"This township is situated in the extreme north-west corner of the county. It is a fine agricultural township, its soil and water being finely adapted to stock-raising and dairying, and many of the finest farms in the county are located in this town. As to the early settlement of this town, there seems to be some difference of opinion; but without doubt, as near as we can learn from the oldest settlers of the town, Mr. R. Y. Benjamin erected the first house, and was the first actual settler of Wayne Township. He first made a halt at St. Charles, but not being content, he reconnoitered the country for several miles east, when he selected the spot where he now lives as the one for his future home, and commenced immediately to erect a cabin; and in three days he moved his family in, and enjoyed life "under his own vine and fig tree." This settlement was made in the spring of 1834, and soon after quite a number were added to this settlement, among whom were D. Dunham, J.M. King, Chas, Gray, Wesley Gray, Jos. Davis, Wm. Guild, Joseph McMillen, and many others. "The first post-office was located in the southern side of the town at McMillen's Grove. "WAYNE CENTER, situated on the east branch of the DuPage river, was for many years an old land-mark, and for many years its people entertained the hope of some day becoming one of the inland cities of Illinois; but upon the location of the Chicago and Northwestern railroad through the western side of this town, Wayne Station became a rival place, which has somewhat retarded the growth of either place. "At Wayne Station there are two stores, hay-press, carriage and wagon-shop, depot, etc.; also stores, shops, etc., etc., at Wayne Center. "The Congregational Church at Wayne Station is a substantial frame building, and the society is in a prosperous condition. The first church-bell ever rang in this township hangs in the belfry of this church. The building was erected in 1872, at a cost of about $1,500. "The farmers of this town are largely engaged in the dairy business, the most of the milk being shipped to Chicago. Mr. A. Kershaw, one of the most extensive and favorably known stock-breeders in the Northwest, resides in this town, Mr. K. is making short-horns a specialty, and has one of the finest herds in the State, and receives orders from nearly every State in the Union. Some of the largest farms in the county are in Wayne, among which are Messrs. Luther Bartett's, H.V. Sayers, Baker Brosl, John Rinehart, Jacob R. Gorham, A. Kershaw, Geo. S. Bowen, and others." |