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Knox County ILGenWeb |
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History of Victoria Village |
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"Victoria was laid out by A. A. Denny, County Surveyor, May 11, 1849. The proprietors of the town, were John Recker, Jno. W. Spulding, Geo. F. Reynolds, Albert Arnold, J. J. Hedstrum, W. L. Shurtleff, Jonas Hedstrum, Joseph Freed, and J. J. Knapp. It contains, 3 School houses, 3 Stores, 3 Blacksmith shops, 2 Wagon shops, 1 Cabinet and Furniture store and a Molasses factory." From the 1886 Portrait and Biographical Album of Knox County, Biographical Publishing Company, Chicago. [Submitted by Pat Thomas.] This pretty little village is located upon a commanding site on the eastern line of Victoria Township. Beautiful little hills and valleys, stretching far away in the distance, can be seen from almost every point. The town was originally started about a mile east of the present site, where there was a small store and a blacksmith-shop. This was in 1839, the year that Queen Victoria was crowned, from whom it took its name. The town did not remain here long and "Uncle" Reynolds is sometimes accused of stealing it and moving it up to the present site. From conversation with this sturdy old pioneer we are inclined to think there is some truth in this report. The proprietors of Victoria were George F. Reynolds, John Becker, Albert Arnold, J. W. Spaulding, W. L. Shurtliff, Jonas Hedstrom, Joseph Freed and J. J. Knapp. It was laid out by A. A. Denny, County Surveyor. A part of the plat is in section 7 and a part in section 18, also in sections 12 and 13 in Copley township. John Becker had the enterprise to open the first store in town and G. F. Reynolds opened the first hotel; he also erected the first house. Mr. Reynolds was also the first Postmaster here. He was succeeded by Isaiah Berry. Mr. Pease succeeded Berry, who was followed by Ephraim Russell. Henry K. Olmstead then held Uncle Sam's commission for several years, and was succeeded by Louis Emory, who gave place to Lee Shannon, the present Postmaster. This town was on the stage route from Burlington to Chicago via Knoxville. Four-horse Concord coaches for many years were wont to roll through this town and stop beneath the shadow of Reynolds' far-famed hostelry. Here this hospitable landlord entertained the traveling public for 15 years. Victoria is well laid out, with many attractive dwellings and some good business-houses. It is thrifty and has an extensive and rich farming country to support it. People come here from Lynn, Truro, Persifer, Copley and Walnut Grove Townships with their produce and for marketing. There is some talk of getting a branch railroad through here. It has a population of about 700 souls. They have never had a corporate organization, yet all their town affairs seem to run smoothly. There is a very good school here, which is partially graded. A. W. Ryan is Principal, with Mrs. A. W. Ryan, Assistant. The enrollment in the upper department is 43, in the lower 42. The average attendance in both, 75. Churches Congregational Church of Victoria. This society was organized under Presbyterian auspices, April 30, 1841. The meeting was held at George Foster's residence. Members of the first organization were George and Jane Foster, George F. Reynolds and wife, John Foster and wife, William Harriet and Nancy Foster and Henrietta Gaines. The first pastor was Reverend S. G. Wright. Meetings were held in private houses and school-houses for several years. In April 1849, the society adopted the Congregational system. The church building was erected in 1851, on section 18, and was dedicated August 12, 1852. It cost about $1,500. Reverend David Todd succeeded Mr. Wright in the spring of 1847 and served the church until 1850 when they had supplies for awhile. Among these supplies were Jonathan Blanchard and F. A. Armstrong. In April 1853, Reverend William Beardsley was installed, remaining until October, 1855. For several years thereafter, they had supplies. In February 1862, Reverend B.F. Haskins assumed charge, serving the church until 1874. He was succeeded by Reverend L. E. Benton who remained until July 1875, when H. C. Abernethy took charge, serving until May 1878, when they again had supplies. In May 1879, Reverend E. H. Baker was installed, serving until January 1883. They had supplies then until May, 1884. At that time the service of Reverend William Chappell were obtained, who remained until August 1885. Since this time the church has had no regular pastor. The membership is small. A good parsonage is owned by the society, valued at $750. Swedish Methodist Church. The first class for the Swedish people was organized by Reverend Mr. Jonas Hedstrom, December 15, 1846, in a little log house in Victoria with five members, who were taken on probation. This mission was served by several pastors, Mr. Hedstrom was the regular pastor until 1857, when Reverend N.C. Westergreen took charge, serving until 1858; Reverend V. Witting from 1858 to 1860. In 1860 Peter Newburg was placed in charge. In 1861, Albert Ericson, in 1863, N. Peterson; in 1866, Peter Newborg; in 1869, John H. Ekstrand; in 1872, H. W. Ehlund; in 1873, John Burstrom; in 1875, A. Walgron; in 1876, H. Olson; in 1878, C.F. Levin; in 1880, J. B. Anderson, who remained until 1883 when Reverend P.M. Johnson, the present pastor took charge. In 1854 they erected their first church building at a cost of $2,000. Subsequently they built a parsonage at a cost of $500. Present membership, 110. |