Stephenson County Genealogical Society (2026)

24/07/2026

60 Years Ago (159 years ago)
Editor Journal-Standard: ---
Eggs were 15 cents a dozen: butter 12 cents a pound: milk 5 cents a quart; the butcher gave away liver and treated the kids to bologna, the hired girl got five bucks per month and did the washing; women did not paint, powder, smoke, play poker or roll their socks.
Men wore whiskers and boots; chewed to***co, spat on the sidewalks and cussed; beer was a nickel a throw with a free lunch; the waiters never got tips and hat check bandits were still unknown; kerosene lamps and lantern slides in the parlor were "class" and taking a bath in the family tub was a punishment.
No one was ever operated on for appendicitis, bought monkey glands, or had a two-fifty blood pressure; microbes were as yet undiscovered and folks lived to a good old age unless they died sooner.
Freeport was the pride of the Pecatonica and all the kids went to River school. The Brewster house was here, and Stephenson Street was bumpy. The amusement for the young and old alike was ping pong at the Y. M. C. A.

Today (June 1927)
Everyone rides in autos or airplanes; golf, poker, and bridge are the rage; we tune in on X. Y, Z. drink prune juice mixed with gasoline and blame everything on the politicians.
Freeport is still the pride of the Pecatonica but now, a thriving city of 25,000 with diversified sources of income. The Brewster house still stands and Stephenson street is still bumpy. For amusement they still play ping pong at the Y. M. C. A., but we have in addition as fine a park system as can be found anywhere.
A Stephenson St. Puddle Jumper

Some Things that are still true in 2026:
Everyone rides in autos.
Golf, poker, and bridge are still "the rage."
Population is still about 25,000.
The Y. M. C. A. still provides amusement.
We have as fine a park system as can be found anythere.
AND Stephenson Street is still Bumpy.

31/05/2026

The Lincoln-Douglas Debate of 1858 is one of Freeport's claims to fame. Since then there have been numerous celebrations remembering the day Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas came to town. Did you have relatives in Stephenson County during the debate? Were they taking the day off from their normal activities to hear the 2nd debate between these two men? Here is a list of some of the people who were present.

Robert H. Jones, Freeport,
Mrs. Katherine Lakemacher, Freeport
Alfred C. Held, Freeport
Philip Wentz, Freeport
John W. Henney, Freeport
W. Andrews, Freeport
A. B. Fitch- Freeport,
G. Harnish
Mrs. Jacob Kerch
N. L. Mitchell
Miss Mary Hogan
J. H. Snyder
Mrs. C. S. Hill
Mrs. W. S. Best
Mrs. C. Kistner
Mrs. Kate Molter
Mrs. Creszentia Schwarz
H. C. Montague, Lena
G.J. Hayunga, German Valley
Matt Trask, Durand
Mrs. Harriet Byington, Rockford
Mrs. S. Middour, Mt. Morris
Levi S. Bechtold, McConnell
Thomas Metz, Harlem Township
Nelson DeGon, Chicago
Truman Sweet, Durand
Simon Tollmeier, Pearl City
T. B. Young, Rock City
Mrs. Eliza Winters, Erin Township
John R. Rogers, Shannon
A. W. Frankeberger, Rock Grove
Mrs. Maria Klock, Polo
Norton L. Mitchell
W. H. H. Baker
William Bike
William Ascher
Mrs. Natalie Erfert
Mrs. Honora Glennan
Mrs. John Moersch
Joseph Barron
J. J. Molter
Mrs. Walter G. Barnes
Ezra Durling
Peter McGurk
Julius Wagner
W. F. Bennethum
Mrs. J. W. Henney
H. S. Keck
Chas. Mengedohd
Mrs. D. H. Long
John F. Rodemeyer
Mrs. H. E. Showalter
Darius Daughenbaugh
R. L. Cummings
Mrs. Agnes Fugate
F. B. Stork
J. C. Young
George Spengler
Margaret Coggins
John Hess
A. C. Warner
Samuel Leonard
J. M. Myers
Mary S. Phillips
Miss Augusta Gardner
W. G. Cole
Lewis DeGraff
Mrs. Sarah Hamilton
M. L. Quest
F. W. Clingman
Jacob Burkhart, Silver Creek
Charlotte Darling, Lena
Capt. J. M. Myers, Forreston
Jacob Fry, Channon
Mrs. Louise Brunn, Chicago
Mrs. E. Kailey, Lena
Luther M. Hess, Rockford
B. F. Daughenbaugh, Ridott
Mrs. John Lobdell, Waddams township
Aaron Hess, Kansas City
J. Turner Clingman, Cedarville
Adam Christman, Shannon
D. W. Sausman, Lena
Mrs. Wiemke Reints, Forreston
Mrs. Amy D. Winship, Racine
G. W. Shinkle, Waddams township
F. F. Brown, Canon City, Colo
W. S. Stiteley, Mt. Carroll
Mrs. Charles G. Smith, Dixon
E. B. Troxell, Stockton
John A. Davis
Frederick H. Stork
John Rybolt

31/05/2026

Write your own book! No, I will never write the books that I have planned in my head. It is just too daunting to think of ever getting even one completed. Mom didn't write a book either but she did leave me some short stories of her life. Now I am compiling them into a book with her words and family pictures. Sure would have loved to have had some of those stories from my dad or my grandparents!

Maybe summer is a good time for you to write down some stories about your life. I find if I write in short spurts on short subjects, I can accomplish more than I thought I would. There have been books written with prompts/subjects you might be able to write memory stories from. Below is list I found somewhere that has some ideas.

Childhood:
What's your first memory?
Who were you closest to in your family?
Values and beliefs parents taught
How did your parents discipline you
Who were your heros as a child?
What did you want to be?
If you could relive one day from your childhood, what would it be?
Tell about your childhood home. How did your family celebrate holidays?
How did you get along with your siblings?
What did you do for fun?
Did you have pets?
Are you named after anyone, nickname?
What were your chores?
Did you get an allowance?
Where did you live - town, house (describe)?
When were you born, where, any details?
Toys or games you remember.

School:
Did you have a favorite teacher, why?
What was your school like?
What was you favorite/least favorite subject?
What got you in trouble?
Who were your friends?
Fads when you were in school
What did you wear to school?
Awards/activities/grades/degrees
Your first date?

Marriage:
How did you meet?
What caught your eye first?
When did you know this is the one?
Wedding day = wedding and reception
Any surprises?
Honeymoon?

Occupation:
Describe your first job, how did you get it?
How did you get into your career?
What was your favorite job, why?
Least favorite job, why?
What did you do with your first paycheck?
Were you in the military?

Parents and family:
How did they meet?
What do you admire about your parents?
Who's the oldest relative you remember? What do you remember about them?
Was your family religious - church?
Any funny stories about your family?
Do you have family recipes"
Who was the family storyteller?
Tell about the day your first child was born.
Health - family potions, family doctors, illnesses or conditions.

Major Historical Events:
Pick one big event that has happened in your lifetime.
Where were you when it happened?
Did you participate in an event? - celebration, protest
How did it effect you - how did you feel?

Holidays and Celebrations:
Early holiday memory
Traditions for celebrating births, anniversaries, holidays
Favorite part of holiday meals - favorite foods
First time you spent a holiday away from home
Who do you miss on holidays?
Family reunions
Special outings/vacations
How do you celebrate New Year's - any traditions?
Best gift you remember giving or receiving

Personal:
What is you experience with ________ (computers, cell phones, microwaves, TV.....)?
Most important invention in your lifetime
Favorite songs, books, movies, TV shows
Musical instruments played
Places you've been the happiest
How was the world different in your childhood?
Did you live through a war time?
Presidents or world leaders you admired
Hobbies and activities

Parenting:
Children - names, birthdates, who named
Funny memories of something they did
How a typical day would look when you were raising your family
Challenges

Vacations/Trips
Favorite places you have gone
Memorable happenings on a trip
Bucket List

So many more topics could be included. You do not have to write about all of these. You can pick and choose OR make your own list.
This is not a project for just the ladies in the family. It would be a neat idea to pick a topic and have both Mom and Dad write what they remember or think about the choice. Would you get two very different responses, or would they be very similar?

Genealogies are often a listing of names and dates without any information on the actual lives of those listed. Don't just be a name on a page.

15/02/2026

In London, in 1888, Jack the Ripper was in the headlines repeatedly. On the other side of the Atlantic, we had Jack the Hugger, Jack the Pincher, Jack the Squeezer, Jack the Kisser and even Jennie the Hugger. There were reports from cities and small towns around the country of these attackers at work.

Freeport did not escape this phenomenon. In 1891, we started out with Jack the Peeper. There were reports of ladies seeing a face staring into their bedroom windows. Several husbands gave chase, but the Peeper was not caught. He seemed to be quite active in the Clark St. area, and was not particular who he was peeping.

Soon, Jack the Hugger appeared in Freeport. Usually he would hide in the shadows, or behind a tree, and jump out at ladies passing by. He wasn't reported to be intent on robbery or causing bodily harm, he just seemed to consider it a challenge to hug and run. The ladies being startled would usually scream and flee.

In 1897, Jack the Kisser appeared on Lincoln street where he would rush from his hiding spot, kiss the girls and run away. The police were actively looking for Jack and arrested the dog catcher, Charles. He was given the choice of paying a fine of $25 or spend 50 nights in the local lock-up. He chose not to pay the fine. I would think that everyone in town knew who the dog catcher was. What was the reaction of the citizens?

In 1895, in Cloquet, Minnesota, Helen Leonard was a "typical new woman". When Alexander Adams came up from behind her, she "squared off like a prize fighter" and gave him two black eyes and a general beating. Some of the ladies in Freeport took note and started fighting back. One of the young ladies walking down Carroll Ave. took offense to Jack's attentions and "slapped him squarely" across the face. Another lady used her hat pin to send her hugger running.

It seemed like the ladies in Freeport were believed that the attacks were real happenings. But if there was an arrest, in the early years, the Jack was usually let off with the promise of not doing it again. If the Jack was not from Freeport, he was usually sent packing and told to never return. The fines increased from $25 to $50 and even an occasional award was offered.

Jack the Hugger, in Freeport, was described as being "small in stature, shabbily dressed, with light brown hair and moustache". Another Jack was described as a man of medium height, smooth shaven, corduroy hat and coat, carrying a dinner pail and of middle age.

One gentleman passing through Freeport was arrested for scaring several ladies "nearly to death". He denied being the Hugger but paid a $25 ($860+ now) fine just to save time and trouble. He was a well-to-do farmer from Southern Illinois traveling to Iowa for business. I doubt he got off the train in Freeport ever again.

In 1905, Jack the Hugger struck again on North Galena Ave. This time he embraced an elderly lady who screamed, drawing the attention of a "gallant young man" who gave chase. Jack was caught near Douglas St. where he was administered a "sound thrashing" and left with a battered face and clothing.

Mrs. Neidigh and Miss Rae Boyington were the victims of Jack near River School. (VanBuren & Ringold area) Seldom were the ladies identified by name in the paper.

In 1907, the paper reported another attack on North Galena near Hardin St. A local man had been watching someone in the distance acting strangely. He had been moving in the shadows from tree to tree trying to keep out of sight. The local man gave chase and caught the stranger who was later identified as a contractor living in northwest Freeport with his family. He promised to never do it again and was left go. The only problem was - it was never reported to the police. Was it a real happening or was it a "story" for attention?

These reports went from the 1890's into the mid 1920's. Jack seemed to move from the bigger cities, to Freeport, and then to the small towns like Lena, Elizabeth, Dixon........ Were they copy cat Huggers? Did they read of other incidents and decide they would give it a try? Did the ladies start fighting back because they were getting more forward/modern?

Fact is stranger than fiction - sometimes even in Freeport of long ago.

21/01/2026

After watching these two authors diligently researching ghost towns, I can highly recommend the book Stephenson County Ghost Towns to anyone interested in history of the area.

01/01/2026

"To-day one year leaves us and another comes. One year more is added to our allotted term of life; we are permitted to see the light of 1868. Here is certainly reason enough for rejoicing, for a holiday. We can almost imagine that this anniversary was placed purposely in the winter, as some compensation for the rigors of the season. Does not nature seem to say to us: -- "There are no more flowers out of doors, so look to your firesides and there gather bouquets of friendship and esteem." Let joy and good fellowship prevail. Let us celebrate the occasion in a proper manner and start out on the New Year with good resolutions for the future. We wish our friends and readers, one and all a bright and happy New Year."

These are the words of James McCall the editor of the Freeport Journal on January 1, 1868.

01/01/2026

What do you do for New Year's Eve? In 1884, there were many choices just as today. Which one would you have enjoyed participating in?

The Methodist Churches of the town held watch services to usher the old year out and the new year in, there being good attendances at both churches.

The John H. Addams Lodge No. 23, A. O. U. W, held its first ball at the Germania Hall. (Ancient Order of United Workmen) The music was furnished by Schroeder's Orchestra, while Fred Erfert performed the duties of the "Caller". The dance went on into the wee hours. John Doeserich washed all a Happy New Year from the stage and supper was furnished at Mrs. Gardiner's restaurant. The Lodge is composed of some of the best citizens supporting its many charitable endeavors. The committee in charge of arrangements for the evening consisted of M. Herold, Dan Dubs, J. Edwards, Sam Dubs and Jacob Meyers and others.

Alderman John Erfert and family were surprised by W. H. Wagner and wife, Charles E. Meyer and wife, Geo. Lichtenberger and wife, Henry Lichtenberger and wife, Chas. Meiman and Wife, C. G. Steffen and wife, John Koehler and Wife, and Louis Jungkunz invading their home. The evening was a delightful time with music of a vocal and instrumental character. It was late before the company departed for their homes.

Adam Marker, one of the oldest and jolliest of the German Insurance Company's representatives, celebrated his birthday with office employees and friends both young and old. TO show their appreciation of him as a friend and an insurance man, he was presented an elegant arm chair. The gift was received with extreme thankfulness. The visitors on this occasion were president of the company, Hon. M. Hettinger, vice president, Jno. Hoebel; secretary, Fred Gund; cashier, Al Frueh; Wm. Trembor, Fred Gross, George Franz, John Hinderks, Dan Matzke, Wm. T. Mitchell, Jacob and Charley Bischoff.

Rev. D. M. Tompkins and wife, C. A. Sheetz and wife and daughters, Helen and Mae, J. D. Diffenbaugh and wife and daughters, Ida and Lillian, W. H. Diffenbaugh and wife, A. C. Sheetz and wife, W. H. J. Stratton and wife, E. D. Tucker and wife, and Bert D. Waddell attended the christening of Florence Diffenbaugh Sheetz the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George M. Sheetz. The christening was followed by supper and an evening of converse, music etc.

Members of the Germania Society enjoyed themselves at the hall. The weather was stormy but there was a large turnout, and the hall was crowded. The Christmas Tree in the hall center was loaded down with gifts for the little folks. The dance went on until an early hour in the morning.

The skating rink was crowded and a large number enjoyed the fun on roller skates.

For a number of years, it had been a tradition for gentlemen to go visiting young ladies on New Year's Day. This tradition was starting to fade away, but it took on newer versions. The popularity of the young ladies was measured in the number of visitations she received.

Several young couples gathered at the residence of the Misses Demuth before they walked to the home of Cora Kundinger to surprise her. But it was not a well-kept secret, and she surprised them instead. Music, recitations, and games entertained those present. A game called "Forfeits" was the favorite of D. C. L. Mease, Birdie Kundinger sang some songs with her mother accompanying her, and David Bokhoff convulsed the audience with his recitations - "Michael Schneider's Party" and "Baxter Street Merchant". Refreshments were served at 11 o'clock and the ladies and gentlemen ventured out into the snow drifts after midnight.

May you all have a happy and healthy 2026!

22/12/2025

December 24, 1925
Practically all business will be at a stand still in the city. The only businesses that will remain open are the restaurants and confectionaries. All local offices will be closed, as will the post office for the entire day. Railroad offices will be closed after 9 a.m. when perishable freight will be delivered.
The community tree has be placed on the court house plaza by the Empty Stocking Club. Santa will be there with presents for the children. The United Commercial Travelers have made provisions for 500 gifts to be given to children between the ages of 3 and 9 years of age.
Enough snow on the ground will provide a 'White Christmas', Yuletide spirit has spread over the city and everyone is awaiting the greatest holiday of the season.

December 21, 2025 -
MERRY CHRISTMAS to our members, readers, and friends!
We would be pleased to have you join us during 2026!

22/12/2025

The Stephenson County Genealogical Society has purchased many books for the history room at the library over the past 40 years. We also have accepted many donations of genealogical books from authors, members, and the public.

Below is a list of books that have been cataloged and are on the shelves in the history room:

Dear Dorothy - Love and War in the 1940's - a collection of letters written during World War II compiled by Elise Detterbeck - purchase by member

A Historical Scrapbook of First Lutheran Church 1881-2019 by Sandy Helm. - a collection of newspaper articles, pictures, records - author donation

The Basswood Affair - The true story of the destruction of the Basswood School by Ken Bartelt - author donation

Memories of an Old Time Farmer - Leland Wenzel - purchase by member

Bethel - "Where the Roots of Faith Grew Deep" 1878-2023 - by Vicki Ochsner Crone - History of Afolkey, Il. church - author donation

Thomas Faulconer Descendants and Related Tidewater Virginia Families by James G. Faulconer - public donation

The Descendants of David Sheppard, Jr. - by Robert D. Dare - public donation

Hallmarked - A Mary O'Reilly Novella by Terri Reid (Freeport Author)

There is a collection of Local Author books both in Fiction and Non-Fiction. Some have been out of print for years and others are currently available on Amazon.
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The SCGS has a number of books that are available for purchase. The price listed does not include postage. If you live close by, they are available in the history room during our open hours.

1854 Stephenson County History - Johnston reprint $15
1854 Stephenson County History - Johnston, printed in the Illinois Historical Society's hard bound book $20
1880 Stephenson County History - Tilden reprint $30
1970 Stephenson County History - $40

1884 Green County Wisconsin History - $50

Stephenson County Interurban - Keister - softcover - $15

Camera Studies - photos of Freeport places $10

Green Stamps - book of memories of Northern Illinois - $15

Kent - by Philip Keister - reprint - $20

Knock on Our Door - Koenig Family - $25

Parks of Freeport - $10

We do have several city directories of the 1980's and 1990's - $5 each.

If you have any questions about any of the books mentioned, either in the library history room or the books for sale, please stop in the history room or send a message.

B

Monday	09:10 - 12:00
Tuesday	13:10 - 17:00
Wednesday	10:10 - 14:00
Thursday	09:10 - 13:00
	14:10 - 18:00
Friday	09:10 - 12:00
Saturday	09:10 - 12:00

Stephenson County Genealogical Society

24/07/2026

31/05/2026

31/05/2026

15/02/2026

21/01/2026

01/01/2026

01/01/2026

22/12/2025

22/12/2025

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