EDITORIAL
Much of the early history has been obtained from various sources and fromthe data of Andres History of Cook County, which is the standard for CookCounty. There may he slight errors in names, though it has been the compiler'sintention to he as correct and accurate as possible.The author wishes, hereby to thank her readers for the many favors andcourtesies shown her for the use of cuts, data, etc.This volume is respectfully submitted for your approval.
E. PALMA BEAUDETTE.MAINE TOWNSHIPIs bounded on the north by Wheeling and Northfield, on the eastby Niles, on the south by Leyden, on the west by Elk Grove. Theland is excellently adapted for farming and gardening.Fine large specimens of trees, sometimes four feet in diameter,border on the banks of the river. The land elevation on each side,reaching about fifteen feet, terminates into the highest point of aboutthirty-four feet at Park Ridge.EARLY SETTLERSThe First Settlement, in 1832, was made by Captain Wright,who erected a log cabin near the north line of Section 22, which laterbecame the Milatovitch farm. Captain Wright was a commissionedofficer of the Vermont Militia. In 1833, Messrs. Brook, Sherman,Edick and Besse followed. In 1834, Eben Conant, Harry Phillipswere early settlers but did not remain long, selling to Peter Guthrieand returning to Vermont.Thomas Walton settled in Section 8, but in 1836 sold his claimto Samuel Johnson and took up a claim west of his first one.Captain Mancel Talcott settled in the northeast quarter of Section34. July 1st S. Rand (Rand Road) raised and framed this house,which was later occupied by John Miller.Mancel Talcott, Jr., settled on Section 26. According to someauthorities he built the first house in Park Ridge. Others declarethat Warner and Stevens built the first house after laying out theRand! Road. John Dougherty and Daniel Goodenough were pioneers,also.Into Maine Township, in 1834, came. Dr. Austin, Mr. Allison, Mr.Kincade, Mr. Taylor, A. H. Conant, J. W. Walton, Mr. Foot, Mr.Hopson and along the west bank of the river, north of Des Plaines,Mr. Kennicott, his two sons Hiram and Levi, Messrs. Chivel, Parsons,Salisbury and Bradwell settled.In 1835, Socrates Rand located on the southwest quarter of Section eight. This later became the home of I. N. W. Sherman. CaptainHugunin, Judge Hoard and Mr. Long followed.In 1836, John Boyd settled on what later became Canfield, nowEdison Park. In 1836, Hiram Jefferson bought John Dougherty'sproperty, then came Deacon Curtis Clark and Phineas Sherman, whosold to Dr. Silas Meacham of Park Ridge.In 1837, came Thomas P. Robb, George F. Foster, ThomasStephen and Jairus Warner, to Park Ridge, James Grannis, JohnBrown and Christopher Krueger. Captain Sabin on Section 11, LutherBallard on Section 15, Evan Jones east of the river near Rand Bridge,John Ward on Section 12, John Peacock, Joseph Stott, Mr. Sherwinsettled in 1840 on Sections 10 and 11. 1843 brought the Germansin the eastern part, Jacob Heinz, 1846 George Katz and Mr. Schoeneck,1847 Conrad Popp. Some were poor, some well-to-do, but they weremutually helpful. Park Ridge and Des Plaines are to this day notableas one large family. The towns are united by dwellers being kinsmenin each. They are united by a bond of mutual protection and familyresponsibility, believing in the principle that a word fitly spoken islike an "apple of gold in pictures of silver." There is neither an "EastSide," nor a "West Side," not a poor inhabitant to he a plaything andan object of charity for the rich. They are all comfortable, most ofthem in beautiful homes with well-paved streets, artistic surroundingsand trees, the woodman has indeed spared them.THE EARLY SCHOOLSIn 1874 a fine two-story brick schoolhouse containing four roomsand basement was erected. William Munn was the first teacher in1875.Miss Ernestine Mergler, elected for three months. R. C.Smyser, fifteen months. In 1876, J. A. Wadhams, L. O. Wilson,L. H. Hayman, J. W. Allen, J. Q. Adams, succeeded by Mr. Allen.The school has been brought up to its present day perfection as aninstitution of learning and gymnastics.The first road laid out was in 1835, from Sand Ridge to Elk Grove,crossing the River at Captain Talcott's. The next was the River Roadfrom Brush Hill, past Mr. Coval's on Salt Creek.The third, the Brooks Road from Sand Ridge to Elk Grove. Thefourth was from Rand Road and Sand Ridge to the mouth of FlintCreek, at Fox River; crossing the River Des Plaines at Rand Place.There was much objection to the Rand Road being laid out throughwhat is now Norwood Park. It was almost impossible to induce settlerson what is now most valuable land. Socrates Rand actually hired aman to settle on land west of the river.The Township of Maine was organized in 1850, the first meetingheld April 2, 1850. Socrates Rand, Chairman; Curtis Clark, Clerk.From Andreas History of Cook County:
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