Notes for Sesquicentennial History of Woodstock, 1872-1881

Notes for Sesquicentennial History of Woodstock, 1872-1881

Notes for Sesquicentennial History of Woodstock, 1872-1881
and Editors Addendum

2002

en-US

Text

1872-1881
COMPILED BY CARYL LEMANSKI 2002
RESEARCHER'S COMPUTER HARD COPY PLUS TWO 11" X 17" 25 PAGES

1871: October 8th: A fire broke out in the west side of Chicago. The fire lasted two days, killing 300 people and destroying most of Chicago. Property damages were estimated at 200 million dollars. (World History 1870- 1880 Ad History Central: Internet)
1871: October 8th: Woodstock suffers a fire that destroyed about $20,000 worth of property, including several stores. Altogether nine building were burned. (History of McHenry County, pgs. 558-559)
1872 =1881
1872: February 9th: Public schools close for a month vacation: (micro. Woodstock Sentinel, April 2,1868- Feb 13, 1873: February 15th paper.)
1872: February 15th: The postmaster general issued a circular requesting everyone put name of county as well as post office and state on all letters and papers sent by mail, (micro, Woodstock Sentinel April 2,1868-Feb. 13,1873: February 15th paper)
1872: February 13lh: Charles Randall escapes from jail. Detained for grand larceny since last fall. $25 reward for capture, (micro, Woodstock Sentinel: April 2, 1868- February 13, 1873: Feb. 15th paper)
1872: February 17: Mrs. Jennie F. Willing will lecture at the Methodist-Episcopal Church for the benefit of Ladies Aid Society. Topic: "The Potential Woman", (micro, Woodstock Sentinel: April 2, 1868-February 13, 1873: Feb. 15* paper)
1872: February 15: James Eastwood opens Cigar and Confectionary Store on North end of Square, (micro, Woodstock Sentinel: April 2, 1868- February 13, 1873: Feb. 15* paper)
1872: March 15th &16th: Public examination of Woodstock teachers at 10:00 am. Teachers must be present both days for the written examination. G.S. Southworth, County Superintendent of Schools, (micro, Woodstock Sentinel: April 2, 1868- February 13, 1873: Feb. March 7th paper)
1872: May 25th: Baseball "Stars" of Marengo, a juvenile baseball club, played "Alerts" of Woodstock Seminary (Todd School) Alerts 25 - Stars 26. (micro, Woodstock Sentinel: April 2, 1868- February 13, 1873: May 30' paper)
1872: June 6: Board of Trustees pass ordinance prohibiting clinging to or getting on any train cars of locomotives passing through the corporation, unless having business requiring them to do so. Fine not less than $5 nor more that $25. (micro; Woodstock Sentinel: April 2, 1868- Feb 13, 1873: June 6, 1872 paper)

1872: June : TJ. Dacy demonstrates a Rotary Force Pump. It holds 4 pails of water and will throw a stream of water 50 ft. It is a capital thing for sprinkling streets, gardens and great for fires, (micro; Woodstock Sentinel: April 2, 1868- Feb 13, 1873: June 20, 1872 paper)
1872: June 27,28,29: Second annual meeting of the Woodstock Annual Driving Park Association: Horses must have been in county 60 days. $1,000 purse for the three-day races, (micro; Woodstock Sentinel: April 2, 1868- Feb 13, 1873: May 30,1872 paper)
1872: August 27: All the buildings on the east side of the public square were burned. Sixteen places of business, one dwelling and three barns burned. The fire was supposed to have been incendiary. As yet the town had no fire engine. The estimated loss was $31,000. (History of Mc Henry County, II. 1885: Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Company - pg. 559)
1872: December 7th: Jacob Hurst, the night watchman at the Woodstock brewery, met his death when a bin of malt above broke through the floor. He was buried in it and smothered to death. (History of McHenry County, II. 1885: Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Company - pg. 345)
Interesting info:
1872: Churches: Baptist, Catholic, Congregational, Methodist-Episcopal, Presbyterian, German Presbyterian and Universalist.
1872: Sentinel offer: Bring in 65 new subscriptions accompanied with cash rate of $2 each and we will give you an elegant $75 singer sewing machine, (micro; Woodstock Sentinel: April 2, 1868- Feb 13, 1873: Feb. 15 paper)
1873
1873: January: A Fire Company was organized. (History of McHenry County II. 1885: Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Company - pg. 560)
1873: May 18th: Woodstock Bakery and Restaurant opens again on NE corner of public Square.
1873: July: Mrs Florence Sherwood organized the Northwestern Musical Conservatory. (History of McHenry County II. 1885: Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Company - pg. 565)
1873: Sept. 4 : Excursion to Madison sponsored by Methodist and Presbyterian Society. Train stops in Harvard and Roscoe. Round trip costs $2, children under 10 cost $1, babies free. The 85-mile trip took 7 hrs. Two hundred and fifty were aboard. (micro: Woodstock Sentinel: July 24, 1873 - December 7,1876: September 11, 1873 paper)

1873: Oct. 6th: Montgomery Queen Circus comes to town for one day only. The first tour of this exhibition on the American Continent features the great mastodon, Arabs on horseback, Camels, and more to entertain you. Cost Adults, 50 cents. Children under 10, 25 cents. ( micro: Woodstock Sentinel: July 24, 1873 - December 7, 1876: October 2, 1873 paper)
1873: Nov. 20: The town square nearly rebuilt after the fire of August 27 , 1872 fire. Woodstock has built four fine business Blocks, entertaining eleven stores, a bank and Public Hall, (micro. Woodstock Sentinel: July 24, 1873 - December 7, 1876: November 2, 1873 paper)
1873:..............: Squire Dingee & Co. (Pickle company) was established by a stock company
formed with a capital stock of $50,000. Later leased to Heinz, Noble and Company (History of McHenry County, IL 1885: Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Company - pgs. 562-563) and (micro. Woodstock Sentinel: July 24, 1873 - December 7, 1876: January 29, 1874, paper)
1873:...............: Spring House built on square (History of McHenry County, II. 1885: Chicago:
Inter-State Publishing Company - pg. 561)
(The** cost of the Spring House was $600) (Directory of McHenry County: 1887 Chicago: C. Walker and Company- pg. 105)
1873...............: Woodstock Seminary changed it name to Todd Seminary for Boys.
(Development at the Todd School. Hoke, Aug. 1937, pg. )
1874
1874: February 5: A railroad accident near Kishwaukee, six miles north of Woodstock injures forty persons. (History of McHenry County, II. 1885: Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Company pgs. 352-353) and (micro. Woodstock Sentinel: July 24, 1873 - December 7, 1876: Feb. 12, 1874 paper)
1874: May 6: Hon. M. L. Joslyn's residence was burglarized. $200 =$300 worth of valuables stolen. "Every man is encased behind a small armory in his sleeping room." Two thieves are captured in Chicago. Valuables returned but Josyln out $50. Thieves will serve time in Joliet prison, (micro. Woodstock Sentinel: July 24, 1873 - December 7, 1876: May 14, 1874 paper)
1874: May 11-13: Grand opening of Millinery Goods Store, (micro. Woodstock Sentinel: July 24, 1873 - December 7, 1876: May 7, 1874 paper)


1874: August 24: A 10 month-old child of Wm. H Howe, was drowned near Harvard by falling head first into a pail of milk. (History of McHenry County, II. 1885: Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Company - pg. 352)
1874: September 5: Republican County Convention is held at the Woodstock Court House to nominate a Sheriff and Coroner. Voters are encouraged to attend and select the best delegates to Congressional and Representative Conventions, (micro. Woodstock Sentinel: July 24, 1873 -December 7, 1876: August 20 & September 3, paper)
1874, Nov. 27: The Woodstock Dramatic Club is organized. (History of Mc Henry County, 1885: Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Company - pg. 585)
1875
1875: February 13: Snow storms blocks railways and roads making travel impossible. Temperatures are 15 to 20 degrees below zero. (February 18, paper) Amount of wood and coal consumed for this winter exceeds anything ever known. Supplies diminishing, (micro. Woodstock Sentinel: July 24, 1873 - December 7, 1876: February 18, 1875 & March 4, paper)
1875: February 24: Social at Court House, the proceeds to benefit the poor of the city. Every citizen of Woodstock is urged to help make it a success. One hundred dollars was raised, (micro. Woodstock Sentinel: July 24, 1873 - December 7, 1876: February 18, 1875 & March 4, paper)
1875: March 1st: Civil Rights Act of 1875 was passed. The act mandated that public accommodations for Blacks be equivalent to those of whites. The laws were completely ignored in the south. Local "Jim Crow" laws were passed that established separate accommodations of Blacks and Whites. (World History 1870-1880 AD. History Central: Internet)
1875: April 21: City elects Mayor R. C. Jefferson.. (micro. Woodstock Sentinel: July 24, 1873 - December 7, 1876: April 22, paper)
1875: June 5th: East corner of Jackson and Jefferson, a fire destroyed $ 10,000 worth of property, burning Austin's livery stable and seven fine horses; also a warehouse owned by Mrs. Hunt. (History of McHenry County, II. 1885: Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Company - pg. 559) and (micro. Woodstock Sentinel: July 24, 1873 - December 7, 1876: June 10, 1875, paper)

1875: September 7th and 8th: Heavy rainstorms cause immense damage to fields, roads, crops and buildings. Two frightful railroad accidents occurred in McHenry County on account of the storms. (History of McHenry County, II. 1885: Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Company - pg. 352)
1875: November 5th: N.T. Bryan, a well-to do- farmer near Woodstock, was killed by a kick from a colt. (History of McHenry County, II. 1885: Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Company -pg.352)
1876
1876: March: Mr. Sweet, Harvard sawing wood with horse-power, was caught by the coat in the machinery and killed by being drawn upon the saw. (History of McHenry County, Illinois. 1885: Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Company - pg. 352)
1876: March 10th: Alexander Graham Bell successfully tested the first telephone. (World History 1870-1880 AD, History Central: Internet) *** 1883: September 15th, the towns of Harvard, Woodstock, and Marengo were first listed in the Chicago telephone directory as being available for toll calls - 30 cents for five minutes. However, no McHenry County toll stations were listed in any of the three towns mentioned. (McHenry County, Illinois—1832-1968: 1968 McHenry County Board of Supervisors - pg. 65)
1876: June 25th: Dakota Territory, at Little Big Horn, General Custer and all 256 troops were killed. The defeat of Custer was the last Indian victory. (Internet: History Central: 1870-1880)
1876: July 4 : Centennial Fourth - 6,000-8,000 persons were in attendance from the county. City rewards a banner to Seneca, which sent 789 persons, the largest delegation to the celebration. Parade, games, music, speakers, a play and fireworks were~activities of the day. (History of McHenry County, Illinois. 1885: Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Company - pg. 561-562)
1876: December 14th: Mrs. Kramer from Chicago delivered 3 lectures to citizens of Woodstock. The first was on Saturday night, Sunday afternoon at the Baptist church and Sunday evening at the Presbyterian Church. She stated that churches are at fault for not taking a more decided stand in trying to arrest the moral evils of intemperance. (Micro. Woodstock Sentinel, Dec. 14,1876 -July 29,1880)

1876: December 16th: McHenry Count Teachers Association meets to discuss corporal punishment. A.W. Cunraiins states "If children are managed properly at home there would be no need for the whip at school; expelling students defeats the object of school law. The parent should be held responsible for the acts of the child." Mr. Klein also thought schools could not be governed without corporal punishment, (micro. Woodstock Sentinel, Dec. 28 ,1876 -July 29, 1880)
1876: 1 year subscription for weekly Sentinel cost $1.50 yearly. If not paid in three months the cost is $2.
1876: During the year P. Whitney, County Clerk issued 163 marriage licenses (micro. Woodstock Sentinel: December 14*, 1876-July 29, 1880: Jan. 1877 paper)
1877
1877: March 26: Meeting of Literary Circle holds a sociable at National Hall. Circle members will be dressed to represent some literary character. Proceeds will raise money to purchase books for the library. Recitations, readings, essays, music and supper, cost 25 cents, (micro. Woodstock Sentinel: December 14th, 1876 -July 29, 1880: March 22, 1877 paper)
1877: April 4: Pigeon shoot at Fairgrounds at 2 p.m. (micro. Woodstock Sentinel: December 14th, 1876 -July 29, 1880: April 12, 1877 paper)
1877: April: Board of Education votes to have Botany and Rhetoric classes offered in Public School. (micro. Woodstock Sentinel: December 14th, 1876-July 29, 1880: April 12, 1877 paper)
1877: May 1st: Reconstruction ended. President Hayes kept campaign promise to remove federal troops from the South. The decision to end Reconstruction and return the rule to Southerners soon resulted in the disen&anchisement ofthe Blacks in the South. (Internet: History Central, 1870 -1880)
1877: May 18: The Red Ribbon Club: temperance society organized. (History of McHenry County, Illinois. 1885: Chicago: Inter-State Pxibh^hing Company - pgs. 584-585)
1877: May 29: Two boys attempt to hop on moving night freight train in Woodstock. A 16 year old is killed is 20-year-old friend injured. Both had been traveling from Pennsylvania in search

of work, (micro. Woodstock Sentinel: December 14th, 1876 -July 29, 1880: May 31, 1877 paper)
1877: September 3: Woodstock schools open with an attendance of 218 pupils. Tuition is $4 for High School and $3 for lower grades. Many older students still out because they are working picking cucumbers, (micro. Woodstock Sentinel: December 14th, 1876-July 29, 1880: September 6 & 18, 1877 paper)
1877: Louis Pasteur investigated microorganisms. This resulted in presentation of the Germ Theory of disease. Joseph Lister went onto initiate the practice in insuring that surgeons were clean before they conducted surgery. (Internet: History Central, 1870-1880)
1877: October 5: Gang of pickpockets and "fakers" captured on the fourth day of the County Fair. Believed to be about fifteen but only five were captured. The others fled town on the train, (micro. Woodstock Sentinel: December 14th, 1876 -July 29, 1880: September 27, 1877 paper)
1877: December 15th: Thomas Edison applied for a patent for his phonograph. (World History 1870-1880, History Central: Internet)
mm
1878: Jan 5: On or after the 5* E.C. Jewett will receive taxes of the Town of Door (Woodstock) for the 1877 year. He can be found at the 1st National Bank of Woodstock. (Book 1 -Woodstock Sentinel, McHenry County Democrat: Condensed Newspaper History of Woodstock Jan 16, 1868-May 8,1886: pg. 25)
1878: February 6: Grand Firemen's Dance. National Hall. 50 cents. Firemen will appear in uniform. (Book 1 - Woodstock Sentinel, McHenry County Democrat. Condensed Newspaper History of Woodstock: Jan 16, 1868-May 8,1886: pg. 25)
1878: June 13: Old Settlers Parade to form at corner of Dean and South Street. Reunion of old settlers from Lake and McHenry County will have a day of festivities. (Book 1 - Woodstock Sentinel, McHenry County Democrat. Condensed Newspaper History of Woodstock: Jan 16, 1868-May 8,1886: pg. 27)


1878: June: Woodstock High School class of '78 graduating exercises is held at the Presbyterian Church. (Book 1 - Woodstock Sentinel, McHenry County Democrat. Condensed Newspaper History of Woodstock: Jan 16, 1868-May 8,1886: pg. 28)
1878: R.B. Cooney builds Creamery about two miles North of Woodstock.. (History of McHenry County, Illinois. 1885: Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Company - pgs. 546)
1878: Yellow Fever outbreak in the South. Citizens hold meeting at 7:30 to decide best way to raise funds.
1878: Nov. 16th: Our American Cousin was presented at the National Hall. (Book 1 -Woodstock Sentinel, McHenry County Democrat: Condensed Newspaper History of Woodstock Jan 16, 1868-May 8,1886: pg. 31)
1878: Dec. 7th: Last Monday, the Presbyterian Church introduced the "talking machine" (phonograph). Admission 25 cents, Children 10 cents (Book 1 - Woodstock Sentinel, McHenry County Democrat. Condensed Newspaper History of Woodstock Jan 16, 1868 - May 8,1886: pg-31)
1879
1879: February 15: 19th wife of Brigham Young speaks to an audience at the Baptist Church. She spoke on Mormon customs and polygamy. (Book 1 - Woodstock Sentinel, McHenry County Democrat. Condensed Newspaper History of Woodstock: Jan. 16, 1868- May 8th, 1886: pg. 35)
1879: April 10: 12 men start on an 8-hour tramp around the public square. Eight of the men quit the contest. The champion walks 40 miles and wins $50. Second place winner receives $35. Third wins $30 and fourth wins $20. (Book 1 - Woodstock Sentinel, McHenry County Democrat. Condensed Newspaper History of Woodstock: Jan. 16, 1868-May 8* 1886: pg. 36)
1879: June 7th: Tom Nottingham was arrested for using indecent language on the street in the presence of ladies. Fined $8. (Book 1 - Woodstock Sentinel, McHenry County Democrat. Condensed Newspaper History of Woodstock: Jan. 16, 1868-May 8th, 1886: pg. 38)
1879: Electric Light invented. The invention of light bulb began the electrical revolution that soon swept the country and the world. (1870-1880, History Central: Internet)


1879: July 12: Analysis of water from the Spring House was received from Chicago's Rush Medical College. The composition of the water is such as to recommend it in the treatment of numerous afflictions. It was found valuable in treatment of many diseases of the stomach, bowels and kidneys. The iron in the water is mildly tonic and can be used to treat various forms of debility, anemia, etc. (History of McHenry County, Illinois. 1885: Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Company - pg. 561)
1880: Feb 24th: Company G, Third Infantry, Illinois National Guard, was organized. Fifty-three original members were mustered into the service of the State in the courthouse. (History of McHenry County Illinois. 1885: Chicago: Inter-State PubUshing Company - pg. 586)
1880: March 6 : Entire block burns $35,00 in losses. May have been caused by someone trying to blow up a safe: (Book 1 - Woodstock Sentinel, McHenry County Democrat. Condensed Newspaper History of Woodstock: Jan. 16, 1868-May 8*, 1886: pg. 45)
1880: July 10th: Population of Woodstock is 1,466. (Book 1 - Woodstock Sentinel, McHenry County Democrat. Condensed Newspaper History of Woodstock: Jan. 16, 1868- May 8th, 1886: Pg- 48)
1880: September 7-10: McHenry County Fair opens: 50 cent ticket good for entire Fair.
1880: Oct. 2° : Catholic Church 22 foot addition, panel work on ceiling and walls, curved altar, is nearly completed at a cost of $2,800 -$3000. (Book 1 - Woodstock Sentinel, McHenry County Democrat. Condensed Newspaper History of Woodstock: Jan. 16, 1868-May 8th, 1886: pg. 49)
1880: Oct. 9th: 2 children die of diphtheria. (Book 1 - Woodstock Sentinel, McHenry County Democrat. Condensed Newspaper History of Woodstock: Jan. 16, 1868- May 8th, 1886: pg. 49)


1881: Jan. 1st: Dec 27th,-Blizzard - 12 degrees below "0" December 28th, 22 degrees below "0"
Dec. 29th, 24 degrees below "0" (Book 1 - - Woodstock Sentinel, McHenry County Democrat. Condensed Newspaper History of Woodstock: Jan. 16, 1868-May 8th, 1886: pg-51)
1881: January 22nd: Scarcity of water. Nearly every well is either low or dry. Two cisterns have no water. May have to rely entirely on ice, which won't last the inhabitants very long. (Book 1 - Woodstock Sentinel, McHenry County Democrat. Condensed Newspaper History of Woodstock: Jan. 16, 1868- May 8th, 1886: pg. 51)
1881: January 24: Owners of meat markets in Woodstock agree to close on Sunday mornings until April 1st. They agree to forfeit $5 for each any violation of the same. Fines go to person making complaint. (Book I - Woodstock Sentinel, McHenry County Democrat. Condensed Newspaper History of Woodstock: Jan. 16, 1868-May 8th, 1886: pg. 51)
1881: February 26th: Professor Becker of Rockford Business College to start an evening school class for Penmanship and Bookkeeping at Furer's Hall. (Book 1 - Woodstock Sentinel, McHenry County Democrat. Condensed Newspaper History of Woodstock: Jan. 16, 1868- May 8th, 1886: pg. 52)
1881: March 5th: Northwestern Gas Company will begin laying gas main pipes and service pipes in the city. The service will be able to furnish gas at $2.50 per 1,000 ft. if 40 consumers are secured. The price will reduce as numbers increase. This is much lower than is charged for • coal. They will be able to furnish gas 60 days after they begin operation. (Book 1 - Woodstock Sentinel, McHenry County Democrat. Condensed Newspaper History of Woodstock: Jan. 16, 1868-May 8th, 1886: pg. 52)
1881: March 11: Teacher's of Woodstock entertain public with readings, recitations, and music to start a school library. 35 cents adults, 20 cents school children. Raised $78. (Book 1 -Woodstock Sentinel, McHenry County Democrat. Condensed Newspaper History of Woodstock: Jan. 16, 1868- May 8th, 1886: pg. 53)
1881...............Pickle Growers Union formed with about 100 members. (History of McHenry County, Illinois. 1885: Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Company - pg 563-564)
1881: May 14: Chicago Clothing House opens. "50% cheaper than you can buy at any other place. Latest Styles, Best Quality, Lowest Prices" (Book 1: Woodstock Sentinel, McHenry County Democrat, Jan 16, 1886- May 8, 1886 pg. 54)


**********At the end of this decade there are now four dry good stores, eight groceries, two hotels, two banks, two hardware stores, three drug stores, two jewelry store, two boot and shoe stores, two millinery stores, six blacksmith shops, one wagon shop, two lumber yards, two flouring mills, two newspapers, seven lawyers, six doctors, six ministers, one furniture store, one tobacconist, three livery stables, a general machine shop and foundry, three meat markets, three harness shops, two dentist, one academy, two photograph galleries, three machine men and one
feed, salt and lime store. (County) population is about 24,000
Woodstock is an incorporated city. It is supposed that the city owes but little, if any, debt. The corporation covers but one square mile. There is one fire engine, two wells and two reservoirs in the square. Woodstock looks to extend her limits and double her population. (McHenry County History. Pg 105) Township Histories pg. 105

EDITOR'S ADDENDUM
1872 Citizens raise money by subscription to buy fire engine. Town board digs wells in Public Square to fight fires. 1885 History p. 560
Panic of 1873-low agricultural prices and bad monetary policy. Merk, Frederick, History of the Westward Movement, Knopf 1980 p. 440-444
1873 Town buys a lot and builds engine house near northeast corner Cass & Throop. 1885 History p. 560 and Sanborn maps.
1873 Vote on changing to mayor-aldermanic form of government. 1885 History p. 554-556
1873-74 Barbed wire invented by Joseph F. Glidden of DeKalb, Illinois in 1873. World Book 1972 Barbed Wire
1876 Alexander Graham Bell World Book 1972 Custer World Book 1972
jhmansfield 6/1/02