HISTORY OF KANE COUNTY.
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Beacon, Democrat and Volksfreund; The Batavia News; The Dundee Courier and Hawk-eye; The Elgin News, Courier and Volksfreund: The Geneva Republican and Patrol; The Hampshire Register, and The St. Charles Chronicle; also of The Chicago Inter Ocean, Tribune, Herald, and The New York Herald. The completed building was dedicated by direction of the Board of Supervisors, September 30, 1892, with quite elaborate exercises conducted by T. N. Holden, Chairman of the Board, presiding, and Supervisor A. T. Lewis, acting master of ceremonies. Supervisor C. E. Mann, for the building committee, architects and builders, reported the structure to be 210x110 feet in size, and 110 feet high, from foundation to dome, the rotunda forty-six feet square, and the base of dome fifty feet square. The court-house cost $194,000, the jail $33,000, and the furnishings $25,000. Mr. Mann briefly reviewed the labor of its erection and formally presented the completed structure, to the Board of Supervisors and the citizens of the county, whom they represented. Chairman Holden, in behalf of the Board and the people, accepted the beautiful edifice, and gracefully thanked the persons represented by Supervisor Mann for the efficient and highly satisfactory accomplishment of their various duties, and heartily congratulated them, and the citizens of the county generally, upon the successful completion, without an accident of any kind, or disturbing complication, of the .noble structure before them. He then introduced the Hon. N. N. Ravlin, for many years Supervisor from Kaneville, and Chairman of the Board, who spoke in behalf of the old citizens, industrial interests, and people generally; Hon. Charles Wheaton, representing the Bar; Gen. John S. Wilcox, whose theme was the military and patriotic sentiment and record of the county; Hon. Albert J. Hopkins, who spoke of its political action, and Hon. David B. Sherwood as the representative of the Judiciary. It was a large assembly of the leading people of the county, and there were the usual accompaniments of music, refreshments and general congratulations. The building defies just adverse criticism, and competent judges declare that, for appropriate architectural appearance, substantial construction, spacious and convenient arrangement and elegant finish, it is unsurpassed by any courthouse in the State. About $25,000 has been spent since its erection in more completely furnishing and elaborately decorating it. The very complete, and tasteful appearing Sheriff's residence and jail is constructed of red pressed brick with heavy red sandstone trimmings, uniform in material and style with the adjacent court-house, and is equipped with all modern conveniences. It is handsomely finished and is furnished with the most perfect appliances for the safety, and secure keeping of prisoners. The Court-House Square is kept a neat lawn, shaded with handsome trees; and the broad white cement curbs and walks that surround it and lead to the entrances of the building are of the best possible material and construction. ALMS-HOUSE.
For a number of years after the organization of Kane County the Commissioners' Court supported the unfortunate poor separately, by paying individuals a small compensation for their care in private homes. In the spring of 1852 the Board appointed M. Mallory, John S. Lee and Andrew Puigree a committee to select and recommend a suitable farm to be purchased for alms-house purposes. Upon the issue of their report a farm of 179 acres, lying in Sections 11 and 14 in Geneva Township, was purchased of Elijah Lee at $16 per acre. Supervisor Mix of Aurora negotiated the purchase and made such changes in the building thereon as were deemed necessary, and, in June of that year, James Hotchkiss, its first Superintendent, began to receive inmates. There were, however, many demands pressing upon the county; the . tremendous strain of the great war came on, and the needs of the "poor farm" were doubtless neglected. In 1871 a large permanent stone structure was erected at a cost of about $18,000 and, later, an extensive addition to this building was put up. In 1887 the western portion of the building was destroyed by fire, and then the whole structure was remodeled, rebuilt and very greatly enlarged and improved. The next year Mr. S. E. Keyes was appointed Superintendent, and under his intelligent and energetic supervision, the Board systematized and perfected the equipment, and conduct of the institution, until it is conceded by all visiting officers and committees, that Kane County has as complete provison for the kindly care of its needy and afflicted people as can be demanded by the most philanthropic sentiment.
There are now 245 acres of excellent farmland most beautifully located, with three large
