Henry County IL Archives History - Books .....Cambridge 1877 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com February 2, 2008, 8:31 pm Book Title: History Of Henry County, The CAMBRIDGE. The land on which the town of Cambridge now stands was, prior to the year 1843, the property of Rev. Ithamar Pillsbury, so well known in the early history of the New York and New England Colonies' finding homes in Henry County. As soon as the site received legislative sanction-the act having passed that body February 21, 1843,-he deeded to the Board of County Commissioners, at a special meeting held on April 19, 1843, the fractional parts of two forty-acre lots. These were at once accepted, and steps taken to lay out a town. A contract had been made between the county and Geo. Brandenburg and ____ Corey for constructing a jail and court-house at Morristown. A small frame court-house was already built, but at this time was still unfinished, and but little work had been done on the jail. By consent of these parties this contract was annulled, the settlement being left to Marcus B. Osborn, N. W. Washburn and Luke C. Sheldon, as referees. They gave their decision at the regular term of the court, held on the 6th of June following. This was to pay the contractors $127.20, and keep the building. A day or two after the court met again, at the cabin commenced by J. Tillson and finished by A. H. Showers, in Sugar Tree Grove, for the transaction of any business relating to the new town. On June 9th the Court proceeded to lay out the town of Cambridge- a name suggested by Judge Tillson-and ordered a sale of lots to take place on the 26th of the same month; to which date it was adjourned. The town is laid out on two fractional quarters, N. W. and S. W. 7, 15, 3, some 36 acres on each. It has two public squares, which, including the streets, extend the breadth of the town from east to west. They were recorded as Court Square (west) 20 by 40 rods, and College Square (east) 20 rods square. The lots facing the squares were 10 by 20 rods, the others were 20 rods square, save two on the north end of town, which are 20 by 36, and the cemetery, which is 16 by 20 rods. On the 28th of June the Court met and "appropriated fourteen dollars to Charles C. Blish for surveying town of Cambridge, one dollar and fifty cents for services rendered at same time, and two dollars to Sullivan Howard for specifications and plan of a court-house." It was ordered that the Court proceed forthwith to the sale of lots in Cambridge, on the following terms: One-third to be paid in six months after date of sale; one-third in twelve months, and the remainder in eighteen months; and that purchasers have the privilege of paying in building materials, on or before the 1st day of the September following. George McHenry, being in his place as auctioneer, a full board, and a good attendance of citizens, the sale proceeded. Twenty lots were sold on that occasion, aggregating the sum of $558. For the benefit of those interested, the list of purchasers and number of lot, and amount of sale, in the order in which they appear on record, are given: Joseph Tillson, 1, $20; John Russell, 4, $23; Joseph L. Perry. 7. $21; Jas. Roe, 12, $25; Albert Jagger, 3, $26; Wm. H. Lockwood, 14, $40; Lennan Thurston, 13, $39; Thos. K. Thompson, 10, $26; Wm. A. Ayers, 18, $23; Jos. Tillson, 9, $15; Wm. H. Lockwood, 16, $39; Alex. Qua, 17, $33; Wm. H. Lockwood, 16, $31; Jas. Montgomery, 15, $35; Thos. K. Thompson, 21, $15; Wm. Dawson, 5, $30; James M. Allan. 20, $40; John Jones, 11, $30; Alexander Qua, 8, $21. There were thirteen purchasers, and out of that number but few are known to be living in the county or in the state. Qua lost his life in a stone quarry, one-half mile northeast of Cambridge, where he was crushed by a bank he had undermined. The growth of the town was not at all in proportion to the necessities of some of the purchasers, and instead of paying for their lots, either in materials or money, as the payments became due, several of them begged off, and their lots went back to the county. To effect a healthy growth in the new town, roads must be opened, post routes established through it, and a post-office in it, and public buildings had to be erected and population invited. The sequel will show that many opposed to the growth of the place scarcely ceased to underrate the locality and its facilities for a healthy growth, and the idea of settling in it or about it was often derided. A mail route leading from Wethersfield to Geneseo was established through the place, and for a while the few inhabitants enjoyed the luxury of a semi-weekly mail from Peoria. By some means the route was altered so as to leave Cambridge out. Previous to the change of route by the department, the carrier refused to go to Cambridge, but would throw out a bag of mail matter put up at Wethersfield expressly for Cambridge, at the "Corners," ten miles east of town. No office being there, a boy employed for the purpose would proceed at his leisure, pick up the bag and take it to its destination. More than once mail matter has been sent from Cambridge for the east and returned at the end of the week with other matter designed for Cambridge. Those who had important business to transact were afraid to mail their letters at the county town, because of the delays to which its mail was subjected. Many and unsuccessful were the efforts to have that route re-established through the village, nor till 1856 had the tardy justice of a tri-weekly mail from Geneseo to Kewanee been accorded to the county town. A weekly mail from Princeton, in Bureau County, to Millersburg or New Boston, on the Mississippi River, was the only one from which, for several years, news from the east could be obtained. A weekly mail running from Rock Island to Cambridge was also established for the particular benefit of the settlements between the two places. For a short time, about the year 1853, a route was established from a point on the Illinois River, known as Lancaster, to Cain-bridge; but it afforded no conveniences for an}r office on the route, and was soon discontinued. The mail to Rock Island was carried for many years by a Mr. Robinson, familiarly known as "Uncle Bobby." He was a very honest, trusty man, and made more money by attending to errands at Rock island for his neighbors than by carrying the mail. The growth of the town was remarkable only for its slowness. The impression that tire county seat would certainly and speedily be removed gave way with great difficulty. People were afraid to venture in, and but little improvement was made for several years. The county had a court-house, but it was unfinished and in Morristown. At that place courts were to be held till suitable arrangements could be made for their accommodation in Cambridge. They were then being held in the dwelling-house made over to the county by the proprietors of Morristown. It was argued by many citizens about Cambridge, among whom are found the names of Stackhouse, Hanan, Mascall, Cady, Osborn, Malcolm, and others, that the unfinished house might be moved to where it was wanted. These gentlemen made a proposition to the Court to the effect that if it would give them the house outright they would move it to Cambridge, finish it off, and furnish room in it for the use of the courts till the new court-house should be built. On the 5th of September, 1843, the Court contracted with them to move the house to Cambridge, and to finish it, giving them ten dollars and the use of the house for schools and other public purposes when not wanted for courts, for the term of three years. The building was placed upon runners, and in two days hauled or moved, by ox teams, to Cambridge, a distance of more than twelve miles, and placed on southeast corner of College Square. Several terms of the county court and two terms of the circuit court were held in it - the first term of the latter in September, 1844. It was afterwards sold to the Messrs. Gaines, who put a small addition to it, and placing their families and a stock of dry goods and groceries in it, did a good business on a small scale for several years. On June 18, 1844, notice was given that a contract for building a court-house, according to a plan and specifications, drawn by John G. Wilcox (for which the Court paid him $22), would be let on the 29th of July following. A contract was made with Sullivan Howard, September 8, 1844, and the building was completed and accepted July 28, 1845. From that time, at least for several years, the court-house was open for schools, lectures, debating societies, stump speeches, three-penny shows, class meetings, prayer meetings, Masonic meetings, singing and dancing schools (the benches were movable) and preaching. Presbyterians, Congregationalists, Methodists, Baptists and Universalists all worshiped there, often three of them in one day, at different hours. The first building erected in the new county seat was a small unhewn log house, put up by John Russell-commonly known as "Lord John"-and was used by him for a blacksmith shop. For a short time after its completion, he occupied it as a dwelling, until he could erect a cabin for his family. This small structure was covered with "shakes "-clap-boards-held down by weight poles, and stood on the site now occupied by Medbury's grocery; his dwelling occupied the site of Mr. S. D. Alfred's present residence. Judge Tillson erected the second house in the town. It was a hewn log building, and many additions were made to it, as his wants required and means allowed. A log cabin was erected almost opposite the stable connected with the Cambridge House, by W. Augustus Ayres, the following Summer- 1844. Here the Indian, known as John, was confined for the murder of a half-breed by name of Jim. "John" escaped from this insecure "jail" and joined his tribe, the Pottawattomies at Shabbona Grove. He was immediately followed by the officers, who, on coming to the camp, and addressing the chief, who was none other than the noted personage Shabbona, inquired for "John" who killed "Jim." He was at once pointed out by Shabbona (this name was pronounced Shah-pan-nee. or Sha-pil-nee, by the Pottawattomies), and again taken into custody. At the preliminary examination before Justice Tillson, he was committed for trial before the circuit court; but the grand jury, failing to find a bill (they stood eleven for and (?) against), he was set at liberty. The first hotel built in town was erected by A. H. Showers, about the year 1848. He kept it for some time, and rented to others until it was finally converted into a residence, and as such is now the property of Michael McFadden. Mr. Showers, several years after, erected the present Cambridge House, which in 1856 he sold to A. and N. B. Gould, who added the third story. They kept it five years, and sold to James M. Wier, who in turn sold to Joshua Bushnell, about February, 1864. He enlarged it to its present capacity, and in February, 1876, sold to the present proprietor, J. W. Hartzell. Mr. M. W. Thatcher was connected with this house about eight years as landlord. The Central House was built about 1857, by A. M. Randall. No manufactures exist in town, and not until the completion of the railway in 1871, did the town grow in a thriving manner. From that time good stores were erected, and a fine trade with the surrounding farmers at once sprang into life. The project of having railroad connection with the eastern and western markets was agitated by the more prominent citizens as early as 1863. The object was again discussed in 1866, and more definite steps were taken. The Rock Island Railroad was opened in 185G to the coal fields, and the citizens of Cambridge began an earnest effort to secure the continuance of the road through their town. In 1867, Mr. Orin E. Page was sent by the citizens to procure a charter for the road, under the name of the Peoria and Rock Island Railway. This was accomplished, and subscription-books were immediately opened in the city of Peoria, in Galva, Cambridge, and at Osco and Weston. The city of Peoria subscribed $100,000, and the county the same amount. The township of Galva, $50,000; Galva, $25,000; Cambridge, $50,000; and Osco and Weston, $30,000 each. By these figures, aggregating $385,000, it will be observed that the road was built mainly by municipal subscriptions. For all this outlay, the corporations were abundantly repaid in the increase of wealth and rapid development of the towns. Cambridge, from a population of between four and five hundred in 1871, has grown to four times that number, and, as a showing of the increase in trade, the following exhibit of the number of car loads of produce shipped from this station during each month in 1876 is given: Total---------------------------------------------------------------------------| Bran-----------------------------------------------------------------------| | Flour-----------------------------------------------------------------| | | Bricks-----------------------------------------------------------| | | | Broom-Corn--------------------------------------------------| | | | | Apples-------------------------------------------------| | | | | | Horses--------------------------------------------| | | | | | | Sheep----------------------------------------| | | | | | | | Cattle----------------------------------| | | | | | | | | Hogs-------------------------------| | | | | | | | | | Barley------------------------| | | | | | | | | | | Wheat--------------------| | | | | | | | | | | | Rye-----------------| | | | | | | | | | | | | Oats-----------| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Corn------| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Jan 14 1 1 42 1 59 Feb 25 4 2 17 5 2 2 1 58 Mar 12 3 5 1 1 22 Apr 24 3 4 1 1 2 35 May 74 15 1 5 4 2 2 103 Jun 95 18 5 3 2 1 2 1 127 Jul 57 7 1 4 69 Aug 61 27 2 1 2 2 95 Sep 43 28 4 1 3 12 4 1 1 97 Oct 37 18 1 1 2 13 1 1 74 Nov 36 5 13 1 5 60 Dec 84 2 2 28 5 8 129 Total 562 131 17 6 6 144 17 1 1 2 20 9 7 5 928 These tables only include shipments in carload lots. The shipments in smaller lots, if footed up, would swell the amounts of some sorts of produce considerably. A good man}' barrels of apples and bales of broom-corn have been shipped in lots less than car-loads, and some small lots of other items. The shipments of poultry by freight, in boxes and barrels, during the month of December, amount to 15,866 pounds; while large quantities have also been sent by express. Butter and eggs are also shipped by both freight and express, and butter especially is sent off in large quantities by express. Comparing the shipments of the past year with those of previous years, reducing all to a uniform basis-the first three years ending Nov. 30, and the last two ending Dec. 31, 1876-the following is given: 1876. 1875. 1874. 1873. 1872. Corn 220,429 170,289 100,957 158,995 231,187 Oats 90,062 62,500 98,327 94,277 46,801 Rye 6,678 6,426 5,312 7,267 11,857 Wheat 2,200 11,655 9,554 11,728 3,255 Barley 2,750 389 2,578 4,555 Total. 332,119 250,870 214,539 274,795 307,655 LIVE STOCK AND OTHER PRODUCE. 1876. 1875. 1874. 1873. 1872. Hogs, No. 7,200 7,250 6,845 7,880 5,545 Cattle, No. 272 112 318 185 144 Horses, cars 1 2 Sheep, cars 1 Broomcorn, tons 200 190 166 5 27 Hay and Straw 120 61 386 356 Potatoes, bu 2,000 2,450 1,750 Apples, bu 666 978 Prior to the completion of the railroad, Cambridge was considered a small inland town, with but little trade and few advantages. The sudden increase of population, and the increase in wealth and in trade has dispelled that idea, and to-day Cambridge bids fair to rival any town in the county. There are a number of fine brick business houses, one bank -a private institution, organized in November 1871; two or three good hotels, two weekly newspapers, excellent graded schools and six regularly organized churches, all of which have good houses of worship. CAMBRIDGE OFFICIALS. Pres., A. Gould; Clerk, W. B. Dean; Treas., F. B. Welton. Trustees, James Mascell, S. H. Patten, Sylvester Rockwell, T. G. Ayers, J. W. Stewart, A. Gould. THE PRESS. The first paper started in Cambridge, and the first in Henry County, issued its first number on Feb. 13, 1853. It was called the Henry County Gazette, and was edited by J. W. Eystra. This paper and all the material connected with the office were afterwards sold to the citizens of Kewanee, and removed to that place, where the name was changed to the Henry County Dial. The editor, Mr. Hyatt, soon after went to Geneseo, where he established the Geneseo Republic. About November, 1857, the press and materials in the Galva Watchman office were purchased and removed to Cambridge by Judge Tillson, Dr. A. A. Dunn, V. M. Ayres, and H. W. Wells. Dr. Dunn was established as editor, and the name changed to the Chronicle. He remained until 1860 in this place. That year, Patten and Denison leased the office and fixtures from the company, and continued Dr. Dunn as editor for one year, when Mr. Patten purchased Mr. Dcnison's interest, and (Dr. Dunn going to the army), assumed entire editorial control. He kept charge until 1866, when he was succeeded by Everett & Casson, who, on May 16, 1867, sold to the present editor and proprietor, Mr. George C. Smithe. He has now entire control, having purchased the office and all the material, and issues a paper which fully merits its name. The Prairie Chief was started in Galva in April, 1868, and for a time printed in the office of the Galva Union. In September of that year, Mr. F. B. Seaton purchased the office of the Stark County Democrat at Toulon, and removed to that place. He changed the name to Prairie Chief, and remained there till December, 1871, when he rented the office of the Cambridge Democrat, and removed to that place. This paper had been started and conducted by one Rock, who proved a most disreputable character. Immediately on Mr. Seaton taking charge, a change was made, and an excellent weekly paper started. He changed the name to Prairie Chief, and although in a county largely Republican in politics, the paper has a large circulation. CAMBRIDGE DEMOCRAT. In the Spring of 1869, feeling the need of a Democratic paper centrally located in the county, S. P. Cady and I. G. Ayers commenced a correspondence with Mr. J. L. Rock of Chicago, commercial editor of the Chicago Times, with a view of establishing a Democratic paper in Cambridge, which resulted in receiving a proposition from Mr. Rock that if $1,500 was raised to purchase presses and material he would furnish an equal amount, and would come and take charge of the paper, with the understanding that at the expiration of the year he was to have the material by refunding the $1,500 and 10 per cent. A meeting was called at the court-house, which was largely attended by the Democrats of this vicinity, and the proposition met with general favor. At this meeting $800 was subscribed, and a committee appointed to raise the balance, which they succeeded in doing very soon. A committee was then sent to Chicago to superintend the purchase and shipment of presses, type, etc. In due time the material arrived, and was set up in the room over the harness shop of H. P. Hart, and July 28, 1869, the first issue of the Cambridge Democrat made its appearance, greatly to the satisfaction of its god-parents. The paper remained under the management of Mr. Rock but a short time. The 20th of November of the same year found him in such straitened circumstances that he was forced to dispose of the paper to Morrison Francis and R. Heber Hinman, who employed Mr. I. G. Ayers, then a law student with Mr. W. H. Shepard, to take charge of the editorial and financial management. Mr. Ayers continued the editor until Nov. 29, 1871, at which time Messrs. Francis & Hinman rented the office to Mr. B. W. Seaton, who removed the Prairie Chief from Toulon, Stark County, to this place, commenced and continues its issue here. THE CHURCHES. The Baptist Church was organized July 8, 1854, in the court-house. Prior to the organization, they met in this house for some time for religious exercises, and for a short time after. At the organization thirteen persons united, whose names are as follows: William Talbott, Mary Talbott, Aaron Talbott, Phebe Talbott, James M. Woodmansee, Clarrissa M. Woodmansee, John McFarland, Hanna McFarland, Emma Blackman, Laura Bishop, Harriett Daggett, Electa Davenport, and Eliza Ayers. This congregation purchased the old school-house, which they used for a house of worship until the erection of their present commodious church. It cost about $10,000. They have in addition to this just completed a very comfortable parsonage, worth $2,100. The earliest pastor was Rev. F. Ketchman, who remained about one year. He was followed by Rev. W. W. Smith, who was pastor fourteen months. Then followed Rev. R. Edwards, one year; Rev. G. D. Simmons, eighteen months; Rev. A. Edison, two years and four months; Rev. J. Shephard, six years; Rev. W. A. Velsher, two and one-half years, when the present pastor, Rev. J. Cairns, was installed. The membership is now 107, and the attendance at Sunday-school 130. The superintendent is William Talbott. The Disciples of Christ held meetings for some time in the courthouse, in the Baptist Church, and in the school-house. About December 18, 1859, they met at the court-house and effected an organization. At this meeting the following persons united: Samuel and Mrs. Ellen Horn, Mrs. A. E. Matthews, Ada B. Lobingier, Geo. Lobingier, G. W. Sroupe, William and Mrs. Martha McFarland, and William Kirkland. On the 23d of January following, a permanent organization was made, with William Kirkland and G. W. Sroupe as elders, William McFarland and Jno. M. Evans, deacons, and Geo. Lobingier, clerk. At this latter date, Hannah and Elizabeth Kirkland, Mrs. Mary E. Evans, Mary Busenback, Mary L. Cahon, John, Hannah B., and Melinda McFarland, Mary Hazle, Miranda M. Noel, and Nathaniel C. Whitney, united with the church. On January 1, 1871, the congregation purchased the Baptist Church (the old school-house), and removed it to its present location, where they still continue to worship. They have now 50 members, and a Sunday-school of about 35 scholars. This church was organized at first by Rev. James E. Gaston, who remained about one year. For about three years the pulpit was filled with "supplies," when the Rev. John W. Errett was called, and remained until January, 1868. In January, 18G9, elder G. W. Sroupe was engaged to preach to them, and remained until March, 1872. On October 1, 1873, Rev. James Seaton was called, and remained until March, 1875. Since then no regular pastor has filled the pulpit. The congregation is now in good condition, and expect, as soon as they are able, to erect a commodious and comfortable church. The Swedish Lutheran Church. The people constituting this religious body met for some time prior to their organization in the court-house, and in the Christian Church. They were organized in the first mentioned house on May 30, 1875, with 52 members. The organization was made by Rev. L. Carlson, of Andover. They soon after purchased the house of worship owned by the Congregationalists, which they still occupy. Rev. Carlson is yet pastor; the membership having increased to 69. About 35 scholars attend the Sunday-school. The Congregationalists are the oldest religious organization in Cambridge. The church was composed of members from the different colonies surrounding the town. In February, 1837, a few persons professing this faith met together, and on the 9th day of that month the First Congregational Church was formed, with a membership of eleven, as follows: Nelson Games and wife, Henry G. and Mrs. Fidelia Little, H. G. and Mrs. Elizabeth Griffin, Joseph and Mrs. Julia A. Tillson, C. W. Davenport, Mrs. Margaret Attwater, and Mrs. Ruth Moore. Of these, Judge Tillson, Mr. and Mrs. Griffin, and Mrs. Attwater are now members. The organization was effected by Rev. L. H. Parker, of Galesburg, and Rev. William F. Vaill, of Wethersfield, so well known to the early settlers of the county. The congregation continued to occupy the court-house in company with the Methodists and Baptists for several years. By the year 1854 they had increased to 24 members, and in May of that year decided to erect a church. This was accomplished the ensuing Summer and Autumn, and was dedicated January 12, 1856. It was occupied until the year 1875, when it was sold to the Swedish Lutherans, and the building of the present fine and commodious edifice commenced. It is almost completed, and will cost about $12,000. The membership is now about 100. Father Vaill, as he was called, remained preaching for the congregation about one year, and was succeeded in the pastorate by the Rev. Joseph D. Baker, whose pastorate is the longest of any-seventeen years. Rev. L. H. Parker was then called, who remained one year. The next was Rev. Joel Grant, three years, and following him was Rev. Thomas Douglas, about two years. The Rev. S. F. Dickenson, the present pastor, has had charge only a few months. The congregation is in a prosperous condition, and expects to occupy its new house of worship in a short time. This church furnished a full quota of men for the late war, and on one fine Sabbath morning, without any previous notice, raised at a single collection over $1,000 for the Sanitary Commission. The Methodist Episcopal Church. In common with other religious bodies the early members of this church met in the old court-house at first, where, in 1850, they were organised into a church. At that date there were about 20 persons united, under the labors' of Rev. - Harding, a missionary of the M. E. Church through the West. Some of the principal members were John and Mary Russell, S. P. and Mrs. L. Cady, Michael Grant, A. S. Ebright. A. M. Comstock and wife, Elias Morse (known as "Father Morse," and for twenty-five years a class-leader), and his wife, equally well known for her hospitality. At that time, the Cambridge Mission comprised Cambridge, Spring Creek (now Atkinson), Geneseo, Deanington (now Orion), Red Oak and Berlin (now Swedonia). In 1855 the congregation erected their first church. It was a plain unpretentious brick structure, and was dedicated two years later by Rev. Silas Bonles, of Chicago. It was re-modeled in 1865, and re-opened by Dr. Eddy, of the same city. Becoming unsafe, it was taken down in 1874, and the same year replaced by the present safe and comfortable house, which has cost the society $8,000. It was dedicated by Bishop Andrews. The following ministers have had charge of this church: Rev. Harding, one or two years; H. J. Humphrey, two years; C. M. Wright, one year; G. W. Brown, two years; D. A. Falkenburg, two years; Geo. C. Woodruff, two years; J. J. Fleehearty, two years; G. M. Morey, two years; W. B. Frezell, three years; J. D. Smith, two years; William Leber, one year; and Geo. I. Bailey, three years. The present pastor is Rev. C. M. Morey, who is now preaching his second time to this church. At present the membership is 135; the Sunday-school, nearly 100; and both church and school are in a prosperous condition. The Protestant Episcopal (Trinity) Church. This is a mission, established under the care of the Grace Church Parish, whose permanent head-quarters are at the church of the latter, about five miles northwest of Cambridge. Their very convenient and comfortable church edifice was erected in 1876, costing $5,000. The membership is now about 80, with a Sunday-school of the same number. The pastor is Rev. J. S. Chamberlain, rector of Grace Parish, who resides in Cambridge. He ministers every Sabbath in both places, devoting the afternoon of that day to the Trinity Church. THE SCHOOLS. The first school in Cambridge was taught in the year 1845 or 1846 by Miss Sarah Francis Little, sister of Henry G. Little. The building occupied was the old court-house, which served for various uses until sold to the Gaines Brothers. In the year 1850, the building now used as the Christian Church, was erected. This was used until the year 1856, when the brick structure in College Square was built. During the Winter of 1856-'7 the school was divided into two departments, and in addition to the frame school-house, the basement of the old M. E. Church was used, the brick school-house being incomplete. This was the first grading or division of the schools into more than one department. The Principal was Dr. R. C. Raymond, now a practicing physician of Cambridge. He was assisted by Miss Fanny Sould and Miss Lucy Brooks. As there were but two departments, it is probable one resigned during the year, and was succeeded by the other. The following year the school was held in the brick house, with Henry P. Sumner as Principal with one assistant. Dr. Raymond came again in 1858. He was succeeded by the following persons as Principals: A. B. Converse, William Wight, ______ Thorpe, and Miss Sarah B. Dunn. These occupied the position till 1863, when Ira D. Marston assumed charge, and remained until 1866. During all these years but one assistant teacher was needed, the building containing but two rooms and two recitation rooms capable of accommodating the juvenile population of the town. In the Autumn of 1866, B.F. Barge, present County Superintendent of Schools, was secured as Principal, and remained in charge until 1872. At first he had but one assistant; but in 1868, the frame building occupying the same lot, was completed, and two additional departments added. In 1872 one more was also added to these, making four in all. At the close of the session of 1871-'2, Mr. Barge went to Geneseo, and Mr. C. J. Gruey, the present Principal, was placed in charge. At that time the enrollment was 288. In 1873 he established the present High School course of study, And in 1875 graduated the first class from that course. He also graduated a class the following year. The enrollment is now 450, and the attendance close upon that number. These are divided into five departments, requiring the services of six teachers, one, Mrs. Gruey, assisting in the High School. The frame building was enlarged to six rooms during the Summer of 1876, and is now sufficiently large to accommodate the school. Should the growth of the town continue as it has since 1871, additional room will be needed to keep the educational facilities of Cambridge to the present high standard. Additional Comments: Extracted from: THE HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS, ITS TAX-PAYERS AND VOTERS; CONTAINING, ALSO, A BIOGRAPHICAL DIRECTORY; A CONDENSED HISTORY OF THE STATE; MAP OF THE COUNTY: A BUSINESS DIRECTORY: AN ABSTRACT OF EVERY-DAY LAWS; WAR RECORD OF HENRY COUNTY; OFFICERS OF SOCIETIES, LODGES, ETC., ETC. CHICAGO: H. F. KETT. & CO., 15 LAKESIDE BUILDING. 1877. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/henry/history/1877/historyo/cambridg217gms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/ilfiles/ File size: 32.9 Kb