of South Street.
5/9 Repeal first amendment to Liquor Ordinance. Passed replacement for it. R. G. Schryver
appointed sexton to take care of cemetery at $ 1.50 per grave. Appointed to survey and make a plot of cemetery and examine fences.
5/14 Want railroad to remove obstruction of South Street. Sidewalk update. Recommended removal of cemetery as unfit for burial purposes. To look for new grounds for cemetery. Ask to vacate South Street from its junction with Smith Street eastward. Instruct contractors on Public Square take 5 feet from each corner and rounding, erect three rails. Seek bids to seed and manure public square. To threaten liquor sellers to comply with law, appoint Vigilance Committee to report. Whole board is committee. More tinkering with Liquor Ordinance.
5/30 Ask to build a sewer and bridge on Jefferson Street at west corner of Lot 5 in Blk 15 west(?) side of Calhoun. Committee to set out trees on Public Square.
6/20 Paid Joslyn $25 for building sewer along Calhoun Street.
7/2 C.B. Durfee reported suitable 20 acres available on road running west from Jackson Street for
$1000 for cemetery. Complaints of pools and ponding stagnant water on railroad ground in rear of steam mill. Complaint that Dietz Street, east of the railroad, needs repair and grading-impassable for teams.
7/30, 8/6,9/26 More sidewalk business.
10/27 More sidewalk business. Paid Alvin Judd $4.00 for watering trees in the Public Square.
11/10 Paid John Eddy $84.63 for boarding prisoners in 1858. Water from sewers on Public Square
overflowing L. Joslyn property on east side of Square. Ten liquor licenses. 12/26 Ask to vacate East Street.
1860
1/7 Small Pox has appeared-To prevent further spreading by taking charge of Miles Lyon house.
Health Committee to make daily reportof the progress or condition of the disease. 1/30 Paid Dr. P.W. Murphy $12 for attendance in small pox.
3/23 Paid Joseph Petrie $15.00 for ten days for fire warden in 1858 and 1859. Paid night police 41.25
per night for services rendered during recent fires. 3/31 Paid A.G. Rich Street Commissioner $140.52.
4/2 Election; President Neil Donnelly, Treasurer/Assessor Walter P. Jewett, Constable/Collector Sabine Van Curen; Trustees: W. B. Burton, O.S. Johnson, L. H. Davis, Enos W. Smith, W.P. Jewett, R.F. Crawford.
4/15 To plant (more?) Trees on Public Square.
4/23 E. E. Richards appointed Clerk. David Joslyn Street Commissioner; Sabine Van Curen Police Chief. Reduce liquor licenses to $50. 5/8 More sidewalks
5/23 Liquor licenses needed by liquor sellers. Rescinded ordinance on billiard tables. Board
members to buy lumber for bridges on a 90-day credit.
6/4 More cemetery and sidewalk business. Captain of Police to procure shutters for lock-up.
7/2 More liquor license business. Treasurer reports cash on hand $1.15. Street Commisioner to
make street from Jackson to new cemetery grounds passable.
8/6 Adjustment to cattle at large ordinance-makes fines the same as hog ordinance. 10/15 More sidewalks 12/30 More sidewalks.
1861
1/7 Reported unfavorable to crossing under railroad at Calhoun Street. Reported 43 trees in Public Square living-to pay Mr. Hebard $18.00 and C.S. Sloan $15.96 for same. To cite Street Commissioner to appear.
3/18 Street Commissioner appears- told to collect road levy. Finance report- $16.01- no tax levied fo: past two years except road tax.
4/8 Annual election results: President M.L. Joslyn, Police Magistrate J.B. Church,
Constable/Collector H. Hathaway: Trustees: O.s. Johnson, A.W. Fuller, L.H. Davis, George A.Griffing, J.C. Choate, Chas. Crawford; Treasurer/Assessor C.B. Durfee. For repeal of town charter 45; against repeal 95. To publish town president's inaugural speech with minutes. E.E. Richards is Clerk.
4/16 More sidewalks. Amended cattle and horses at large ordinance to require strays to be turned ovei
to Pound Master. 4/28 Liquor license and sidewalk business.
5/16 More sidewalks business. Street Commissioner to continue sewer on Dietz south to railroad. From June to December mostly non-quorum or paid bills and more sidewalks.
AT HOME- STATE OF ILLINOIS 17™ GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMENCING JUNE 7, 1852
PAGES 154-161 PHOTOCOPY
June 22, 1852 Illinois General Assembly approves law " to costitute a body politic and corporate to be known by the name of The President and Trustees of the town of Woodstock".
The boundaries commence at the SE corner of the N W 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Sec 8 T. 44, R 7E, thence north one mile, west one mile, south on mile and east one mile to the beginning. (It may be that the beginning point is slightly west of the south end of present day Smith Street)
To have president and six trustees-serve without compensation- twowards- south of Dietz and Jackson is South Ward; north of same is North Ward.
Annually, first Monday in April, elect three trustees from each ward and a president, Treasurer and ex-officio assessor, Constable and ex-officio collector. First special election first Monday in August 1852.
Treasurer and Constable to post $1000 bond. Board appoints clerk, town surveyor and one street commissioner for each ward. The president shall have concurrent jurisdiction with justices of the peace. Two trustees in each ward and a clerk they choose are the election officials. To meet the third Monday in April, July, October and January.
Powers: For general purposes may levy 70 cent per $100 of assessed value of real and personal property. May regulate nuisances, animals at large, bridges, auctions, taverns, groceries, theatrical and other shows, billiard tables, ball alleys and other amusements and prohibit gambling houses and other disorderly houses. To establish and maintain bridges, markets, streets, avenues, lanes, alleys, drains and sewers, fire departments, dig wells and erect pumps, regulate storage of gunpowder and combustibles. The president or a justice of the peace may hear and determine violations.
If 2/3 of owners on any street apply- may require sidewalks to Be built and town pays 1/4 of cost when built.
May advertise those who have not paid general levy or sidewalk levy and 60 days later sell the lot. Have power to buy a property and levy per capita tax for road purposes and within Vi mile outside city limits if county not taxing them.
Special election in August: South ward votes at district school; north ward at courthouse. Election judges: South ward Geo. W. Bentley and Lindsey Joslyn; north ward Joseph Goulder and Henry M. Wait. Results to be returned to county clerk. Ties are decided by lot.
Section 22: President is ex-officio member of county board with equal power and pay.
Section23: Monday July 26 an election to be held to approve accepting this act forming town. Circuit clerk in charge. Polls open 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. If it fails, whenever 30 legal voters shall file a written request with the county clerk another election is to be held. Approved June 22, 1852 5/30/2002 jhmansfield
WOODSTOCK LIBRARY-ILLINOIS HISTORICAL SOCIETY MISCELLANEOUS NEWSPAPERS-MICROFILM
WOODSTOCK DEMOCRAT JUNE 1, 1852
1852 Unpaid tax lists-George C. Dean Lots 3 & 4 Block 15
Farm for sale-160 acres in Hartland-timber, prairie, mowing land-part under plow-along the Illinois-Wisconsin Railroad line-Flax seed-C.B. Durfee offers flax seed to farmers to grow flax The Bakers Concert at Presbyterian Church- vocal music Stores have new goods: N. Donnelley, G.W.Bentley, Lyon & Fuller
Soda fountain, ox marrow, bears' oil, rose oil and hair tonics-Woodstock Drug Store- also clover and garden seeds.
Lewis Boon selling good grist mill, saw mill, 180 acre farm with 2 houses and barn and 300 grafted apple trees, peach, plum, pear and cherry trees.
Advertised: Oak fence boards, oak lath and white oak planks for sale E.W. Smith Sawmill W. Mansfield advertises tin shop in Marengo Story: The governor of Ohio salary raised to $2000. Article: How to use chloroform Lime for sale at kiln in Greenwood
WOODSTOCK DEMOCRAT MAY 25, 1853 "
1853 People's Cheap Store
Unpaid tax lists: 160 ared sec 2: total due $691: previous year? $5.44 George C. Dean Lots 3 & 4 Block 15 $30.00 and $36.00
Board of Supervisors refused to grant license to sell intoxicating liquors due to "widespread evils arising from frequent indulgence in ardent spirits"
Board of supervisors appoints committee to look into grounds for new courthouse and jail and county offices.
Improvements; C.B. Durfee and Alonzo Anderson to build 2 more 3-story brick buildings to join Phoenix Block on east-site of recently burned Petrie and G. W. Bentley businessses. F.D. Austin, Post Master advertises 56 uncalled for letters at post office.
Advertise: Carriage and wagon making- Baker & Kelly-south side Public Square behind printing office.
Flax straw wanted need 200 tons- ? Dwight and Quartus Judd Illinois Wisconsin Railroad to replace board of directors.
Alvin Judd advertises - 2 horse carriage routes- to Union, Elgin, Beloit, Big Foot Prairie (Wisconsin), Geneva (Wisconsin) Waukegan
Wanted: Old iron, copper, puter (sic) & brass F. J. Mansfield Advertisement: Coffins-Black walnut made to order- short notice M. Haas
WOODSTOCK DEMOCRAT APRIL 5, 1854
Circuit court judge will not hold court in courthouse building-recommend renting a large hall. Horse thieves in Alton
Illinois Wisconsin Railroad board: issues call to shareholders for 25% on capital stock to be paid. Unpaid taxes: George Dean still owes on Lots 3 & 4 Block 15
Advertisers: W.A. Judd-large and commodious livery stable on Dundee Street; F.J. Mansfield, cooking stoves; Cheap Grocery Store, 16 lbs. first rate sugar $1.00.
WOODSTOCK DEMOCRAT MARCH 23, 1855
E. W. Smith Editor Removal of county seat
Illinois Wisconsin Railroad offers Express service, C.B. Durfee, Commission Merchant Wanted: 3,000 bushels of barley, will pay cash for wheat Osage orange trees for sale,
WOODSTOCK DEMOCRAT MARCH 29, 1855
F. D. Austin Editor
Church Services: Presbyterian church, R. K. Todd 10 Vi a.m.; Episcopal and Baptist at Durfee's Hall;
Methodist at Excelsior
The Rat Hole is rejuvenated- grocery store
Opening a coal yard
For Sale: Presbyterian old church building 26' x 45', 14' posts-to be removed or will be sold by public sale
Lots 7 & 8 in Block 2 Dwelling for sale, boarding house-20 boarders
Advertisement: Wm. A. Judd- Stallion $200 within 1 mile
Many legal notices for guardian of minors
Ad: McCahill & Austin- livery on Dundee Street
Ad: Chicago St. Paul Fond du Lac Railroad: trains run daily except Sunday; Lv. Chicago 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Arrive Woodstock 12 and 6:45 p.m. Leave Woodstock 7:45 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. and arrive Chicago 10:30 a.m. and 7:15 p..m.. Freight train leaves Chicago 8 a.m. arrives Woodstock 3:15 p.m.. Stages meet a.m. train at Brookdale, Cold Spring's Prairie, Chemung, Big Foot Prairie, and Delavan. Ad: Wait & Co. manufacture window sashes and doors.
Pasco Austin selling livery stable-50' x 65' on the ground and 2-stories high-located near the Depot of the railroad.
THE MCHENRY COUNTY UNION Woodstock APRIL 4, 1862 (included here out of order) Woodstock Democrat est. 1850 and Marengo Journal est. 1856 consolidated Oct. 4. 1861 to publish The McHenry County Union
COUNTY INTELLIGENCE
Chicago and Northwestern Railroad timetable.
County Board to inquire about $1,000 loaned to Agricultural Society from Swamp Lands fund. Rejected Dr. Davis claim for $5.00 for post mortem on Bridgett McMahon. Union caucus to meet at courthouse to select nominees for Woodstock officers. Tannery wants hides- has plastering hair for sale.
WOODSTOCK SENTINEL JUNE 15, 1859
Unpaid tax list: Alvin Judd is listed owing taxes on lots 7, 8,9,10,11 in Block 1: Leander Church owes taxes on lots 7,8,9 in block 2: F.J. Mansfield owes on lots 9,10,11,12 in block 5 and 2,5,8,9,7 block 14 and Lot 2 block 13(some is real property tax and some personal property tax unpaid by F.J.)
Legal notices of Sheriff s sales and Master's sales of real estate. Advertisement: Camphene, Turpentine, Burning Fluid for sale.
COUNTY INTELLIGENCE MAY 2,1860 Killing at Huntley Station - 2 Irishmen
WOODSTOCK SENTINEL MAY 15, 1861 A.E. & W.E. Smith Editors
Wed. May 13, 1861 Woodstock Light Guards are in camp at Fort Scott, Freeport, Illinois (Fair grounds) Ten companies. Left for Freeport 10 a.m. Sat. morning last, by train. 78 men and officers- no arms. The Woodstock rifles organized- To report on suitable uniforms-M.L. Joslyn Captain J.H. Johnson an officer: 6 officers and 51 men.
WOODSTOCK LIBRARY-WOODSTOCK SENTINEL 7/17/1856-8/29/1860 MICROFILM
1856 A.S. Smith- Dwight Sentinel Publishers G.L. Webb, T.F. Johnson #8 Phoenix Block 3rd floor.
Sends paper to Chicago to be printed-third page is pied. (7/31) 1856 Adv: A.W. Tappan's Ohio Store
house and 9 acres- $5,000
P.W. Murphy Surgeon Dentist-2nd floor of Old Rat Hole
Dickinson, Lyon & Co.- Produce Commission and Forwarding Merchants, Deals in Produce, Salt, Water Lime and Fruit
Hunt & Fuller- Lumber
Fuller, Johnson & Co.- Banking and Exchange Office- C.B. Durfee Agent: Exchange sold in Chicago, New York and other Atlantic coast cities and Europe. A.W. Fuller, Neill Donnelly, L.s. Church, Joel H. Johnson, C.B. Durfee, G.W. Bentley Office #4 Excelsior Block
Ambrotypes & Daguerreotypes- H.P. Wheeler
Exchange Hotel H.H. Hildreth prop. Corner Benton and Deitz- refurbished (8/7) 1856 Laying telegraph cable from London to New York (8/21)
1856 John C. Fremont for President, Wm. Bissell for Governor, A. Lincoln Elector At Large.
McHenry County Agricultural Society to meet to arrange holding sixth Annual Fair. J.H. Johnson Secy. (8/28)
1856 Boston Cheap Store advertises changes name to Woodstock Cheap Store
1856 Sixth Annual Fair of the McHenry County Agricultural Society (List of premiums) to be held Wed & Thurs Oct 8 & 9 (9/18)
WOODSTOCK LIBRARY-ABSTRACTS OF NOTICES PUBLISHED IN WOODSTOCK SENTINEL 1856-1862 PAMPHLET
1856 From Aug-Sep 1856 county-wide there were 15 divorces 39 marriages
1856-1861 Deaths diseases reported: scarlet fever, consumption dysentery, typhoid fever, cholera, putrid sore throat, stricture of bowel, inflammation of bowels, bleeding of the lungs, typhus fever.
1860 April 4 Scarlet fever death and again April 18, May 9, May 16, May 23
1861 Feb. Henry Waite-had visited Pike's Peak last summer.
1861 Mar. Indians prowling, may have kidnaped child near McHenry, not so- child lost and froze to death.
1861 Dec-March- in C.L. Scarlet fever 4 children die.
1861 May-Mustr roll of Woodstock Lt. Guards & Woodstock Rifles; list sons of Woodstock serving in other places. 1861 June- Light Guards still at Freeport
1861 July-Ladies of Woodstock meet to sew 100 "Havelocks" for the Light Guards at Alton. 1861 August-Light Guards a Fulton, Missouri, need clothes
1861 Capt. Joslyn left for Aurora with enough recruits. Volunteers can muster for cavalry at T.D. Murphy, Esq. Office,
1861 October-McHenry County Muster roll-Ladies Aid Society activities; McHenry County Cavalry at Washington, D.C.
1861 October 31 -son of Joseph Brown of Woodstock- member of the Light Guards dies of typhoid fever at Warsaw, Missouri-is second to die
1861 November-Man severly burned and wife's hands burned when liniment catches fire.
1861 A party of Pottawatomie Indians camped near Dufield's Lake-four men and 3 squaws and 3
papooses- 2 of the men visited Sentinel printing presss- "Big Sandy" spoke English-on their way home to Wisconsin after trip to beg pork & flour, etc. to last the winter.
1861 Rape trial of Levi Olmstead- Rape occurred 7/24/1860 in Chemung-escaped jail and recaptured 11/29/1860- seven years in Joliet.
1861 Some or all of Woodstock Light Guards become Co. A. 15* Regiment of Illinois Volunteers-third death-from consumption.
AT HOME: MCHENRY COUNTY HISTORY 1885
1861 Lincoln becomes President p. 125
1861 April 12 Confederates fire on Fort Sumpter p. 127
1853 To acquire lot to build new courthouse p. 207
1854 Legislature approves tax levy of 2 mills per $1 of real and personal property to build courthouse and jail p. 207
1855 A bill to legislature to have a vote to move county seat to Algonquin Township passes p. p. 207 1855 April Vote for removal of county seat 1,048, against 2,095 p. 207
1855 Ground owned by Mary McMahon, Hill's Tavern occupies, best site for courthouse if citizens of Woodstock would donate to county. Bought land for $3,000. Give old courthouse and site to town. (Old courthouse burns in 1858) p. 208
1855 Van Osdel & Baumann, Architect estimated cost of new courthouse at $34,000. P. 208
1857 New courthouse completed October 1, 1857 at $47,000. P. 209
1866 Before 1866 not a cheese factory in county. Western butter had a bad reputation for quality. P. 213
1867 Woodstock Cheese Factory p. 213
1852 McHenry County Agricultural Society organized . P. 215
1859 McHenry County Agricultural Society bouth 10 acres east of Woodstock p. 215
1866) M.C.A.S bought 5 more acres built exhibit hall p. 215
1867) M.C.A.S. bought 7 more acres p. 215
1855 Chicago, St. Paul & Fond du Lac Railroad reaches Woodstock p. 216 McHenry County overwhelmingly Democratic until 1856 then Republican p. 229 Population p. 235
1861 May- County appropriates $3,000 to Woodstock company and $3000 to Marengo/Union/Riley company- each to use $1,000 for uniforms and equipment-rest is for families. Levied tax of 2 V2 mills per $1 property for war and military purposes. P. 239
1861 Co. A (Woodstock) D, & F held as State militia until mustered into U. S. Service p. 239
1857 New Courthouse p. 549
1858-1859 Public Square graded and shade trees planted p. 549
1854 Dr. Baldwin took over drug store from Walters & Durfee- ran 3 years moved to Elgin p. 550 1852 Joseph Golder drug store (and Dr. Hedger who died) p. 550
1856 Drug store-O.S. Johnson & Dr. A.D. Merritt to Merritt to Frenchman to Holmes & Marvin to Dr Davis, Dr. Northrup to Nathan Jewett, Dr. Richardson to Richardson & Anderson, Murphy to L.T. Hoy & Murphy to LT. Hoy in 1880 sole proprietor p. 550
1855 Alvin Judd sold house/tavern/hotel to Martin Thrall-ran 5 years-to OA. Kent, enlarged and improved into Exchange Hotel until 1868 to H.H. Hildreth to John H. Thomas, burned in 1872 p 551
1854 Roswell Enos built small tannery-burned within few years p. 551
1856 Steam flouring mill G.B. Dake, C. Quinland north part of city-no profit; grist mill in Phoenix Block p. 551
1852 C.B. Durfee opened bank-2 years-failed to Fuller, Johnson & Co. to
1856 National Bank p, 552
1860 Fire: Feb 24: East side of Public Square-Clapp's Tin Shop-little damage
1860 Fire: Feb 25 M.L. Joslyn livery in main loft-destroyed-horses saved-saloon and furniture rooms burned; Irishman Cosgrove arrested, p. 558
1854 Police Ordinance for Woodstock p. 565
1857 Woodstock Fire engine purchased but not workable p. 560
1853 F.D. Austin becomes Postmaster until 1857 p.560 1857 Dr. O.S. Johnson is postmaster until 1861 p. 560
AT HOME- MCHENRY COUNTY DIRECTORY 1877
1857 New courthouse at cost of $40,000 p. 81
1858 Old courthouse burns p.81
1855 Woodstock Sentinel- Republican p. 83
1856 Argus newspaper-not long p.84
1861 Union newspaper-not long p. 84]
1861 Todd's school building burns-was open for 12 weeks-150 students-Cosgrove burned it-prison 6 years. Reopened school in basement of Presbyterian Church until 1867 then moved to new addition to his house. P. 87
1861 Sheriff has office and residence in the courthouse p. 100
1855 Judd sold house to Mr. Trail-moved to former Exchange site p. 101
1856 Waverley House built cheap-then enlarged ; American House on west side of square p. 101
1854 Brick wheat storehouse built-large quantity of wheat grown-M. W. Hunt, Fuller & Lyon p. 102
1855 June-first train came through on broad gauge-enough wheat to load several such trains as run at that time. The wheat moved, the gauge was changed. P. 102
1853 Tannery erected by Swartout & Enoch-had well 4' square-found a tamarack tree 16' long below ground; tannery burned in 1862 or 1863 p. 102
1852 Steam saw mall ran 4 years-closed-used up a large number of oak logs. P. 102 1855 A. W. Tappan opened store p. 102
1854 Burtschy's brewer near barn of old Woodstock House burns, barn is saved. Mr. Bertschy purhased Rich & McCahill house, built an addition and commenced manufacturing beer. John died, Len Burtschy became owner in 1857 and 1859 sold & various owners p. 103
1855 Haas & Griffing built first ice house at Dufield's Lake p. 103
1852 Price per lb. For wool- 42-45 cents (in America well-fed,, well-tended sheep produces approx. 5
lbs. of wool annually) p. 65
HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM-FIRE FILE/WOODSTOCK
1860 February 24-Fire at Clapp's Tin Store east side of square-small damage
1860 February 25-Fire in loft of livery stable on Main Street owned by M.L. Joslyn-destroyed-Henry Sherwood's saloon and R.G. Schryver's furniture rooms destroyed.
AT HOME-WOODSTOCK MINUTES 1852-1856-PHOTOCOPY
1852
8/2 Election held for president, treasurer, constable and six trustees: President Alvin Judd 89;
William Harberson 1; Treasurer/Assessor Charles Fitch 75; Robert Metcalf 10;
Constable/Collector Nelson W. Herich 40; William Harbison 1; Trustees, North Ward Joseph
Goulder 46; Lawrence S. Church 47; Ira C. Trowbridge 45; Trustees, South Ward; Geo H.
Griffing 39; Cyrus B. Durfee 40; Ithrum Taylor 40; Geo. W. Bentley 1. 8/21 First meeting of Board of Trustees of Town of Woodstock held at the courthouse. Chas. Fitch
appointed clerk; John Brink, Town Surveyor; George W. Bentley South Ward Street
Commissioner; Arad Sly North Ward Street Commissioner 11/13 Petition approved and appraisers appointed to extend Tryon south from south boundary of
village plat through lands owned by f.w. Smith, Emily Hutchins, Elijah Burbank and Chas Fitch
to intersect with the Marengo & Dundee Road. 11/22 Vacated the alley on Block 9 of village platt.
11/17 Constable submitted bill for service on 6 appraisers $1.80 and 6 miles travel 30cents. 12/13 Appraiser report on extending Tryon Street awarding $20 to Elijah Burbank. Ordered it to be surveyed.
1853
1/3 Voted to annul Tryon Street extension. Voted to levy tax 40 cents per $100 of assessed value. 1/10 Voted Tryon Street be extended and surveyed.
1/31 Appointed appraisers for Tryon Street again. Voted to rent meeting rooms from Ira Trowbridge at 50 cents per meeting.
1/7 (sic) Passed ordinance #2 regulating dogs and sluts that run at large, unmuzzled. Permission
to shoot or kill. 3/3 Appointed appraisers again.
3/19 Passed ordinance to extend Tryon St. north from north line of platt to Chemung Road.
4/2 Approved payment of $38.93 to five people for city services. Treasurer reported $240 in taxes
collected. Voted to spend $150 on streets. Passed an ordinance providing for impoundment of
any hog, sow or pig running at large. 4/11 Election April 4: President Alvin Judd; Treasurer F.W. Smith; Trustees Wm. B. Hart, F.I.
Mansfield, Lindsey Joslyn, Arad Sly, Chas. M. Willard, Erick Knudsen. Tie vote for Constable:
James M. Kimball wins draw cuts. 4/18 Passed resolution that Board will not grant license for sale of ardent spirits. 4/25 Street Commissioners paid $ 1.25 per day while working from tax & commutation money and
$1/ day from State Road Tax. Voted to require every able-bodied male citizen to work 3 days or
roads or commute the work for 75 cents per day Fin of 25 cents adopted for failure to remove
obstructions from streets. Voted to levy tax of 20 cents per $100 in the outer limits. 5/2 Treasurer reported $232.09 town funds on deposit with C.B. Durfee. 5/30 Ordinance adopted to prohibit strong beer or porter sold, given or drank on Sundays. 6/13 First petition to build sidewalk. Nelson Blakeslee & F.I. Mansfield Brick Block north east
Geo H. Griffing 39; Cyrus B. Durfee 40; Ithrum Taylor 40; Geo. W. Bentley 1.
8/21 First meeting of Board of Trustees of Town of Woodstock held at the courthouse. Chas. Fitch appointed clerk; John Brink, Town Surveyor; George W. Bentley South Ward Street Commissioner; Arad Sly North Ward Street Commissioner
11/13 Petition approved and appraisers appointed to extend Tryon south from south boundary of village platt through lands owned by f.w. Smith, Emily Hutchins, Elijah Burbank and Chas Fitch to intersect with the Marengo & Dundee Road. 11/22 Vacated the alley on Block 9 of village platt.
11/17 Constable submitted bill for service on 6 appraisers $1.80 and 6 miles travel 30cents. 12/13 Appraiser report on extending Tryon Street awarding $20 to Elijah Burbank. Ordered it to be surveyed.
1853
1/3 Voted to annul Tryon Street extension. Voted to levy tax 40 cents per $ 100 of assessed value.
1/10 Voted Tryon Street be extended and surveyed.
1/31 Appointed appraisers for Tryon Street again. Voted to rent meeting rooms from Ira Trowbridge at 50 cents per meeting.
1/7 (sic) Passed ordinance #2 regulating dogs and sluts that run at large, unmuzzled. Permission to shoot or kill.
3/3 Appointed appraisers again.
3/19 Passed ordinance to extend Tryon St. north from north line of platt to Chemung Road.
4/2 Approved payment of $38.93 to five people for city services. Treasurer reported $240 in taxes collected. Voted to spend $ 150 on streets. Passed an ordinance providing for impoundment of any hog, sow or pig running at large.
4/11 Election April 4: President Alvin Judd; Treasurer F.W. Smith; Trustees Wm. B. Hart, F.I. Mansfield, Lindsey Joslyn, Arad Sly, Chas. M. Willard, Erick Knudsen. Tie vote for Constable: James M. Kimball wins draw cuts.
4/18 Passed resolution that Board will not grant license for sale of ardent spirits.
4/25 Street Commissioners paid $1.25 per day while working from tax & commutation money and $ 1/ day from State Road Tax. Voted to require every able-bodied male citizen to work 3 days on roads or commute the work for 75 cents per day Fine of 25 cents adopted for failure to remove obstructions from streets. Voted to levy tax of 20 cents per $100 in the outer limits.
5/2 Treasurer reported $232.09 town funds on deposit with C.B. Durfee.
5/30 Ordinance adopted to prohibit strong beer or porter sold, given or drank on Sundays.
6/13 First petition to build sidewalk. Nelson Blakeslee & F.I. Mansfield Brick Block northeast corner bock 14 on Van Buren. (Specifications listed) comparable to that along Phoenix Block. Estimated at 37 1/2 cents per foot. 1 1/2" x 10' oak planks.
6/27 Ordinance adopted : $25 fine for anyone who sells, barters or allows consumption of any vinus, spiritious or mixed liquors less than 1 gallon.-to prevent tippling.
8/8 Voted to charge circus $5.00 to exhibit. Passed ordinance providing impoundment and sale at auction and fines for any cattle or horses at large between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Passed ordinance to prevent shooting of firearms in town, or canon, anvil or gun barrel
7/14 Establish a police force "Whereas , confusion and turmoil seems to be the order of the day and drinking and dissipation and street fights are practiced by many transient persons of this Town and surrounding County endangering the lives of peaceable citizens and bringing disgrace upon our otherwise moral and peaceable village". To appoint one chief and 6 assistants to suppress intoxication and rioting. Fine is $3 to $100 and $1 jailer fees plus $1 to arresting officers plus $1 for Justice of the Peace or commit to county jail and credited $1.50 per day. Chief can summon additional police from citizens- if they refuse pay $25 fine. Pay police $1 per duty day. Can carry a club 1 54" in diameter 2 14 feet long. President to act if Chief is absent. President to appoint chief Board appointed Thomas Lushbrooke, Arad Sly, Michael McCahill, Caleb Rich, Albert Rich, John Donnelly with Chas. M. Willard as Chief. Petition from Mrs. E.W. Baldwin and 117 other ladies for re-enactment of prohibition ordinance. Lushbrooke refuses police job; Robert G. Schryver appointed. More sidewalk business.
7/16 Repealed previous prohibition ordinance. Reenacted previous ordinance known as Jacksonville ordinance. Proposed amendment that Able W. Fuller only person to sell spiritous vinous, malt and mixed liquors-lost.
8/7 Wm. Besley wants to manufacture beer.
9/11 Town to build more sidewalks that haven't been completed. Chicago, St. Paul railroad called upon to dig ditches because water is accumulating: railroad is obstructing creek drain. Bill for plank for bridge on Clay Street $370. Repealed the Jacksonville ordinance. Levied 3 mills per $ 1 assessed value real and personal property. Permitted dramatic troups to exhibit without a license.
12/1 Issued writ to bring J.H. Johnson to board- before service Mr. Johnson came and took his seat. More sidewalks. To write a license ordinance. $2.00 fine for not attending meetings unless excused.
12/7 Adopted ordinance on licenses-allows liquor license-regulates groceries, taverns and billiard
tables-to take effect 12/27/1855. 12/12 To get a statement from ex-treasurer Smith to report on finances during his term.
1856
1/29 Fined trustees J. Donnelly, J.H. Johnson, Caleb Rich $2 each for non-attendance.
1/23 Town surveyor to estimate amount of earth to be removed from street on west side of Public
Square and from west side of Public Square. To get estimate for cost of fencing Public Square.
Allow courthouse contractors to use and occupy streets around building to pile up all and any
mat'Is necessary for construction. To build previously ordered sidewalks. More sidewalks
requested. A. Sweatman's liquor license revoked. 3/1 Treasurer to invest money at 10% interest. 3/24 More sidewalks-Cass, John, Van Buren-8feet wide, planks 1 !4".
4/5 Bill for $24.09 for lumber to build sidewalk crossings. Vacates alley in Block 9. Pay clerk Geo. A. Austin for services, rent, wood, lights and stationery $125. But he has to turn over town money.
4/7 Election: Neil Donnelly President; M. Church Constable/Collector; L.W. McMasters
Treasurer/Assessor; Trustees: E.M. Lamb, H. M. Wait, Arad Sly, Melvin B. Baldwin, Caleb Rich, John Donnelly.
4/22 Merrill C. Johnson new clerk. Demand records and papers from previous clerk. John Donnelly and John Fury liquor licenses delinquent. Use Argus newspaper. Liquor license trouble with and without licenses. Three days road tax or 75 cents per day.
5/6 Bill for $7 for gunpowder bought to celebrate election to move county seat. Seek town moneys held by Judson Kimberley. Clerk to buy new book and copy proceedingof the present board and
the Ordinance on Licenses. 5/13 Refused to pay for gunpowder. Engineer's report on grade of west side of Public Square 2,460
cubic yards to move. Still seeking records from previous clerk G.A. Austin. Rejected bond of
L.W. McMasters, Treasurer. 5/20 Town money left with Trowbridge to meet hgis liabilities to corporation. Letter to Chicago, St.
Paul & Fond du Lac Railroad regarding poor condition of crossings. Let bid to R.G. Schryver to
grade public square at 16 cents per cubic yard. Vacate an alley. Special election for vacant
Treasurer/Assessor position. No money to fence Public Square. Motion to appropriate $400 for
grading is lost. Neil Donnelly resigns-tabled by Board and later expunged 6/9/1856 from record.
North ward street commissioner to spend 1/3 of his money to grade Johnson Street. South ward
to spend 1/4 of his money to grade Johnson Street. 6/9 Received complaint that John Fury's grocery store is a nuisance. Wm. A. Judd and Charles Lyor
are delinquent in liquor licenses. 6/16 Ira Slocum in special election receives all 27 votes and is elected Treas./Assess.
AT HOME-MINUTES 1856-1874 TRANSCRIPTION 1856
7/10 Nuisance reported in rear of Excelsior Block.
10/14 To collect money from former Treasurer S. W. McMaster. Thomas Sherman, Judson Kimberley, Wm. Rider, Mr. Peterson, Mr. Alvin Judd, Charles Lyon selling intoxicating liquors without a license. Road tax: 3 mills on the dollar on personal property. Voted to pay clerk $50. Street Commissioners to build sidewalks -will sell the land under sidewalks to pay expenses.
12/29 To widen Benton Street. "A random discussion ensued in which all generally and none in
particular took part." Bill presented for building sidewalk on north side of Public Square of (188 14 feet at 36 cents per foot) of $67.86 and paid.
1857
1/19 Adopted license ordinance regulating bowling saloons.
1/26 Re-enacted license ordinance. Paid Hunt & Fuller for lumber for sidewalks $35.70. M.B.
Baldwin present bill for $4.80 for 1/4 expense of building sidewalkl20 feet at 16 cents peer foot
along lots 3 & 4 south side Calhoon street. 1/30 More sidewalk petitions. 2/13 Inspect ladders at H.M. Wait's shop
2/20 Ladders well and substantially made $5 for under 30 feet (blank) for over 30 feet. Voted to send
Neil Donnelly to shop for fire engine. 3/2 Voted to purchase fire engine from Chicago for $500. Hose carriage $5-$30, hose $1 per foot.
100 feet of hose to be purchased. More sidewalk business. A. Judd & Son license-license Scott
& Jackson.
3/30 Petition to extend Wentworth Street to railroad and renamed Main Street. More sidewalks.
Treasurer reports $612.66 monies received; spent $586.66- balance $25.59. Bills totaling $53.65 ordered paid as had been previously approved. (Treasurer's Report follows) 1856 taxes not paid, cannot get McMaster's books and he has $829.10 of town money- GA. Austin, former clerk has $127.50.
4/6 Election: Full slates-close vote: less than 150 voters. M.B. Baldwin President; C.W. Craig Constable/Collector; Ira Slocum Treasurer/Assessor; Trustees: M.W. hunt, E.M. Lamb, E. Richards, Lindsey Joslyn, Chas. Schryver, p.B. Enos. Voted on repeal of City Charter; 213 against repeal; 17 for repeal.
4/14 New board-re-organizing-1 or 2 Street Commissioners?-seeking records and present financial
condition. Licenses: who, by whom granted, expiration? Fire company organized to get fire engine.
4/20 Sidewalks and street crossings. Only one Street Commissioner. Elected M.C. Johnson Clerk. To
draft an ordinance for Fire Dept. Paid $5 for copies of Amendments to Act of Incorporation to
O.M. Hatch, Secy of State. 4/27 New street-sidewalks. F.D. Austin bill of $13.00 for printing submitted again. Adopted fire
ordinance, To widen Benton Street. Daniel Joslyn elected Chief of Police. To buy a suitable
desk for the town.
AT HOME- MINUTES 1856-1874 ORIGINAL BOOK (Has since been given into Library Director's custody) 1857 continued
5/5 Approved new street across block 21. Sidewalk. Voted to widen Benton Street with 20 feet from Public Square. Report the Ex-Fireman from Chicago said they never claimed the engine would throw watter (sic) and would take it back. More sidewalks and street crossings. Voted to have desk made as couldn't find a suitable one in Chicago. Adopted amendments to police Ordinance. George Tyler appointed City Surveyor. Swore in 5 police officers.
5/19 Adopted Health Ordinance. Engine Co. No. One asked that fire engine be returned to Chicago. ; G.S. Greenly to build desk for $25. Printing to be done by Argus and Sentinel. Ask to widen Lake Street.
5/26 Ask to open new street from west end of Calhoun west to John Wood property. Granted. To be public hearing on above. Motion lost to purchase trumpet for foreman of hose Co. No. One. Adopted ordinance setting fines for immoderately riding or driving a horse and for trains faster than 10 m.p.h.
5/28 Public Hearing-Property owners protest new street. 6/12 Ordinance passed to repeal License Houses ordinance.
6/15 Ask Dundee road be taken up and Dean Street extended over said road. Crossings and sidewalks. Damages to be assessed for land taken to build Lake Street. Sidewalks. To meet third Monday every month.
7/27 Sidewalks. New street east side of railroad. Abrogate part of South Street east of Sec. 8. Ask
extend Tryon Street south to intersect with Woodstock-Dundee Road. 8/5 Approved Tryon Street extension. 8/25 To widen Cass, Johnson and Van Buren Street 20 feet.
8/31 Ordinance to extend Dean Street southward to south line of corporate limits. To license billiard
tables, bowling, saloons, etc. 9/8 Adopted ordinance to extend Benton Street to Clay St. Adopted ordinance to take 20 feet off
Public square to be addd to Van Buren, Johnson and Cass Street-making streets 80 feet wide.
Ordinance adopted on combustible matter left or build hog pen, hen house or cattle yard or
deposit manure or heavy wood in streets, lanes or alleys; fine $3 to $10 for every offense. To
survey and platt corporation. Fine of $ 1 set for board members who are late to meetings.
Appoint W. Burton as trustee to replace E. Richards, who resigned. 10/17 To look for suitable building for Fire Department. More sidewalks. Required to register and pay
tax of $1 per head for all dogs, sluts or pups. $1.25 fine per day. 12/28 Paid V. Tracey $2 for burying dogs. More sidewalk business. Levied a property tax of 5 mills on
a dollar. Woodstock Democrat to be publisher of ity. O.S. Johnson appointed to fill vacancy of
Trustee E.M. Lamb who is removing from the corporation.
1858
1/14 Election held for two trustees of north ward. O.S. Johnson & H.M. Wait win. More sidewalks.
Ordinance adopted to levy special tax against property owners who have failed to build
sidewalks as required by ordinance and corporation has built them. Series of ordinances levying.
Repealed levy ordinance of 12/28/1857 because of lack of quorum. 1/25 Paid $1.50 to T. Beardsley for fire watch. Built a sewer across Washington Street $6.50. More
sidewalk ordinances to levy against property. 2/15 Bill for storing fire engine $1.50. Reported on constitution of Excelsior Engine Co. No. 2. Levy
property tax of 3 mills per dollar. Ordered Fire Warden to notify F.D. Austin to remove ashes
from adjoining room behind the Democrat- in violation of Fire ordinance and fined $10. 3/22 Ask to cut off 6 feet from east side of Dean Street and add it to west side. J. Eddy bill $82.83 for
boarding prisoners. 3/29 Still trying to settle with ex-treasurer McMasters.
4/6 Paid bills for rent $19.30, storing fire engine and fire wardens $9 and police $3.
4/12 Reported election of President M.W. Hunt; Police Magistrate Enos W. Smith,
Constable/Collector C.W. Craig, Treasurer/Assessor B. Carter; Trustees: H.B. Burton, C. M. Willard, N. S. Wicker, G.B. Drake, W.P. Jewett, Calvin Pike. Full slate in opposition.
5/10 Levied poll tax 2 days-commute 75 cents per day. Clerk to purchase stationery and fluid for lamps. Levied property tax of 1 mill for road and highway purposes.
5/17 Rescinded previous levy and levied 2 mills on one dollar for property tax for road and highway.
5/24 Ask for sewer on north side of Calhoun from SW corer Block 14 to bridge on Jefferson Street.
Petition with 172 signatures for prohibiting sale of liquor. Ordinance adopted for suppression of sale of such liquors, unless licensed. Licenses $50-$ 100. Albert Rich appointed Police Chief-Assistants; J.A. Whiting, S. van Curen, G. Watrous, W.B. Hill, Chas. R. Rumsey, Malachi Church. Clerk to publish ordinance on fast driving.
7/19 Sewer on Calhoun Street rejected. Amended Prohibitory Law passed 5/24/1858 to define
licenses. (See page 649 in Minute Book) To make repair to cell provided for police court. (See also Ten Pin Alley Ordinance on page 630 of Minute Book.)
8/28 Police cell ready except for a mattress. Robert Schryver elected Police Chief to replace Albert Rich.
9/8 Sidewalks on Chemung Road and extension of Wicker Stret. 10/4 To grade and fence public square for $569.99.
11/29 Notify Owen McCoy, Valentine Fay, George Sherwood, Frederick Bertchey, Jospeh B. Wright to remove any spiritous, vinous or malt liquors in their possession out of town or be prosecuted. To extend Wicker Street. Mr. Jewett becomes Fire Warden.
12/9 Reported 9 liquor licenses. Series of licenses granted plus 5 at next meeting- fourteen licenses in all.
1859
3/17 More sidewalks.
3/29 Levied a property tax of 4 mills to the dollar and $200 appropriated to complete improvements to Public Square.
4/4 Election: President H.B. Burton, Treasurer/Assessor George Tyler, Constable/Collector S. van Curen, Trustees: P.W. Murphy, Cornelius Quinlan, Alvin Judd, Geo. Hebard, Geo. R. Griffing, Chas. Schryver, Clerk C.B. Watrous.
4/22 Appoint Adam Givins Town Surveyor; Police chief and six assistants. Complaint that Chicago, St. Paul and Fond du Lac railroad obstructing street crossings. Petition by 100 for abolition of all liquor licenses and adopt Jacksonville Ordinance. Mr. Walsh had an alabi but Mr. Collier was bound over on police assault. Sentinel is printer for town. A.G. Rich is Police chief.
5/4 Try to settle with old collectors. Levied poll tax of 2 days $1.50 commutation. Levied 2 mills on real estate. Highway known as Union Road running west from corner of cemetery to limits be called and extension of South Street.
5/9 Repeal first amendment to Liquor Ordinance. Passed replacement for it. R. G. Schryver
appointed sexton to take care of cemetery at $ 1.50 per grave. Appointed to survey and make a plot of cemetery and examine fences.
5/14 Want railroad to remove obstruction of South Street. Sidewalk update. Recommended removal of cemetery as unfit for burial purposes. To look for new grounds for cemetery. Ask to vacate South Street from its junction with Smith Street eastward. Instruct contractors on Public Square take 5 feet from each corner and rounding, erect three rails. Seek bids to seed and manure public square. To threaten liquor sellers to comply with law, appoint Vigilance Committee to report. Whole board is committee. More tinkering with Liquor Ordinance.
5/30 Ask to build a sewer and bridge on Jefferson Street at west corner of Lot 5 in Blk 15 west(?) side of Calhoun. Committee to set out trees on Public Square.
6/20 Paid Joslyn $25 for building sewer along Calhoun Street.
7/2 C.B. Durfee reported suitable 20 acres available on road running west from Jackson Street for
$1000 for cemetery. Complaints of pools and ponding stagnant water on railroad ground in rear of steam mill. Complaint that Dietz Street, east of the railroad, needs repair and grading-impassable for teams.
7/30, 8/6,9/26 More sidewalk business.
10/27 More sidewalk business. Paid Alvin Judd $4.00 for watering trees in the Public Square.
11/10 Paid John Eddy $84.63 for boarding prisoners in 1858. Water from sewers on Public Square
overflowing L. Joslyn property on east side of Square. Ten liquor licenses. 12/26 Ask to vacate East Street.
1860
1/7 Small Pox has appeared-To prevent further spreading by taking charge of Miles Lyon house.
Health Committee to make daily reportof the progress or condition of the disease. 1/30 Paid Dr. P.W. Murphy $12 for attendance in small pox.
3/23 Paid Joseph Petrie $15.00 for ten days for fire warden in 1858 and 1859. Paid night police 41.25
per night for services rendered during recent fires. 3/31 Paid A.G. Rich Street Commissioner $140.52.
4/2 Election; President Neil Donnelly, Treasurer/Assessor Walter P. Jewett, Constable/Collector Sabine Van Curen; Trustees: W. B. Burton, O.S. Johnson, L. H. Davis, Enos W. Smith, W.P. Jewett, R.F. Crawford.
4/15 To plant (more?) Trees on Public Square.
4/23 E. E. Richards appointed Clerk. David Joslyn Street Commissioner; Sabine Van Curen Police Chief. Reduce liquor licenses to $50. 5/8 More sidewalks
5/23 Liquor licenses needed by liquor sellers. Rescinded ordinance on billiard tables. Board
members to buy lumber for bridges on a 90-day credit.
6/4 More cemetery and sidewalk business. Captain of Police to procure shutters for lock-up.
7/2 More liquor license business. Treasurer reports cash on hand $1.15. Street Commisioner to
make street from Jackson to new cemetery grounds passable.
8/6 Adjustment to cattle at large ordinance-makes fines the same as hog ordinance. 10/15 More sidewalks 12/30 More sidewalks.
1861
1/7 Reported unfavorable to crossing under railroad at Calhoun Street. Reported 43 trees in Public Square living-to pay Mr. Hebard $18.00 and C.S. Sloan $15.96 for same. To cite Street Commissioner to appear.
3/18 Street Commissioner appears- told to collect road levy. Finance report- $16.01- no tax levied fo: past two years except road tax.
4/8 Annual election results: President M.L. Joslyn, Police Magistrate J.B. Church,
Constable/Collector H. Hathaway: Trustees: O.s. Johnson, A.W. Fuller, L.H. Davis, George A.Griffing, J.C. Choate, Chas. Crawford; Treasurer/Assessor C.B. Durfee. For repeal of town charter 45; against repeal 95. To publish town president's inaugural speech with minutes. E.E. Richards is Clerk.
4/16 More sidewalks. Amended cattle and horses at large ordinance to require strays to be turned ovei
to Pound Master. 4/28 Liquor license and sidewalk business.
5/16 More sidewalks business. Street Commissioner to continue sewer on Dietz south to railroad. From June to December mostly non-quorum or paid bills and more sidewalks.
AT HOME- STATE OF ILLINOIS 17™ GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMENCING JUNE 7, 1852
PAGES 154-161 PHOTOCOPY
June 22, 1852 Illinois General Assembly approves law " to costitute a body politic and corporate to be known by the name of The President and Trustees of the town of Woodstock".
The boundaries commence at the SE corner of the N W 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Sec 8 T. 44, R 7E, thence north one mile, west one mile, south on mile and east one mile to the beginning. (It may be that the beginning point is slightly west of the south end of present day Smith Street)
To have president and six trustees-serve without compensation- twowards- south of Dietz and Jackson is South Ward; north of same is North Ward.
Annually, first Monday in April, elect three trustees from each ward and a president, Treasurer and ex-officio assessor, Constable and ex-officio collector. First special election first Monday in August 1852.
Treasurer and Constable to post $1000 bond. Board appoints clerk, town surveyor and one street commissioner for each ward. The president shall have concurrent jurisdiction with justices of the peace. Two trustees in each ward and a clerk they choose are the election officials. To meet the third Monday in April, July, October and January.
Powers: For general purposes may levy 70 cent per $100 of assessed value of real and personal property. May regulate nuisances, animals at large, bridges, auctions, taverns, groceries, theatrical and other shows, billiard tables, ball alleys and other amusements and prohibit gambling houses and other disorderly houses. To establish and maintain bridges, markets, streets, avenues, lanes, alleys, drains and sewers, fire departments, dig wells and erect pumps, regulate storage of gunpowder and combustibles. The president or a justice of the peace may hear and determine violations.
If 2/3 of owners on any street apply- may require sidewalks to Be built and town pays 1/4 of cost when built.
May advertise those who have not paid general levy or sidewalk levy and 60 days later sell the lot. Have power to buy a property and levy per capita tax for road purposes and within Vi mile outside city limits if county not taxing them.
Special election in August: South ward votes at district school; north ward at courthouse. Election judges: South ward Geo. W. Bentley and Lindsey Joslyn; north ward Joseph Goulder and Henry M. Wait. Results to be returned to county clerk. Ties are decided by lot.
Section 22: President is ex-officio member of county board with equal power and pay.
Section23: Monday July 26 an election to be held to approve accepting this act forming town. Circuit clerk in charge. Polls open 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. If it fails, whenever 30 legal voters shall file a written request with the county clerk another election is to be held. Approved June 22, 1852 5/30/2002 jhmansfield
Citation
Mansfield, Joan H., “Notes for Sesquicentennial History of Woodstock, 1852-1861,” Woodstock Public Library Archives, accessed September 7, 2026, https://woodstockpubliclibraryarchives.omeka.net/items/show/19.
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