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 of 
 
 Early and Notable Events 
 
 ... in the 
 
 History of the North West Territory 
 Illinois and Taze\^ell County 
 
 ... including the ... 
 
 Names of Those w^ho have Served the County 
 
 in Various Official Capacities. 
 
 By William H. Bates. 
 
 Illlnstrated. Price, 25 cents, in Paper Cover 
 
 ENTERED ACCORDING TO THE ACT OF CONGRESS, ON THE TWENTY-FIRST DAY OF JUNE, 
 
 IN THE YEAR NINETEEN HUNDRED AND SIXTEEN, 
 
 BY WILLIAM H. BATES, 
 
 IN THE OFFICE OF THE LIBRARIAN OF CONGRESS, AT WASHINGTON, D. C. 
 
 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 
 
n 
 
 ^ 
 
 Preface 
 
 N RE-WKITING AND CONDENSING THIS HISTORICAL SOUVENIR OF 
 THE FIRST AND MANY NOTABLE EVENTS IN OUR EARLY HISTORY, 
 
 we deem it but a just meed of praise to refer to the oral aid 
 rendered, for nearly half a century, by those of our pioneer 
 settlers, who have passed to the " Great Beyond," to-wit: 
 
 James Haines, (Uncle Jimmie), Daniel C. Orr, Mrs. Mary Tharp- 
 Bequeaith, daughter of Jonathan Tharp, Judge William Don Maus, 
 Benjamin S. Prettyman, Jacob Tharp, William Fletcher Copes, Joshua 
 Wagenseller, Daniel Clauser, Benjamin S. Hyers, Peter A. Brower, 
 George W. Minier, Mrs. Margaret Wilson-Young (Grandma Young), 
 and others. 
 
 We are also indebted to the following publications: Charles Bal- 
 lance's "History of Peoria"; Sellers «& Bates' "History of Pekin"; 
 Andreas, Lyter & Co's "Atlas Map of Tazewell County"; Charles C. 
 Chapman & Co's "History of Tazewell County"; Munsell Publishing 
 Co's "Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Tazewell County"; Reu- 
 ben Gold Thwaits' "Story of Father Jacques Marquette"; John S. C. 
 Abbott's "Adventures of LaSalle"; Ben. Perley Poore's "Reminiscen- 
 ces of Sixty Years at the National Metropolis"; "McClure's Magazine, 
 1895-96"; "Mitchell's Statistical Atlas"; "History of the Illinois 
 River Baptist Association," by Elder Gilbert S. Bailey. We desire to 
 extend special thanks to Irwin F. Mather, A. M., author of "The 
 Making of Illinois," for aids in illustrations. 
 
 We also wish to express thanks to our Tazewell County officers 
 for aid and courtesies extended us in connection with the compilation 
 of this Historical Souvenir. 
 
 And finally, the undersigned respectfully dedicates this volume to 
 the citizens of Tazewell county, with the humble hope that they may 
 appreciate its contents in the same degree he has enjoyed in its com- 
 pilation. Respectfully and Fraternally, 
 
 Pekin, Illinois, 1916. William Henry Bates. 
 
 ©CI.A431840 
 
 JUL 12 1916 
 
 ^ ^^^^ 
 
SOUVENIR OF EARLY AND NOTABLE EV^ENTS 
 
 In the History of the Northw^est Territory, Illinois and Taze-well County 
 
 Including the Names oi Those ^^ho have Served the County 
 
 in Various Official Capacities. 
 
 BY WM. H. BATES 
 
 THE MOST RELIABLE BIOGRAPHERS, WHO HAVE 
 
 written volumes on the discoveries in this portion 
 of the Northwest Territory, we learn that the 
 French Governor, Frontenac, at Quebec, Can., 
 selected Louis Joliet and Father Jacques Mar- 
 quette, who were aided by five French boatmen, 
 to search for, and explore, a much talked of and 
 mighty river (Mississippi) supposed to empty 
 its waters into the Gulf of California, or Gulf 
 of Mexico. The pious Father Marquette was highly elated, when told 
 that the Governor of New France had chosen him to aid Joliet and to 
 look after the spiritual needs of the party. On May 17th, 1673, this 
 little band of hardy Frenchmen, in two birch bark canoes, started from 
 St. Ignatius on their hazardous mission. Their course was by way of 
 Green Bay, Fox River, Lake Winnebago, the "Carrying Places," and 
 Wisconsin River to the Mississippi; then down the "Father of Waters" 
 as far south as the mouth of the Arkansas River. 
 
 On their return northward, they followed the advice of friendly 
 Indians, who told them of a river, called the Illini, which was a much 
 shorter route to the great lakes of the north. Therefore, on reaching 
 its mouth they turned the prows of their canoes into its placid waters, 
 which they found abounding in choice fish, its banks adorned with 
 beautiful wild flowers in every hue of the rainbow, and its bluffs covered 
 with stately trees, bushes and vines bearing edible nuts and berries. 
 They doubtless, landed on what today is Tazewell county soil, to prepare 
 their frugal evening meal of corn, fish and venison, and to erect a rude 
 shelter of logs and brush for the night. Thus we learn that they were 
 the first white men to view and occupy this part of Illinois. 
 
 There is also another claim for first honors in the navigation, etc., 
 of the Illinois River, to-wit: The International Cyclopedia, vol. 8 page 
 675, states that Robert Cavalier LaSalle in 1671, made a trip "down 
 the Illinois River to, or nearly to, the Mississippi, and made a map of 
 its course and tributary streams.'^ The reader is left to his own choice. 
 Then, from the writings of Father Hennepin, a Franciscan monk, 
 we learn that in January, 16S0, LaSalle, Tonti, an Italian military aid, 
 and followers enough to man eight canoes, passed down a lake 
 "seven leagues long and one broad, called Pimiteoui," (Lake Peoria). 
 LaSalle landed near the foot of the lake, and held a parley with the 
 chiefs of a large Indian village, doubtless near the present site of 
 Averyville. Fearing the treachery of the Indians, the white men con- 
 tinued their journey down the Illinois to a point where "the waters of 
 the river washed the base of a high bluff", (above Wesley City), landed 
 and erected a palisade fort on its summit and named it Creve Cceur, 
 {broken heart in French). La Salle then returned to Canada for men 
 and supplies, leaving Tonti in command. Soon, nearly all of the men 
 left to guard the fort, deserted, and organized as the "Banditti of the 
 Woods and Lakes." They took a course northward and eastward, rob- 
 bing and destroying at will. LaSalle and aids, pursued, and taking the 
 bandits in detail, killed or captured them. The unfriendly Indians be- 
 
4 Early a n 5 Notable Events 
 
 coming hostile, Tonti and his little garrison fled to Green Bay, Wiscon- 
 sin. On La Salle's return, in the Spring of 1681, he found the fort de- 
 serted and destroyed. He then made a rapid trip to Green Bay and 
 brought Tonti and followers back. A small sloop, he construction of 
 which had been begun before La Salle's departurt for Canada, and 
 which had not been damaged by the hostile savages, was then com- 
 pleted. It was of forty tons measurement, viade of Tazewell County 
 oak, and the first sailing vessel built in Illinois. 
 
 Before LaSalle started on his trip from Fort Creve Coeur to Fort 
 Frontenac, he dispatched the pious Father Hennepin, aided by two 
 French boatmen, with orders to descend the Illinois to the Mississippi, 
 thence up the latter river to its source. They had reached the mouth 
 of the Wisconsin river, where they were taken into captivity by a war 
 party of Issati Indians, on their way south to make war upon a tribe 
 near the mouth of the Illinois. Hennepin, after a prolonged parley, 
 convinced them that their mission would be a failure, as the Indians to 
 be attacked had joined other powerful tribes, and were ready to meet 
 and defeat them. After ascending the Mississippi for three, or perhaps 
 four hundred miles, they reached the Issati villages, near the Falls of 
 St. Anthony. Hennepin, and the two boatmen, were adopted by three 
 of the leading chiefs, to take the place of sons killed in battle. The 
 three Frenchmen remained in captivity until they were joined by five 
 of their countrymen. M. du Luth, with a guard of French soldiers, who 
 were exploring, or hunting, in northern Wisconsin, learning of the cap- 
 tivity of their three countrymen, made a trip to the villages of the Issati 
 Indians. Soon after their arrival, a great feast was held, presents were 
 exchanged, and through a promise that an expedition would i-eturn 
 with goods to trade for furs, and presents for the chiefs, all of the 
 Frenchmen were allowed to depart. They returned via the St. Francis, 
 Mississippi, Wisconsin and Fox rivers, to Green Bay, thence to Mack- 
 inaw. Although in captivity, Hennepin and his two boatmen, were the 
 first white men to navigate the upper waters of the Mississippi. 
 
 From various authorities, we learn that LaSalle and followers then 
 returned northward. On arriving at Michilimackinac (Mackinaw), about 
 the middle of June, as stated by Father Membre, there was great rejoic- 
 ing between LaSalle, Father Hennepin and those who had escaped from 
 captivity at the headwaters of the Mississippi. Then followed the return 
 to Ft. Frontenac, to prepare for the exploration of the lower Mississippi. 
 No misfortune was great enough to quench the ardor and determin- 
 ation of LaSalle, to reach the outlet of the great "Father of Waters," 
 so with a force large enough to man 10 canoes, in the winter of 1681-82, 
 he started on that historic mission. On January 4th, 1682, after skirt- 
 ing the shores of the lakes, they landed at the mouth of the Chicago 
 river. The Illinois rivers being covered with ice, they constructed 
 sleds, on which they placed their birch-bark canoes, then dividing into 
 teams, they hauled the canoes over the Chicago, portages, DesPlaines, 
 and Illinois rivers, until they reached the site of Ft. Creve Coeur, where 
 they halted for a weeks rest. The Illinois, being navigable from this 
 point, they bade adieu to Creve Coeur, and on the 6th of February, 
 1682, reached its mouth, where they were delayed until the 13th. Their 
 next stop was at an Indian village opposite the mouth of the Missouri. 
 From this point, until the explorers reached their goal, they were 
 received and feasted, after presentation of the calumet (pipe) of peace, 
 by the various Indian tribes living on the banks of the Mississippi, with 
 one exception — the fierce Quinnipissi tribe, below Natches. The fleet 
 of canoes, out of reach of Indian arrows, escaped by rapid rowing, and 
 passed southward to complete their mission. 
 
 On reaching a point where the Mississippi terminates into branches, 
 LaSalle divided his force: sending Mr. Dautray, with one party, down 
 the east branch; Tonti and Membre', with another, down the central 
 
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6 Early and Notable Events 
 
 branch; while himself, and party, took the western branch. On reach- 
 ing the Gulf of Mexico the forces reunited, and on their return north- 
 ward ascended the western branch. On the 9th of April, 1682, they 
 assembled on an elevation, raised a massive column, at the foot of 
 which they buried a leaden plate, bearing an inscription in Latin, to- wit: 
 "Louis the Great Reigns. Robert Cavalier, with Lord Tonti, Ambassador; Zenobia Membre', 
 Ecclesiastic; and twenty Frenchmen, first navigated this river from the country of the Illinois, 
 and passed through this mouth on the ninth of April, sixteen hundred and eighty-two." 
 
 The names of the Frenchmen are engraved on the plate. Following 
 which, LaSalle made a speech, claiming all tributary streams and lands 
 in the name of Louis the Great, King of France. 
 
 The return to Fort Frontenac was without mishap, with exception 
 of a spirited fight with the fierce Quinnipissi Indians, where the fire- 
 arms of the white man, won a signal victory. Thus ended the search 
 for and discovery of the outlet to the "Father of Waters," which gave 
 renown to LaSalle, and a vast territory to France. 
 
 The first discovery of bituminous coal, in the west, was made by 
 Father Hennepin, in 1679, near Ottawa, Illinois. 
 
 In 1700, Kaskaskia, the first Capital under French dominion, after- 
 wards the Capital of the Territory of Illinois, was one of the first points 
 of the Great Northwest Country where the white man made permanent 
 settlement. The association with the Indian had a degenerating influ- 
 ence upon many of the weaker-minded early white settlers, and from 
 this period until the cession to England of Canada and other French 
 possessions east of the Mississippi in 1763, but little advancement was 
 made. 
 
 In 1723, Philip F. Renault, under a special grant, accompanied by 
 a colony of artisans, mechanics and laborers, and five hundred slaves, 
 made settlement in the American Bottoms, near Kaskaskia. These 
 were probably the first slaves brought into the Illinois country. 
 
 The Indians and semi-civilized white inhabitants, (nearly all French) 
 remained in possession of Illinois, until 1778, when Col. George Rogers 
 Clark, at the head of a military force from Virginia, took possession of 
 Kaskaskia. Then in February, 1779, Colonel Clark, with less than 150 
 chosen frontiersmen, called "Long Knives," made one of the most 
 heroic marches, from Kaskaskia, on the Mississippi, to Vincennes, on 
 the Wabash river, which was a fortified British stronghold, and cap- 
 tured the fort. Gen. Hamilton, his officers and army of "red coats," as 
 the British soldiers were named by our Revolutionary patriots. This 
 unprecedented achievement, caused the various Indian tribes who were 
 assembling to aid the British, to sue for peace. Clark's master-stroke, 
 gave the Americans control of the territory north of the Ohio and east 
 the Mississippi rivers, which became a county of Virginia. This acqui- 
 sition, known as the Northwest Territory, was ceded to the United 
 States, by Virginia, and in time became the states of Ohio, Indiana, 
 Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin — an inland empire in resources. 
 
 In August, 1778, Father Hyppolite Maillet, who hated all English- 
 men traditionally, and loved Americans instinctively, assembled 300 
 French settlers and friendly Indians at the "Trading House", (now 
 Wesley City), and marched his little army on foot to the southern end 
 of Lake Michigan, and struck a successful blow for American liberty, by 
 capturing Fort St. Joseph, which was defended by English troops with 
 cannon. 
 
 The first American school, in the Illinois Territory, was taught by 
 Mr. John Seeley. It was held in a log cabin, in Monroe county, in 1783. 
 
 The first Ordinance for the government of the Western Territory of 
 the United States, was passed on April 23, 171-14. Its educational and 
 freedom-guaranteeing clauses were frought with enduring benefits to 
 coming generations of freedom-loving citizens of the LTnited States. 
 
Early and Notable Events 7 
 
 The Territory of Illinois was organized February 3rd, 1809, but the 
 increasing hostilities of the Indians retarded occupation, and in August, 
 1S12, culminated in the massacre of the garrison at Fort Dearborn (Chi- 
 cago), as well as many pioneer settlers in that section of the territory. 
 The territorial militia was then increased, took possession of the most 
 available points, and exacted obedience to more lawful and civilizing 
 influences. Fort Clark, (the site of which is now occupied by the Peoria 
 Electric Light plant), was one of the forts along the border. 
 
 The territory comprising the county of Tazewell formed part of the 
 counties at the dates named in the several subdivisions of the State 
 prior to the organization of the county, as follows: 
 
 1809 — Illinois Territory was organized, and subdivided into the 
 counties of Randolph and St. Clair. Tazewell was included in the latter. 
 
 1812 — Tazewell formed a part of Madison county. 
 
 1814 — Tazewell was included in Madison and Edwards. 
 
 1816— Tazewell was a part of Madison and Crawford counties. 
 
 1817 — Tazewell was a part of the counties of Bond and Crawford. 
 
 1819 — Tazewell was included in Clark and Bond counties. 
 
 1821— Tazewell formed part of Fayette and Sangamon counties. 
 
 In 1825, the Legislature created Peoria county, and all the territory 
 north of town twenty and west of the third principal meridian, which 
 included Tazewell, became a part of Peoria for all county purposes. 
 
 When the population of Tazewell was thought to be sufficiently 
 large to regularly organize, an election was held in April, 1827, and 
 Benjamin Briggs, George Hittle and James Lotta were chosen County 
 Commissioners. They at once proceeded to hold a meeting and con- 
 summate the organization. This they did at the house of William 
 Orendorff, April 10, 1827. 
 
 The following named gentlemen served as County Commissioners, for the years shown 
 opposite their names, from 1827 to 1850: 
 
 George Hittle 1827-29 James Harvey 1832-34 Robert Bradshaw 1839-42 
 
 Benjamin Briggs 1827-30 William Brown 1832-34 Durrett Higgins 1840-43 
 
 James Lotta 1827 Thomas F. Railsback 1833-38 William S. Rankin 1841-47 
 
 Ephraim Stout 1828 Benjamin Mitchell 1834 Able Kingman 1842-48 
 
 Nathan Dillon 1829-32 L. P. Fletcher 1834-36 Elias Ogden 1843-49 
 
 Timothy B. Hoblit 1830 Richard N. Cullom 1835 James Broyhill 1846-50 
 
 Isaac Baker 1830 James Fisher 1836-39 Joshua Stewart 1847-50 
 
 Benjamin Briggs 1831 Alden Hull 1836-38 Lawson Holland 1847-50 
 
 William Holland 1831 Abraham Bowman 1838-41 
 
 George Havenhill 1832 Joshua WoUey 1838-40 
 
 1827— Tazewell organized January 31 — boundary defective. 
 
 1829 — Tazewell boundaries defined, and error of law of 1827 cor- 
 rected as then given. County originally created from territory then 
 comprising part of the counties of Sangamon and Fayette. 
 
 The county at this time was very large; even in 1829, when a new 
 boundary was formed, it contained 79 townships. It has been divided 
 for the formation of other counties so often that it has finally been re- 
 duced to 19 townships. (See sketches of the 19 townships elsewhere 
 in this volume.) 
 
 1830 — McLean county was formed by taking off the three ranges 
 east of the meridian and range one west of the meridian. 
 
 1839 — Logan county was created, taking off three townships on the 
 south. 
 
 1841 — The counties of Mason and Woodford were organized, and 
 Tazewell reduced to its present boundaries. 
 
 The county was named in honor of Hon. John Tazewell, U. S. Sen- 
 ator from the State of Virginia. There is a county in that State which 
 also bears the same name, these being the only two in the United States. 
 
 Owing to limited space we can only chronicle such striking features 
 of early pioneer history as were kept fresh in the minds of the early 
 settlers, and by records which have been preserved by their child- 
 ren; therefore we will give our readers brief mention of a few first 
 and notable events in the early history of Tazewell County: 
 
8 Early and Notable Events 
 
 Nathan Dillon built the first log cabin on Dillon creek, Dillon town- 
 ship, in 1823, and it was (claimed) the first one by a pioneer settler. 
 
 There are other claimants for the honor of first permanent settle- 
 ment of Tazewell county, to-wit: Wm. Blanchard, Jr., accompanied by 
 Charles and Theodore Sargeant and David Barnes, all revolutionary 
 veterans of 1812, came west in 1819, settling temporarily at Fort Clark 
 (Peoria). Finding a fine piece in the bottom land opposite, they plant- 
 ed a patch of corn and potatoes. Then in 1822, they found, near their 
 first patch, an old French field of ten acres, which had been abandoned, 
 of which they took possession and erected a rude cabin, and planted 
 corn and potatoes. This is claimed to be the first dwelling built between 
 Fort Clark and Chicago, (probably excepting the log cabins built in Ft, 
 Creve Coeur in 1G80, and the "Trading House," built at Wesley City 
 about 1775.) There is still another claimant— Wm. Holland, who set- 
 tled in Washington township, as early as 1821. 
 
 The first death of a white man was that of a Mr. Killum, in Decem- 
 ber, 1823. He died of exposure after crossing the Mackinaw river, 
 while on a trip between (what is today) Logan county and Peoria. 
 
 The first white child born in Tazewell county, was Hannah, daughter 
 of Nathan Dillon. The date of this historic event was August 2, 1824. 
 
 Stephen Woodrow was the first white male child born in the county. 
 
 Jonathan Tharp was the first settler in "Town Site." He built his 
 crude log cabin home on the high ground, between what is now the 
 Franklin School and Pekin Gas Works, near the foot of Broadway. 
 
 On the arrival of the first white settlers at "Town Site," there was 
 quite a large Indian village on the ridge where the P. & P. U. R. R. 
 trains pass by the W. A. Boley & Co., ice houses. The Pottawatomies 
 predominated. 
 
 Among the friendly Indians residing here, during the Black Hawk 
 War, in 1832, was the noted Pottawatomie, Chief Shabbona, and his 
 family, who erected wigwams at the foot of Broudway, near the present 
 gas works. He was a true friend of the "pale face," because of which 
 and the fact that he refused to join his forces with Black Hawk's, in a 
 war of extermination against the "pale face," his life was threatened. 
 Whilst Shabbona escaped. Black Hawk's savages succeeded in murder- 
 ing his son and a nephew. Shabbona, although an Indian by birth, 
 had early espoused the humane and civilizing influences of the first 
 "pale face" neighbors, and to his memory and honor may be ascribed 
 the saving of scores of lives of those who had gone to the great Illini 
 country, to build new homes and a western empire. 
 
 Shabbona was buried near Morris, Illinois, and a monument was 
 erected to his memory by the grateful Americans.^ 
 
 Another prominent village of wigwams, was located near Mackinaw, 
 on the river of that name. It was composed of a band of Kickapoos, 
 with Chief Machina as their leader. 
 
 In February, 1825, Ezekiel Turner was killed by lightning, this be- 
 ing the second death. Not a foot of sawed lumber being in reach, the 
 rites of sepulture were performed in true pioneer style. William Wood- 
 row felled a straight walnut tree, cut a log the proper length, split it, 
 and hollowed one half and shaped it like a coffin. From the other half 
 of the log a lid was hewn, then fastened down with wooden pins. In 
 this rude burial case the body was consigned to Mother Earth. 
 
 The Methodists are said to have erected the first brick church- 
 about 1830. This was in Pekin, and Rev. Jos. Mitchell was the first re- 
 gular pastor. This building, which had been converted into a foundry, 
 was burned during the great fire in 1860. The Methodists had subse- 
 quently built a new frame church on the corner of Capitol and Margaret 
 streets. The Palace Garage occupies the site of the old brick church. 
 
 From 1831, to 1836, while Pekin was the county seat, Joshua C. 
 Morgan held the offices of Circuit Clerk, County Clerk, Recorder, Mas- 
 
 ^ 
 

 LOUIS JOLIET 
 
 FUR TRADER AND EXPLORER. 
 
 Born at Quebec, Sept. 21, 1645. Died, May, 1700. 
 
 FATHER JACQUES MARQUETTE 
 
 MISSIONARY AND EXPLORER. 
 
 Born at Laon, France, 1637. Died May 18, 1675. 
 Drawn by Wm, Peco, from a defaced oil painting 
 
 ROBERT CAVALIER de LaSALLE 
 
 RENOWNED FRENCH EXPLORER. 
 
 Born at Rouen, France, 1643. Assassinated, and 
 died in Texas, March 19, 1687. 
 
 CHIEF SHABBONA 
 
 AN INDIAN, BUT "tHE WHITE MAN'S FRIEND." 
 
 Born in 1775. Died in 1859. Buried at Morris, 
 
 Illinois, where a monument has been erected to 
 
 commemorate his deeds of self-sacrifice in 
 
 saving the lives of many white settlers 
 
 from massacre by Black Hawk. 
 
10 Early and Notable Events 
 
 ter-in-Chancery and Postmaster. He transacted the business of his 
 various offices and lived with wife, four children, his brother and a 
 young lady, in a house of two rooms. According to our informant, "T7^e 
 entire court and bar, and many others, often spent the evenings there.'''' 
 Such was pioneer hospitality. 
 
 The first brick building erected in Tazewell county, for business pur- 
 poses, was by David Mark, at the corner of Court and Second Streets, 
 200 Court, Pekin. The rear of this building, facing Second street, housed 
 the first bank. 
 
 Gideon H. Hawley is credited with starting the first hotel- 
 
 Mathias Mount, one of the early settlers, served in the Black Hawk 
 war as Second Lieut. Co. C, 1st Illinois regiment. Lieut. Mount will 
 be remembered by our elder readers as an influential member of the 
 Board of Supervisors from Dillon township, for many years. 
 
 The first grist-mill was erected by Wm. Eads, and Wm. Davis. This 
 was in Elm Grove township, in 1825. It took four horses to propel it, 
 and its capacity was three bushels per hour— the customer furnishing 
 his own horses or oxen for the motive force. The pioneer mills were 
 called "band mills." 
 
 The first cotton gin was built by Wm. Eads, and was run in connec- 
 tion with his grist-mill. 
 
 About this time Elisha Perkins erected another "band mill" near 
 Circle ville. This mill was stockaded and used as a fort during the 
 Black Hawk War in 1832. 
 
 The first mill propelled by water was erected on Farm Creek, in 
 1827, by Mr. Leak. It had one run of stone, and the bolting was done 
 by hand. 
 
 The first woolen factory was erected by Theodorus Fisher, on sec- 
 tion 34, Elm Grove township, in 1832. An inclined wheel, on which 
 oxen continuously walked, was the motive power. This mill received 
 patronage from all surrounding counties, when the pioneer needed his 
 wool carded and wove. 
 
 The first school house was built on section 27, Elm Grove township, 
 in 1827. The first teacher was Samuel Bentley. 
 
 Joseph, son of Jonathan Tharp, was the first male white child born 
 in "Town Site," his natal day being March 10th, 1827. 
 
 Peter Cartwright, the celebrated pioneer preacher, held the first 
 camp-meeting in Tazewell county, in 1827, in a grove on Dillon Creek, 
 Elm Grove township, known then as Drum's Spring. 
 
 Thomas Dillon presided over the first postoffice. It was located in 
 Dillon township, in 1825. It was of the genuine pioneer pattern, a few 
 roughly constructed letter and paper receptacles. How different from 
 the elegant offices of the present day. 
 
 The first store in the county was opened by Absalom Dillon, at the 
 town of the same name, in 1826. 
 
 Daniel Dillon and Martha Alexander were the first couple married 
 in the county. The license had to be procured in Peoria, but they were 
 united "in the bonds of holy wedlock" in Elm Grove township. 
 
 From the history of Tazewell county issued in 1879, we quote: 
 "The first marriage that occurred after the county was organized, and the first marriage li- 
 cense issued, were under the following romantic circumstances: Mordecai Mobley, the first Coun- 
 ty Clerk, happened at old Father Stout's to stay all night. Mr. Stout lived about five miles from 
 Mackinaw. Mr. Mobley says he noticed a boy and girl around but thought they were brother and 
 sister. Soon the "old gentleman' called him aside and told him that 'that ar boy had been comin' 
 to see his darter for a long time, and they want to get married. Now,' continued Mr. Stout, 'we 
 are livin' in a new country and we don't know what's to be done, and we thinks as how you can 
 tell us. They have to get some kind of a permit, don't they?' Mr. Mobley told him they did, and 
 that he could not only tell him how to get married, but that he was the man to issue the permit. 
 This pleased Mr. Stout, and no doubt the young couple were delighted to think that the great ob- 
 stacles that prevented them from being one— for they were willing and so were the old folks— were 
 about to be removed. Stout wanted the license immediately. Accordingly, Mr. Mobley told them 
 if they would get him pen and ink and some paper he would write the license. Not a sheet of 
 blank paper could be found in the cabin. At last, Mr. Mobley asked them if they had a book. Mr. 
 Stout thought they had, as they used to have one. Finally an old book was found which happened. 
 
Early and Notable Even f'sj 11 
 
 to have one whole unmarked fly-leaf. Being thus provided with paper, they found they had 
 no pen. A pen was soon made, however. Mr. Mobley told them to catch the biggest chicken 
 they had. This was done and a large feather pulled out of its wing and a pen made of it. Again 
 they found themselves in a dilemma, out of which the ingenuity of Mr. Mobley soon brought 
 them. After being provided with paper and pen they were minus ink. He, however, took some 
 water and gunpowder and made some writing-fluid that answered the purpose. With this ink 
 and pen, and upon the fly-leat of an old book, the first marriage license issued in Tazewell county 
 was written. The couple for whom such seemingly insurmountable obstacles were overcome were 
 John Stout and Fanny Stout. They were married on the 25th of June, 1827, by Rev. Wm. Brown." 
 
 Another early marriage was that of Rev. Peter Cartwright, to Tem- 
 perance Kindle, under date of October 14, 1827. This was the sixth 
 after the organization of the county. 
 
 In the summer of 1827, one Mr. Mobley, known as the land auction- 
 eer, received the first keel-boat load of goods for "Town Site," most of 
 which was transferred, by team, to Mackinaw, then the county seat. 
 
 In the fall of 1828, the first steamboat that is reported to have as- 
 cended the Illinois river, created wild consternation. The Indians, liv- 
 ing in villages along its banks, fled to the hills or dense timber. At 
 Kingston, where Jesse Eggman had settled and established a ferry, one 
 Hugh Barr, who had never seen a steamboat, hearing the hideous noise 
 made by the escaping steam, and seeing the open fires under the boil- 
 ers, which looked like the flashing eyes of some monster, at the weird 
 hour of midnight, turned out with dog and gun and chased the "mon- 
 ster" until it passed up the river. The small band of settlers who lived 
 along our river front from the present site of the old Tazewell House 
 to the site of the Gas Works, were awakened from their peaceful slum- 
 ber by the grewsome exhaust from the old-fashioned "high-pressure" 
 steam engines, gathered in knots, and awaited the approach of the 
 "monster of the deep." It is stated that old Father Tharp gathered his 
 family together for prayers, doubtless thinking that Gabriel was blow- 
 ing the "final call:" and that good Aunt Ruth Stark prayed the All 
 Wise One to have Gabriel call at Fort Clark, (now Peoria) as they were 
 "wickeder up there." 
 
 In 1828, Absalom Dillon opened the first store in "Town Site" using 
 Jacob Tharp's smoke house for a store room. 
 
 In 1829, William Clark, made and operated the first ferry at "Town 
 Site." It was constructed of logs and puncheons, and propelled with 
 long poles during the low water, and long sweeps (oars) during the high 
 stages of water in the river. It crossed the Illinois from about the foot 
 of Harriett street. William Haines succeeded Clark, and the ferry was 
 moved to the foot of Court Street. 
 
 The first negro to reach "Town Site", or Tazewell county, was 
 known as "Black Nance," who came as a slave, leased to Major Crom- 
 well, to satisfy a debt. This occurred about 1829. She was a good soul, 
 ever willing to help on all festal occasions. All her children were "born 
 in freedom," at Pekin. As the years rolled by, she gained distinction 
 by being the first black slave freed by the great emancipator, Abra- 
 ham Lincoln. This case came before the courts and was won by Lin- 
 coln when he was known as "Honest Old Abe." 
 
 The first jail built in Tazewell county, was constructed of hewn logs; 
 it was 16 ft square and cost the munificent sum (then-1829) of $325.75. 
 It was located at Mackinaw, the county seat. Robert McClure 
 and Mathew Robb were the builders, and it was regarded the strongest 
 "bastile" in this section of the Great West. Nevertheless, one Cow- 
 hart, the first horse-thief (who had escaped hanging or being shot), and 
 the very first prisoner confined therein, made his escape the first night, 
 regardless of the fact that he had been chained to his bedstead. 
 
 Hon. Mathew Robb, J. P. was one of the celebrities of this neigh- 
 borhood, as the following incident will confirm: 
 
 A couple by the name of John Pore and Miss Brown concluded to live together "for better or 
 for worse," and accordingly called upon 'Squire Robb to perform the marriage rites. The former 
 crossed Sugar Creek for the purpose of taking Robb over; but as the weather had been rainy, the 
 creek was high and inconvenient to cross. Pore crossed it on a log, while the 'Squire sat on horse- 
 
12 Early and Notable Events 
 
 back on his side of the stream. Mr. Pore brought his bride down to the creek; as it was now about 
 eight o'clock at night, torches were lit. It was raining at the time, but they paid no attention to 
 that. 'Squire Robb rode a little distance into the water in order to distinguish the bridegroom and 
 bride on the opposite bank and the romantic and interesting ceremony was performed. 
 
 In 1829, "To-wn Site" -was surveyed by William Hodge, County Sur- 
 veyor, the blocks, streets and lots being measured by a combined rope- 
 and-leather line. The -wife of Major Cromwell was honored by being 
 called on to name the new town. She selected "Pekin" as an appro- 
 priate name for what all expected to become one of the largest cities in 
 the "Great Northwest Country." Later in the same year William 
 Haines, Thos. Snell, Nathan Cromwell, Wm. Brown, and David Bailey, 
 became the sole owners of the "original Town of Pekin," and when the 
 final surveys were made, they found the lots had cost them twenty-eight 
 cents each. 
 
 Thomas Snell erected the first school house in Pekin in 1831, and 
 his son, John S., became the first teacher; then later, the first 4th of 
 July orator. It stood near the southwest corner of Second and Eliza- 
 beth streets. On the breaking out of the Black Hawk war, in the year 
 1832, it was inclosed by a stockade of split logs and the enclosure nam- 
 ed "Fort Doolittle," as tribute to the pioneer Doolittles, some of whose 
 descendants yet reside in Pekin. One oversight, in the hurried construc- 
 tion of this fort, was the omission to provide for a supply of water, 
 either by wells or a covered way to the river. 
 
 During 1831, Thomas Snell erected the first warehouse at Pekin. 
 
 At the battle of "Sycamore Races," a company of volunteers from 
 this vicinity, lost 11 killed, among them were Major Perkins and Capt. 
 Adams. The survivors retreated to Dixon, on the Rock River, except- 
 ing the few who sought home as fast as their horses could carry them. 
 
 One of the early Pekin settlers, Mr. Joshua Wagenseller, used to re- 
 late an amusing story about the Indians, who camped on Indian creek, 
 as follows: 
 
 An Indian known as Chief Walker by the early settlers, often came to Pekin. On one of his 
 visits he offered a bushel of silver dollars to any young white man who would marry his daughter. 
 A party of young men from Pekin made the chief a visit with a view to the possession of a bushel 
 of silver, so much wealth being a great inducement. On their arrival the proud old chief led them 
 to the wigwam where the daughter sat silently awaiting her fate. The young men gazed on the 
 maiden in utter silence and dismay— she was so fearfully homely. The situation grew embarass- 
 ing, the young men looked at one another, and then silently sneaked out one at a time, leaving 
 the old chief and his daughter alone to meditate over "lack of appreciation" on the part of the 
 "pale face" brethren. All were unwilling to talk of the visit, and singly expressed a great desire 
 for the "other fellow" to take the girl and the bushel of money. 
 
 In the spring of 1831, the county seat was moved from Mackinaw to 
 Pekin and Judge Sam'l D. Lockwood, of the State Supreme Court, pre- 
 sided, and the court was held in the Snell school-house. 
 
 The deep snow of 1830-31, was not only a record breaker, but es- 
 tablished a record: Snow began falling December 29th, 1830, and con- 
 tinued for three days and nights, leaving the earth covered with a white 
 mantle about four feet thick, with some drifts at least twenty feet deep. 
 Many cattle and hogs, also all kinds of wild game, met death by freez- 
 ing. The early settlers suffered many privations through hunger and 
 cold. Between December 29, 1830, and February 13, 1831, snow fell 
 nineteen times. The sun was seldom seen and a general gloom pervaded 
 the settlements. Corn that had been left on the stalk in the field 
 had to be gathered by digging in the snow for it. Many of the brave 
 settlers had to travel on snow-shoes to the more favored places, to se- 
 cure food and necessaries to save their families from starving. They 
 stood on the crust of the frozen snow, and for fuel, cut off trees so high 
 that after the snow had melted away some time in April, 1831, the 
 stumps left above ground were tall enough for fence rails. 
 
 There was frost during every month of 1831, consequently poor 
 crops followed the efforts of the pioneer husbandman. 
 
 The earliest organized Baptist Church, in Tazewell county, occur- 
 red at the home of Mr. Lucas, near Pleasant Grove, in December, 1833. 
 
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 GEN. GEORGE ROGERS CLARK 
 
 "WASHINGTON OF THE WEST." 
 
 Born near Monticello, Va., Nov. 19, 1752. Died at 
 Louisville, Ky., Feb. 18, 1818. 
 
 GEN. ARTHUR St. CLAIR 
 
 FIRST GOVERNOR OF THE NORTH WEST TERRITORY 
 APPOINTED BY GEORGE WASHINGTON. 
 
 Born at Tiiurso, Scotland, 1734. Died at Greens- 
 burg, Penn., Aug. 31, 1818. 
 
 NINIAN EDWARDS 
 
 FIRST GOVERNOR OF THE TERRITORY OF ILLINOIS. 
 APPOINTED BY PRESIDENT MADISON. 
 
 Born in Maryland, March 17, 1775. Died at Bell- 
 ville. 111., July 26, 1833. 
 
 SHADRACH BOND 
 
 FIRST GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. 
 
 Born in Maryland in 1773. Died at Kaskaskia, 
 Illinois, April 13, 1832. 
 
14 \E a r I y and Notable Events 
 
 The building of the First Baptist Church, corner of Elizabeth and South 
 Fifth streets, Pekin, was begun about 1851-52, but not completed until 
 1855. Elder Gilbert S. Bailey, on one of his visits to Springfield, Illi- 
 nois, met his old neighbor, Abraham Lincoln, who, on learning that 
 Bailey was soliciting funds to complete the Pekin church, cheerfully 
 subscribed $10.00. This is the oldest brick church building in Tazewell 
 county still occupied by a goodly number of God-loving christians. 
 
 The first successful Free-school, in the State of Illinois, was estab- 
 lished in Chicago, in 1834. 
 
 During the year 1834, work was begun on the Illinois and Michigan 
 Canal. After its completion in 1848, the citizens of Tazewell county 
 had better markets for their products by way of Pekin, Chicago and the 
 great lakes, and received their purchases of merchandise more prompt- 
 ly and cheaper. 
 
 In 1834, the Asiatic cholera made its first appearance. Those living 
 in the river towns, the main thoroughfare of travel, became the princi- 
 pal sufferers. Among the number who died in Pekin were Thos. Snell, 
 Dr. and Mrs. Perry, Mr. Smith, Mrs. Coldron, Mrs. J. C. Morgan, Wm. 
 Haines, and others. 
 
 Sam'l Flesher, was Captain of one of the first militia companies in 
 Tazewell county. It was organized at Mackinaw, about 1834-35. 
 
 In 1836, Jacob Tharp erected one of the first two-story brick build- 
 ings in Pekin. It was located on Tharp Place between Sixth and Seventh 
 streets, and was at first occupied as a residence for several years. Then 
 it became the "Pekin Academy," for young ladies and gentlemen. In 
 1852, Elder Gilbert S. Bailey, assisted by his wife, took charge, and for 
 several years this school, (by some named the "Female Seminary,") 
 was acknowledged as one of the leading educational institutions. G. S. 
 Bailey was transferred to Chicago, and became one of the prominent 
 workers in the inauguration of the Chicago University. Soon after Mr. 
 Bailey's departure, it again became a residence. It was best known as 
 the Ansel Haines homestead. 
 
 "What a sudden change!" is an expression often heard— but later 
 years have not produced one equal to that of January, 1836: Snow had 
 fallen to the depth of four inches, which was followed by a drizzling 
 rain, leaving the earth covered with "slush". A cold wave came from 
 the northwest, and so sudden was the change that cattle, hogs, chick- 
 ens, etc., froze fast where they were standing and had to be cut loose. 
 Men and women, out in the fields and gardens, and short distances from 
 their homes, nearly froze to death before they could seek covered pro- 
 tection, owing to the bitter cold. 
 
 A long talked of event occurred in Pekin, in 1837. It was an enter- 
 tainment given by the noted Jeffersons — father, mother and son Joseph, 
 in the "Yellow" school-house, situated on the corner of Second and 
 Susannah streets. The performance was frequently disturbed by a lit- 
 ter of pigs, which were in the habit of taking shelter under the building. 
 Mrs. Jefferson, who was a talented singer, was so disturbed by their 
 noise while singing, "Home, Sweet Home," that she broke down and 
 went off the stage weeping. 
 
 The first hotel of any prominence, was the "Delavan House," built 
 by the Delavan Colony, at Delavan, in this county, about 1836-1837. 
 All of the material used in its erection, excepting sills and framing tim- 
 bers, came from the eastern states. In after years it was named the 
 "Phillips House." As the latter it was destroyed by fire on August 28, 
 1879. In 1840, Hon. Ira B. Hall, lately deceased, became its popular 
 landlord. Like all the leading hostelries, on the stage coach line be- 
 tween Peoria and Springfield, this house furnished entertainment for 
 Abraham Lincoln and other noted Americans. 
 
 In 1840, the Town of Pekin contracted with Mr. John Sleeth to build 
 an up-to-date ferryboat. It was first in its line at that date. 
 
Early and Notable Events 15 
 
 Between 1840 and 1850, a two-story brick building, with a square 
 cupola at the front apex of the roof, was erected on Margaret street, 
 near Capitol. The grandfathers and grandmothers of to-day, who 
 '^^ graduated'" in the three great R's, within its walls, will remember it as 
 the "Old Brick School-house." For many years, while the lower room 
 was occupied as a "Pay School," the Masons and Odd Fellows held 
 their meetings in the upper room. After the adoption of the state free 
 school system, the entire building was occupied by the free schools of 
 Pekin, then the county-seat. 
 
 The two most noted "great floods" in the Illinois river, since white 
 men have kept record, was in 1844 and 1849, during one of which the 
 water rose to such a height that the lower floor of the old Illinois River 
 Packet Go's warehouse basement was covered with six inches of water. 
 Such a flood to-day would submerge the railroad tracks along the river 
 front and the water would flow over the floor of the wagon bridge and 
 endanger the Sugar Works, Distilleries and Card Board Factory. 
 
 The year 1848 witnessed the establishment of two so-called "first- 
 class" hotels at Pekin. The "Eagle," which stood where the remains 
 of the old Tazewell — afterward Bemis House, was kept by Mr. Seth 
 Kinman, who afterwards acquired considerable celebrity as a hunter 
 and a trapper in the far West, and by presenting buck-horn and bear- 
 claw chairs, of his own make, to Presidents Abraham Lincoln and An- 
 drew Johnson. 
 
 The other, afterwards the Mansion House, but then known as the 
 "Taylor House," was pi'esided over by Lieut. William A. Tinney, who 
 later distinguished himself by being the first white man in Pekin to lead 
 a negro to the polls to vote. 
 
 According to traditional authority, the manner of welcoming guests 
 at these hotels was very peculiar, as the following will illustrate : 
 
 A traveler came off a steamboat one day, and went to the Eagle Hotel. There had been a 
 little western "scrimmage" at the "Eagle" the night before, and though things had not been put 
 in order, the proprietor, Seth Kinman, was sitting in front of the door, playing his favorite tune, 
 the "Arkansaw Traveler", with the greatest self-satisfaction. The stranger, stopping, said to Seth: 
 "Are you the proprietor here?" Seth, without resting his bow, replied^ Wall, I reckon 1 be, stran- 
 ger". "Do you keep tavern?" 'Of course I do; I keep tavern like h — 1," said Seth, fiddling away 
 with all his might. "Just pile in; hang your freight on the floor, and make yourself at home. "The 
 boys," continued Seth, "have been having a little fun, but if there is a whole table or plate in the 
 house, I'll get you some cold hash toward night". The stranger didn't like this peculiarly western 
 reception, so took his departure, leaving Kinman still enjoying his violin. 
 
 Late in the afternoon the traveler presented himself at the Taylor 
 House. Lieut. William Tinney met him outside with his most austere 
 expression and greeted him : 
 
 "Good morning, good morning, sir; walk in, sir; take a seat, sir; shave you as soon as the water 
 GETS warm! The stranger not requiring the services of a barber, walked off in haste and amazement 
 and the Lieutenant swore audbly that he was "some infernal Yankee, come out west to steal hon- 
 est people's money." It is needless to say that the next steamboat that reached Pekin had an 
 eager passenger at the landing waiting the opportunity to escape such peculiar hospitality. 
 
 The two most prominent hotels of Pekin were the American and 
 Tazewell. The American was built and run by Chas. Morris. In after 
 years it was sold to Thos. D. Conaghan, who, as owner and proprietor, 
 renamed it the Planters House, which it remained, until sold to a Mr. 
 Kuhn, who converted it into an office and business building — ^"Ktihn" 
 building, 353-355 Court street. 
 
 The Tazewell House, one of the most prominent of its day, was 
 built by Richard Snell. A Mr. Cloudas was one of its early landlords. 
 Following Mr. Cloudas, Messrs. Stone & McDougal became proprietors. 
 Then came 'Squire Wm. A. Tinney, who catered to such guests as Abra- 
 ham Lincoln, Stephen A. Douglas, David Davis, and the other notables 
 of that day. It retained its name until purchased by Mr. T. K. Bemis, 
 who renamed it the Bemis House, which it remained iintil abandoned 
 and torn down. It stood at the corner of Court and Front streets, the 
 present site of the little park at the west end of Court street. 
 
16 
 
 Early and Notable Events 
 
 During the year (1S49) the county seat was removed from Tremont 
 to Pekin. The erection of the old Pekin court house was begun by a 
 committee appointed by the Legislature, consisting of Dr. Wm. S. Maus, 
 Thos. N. Gill, James Haines, David Mark and T. J. S. Flint. The funds 
 were contributed almost wholly by the citizens of Pekin, and the build- 
 ing cost about $8,000. "Uncle" James Haines, lately deceased, had 
 charge of the construction. It was not permanently occupied until 1850. 
 
 Covenant Lodge No. 48, I. O. O. F., of Pekin, HI., was granted a 
 Charter under date of July 26th, 1849. 
 
 Pekin Lodge, No. 29, A. F. & A. M., was chartered in 1849. 
 
 Empire Lodge, No. 126, A. F. & A. M., was chartered Oct. 3, 1853. 
 
 Pekin Chapter, No. 25, R. A. M., charter issued Sept. 27, 1855. 
 
 In 1850, the great thoroughfare of travel and shipment of merchan- 
 dise, was by way of steamboats, canalboats and flatboats, the greater 
 part being by steamboat. The record of the steamboats doing business 
 on the Illinois river, even as far north as Peru, is given below: 
 
 NAME OF BOAT. TONNAGE. TRIPS 
 
 Alleghany Mail 77 2 
 
 Lamartine 175 4 
 
 TRIPS 
 
 .... 6 
 
 Daniel Hillman 145., 
 
 Pioneer 209., 
 
 Falcon 144.. 
 
 Mountaineer 213. 
 
 Kingston 145.. 
 
 Archer 148. 
 
 Planter 200. 
 
 Martha No. 2 177. 
 
 Movastar 140., 
 
 Avalanche 220.. 
 
 Senator 121.. 
 
 Prairie Bird 215.. 
 
 Tiger 83.. 
 
 Andrew Jackson 290.. 
 
 Connecticut 249.. 
 
 Robert Fulton 200.. 
 
 Ocean Wave 205.. 
 
 NAME OF BOAT. TONNAGE. 
 
 Piasa 85.., 
 
 Magnet 98 8 
 
 Pearl 54 4 
 
 Comet 116 18 
 
 Financier 125 18 
 
 America 145 30 
 
 Uncle Toby 109 2 
 
 Hudson 95 16 
 
 Prairie State 288 44 
 
 Kentucky 140 22 
 
 Daniel Boone 170 2 
 
 Mary Stevens 225.. 4 
 
 Newton Wagner 105 6 
 
 Visitor 141 2 
 
 Mary Blain 181 2 
 
 Oswego 187 4 
 
 Clermont 112 1 
 
 R. H. Lee 180 2 
 
 .1236 
 
 NAME OF BOAT. TONNAGE. TRIPS 
 
 Schuylkill 272 6 
 
 Enterprise 200 2 
 
 Wyoming 198 2 
 
 Alliquippa 215 8 
 
 Buena Vista 266 4 
 
 St, Croix 160 16 
 
 Laurel 80 10 
 
 Citizen 171 2 
 
 Beardstown 80 40 
 
 ^ Gov. Briggs 91 6 
 
 Lightfoot 155 4 Jewess 220 18 
 
 Alvarado 135 22 
 
 Niagara 215 12 
 
 Susquehanna 142 14 
 
 J. J. Crittenden 225 2 
 
 Caleb Cope 80 40 
 
 Belmont 115 36 
 
 Gen. Gaines 160 12 
 
 Time and Tide 261 6 
 
 Eureka 115 26 Total ton. & trips.... 9463 
 
 The Free-School System for the State of Illinois, was established 
 in 1855. The development of the system was not perfected until 1857. 
 
 The county offices opposite the Tazewell Hotel, were erected in 
 1856-57. They have been razed to make room for the new court house. 
 
 In 1862, the second county jail, (torn down to give way to the new), 
 holding 15 to 20 persons, was built at a cost of $7,000. "it was a two- 
 story brick and contained offices and stone cells below and sheriff's 
 family quarters above. It stood northwest of the present county jail, 
 and faced Court street. The new county jail and Sheriff's residence, 
 was erected in 1892. 
 
 The first steamboat disaster, occurred Sunday morning, April 16, 
 1852. The packet steamers "Prairie State" and "Avalanche," south- 
 ward bound, landed almost simultaneously at the Pekin wharf, both car- 
 rying a high (racing) pressure of steam. The "Prairie State" drew out 
 from the landing ahead of her competitor, and had reached a point 
 nearly opposite our present gas works, when her boiler exploded with 
 terrific force. It was the "church-going" hour, but the worship of the 
 Deity was changed to the duties of the good Samaritan, and our great 
 hearted citizens rallied to the rescue. The "Avalanche" steamed down 
 to the wreck and towed what was left of the beautiful "Prairie State" 
 back to the Pekin wharf. Many of the bodies were recovered and 
 placed side by side under the walnut and oak trees that fringed the 
 bank of the river, and every available house became a temporary hos- 
 pital in which to alleviate the scalded and maimed passengers and crew. 
 Mr. James Sallee, a passenger from Peru, 111., to Texas, informed 
 the writer that the "Prairie State" was crowded with passengers, 
 many of whose bodies, he thinks, were never recovered. The exact 
 loss was never ascertained. He humorously stated that he was literally 
 
TREMONT COURT HOUSE: 
 
 The generous gift by Mr. John Harris, 
 who gave 20 acres of land, and a dona- 
 tion of $2000 by the citizens of Tremont, 
 induced the Commisioners to report in 
 favor of Tremont as the most centrally 
 located and proper place for the county 
 seat, and the Legislature approved. 
 
 This building was constructed of red 
 brick, 40x60 ft. in size, two stories high, 
 with Grecian columns to support front 
 (like old Pekin building). The Tremont 
 
 structure hadan octagonal cupo- 
 la with a rounded dome covered 
 with copper and surmounted 
 with a weathervane. 
 The building contract called 
 $14,450.00. It was not ready 
 occupancy until 1839. 
 
 Abraham Lincoln was attending court in the above building when challenged hy Gen. Shields. 
 They assembled on an Island opposite Alton, 111., to fight a duel with cavalry broad-swords. The 
 friends with them, interposed, the difficulty was adjusted, and Lincoln and Shields became friends. 
 
 GEN. JAMES SHIELDS 
 
 LAWYER, SOLDIER AND STATESMAN. 
 
 Born in Dungannon, Ire., 1810. Died at Ottumwa, 
 Iowa, June 1, 1879. 
 Jas. Shields came to America at the age of 16. 
 In 1832 began practice, as a lawyer, at Kaskaskia, 
 111. Elected to the Legislature of Illinois in 1836, 
 and was made State Auditor in 1839; Judge of 
 the State Supreme Court in 1843, and Land Com- 
 missioner in 1845. He entered into the Mexican 
 War in 1846, and was made a Brigadier-General. 
 For gallantry at the battle of Cerro-Gordo, where 
 he was severely wounded, was promoted to the 
 rank of Brevet Maj.-Gen'l. He was also wounded 
 at the battle of Chapultepec; mustered out in 
 1848, and appointed Governor of the Territory of 
 Oregon. In 1849, was elected U. S. Senator from 
 Illinois. He removed to Minnesota in 1856, and 
 became a U. S. Senator in 1858, and after filling 
 out a short term, took up residence in California. 
 In 1861, was made a Brigadier-General by Presi- 
 dent Lincoln, but owing to the debilitating effects 
 of numerous wounds, resigned in 1863, and settled 
 at Carrolton, Mo. In 1874 and 1879, was elected 
 to the Legislature of Missouri, then a U. S. Sena- 
 tor to fill out an unexpired term, thus giving him 
 the special distinction of being the only patriot 
 to serve as U. S. Senator from three States. 
 
18 
 
 Early and N o t d b I e Event 
 
 "blown into Pekin." One of the oddities in connection with the explo- 
 sion, was related to us by Mrs. Emma (Tharp) Bequeaith, a daughter of 
 Jonathan Tharp, who lived on the high ground east of the present gas 
 works, to-wit: Her brother, who was shaving, had completed but one 
 side of his face, when the explosion startled him, and with a realizing 
 sense of duty to be performed, he hastily went to the rescue, not know- 
 ing how ludicrous he appeared until attention was called to his odd fac- 
 ial appearance. 
 
 The longest winter, recorded for this county, since the advent of the 
 white man, was that of 1842-43. It began November 4, 1842, and did 
 not end until April, 1843. 
 
 CO. G, FOURTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS, IN 
 THE MEXICAN WAR, a Tazewell County com- 
 mand, returned to Pekin on June 7th, 1847, after 
 an active service of one year under Gen.Winfield 
 Scott. Out of a full company, three died in hos- 
 pital, one died of wounds received at Cerro Gordo. 
 First Lieut. Knott died of yellow fever, and his 
 remains were brought home for burial. Ten were 
 discharged for disability, one left sick in hospital 
 and one deserted. Edward Jones, was Captain; 
 Leonard A. Knott, 1st Lieut.; Wm. A. Tinney, 
 2nd Lieut.; Benj. F. Perry, 3rd Lieut.; John M. 
 Gill, 1st Sergt.; John W. Page, 2nd Sergt.; Saml. 
 Rhoads, 3rd Sergt.; Jesse A. Nason, IstCorpl.; 
 Richard S. Updyke, 2nd Corpl.: Wm. W. Moore. 
 3rd Corpl.; Joseph Turner, Musician. The above 
 was the official roster at the start, but sickness 
 and discharge called for some promotions, from 
 the ranks, during the term of service. General 
 Edward D. Baker was the first Colonel of the 4th. 
 Mr. John G. Hammer, who was a pioneer citi- 
 zen of Pekin, is now passing his declining years 
 with a daughter, Mrs. R. R. Greer, at Loami, 111. 
 Comrade Hammer, on June 26th, 1916, will have 
 reached his 96th year, having been born in Fred- 
 JOHN G. HAMMER. erick county, Maryland, June 26th, 1820. He is 
 
 the only known living member of Co. G, 4th 111. Inft., and of the first niembers of Covenant Lodge, 
 No. 48, I. 0. 0. F. of Pekin, 111. As a carpenter-builder, he is credited with having driven the first 
 nail in the old State House, at Springfield, 111., now the Sangamon County court house. 
 
 Among the trophies secured and brought back by Co. G, from the 
 land of the Montezumas, was a convent bell, captured at Vera Cruz. 
 It was safely conveyed home, packed in straw in a hogshead, and for 
 many years did service in the belfry of the old Methodist Church, which 
 stood on the corner of N. Capitol and Margaret streets, Pekin, just 
 north of the Farmers National Bank Building. When the old church 
 was sold, the bell passed into the hands of the Catholic denomination, 
 and for many years called to worship the members of St. Joseph's 
 Church, corner S. Second and Susannah streets, Pekin. The bell is 
 still in possession of St. Joseph's Society. 
 
 Sergt. John M. Gill, of Co. G, brought back from the land of the 
 worshipers of the sun, Santa Anna's wooden leg, which was found in 
 his carriage after his escape from our soldiers. After preserving the 
 trophy for many years, Sergt. Gill presented it to the State, and it has 
 been placed among the Illinois war trophies at the Capitol in Spring- 
 field. 
 
 In order to preserve the record of the "Battle of the Giants," as the 
 unparalleled debates, between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Doug- 
 las, in 18.58, were termed, we deem it fitting to give dates and cities in 
 Illinois when and where held: On August 21st, at Ottawa; August 27th, 
 at Freeport; September 15th, at Jonesborough; September 18th, at 
 Charleston; October 7th, at Galesburg; October 13th, at Quincy; Octo- 
 ber 15th, at Alton. 
 
 On the 4th of July, 1859, the first rail was laid and the first spike 
 driven on the prospective Illinois River Railroad. This was made a 
 gala day. This road was not completed until it passed into new hands 
 
Early and Notable Events 19 
 
 and re-named the Peoria, Pekin & Jacksonville. In the early seventies 
 it again changed hands, and was re-christened the Chicago, Peoria & 
 St. Louis Railroad, which it remains today. 
 
 The first legal hanging was that of John Ott, on March 1st, 1861. 
 This was for the murder, by Ott, of Mrs. Orendorff and her little, girls, 
 who lived near Delavan. Ott was hung in the northeast corner of court 
 square, Pekin. 
 
 The first lynching took place August 1st, 1869, and Wm. Berry, who 
 had murdered Deputy Sheriff, Henry Pratt, on the 30th of July, was 
 taken from the county jail at Pekin, by an armed body of men who had 
 overpowered the jailor and his aids, and hanged to the limb of a tree 
 that stood near the Court street end of the cement walk that leads to the 
 new county jail. This prompt action broke up a gang of desperadoes 
 who lived near Circleville, Tazewell county. 
 
 The first assemblage of farmers, to exhibit their products in compe- 
 tition, in Tazewell county, according to memory of our informant (who 
 was a boy at the time), was what they termed a "Colt Show," at which 
 there were on exhibit half a dozen mares with their colts. This embryo 
 fair took place at Tremont in the early "forties." From a "Colt Show" 
 it grew into quite a reputable fair, where the products of the farm and 
 home were shown in competition, up to the close of the Civil War. It was 
 followed by the fair organized in Pekin in 1870, which gave three of 
 the best county fairs ever held in Illinois. The last was badly managed 
 which resulted in its destruction. Then came the organization of the 
 Pomona (Goddess of fruits) Fair, near Hopedale; then the Mackinaw 
 Fair, which became the forerunner of the Farmers' Institute of the 16th 
 Congressional District. The Tazewell County Agricultural Board was 
 organized in 1879, with grounds located at Delavan, and regardless of 
 the usual vicissitudes which form a part of the existence of every county 
 fair, still holds commendable annual exhibits. 
 
 A secret organization was formed soon after the beginning of the 
 Civil War, composed of sympathizers of the states in rebellion. It was 
 named "Knights of the Golden Circle," etc.. The familiar title given 
 the Knights and kindred bodies, was "Copperheads." These societies, 
 had pledged themselves to harass the families of the Union soldiers 
 in the field, thus causing desertion on the part of the husband, father, 
 or son, so they might be at home to protect their loved ones, thereby 
 weakening the Union army. The Knights, etc., were also pledged to 
 liberate Confederate prisoners who were confined in Northern prisons. 
 
 To hold in check these secret enemies of the Union cause, there 
 was organized, in Tazewell county, in 1862, the first lodge of the 
 "Union League of America," whose motto was to do all in its power 
 to protect the families of those in the Union army, encourage enlist- 
 ments, and hold in check the threatened purposes of the Knights, etc. 
 George H. Harlow, afterwards Secretary of State, then a resident of 
 Pekin, Illinois, was one of the leading spirits in its organization. The 
 Union League soon had lodges in every Union State. Its membership 
 reached about 180,000. It became a great aid to the Union cause. 
 
 The first marriage to take place in the new "seat of justice," was 
 that of Gilbert Wright and Louise Vohland, both of Washington, Taze- 
 well county, the date being March 27, 1916. Judge Jas. M. Rahn "tied 
 the nuptial knot." 
 
 The first divorce granted in the new court house, severing the mar- 
 ital relation between Elnora S. and Fred. W. Grover, occurred May 1st, 
 1916, Judge Theodore N. Green, presiding. 
 
 Tazewell county was represented in the great war for the the preservation of the Union, by 
 the following numbered regiments, to which is added, in figures, the number of Tazewell county 
 men, as compiled from the Illinois Adjutant General's Report. 
 
 ILLINOIS INFANTRY.-The7th, 102; 8th, 145; 15th, 13; 17th. 20; 18th, 13; 26th, 27; 27th, 6; 
 28th, 25; 31st, 44; 32nd, 11; 38th, 32; 44th, 95; 45th, 11; 47th, 228; 49th, 7; 51st, 9; 58th, 21; 61st; 
 
20 Early and Notable Events 
 
 20; 62nd, 7; 67th, 10; 58th, 32; 73rd, 70; 85th, 88; 86th, 98; 94th, 38; 100th, 11; 104th, 82; 108th, 
 325; 115th, 65; 117th, 7; 139th, 52; 145th, 9; 146th, 45; 148th, 49; 152nd, 88; 154th, 13; 155th, 22; 
 56th, 6. -Total, 1967. 
 
 ILLINOIS CAVALRY.— The 3rd, 81; consolidated 3rd, 31; 4th, 33; 5th, 7; 6th, 12; 7th, 13; 
 8th, 4; 9th, 8; 10th, 3; 11th, 164; 12th, 6; 14th, 21. -Total, 383. 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS. -Artillery, 5; 20th U. S. Infantry, 11; First Army Corps, 24; 8th Mo. In- 
 fantry, 47. To which should be added several hundred who enlisted in the Infantry, Cavalry, 
 Artillery and Navy, while out of the county, and were credited to the place where they enlisted 
 or were recruited. It is safe to chronicle that Illinois and Tazewell county citizens served in every 
 State and Territory in the Union— even including the Confederacy. 
 
 SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR VETERANS. -About 200 soldiers, comprising Co. "K,"of Dela- 
 van, and Co. "G," of Pekin, as members of the 5th Illinois Infantry, departed for Springfield, the 
 rendezvous. May 27th, 1898. Co. "K" was commanded by Capt. Watkins, aided by First-Lieut. 
 Ball and Second-Lieut. Dickinson. Co. "G" was led by Capt. E. L. Conklin, aided by First-Lieut. 
 E. H. Mullen and Second-Lieut. W. W. Sellers. All were mustered into the U. S. service on May 
 4th. Under command of Col. J. S. Culver, they left Springfield for Chickamauga Park Camp, and 
 arrived there on May 17th. The regiment, composed of the flower of Central Illinois manhood, 
 were twice disappointed in their eager willingness to meet the enemy on Cuban soil. They 
 returned home on Sept. 12th, 1898, and were jubilantly welcomed. 
 
 HISTORY OF TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 Following the brief history of each Township will be found the names 
 of all citizens, with years they have served, and are to serve, as members 
 of the Board of Supervisors frqm said Township, since 1850 : 
 
 Fon du Lac Township— T. 26 N. R. 4 W. 
 
 Under the provisions of the State Constitution of Illinois, adopted in 1847, counties were privi- 
 leged to adopt either "County Court" or "Township Organization" form of government. At an 
 election held in 1849, the latter plan was adopted. And the County Court appointed and commis- 
 sioned Benjamin S. Prettyman, Anson Gillum and John M. Coons, as commissioners, to divide 
 Tazewell County into towns or townships. They began at the northwest corner of the county and 
 fixed the boundaries of the first township as they now are, naming it "Fon du Lac." 
 
 Thomas Camlin, (the Daniel Boone of Tazewell County), was an early settler here. He 
 was not only a great hunter, but a genial companion and an inimitable story-teller. Among other 
 early settlers of Fondulac, were Jesse, Absalom and Jacob Funk, Jacob Wilson, Jacob Hepperly, 
 Morgan Buckingham, Horace Crocker, Abraham Brown and Jefferson Huscham. (For map of 
 the report of Commissioners and statement of early settlement see elsewhere in this compilation.) 
 
 In section 11, Fon du Lac township, there is a mound which was probably used by the pre-his- 
 toric Mound-builders, for remains have been unearthed that were of giant size At an early date 
 there was found, in the hollow of a mammoth oak tree, growing on this mound, a human skull, 
 which was held in position by the encircling growth of the tree. After its removal, it was in 
 possession of a Dr. Hazzard for several years, but to-day its whereabouts are unknown. 
 
 The village of Fondulac was laid off June 20, 1855, and Bluetown April 1, 1864. East Peoria 
 was incorporated July 1st, 1884 as Hilton, but in 1889, was changed to its present title, and has 
 virtually absorbed the above named villages. 
 
 C. J. Gibson 1850-53 John Lorimer 1870-71 Nicholas Schlagel 1885-87 
 
 Daniel Trail 1854-57 John Lorimer jr 1872 Joseph Schertz 1888-91 
 
 ThomasCamlin 1858 Samuel R. Mooberry 1873-75 J.J.Arnold 1892-1903 
 
 John Leadley 1859 Jeremiah Stenger 1876-77 Edward W. Tucker 1904-05 
 
 Samuel R. Mooberry 1860-65 John Lorimer 1878 Nicholas Freis 1906-18 
 
 F. M. Wiles 1866 Samuel R. Mooberry 1879-80 
 
 T. B. Pinkham 1867-69 Joseph Schertz 1881-84 
 
 Washington Township— T. 26 N. Rs. 2 and 3 W. 
 
 Washington township, east of Fond du Lac, was so named after the village and postofiice of 
 that name. The first election was held in the district school-house in Washington. Wm. Holland 
 was the first settler; he built his log cabin home on section 24, about 1820 or 1821. He was an 
 expert gunsmith and blacksmith, and his services were sought by the pioneers both near and far. 
 James McClure, Joseph Kelso, P. P. Scott, A. M. North, Abraham Wood, Wm. Week and Wm. 
 Burr, were among the first settlers. The first log school-house was built on section 22, in 1833, and 
 a Mr. Edmondson was the first school-master. The first church was erected by the Methodist 
 society in 1838. Wm. Holland was the first Justice of the Peace. The village of Washington was 
 laid off by Wm. Holland, March 4, 1834. On March 2nd, 1878, Washington became a city. 
 
 James W. Wather 1850-51 Richard C. Dement 1864 Wesley B. Harvey, city.. .1873-78 
 
 Lawson Holland 1852-53 John W. Daugherty 1865-66 D. S. Sheppard 1890-91 
 
 W. A. Ross 1854 Benj. Tobias 1867-68 Christian Spring 1892-95 
 
 J. S. Marsh 1855-58 Richard D. Smith 1869 C. L. Birkett 1896-1907 
 
 D. L. Miles 1859-62 Peter Fifer 1870 M. C. Martini 1908-13 
 
 Elias Wenger 1863 John H. Anthony 1871-89 Chris Strubhar 1914-18 
 
__GEORGE WASHINGTON 
 
 "the father of his country." 
 
 from an oil painting in the white house. 
 
 "First in war, first in peace and first in the 
 
 hearts of his countrymen." 
 
 Born in Va., Feb. 22, 1732. Died at Mt. Vernon, 
 
 Maryland, Dec. 14. 1799. 
 
 _ ABRAHAM LINCOLN 
 
 "the savior of his country." 
 from an old photo taken during the civil war. 
 "All that I am, or hope to be, 
 I owe to my angel mother." 
 Born in Kentucky, Feb. 12, 1809. Died at Wash- 
 ington, D. C, April 15, 1865. 
 
 __ GEN. ULYSSES S. GRANT 
 
 "unconditional surrender" GRANT. 
 
 "we will fight it out on this line if it takes 
 
 all SUMMER." "let US HAVE PEACE." 
 
 Born at Point Pleasant, Ohio, April 27. 1822. 
 Died at Mt. Gregor. N. Y., July 23, 1885. 
 
 GEN. JOHN A. LOGAN 
 
 "black JACK." 
 
 LAWYER, SOLDIER. AUTHOR AND STATESMAN. 
 
 Illinois' beloved Union soldier and Comrade. 
 
 Born at Brownsville. 111.. Feb. 9. 1826. Died at 
 
 Washington, D. C, Dec. 26. 1886. 
 
22 
 
 Early and Notable Events 
 
 Deer Creek Township— T. 25. N. R. 2 "W. 
 
 The boundaries of Deer Creek remain the same as they were. The first election took place at 
 what was known as the Monmouth school-house. Major R. N. Cullom is credited with having 
 named this township after the creek that courses through it. He was the first settler, locating in 
 1828. Jas. Harvey, Robert Alexander, John Small, Hugh Ross and six sons were among the early 
 settlers. Rev. Wm. Brown preached the first sermon. The first death was that of a twin brother 
 of Hon. Shelby M. Cullom, James C, the infant son of R N. Cullom. The first couple to marry 
 were Samuel Watson and Miss Alvira Perry, 'Squire Hittle tying the nuptial knot. Section 27 con 
 tained the first school-house, in 183S, and Miss Nancy Parker was the first teacher. Julia Cullom 
 was the first white child born in Deer Creek township. Mathew Kingman was the first Justice of 
 the Peace. The village of Deer Creek was incorporated September 26th, 1899. 
 
 Richard N. Cullom 1830-51 Abraham Chaffer 1867-68 A. L. Smith 1890 
 
 E. H. Durham 1852 Alex. Small 1869 G. W. Smith 1891-92 
 
 E. Bogardus 1853 Eri Bogardus 1870-76 Frank Field 1893-94 
 
 "" George H. Small 1877-78 
 
 James Mitchell 1879 
 
 Eri Bogardus 1880-82 
 
 T. C. Stout 1883-84 
 
 James Mitchell 1885 
 
 T. C. Stout 1886-88 
 
 G. H. Small 1889 
 
 Edwin H. Durham 1854-55 
 
 James Mitchell 1856-57 
 
 John Q. Adams 1858 
 
 Alex. Small 1859-63 
 
 Eri Bogardus 1864 
 
 James Mitchell 1865 
 
 R.N. Cullom 1866 
 
 J. M. Butler 1895-1900 
 
 W. H. Green 1901-02 
 
 Geo. H. Small 1903-06 
 
 F. L. Belsley 1907-10 
 
 Johns. Nixon 1911-17 
 
 Morton Township— T. 25. N. R. 3 W. 
 
 Morton township was named in honor of Gov. Morton, of Massachussetts. The first election 
 was held at W. W. Campbell's. A Mr. Soward settled on Section 31, about 1826 or 1827, and built 
 the first pioneer log cabin. He was soon followed by a Mr. Field, Richard Ratliff, Mr. Crosby, John 
 M. Roberts and four sons. Rev. William Brown was the first regular minister. In 1832, section 4 
 contained the first log school-house. Like nearly all pioneer school-houses, it was used for church 
 and town meeting purposes. The first Justices of the Peace were Joseph Evans and Wm. Sample. 
 The village of Morton was laid off by James M. Campbell on Nov. 12, 1850. Organized in 1887. 
 
 Peter Sweitzer has been a continuous member of the Board of Supervisors for over 25 years; 
 Chairman about half of that time, and Chairman of the Permanent Building Committee during 
 the entire time of the construction of the new court house at Pekin. He is the Dean of the Board. 
 
 Horace Clark 1850 
 
 Joel W. Clark 1851-59 
 
 Anson Gillum 1860-62 
 
 Charles R. Crandall 1863-66 
 
 Wm. Munroe 1867-71 
 
 Thomas Cooper 1872-73 
 
 Wm. A. Moore 1874-75 
 
 Samuel C. Smith 1876 
 
 John H. Crandall 1877 
 
 Samuel C. Smith 1878 
 
 William Smith 1879-: 
 
 Samuel C. Smith 1881 
 
 Alex. Mooberry 1882 
 
 A. W. Stewart 1883 
 
 Erastus Roberts 1884 
 
 W. F. Denne 1885-87 
 
 Wm. Moschel (resigned) 1888 
 W. A. Moore (elected to Legis- 
 lature) 1889-91 
 
 Peter Sweitzer 1891-1917 
 
 Groveland Township— T. 25 N. R. 4 "W. 
 
 James Scott was the first settler in Groveland township, building his log cabin home on Sec- 
 tion 33, in 1827. Among other old settlers were John O'Brien and Mr. Trimble. Mr. O'Brien was 
 elected Justice of the Peace in 1835, and filled the office with dignity and honor until 1867. Rev. 
 Neele Johnson preached the first sermon in 1834. The boundaries of this township remain as lo- 
 cated by the commissioners. The first election took place at the Randolph house in Groveland. 
 This township took its name from the village, which was laid off by Isaac Roberts and Asa L. 
 Davidson, May 30, 1836. 
 
 Benjamin H. Harris 1867-71 
 
 J. W. Mooberry 1872 
 
 Geo. Landes 1873-74 
 
 F, Shurtleff 1875 
 
 Geo. Landes 1876 
 
 Joel T. O'Brien 1877-78 
 
 C. S. Worthington 1879 
 
 Henry Schwartz 1880-82 
 
 Pekin Township— T. 25 N. R. 5 W. 
 
 To Pekin township, as originally bounded, has been added sections one, two, three and four, 
 from Cincinnati on the south. For first settlers, and the very first historical facts and reminis- 
 cences, see elsewhere in this volume. As Pekin embraces the major part of the township her 
 history is synonymous with that of the township. At the land sales in Springfield, in 1828, the 
 excitement over who should possess such valuable property as that encompassed by "Town Site," 
 caused knives and pistols to be drawn. But the trouble was amicably adjusted. Major M. Crom- 
 well was at the head of the successful bidders and the purchase was divided into twelve parts. 
 
 George L. Parker 1850-51 
 
 Robert Bradshaw 1852-54 
 
 Charles G. Hinman 1855 
 
 C. S. Worthington 1856-58 
 
 Robert Bradshaw 1859 
 
 C. S. Worthington 1860-62 
 
 John L. Caldwell 186.3-64 
 
 F. H. Hancock 1865-66 
 
 Geo. Landes 1883 
 
 Henry Schwartz 1884 
 
 Geo. Landes 1885-98 
 
 Barney Eisele 1899-1905 
 
 John Strickf adden 1905-08 
 
 Barney Eisele 1908-10 
 
 Louis Rohlfing 1911-17 
 
 SUPERVISORS 
 
 AND 
 
 EX-OFFICIO OVERSEERS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 POOR OF PEKIN TOWNSHIP. 
 
 Wm. S. Maus 1850-51 
 
 Jas. Haines 1851-53 
 
 Wm. S. Maus 1853-67 
 
 Wm.Don Maus 1867 
 
 George Greigg 1867-69 
 
 Peter Weyhrich 1869-70 
 
 Joshua Wagenseller 1870-71 
 
 John Stoltz 1871-73 
 
 George Greigg 1873-75 
 
 H. Didcock 1875-76 
 
 Henry Lautz 1876 
 
 Ernest Schurman 1876-77 
 
 Henry Didcock 1877-78 
 
 John C. Aydelott 1878-79 
 
 Thomas R. Skelly 1879-80 
 
 JohnHerget 1880-81 
 
 H. P. Weyrich 1881-83 
 
 Wm. Blenkiron 1883-85 
 
 T. J. Edwards 1885-86 
 
 Henry A. ReuHng 1886-87 
 
 J. B. Mohler 1887-88 
 
 C. B. Cummings 1888-90 
 
 J. B. Cooper 1890-95 
 
 L. Bergstresser, resin'd..l895-98 
 
 F. T. Murray 1898-1907 
 
 Henry Penno 1907-08 
 
 D. L. Latham 1908-09 
 
 F. T. Murray 1909-10 
 
 D. L. Latham 1910-11 
 
 Herberts. Mathews 1911-17 
 
Early and Notable Events 
 
 23 
 
 ASSISTANT SUPERVISORS. 
 
 Joshua Wagenseller 1860 
 
 Peter Weyhrich 1861-65 
 
 Martin Stover 1866 
 
 Teis Smith 1867-70 
 
 John Herget 1871-72 
 
 Wm. Don Maus 1873-74 
 
 John Herget 1874 
 
 D. C. Smith 1874 
 
 H. Naylor 1874 
 
 Peter Steinmetz 1875 
 
 Wm. Don Maus 1876-77 
 
 C. B. Cummings 1876 
 
 Fred Smith 1876 
 
 J. G. Weber 1876 
 
 C. B. Cummings 1878-79 
 
 E. Schurman 1878-79 
 
 H. W. Hippen 1878 
 
 I. Lederer 1879-80 
 
 Richard D. Smith 1880 
 
 J. M. Gill 1880-81 
 
 August Winkel 1880-82 
 
 C. B. Cummings 1881-87 
 
 David Wandschneider...l881 
 
 Otto F. Wieburg 1894 
 
 Geo. Herget 1895 
 
 E. R. Peyton 1895 
 
 Chas. F. Gehrig 1896-1903 
 
 Geo. Herget 1897-1901 
 
 H. Birkenbusch 1897-1918 
 
 C. F. Holland 1897 
 
 Chas. F. Gehrig 1898 
 
 A. Behrends 1898 
 
 L. J. Albertsen 1899 
 
 Dan'lSapp 1900 
 
 H. H. Cole 1901 
 
 Hello J. Rust 1902-05 
 
 Chas. Kuecks 1904-05 
 
 Henry Schwartz 1906-09 
 
 Chas. F. Gehrig 1906-07 
 
 Wm. E. Schurman, resigned 
 
 1908-10 
 
 Louis Luick 1910-11 
 
 R. J. Neddermann 1910-11 
 
 John E. Russell 1912-13 
 
 Geo. N. Weber 1912-15 
 
 Henry G. Gulon 1914-18 
 
 Louis Luick 1916 
 
 Fred. H. Soldwedel 1916-18 
 
 G. H. Rupert 1855-57 
 
 Samuel P. Bailey 1858 
 
 Samuel Woodrow 1859 
 
 James Hawkins 1860-62 
 
 John W. Coleman 1863-65 
 
 Jas. S. Hawkins 1866 
 
 Philip S. Ripper 1894-97 
 
 Ben. Bailey (resigned)... 1898-02 
 H. Lutz (to fill vacancy). 1903-05 
 
 Henry Lutz 1905-13 
 
 John Alfs 1914-16 
 
 C. J. Abbott 1916-18 
 
 C. A. Becker 1883-84 
 
 C. B. Cummings 1884-87 
 
 J. B. Cooper 1884 
 
 August Winkel 1884 
 
 B. R. Hieronymous 1885 
 
 John C. Aydelott 1885 
 
 Henry Roos 1885-86 
 
 J. Moenkemoeller 1886 
 
 August Winkel 1886-87 
 
 Erastus Rhoades 1887 
 
 Wm. Weiss 1887-88 
 
 P. W.Dunne 1888 
 
 A. G. Walker 1888 
 
 A.Behrens 1888 
 
 Herman Becker 1889 
 
 August Winkel 1889 
 
 A. Behrends 1889-92 
 
 Wm. Weiss 1890-93 
 
 C. B. Cummings 1890-91 
 
 Christ. Arnold 1890-92 
 
 Geo. Herget 1892 
 
 John Reuling 1893 
 
 H. Birkenbusch 1893-96 
 
 E. F. Unland 1894 
 
 J. B Irwin 1894 
 
 Cincinnati Township— T. 24 N. R. 5 W. 
 The township of Cincinnati, joining Pekin on the south, lost its northern tier of sections by 
 assignment to Pekin, thus bringing the spot where Jonathan Tharp built his first log cabin within 
 Pekin's limits. The first election was held in Pekin at the "Cincinnati Hotel." Maj. Perkins, 
 Elisha Perkins, William Woodrow, Hugh Woodrow, Samuel Woodrow, and John Summers, settled 
 in this township as early as 1826; also Daniel Rankin and brother about the same time. The first 
 school-house was built in the Summers and Woodrow settlement not later than 1828. 
 South Pekin, in this township, was laid out July 10 1913. 
 
 Samuel P. Bailey 1850-52 Timothy Larimore 1867-68 
 
 Lemuel Allen 1853-54 John Eidmann 1869-72 
 
 Geo. Stoehr 1873-78 
 
 John Eidmann 1879-81 
 
 Geo. Stoehr (did not qualify)-82 
 
 John Eidmann 1882-84 
 
 Philip S. Ripper 1885-93 
 
 Wm. Bell (failed to qualify)-94 
 Elm Grove Township— T. 24 N. R. 4 W. 
 Elm Grove township has had no change in boundary. First election held at the school-house 
 of the same name. John Dillon was the "advance guard" of the pioneer settlers, building his 
 crude log cabin home as early as 1823. Among other early settlers were Hugh Montgomery, Alex 
 McNight, Israel Shreves, Benj. Briggs, James Scott, Thornton Wilson, Jas. Wright, Thos. Bennett, 
 Levi and Thos. Moulton, John Lord, John and Eli Redman, Rufus North and Alexander Barnes. 
 A year or two later came W. Davis, Martin Miars, W. Edds and H. Davis, the later being the first 
 tanner in the county. The first white child born was Isabella Briggs. The first to depart this 
 life was Elizabeth Wilson. Jesse Dillon built the first school-house in 1826, and Joseph Dillon 
 taught the first school. The Quakers erected the first church in the same year. The Methodists 
 did not build their house of worship until 1842, The good Friend, Dr. Griffith, was the pioneer 
 physician, as well as the first postmaster. 
 
 Seth Talbot 1850-55 George W. Greeley 1866-67 
 
 John Dillon 1856 Alfred E. Leonard 1868-71 
 
 Daniel Hodson 1857-58 D. John Bennett 1872-80 
 
 Seth Talbot 1859 J. W. Robinson 1881 
 
 A. J. Davis 1860-62 George W. Greeley 1882 
 
 George W. Greeley 1863-64 J. D. Ropp 1883 
 
 Seth Talbot 1865 D. John Bennett 1884-85 
 
 Tremont Township— T. 24 IN. R. 
 After Tremont township was formed, the first election took place at the court house. James 
 Chapman settled on section 16 in 1830. He was soon followed by Wm. Sterling, Wm. and James 
 Broyhill, Michael Trout and David Lackland. Auburn, a short distance north of the present Tre- 
 mont was the first town laid out in this township, but after the advent of the Tremont colony from 
 New York, in 1834, it was soon abandoned. Margaret E. Lackland was the first-born. A postoffice 
 was established in 1835, and Josiah James and J. H. Harris were the head of the colony, which 
 laid out the village, and built a school house and church. The first postmaster was Wm. Samp- 
 son. The county-seat was moved from Pekin to Tremont in 1836, then back to Pekin in 1849. 
 Tremont remained under district control until March 11, 1835, when it was organized as a town. 
 
 R. W. Briggs 1850 Edward Allen 1867 F. B. Wilson 1892-93 
 
 John M. Bush 1851-52 Stephen Stout 1868-71 A. J. Davis, resigned 1894-97 
 
 A.J.Davis 1872-73 F. J. Davis 1897 
 
 Edward Pratt 1874 J. E. Russell 1898-03 
 
 S. C. Hobart 1875-84 J. W. Baylor 1904 
 
 J. W. White (resigned)... 1885-88 Wm. Noonan 1904-06 
 
 W.O. McIntyreCaptd.)... 1888-89 E. L. Colter 1908-16 
 
 James Dean 1890-91 J. P. Becker 1916-18 
 
 W. H. Roof 1886-87 
 
 T. H. Leonard 1888-91 
 
 D. B. McLean 1892-93 
 
 C. Hellemann jr 1894-98 
 
 Edward Pratt 1899-1900 
 
 B. L. Greeley 1901-05 
 
 F. W. Hellemann 1906-18 
 
 3 W. 
 
 James K. Kellogg 1853-54 
 
 Charles Emerson 1855 
 
 Chas. J. Kellogg 1856-59 
 
 Samuel R. Saltonstall... 1860-62 
 
 Edward Allen 1863-65 
 
 Peter Menard 1866 
 
24 
 
 Early and Notable Events 
 
 Mackinaw Township— T. 24 N. R. 2 W. 
 
 Mackinaw township remains the same as to original boundary lines. In 1827, A. Smith made 
 first settlement on section 23, and built the first log house. Among the early settlers were Samuel 
 Judy, Mordecai Mobley, Elijah Sargent, Michael and Jonas Hittle. William Hittle was the first 
 white child born in 1828. The first death was that of Abner Smith, which occurred in 1828. 
 The village of Mackinaw was laid ofi" by George Hittle and E. Stout, May 26th, 1828. In 1830, 
 Conway Rhodes and Miss Harmon were the first couple to be joined in holy wedlock. Jonas 
 Hittle was made the first Justice of the Peace in 1830. During this year Silas B. Curtis opened the 
 first school. Mackinaw was the first county seat, and the Commissioners who located the same, 
 were Job Fletcher. Wm. Lee D. Ewing and Tom M. Neale. The name was derived from an Indian 
 name of a river that flows through Tazewell county. The first court house was built in 1827. It 
 was 18 feet wide and 24 feet long: one story and a half high, nine feet to the story; joint shingles 
 roof; black walnut batton doors, well cased, two 8x10 inch twelve light windows in the lower story, 
 and one four-light window in the front end of the half story; the lower floor was made of punch- 
 eons hewn and jointed, and the upper floor, which also became the ceiling, was of sawed plank; 
 the body of the house was of hewn logs, chinked and daubed, and protruding ends of logs sawed 
 off; the lower windows were protected with wooden shutters; a seven-foot fire-place four logs high 
 afforded heat from the rear-end of the court room. Amasa Stout received the munificent sum 
 [then] of $125 for building, he being the lowest bidder. This was one of the first buildings in Taze- 
 well to have glass windows. It stood on lot 1 block 11. In the early part of 1831, a 14-light win- 
 dow took the place of the fire-place and a cast-iron stove graced the northwest corner of the court 
 room, and a suitable chimney was built to carry off the smoke. A stairway was built in the north- 
 east corner and the half-story above divided into two rooms. Mackinaw remained the county-seat 
 until 1831, when it was moved to Pekin. 
 
 The village of Lilly, in this township, was laid off January 21, 1871, by Edward H. Bacon. 
 
 Lyman Porter 1850 Daniel W. Puterbaugh...l866 H. J. Puterbaugh 1893-94 
 
 Jonas H. Hittle 1851-52 Geo. Miller 1867 J. C. Haybarger 1895-96 
 
 David Judy 1853-56 Solomon Puterbaugh 1868 H. J. Puterbaugh 1897-98 
 
 J. W. Brock 1857-58 Geo. Miller 1869-74 S. S. Smith 1899-1915 
 
 Geo. Miller 1859-65 John H. Porter 1875-92 Walter Porter 1915-17 
 
 Little Mackinaw Township— T. 23 N, R. 2 W. 
 
 Little Mackinaw township retains original boundary lines, and its first election took place at 
 a school-house on Mackinaw creek. The first settlement was made on section 8, by John and 
 Samuel Stout. Among the pioneers were H. Buchanan and a gentleman named Hevenhill. The 
 first death was that of an orphan child, in the family of Samuel Stout, in 1827. The first birth 
 was in the family of Joseph Stout. Thos. F. Railsback taught the first school on section 5, in 1830. 
 First sermon preached by Elder Ottman, at Mr. Railsback's home, in 1831. In 1867, Elder Geo. W. 
 Minier, assisted by Messrs. Boyer and Stout, platted the village of Minier, located on section 22. 
 
 B. F. Orendorff 1850 William Bennett 1870-71 Henry Imig (resigned)... 1890-93 
 
 A. B. Davis 1851-52 Asa Hicks 1872-79 B.N. Ewing 1894-95 
 
 F. 0. Kilby 1880 
 
 Asa Hicks 1881-82 
 
 Wm. Lilly 1883 
 
 B. N. Ewing 1884-86 
 
 Wm. Bennett 1887-89 
 
 D. W. C. Orendorff 1853-54 
 
 L. J. Summers 1855-62 
 
 Zerah Munsell 1863 
 
 John S. Briggs 1864-67 
 
 Rodney J. Mitchell 1868-69 
 
 B. N. Ewing (died in office) 96-01 
 Chris Haning (to fill vacancy) 
 
 1901-09 
 
 B. F. Quigg 1910-18 
 
 Hopedale Township— T. 23 N. R. 3 W. 
 
 Hopedale township was first named "Highland." For early County map, see page 32. Aaron 
 Orendorff, the first settler, built a log cabin on section 34, in 1827, Messrs. Whitten and Shaw 
 came next. D. W. Orendorff, son of Aaron, born in 1828, was the first white child. Elias Ogden 
 was the first Justice of the Peace, in 1829, commission signed by Gov. Ford. The first school was 
 held at Mr. A. Orendorff's home in 1832, and a Mr. Smith was the first school teacher. The first 
 school-house was built on section 2 in 1834. Shiloh was the name of the first church, and it was 
 built about 1835. Hopedale was first named Osceola, but when a postofHce was petitioned for, the 
 department reported adversely because there was another Osceola in Illinois. The old town was 
 laid off' in 1853, by Thos. Orendorff, but the new town was not incorporated until February 22, 1869. 
 The first Trustees of the new town were T. H. Orendorff, W. Neisen, J. R. Ogden and E. Barnum. 
 
 Charles Holder 1850-53 Adolphus Russell 1867 E. T. Orendorff. 1882-85 
 
 Edward Bird 1854 James R. Campbell 1868 N.F.Smith (died in office) -86-88 
 
 Thomas Orendorff 1855 P. E. Davis 1869-70 C. S. Smith (fill vacancy) 1888-89 
 
 Michael E. Pomfret 1871 
 
 P. E. Davis :...1872 
 
 Jesse Fisher 1856 
 
 Eleazar Hodson 1857-60 
 
 P. C. Davis 1861-62 
 
 Thomas Orendorff 1863 
 
 D. W. Britton 1864 
 
 Levi Orendorff 1865 
 
 Wm. E. Pomfret 1866 
 
 E. T. Orendorff. 1890-92 
 
 B. S. Ford 1893-94 
 
 G. P. Orendorff 1873-75 Jolen Nutty 1895- 
 
 P. E. Davis 1876 J. F. Schneider 1899-1912 
 
 G. P. Orendorff 1877-78 Adolph Johnson 1913-17 
 
 E.J. Orendorff 1879 
 
 J. A. Roach 1880-81 
 
 Dillon Township— T. 23 N. R. 4 W. 
 
 Dillon township's boundary remains as at first located. Nathan Dillon, in 1823, settled on 
 section 1, and erected a log-cabin home, it being the first one built in this township. Then came 
 Jas. White, and later the families of Bailey, Studyvin, John and Jesse Trowbridge, Waggoner, 
 Mount, Crabb, Kinman, and others. Hannah Dillon was the first white child born in this town- 
 ship. Daniel Dillon and Patsey Alexander were the first pair to be wedded, 1825 being the year. 
 Rev. Peter Cartwright preached the first sermon in Wm. Brown's log cabin home; and Jessie W. 
 Fillin, was the first school teacher, in about 1833. The first school house was built on section 2, in 
 1835. The first pioneer schools were held in log cabin homes and churches. Dillon village, first 
 named Liberty, was laid out June 18 1836. 
 
GEN. EDWARD D. BAKER 
 
 "the silver-tongued." 
 
 lawyer, statesman and soldier. 
 
 Born in London, Eng., Feb. 24, 1811. Killed at 
 
 Ball's Bluff, Va., as Union General. Oct. 21, 1861 
 
 RICHARD YATES 
 
 "the WAR GOVERNOR OF ILLINOIS." 
 
 Born at Warsaw, Ky., in 1815. Died at St. Louis, 
 Missouri, Nov. 27, 187.3. 
 
 STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS 
 
 "the LITTLE GIANT." 
 TEACHER, LAWYER AND STATESMAN. 
 
 Born April 23, 1813, at Brandon, Vt. Died June 
 3, 1861, at Chicago, 111. 
 
 COL. ROBERT G. INGERSOLL 
 
 LAWYER, AUTHOR, ORATOR. 
 
 Born at Dresden, N. Y., Aug. 11, 1833. Died at 
 Dobb's Ferry, L. I., N. Y., July 21, 1899. 
 
26 E a r I y a n d N o t a b I e E V e n t s 
 
 Nathan Dillon 1850 Ezra Rector 1863 Daniel Brown 1882 
 
 C- Gill... 1851-53 John A. Reinagle 1864 John Fitzgerald 1883-84 
 
 Nathan Dillon 1854 Sherrod Williams 1865 Ralph Allen .... 1885-86 
 
 Sherrod Williams 1855-57 Jonathan Schureman... 1866 W. M Mount 1887-94 
 
 E- p.v.Hobert 1858 Mathias Mount 1867-75 Stephen Studyvin 1895-1915 
 
 S Williams 1859-60 C. W. Waltmire 1876 Frank E. Canopy 1915-17 
 
 H. C. Sutton 1861-62 Mathias Mount 1877-81 
 
 Sand Prairie Township— T. 23 N. R. 5 W. 
 
 Sand Prairie, at first had five-sixths of Malone attached, and was named "Jefferson " It is 
 now SIX miles square. Elisha and Major Perkins, (the latter was killed during the Black Hawk 
 War), were the first pioneer settlers who built their crude cabins on section 1, about 1822. Among 
 other early comers were Gideon Hawley, Thos. Lander, John Vancil, John Summers, and Mr. 
 Shipman. Wm. Woodrow, Isaac Dillon, Joseph Haines, Daniel Rankin, John Shelton, Jas. Reese, 
 et. al., came later. John Summers lost a son, and John Vancil a daughter, who died at an early 
 date. The celebrated pioneer preacher, Peter Cartwright, delivered the first sermon in John 
 
 Vancil s log cabin, about 1823. Rev. Mr. Carmac, who lived for several months in a tent 
 
 near the Mackinaw river, was the first regular M. E. preacher. Mrs. Sarah Hinkle was the first 
 teacher, and her log-cabin school-house stood on section 17— date, 1827. Joseph Haines is credit- 
 ed with erecting the first frame dwelling and barn in this township, as well as Tazewell county, 
 the first in 1829 and the latter in 1831. The village of Circleville, in this township, was laid off by 
 Spencer Field and E. M. Perkins, August 7, 1837. The village of Green Valley, was laid off by 
 Samuel Schureman, October 19, 1872, and incorporated March 11th, 1916. 
 
 W. J. Tompson 1850 Moses R. Meeker 1870-72 P. W. Weyrich 1892-95 
 
 Lewis Prettyman 1851-55 James H. Kilpatrick 1873-74 J. D. Philips 1896-1907 
 
 James Hamson 1856-64 Jesse Black 1875-77 Peter Urish 1908-13 
 
 Henry A. Sweet 1865 John Meyers 1878-82 W. F. Mcintosh, resind.. 1914-15 
 
 Jonathan Totten 1866-67 Peter E. Ripper 1883-87 John T. Biggs 1915-16 
 
 John Schaefer 1868-69 A. Fisher 1888-91 John P. Weyrich 1916-18 
 
 Spring Lake Township— Ts. 23 and 24 N. Rs. 6 and 7 W. 
 
 Spring Lake remains about the same as originally laid out. It was not settled upon as early as 
 other townships owing, no doubt, to the prejudice for sandy and swamp lands. Joseph Offutt 
 built the first log cabin near the lake bearing the name of the township, as early as 1839. The Mc 
 Leashes, Hibbards and Claytons, came next; then as the years rolled on, the Hawkinses, Abra- 
 ham Wood, Eh Haas, Charles Seiwell, Ezekiel Poe, Valentine Haas, and others. The first death 
 was that of J. 0. Offutt, which occurred Oct. 10, 1841. Chas. Seiwell and Deborah Clayton, in 1842, 
 were the first to be joined in holy wedlock. The first school-house was built on section 11, in 1849, 
 and Daniel Hawkins became the first teacher. A Mormon, named Woods, preached the first ser- 
 mon at the home of Mr. Grover. Louis White, an early settler, said "one such sermon was all a 
 square-thinking man could endure." In 1856, the Dutch Reform Society built the first church. As 
 an incident of pioneer life, Mrs. V. Haas had the unique experience of a trip on board the first 
 flat-boat, loaded with grain, that floated from Spring Lake to St. Louis. 
 
 The village of Spring Lake was laid off on May 15, 1852, by Thomas G. Conant. 
 
 George H. Daniels 1850-51 E. A. VanDeusen 1875 J. C.VanOstrand (resigned) 
 
 Elbert Park 1852-53 Daniel Sapp 1876-83 1893-98 
 
 J. C. VanOstrand 1854-65 S. F. Harbaugh 1884-85 R. G. Golden 1898 .00 
 
 Ezekiel Poe 1866-69 Edward Bailey 1886 W.E.Scott 1901-10 
 
 Edward Bailey 1870 H. S. Marshall 1887-89 Geo. M. Lowry 1911-14 
 
 Daniel Sapp 1871-74 E. D. Golden 1890-92 W. H. Beimfohr 1914-17 
 
 Delavan Township— T. 22 N. R. 4 W. 
 
 Delavan township, originally had portions of Boynton and Malone attacted. During a 
 western trip, made by Mr. Jonas R. Gale, as a guest of Mr. Wright, of Dillon, in 1836, he was much 
 impressed with the beautiful prairie land, and meeting Mr. Edward C. Delavan, at Tremont, pro- 
 posed to Mr. D. that a colony be organized at Providence, R. I. Mr. Delavan acquiesced, and an 
 organization, with a capital of over $30,000, was formed and 22,000 acres of the land which sur- 
 rounds the present city of Delavan, was entered. Under date of Sept. 19, 1836, the company be- 
 came a reality, with the following list of stockholders; John Jenks, James Brown, Henry R. and 
 David C. Green, Samuel B. Harris, Munson Allen, V. N. Edwards, Samuel B., Daniel C. and Benj. 
 F. Gushing, Wm. C. Cooke, Jonas R. Gale and D. C. Jenks. The land was laid off in 160-acre farms, 
 with a town lot 300 feet square to go with each farm, as a winter home-site. The farms were sold 
 at auction, at Providence, R. I., the highest bids not exceeding $1,000. Henry R. Green, Deacon L. 
 Allen and S. B. Harris, were the locating committee and Henry R. Green, the financial agent. In 
 1837, the Delavan House was built, mostly from materials shipped from the East. W. W. Cross- 
 man, who had charge of the construction, with his family, came with the carpenters. Mrs. Cross- 
 man used to relate "that it was first dreary and lonesome for she did not see a white woman for 
 months". In 1840, when Hon. Ira B. Hall became landlord of the Delavan House, it became one 
 of the noted hostelries between Peoria, Pekin and Springfield. The village of Delavan was laid 
 off by Henry R. Green, February 1, 1841; then in 1888, incorporated as a city. 
 
 One of the humorous features connected with sale of the Delavan Colony's land, was a map, 
 which exhibited a steamboat lying at the wharf (at the mill site). Locust Street. Who has one? 
 
 Wm. W. Grossman 1850-55 Benj. F. Orendorff 1867-68 C. W. Hopkins 1893-94 
 
 Ira B. Hall 1856 Richard Holmes 1869-74 Wm. Moorehead 1895 
 
 Henry R. Pratt 1857-62 M. D. Beecher 1875 C. W. Hopkins 1896-1900 
 
 Henry R. Green 1863 Richard Holmes 1876-80 J. 0. Jones 1901-15 
 
 James H. McKinstry 1864-65 W. R. Baldwin 1881-88 Eugene Orndorff 1915-17 
 
 H. L. Fisher 1866 Wm. H. Ambrose 1889-92 
 
Early and Notable Event 
 
 Hlttle Township— T. 22 N. R. 2 W. 
 
 27 
 
 This township was named "Union" by the Commmissioners, then by the Board of Supervigors 
 changed to "Waterford"— then to "Armington," and finally to "Hittle," all during the year 1850. 
 The iirst settlers locating herein, in 1826, were George Hittle, (after whom the township 
 derived its name), his son Jonas, and son-in-law, John W. Judy. Then came the Hainlines and 
 Wm. Bart, Messrs. Perry and Williamson, in 1827, and Wm. Hieronymus in 1828; then between 
 the latter date and 1835, Messrs. Jacob Albright, Joseph Richmond, Martin G. Stafford, Thomas 
 
 Burt, and Quisenbury. Eliza Jane Hittle was the first child born. May 29, 1829. John Hittle 
 
 died on Sept. 1, 1827. The first couple married were Wm. Hefferd and Miss Elizabeth Perry, date 
 1828. Rev. Mr. Walker preached the first sermon at George Hittle's home, in 1826. C. Ewing. in 
 1827, taught the first school, on section 16. Isham Wright became the first Justice of the Peace. 
 The village of Armington, in this township, was platted Aug. 7, 1855, by H. Armington. 
 
 Hesekiah Armington 1850 ■ Peter Paugh 1872-73 
 
 David Hainline 1851-53 Lorenzo HainUne 1874 
 
 John H. Burt 1875-76 
 
 John Q. Darnell 1877 
 
 John H. Burt 1878 
 
 R. B. Marley 1854 
 
 David Hainline 1855-57 
 
 Ellis Dillon 1858 
 
 E. E. Darnell (to fillvacancy)-88 
 
 Jonathan Merriam 1889-97 
 
 J. M. Guy 1898-99 
 
 S. B. Hainline 1900-01 
 
 Mathias Kampf 1902-09 
 
 Frank Patterson 1910-11 
 
 D. M. Kampf 1912-13 
 
 F. M. Patterson 1914-18 
 
 S. K. Hatfield 1859-60 John Q. Darnell 1879-82 
 
 Jonathan Merriam 1861-62 D. S. Dempsey 1883-84 
 
 George N. Bryson 1863-69 John Q. Darnell (died in office) 
 
 L. M. Stroud 1870-71 1885-88 
 
 Boynton Township— T. 22 N. R. 3 W. 
 
 Boynton township was not organized until 1854. It was named in honor of Mr. Boynton. Joe 
 Grant (or (5rout) made the first settlement on section 9, in 1839. Albert, son of Robert Houston, 
 was the first white child born, (1842). Among other settlers, prior to 1852, we find Benjamin Roe, 
 G. W. Clamon (or Clarnow), Samuel Faylor, John Blair, Andrew Kerr, Wm. Benton, Wm. Milner, 
 Charles and Richard Holden, John T. Scates, Wm. and Peyton Alexander and John Jacobus. The 
 first Justice of the Peace was John Houston. Ira Judy became the first Constable. The first 
 school was held at Philip B. Ware's residence, section 21, in 1854, and a Mr, Phillips was the 
 teacher. The first marriage took place in 1852, the contracting couple being J. T. Morgan and 
 Miss Kitchell. 
 
 John N. Snedeker 1866 E. C. Brennemann 1892-94 
 
 Wm. Slaughter 1867 John Steiger 1895-98 
 
 John Reardon 1868-69 Henry Curtis 1899-1902 
 
 Wm. Slaughter 1870-72 R. A. Brawner, resigned..l903-06 
 
 John F. Beezley 1873 John Steiger 1906 
 
 Wm. Morehead 1874 
 
 John F. Beezley 1875-78 
 
 Jacob Brennemann 1879-86 
 
 J. J. Unsicker 1887-92 
 
 John Betzelberger 1907-10 
 
 Wm. Curtis 1911-12 
 
 C. C. Reardon 1913-17 
 
 Philo Baldwin 1854 
 
 R. B. Marley 1855-56 
 
 Andrew Kerr (resigned) 
 
 Stephen K. Hatfield 1857-58 
 
 Ellis Dillon 1859 
 
 Wm. Lafever 1860-62 
 
 Ellis Dillon 1863 
 
 R. B. Marley 1864 
 
 John Shurts 1865 
 
 Malone Township— T. 22 N. R. 5 W. 
 
 The first settlers of Malone township, came as late as 1850, owing no doubt to the fact that 
 much of the land was unfit for cultivation — "sand hillsand swamp." They were Silas Dowd, Eber 
 Pugh, James McCoy, James and John Wilson, Dr. Hubbard S. Latham and son, Wm. P. Latham, 
 (the Lathams, father and son, were among the '49-ers, direct from the California gold-fields). 
 Joseph Watts, Wm. Boyer, and others. The first marriage in 1850 was that of Frances M. Griffln 
 to a Miss McCoy, daughter of James McCoy. The first school-master was Mr, A. Kernman. Rev. 
 Samuel Smith was one of the first preachers. Dr. H. S. Latham was the first Justice of the Peace 
 and his son, H. S. Jr., the first Constable. Even as late as the organization of this township, deer 
 and feathered game were plentiful, and the numerous wolfs kept the settlers alert. Malone was 
 the last township created. Since then, over ten thousand acres have been drained, and are now 
 classed among the most productive in the county. 
 
 On Friday, July 30, 1897, at about 7 o'clock P. M., a tornado struck and crushed the residence 
 of Supervisor H. C. McDowell, in this township, killing Mr. H. C, and a nephew, H. E. McDowell, 
 Mrs. Samuel Brownlee and two children, and Miss Jessie Groves, and injuring Mrs. H. C. McDow- 
 ell, Charles and Mary, son and daughter. Among the unprecedented features of this tornado was 
 the driving of wheat straws, like nails, into trees; stripping feathers from chickens; tearing eyes 
 out of horses; lifting a drove of sheep, which were carried to "parts unknown." 'This was the 
 most destructive and death-dealing storm that has ever visited Tazewell County. 
 
 Wm. P. Latham 1854-58 
 
 James Wilson 1859 
 
 H. S. Latham, (died in office)... 
 
 1860-64 
 
 Wm. D. Cleveland, (to fill va- 
 cancy) 1864-67 
 
 Wm. E. McDowell 1868 
 
 James K. Pugh 1869 
 
 J. M. Wilson 1870-72 
 
 Wm. E. McDowell 1873-74 
 
 John Cline 1875-77 
 
 James K. Pugh 1878-81 
 
 E. D. Worstall 1882 
 
 J. F. Barton 1883 
 
 E. D. Worstall 1884 
 
 J. C. Drake 1885-86 
 
 D. L. Latham (resigned) 1887-89 
 W. P. Latham (to fill vacancy) 
 
 1889 
 Wm.Boyer!!!..'!!.'.'.'!''.'!!'.'.'.!!l889 
 John M. McDowell 1890-91 
 
 E. D. Worstall (died in office) 
 
 1892-93 
 
 T. J. Barton 1893-95 
 
 H. C. McDowell (died in office) 
 
 1896-97 
 
 John McDowell (to fill vacancy) 
 
 1897 
 
 W. H. Worstall 1898-99 
 
 John Kuszmaul 1900-01 
 
 T.J. Watts 1902-05 
 
 John T. Biggs 1906-07 
 
 James M. Worstall 1908-16 
 
 Walter Frazee 1916-18 
 
TAZEWELL COUNTY OFFICIALS. 
 
 Joel W.Clark 1860 
 
 M. Tackaberry 1861 
 
 Wm. Don Maus 1862 
 
 DavidKyes 1865 
 
 Mordecai Mobley 1827-28 
 
 John C. Morgan 1828-36 
 
 John H. Morrison 1836-47 
 
 William Cromwell 1847-49 
 
 Richard W. Ireland 1849-53 
 
 Mordecai Mobley 1827-28 
 
 John C. Morgan 1828-34 
 
 Edward Jones 1834 
 
 John A. Jones 1842-56 
 
 Merrill C. Young 1856-60 
 
 Charles Turner 1860-64 
 
 C. A. Roberts 1864-68 
 
 Cassius G. Whitney 1868-72 
 
 W.F.Henry 1872-76 
 
 John Benson 1827-29 
 
 Abraham Carlock 1829-30 
 
 Philip B. Miles 1830 
 
 Anson Demming 1830-32 
 
 Benjamin Doolittle 1832 
 
 George W. Miles 1832-33 
 
 Thomas Snell 1833-35 
 
 Benjamin Briggs 1835-36 
 
 Davis Travis 1836-37 
 
 Benjamin Briggs 1837-39 
 
 Wm. H. Hodge 1827-30 
 
 Philip B. Miles 1830-32 
 
 James Scott 1832-35 
 
 Alfred Phillips 1835-36 
 
 Wm. A. Tinney 1836-40 
 
 Benjamin Briggs 1840-44 
 
 Robert W. Briggs 1844-48 
 
 R.T.Gill 1848-50 
 
 Wm. Gaither 1850-52 
 
 David Kyes 1852-54 
 
 Thomas Orendorff 1827 
 
 Thomas Dillon 1828 
 
 Nathan Dillon 1829 
 
 Timothy B. Hoblet 1830 
 
 Isaac Baker 1830 
 
 Benjamin Briggs 1831 
 
 William Holland 1831 
 
 David H. Holcomb 1831 
 
 Andrew Tharp 1832 
 
 John A. Broyhill 1839-42 
 
 Wm. H. Hodge 1827-31 
 
 Park Woodrow 1832 
 
 Lewis Prettyman 1833 
 
 Thomas C. Wilson 1836 
 
 Lewis Prettyman 1840 
 
 Wm. Mooberry 1843 
 
 Jesse A. Nason 1848-53 
 
 COUNTY JUDGES. 
 
 Alfred W. Rodecker 1877-86 
 
 George C. Rider 1886-94 
 
 Wm. R. Curran 1894-98 
 
 George C. Rider 1898-1902 
 
 COUNTY CLERKS. 
 
 JohnGridley 1853-65 
 
 William W. Clemens 1865-69 
 
 Richard D. Smith 1869-77 
 
 Flavel Shurtleff 1877-86 
 
 Louis Schurman 1886-90 
 
 CIRCUIT CLERKS. 
 
 George H. Harlow 1860-64 
 
 Henry P. Finigan 1864-68 
 
 Wm. P. Allensworth 1868-72 
 
 Simeon R. Drake 1872-76 
 
 Henry C. Sutton 1876-84 
 
 STATE'S ATTORNEYS. 
 
 Wm. L. Prettyman 1876-80 Geo. W. Cunningham..l896-1904 
 
 Edward Reardon 1880-84 Charles Schaefer 1904-08 
 
 Wm. L. Prettyman 1884-88 Wm. J. Reardon 1908-16 
 
 G. F. Saltonstall 1888-96 
 
 COUNTY TREASURERS. 
 
 James Wibray 1839-43 
 
 A. B. Davis 1843-49 
 
 James R. Babcock 1849-60 
 
 Wm. S. Maus 1860-61 
 
 Peter Weyrich 1861-65 
 
 Charles Turner 1865-67 
 
 JohnGridley 1867 
 
 Samuel E. Barber 1867-69 
 
 Wm. Gaither 1869-73 
 
 Thomas Cooper, resi'nd.. 1873-85 
 
 SHERIFFS. 
 
 Thomas C.Reeves 1854-56 
 
 Chapman Williamson.... 1856-58 
 
 Thomas C. Reeves 1858-60 
 
 Chapman Williamson. ...1860-62 
 
 James S. Hawkins 1862-64 
 
 James Hamson 1864-66 
 
 Jonathan H. Meyers 1866-68 
 
 Edward Pratt 1868-70 
 
 Thomas C. Reeves 1870-74 
 
 Edward Pratt 1874-78 
 
 CORONERS . 
 
 Nathan B. Kellogg 1842-48 
 
 David Bailey 1848-52 
 
 Joseph B. Worley 1852-54 
 
 David M. Bailey 1854-56 
 
 Wm, A. Tinney 1856-60 
 
 John Wildhack 1860-62 
 
 Henry Sage 1862-64 
 
 Wm. Diviney 1864-68 
 
 A. Culver 1868-70 
 
 John M. Tinney 1870-74 
 
 SURVEYORS. 
 
 Thomas King, Jr 1853-61 
 
 Wm. R. Kellogg 1861 
 
 Wm. D. Cleveland 1863 
 
 Leander King 1865-71 
 
 B. C. Smith 1871-73 
 
 J. L. Hayward 1873-75 
 
 Leander King 1875-84 
 
 Jesse Black, Jr 1902-10 
 
 James M. Rahn 1910-18 
 
 Adolph Fehrman 1890-98 
 
 Lot Bergstresser 1898-1906 
 
 Fred. L. Bergstresser 1906-10 
 
 Geo. Behrens 1910-18 
 
 John Fitzgerald 1884-92 
 
 A. L. Champion 1892-1900 
 
 R. V. Howe 1900-08 
 
 E. L. Meyers 1008-12 
 
 C.O.Myers 1912-16 
 
 T. T. Heaton, fill vacancy 1885-86 
 
 Daniel Sapp 1886-90 
 
 Henry Schwartz 1890-94 
 
 Charles S. Wood 1894-98 
 
 Geo. W. Cress 1898-1902 
 
 John E. Russell 1902-06 
 
 Edw. J, Kraeger 1906-10 
 
 Wm. E. Schurman 1910-14 
 
 Geo. M. Lowry 1914-18 
 
 A. J. Kinsey , died inoffice 1878-84 
 
 S. D. Kinsey 1884-86 
 
 Louis Stalter 1886-90 
 
 J. C. Friederich 1890-94 
 
 John E. Stout 1894-98 
 
 John D. Mount 1898-1902 
 
 Robert Clay 1902-06 
 
 J. A. Norris 1906-10 
 
 C. A. Fluegel 1910-14 
 
 J. L. Wilson 1914-18 
 
 Henry Gulon 1874-78 
 
 Albert R. Warren 1878-82 
 
 Charles Young 1882-84 
 
 W. T. Griffith, resigned. ..1884 
 
 Richard Charlton 1884-92 
 
 Harry V. Bailey 1892-1900 
 
 Nathan Holmes 1900-04 
 
 J. M. Coleman 1904-08 
 
 Wm. Niergarth 1908-12 
 
 E. F. Masen 1912-16 
 
 Wm. D. Oswald 1884-96 
 
 DedeH. Jansen 1896-1900 
 
 John R. Seibert 1900-04 
 
 Robt. P. VanDeusen 1904-12 
 
 Ben. F. Smith 1912-16 
 
 SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS. 
 
 John M. Bush 1846- 
 
 James Haines 1848- 
 
 48 Lemuel Allen 1850-60 
 
 50 John W. Moreland 1860-64 
 
 Note. — Name changed to 
 Superintendent of Schools. 
 
 SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 
 
 Stephen K. Hatfield 1865-73 
 
 M. E. Pomfret 1873-77 
 
 Benj. C. Allensworth 1877-86 
 
 David B. Pittsford 1886-94 
 
 Wm. R. Lackland, res'd..l894-95 
 John L. Boling 1895-98 
 
 Wm. P. Mavity 1898-1906 
 
 A. M. Wells 1906-10 
 
 Ben L. Smith 1910-18 
 
PIONEER COURTS IN TAZEWELL COUNTY. 
 
 The first Probate Court was held in Mackinaw, April 15th, 1827, 
 Mordecai Mobley, presiding. 
 
 For the names of the County Court Judges, see page under heading 
 of Tazewell County Officials. 
 
 The first Circuit Court held at Mackinaw, was on May 12th, 1828, 
 Samuel D. Lockwood was the presiding judge. In 1831, the county-seat 
 was moved to Pekin, and Judge Lockwood opened court in the Snell 
 school house. In 1830, the county-seat was transfered to Tremont. 
 
 The following named Tazewell county attorneys were elected Judges 
 of the Circuit Court: James Harriott, Charles Turner, Nathaniel W. 
 Green and Theodore N. Green. 
 
 IN MEMORIA. 
 
 Names of attorneys-at-law who have resided in Tazewell county— or practiced— in her 
 courts since 1827, but have joined the Bar where all are received according to their deeds: 
 Abraham Lincoln, Stephen A. Douglas, James Shields, Robert G. Ingersoll, Edward D. Baker, 
 David Davis, Samuel D. Lockwood, James Harriott, Edward Jones, James Roberts, Joseph M. 
 Hanna, Charles Ballance, Wm. B. Parker, Edward Parker, Richard W. Ireland, N. P. Bailey, 
 George Farquier, John T. Stewart, Daniel Stone, Thomas Neal, Gov. Hubbard, Samuel Treat, 
 John J. Hardin, James McDougall, Judge Dummer, Stephn T. Logan, Alexander Herring, 
 Joshua Morgan, Neill Johnson, Palmer Holmes, John M. Bush, Joel W. Clark, M. Tackaberry, 
 A. L. Davidson, N. H. Purple, 0. H. Merryman, David Prickett, Benjamin F. James, 
 W. D. Briggs, Samuel W. Fuller, A. Gridley, William Holmes, Clifton Moore, Henry P. Finnigan, 
 Richard Williams, Joseph Mclntire, C. H. Goodrich, William H. Leonard, S. L. Richmond, Wm. 
 S. Stanberry, B. F. Baker, T. J. Farnham, A. W. Bull, Wilmot Turley. A. Mendoll, Chas. Parker, 
 Sherrod Williams, Isaac Holland, Chas. Vatterlin, P. E. Davis. William Shannon, Joseph Mark, 
 Thomas Birkett, Enos Nichols, William Furgeson, A. H. Saltonstall, William Allen, Hamilton 
 Saltonstall, G. S. Gibson, A. L. Davidson, E. B. Glass, Matthew Graig, Elias Brearley, Cash. G. 
 Whitney, Wm. B. Tinney, Jerome Gilman, Alfred J. Ware, M. D. Beecher, S. D. Puterbaugh, 
 Wm. Edwards, David Kyes, John B. Cohrs, Benj. S. Prettyman, C. A. Roberts, Chas. Turner, 
 J. W. Dougherty, Nathaniel W. Green, Wm. Don Maus, Henry McLaughlin, Abial B. Sawyer, 
 Mark M. Bassett, C. J. Elliott, Thos. Mehan, Frank Purple, Gurdon F. Saltonstall, Alfred W. 
 Rodecker, James Haines, sr., George B. Foster, H. M. Gillmore, Michael D. Conaghan. Ben. 
 Hoff, jr., P. A. Bergen, et. al. 
 
 TAZEWELL COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION 
 
 Organized March 26th, 190L 
 
 TAZEWELL LAW LIBRARY 
 
 Library open to members daily except Sunday. Room in Court House, third floor. 
 
 OFFICERS. 
 
 President Charles Schaefer I Third Vice-President Ernest A. Rich 
 
 First Vice-President John T. EUiff Secretary Con L. Conder 
 
 Second Vice-President Henry P.Jones I Treasurer Wm. S. Prettyman 
 
 MEHBERS OF BAR. 
 
 Dunkelberg, Ferdinand C Rich, Albert R 
 
 Elliff, JohnT ! Rider, George C 
 
 Frings, Herman C ' Russell, Raybum L 
 
 Jones, Henry P Powers, James M 
 
 Jones, James St. Cerny, James P 
 
 Marrs, Edw. D 1 Schaefer, Charles 
 
 Potts, Wm. A Smith, Ben. L 
 
 Cunningham, Geo. W ! Prettyman, Wm. L Smith, T. N 
 
 Cunningham, Eugene S Prettyman, Wm. S Smith, Orville A 
 
 Cunningham, WalterG Rahn, James M Spoonhoff, Henry F 
 
 Curran, Wm. R Reardon, Edward Velde, Frankhn L 
 
 Danforth, Asa Reardon, Wm. J VonTobel, Walter R 
 
 Dempsey, Ralph Rich, Ernest A Wilkins, Frank J 
 
 Black, Edward E 
 Black, Jesse Jr.... 
 Brecher, George F. 
 
 Clay, Henry 
 
 Conder, Con L 
 
 Cooney, Wm. B.... 
 Culbertson, John Jr 
 
 ATTORNEYS WHO HAVE REMOVED TO NEW FIELDS OF LABOR. 
 
 Hon. Joseph V. Graff, Peoria, III.; W. H. Ambrose, Chicago, 111.; Eugene S. Cunningham, Phoenix, 
 Arizona; David F. Lawley, Los Angeles, Cal.; Charles A. Waltmire, Punta Gorda, Florida; Asa 
 Danforth and Wm. S. Kellogg, Peoria, 111.; John D. Clark, and Wm. S. Holmes. EfBngham, III.; 
 Carl F. Mohr, Rockford, III., and many others. 
 
CONTEINTS OF CORNER STONE. 
 
 The Corner-Stone oif the neMr Tazewell County Court House, at Pekin, Illinois, 
 contains the folloM^in^ Mementos of TazeM^ell County, Past and Present. 
 
 Contents of Corner-stone Box assembled by Wm. II. Bates. 
 Copper corner-stone box donated by Jaeckel & Sons, sheet-metal workers, Pekin, Illinois. 
 
 Manuscript of the addresses delivered by Hon. Wm. R. Curran, and Pres. J. O. Jones, at 
 the exercises incident to the laying of the corner stone. 
 
 A brief history of important events pertaining to Tazewell county, from the building of 
 Fori Creve Coevr, (on the hill above Wesley City,) by La Salle and followers, in 1680, to the 
 close of the Civil War, in 1865. Also short histories of the nineteen Townships of Tazewell 
 county, from their organization up to 1850, by W. H. Bates. 
 
 A copy of the Tazewell County Directory, for 1914, by John A. White, containing the names 
 of the business men and leading farmers of Tazewell county, Illinois. 
 
 The Pekin City Directory, for 1914, by W. H. Bates, which contains the names of residents 
 over 18 years of age, of the city of Pekin, the four Pekin Rural Routes and the new suburb, 
 South Pekin. 
 
 Photographic groups of the Board of Supervisors of Tazewell county; County Officers of 
 Tazewell County, and Tazewell County Bar Association, by H. H. Cole, photographer. 
 
 Year Book, for 1914, compiled by Geo. Behrens, County Clerk. 
 
 Bar Docket, May term, 1914, of the last Tazewell County Circuit Court held in the old 
 Court House. Judge Theodore N. Green, presiding. The docket containes the names of the 
 Tazewell County Bar Association, List of Grand Jurors, etc. Issued from the office of C. O. 
 Myers, Circuit Clerk. 
 
 A photo of the "Lincoln-Douglas Lodge," erected by H. H. Cole, at Tuscarora, Peoria 
 county. 111., from material taken from the old Tazewell County court house. Also a copy of 
 Cole's Historical Picture Gallery of the Pioneers of Tazewell County, containing 1,000 cabinet 
 pictures of old settlers of this county, with names alphabetically arranged and numbered. 
 
 Jjate statements of the three National Banks, of Pekin, 111. 
 
 A penholder, made from piece of old court house, by Benj. Mollet. 
 
 A souvenir edition of Pekin's Great Street Fair, in 1899, containing a History of Fairs dat- 
 ing back to 121 years before the Christian Era. Also a copy of Pekin's second Street Fair Sou- 
 venir, illustrated. 
 
 The Fourth of July Souvenir, published by the Pekin Order of Owls for the National holi- 
 day of 1914, containing pictures and brief histories of George Washington and Abraham Lin- 
 coln, W. H. Bates, editor and publisher. 
 
 A copy of Shade's Monthly, Pekin's pioneer magazine, published by John H. Shade, under 
 date of May, 1913, containing a history of Pekin and Vicinity in Early Times, by W. H. Bates. 
 
 Early days in Illinois — an address by Hon. James Haines, delivered at the dedication of the 
 Old Settlers' tSociety. of Tazewell county, on the Fair grounds, at Delavan, 111., 1899. Also a 
 photograph of Mr. Haines, taken in 1868. 
 
 Copies of live designs of ruled note paper, embellished in patriotic colors, such as were used 
 during the Civil War, from 1861 to 1865. 
 
 A photograph of Seth Kinnian, a pioneer of Tazewell county, and a great hunter and trap- 
 per. Also a picture of the elk-horn chair he made and presented to Abraham Lincoln. Mr. 
 Kinman, in pioneer days, was proprietor of a hotel and ten-pin alley in Pekin. He was cred- 
 ited with being a great "fiddler" in early times. 
 
 A photo of the old court house, taken May 21, 1914, by H. R. Dunnington, Deputy Circuit 
 Clerk, Pekin, 111., just prior to its demolishment bv wreckers. 
 
 Photographs of the falling walls and ruins of the old court house, taken by Harry Dittmer, 
 Pekin, 111. 
 
 Among the pioneer publications in Tazewell county which had been preserved in the Cir- 
 cuit Clerk's office, and others collected by W. H. Bates during the last fifty years, are the fol- 
 lowing: 
 
 The Tazewell Reporter, Vol. 2 No. 5 under date of Pekin, 111, June 9. 1841 . By Thos. J. Pickett. 
 Politics, Whig. 
 
 The Tazewell County Whig, Vol. 1, No. 10, dated Tremont, III., June 19, 1844. By E. Oliver 
 Woodcock. Politics, Whig. 
 
 The Pekin Weekly Visitor Vol. 1 No. 31, dated Sept. 27, 1845. 
 
 The Tazewell Whig and The Pekin Commercial Advertiser, Pekin, 111.. February 11, 1848. By 
 G. Lawrence and F. L. Rhoads. Whig in Politics. 
 
 The Tazewell Mirror, Pekin, 111,, August, 4, 1849. By John Smith. On August 29, 1851. 
 Bernard Bailey, became editor and proprietor. On May 21, 1852, John Smith and A. Hender- 
 son appear as proprietors. Then on May 20. 1853, John Smith is shown as sole proprietor of 
 the Mirror. This paper in 1860 became The Tazeivell County Republican, then the Pekin Post and 
 finally died as the Pekin Post-Tribune. 
 
 The Illinois Reveille, Pekin, 111., December 14, 1850. Schoaf & Rogers, editors and proprie- 
 tors. This wa.s apparently the first Democratic paper published in Pekin, the new county 
 seat of Tazewell. 
 
 Pekin Plaindealer, Pekin, 111., dated April 3, 1856. By Merrill C. Young, editor and proprie- 
 tor. Democratic. This paper succeeded the Reveille, then the Plaindealir was succeeded by 
 The Tazewell Register and sold by Pickett to John McDonald in 1858, who remained at the 
 
Contents of Cornerstone and Program 31 
 
 helm until 1868. A copy of February 4, 1862, enclosed. The Tazewell Register had the usual 
 variegated experience, until purchased by W. T. Dowdall and J. B. Irwin. The latter soon 
 succeeded Dowdall and changed the name to The Pekin Times. In 1885, A. W. Rodecker, F. 
 Shurtleff, Thos. Cooper and B. C. Alleuworth, purchased The Times. Allensworth and Cooper 
 soon retired, and Rodecker and Shurtleff, became sole owners. Shurtleft' then .sold his inter- 
 est to Rodecker, who continued its head until a year prior to his death, when it was purchased 
 by the present owners. 
 
 Also copies of the present-day city and county newspapers, as follows: 
 
 The Pekin Daily Ti^nes, published by the Times Publishing Co,, (inc.), B. C. Allensworth, 
 editor and manager. (See history above.) 
 
 The Freie-Presse, Pekin, 111., Nov. 12, 1914, by Jacob Schmidt. This German Weekly was 
 started by John W. Hoffman, iji 1876. Hoffman sold to Albert Weiss, in 1882, who in turn sold 
 to Schmidt on .lanuary 1, 1914. 
 
 The Post-News, Washington, 111., Nov. 12, 1914, by Paul R. Goddard, editor. Washington 
 Printing Co., publishers. 
 
 Tri-County Times. Delavan, 111., Nov. 11, 1914. by H. S. Beatty, editor and publisher. 
 
 The Tim,es Review, Hopedale, 111., Nov. 12, 1914, by Elwood M. Garlick, editor and pub- 
 lisher. 
 
 The Enterprise- Oazette, Mackinaw, 111., Nov. 12. 1914, by Geo. C. Cramer and O. M. Lay- 
 ten, editors and publishers. 
 
 The Advertiser, Delavan, 111 , Nov, 12, 1914, by F. C. McKee, editor and publisher. 
 
 The News, Minier, 111., Nov. 1.3, 1914, by Crihfield Brothers, editors and publishers. 
 
 The News, Morton, 111., Nov. 12, 1914, by F. B. Mills, editor and publisher. 
 
 The News, Tremont, 111., Nov. 13. 1914, by M. L. Cottingham, editor and publisher. 
 
 The Banner, Green Valley, 111., Nov. 12, 1914, by C. S Darling, editor and publisher. 
 
 TJie Helper, Armington, 111., Nov. 13, 1914, by Jas. McDowell, editor; Crihfleld Brothers, 
 publishers. 
 
 The Progress, Deer Creek, 111., Nov. 12, 1914, by H. D. Lewis, editor and publisher. 
 
 The Post, East Peoria, 111., Nov. 11. 1914, by W. W. Goddard, editor and publisher. 
 
 Pekin Department, Peoria Journal, Nov. 13. 1914. Abie Schaefer, manager; E. R. Rollins, 
 editor. 
 
 Pekin Department, Peoria Star, Nov. 13, 1914. Paul Massey, manager; Wm. G. Fair, editor. 
 
 Pekin Department. Peoria Transcript, Nov. 13, 1914. Louie B. Watson, editor and mana- 
 ger. 
 
 A Biographical Sketch of General James Shields, Lawyer, Soldier and Statesman. Born 
 in Dungannon, Tyrone county, Ireland, 1810. Died in Ottumwa. Iowa, June 1, 1879. .Shields 
 gained distinction in two wars — Mexican and Civil. AVas appointed a General by Abraham 
 Lincoln. Sketch furnished by Edward Reardon, attorney. 
 
 A photograph of Judge A. W. Rodecker, with an account of his death. 
 
 A New Year's Address, in prose, by Mrs. Ida F. Rodecker. 
 
 Photograph of the members of Gehrig's Band, and a history of the organization. 
 
 Names of the officers of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, also a Golden Jubilee Souvenir. 
 
 Names of Hose Co. No. 1, Pekin Fire Department, and a Photograph of same. 
 
 COMMITTEES IN CHARGE 
 
 General. Arrangements.— P. Sweitzer, S. S. Smith, J. O. Jones, Geo. A. Kuhl, A. A. 
 Sipfle. 
 
 Music— Judge J. M. Rahn, H. Birkenbusch and W. P. Herget. 
 Finance. — J. C. Aydelott, W. E. Schurman and W. E. Lautz. 
 Speakers. — J. O. Jones, W. L. Prettyman and G. A. Steinmetz. 
 
 ORDER OF EXERCISES, NOV. 14, 1914 
 
 10:10 a. Ml., Concert, by Gehrig's Band, from first floor of new Court House. 
 
 Exercises at the Camtol Theatre, as follows: 
 1:00 p. m.. Music, by Gehrig's Band. 
 
 Invocation. Rev. W. C. Crofts, Pastor First Presbyterian Church, Pekin, Illinois. 
 
 Address, J. O. Jones, Chairman Board of Supervisors. 
 1:30 p. m.. Address, "Genesis of the Courts of Tazewell County," Hon. Wm. R. Curran. 
 2:10 p. m.. Music, by Gehrig's Band. 
 2:20 p. m.. Address, Hon. B. M. Chiperfield, Congressman at Large, Canton, Illinois. 
 
 Exercises concluded at northwest corner of the new Court House. 
 3:15 p. m., Laying of Corner Stone, by Peter Sweitzer, Chairman of Building Cotnmittee. 
 
 PROGRAM 
 
 OF A PART OF THE DEDICATORY EXERCISES FOR JUNE 21, 1916 
 
 (As far as prepared up to time of going to press.) 
 10:30 a. m. — In Circuit Court room— Address by Hon. Wm. J. Calhoun, Ex-Minister to China 
 2:30 p. M. — Out-Door Meeting — Address by Hon. James M. Graham, Ex-Member of Congress 
 
 Address by Hon. J. Ham Lewis, United States Senator 
 7:30 p. M. — Automobile Parade — Decorated and Illuminated 
 
 The New Court House Decorated and Illuminated 
 Appropriate Instrumental and Vocal Music will form a part ot the day and evening exercises 
 
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