Untitled Document

Winnebago

Joseph D. Warner built the first house on the village site. In 1853, the Galena and Chicago Union—now known as the Chicago and Northwestern railroad—was completed through Winnebago County, and on the 30th day of December, of that year, T. D. Robertson, of Rockford, surveyed and platted the village. About the same time a post office was established here, and Warren Shed appointed post-master.

Situated in as fine an agricultural district as can be found anywhere, it is the centre of a good trade, and a depot from which a large amount of grain, stock, etc., is annually shipped to Eastern markets, it being estimated that the railroad traffic alone amounts to $25,000 yearly. The population is very nearly 600, made up of intelligent, refined and industrious people.

In 1853, Albert Wilson opened the first general store, which was followed by other trading houses and shops of various kinds, until now there are about thirty-five business places, whose aggregate yearly transactions amount to $152,528.57. The annual shipment of cattle and hogs is set down at 12,000 head, and of grain, 35,000 bushels.

We append the names of a few of the heaviest dealers and the yearly aggregate of their respective business transactions, as far as reliable data can be had:

J. B. Alexander, dry goods, $12,000; D. C. Lewis, general store, $10.000: M. M. Swami, general store, $25,000; N. & F. CoH, carriage manufacturers, $5,000; W. E. Canniford, pump manufacturer, $5,450; Jerry Jordan, furniture, $2,000; Prescott & Vanston, meat market, $4.000; Grippen & Mellen, druggists, $6,000; Bert. Cross, livery, $1,600. There are others whose business is large, but for want of reliable data, their names are omitted, although they are none the less worthy of mention.

In 1855, the first school, Miss M. Webster, teacher, was taught in Winnebago, in the basement of the M. E. church. In 1858, the first school house was built, at a cost of $1,325.00. The present graded school house cost $9,200; its current expenses are $2,200 per annum, with an average daily attendance of 122. Teachers: James Ellis, Principal; Miss Emma Moore, Grammar Dep't; Miss Sarah Weld, Intermediate; Mrs. Lettie Treadwell, Primary.

History of Winnebago County-1877

Illinois Ancestors

BMK