Established on April 2 1850 Leyden Township has a story to tell. The township got its start at Richard Fuller’s house. Ezra Alger was chosen Moderator. William Emmerson was the Clerk.
The first election appointed township officers. M. L. Dunlap became Supervisor. Richard W Everett was elected Clerk. William Emmerson took on the role of Assessor. Samuel Hammel became Collector. Richard W Everett also served as Overseer of the Poor. Commissioners of Highways included Thomas Croghan, Ezra Alger, and John G. Frye. Justices of the Peace were James M. Pennoyer and William Dunlap. Constables were Samuel Hummel and Edward B. Stanley. The township was first named Monroe. It was later renamed Leyden due to another town with the same name.
Leyden Township’s landscape was mostly prairie. A strip of timber ran north to south along the Des Plaines River. Most of it was on the east side. White oak trees stood tall. They were about two feet in diameter.
Today Leyden Township includes several towns and villages. These include Rosemont, Schiller Park, Franklin Park, Northlake, River Grove, Elmwood Park, and Melrose Park. Park Ridge, Norridge, and Bensenville are also partly within Leyden Township.
In 2000 the Leyden Town Hall moved. It relocated to 2501 N Mannheim Road in Franklin Park. Its original location was 10200 W Grand Avenue. Leyden Family Services now occupies the original site.
Leyden Township provides many services to its residents. The main office can be reached at 847-455-8616. The Parks and Recreation Department can be contacted at 847-451-5144.
Jesse Walker an early resident left his mark. Born in Virginia he became a missionary and preacher. He founded the Methodist Episcopal Church in Illinois. Walker held the first Methodist services in Chicago. He died in Leyden Township in 1835.
Leyden Township is home to several cemeteries. These include Eden Memorial Park, Elmwood, Fairview Memorial, Memorial Estates, and Saint Joseph.
Leyden Township has grown since its organization in 1850. It now has a population of over 93000. It is a vibrant community with a rich history. You can see how it has developed from prairie land to a bustling township.