As in many communities on Chicago’s early north shore, there
were many advocates against slavery and primarily participated
in abolitionist activities in Chicago. It is no wonder why an
established African American community grew in the north
Advertising: December 7, 1897 Stentor.
Courtesy of Lake Forest College Archives
shore and especially, early Lake Forest.
Advertising: October 15,
1891 Stentor.
Courtesy of Lake Forest
College Archives
As early as 1834, Lake County has had a African American presence
enumerating from one African American male to 56 residents in Lake
Forest alone. Mostly employed in a service capacity, the African
Advertising: October 15, 1890 Stentor.
Courtesy of Lake Forest College Archives
American community grew slowly and established one of
the oldest (if not the oldest) church on the north shore in
1866. The African Methodist Episcopal Church was erected
on the corner of Maplewood and Washington.
Samuel Dent (d.1890) owned and operated a livery
business until his death. Octavia and Julian Mathews owned
and operated a restaurant in location now known as “Market
Square” on Western and Walker Sales (1865-1919) became
the second police officer of Lake Forest in 1900.
Later families, in the 1900s, such as the McIntosh and
Casselberry families continued the tradition of pride and
entrepreneurship, and passed these qualities to their children.
Today, most of the early sites have been razed for new
development. A few historic homes, Samuel Dents stable and
the First Baptist church still stands today. Many
descendants of these historic families have moved on,
however several still live here today.
Julian and Octavia Mathews settled in Lake Forest in 1886
and soon after, opened a ice cream parlor on the northwest
corner of Western and Deerpath. Later, the Mathews built
their own frame structure on Western and expanded their
business to include a bakery and restaurant. Julian retired in
May of 1896 to concentrate his effort to his livery business
“The Red Line Express”. Octavia continued in the restaurant
possibly with Mrs. A. Williams (see ad near top) until 1912.
Photo Courtesy of the Lake Forest Historical Society
A joint project of SHOREFRONT and the Lake Forest Historical Society. Designed by Robinson Design, 2002
Samuel Dent settled in Lake Forest in 1870
and established his Livery business. His
stables was located at 179 East Deerpath, a
structure that still stands today. Dent ran his
business until his death in 1890.
Courtesy, Lake Forest Historical Society
Advertising: October 15, 1890 Stentor.
Courtesy of Lake Forest College Archives
Walker Sales, settled in Lake Forest in
1890 and was employed as a coachman.
In1900, Sales became the second police
officer of Lake Forest, a position he held
until his death in 1919. According to
1903 records, Sales earned $60 a month.
Courtesy, City of Lake Forest
Years after Samuel Dent’s death, the
Lake Forest community replaced his
grave marker with a stone monument
with an inscription that read:
“This monument is erected by the
citizens of Lake Forest in a token of
their esteem for a lovable Christian,
devoted citizen, faithful Friend.”
While alive, Dent attended the AME
church of Lake Forest.
Listing of names of past
African American families that
had resided in Lake Forest
Photo courtesy of Lake Forest College Archives
Names courtesy of Mary Casselberry
The shaded area on this map
indicated the historical African
American community in Lake Forest.
On the triangular parcel of land on
Maplewood and Washington stood
the African Methodist Episcopal
Church erected in 1870. The
congregation remained active until
the 1920’s.
Another historic African American
community developed north on
Spruce Avenue.
Map courtesy of Lake Forest
Historical Society
From the Lake Forest Historical Society Archives
Mrs. Anna Williams ran a
business (possibly along with
Octavia Mathews) on Western
Ave. for a short time.
Early Census Data
1860
1870
1880
1900
1 (total for Lake County)
29 (36 including all of Lake County)
28
56
Ads from The Lake Forester, October 12, 1945
Lake Forest Historical Society Archives
Wayman H. McIntosh, sone of Henry
and Fannie McIntosh, attended Lake
Forest College and played on the
football team. Later in life, Wayman
started this business “The Sanitary
Co.” He later sold the business to the
Casselberry family.
Article from The Lake Forester, July 27, 1945
Lake Forest Historical Society Archives
Photo courtesy of
Lake Forest College
Archives
Photo courtesy of First
Baptist Church