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Among the early settlers of this Township were Jacob Miller; Merrill Pearsons, Alvin Ames, James Melinda, John Reid, Asa Winter, Peter Cassidy, James Emery, Elijah Alvord.
Jacob Miller was the first claimant of Government land within its limits, who settled upon Millcreek, (so named by him) in the south part of the Township, in the summer or fall of 1835, and soon after erected at that point, a Saw and Grist mill, which was the first grist mill erected in the Co. of Lake. He was originally from Virginia, and immigrated with his family to this State and settled at Chicago a short time previous to the Black Hawk War, in which he engaged and served to its close. He was one of those noble hearted Virginians whom the later settlers of Illinois cannot but remember with the warmest feelings of gratitude and respect for their kindness and hospitality in the early settlement of the State.
Being of an adventurous spirit, and anxious to obtain means whereby he might add to his own comfort, and be of service to his fellow-creatures, he set out with his two eldest sons, in the spring of 1849, for California - "the land of Gold."
The fatigue and privations of a protracted journey, brought on disease, from which he died soon after reaching its termination.
This Township is watered by the Des Plains, which passes through about the centre; and Mill creek which passes through the south western portion, and empties into the Des Plains near the south line of the Township. There are some matters of antiquity here, which are probably worthy of a passing notice. Upon the west bank of the Des Plains river, is a chain of those ancient mounds which are found in various portions of the Western country which extends from near the State line, southward some two or three miles. - Many of them have been dug into by the inhabitants, in which they invariably find human bodies, almost entire, and of more than ordinary size. Upon the east bank of the river, a short distance below the State line, in the midst of a thicket of timber, is a peculiar spot which has evidently been the camping-ground of the Aborigines from time immemorial. The ground being at the present day strewed with the bones of animals and shells of turtles.
The writer is informed by Alvin Ames Esq that in the winter of 1840, in cutting and splitting a red oak tree, near this spot, he cut out an ounce leaden ball which was 70 grains from the surface; having, as he thinks, been lodged there about the year 1770, and was probably discharged from some French or English musket.
The lands of this Township, are mostly woodlands and oak openings; and are mostly occupied at the present time, by a class of thriving and industrious farmers.
In 1844, the Township was organised for School purposes and temporarily received the name of Sterling. A post office was established upon the east side of the river in 1846, under the name of Mortimer; which name was however subsequently changed to Newport to correspond with the present name of the township which is the only Post office in town.
The total amount of the township School fund is $1080.70. The number of School Districts is ten, in which schools are taught about one half of the year.
The first Town meeting was held at the house of John Turk. Titus D. Gail was chosen Moderator; and Merrill Pearsons, clerk; John Reid was elected Supervisor; Caleb Cook, and J. Lowe Justices of the Peace; A. J. Cummings, Constable; B. F. Backus, Chester Ames and H. C. Biddlecome, Commissioners of Highways. The number of votes cast for town officers was 158.
The assessment value of property for the year 1850, including both real and personal, was $94644. The amount of tax computed thereon for collection was $1394.26.
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