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Among the early settlers were Samuel Brookes, Esq., Thomas McClure, Amos Bennett, L. W. Craig, Avery Esty, Moses Esty, William Lovejoy, Abram Marsh, William Ladd, Esq., George A. Drury, Willard Jones, Orange Smith, Orlin B. Smith, David Gilmore, and Amaziah Smith.
Its settlement was commenced in the year 1835, which was mostly in the vicinity of the Des Plains River.
The natural enquiry, in tracing the early history of the western country, is, who was the first white inhabitants, speaking in contradistinction, of the Aborigines. The writer is informed, that this point as far as the Township of Warren is concerned has been well settled. Amos Bennett, a colored man, and who was we believe the first person who laid claim to, and improved any of the lands of the Township, declared on a certain occasion, while this matter was being discussed, forgetting his own color, and speaking in contradistinction of the Indian race, that he was "the first white man that ever planted corn upon the O'Plain River, within the limits of Lake County."
The Township is watered by Gage's 1st Lake, and a part of the 2nd; Mill Creek and the Des Plains River. Upon Mill Creek there is an excellent Saw Mill and Grist Mill, owned by Moses Esty, - erected by Nathaniel Vose, Esq.
The lands of this Township, are composed of small prairies, interspersed with groves and belts of timber.
The principal thoroughfares, leading from Waukegan westward, south-westward, and north-westward, pass through this Township; among which are the Chicago and Milwaukee, the Lake and McHenry Plank Road, and the Beloit Road by the way of Antioch.
Ancient mounds, like those alluded to in the Township of Newport, are also found in this Township.
The post offices of the Township are Hartford and Wentworth, which former office was established in 1837, under the name of Abingdon, and Samuel Brookes appointed Postmaster. The Wentworth post office, so named in honor of the Hon. John Wentworth, for many years a Member of Congress from the old IVth Congressional District in this State, and recently re-elected in the present IInd District, was established April 1st, 1847, and Capt. Anson Kidder appointed Postmaster.
The first Town Meeting, was convened at the School House, near the O'Plain House. Nathaniel Vose, Esq., was chosen Moderator; and Benjamin Schauber, Clerk. The following persons were elected the first Town Officers: Havelia Whitney, Supervisor; Benjamin Schauber, Town Clerk; Nathaniel Vose, jun., Assessor; George A. Drury, Overseer of the Poor; Levi Stafford, Collector; A. M. Pearsons, Alfred D. Whitmore, and Marcus S. Marsh, Commissioners of Highways; Philip Blanchard and Havelia Whitney, Justices of the Peace.
The Township is divided into eight school districts, and has a school fund of $1688.02.
In point of wealth, the Township of Warren, ranks as the second Township in the County. The assessment value of property for the year 1850 including both real and personal $114,989. The amount of tax computed on the same for collection was $1,932.16.
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