History of Pingree Grove
The Village has enjoyed a rich history since Andrew and Daniel Pingree arrived in 1838. That year the village acquired its name “Pingree Grove.” In 1838, the Deerfield Post Office opened two miles west of Pingree Grove. As Pingree Grove began to grow, the Pingree Grove Post Office was established in 1848. In 1882, Pingree Grove was laid out and platted by Daniel and Hannah Pingree (wife of Andrew Pingree).
A Letter from Daniel Pingree to Samuel Rowell
In 1840, Daniel Pingree drafted a letter to Samuel Rowell of Kentucky. Amazingly, at that time, 160 acres of farm land cost only $200. That letter contains several great insights into the rich, historical background of our Village. As Daniel Pingree wrote, “I also rejoice to hear that you and your Relatives think of coming to Illinois, for in my opinion you could not find a better County in all the world for farming…I will in the first place attempt to describe the Land. There are 3 kinds of Prairie, high rolling, medium, and wet. …The Timbered land is generally Oak-Barrens, called by some Oak Openings. It may be divided into 2 classes; High rolling, and Medium…By taking a farm in the openings a person will generally have timber enough to fence his farm and to build etc., and have enough left for the use of the farm besides…I think that you and your folks would be highly pleased with the Country in all respect.”
- Courtesy of the Rutland Township Historical Society
Village's Namesake
The Pingree’s bought land from the Federal Government in 1838. Andrew Jr., Israel Straw and Daniel Pingree made the journey “West” in the spring of 1838. Each of the brothers bought land for the purpose of farming. They arrived to be met by “a wolf howling wilderness”, to quote Dr. Daniel Pingree. In October of 1838 the rest of the family, father Andrew Pingree Sr., his wife, the girls, and younger son came west to Illinois.
Dr. Daniel Pingree
Dr. Daniel Pingree began his study of medicine in 1846 at the Indiana Medical College and graduated in 1849. He practiced medicine in Memphis, Tennessee. for one year and then went to California, settling in Placerville for one year. It seems the Dr. Daniel went to “see the elephant” in his own way. 1849 was the beginning of the California Gold Rush. Not being content he returned to Illinois and in 1852 he, his brother William with wife, and sister Betsy with husband made the trip across the continent to California. They drove a herd of horses and cattle to the town of La Grange in Stanislaus County, California. In 1859 Dr. Daniel, Betsy and her daughter returned to Pingree Grove. Dr. Daniel married Jane Havenhill in 1859. They had three children.
Becoming a Village
On December 12, 1906 a petition was filed to incorporate the Village of Pingree Grove. On December 29, 1906 a special election was held, and on January 8, 1907, Kane County Judge, Honorable Frank G. Plain, found that "...a majority of the votes cast at said election were cast for Village Organization under the General Law...the foregoing described territory in the Village of Pingree Grove was carried by proper vote at said special election...".
First Village Election
On April 16, 1907, an election was held where Mr. James Murray was duly elected under the Statues as President for the Village of Pingree Grove, Fred Johnson was duly elected as Clerk, and that John Thurnau, Dwight Moore, Charles Dumer, George Brown, Morris Christensen, and John Greenbank, were duly elected as the six trustees for the Village of Pingree Grove.
Today, none of the Pingree’s live in the village that bears their name. They have left a heritage of hard work and service to God and the community. Pingree Grove has successfully blended its heritage and quality of life with new residential neighborhoods, which make Pingree Grove "A Place to Grow." January 8, 2007, marked the 100th year anniversary of the Village's incorporation.