07/14/2026
From the Etsy listing:
Modern reprints of this book can readily be found, but original 1885 copies are very hard to come by. This is a complete original antique copy of "Portrait and Biographical Album of DeKalb County, Illinois, Containing Full Page Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the County, Together With Portraits and Biographies of All the Governors of Illinois, and of the Presidents of the United States." The book, which also contains a history of DeKalb County from its earliest settlement in the 1830s (and also briefly covers the Native Americans of the region), was published by Chapman Brothers of Chicago. The preface was written in May 1885.
The binding of this copy is in very bad shape (the text block has completely separated) but the nicely-designed brown leather covers, with Eastlake designs, are both present, and in reasonably good condition. I love the stamped gilt titling and decorations on the front cover! The interior is quite nice, making this a good candidate for rebinding. The Biographical section begins on p. 189 of the text, following the sections on U. S. Presidents and Illinois governors. One interesting thing about this section, which focuses on DeKalb County residents and former residents, is that Chief Shabbona and quite a few female settlers are featured in this section - more often than not, only men were covered. The Historical section begins on p. 761. Some topics covered here are: Indian History; First Settlement; Topographical; County Buildings; Judicial; Criminal Record; Political; War for the Union [Civil War]; Agricultural; The Press; Inventions; etc.
All townships and cities are covered: Ashton Township; Clinton Township; Waterman; Cortland Township; Cortland village; DeKalb Township; Franklin Township; Kirkland; Fielding; Genoa Township; Genoa village; Kingston Township; Kingston; Malta Township; Malta village; Mayfield Township; Milan Township; Paw Paw Township; Pierce Township; Shabbona Township; Shabbona village; Lee village; South Grove Township; Squaw Grove Township; Hinckley; Somonauk Township; Somonauk village; Sycamore Township; Victor Township; City of Sycamore; City of DeKalb; City of Sandwich. There are then some reminiscences of the early settlers - keep in mind the first permanent settlement of the county was in 1834, just 51 years before the publication of this book!
This book would make a wonderful addition to your DeKalb County collection, or would be a perfect gift for anyone whose family lived in DeKalb County in the "early days." Free local pickup is available in Geneva, IL. If shipped, I will send the book via USPS, with a tracking number. Shipment within one business day of your order. Order with confidence from an Etsy Star Seller with over 700 five-star reviews! Thanks for looking!
