Samuel and Margaret Gillian are considered the first white people to settle in what is now McHenry County. Prior to their arrival on November 18, 1834, Samuel Gillian was a farmer from West Virginia. On an attempt to move westward, he first moved to Champaign County, Ohio, where he remained for approximately a year. As his quest for a permanent settlement continued, he came upon the city of Chicago. Although fascinated with the mass population and varied …showed first 75 words of 1813 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1813 total…few dollars. He even offered a chance to 'pay later when your money from your crops come in.' Finally, enough stock was brought to start the production of the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad. Within two years, the monthly income of $2000 a month jumped to $9000. Farmers who had bought shares became very wealthy men, and this new connection between McHenry County and the city made shipping grains prosper.                                                                                                   By, Don Cook                                                               By, Don Cook