The Ebenezer schoolhouse was the first one erected in Phenix township.

The first farm opened by Earl P. Aldrich, in section 30. He was the second settler in Henry county, coming in July, 1835, from Rhode Island. The trip was overland, the family traveling in a prairie schooner.

The nearest postoffice was Farmington and the only place of supplies was the government store at Rock Island.

Mr. Aldrich built the first log house and in 1838 replaced it with a double hewed one.

The first Fourth of July celebration in the county was held in the Aldrich house.

This house also formed the first stage station between Rock Island and Dixon.

Henry S. Aldrich, son of Earl Aldrich, was born in December, 1835, being the first white child born in the county.

Mrs. E. Aldrich manufactured the first cloth made in the county. Seventy-five yards ; date, 1836.

Mr. Aldrich died in 1880.

The first coal mines of Phenix were opened on the Aldrich land. For a number of years, as early as 1840, they used the coal but only the cropping.

About 1852, Charles Morse opened a drift and coal was mined.

Neely Withrow came to . Phenix in August, 1835. He was the first justice of the peace in Phenix. There being no jail he had a big block in his house to which he chained prisoners.

Mr. Withrow was one of the first voters at the first election held in the county, June 19, 1837.

Mr. Withrow died in 1839.

First supervisor of Phenix was Benjamin Fritts. The first full board meeting was in 1858.

The History of Henry County

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