-Caveat Lector- from: http://nsn.nslsilus.org/wrkhome/hmca/history.htm <A HREF="http://nsn.nslsilus.org/wrkhome/hmca/history.htm">History - Martin's Gen'L Store </A> ----- Historical information about Millburn. Gathered from our archives. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ OVERVIEW If we had to pick just one item for you to look at, we'd recommend Esther Foster's pamphlet written in 1956. TIME LINE We've created a time line for Millburn that presents the major events. You can follow developments through the years. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Major Themes Good quality land available, at cheap prices. This is what brought the people to the area. Find out about these government land sales. We've documented twenty square miles with names and maps. History is made by nature and by people. Nature has been pretty fair to us, except for occasional bad weather. Most of our history documents the people in our community. We have developed biographical sketches for many of Millburn's families. We have quite a collection of names and dates. Millburn was a farming community. Most of our early settlers were farmers. Check out our farm history pages. Families came into town to get their mail, do their shopping, and learn what was going on. At one time Millburn had three stores operating. Find out more about Millburn's General Stores. Millburn Church was both the religious and social center of the community. The church building was the largest building for people to assemble within. It was used often, hosting concerts, speakers, community meetings, plays, and other activites. We have on record one event that was attended by five hundred. Our families knew the value of an education and it was important for their children to attend school. Many graduates went to boarding high schools and then to college. Our Millburn Area Schools material covers the various districts, their consolidation, teacher biographies, and teaching experiences. We have some old photos of the buildings. The Millburn Mutual Insurance Company gained widespread importance when this company began insuring against loss by fire in 1855 and received a special charter from the Illinois Legislature in 1865. We have early records for the Company, the oldest mutual company in Illinois. UNDERGROUND RAILROADMillburn supported the anti-slavery sentiment in the North. We're clearly established for active participation in the local folklore. Read about our participation in the underground railroad. Millburn's young men did their patriotic duty when the call to arms was sounded. Read about Millburn's participation in the Civil War. Millburn's citizens were profoundly affected by the coming of the railroad. Even in the 1800's, people were thinking "not in MY backyard". Read all about railroads in the Millburn area. Progress was no stranger in Millburn. We had street lights and wooden sidewalks. Dr. Jamison wanted his patients to be able to call him by telephone. His daughter, Vida Jamison White, has written down her Recollections of the Millburn Farmer's Line Telephone Co. and switchboard, which connected several Millburn area communities in 1898. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Our Research Tools We'll let you use them too. What is normally a pretty quiet place but can tell you a lot? Our families treated their cemetery like a park. It had an underground sprinkling system and a two seat privy. See what we've learned by studying our cemetery and participating in Memorial Day services. BEATRICE ANDERSON'S SCRAPBOOKSWe began our museum with a collection of scrapbooks that had been the work of Beatrice Anderson. We could not have gotten started without this information. We'll let you browse her voluminous scrapbooks, which detail early settlers, development of the community and schools, as well as the underground railroad. We have collected lots and lots of newspaper clippings about Millburn, starting back in 1845. Read gossip, about births and deaths, farm sales notices, even about arson, fraud, and theft. We add to this collection constantly. There is quite a lot more history on our useful research books page. Whole chapters are available to help you in your quest. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ We have many more items in the museum that we just haven't gotten around to putting on our website yet: •Census Index Books for Federal Census for several years and several townships around Millburn, in Lake County, Illinois. •Marriage Index Books for Lake County, Illinois for several early years. •Records for the turn of the century telephone companies that developed in the Millburn area, including the right-of-way papers. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Back to Martin's Gen'L Store Museum Home Page Search our site for with search ===== from: http://nsn.nslsilus.org/wrkhome/hmca/c1907_3.htm <A HREF="http://nsn.nslsilus.org/wrkhome/hmca/c1907_3.htm">Millburn News - March 1907 </A> ----- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 28 March 1907 LAKE COUNTY MAY GAIN OR LOSE MUCH BY SMITH'S DEATH THE GAZETTE EDITOR, LAST YEAR, WROTE TO MR. SMITH, ASKING HIM IF HE DID NOT WISH TO DO SOMETHING FOR LAKE COUNTY. THIS PLACE OF HIS BIRTH-HIS REPLY SHOWED THAT HE WOULD GIVE THE MATTER CONSIDERATION AND HE LIKELY DID SO. BUT QUESTION IS, DID HE HAVE IT IN MIND TO DO SO AND PLANNED ITS EXECUTION BUT DEATH INTERFERED; OR DID HE PROVIDE FOR IT IN HIS WILL. Multi-Millionaire's Death Deplored by Lake County as Many of His Relatives Were Receiving Aid Directly From Him-He paid for Educating a Dozen or More of His Lake County Kin-Mrs. V. A. Rossback, His Sister, a Former Resident of Waukegan, Likely to get a Big Slice of the Millionaire's Mammoth Fortune-His Mother Lives With Mrs. Rossback at Evanston. It is possible that Lake County may have been remembered in the will of James Henry Smith, the multi-millionaire whose death occurred Tuesday in Japan, noted in last evening's GAZETTE because the editor of the GAZETTE had asked the former Lake county man if he would not find it in his way to do something for the county which gave him birth. And, the fact that his reply to the request bore a certain ray of hope makes it possible that he may have provided for such a monument. Again, it may be that he had it in mind to do something for Lake County but, that his sudden death will prevent execution of plans he expected to carry out in due time. Because Mr. Smith was born at Millburn, Lake county and lived there until his rich uncle took him into his home to make him his heir it occurred to the GAZETTE editor some time ago to write to him and ask him if he felt disposed to erect some kind of memorial in his memory in Lake county. His reply showed that he felt kindly toward the suggestion and intended giving the matter due consideration. The answer from Mr. Smith was written by him personally in his own handwriting on his private stationery and as the request was made that the contents be not made public, nothing was said about the matter at the time. Now, however, with his sudden passing away, it is not believed it will be out of place to print Mr. Smith's reply which shows that he gave Lake county some consideration, although he did not visit his old friends here very often. The letter to and from Mr. Smith appear at the top of this page and will be read with a great deal of interest. Thus while the matter was formally presented to Mr. Smith, it remains for developments to show whether he provided for it in his will and, if he did not, Lake county people can always feel that his sudden death prevented this county being recognized and remembered by its wealthiest former resident, in a most fitting manner. For, it does not seem likely that a man worth from $50,000,000 to $75,000,000 would neglect to remember his native county or village in some manner or other, at some time or another in the course of his career. Many Relatives in County. Mr. Smith has many relatives living in Lake county and his life, although he lived away from here after becoming so wealthy, was identified with the county more than people generally are aware. Mr. Smith, in his great wealth did not forget his less fortunate relations back here in Lake county. Upon getting his extensive financial affairs in shape after inheriting the vast fortune left by his uncle, George Smith, James Henry Smith at once had his agents take up the matter of thoroughly educating his kin in Lake county who, while not in uncomfortable circumstances, might feel unable to acquire the higher branches of education. As a result, a dozen or more relatives of Smith have been sent to college and he has paid all of their expenses, his only condition being that they apply themselves to the work and thereby openly express appreciation of his solicitude for them. Very Determined. In the case of a couple of young men relatives to whom Smith made the offer of education, it is said he showed his independence and unwillingness to be fooled with. The young men, when the offer was made, declined, saying they did not care to avail themselves of the chance he tendered. Mr. smith said nothing and let the matter drop. Some time later, however, Mr. Smith received a request from the young men who informed him they had reconsidered his offer and would like to go to school at his expense. Mr. Smith at once informed them that they had refused the offer when he tendered it and he did not feel disposed to again take it up with them, and he was determined in his stand, for, while he took hold of cases of other relatives after that time, those two young men were not in the list. BROTHER OF MRS. ROSSBACH. Mr. Smith was a brother to Mrs. Victor A. Rossbach, of Evanston, who formerly lived in Waukegan, on Park avenue. Mr. Rossbach was formerly agent for the St. Paul at Gurnee. He was, until lately, head of a stove repair company in Chicago, but sold out the business and recently identified himself with the Commercial Life Ins. Co., with which Dr. Carter of this city is associated. Mr. Smith has not visited in Waukegan in many years, not since the Rossbachs moved from here. His mother lives at the Rossbach home in Evanston and he always visited here when he came to Chicago and he has always given her a liberal allowance since inheriting the great fortune. While there is nothing certain about it, the general feeling is that Mr. Smith would likely remember his sister, Mrs. Rossbach, in a most handsome manner, leaving her perhaps a few millions. His aged mother will also likely get a big bequest. Another sister, Lady Cooper, lives in England. Neither she nor Mrs. Rossbach received much from their uncle George Smith, for he took the fancy to James Henry and gave him practically all of his vast wealth. Up to the present time, contrary to what the public has always concluded, the Rossbachs, although Mrs. Rossbach was just as close to the uncle who left James Henry the fortune, as the fortunate man himself, the Rossbachs have not profited any by the brother's great wealth. They are in ordinary environments in Evanston, quite without ostentation and few persons in their home city have known that Mrs. Rossbach was a sister to the multimillionaire. Mrs. Rossbach, like everybody else including her mother, was very greatly shocked to hear of his sudden death because the last they heard from him, he was in his customary health. Mr. Rossbach was in Waukegan on Tuesday and spoke of his brother- in-law being abroad on his wedding tour of the world. At the time, the broker was dead but word had not reached his relatives. Mrs. Gary, of Seward street, Waukegan, is also a cousin to Mr. Smith and Mrs. Rossbach. Mrs. Smith, (the mother) often visits at Jas. Trestrail's on Franklin street. At the time of his death Mr. Smith was on a wedding tour around the world and his bride was the divorced wife of Wm. Rhinelander Stewart. They were married Sept. 13 of last year. Mr. Smith's death occurred Tuesday at Kioto, Japan. A dispatch received here Monday said that Mr. Smith was dangerously ill. In the party with Mr. and Mrs. Smith were the duke and duchess of Manchester. Death Due to Heart Disease. A cable message received at Mr. Smith's office in New York Wednesday contained the information that the party which accompanied Mr. Smith will leave Yokohoma for San Francisco April 10, bringing Mr. Smith's body. It will be met in San Francisco by Eugene Zimmerman of Cincinnati, father of the duchess of Manchester. It was stated at Mr. Smith's office, that his death was due to heart disease. Gave Lavish Entertainments. A few years ago Mr. Smith inherited from his uncle, George Smith, a fortune estimated at $50,000,000. Something more than two years ago Mr. Smith bought the house at the corner of 57th street and 5th avenue owned and occupied by the late Wm. C. Whitney. The lavish entertainments given by him during his bachelorhood days were among the most notable in New York fashionable circles. Prior to coming into the estate of his uncle he conducted a brokerage business and was known as "Silent" Smith. Was Married in Scotland. Mr. Smith and Mrs. W. Rhinelander Stewart of Baltimore were married at Inverness, Scotland, on Sept. 13 last and shortly afterward he started with his wife and several friends on a tour around the world. Early in February, together with Mr. and Mrs. Bourke Cochran and the duke and duchess of Manchester, they were presented to the ameer of Afghanistan at Calcutta, where that native potentate was being entertained by the viceroy of India. The Smith party were touring on the Drexel yacht, Margarita, which Mr. Smith had chartered. Wedding Soon After Divorce. Mrs. Smith was Miss Annie M. Armstrong of Baltimore and Philadelphia. In 1879 she was married to W. Rhinelander Stewart, from whom she obtained a divorce in South Dakota in August of last year. A few days after the decree was granted she sailed with her daughter, Miss Anita Stewart, for England and her marriage to Mr. Smith occurred in the following month. Career of George Smith George Smith, the founder of the great fortune which fell to James Henry Smith upon the old man's death, was one of the pioneer bankers of Chicago and the northwest. He was a native of Scotland, and came to America in 1833, when he was 26 years old. From New York he drifted westward and finally locating in Chicago just before the beginning of the boom period in that city, invested his small savings in city property. The increase in value was rapid and with his increased capital he returned to Scotland and organized a land investment company. He remained in Scotland only a short time, however, returning to Chicago with his company and several partners prepared for business. Prospered in the Northwest. They prospered from the start, organized a bank and eventually obtained large holdings in many of the enterprises of the rapidly growing northwest. One of Mr. Smith's most profitable investments probably was a purchase of a large amount of Argentine bonds which he obtained at 20 and sold at par. The single investment is said to have netted him more than $10,000,000 profit. Mr. Smith never married and at his death the bulk of his great fortune went to his nephew. Lived on Small Income. In 1861 he went to London, where he passed the rest of his life, spending only $2,500 a year and watching his American investments grow more and more valuable. He had no mercy on any man who owed him anything he never renewed a note. George Smith never married. His brother left three children, James Henry Smith, Mrs. Victor A. Rosebach, and the wife of Sir George Cooper, the latter of England. The nephew had for many years been in charge of the uncle's American investments and the old man used to say that James was a chip of the old block. James Henry Smith's inheritance was estimated at $50,000,000, but his fortune had increased steadily since it fell into his hands in 1899 and the estate now is estimated at between $60,000,000 and $75,000,000. Caught in Stock Panic. Mr. Smith's death could not have occurred at a more unfortunate period, so far as its effects upon his estate is concerned. The recent depression in the stock market had caused a vast shrinkage in the value of his holding. "It will be found that the value of Mr. Smith's estate has depreciated between $10,000,000 and $20,000,000," said one man who spoke with authority. In Wall street Mr. Smith was regarded as being in virtual control of St. Paul. He did not own a majority of the stock, but his block of shares was so large as to place him in the position of having the balance of power. The stock could not be manipulated without his aid. Not long ago he retired from the St. Paul board. He was a director of the Hanover, National Bank, the Missouri Pacific Railroad, the Equitable Trust Company, The Conried Metropolitan Grand Opera Company, the Empire Trust Company and numerous other corporations. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ COPY OF LETTER MAILED TO JAMES HENRY SMITH, MULTIMILLIONAIRE, BY EDITOR OF THE GAZETTE. February 12, 1906 Mr. James Henry Smith New York City, N. Y. My Dear Sir-We observe that you have, as the Chicago papers say, "just recognized Chicago's claim to some of your wealth, by a munificent gift to the city" (He gave $500,000 of St. Luke's hospital). "It occurred to us that possibly, in view of your early residence in Lake county, with your relationship still here, it might appeal to you if brought to your attention, as a reason why you could see yourself clear to do something for Lake county. Has it ever occurred to you to remember Lake county in the way of a county hospital, or something of this kind? For years there has been an agitation for a county hospital at the poor farm but the expense of such has prevented its execution. We understand that many appeals of this kind are made to you but it is on account of your early associations with Lake county that we call your attention to it at this time. We are sure that the people of Lake County would appreciate greatly a monument of this sort to your name. Will you at all events kindly communicate with as explaining how you feel in the matter. Yours Very truly, W. J. Smith REPLY OF JAMES HENRY SMITH TO THE GAZETTE EDITOR'S REQUEST TO DO SOMETHING FOR LAKE COUNTY IN VIEW OF HIS BIRTH HAVING TAKEN PLACE IN LAKE COUNTY, NEAR MILLBURN: Feb. 19, 1906 W. J. Smith, Esq. Waukegan, Ill. My Dear Sir- I have yours of the 12th inst. and note contents. My contribution to St. Luke's Hospital of Chicago will exhaust me for a little while. When I get rested I will consider the claims of Lake county. Of course this letter it not for publication. Yours Very truly. JAMES HENRY SMITH. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ UNWILLING TO DISCUSS THE MATTER V. A. Rossbach, Brother in Law of the Late Millionaire Smith was Here Today. DECLINES TO DISCUSS PROSPECTS OF INHERITANCE Victor A. Rossbach, brother in law of the late James Henry Smith, the multimillionaire, was in town today for a short time. Mr. Rossbach naturally does not wish to discuss the possibility of his wife inheriting any particular amount of her brother's vast estate and in fact, seeks to have their part of the matter kept as quiet as possible. Mr. Rossbach admits that the relation of his wife to the rich man has already, in the past, caused them much annoyance through requests for aid, etc., many people thinking that because the brother was so rich they also had money to throw away. Mrs. Rossbach is very much broken up by her brother's sudden death and the mother is also deeply affected. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 30 March 1907 MEMBERS OF SMITH FAMILY Waukegan Man Gives Names of Those Who Will Be In Line For Inheritance. There has been so much said about the family to which James Henry Smith belonged that a Waukegan man today gave the names of all the members of the immediate family. He said that, instead of Smith having but one sister as the dispatches from New York have indicated (as Mrs. Cooper of England was the only one they mentioned), he has three sisters and two brothers living all of whom were born in Lake county, near Millburn. The relatives of the late multimillionaire are: Mrs. Rossbach, Evanston, sister. Mrs. Mary Cooper, England, sister. Mrs. Mabel Mills, Evanston, sister. Geo. A. Smith, Evanston, brother. J. W. Smith, of Texas (place of residence not certain); a brother. The latter, J. W. Smith, is a brother-in-law of Robert Smart of this city, having married Mr. Smart's sister. Thus, it is seen that there are several more immediate heirs to the vast fortune that the public generally are aware of. The same man states that the mother of the Smiths does not live with Mrs. Rossbachs but that she lives in Evanston, near the Rossbachs. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ To Previous Month Clippings To Next Month Clippings Back to Clipping Contents Page Back to History Page Back to Martin's Gen'L Store Museum Home Page Back to Arts, Culture and Entertainment Home Page Back to Warren-Newport Area Community Home Page Back to NorthStarNet Home Page This URL is http://nsn.nslsilus.org/wrkhome/hmca/c1907_3.htm Last update on 1998Oct16. Contact webmaster with comments. All rights reserved, Historic Millburn Community Association, Inc. legal stuff ----- Aloha, He'Ping, Om, Shalom, Salaam. Em Hotep, Peace Be, Omnia Bona Bonis, All My Relations. Adieu, Adios, Aloha. Amen. Roads End Kris Aloha, He'Ping, Om, Shalom, Salaam. Em Hotep, Peace Be, Omnia Bona Bonis, All My Relations. Adieu, Adios, Aloha. Amen. Roads End Kris DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance—not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
