Header Graphic
Prophetstown Village

Transcribed from the PORTRAIT & BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM OF WHITESIDE COUNTY, IL
Originally published 1885
Chapman Bros.
Chicago, IL

Transcribed by: Denise McLoughlin
Tampico Area Historical Society
www.tampicohistoricalsociety.citymax.com


PROPHETSTOWN VILLAGE


This beautiful and somewhat noted town is located on the picturesque banks of Rock River, and surrounded by a rich agricultural country. It as incorporated by act of the Legislature March 10, 1859, and the territory now embraced by it may be more particularly described as the southeast fractional quarter of section 32 in township 20, range 5; the southwest half of the southwest fractional quarter of section 33, same range and township; the northwest fractional quarter of section 4, township 19, range 5, and the northeast fractional quarter of section 5, township 19, range 5, east of the fourth principal meridian. This was declared to be the limits of the village of Prophetstown.


The first election was held for selecting village officers April 4, 1859. Andrew J. Fuller, Elias C. Hutchinson, John H. Warner, Albert G. Porter, Edward S. Dickinson, were elected Trustees, and W. T. Minchen, Clerk; Andrew J. Fuller was chosen President of the Board of Trustees.


The town is well laid out, with wide streets, which are shaded by fine large trees. This village was originally platted in 1838, and was distinguished by having among its proprietors the great Webster. Its platters were George W. Campbell, Daniel Webster, Asa Crook, Dixon B. Morehouse, James Craig, Erastus Nichols and Jabez Warner. This plat included that of the present village lying north of Main Street. It is not remembered by any of the early settlers that the great American statesman ever visited the village, or that he was ever pecuniarily benefitted for the use of his name. It was undoubtedly put in to give the town a “send-off,” and create what would now be called a real-estate “boom.”


This town was called in early days the Prophet’s Village, and it was here that Wa-bo-Kies-Shiek, or White Cloud, commonly called the Prophet, had his home with his tribe. He was a son of a chief of the Sac and Fox tribes, but was connected with the Winnebagoes by marriage, having tow of their women for his wives. He is reported to have been a splendid specimen of the Indian race. He was tall and dignified in his movements, possessing an intelligence far beyond his race. His face had something of the Grecian cast, and his mind and character was more that of a student than that of an uncivilized Indian warrior. He became one of the most distinguished chiefs of the Winnebagoes and was the right arm of Black Hawk during the Black Hawk War of 1832, being constantly with him until its close, which ended at the battle of Bad Ax. It is hard to realize that this pleasant, quiet village was the theater of hostile operations during this war. It was to this place that Black Hawk, after organizing at Sac Village,marched with all his forces and formed his camp. The Prophet, through his marriage with a friendly tribe, and his associations with the early settlers - particularly with Col. Henry Gratiot, Agent of the Winnebagoes, and his family - was disposed to be on amicable relations with the white settlers. He had not that bitter, vindictive spirit in his heart against the white man that Black Hawk had; but when the war broke out he did all in his power to make the Indian cause successful. He was in reality an enemy in war and in peace a friend. (See biography and portrait of White Cloud in the biographical portion of this book)


Daniel Crocker opened the first store in Prophetstown, which was in the spring of 1836. It was in a log cabin near the bank of the river. He did a thriving business, selling to Asa Crook alone $1000 worth of goods in one year. Alanson Smith has the credit of erecting the first frame building, which was in the summer of 1838, and was located near the river. It remained there until 1875, when it was removed. Asa Crook opened the first tavern in 1836. It was a double log cabin, but it’s roof gave shelter to may a pioneer who otherwise would have had nothing but the canopy of heaven above him. A.J. Mattson started the second store, and was the first Justice of the Peace. He is still honored by his fellow townsmen with this position. The first wedding in this village was the marriage of Isaac C. Southard and Almira B. Hill.


Settlement was made on the site of this village when it was in the precinct of Prophetstown with a view of forming a town. About the year 1845 an attempt was made by Col. Seely and others to establish the town on what is now section 1, Portland Township. Quite a number of buildings were put up there, and among these was a hotel building. This project was a failure, and Prophetstown grew right along. The hotel building that as put up in prospective village of Portland was afterwards moved over to Prophetstown and forms now a part of the Seely House.


After repeated failures to have a railroad to put the town in communication with the railway world, a road was finally constructed by the aid of the towns along the line, which was called the Mendota & Clinton Railroad, and is now a branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy. The first train of cars came into the village March 8, 1871. The town has since steadily grown, and now has a population of about 1,000 souls. There are many beautiful dwelling-houses in the village and substantial business blocks. Where the savage once pitched his tent, and held his council of war: where the Indian war-whoop, with its ominous piercing cry, was once heard, there is now a thriving village, the inhabitants of which are devoted to industrial pursuits and the arts of civilization.


EDUCATIONAL


The people of Prophetstown have secured for the education of their children a good graded school with a very excellent corps of teachers. In 1882 they erected a new school building, at a cost of $12,000, furniture $300. It is a large two-story building constructed of brick, with four apartments, which are heated by a furnace. Seating capacity, about 240. Total enrollment of pupils for the past year was 220; average enrollment, 168; average attendance, 143. The school is divided into eleven grades, each representing one year’s work. The school has a regular course of study, embracing all the English branches and the natural sciences. The pupils in general are superior in intelligence and earnest in their studies. The progress made in the primary department in writing, mapping and drawing was remarkable. This school is under good discipline. There appears to be a sympathy between teacher and pupil, which is the basis of government. Will J. Johnston is Principal; Grammar Department, Miss Anna L. Bastian; Intermediate, Miss Mary E. Cabot; Primary, Mrs. W. J. Johnston.


PRESS


Prophetstown has an excellent newspaper to represent its interests. The PROPHETSTOWN SPIKE is an eight-column folio paper, published every Saturday by A.D. Hill, who is editor and proprietor. It was established in September, 1871, by A.D. Hill and Charles Bent. The former bought out Mr. Bent’s interests in 1872. In 1878 he sold out to J. W. Olmstead, who published it a while and then sold to another party. In May, 1883, Mr. Hill repurchased the paper, and has since been sole owner. In politics the SPIKE is Republican, and has a good circulation. It is a well edited, bright and newsy paper.


CHURCHES


Methodist Episcopal Church - This society was formed in 1836, at the residence of Nathaniel G. Reynolds. There were only five members at the first organization, and only class services were held for some time. Later on they preaching from the mission service, and held their meetings in the school-house. In 1860 they erected a church building, which was the first in the town It as erected under the administration of Rev. M. Lewis, to whom its final completion was due. This society has continued its services regularly since its building was completed. A pastor is a present in charge, and the church is fairly prosperous.


SOCIETIES


Prophetstown Lodge No. 293, A.F. and A.M.. - Dispensation was granted for the organization of this lodge Oct. 7, 1838. Wm. T. Minchen received from the Grand Lodge the appointment as Master. The first meeting was held Oct. 16, 1858. In 1868 the lodge bought a lot, and in September following they voted in favor of building a hall. This was completed, and Dec. 10, 1868, was dedicated. Deputy Grand Master James C. Luckey was master of ceremonies, assisted by Past Masters John Rugles, Jr., Wm. Frasier and I.G. Burbank. The building cost about $3,000, and the furniture and equipments $1,000. This society has an elegant hall, and is in a prosperous condition. In connection with the hall they have a dining-room and kitchen, with all the necessary cooking utensils, and also table furniture for an extensive banquet. The lodge is out of debt, and has money at interest. Present Master, H.A. Sturtevant, with a membership of 87.


Prophetstown Chapter, No. 174, R.A.M., was organized under dispensation Dec. 23, 1875, and was chartered Oct. 26, 1876, by M.S. Bowman, of Sterling. Silas Sears was the first High Priest, and HR. Kent is the present. This chapter has 61 members and is prosperous.


Sinnissippi Lodge, No. 508, I.O.O. F., was instituted in 1873, with Silas Sears as N.G. This society has a good, large hall, which they own. The hall is very neatly furnished and equipped. The walls are decorated with emblematic representations, denoting the different degrees and their significance. These were made by C.N. Stevens, and are very artistic as well as ingenious in their construction. The lodge also has a good organ. A fine engraving of Schuyler Colfax (who established the Rebekah order) hangs at the head of the hall. They hold regular meetings and are in a prosperous condition. Present N.G., C.H. Gould.


Tidal Wave Rebekah Lodge, No 119 - This society was organized Nov. 20, 1883. Mrs. Alice Daily was the first N.G. They have 50 members, and meet in the Odd Fellows Hall. The present N.G. is Mrs. Cora L. Emory.

TAMPICO AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY - MUSEUM - FAMILY HISTORY LIBRARY/RESEARCH CENTER  119 Main St., P. O. Box 154,  Tampico, IL  61283   www.tampicohistoricalsociety.com   tampicoareahistory@gmail.com  We are an all-volunteer organization so your donations are always appreciated!  Sign up to receive our e-newsletter. Thank you!  Visit us on FACEBOOK.