DeKalb Township.
“DeKalb is mostly rolling prairie, but is favored with a beautiful stream and is liberally supplied with timber. The first settlers of this town came in the Spring of 1835, but many others followed them very soon. In 1836 was the first election held. In 1850 the township was organized with the name of Orange, but after changed to DeKalb.” —1871
DeKalb Township records 1850 - 1867.
DeKalb Township Historical Records.
Township History (1868).
Henry Lamson Boies (1830-1887), for many years the editor and publisher of the Sycamore True Republican newspaper, published the History of DeKalb County, Illinois, in 1868. It includes Civil War rolls and unit histories for area troops, a chronology from 1832-1868, seven historical sketches, and short township histories. Much of Boies’ structure, some wording, and even several errors carry through to later histories.
Township History (1876).
1876’s Voters and Taxpayers of DeKalb County, Illinois, is a combined almanac and township-by-township directory, along with some biographical information and township histories. It also includes a list of early setters.
Township History (1885).
Portrait and Biographical Album of DeKalb County, Illinois, published in 1885, contains biographical information as well as more than 100 pages of histories including early history and specific profiles like education, agriculture, the press, and government. The book also contains township and municipal histories.
Township History (1907).
Past and Present of DeKalb County, Illinois, Volume I & II was published in 1907. Lewis M. Gross (1863-1919), compiled and wrote the extensive historical segment that comprises the first 328 pages of Volume I. The historical segment, extensively illustrated, includes history of Native Americans, early settlement, Civil War and the Underground Railroad, and township histories. The remainder of Volume I and all of Volume II contain biographical sketches of individuals, as well as a few businesses.
Township History (1963).
Published in 1963 by the DeKalb County Board of Supervisors, From Oxen to Jets, A History of DeKalb County, 1835-1963, was edited by Harriet Wilson Davy (1888-1974), with the assistance of a small but distinguished panel of historians. A more conventional history than prior DeKalb County resources, the book covers early settlement, education, economic and political profiles, contemporary history, as well as historical profiles of townships. In 2012, an update, Acres of Change, 1963-2012, was published.
Digital Sources.
More Categorized Sources to Come
Bridges.
Funding of bridges bond issue vote, Sycamore True Republican, November 22, 1949.
DeKalb Township.
A new announcement of township population counts, DeKalb Chronicle, March 24, 1894.
Oakwood Cemetery.
1856 deed for a “burying ground” that became the Oakwood Cemetery property, 611 North First Street.
“Oakwood Cemetery is DeKalb’s second oldest cemetery, dating from 1865, and was originally called Oakland, but the name was changed in early 1889.”
Oakwood Cemetery is overseen by DeKalb Township.
Evergreen Cemetery.
Evergreen Cemetery was founded in 1855.
Evergreen Cemetery at 724 South Seventh Street is DeKalb’s oldest cemetery.
Evergreen Cemetery is overseen by DeKalb Township.
Township Road Stone.
Township road commissioners sought out Joliet stone, Sycamore True Republican, September 23, 1908, originally from the DeKalb Review.
Rejection of New City.
Township election results in post-prohibition proposal to create a new town, Sycamore True Republican, May 1, 1937.
Resources.
Administration.
Supervisor Mary Hess
Highway Commissioner Craig Smith
Assessor Rich Dyer
Clerk Joan Protano
Website.
“Serving since 1850, we are proud to continue the tradition of offering effective and accessible services to our more than 46,000 residents. Whether you are looking for information regarding your property tax assessment, details about unincorporated roads, or help with financial assistance, you can rest assured that you will be able to speak directly with the person who can get you the answers you need.”
2323 South 4th Street
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 758-8282
Township Roads.
“Dekalb Township covers an area of 6 square miles and serves residents living in the City of DeKalb, unincorporated DeKalb, and the southwestern corner of Sycamore. Approximately 30 miles of roads within the Township are maintained by the DeKalb Township Road District.”
