Franklin Grove Collection

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: RHC-RC-115

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Franklin Grove Collection contains a variety of documents detailing several facets of the community's history. One series comprises minutes and treasurer's account books, (1932-1980) from the Cross Roads Community Club. This club organized in the early 1930's to provide social and recreational entertainment programs for Franklin Grove families. Another series partially documents the Franklin Grove Nursery from 1844 to 1884. A.R. Whitney, owner of the nursery, developed the famous Whitney Crabapple. A partial run of the newspaper, The Franklin Reporter (1880-1956), telephone books (1929-1958), documentation on the Herbst Elevator Company as well as other companies in the area, and materials from the local historical society are included in the collection. An additional series contains personnel records of the Chicago and Northwestern Railway’s Dixon Division (1901-1932), and Farmers Telephone Directories. There are also papers of the Walter L Moore family, including records from his dentistry studies and practice, as well as some of his daughter’s school papers. There is also the Uriah C. Roe family papers, including records from his pharmacy practice in Franklin Grove, as well as a cookbook and scrapbook of party games. In addition Series IV contains information regarding the Helmershausen family and other associated material. For more information on the Helmershausen family, researchers should consult the Helmershausen Genealogy book, which is part of the Bradt collection, as well as the various Lee County history books located in the reading room. For further information on the Franklin Grove community, researchers may wish to consult the Taylor Farm Records (RC 37) and Craig L. Pfannkuche's thesis From Prairie to Produce: A History of Central Lee County, Illinois, 1840-1880 (M.A., 1968).

Dates

created: 1844-1995

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on access to the collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights in the collection belong to the Regional History Center; literary rights are dedicated to the public.

Biographical or Historical Information

Uriah C. Roe was born in Eddyville, Lyon County, KY, January 1, 1825. His father, Dr. John Roe, was the first medical doctor in Ogle County. His mother, Elizabeth Lyon, was the daughter of Col. Mathew Lyon who was a lieutenant in a company of the Green Mtn Boys during the American Revolution. John and Elizabeth had nine children, born in Kentucky, and Sagamon and Ogle County of Illinois. Uriah’s brothers, both John H. Roe and Malcolm C. Roe were prominent practitioners and leading citizens of Ogle County. Uriah was educated at Mt. Morris and practiced medicine with his father in Ogle County until his father’s departure to California during a gold rush. Uriah then devoted his time principally to the manufacture of various medical remedies, sold U.C. Roe & Sons Pharmacy in Franklin Grove. Uriah first married Almeda Brown in 1846, and later married Mary Edmonds in 1883. He was also a member of the Old Settler’s Society of Lee County. The Helmerhausen family was one of the first families to settle in Franklin Grove in 1840. Several generations remained in the Franklin Grove area.

Note written by

Extent

5.50 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Source of Acquisition

Roger Taylor

Method of Acquisition

Roger Taylor of Franklin Grove, Illinois donated materials included in the Franklin Grove Collection to the Northern Illinois Regional History Center beginning in 1968.

Accruals and Additions

Addenda were added at later dates.

Related Materials

For further information on the Franklin Grove community, researchers may wish to consult the Taylor Farm Records (RC 37) and Craig L. Pfannkuche's thesis From Prairie to Produce: A History of Central Lee County, Illinois, 1840-1880 (M.A., 1968).