The first settler of Dover township was John L. Ament. He made a claim on section 13 in 1829. This farm was afterward owned by C. C. Weibel. Sylvester Brigham followed the same year and made a claim, then returned east, and did not permanently located in this township till 1830. In 1831 James Foristall came. George Hinsdale settled the same year on section 13, where J. Taylor afterward lived. James Garvin, Greenbury Hall, and D. Ellis came in 1833. The first blacksmith's shop was built by Abram Music on the J. T. Thomas farm. This was said to be the second shop built in the county. John Elliott, Marshall Mason, and James Wilson were early settlers on the west side of Bureau creek.
East Bureau creek runs angling through the township, entering on section 12, and passes out on section 31. Along this creek there is still much valuable timber, and the land on both sides of the stream is in a high state of cultivation and the farms are well improved, having good buildings and good fences. The inhabitants are alive to the present issues of the day.
The Village of Dover
Dover village is beautifully located on the east side of the township. As early as 1837 it was laid out by Eli Lapsley, and was called Livingston, but was afterwards changed to Dover. Isaac Delnow and Theodore Nichols built and started the first store. Before the Burlington Road was opened Dover had a large trade from the surrounding country, and even after that she held quite a trade. Mr. A. L. Steele for many years did a large profitable business but in 1870 the branch road from Mendota to Clinton was built, which cut off most of its northern trade, so that at the present time there is but a small trade left.
Dover Accademy
In February 1857, the citizens of Dover called a meeting to consider the feasibility of starting an academy, and after discussing the question thoroughly it was decided that the enterprise was a worthy one and that a building should be erected for that purpose. It was located on land donated by Charles C. Ingalls, on block 4, Ingalls; addition. This addition is just over the line in Berlin township. There were forty-one stockholders in the institution and it was first called Dover Institute. The first trustees wew Samuel Mohler, Joseph Brigham, John Bellanger, H. M. Abel and William Stacey. H. M. Able was made president, Joseph Brigham vice president, John Bellanger treasurer and William Stacey secretary. The building cost $5, 099.57.
The first principal was D. F. Edwards. He commenced his labors May 10, 1858. On account of ill health Mr. Edwards resigned in 1859 and died soon after on a trip to California. Rev. Albert Ethridge had charge of the institution from 1859 to 1861, when he contracted for the use of the building for five years. It then was entirely under the management of Mr. Ethridge. The institution was incorporated in 1859 and after that was called Dover Academy. Mr. Ethridge by agreement was released from his contract in 1863.
From April, 1864 to 1867 D. F. Herd was in charge of the school. He was followed by W. F. Yocum and George Wells for a few years. After this for nearly ten years there was no school, but in 1876 the building was repaired nd another story added at the cost of $2,500. This upper story was in one room and used for a public hall. Prof. J. W. Cook and his assistant opened the doors of the old academy for a new race in educational life. The school continued two years under their instruction and was noted as being a thorough and well managed institution, but Messrs Cook and Carter left, and the school struggled along for a short time, but finally the patronage was not sufficient to maintain it and it was closed.
The building now is under the auspices of the Congregational church, and is used as a deaconess' home. Dover Academy fullfilled its mission and all over Bureau county will be found men and women past middle life that will tell you of the profitable days spent in the old academy at Dover. Rev. Ethridge is one of the men of this county who has left his impress for the good upon all of whom he came in contact. Bureau county was bettered for having this school, and this school was particularly fortunate in having Rev. Ethridge for its principle.
Dover village was incorporated in 1873. The population of the township in 1900 was, including the village, 1076; the corporation containing 210. The history of the Congregational church will be found in the sketch of Rev. William Anderson. The following named men have served as supervisors:
Enoch Lumry, 1851-54
Damarcus Ellis, 1855
William C. Stacey, 1856-57
Simon Elliot, 1858-59
S. Triplett, 1860
Enoch Lumry, 1861
T. W. Nichols, 1862
J. Prouty, 1863
T. W. Nichols, 1864
Enoch Lumry, 1865
T. W. Nichols, 1866-68
R. N. Coulter, 1869-71
W. P. E. McKinstry, 1872
George W. Palmer, 1873
Simon Elliot, 1874
Warren Poole, 1875-79
Jonathan Hoyt, 1880-85
G. N. Palmer, 1886
Jonathan Hoyt, 1887-90
H. S. Swarts, 1891-94
Aaron Dunbar, 1895-1902
J. H. Coddington, 1903-06
-- Taken From the Past and Present of Bureau County, Illinois. Chicago: Pioneer Publishing, 1906, Page 117-118 - Dover Township
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