Jefferson County Online A part of the IAGenWeb and USGenWeb Projects Early Libertyville History

Libertyville was originally known as "The Colony," but, in 1845, John Jewett conceived the idea of founding a village there, and John Pitzer was employed to survey and plat a town site.

A. N. Bissell opened to sale the first stock of goods. The building in which he "kept store" is now used as a barn.

John Jewett was the first Postmaster; A. N. Bissell the second.

The first church edifice was erected by the Methodists in 1846, at a cost of $500. Rev. Mr. Airington was the first Pastor. The congregation now numbers about one hundred and fifty persons.

The Presbyterian Church was organized by Rev. Mr. Bell in 1850. A temporary building was used until 1857, when a handsome brick edifice was erected.

The town has three general stores, that keep a general stock of drugs, dry goods, groceries, etc.; one lumber-yard, one grain-elevator, one hotel, one wagon and carriage shop, one harness-shop, two shoe-shops, one cabinet-shop, one blacksmith-shop, one beer-saloon, one meat-market and one barber-shop.

The first school was taught about 1843, by John Young. John Garfer and William Clarridge were also among the first teachers.

The first time the people observed America's national day by public demonstration was in the year 1842, when a barbecue was given and a general good time indulged in. Mrs. Carns and Mrs. Alden were mainly instrumental in getting up the affair. The address was delivered by C. T. Alden.

Emmett Lodge, No, 295, I. O. O. F., was organized September 15, 1874, with seven charter members. The first officers were Jacob Wagner, N. G.; J. S. Wagner, Secretary; A. J. Hague, Vice Grand.