Doris Parr Leonard 
 
 Pioneer Tour of Bureau County 
 
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MOSS HISTORICAL SVIVQ 
 
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 BUREAU COUNTY 
 ILLINOIS 
 
 DORIS PARR LEONARD 
 
COPYRIGHT 1954 
 
 DORIS PARR LEONARD 
 
 PRINCETON. ILLINOIS 
 
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 FOREWORD 
 
 HESE ARTICLES are written on historical monuments, 
 markers, and places of historical interest located within the 
 confines of Bureau County, Illinois. I have not intended this 
 booklet to be a complete history of the county, but instead 
 
 will take the reader on a tour pointing out the various locations, and give 
 
 a brief resume of the historical facts. 
 
 Beginning in April, 195 3, I started a series of articles in the 
 Bureau County Republican written about historical monuments in the 
 county. In these articles I related the reasons why these monuments and 
 memorial markers were located on their various sites, also the pertinent 
 information relative to them, and the story of their dedication services. 
 
 These articles have been condensed and are reprinted in this book- 
 let. 
 
 It is my sincere desire that when you journey about Bureau county, 
 truly steeped in midwest history, this booklet will help you to distinguish 
 these memorial markers. 
 
 I also hope that you will experience with humble gratitude, the 
 foresight, faith, and courage of our pioneer forefathers, and the appre- 
 ciation of those who have remembered them. 
 
 Doris Parr Leonard 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 Page 
 
 Chapter 1 . . . Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial 7 
 
 Chapter 2 . . . Cyrus Bryant, Princeton Pioneer 9 
 
 Chapter 3 . . . Arthur Bryant Family 11 
 
 Chapter 4 . . . Arispie Civil War Memorial 13 
 
 Chapter 5 . . . Boyd's Grove — Pioneer Settlement .... 15 
 
 Chapter 6 . . . Providence Colony 17 
 
 Chapter 7 . . . French Grove - - Early School 19 
 
 Chapter 8 . . . Wyanet War Memorial 21 
 
 Chapter 9 . . . Henry Thomas -- First White Settler ... 23 
 
 Chapter 10 . . . Historic Cemeteries 25 
 
 Chapter 11 . . . Red Covered Bridge 29 
 
 Chapter 12 . . . Matson Memorials 31 
 
 Chapter 13 . . . "Dad Joe" Smith Grove 33 
 
 Chapter 14 . . . LaMoille Memorial Cannon 35 
 
 Chapter 15 . . . Elijah Phillips Memorial 37 
 
 Chapter 16 . . . Dover Founders and Pioneers 39 
 
 Chapter 17 . . . Cherry Mine Disaster Memorial 42 
 
 Chapter 18 . . . Coal Hollow — Early Mining Settlement . . 44 
 
 Chapter 19 . . . Owen Lovejoy Shrine 46 
 
 Chapter 20 . . . Princeton High School 49 
 
 Chapter 21 . . . Darius Miller Park 51 
 
 Chapter 22 . . . Bureau County Historical Museum . . . . 53 
 
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Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial 
 
Chapter 1 
 
 Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial 
 
 (The tour begins in the heart of the city of Princeton, the 
 Court House Square, a park located at the south end of the busi- 
 ness district. Opposite the court house stands the Bureau 
 County Soldiers' and Sailors' monument.) 
 
 "A7ICTORY"— A WORD long associated with the history of our 
 
 country is represented by a winged goddess standing upon a globe, 
 surmounting the Bureau County Soldiers' and Sailors' monument located 
 in court house square across from the court house. The bronze figure 
 of Victory bears in one hand a sword with its point to the earth, and in 
 the other hand an upraised torch, signifying that the battle is over and 
 the victory is won. 
 
 It was built by Bureau county under the direction of a special com- 
 mittee appointed by the board of supervisors at the February meeting in 
 1912. The memorial was dedicated June 12, 1913. Funds were raised by 
 a special tax authorized at the general election held in the fall of 1910. 
 At the February meeting in 1912 the board of supervisors decided to 
 erect a monument instead of a memorial hall, as had been first suggested. 
 
 The committee accepted the plans of Frederick C. Hibbard, Chicago 
 scuptor and architect. In May, 1912, the contract was awarded to A. C. 
 Best and Son, Princeton, who were the lowest responsible bidders. Erec- 
 tion of the monument began in the fall of 1912 but was stopped by cold 
 weather, and worked was resumed in the spring of 1913 and finished the 
 first part of June, 1913. 
 
 The memorial cost around $25,000 and is constructed of marble, 
 granite and bronze. It stands 50 feet in height. Gray Vermont granite 
 was used quarried at Harkwick, Vt. The marble with which the interior 
 is lined was taken from the quarries at Rutland, Vt., and the bronze work- 
 is all standard bronze from the American Bronze foundry at Chicago. 
 
 The foundation under the monument proper is all solid concrete 
 eight feet deep. The monument at the base is 25 feet square to accom- 
 modate a memorial room in which the relics of the war possessed by 
 Bureau County soldiers were to be preserved. It is, however, now empty, 
 inasmuch as this did not prove practical. For many years clothing, etc., 
 were kept in this room, but because of dampness, mildew and other 
 reasons, the uniforms and materials rotted. Plate glass show cases with 
 heavy bronze frames were fitted into each corner to be used as reposi- 
 tories for the relics. The interior of the memorial room is lined with 
 
HISTORICAL MONUMENTS 
 
 Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial 
 
 Vermont marble and lighted with an ornate chandelier. Windows and 
 doors are of bevel plate glass set in massive frames of bronze. 
 
 Upon a ledge at each side of the outside of the monument, is a 
 bronze statute, representing the four branches of the service. The in- 
 fantry is represented on the west side, cavalry on the north, artillery on 
 the south, and the navy on the east. Eight bronze tablets, two on each 
 side of the monument contain the names of all the volunteers who en- 
 listed from Bureau county, who resided in the county since the Civil 
 War and were living here in 1910. 
 
 The bronze figure of "Victory" atop the monument is 15 feet high 
 and weighs approximately 3,600 pounds. The other statues weigh 
 about 900 pounds each. There are two tons of marble in the monument 
 and eight carloads of granite, estimated to weight 180 tons. 
 
 Dedication services were held June 12, 1913, when a crowd of 
 3,500 attended the services. There were 100 veterans, the remnant of 
 the 3,150 Civil War veterans who answered the call of the Union, seated 
 on the platform. 
 
 At one corner of the court house square, there was a World War I 
 naval cannon of heavy calibre, which weighed more than five and one- 
 half tons. Two other smaller guns were placed in the park, but these 
 were removed during World II and contributed as scrap metal for con- 
 version into, munitions. 
 
BUREAU COUNTY, ILLINOIS 
 
 Cyrus Bryant, Princeton Pioneer 
 
 (Located directly south of court house square about two blocks, 
 situated back from the street with a large plot of ground in 
 front, is the home of the late Miss Grace Bryant. A memorial 
 stone with a bronze plaque is located on the front lawn.) 
 
 Chapter 2 
 
 'T^HE BUILDING of a log cabin at an early landmark known as 
 Round Point, began the settlement which later developed into the 
 city of Princeton. Located on South Main street, Princeton, is the original 
 site of the log cabin built by Cyrus Bryant in 1832. Erected on the spot 
 where the log cabin once stood is a monument to commemorate the 100th 
 anniversary of the coming of the brothers, Cyrus and John Howard 
 Bryant, to Bureau county. 
 
 The location of the home of the late Miss Grace Bryant is 1110 
 South Main street, Princeton. This beautiful brick house, standing back 
 from the street, was built in 1844-45. 
 
 The place where the house now stands is a beautiful little grove, 
 occupying a slight eminence, and at one time was isolated from the main 
 
10 HISTORIC AI MOUNMENTS 
 
 Cyrus Bryant, Princeton Pioneer 
 
 timber of Bureau county. It was a noted landmark in the early settlement 
 of the county, being known everywhere as Round Point. 
 
 The rolling prairie, lying to the north and east at that time was un- 
 obstructed by houses and the city, presenting a beauty of landscape scen- 
 ery not often seen in this part of the country. By the side of Round Point 
 once passed an Indian trail, which had been traveled fo r ages by war- 
 riors and hunters, and the first wagon track ever made on the Princeton 
 prairie led to it. 
 
 This piece of land and the surrounding farm land was purchased 
 by Cyrus Bryant in 1832. A log cabin was constructed and Cyrus and 
 John Howard Bryant lived in it until Cyrus was married. The log cabin 
 served as the home for Mr. and Mrs. Bryant for about 11 years, and 
 was the birthplace of their five elder children. The old cabin, a few 
 years after the family "moved out of the old house up into the new" was 
 removed to another site and did duty for the remainder of its existence 
 as a stable for the horses. The Bryant family moved into their new brick 
 home in 1845. The late Miss Grace Bryant, who died in 1950, was a 
 granddaughter of the Cyrus Bryants, and lived in this beautiful brick 
 home until her death. The lovely home and surrounding grounds are 
 now owned by nieces of Miss Bryant. 
 
 Although Cyrus Bryant was primarily a farmer, he was also a noted 
 botanist, chemist, and geologist and was active in politics and public 
 affairs, both local and national. He was appointed clerk of the circuit 
 court for the newly established Bureau county after its organization in 
 1837 and held the position for about 10 years until the office was made 
 elective. A few years later he was appointed master in chancery for the 
 county, which office he held for several years. 
 
 In the year 1932 the stone monument with its bronze plaque, was 
 erected by the grandchildren of the Cyrus Bryants; Miss Grace Bryant, 
 now deceased, Miss Agnes M. Robinson, Marcus Bryant Robinson, now 
 deceased, and Miss Alice J. Robinson. The plaque bears this inscription: 
 "1832 — Sept. 30, 1932. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 
 coming of the brothers, Cyrus Bryant and John Howard Bryant to Put- 
 nam, now Bureau County, Illinois, and pre-empting this land in this 
 grove, an early landmark known as Round Point. They built the log 
 cabin beginning the settlement which later developed into the city of 
 Princeton." 
 
BUREAU COUNTY, ILLINOIS 
 
 1 1 
 
 Arthur Bryant Family 
 
 (Taking the highway out south of Princeton about two miles 
 towards Tiskilwa, one approaches the former Bryant Orchards. 
 Although it is almost hidden from view to the west of the road, 
 set among beautiful trees, is a memorial stone erected by the 
 Arthur Bryant family. The monument commemorates the com- 
 ing to this part of the country of the Arthur Bryants, who were 
 pioneers in the nursery business in this area. The property is 
 now owned by the W . C. Young family.) 
 
 Chapter 3 
 
 (~\¥ THE FOUR Bryant brothers, Arthur was the first to come to 
 Illinois. He was born in Cummington, Mass., in 1803 and as a youth 
 of 27 left for Illinois. He first went to Jacksonville where he purchased 
 some land and addressed himself to the business of pioneer work. He 
 was assisted by his brothers, John Howard and Cyrus, who also went to 
 Jacksonville before coming to Bureau county. 
 
 In the fall of 1831 Arthur Bryant returned to Massachusetts and 
 was united in marriage to Henrietta Raymond Plummier. They returned 
 to Jacksonville where they lived until September, 1833 when they sold 
 their interests and moved to the Princeton area, settling on section 29, 
 about two miles south of Princeton. The other brothers, Cyrus and John 
 Howard, had preceded them to Bureau county. 
 
 In November, 1833 Arthur Bryant erected a cabin on the site where 
 the memorial boulder is placed. The new cabin was one and one-half 
 stories high, 25 feet long and was l6i/ 2 feet wide between the walls. 
 
12 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS 
 
 Arthur Bryant Family 
 
 It was situated on a swell or rise of ground on the east side of the forest 
 which lines the Bureau river (Bureau creek) . 
 
 Part of a letter which is among the files of the Bureau County 
 Historical society, dated Dec. 24, 1833, written to Bryant's mother in 
 Massachusetts, reveals that Bryant was well aware of the future of the 
 new country. "I find a great deal of labor trouble and inconvenience in 
 beginning on a place entirely new, but far less than if the country were 
 covered with wood. People in the East do not understand the advant- 
 ages of this country, and will not understand them if they are explained. 
 This country is rapidly filling with settlers, and I think that in two or 
 three years, all the desirable situations will be taken up. The tract ceded 
 by the Indians west of the Mississippi is fast settling, although the land 
 is not yet surveyed. It is said to be a very rich and beautiful country." 
 
 At an early period in his life, Arthur Bryant began to plant trees. 
 He had a hope, which he confided to his brothers, of establishing an 
 orchard on the land where he lived. His dream of establishing an nursery 
 and making that his vocation did not materialize until 1845. In that year 
 he started the nursery business which bore his name. 
 
 In 1848 the brick master house was erected, just a little to the west 
 of where the cabin stood and the family moved in. The house had all 
 black walnut woodwork and many other magnificent features of the day. 
 However, in October 1855 the original brick house was burned down, 
 and the family rebuilt it as fast as possible so they would have shelter 
 that winter. This is the house which is now standing. 
 
 To this pioneer family were born seven children, Arthur, Julian 
 E., Elian A. (Mrs. Clement Freeman), Joseph P., Lester R., Henrietta, 
 and Adaline R. (Mrs. Nye) . Lester R. was the last son to live on the 
 home place. Arthur Bryant died on Feb. 5, 1883. In his obituary pub- 
 lished in the Chicago Inter Ocean, it was told of his thoroughness in his 
 scholarship, notably so in his knowledge of the Greek language and 
 botany. To his mind the trees which he handled had other significance 
 than did that which appeared in his ledger. As was characteristic of all 
 the Bryant brothers, he was a man of great reserve, although possessed of 
 great talents. Many of his poems bear testimony to his fact. 
 
 In July 1933, being 100 years since the erection of the Bryant cabin, 
 without any ceremony, Lester R. Bryant, son of the Arthur Bryants, and 
 Arthur W. Bryant, grandson of the pioneers, had a memorial stone 
 erected on the site of the cabin. The bronze plaque on the boulder states 
 simply "Site of the cabin home of Arthur and Henrietta R. Bryant, built 
 in the fall of 1833." 
 
BUREAU COUNTY ILLINOIS 13 
 
 Arispie Civil War Memorial 
 
 (Proceeding on the tour into the village of Tiskilwa, located in 
 the east part of town near the railroad is this monument ) . 
 
 Chapter 4 
 
 [* OCATED IN Monument Square in the east part of Tiskilwa, stands 
 
 a marble shaft, surmounted by an eagle, which was erected in mem- 
 ory of the gallant soldier boys from Arispie township in the Civil War. 
 
 This marble shaft stands on a slight rise in the park, with the base 
 set in cement. It is indeed an old monument, bearing the date 1866, the 
 year it was erected, and bearing evidence of elements and of time. There 
 is no doubt that this is one of the oldest monuments in Bureau county. 
 
 The front of the shaft bears a shield with the inscription "Sleep 
 Noble Sons, Thy Memory We Cherish." On the upper part of the mar- 
 ble shaft, engraved in the marble, are inscribed these words, "To the 
 Memory of Our Brave Soldiers of Arispie Township, Bureau County, 
 Illinois, Who Died in the Service of Our Country." 
 
 Such pioneer names as Vennum, Walker, Riley, Gillett, Welsh, 
 Provanoe, Blessing, Burgh, Cavanaugh, Deeper, Walson, Davis, Culp, 
 Forbes, Young, Aldrich, Donnelly, Thompson, Langworthy, Durley, 
 Kirkpatrick, and Mclntire, are inscribed on the sides of the monument. 
 In the Aug. 8, 1867 issue of the Burf.au County Republican, this 
 note was found regarding the monument: "Monument Square, east of 
 Tiskilwa, has been fenced and adorned with evergreens. In one corner 
 stands a fine marble shaft, surmounted by an eagle, raised in memory 
 
14 
 
 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS 
 
 Arispie Civil War Memorial 
 
 of the gallant soldier boys enlisted from Arispie township who fell by 
 disease and battle during the late rebellion." 
 
 Tiskilwa is one of the oldest villages in Bureau county, and about 
 five years before the coming of a pioneer settler, Samson Cole in 1833, 
 a thriving Indian village of nearly 2,000 occupied the valley. These 
 Indians were of the Pottawattamie tribe. In 1832, Black Hawk, with a 
 number of his warriors of the Sacs and Foxes visited this village and 
 endeavored to persuade its warriors to join him in a war against the 
 whites. But, through the influence of Chiefs Shabbona and Senachwine, 
 most of the tribe remained friendly to the settlers. So, by the time the 
 first settlers arrived in Indiantown, hostilities with the Indians had ceased. 
 
 Sampson Cole settled on land south and west of the intersection of 
 the hard road connecting Tiskilwa and Princeton, and the C. R. I. & P. 
 railroad. This was the first house built within the limits of the present 
 village of Tiskilwa, and it was located on the old Kellog trail that con- 
 nected Peoria and Galena. This trail came from. Dorr Hill, entered Tis- 
 kilwa from the southwest, crossed the park in the west part of town and 
 went north. 
 
 In 1836 a Dr. A. Langworthy founded the town of Windsor, which 
 included that part of the village of Tiskilwa lying in Arispie township. 
 Its survey embraced all of the old Indian village, corn fields, and dance 
 grounds. In March, 1836, a large addition was made to Windsor by a 
 J. W. Kinney, called West Windsor, which included that part of Tis- 
 kilwa lying in Indiantown township. The town of West Windsor was 
 short lived, being vacated on September of the same year. On the same 
 site as West Windsor the new town of Indiantown was erected, and for 
 about four year the two towns were rivals. In 1840 the rival towns were 
 united and named Tiskilwa, an Indian name, which interpreted means 
 "Gem of the Valley." In 1856 the new town was incorporated and offi- 
 cers of the town were elected. 
 
 twin 
 
 1 
 
BUREAU COUNTY, ILLINOIS 
 
 15 
 
 Boyd's Grove — Pioneer Settlement 
 
 (Following the map south of Tiskilwa into Milo township, one 
 comes to the site of famous Boyd's Grove. Although no his- 
 torical marker is located here, this grove bears evidence of being 
 one of the earliest settlements in Bureau county.) 
 
 Chapter 5 
 
 DOYD'S GROVE is located in the southern part of Bureau county, and 
 Boyd's Grove Methodist church, a country church, bears the name of 
 the famous grove. This church was established in 1851. The name of 
 the church and the sign which stands in front of this beautiful little coun- 
 try church, are the only reminders that this area was at one time a thriv- 
 ing community. There are still houses which have been remodeled, but 
 bear traces of their historic beginning. 
 
 The grove is located in the township of Milo, and no wonder it 
 was a stop-over for many travelers, inasmuch as it is an oasis on the 
 
16 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS 
 
 Boyd's Grove — Pioneer Settlement 
 
 Illinois prairie, with large shady trees located on the creek bank. 
 
 In the summer of 1828 John Dixon, then a resident of Peoria, built 
 a cabin at the head of the grove and soon afterwards occupied it with 
 his family. About this time, the great north and south road, which has 
 been referred to many times in historical articles as the 'Peoria-Galena" 
 road, was opened. When this happened the cabin of Dixon became a 
 place of entertainment and accommodation for the travelers. In the 
 spring of 1830, Dixon moved to Rock River and built a ferry boat, 
 hence the origin of Dixon's ferry, and the town of Dixon which sub- 
 sequently bore his name. 
 
 In April, 1830 Charles S. Boyd bought Dixon's claim at the grove, 
 and moved with his family. He resided in the grove for 14 years. Charles 
 Boyd married Eliza, sister of John Dixon on June 6, 1814, and the two 
 families came west at the same time and settled first at Springfield in 
 1820. Theirs was the second caravan ever to pass over the trail in 1827 
 which afterwards became the great Peoria-Galena road. 
 
 Charles Boyd's nearest neighbors for many years were Henry Thomas 
 who lived 16 miles north, and J. B. Merrideth, 20 miles south. A post 
 office, called Boyd's Grove was established here in 1833 and it was a 
 kind of head-center for travelers in passing from north to south. In those 
 days but few travelers passed the grove without stopping for refreshments 
 or lodging. 
 
 Boyd's Grove was a beautiful belt of timber, extending out into the 
 prairie, and for 10 years Boyd was the only settler in this township. The 
 grove is located in the township of Milo in the southern part of Bureau 
 county. A tavern was located on the west side of the present road, but 
 was finally removed in 1938. There was also a tannery close by, and 
 houses were built on both sides extending from the creek north. 
 
 In January 1831 Boyd's house burned down, with all its contents 
 leaving the family destitute. The snow was at that time almost three feet 
 deep and the temperature below zero. He construtcd a tent for his fam- 
 ily, and lived in it until spring when he could build a new home. His 
 new dwelling was used as a post office and hotel. 
 
 In 1844 Boyd sold his tavern and land to Robert Swanson and 
 moved to Princeton where he lived until his death in 1881 at the age of 
 89 years. 
 
 Boyd's Grove Methodist church came into being in 1851 when six 
 families who had been holding meetings at the home of Mr. and Mrs. 
 T. R. Capperrune agreed to organize a church. A few months later a 
 church was erected on the present site but this was destroyed in 1919 by 
 lightning. The present building was dedicated June 19, 1921. 
 
BUREAU COUNTY, ILLINOIS 
 
 17 
 
 Providence Colony 
 
 (From Boyd's Grove, as indicated by the map, the next his- 
 torical site is located at Providence, now a small settlement with 
 a church, school, and several houses. A memorial boulder is 
 located in front of the historical Congregational church of 
 Providence, and is a memorial to the early settlers of the Provi- 
 dence Colony.) 
 
 Chapter 6 
 
 T OCATED ON Indiantown hill stands the Providence Congregational 
 church, one of the earliest churches in Bureau county. This church, 
 and the Providence Colony are commemorated by the erection of a large 
 stone boulder with a bronze plaque which bears an inscription in testi- 
 mony to the early pioneers and the church. 
 
 In the spring of 1836 at Providence, Rhode Island, a colony was 
 organized for the purpose of making a settlement in the west. The colony 
 consisted of 72 stockholders, who owned from one to 16 shares each. 
 Every share was to draw 80 acres of land, which amounted in all to 
 17,000 acres. A committee was appointed to go west and select and enter 
 the lands for the colony. 
 
 After exploring various parts of Illinois, they selected Indiantown 
 township for their future home. This tract of land was uninhabited with 
 the exception of two families. Two members of the committee, Asa Bar- 
 ney and Caleb dishing remained until fall for the purpose of erecting 
 a building on their new town site. This building was a large frame struc- 
 
18 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS 
 
 Providence Colony 
 
 ture, built out of funds of the colony and intended to be used for a hotel. 
 It was called the Colony house. 
 
 When the village of Providence was laid out in July, 1836, it con- 
 tained two or three stores, a few shops and one or two mechanics. The 
 school has been maintained since the origin of the village. 
 
 In the spring of 1837 about 40 persons belonging to the colony 
 arrived at their future home from the East, all of whom found quarters 
 in the houses built by the colony, until other dwellings could be erected 
 With this colony also came many of the enterprising citizens of the 
 county. 
 
 The Providence Congregational church was organized on June 22, 
 1841, four years after the coming of the Providence colony. Delegates 
 from the Princeton and Dover Congregational churches assisted at the 
 organization. For the first three years meetings were held in the Colony 
 house, or in private homes. Preaching services were held at irregular in- 
 tervals, and were conducted by itinerant preachers, as no one could be 
 secured. In 1849, Rev. David Todd was called to be pastor, at no stated 
 salary. 
 
 In the meantime, steps had been taken to raise funds to erect a 
 church building. The committee appointed for this purpose was in- 
 structed to secure subscriptions to the amount of $400. A building, 26 
 by 40 feet was finally erected on a site south of the present structure 
 and west of the school house. The Rev. Owen Lovejoy, Princeton, 
 preached at the dedication of this building in 1849. 
 
 The present church building was erected in 1870. The old church 
 building stood abandoned for many years. During the ministry of the 
 Rev. E. A. Paddock, which began in 1882, the old building was moved 
 to the rear of the new church and has been used for Sunday school 
 classes, kitchen, and dining room. This building is still used for such 
 purposes by the church members. 
 
 It is difficult to now visualize that Providence was once a thriving 
 town site, with a church, school, Colony house, shops, and many homes. 
 There stands now still, the church and school house, with only a few 
 residences in the same area. This colony, like many others in the early 
 day, did not meet the expectations of its projectors. Nevertheless, it has 
 added much to the wealth and population of Bureau county. 
 
BUREAU COUNTY ILLINOIS 
 
 19 
 
 French Grove — Early School 
 
 
 -4*.^ 
 
 <& 
 
 * ■ 
 
 I 
 
 (Following the map north and west, is located the village of 
 Buda. About one-half mile north of Buda, on U. S. route 88, 
 is a large stone boulder with a bronze plaque which marks the 
 site of the first French Grove public school and the settlement 
 of French Grove. This boulder, surrounded on each side with 
 a lovely pine tree, was sponsored by the Buda Woman s club, 
 and was dedicated in 1934.) 
 
 Chapter 7 
 
 Tj'RENCH GROVE was a settlement located northwest of the present 
 site of the town of Buda. Before the existence of the village, this 
 was one of the main settlements in the western part of the county. 
 
 After the town of Buda was platted, the settlers in French Grove 
 abandoned the grove, and moved into Buda. The early settlers of this 
 grove were of French extraction, therefore the name, French Grove. 
 However, it is interesting to note that there is no record of these settlers 
 picking up any land. 
 
 The memorial boulder is located on the exact location of the first 
 school house site and was located by the late T. J. Fifield, who was a 
 pupil in the French Grove school. Dedication of the boulder was held 
 May 9, 1934, and O. W. Mason, at that time president of the Bureau 
 County Historical society, unveiled the memorial stone. The school was 
 one of the first located in that part of the county. 
 
 School district No. 2, Concord Township, received its number 
 around 1837. The school building was erected in 1839 by contributions 
 
20 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS 
 
 French Grove — Early School 
 
 of materials and it was built at the east end of French Grove. 
 
 The size of the log structure was 24 feet by 24 feet and it had a 
 low ceiling with three small windows with 12 panes of glass, size eight 
 inches by 10 inches. The seats were rude benches made of slabs, and the 
 desks were boards supported by pins driven into the wall. The floor was 
 of rough boards and there was no plastering. The building was also 
 used for all kinds of meetings, and was in addition to being a school 
 house, a general gathering place. 
 
 The first teacher was Miss Irene Dorr of Dorr Hill which is located 
 near Providence. There are no living students who attended this school, 
 but many descendants of students are living in the Buda area. 
 
 The log cabin was moved into the village of Buda where it was 
 later used as a residence. 
 
 The bronze plaque on the stone boulder reads as follows: "Marks 
 site of first French Grove public school — a log cabin, built in 1839. 
 Erected by friends of pioneers." 
 
BUREAU COUNTY, ILLINOIS 
 
 21 
 
 Wyanet War Memorial 
 Hi 
 
 (From Buda the tour takes one into the village of Wyanet, 
 located on U. S. routes 6 and 34. On the east edge of the vil- 
 lage is the Forest Hill cemetery, and located near the highway 
 is a memorial cannon. This cannon is a memorial to Wyanet 
 war dead.) 
 
 Chapter 6 
 
 WTYANET MEMORIAL cannon located on the south edge of Forest 
 Hill cemetery bears the date of 1905, and faces west with a mound 
 of cannon ammunition in front. The cannon and shells were offered to 
 G. A. R. posts by the U. S. government for the cost of freight. 
 
 They were donated to Post 198, Grand Army of the Republic and 
 were dedicated to the memory of "our nation's dead," especially Wya- 
 net's quota, which was 250 sent to the front during the Civil War, 35 
 of whom died before the close of the war, 14 killed in action, four died 
 from wounds, and 17 from disease and accident. 
 
 There are 35 Union army soldiers who lie in this cemetery, also 
 five of the War of 1812, one of the Black Hawk war, and one of the 
 
 Mexican war. 
 
 Dedication of this cannon was held May 30, 1905. Beginning the 
 activities of the day was a parade of veterans, school children and citi- 
 zens who marched to the Wyanet opera house where a program was 
 presented. Vocal music was given by the choirs of the Wyanet Methodist 
 and Congregational churches, a recitation by Comrade Howe, reading 
 
22 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS 
 
 Wyanet War Memorial 
 
 of the list of Wyanet's quota to the Nation's dead, and a patriotic ad- 
 dress by the Rev. Mr. Cushing of the Providence Congregational church. 
 
 After the program at the church, the meeting moved to the ceme- 
 tery, where Past Commander Ben Gorton of Emery Post, Grand Army 
 of Republic, dedicated the cannon and pyramid of shells erected to the 
 memory of the soldiers. 
 
 The regular decoration ritual was then held and school children 
 under the charge of Miss Ioder, Miss Perry, Miss Robinson, and Mrs. 
 Wyatt, placed flowers upon the graves of the Union soldiers of the 
 Civil War, and the other soldiers. 
 
 At the cannon site, flowers were strewn in memory of "all who 
 fell in our cause, known or unknown." 
 
 The cannon was secured through Congress;: an Graff and was re- 
 ceived in Wyanet on April 6, 1903, together with 20 45-pound shells. 
 At the time of the dedication it was hoped that the cannon would be 
 inscribed to the memory of those who gave their lives for their country 
 during the Civil War. The cannon is a Civil War army calibre cannon 
 and is easily viewed as one passes through the village of Wyanet. 
 
BUREAU COUNTY, ILLINOIS 
 
 23 
 
 Henry Thomas — First White Settler 
 
 (Fro/// Wyanet there is a black-top road going north, and 
 located about jour miles north of Wyanet on this road, there 
 is a monument erected in honor of the first permanent white 
 settlers in Bureau county.) 
 
 Chapter Q 
 
 HPHE FIRST permanent white settlers in Bureau county, Henry Thomas 
 and his family, settled here on May 5, 1828. Thomas, with his 
 family and their scanty household goods in an ox wagon, arrived in 
 Bureau, and made his claim where the monument now stands. 
 
 His cabin was built near a small branch of the creek, at that time 
 skirting the timber. Near the cabin was a spring, and by its side passed 
 the great Galena-Peoria road which had been opened the year before. 
 When Thomas settled in this place, there was not a permanent resident 
 within 30 miles, the land being in possession of the Indians. 
 
 Thomas built a shanty with cotton wood poles and covered it with 
 bark where his family found shelter until he could build a cabin. The 
 
24 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS 
 
 Henry Thomas — First White Settler 
 
 cabin was finally erected and was made of small logs, so that Thomas 
 and his hired man could build it, as no assistance from neighbors could 
 be obtained. Before the cabin was completed, Thomas commenced break- 
 ing prairie, which was the first sod broken within the limits of Bureau 
 county. 
 
 The site where Henry Thomas settled was referred to as the west 
 side of West Bureau timber. 
 
 It is believed that Mr. and Mrs. Thomas' second daughter, Mary 
 Thomas, was the first white child born within the limits of Bureau 
 county. 
 
 Irf May of 1832, during the Black Hawk war, two companies of 
 mounted rangers, principally from St. Clair county and under the com- 
 mand of a Major Baxter, came to Bureau and built a fort. This fort 
 named Ft. Thomas, was located on Henry Thomas' claim, and consisted 
 of a block house, surrounded with barricades, constructed of puncheons 
 set into the ground about 15 feet high. On the northwest angle of the 
 fort there was an entrance through the barricades, guarded by a heavy 
 swing gate. 
 
 There were about 140 men belonging to this battalion and they 
 remained at the fort on duty until the Black Hawk war was over. Dur- 
 ing their stay, it is told, they killed and ate some of Thomas' cattle, used 
 his crib of corn, burned his rails for fuel, drank two barrels of whiskey, 
 had 17 fights among themselves, and finally returned to their homes 
 without having seen an Indian ! 
 
 In 1829, Henry Thomas obtained a grant for a post office, named 
 Bureau, and for a number of years all the mail for the settlement west 
 of the Illinois river came through it. In the winter of 1831-32, a post- 
 master was appointed for the settlement on Princeton prairie, and this 
 office was supplied with mail once a week from Thomas' office. 
 
 The stone monument erected as a memorial to Henry Thomas, truly 
 a pioneer of Bureau county, reads as follows: "Henry Thomas family, 
 first permanent white settlers in Bureau county located here May 5, 1828. 
 Col. Zachary Taylor, later president of the United States and Jefferson 
 Davis lodged here en route to Galena on Peoria-Galena state road at the 
 beginning of Black Hawk war. Site of Ft. Thomas, also Bureau, first 
 post office in the county." 
 
 This historical monument was erected in 1928 by members of the 
 Bureau county household science clubs. 
 
BUREAU COUNTY, ILLINOIS 
 
 25 
 
 Historic Cemeteries 
 
 (Continuing north on the black-top road from Wyanet, there 
 is a jour-corner junction, with the road to the east leading back 
 into Princeton. This road is commonly referred to as the "Back- 
 bone Road" Taking this road to the east, there is a dip in the 
 road which then crosses Bureau creek. At the top of the hill 
 on the other side of the bridge is a small gravel road leading to 
 the right. A short distance down this gravel road Corss cemetery 
 is located.) 
 
 Chapter 10 
 
 A BRONZE monument erected to the memoiy el Joseph (better 
 known as Dad Joe) Smith, and his wife, Catherine, stands in the 
 Corss cemetery located on the edge of West Bureau woods. This beauti- 
 ful historic cemetery is located about four miles northeast of Wyanet, 
 and is one of the older cemeteries in Bureau county. 
 
 The monument erected to the memory of Dad Joe Smith is truly 
 one of the best preserved, and among some of the more elaborate ones in 
 the county. It is intended as a memorial monument as well as a mark- 
 ing for the Smith cemetery plot. The monument is surmounted by a 
 cup and torch, and bears raised printing on all four sides of the shaft. 
 It carries the date 1884, and was made by the Detroit Bronze company. 
 
26 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS 
 
 Historic Cemeteries 
 
 At the time the monument was erected in Corss cemetery, there were 
 no dedication services, and since that time many people have thought it 
 should be removed to another place. However, it was the final wish of 
 Dad Joe Smith that he be buried in Corss cemetery, and his descendants 
 feel that the place for this memorial monument dedicated to his mem- 
 ory, should remain where it is. 
 
 The Corss cemetery, like many other small cemeteries in Bureau 
 county, was one used principally by the residents of the West Bureau 
 area, and bears the name of one of the pioneers of Bureau Township. 
 Cornelius C. Corss settled in Bureau county in 1834, and was the first 
 supervisor from Bureau Township, serving from 1851-53, his first term. 
 He owned many acres of land in the vicinity of the West Bureau woods, 
 and the cemetery which bears the Corss name is located on what was 
 Corss property. 
 
 Another historic cemetery located within the confines of Bureau 
 county, on the northwest outskirts of Princeton west of Elm Lawn cem- 
 etery, is the former Knox graveyard. This graveyard is no longer used, 
 and many people who were buried there have been re-interred in other 
 cemeteries. 
 
 Knox graveyard has an interesting, and tragic history connected 
 with it. A short distance south of the Knox graveyard, for many years 
 stood an old burr oak tree, isolated from the other trees, and around 
 which was a beautiful grass plot. The tree was burned at the root, as 
 though a camp fire had been built against it. At this oak tree the murder 
 by Indians of the Rev. James Sample and his wife took place. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Sample and his wife, the former Lucy May, left Fort 
 Armstrong during the Black Hawk War to journey to their friends east 
 of the Illinois river. Having heard of no Indian hostilities, they deemed 
 it safe to journey across the prairie. Upon reaching Bureau county, they 
 found all the log cabins deserted, as though the settlers had left in a 
 hurry. Because of these conditions, they were forced to spend the night 
 out on the prairie, without food or shelter. At morning, fatigued, hun- 
 gry, and riding weary horses, they continued on the last lap of their 
 journey. 
 
 Suddenly they heard a noise behind them and saw 20 Indians in 
 full pursuit. The Samples urged their mounts to full speed, and were 
 assured of outdistancing the Indian ponies, when Mrs. Sample's horse, 
 while crossing a small branch of a creek, stuck fast in the mud, flound- 
 ered, and threw the rider over its head. Sample being so far ahead of 
 the Indians could have made good his escape, but refusing to leave his 
 wife, rode back to her and they were overtaken by the Indians. 
 
 The Indians bound their victims and put them on their own horses 
 
BUREAU COUNTY, ILLINOIS 27 
 
 Historic Cemeteries 
 
 and took them back to their camp located near the Knox graveyard. To 
 the oak tree mentioned above, the young minister and his wife were 
 bound with large deer skin thongs. A fire of dry limbs was kindled 
 about them, while the Indians with their faces painted red, prepared for 
 the death dance. Leader of the band of warriors was Mike Girty, an 
 Indian halfbreed, and a continuous trouble-maker between the Indians 
 and white men. It was Girty who scalped the prisoners while they were 
 bound to the tree. 
 
 Nothing was known of these murders at the time, and for many 
 years, the sudden disappearance of Sample and his wife remained a 
 mystery to their friends until the story of their fate was pieced together 
 by information from the Indians. 
 
 The year after this tragedy occurred, James Hayes made a claim by 
 the side of the spring where the former Indian camp was located, near 
 the residence of Mr. Knox. The finding of human bones and a human 
 skull near this place, and the subsequent burial ,was the beginning of the 
 Knox graveyard. 
 
 Another interesting cemetery which is no longer used, is the 
 Stoner cemetery located on the "Backbone Road." This cemetery was 
 named after Fred Stoner, who gave the land. At one time there was a 
 cemetery board which took care of the grounds, but it has been aban- 
 doned for many years and is no longer used. There is no doubt that this 
 is an old settlers cemetery. 
 
 In Arispie Township there are a number of small old historic cem- 
 eteries. To name a few: the Albrecht cemtery, Tiskilwa cemetery, lo- 
 cated east of that village, now abandoned, the Aldrich cemetery, and 
 one located on the Art Bacon land. 
 
 In Princeton Township there is a small cemetery located in the mid- 
 dle of a cornfield known as the Presbyterian cemetery, as it is located on 
 the Presbyterian road south of Princeton. This one bears headstones with 
 the name of Green on them, a familiar name in that vicinity. 
 
 A pioneer figure, Judge William Hoskins, is buried in the small 
 cemetery which adjoins the Searl's Ridge church and school grounds. 
 These buildings are not used as a church and school, but the beautiful 
 little cemetery is still kept intact. 
 
 Other familiar old historic cemeteries are Triplett's graveyard, and 
 the Mason cemetery, which is located near the Dover Town hall. 
 
 No doubt there are many other small historic and private cemeteries 
 in Bureau county, which are no longer used, or if so, used only occasion- 
 ally. It was the practice years ago to have cemeteries located within a 
 close distance to settlements, because weather conditions at many times 
 prevented people from using the roads. 
 
28 
 
 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS 
 
BUREAU COUNTY, ILLINOIS 29 
 
 Chapter 11 
 
 Red Covered Bridge 
 
 (Located north of Princeton is Bureau county's j anions Red 
 Covered Bridge. Many artists have reveled in the beauty of this 
 famous old historic shrine. The bridge is one of the remaining 
 few covered bridges in Illinois. The site of the bridge is marked 
 on the map, and is about three and one-half miles north of 
 the city of Princeton.) 
 
 npHE RED COVERED bridge, located north of Princeton is one of 
 
 Bureau county's more noted historic spots. In 1938 the Bureau 
 County Historical society and the Bureau County Highway department 
 placed a bronze plaque at the north entrance to the bridge which reads 
 in part: "For three quarters of a century this bridge, defying storms and 
 floods, has carried the travelers across Bureau creek. It well represents the 
 unyielding character of those who erected it." 
 
 No historic tour of Bureau county would be complete without a trip 
 to the red covered bridge, well known to county residents. 
 
 The bridge was built in 1863 at a total cost of $3,148.57. Much 
 lumber and iron used in the construction of the bridge was shipped from 
 Chicago. The supporting timbers are heavy oak beams. It is said that the 
 roofs were built over the bridges in the old days to protect the flooring 
 and supporting timbers from the elements. 
 
 In the year of 1862, a group of legal voters living within an area of 
 three miles of the Princeton-Dixon road went before the board of super- 
 visors of the county and presented a petition for a permanent bridge 
 over Bureau creek, about three and one-half miles north of the Princeton 
 depot. At this time, the road where the red covered bridge is located was 
 known as the Peoria-Dixon road, being a direct route between the two 
 cities, and was carrying heavy travel. Many times travelers were forced to 
 ford the creek, when the pontoon bridge would be washed away after a 
 heavy rain or flood. Several small bridges had been built across the 
 stream, but had been washed away during high waters. The creek was at 
 one time known as Robinson's river, being so called by the Indians. 
 
 Spokesmen for the group of voters petitioning the board of super- 
 visors were James W. Lockhard and J. R. Hoskins. 
 
 The board appointed three of the supervisors to view the spot and 
 they were instructed to report at the next meeting. This committee was 
 made up of N. Matson, John Shugart and S. B. French. They were given 
 
30 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS 
 
 Red Covered Bridge 
 
 power to locate a suitable place for building a bridge across Bureau 
 creek. 
 
 Before the March, 1863 meeting of the board of supervisors, the 
 sum of $1,348 was raised by popular subscription. 
 
 At the meeting of the supervisors held in March, the committee re- 
 ported, and the board took favorable action on the petition. One-third of 
 the cost of construction, provided it would not exceed $1,000, was ap- 
 propriated. At the same time the provision was made that work should 
 commence not later than three months. Dover Township was to pay 
 $1,000 and the balance would be raised by popular subscription. 
 
 At this meeting a commtitee of six men present were elected by 
 ballot to act as a building committee. The men elected were J. T. Thomp- 
 son and C. M. Priestley, Princeton Township; James Ross, Ohio Town- 
 ship ; Abbott Ellis and John Mason, Dover Township ; and Isaac Heaton, 
 Bureau Township. This committee was named "The Union Bridge 
 Builders." 
 
 All accounts in connection with the cost of erecting the bridge were 
 paid in full April 16, 1864. Out of the money raised by subscription and 
 appropriation to build the bridge, there remained a balance of $31.88. 
 The committee decided to paint the bridge red and fence the approach. 
 Many of the men who promised subscriptions worked them out. 
 
 Located across the top of the bridge at both entrances are these 
 words: "Five dollars fine for driving more than 12 horses, mules or cat- 
 tle at any one time or for leading any beast faster than a walk on or 
 across this bridge." 
 
 Located on the side of the north entrance to the bridge is the bronze 
 plaque which lists the men who were named to the committee to con- 
 construct the bridge. Also written on the plaque is the amount of money 
 paid as follows: "The total cost of construction of the bridge was 
 $3,148.57, $1,000 of this amount being paid by Bureau county, $600 by 
 Dover Township and $1,548.57 by popular subscription." 
 
 Also on the plaque is written this tribute: "In tribute to the build- 
 ing committee and to the other citizens of Bureau county, who with fore- 
 sight and faith, planned and builded well, this memorial tablet is today 
 dedicated, Sept. 5, 1938." 
 
BUREAU COUNTY, ILLINOIS 
 
 31 
 
 Matson Memorials 
 
 (Located north of the Red Covered bridge, on the same road, 
 there are two markers erected to the memory of the Matson 
 family, early settlers in Bureau county. One of the markers is 
 located as what is known as " 'Matson 's comers" a well-known 
 road mark in the county.) 
 
 Chapter 12 
 
 n^HE NAME of Matson runs through the annals of early history of 
 Bureau county, inasmuch as several Matson families were early 
 pioneers of this area, North of Princeton, on the road that crosses the 
 Red Covered bridge, is a stone marker, with a bronze plate, erected in 
 commemoration of the Enos and Peter Matson families. As the road 
 goes on north, several miles at an intersection, there is a large stone mon- 
 ument, "Matson corners." 
 
 The first stone marker bears this inscription — "In memory of Enos 
 and Elizabeth Mercer Matson, who came here in 1836 — Peter and Jane 
 Dawson Matson, who came here in 1845. These two brothers and their 
 families came from St. Clairsville, Belmont county, Ohio." 
 
 Enos and Elizabeth Mercer Matson came to Bureau county from 
 Ohio, as the marker says, in 1836. They came by water as far as possible, 
 down the Ohio river, up the Mississippi and Illinois rivers to Hennepin. 
 From Hennepin they came by ox team and settled north of the red cov- 
 ered bridge. A boulder was erected marking this spot by the Matson 
 family in 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Matson were the parents of Nehemiah 
 
32 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS 
 
 Matson Memorials 
 
 Matson, whose gift to the city of Princeton made possible the Matson 
 Public library. They were also the parents of Nancy Matson Clark, who 
 was the mother of S. P. Clark. 
 
 Peter and Jane Dawson Matson came to Bureau county in 1845 
 from Ohio. They came with their 10 children to Illinois and landed at 
 Hennepin. They spent their first night in this part of the country in the 
 warehouse by the river. They then settled in Dover township. 
 
 The marker at Matson corners was named for Enos M. Matson, 
 who settled there in 1846. He helped survey, mark, and work the first 
 dirt road in Dover township. Enos M. Matson was the oldest of 10 chil- 
 dren and was born in 1822 in Ohio. He came to this county in 1845, 
 the son of Peter and Jane Dawson Matson. He first went to work by the 
 month farming, but soon began farming for himself. He preempted a 
 farm of 80 acres, trading for a log cabin which he moved to his land 
 and later began its improvement. 
 
 The Matson corners marker is erected in the northwest corner of 
 the four-road junction. In addition to bearing words "Matson corners" 
 and the commemoration, there is an arrow pointing to the left, indi- 
 cating that it is six miles to Princeton and lll/ 2 miles to Walnut. An 
 arrow points to the right, stating it is six miles to Dover, and seven miles 
 to Ohio. This monument was erected in 1942 by Matson relatives. 
 
 Another interesting monument is located on this same road. Erected 
 on the grounds of the Halladay school is a marker which bears the fol- 
 lowing words: "To Commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding 
 of the Halladay school, the first school west of Bureau creek." This 
 schoolhouse is now used for a residence. 
 
BUREAU COUNTY, ILLINOIS 
 
 33 
 
 Dad Joe" Smith Grove 
 
 (The pioneer tour now takes us into the village of Ohio. 
 Located about one and three-quarters miles northwest of this 
 village is "Dad joe" Smith grove, one of the famous historical 
 sites in Bureau county.) 
 
 Chapter ij 
 
 JOSEPH "DAD JOE" SMITH was one of the early pioneers of Bureau 
 county, settling in a region which he called "Little Round Grove." 
 This famous area is located northwest of the village of Ohio. There 
 still stands today, on the farm of William Anderson, the famous Dad 
 Joe Tavern, and across the road, a small stone which is engraved to 
 commemorate Abraham Lincoln's stop at the Dad Joe tavern. Next to 
 this stone boulder stands the famous Dad Joe well, where in the early 
 days of Bureau county, many a weary pioneer stopped to drink its cool 
 water. 
 
 It is interesting to note how it happened that Dad Joe commenced 
 his famous tavern where travelers could spend the night, and get their 
 meals. Dad Joe located his claim near the old Peoria-Galena road. The 
 mail route was on this road. One morning a mail carrier, tired from trav- 
 eling all night, and hungry, stopped at Dad Joe's place and asked for 
 breakfast. Following his meal, he told Dad Joe he would not stop at 
 the Ament tavern any longer if he could have his meals cooked by a 
 woman. So, that is the way the Dad Joe tavern started, as Mrs. Smith 
 vas the only woman living around that area for miles, and was noted for 
 
34 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS 
 
 "Dad Joe" Smith Grove 
 
 her good cooking. Travelers soon began stopping at Dad Joe's tavern, 
 and the Aments sold out. 
 
 The Peoria-Galena road was changed to pass Dad Joe's grove and 
 a new shelter was built, a double log cabin. The two cabins were built 
 adjoining, so both could be under one roof with an entry between with 
 a door at each end. The cabins faced east with a window in each. The 
 material was all hand hewn from virgin timber. 
 
 The prairie where Dad Joe located, has an altitude of 920 feet 
 above sea level above the village of Ohio. It is a broad and fertile prairie. 
 
 In the spring of 1831, Dad Joe was appointed overseer of highways 
 from the north line of Peoria county to Rock Island. 
 
 Mrs. Smith died in 1835 and in the following year Dad Joe sold 
 his farm to T. S. Elston, whose renters continued the tavern for several 
 years. For 16 years this was the only residence in the township, and a 
 room in the building was used for a school room as late as 1852. Many 
 of the timbers of the tavern were used in the construction of the present 
 building, but the outside appearance was changed. 
 
 The old well is still to be seen beside the road and was converted 
 into a monument to Dad Joe's memory, and dedication services were 
 held. The foundation stones from the barn which sheltered the old stage 
 coaches, were utilized to form a rustic curbing in which was installed 
 the old windless and chain of former days. Inserted in the back of the 
 well curb is a tablet upon which is inscribed the name "Dad Joe" and 
 the date, 1828. 
 
 The boulder was placed by the Ohio Woman's club, and is in- 
 scribed as follows: "In memory of Abraham Lincoln, who spent the 
 night of May 12, 1832 at Dad Joe Tavern. Erected by the Woman's 
 club, May 30, 1907." 
 
 Dad Joe died in 1852 in his second home in Dover Township, at 
 the age of 66 years. He and his wife are buried in the Corss cemetery 
 on the edge of the beautiful West Bureau woods. 
 
BUREAU COUNTY, ILLINOIS 
 
 35 
 
 LaMoille Memorial Cannon 
 
 (From Ohio, the tour continues east to the village of LaMoille. 
 Located in Greenfield cemetery, on the east edge of the town 
 site, is a memorial cannon, erected to honor LaMoill 
 
 war 
 
 veterans.) 
 
 Chapter 14 
 
 TN GREENFIELD cemetery, LaMoille, is a civil war naval cannon with 
 mounds of 50 cannon shells on either side. This cannon faces east 
 and is located in a part of the soldiers' and sailors' burial lot in the cem- 
 etery. This memorial is a monument to the Grand Army of the Republic 
 war veterans, and was later included as a memorial monument to all of 
 LaMoille's war veterans. Around this "Memorial Cannon" as it was 
 named, have been held many Memorial day services. 
 
 Following the Civil War, it was announced by the government to 
 all Grand Army of the Republic posts, that condemned engines of war 
 might be had by ordering them and paying the freight. There were, at 
 that time, 700 guns available. All the money necessary to pay loading, 
 freight, etc., was raised by the P. F. Hills post No. 66, Department of 
 Illinois, G. A. R. The gun cost the post around $120 including the fee of 
 $15 which was paid to a man to see that it was moved from the railroad 
 depot to the designated place in LaMoille cemetery. The government in- 
 voice which was found when the cannon was shipped to LaMoille, 
 showed the original cost to be $1,630.14, and the cost of the shells 
 $15.88 each. 
 
 On May 1, 1897, the cannon arrived in LaMoille by railroad flat- 
 
36 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS 
 
 LaMoille Memorial Cannon 
 
 car, causing quite a bit of excitement in the village. It was removed to 
 LaMoille cemetery and mounted on trunnions over a foundation of 
 masonry, and occupied a portion of the lot set aside as the soldiers' and 
 sailors' burying lot. It was then made ready for the dedication services to 
 be held Memorial day, May 30, 1897. 
 
 The gun is an 11 -inch calibre cannon, and formed a part of the 
 armament of the U. S. steamer Canadaigua. Its weight is 15,765 pounds, 
 and the length is I3V2 ^ eet - The accompanying shells, 50 in number, 
 each weigh about 135 pounds. The cannon bears the date 1862 im- 
 printed on the right side. 
 
 The U. S. steamer Canandaigua was built in New York in 1862, 
 was 955 tons, and carried 10 guns, Dahlgran pattern. During the war 
 this ship was attached to the South Atlantic squadron, covering the coast 
 of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Capt. Joe F. Green was the 
 first commander, and, under him the vessel participated in the bom- 
 bardment which led to the capture of Fort Wagner, one of the outer 
 defenses of Charleston, S. C. Capt. Gusavus Scott succeeded Captain 
 Green, and under his command the Canandaigua took part in the naval 
 operations in Charleston harbor and performed a blockade off Charles- 
 ton. 
 
 On May 28, 1897, dedication services of the cannon as a memorial 
 monument to the LaMoille war dead were held. Included at the dedica- 
 tion was group singing, a salute of three volleys fired by Co. K., and 
 taps by Sgt. Joe Knight. The veil, an American flag, was lifted by the 
 Misses Ella and Lydia Smith. The monument was presented by H. A. 
 Stanard to the post commander, G. W. Scott, who accepted and dedi- 
 cated the monument with a short speech. 
 
 Preceding the dedication services at the LaMoille cemetery, a pro- 
 gram was presented at the LaMoille Baptist church. There were 35 
 Grand Army of the Republic veterans present including the members of 
 the P. F. Hills post, and visiting comrades who turned out under the 
 escort of Co. K. After the services at the church, a parade was formed, 
 and marched to the cemetery where the dedication took place. 
 
 Although the cemetery was referred to as LaMoille cemetery during 
 the early days, it is now known as Greenfield cemetery. 
 
BUREAU COUNTY, ILLINOIS 
 
 37 
 
 Elijah Phillips Memorial 
 
 (A memo rial monument to commemorate the death of the frist 
 white man killed by Indians during the Black Hawk War, is 
 located about one and one-half mile north of the village of 
 Dover, at the entrance to the farm home of Mr. and Mrs. 
 Ralph Anson.) 
 
 Chapter 1$ 
 
 r\F SUCH STERN Fabric Was Woven the History of Bureau 
 
 County" is the final line written on the monument erected by 
 
 citizens of Bureau county to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 
 
 death of Elijah Phillips, who was killed by the Indians on June 18, 1832, 
 
 during the Black Hawk War. 
 
 This monument is perhaps one of the few better known historical 
 monuments in the county, but bears evidence to an interesting part of 
 Bureau county's history. 
 
 In the year 1832 the county was sparsely settled. Among some of 
 the early settlers was a man named John L. Ament. Ament's cabin was 
 situated in the edge of the timber, near where the Anson farm now 
 stands. It is interesting to note that there remains at this time on the 
 Anson farm, the shell of an old brick house, which was erected after the 
 log cabin home of Ament. 
 
 During the Black Hawk War, most of the settlers had gone to Hen- 
 nepin, acros the Illinois river, to avoid any Indian hostilities. However, 
 seven persons, among whom was the ill-fated Phillips, and Ament re- 
 turned to Ament's cabin to look after their stock. 
 
 Immediately to the west of his cabin was a site known by the set- 
 
38 
 
 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS 
 
 Elijah Phillips Memorial 
 
 tiers as "Big Sugar Camp" part of which was included within Ament's 
 claim. This sugar camp had been for many years a headquarters for the 
 Indians, headed by a petty chief named Meommuse. 
 
 They, and their ancestors, had made sugar here for 42 years in suc- 
 cession and were very much displeased with the white men settling so 
 close, regarding them as trespassers. History also tells that there were 
 also other grievances between Ament and the Indians. 
 
 The seven men stayed overnight in the Ament cabin, and the next 
 morning, noting there was no evidence of any Indians around, Phillips, 
 whose cabin was located nearby, decided to venture over to his log cabin 
 to do some letter writing. As he left the Ament cabin, he was ambushed 
 by Indians and killed. The other men barricaded themselves in the cabin, 
 and fought off the attack. 
 
 One of the younger men managed to ride to Hennepin and secure 
 aid from volunteers. On arriving, the volunteers found the remaining 
 five safe in the cabin, as they had not ventured out since Phillips' mur- 
 der. It is believed that Phillips' death was the first white man's death in 
 Bureau county by the Indians during the Black Hawk War. 
 
 Many years later it was discovered that Rev. James Sample and his 
 wife were also ambushed and killed by the Indians in Bureau county 
 during the Black Hawk War, but their fate was not known for many 
 years. 
 
 Thus, the story which surrounds the death of Elijah Phillips. The 
 stone monument reads as follows: "To commemorate the 100th anni- 
 versary of the death of Elijah Phillips, who came from New Hampshire 
 to Illinois in 1831 in his 21st year, and was killed by the Indians June 
 18, 1832 during the Black Hawk War. Of such stern fabric was woven 
 the history of Bureau county." 
 
BUREAU COUNTY, ILLINOIS 
 
 39 
 
 Dover Founders and Pioneers 
 
 (Located in the village of Dover is the Dover park. In this 
 park, located along the highway, stands a memorial boulder 
 placed there by descendants of Dover pioneers, in memory of 
 the pioneer hardships of the early Bureau county settlers. ) 
 
 Chapter l6 
 
 TN THE YEAR 1833 Sylvester Brigham, who with his brother, Joseph, 
 had come to Illinois earlier, filed claim to a large tract of land in 
 Dover Township. On the eastern edge of his claim Brigham laid out a 
 town site of 16 blocks, each block 20 rods square and separated by ex- 
 tremely wide streets. This was the beginning of the village of Dover, 
 inasmuch as Brigham named the town after Dover, New Hampshire, 
 from whence he came. His home, however, was in a grove two miles 
 west of Dover. 
 
 The east half of block two was dedicated to the public as a com- 
 mon, and many years afterward was graded up, set to trees and sur- 
 rounded by a fence. This is what is known as Dover park. In this park 
 there now stands a memorial boulder dedicated to the founders and pio- 
 neers of Dover and vicinity. Dedication services were held in August, 
 1925. 
 
 The east block of block 16 was set apart for a cemetery. It is inter- 
 esting to note in this cemetery that there is a short section of an Indian 
 trail which remainded undisturbed for many years except by elements. 
 This Indian trail was referred to as the Sac and Fox trail and for many 
 
40 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS 
 
 Dover Founders and Pioneers 
 
 years the Indians made it their great highway to Canada where they 
 went to get their annual supplies. This was also the guiding road for 
 many of the early immigrants who came by way of Chicago. This trail 
 was visible for about 30 feet, and it is on a slight decline of the hill, but 
 the elements have changed it over the period of years. It was not an un- 
 common sight to see hundreds of Indians on this trail at one time. The 
 last time the Indians used the trail was in 1837 when the last of the In- 
 dians were being removed from Michigan to west of the Mississippi. 
 The state road which was surveyed from Chicago to the Mississippi river 
 follows very closely the course of the old Indian trail through Naper- 
 ville, LaMoille, Dover, Princeton, on to Galesburg, and thence to the 
 river. 
 
 Dover is one of the oldest villages in Bureau county, and at one 
 time it was an important center in the county, but now is a small village. 
 It was near Dover where the Big Sugar camp was located where prior to 
 1830 the Indians had camped for 42 consecutive years. 
 
 The village of Dover is located on a beautiful piece of elevated 
 prairie land. Looking eastward, the eyes of the founder of the village 
 were greeted by the stately trees of "Lost Grove," and the groves which 
 shadowed Bureau creek beginning about one and one-half miles north of 
 Dover. 
 
 In the year 1837 Eli Lapsley platted an addition to Dover just north 
 of the Brigham plat, and it is known as Lapsley's addition. In 1856 
 Charles Ingalls laid out another addition, and on this was built the 
 Dover academy and the U. B. meeting house. This later plat is in Berlin 
 Township. The first hotel in Dover was built in 1839 on the south side 
 of the common, and this hotel was the stopping place of hundreds of 
 emigrants who were journeying towards the land of the setting sun. 
 
 In 1858 a charter was obtained, and a village organization was per- 
 fected with a board of trustees, clerk, and president of the board. 
 
 Long associated with the history of Dover, is the Dover academy 
 which is referred to many times in Bureau county history. On the eve- 
 ning of March 5, 1855, a meeting was called and a stock company was 
 formed. Articles of corporation were signed by Joseph Brigham, Joseph 
 Morrison, Melvin Keith, Dr. William Robinson, Caleb Pierce, H. I. 
 Stacy and George Clark, for the establishment of a school. There is no 
 positive record as to the exact time of the opening of the Dover academy, 
 but the probable date was the fall of 1857, as the building was in con- 
 struction during 1856 and 1857. Site of the academy was purchased from 
 Charles Ingalls and his wife for around $200. It was the first graded 
 school in the state. 
 
 At the end of 1863 the academy was closed partially because the 
 
BUREAU COUNTY, ILLINOIS 
 
 Dover Founders and Pioneers 
 
 higher grades were deserted, but a year and one-half after the Civil War 
 it was reopened in full force and continued until the spring of 1867. 
 Princeton high school was opened in the fall of 1867 and likewise other 
 schools in the county became graded and thus the first period of the 
 academy history came to a close. 
 
 In September, 1876, the new academy life began, after a third story 
 was added and the building was also used as a hall for public meetings. 
 
 In 1901 the building passed into the hands of the American Con- 
 gregational Deaconess association, and became known as the Dover 
 home. This building burned in 1919 and upon the beautiful campus of 
 the old Dover Academy was built an all modern two room school with 
 separate library room and a full basement. This building was dedicated 
 in 1923. 
 
 The Dover Congregational church, one of the oldest churches in the 
 county, was organized on March 24, 1838. It was an "off-shoot" of the 
 Hampshire Colony Congregational church at Princeton, nine persons tak- 
 ing letters from the church in Princeton to establish the Dover church. 
 
42 
 
 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS 
 
 Cherry Mine Disaster Memorial 
 
 (The village of Cherry is located in the eastern part of Bureau 
 county. Located in the Holy Trinity Miners' Memorial cemetery 
 on the outskirts of the village of Cherry stands a simple shaft of 
 granite, a memorial monument erected as a lasting tribute to the 
 miner herpes who perished Nov. 13, 1909.) 
 
 Chapter 1J 
 
 H^HE POLISHED granite shaft located in the Holy Trinity Miners' 
 
 Memorial cemetery is dedicated to the memory of the 256 miners 
 who perished on Nov. 13, 1909 in the holocaust at the Cherry mine. 
 This memorial statute was unveiled in the little village cemetery on Nov. 
 13, 1911, the second anniversary of the tragedy. 
 
 Any attempt on my part to tell about the famous Cherry mine dis- 
 aster would be futile, inasmuch as it has been retold many times, and has 
 become a familiar part of Bureau county history. However, I shall tell 
 about the memorial statute which stands today in the cemetery. 
 
 The Cherry monument, as it is oftentimes referred to, was erected 
 by the miners of Illinois at a cost of $2,500 which amount was raised by- 
 popular subscription. It stands on the line between the Catholic and 
 Protestant divisions of the graveyard, a fitting tribute. The monument is 
 14 feet high and is considered a beautiful work of art. 
 
 Perhaps the most appealing part of the statute is the engraved fig- 
 ure of a bending woman, bearing the burial wreath, for the miners who 
 
BUREAU COUNTY, ILLINOIS 43 
 
 Cherry Mine Disaster Memorial 
 
 lost their lives in the Cherry mine disaster. 
 
 Few were the families in the village that did not unwillingly con- 
 tribute that fateful afternoon to the number of victims of the disaster. 
 
 Memorial services in which 1,200 people participated were con- 
 ducted in connection with the unveiling exercises, under the direction of 
 officers of the United Mine Workers of Illinois. 
 
 Prominent among those who gathered to honor the deceased miners 
 were the 20 heroes, who were rescued alive from the burning mine after 
 being entombed for a period of eight days. They were seated upon the 
 speakers' platform as the veil was lifted from the monument. A little 
 daughter of one of the mine victims pulled the cord which released the 
 draperies and disclosed the monument in all its simple grace and beauty. 
 
 Many prominent speakers were at the dedication services, included 
 among whom were officers of the United Mine Workers. Memorial serv- 
 ices followed the dedication. The services were held in four sections on 
 account of the large throng which had gathered for the occasion. A pro- 
 gram of music and addresses was presented, with speeches being made 
 in several different languages, the crowd being divided according to 
 racial origin. 
 
 After the fire in the mine had been extinguished, which was not 
 until the following April after the disaster on Nov. 13, 1909, the St. Paul 
 Coal company began the expensive and laborious task of unearthing the 
 dead bodies, providing appropriate burial, indemnifying the widows, and 
 fitting the mine for future service. The American people contributed a 
 relief fund of nearly $320,000, and of this amount $100,000 was gen- 
 erously voted by the legislature of the state of Illinois. 
 
 As a fitting tribute to the memory and heroism of their deceased 
 comrades in toil, Nov. 13 has been set apart by the Illinois miners as a 
 day of memorial. 
 
 Engraved on the front of the monument, above the bending head of 
 the bereaved woman are inscribed these words: "To the memory of the 
 miners who lost their lives in the Cherry mine disaster, Nov. 13, 1909." 
 Erected by the U. M. W. District No. 12, Illinois, Nov. 13, 1911. 
 
44 
 
 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS 
 
 Coal Hollow — Early Mining Settlement 
 
 (A valley located east of Princeton on U . S. route 6, marks the 
 site of Coal Hollow, at one time a thriving coal mining com- 
 munity. Located on a bluff overlooking Coal Hollow is a 
 memorial stone dedicated to the pioneers of this early mining 
 settlement.) 
 
 Chapter l8 
 
 "p\ID YOU KNOW that Coal Hollow was at one time a thriving com- 
 munity, with 13 coal mines which supplied Princeton and surround- 
 ing area with fuel ? Did you also know, that the now practically deserted 
 area contained 50 homes, a general store, church, Odd Fellows Hall, and 
 numerous other buildings? This once thriving community now has only 
 a smattering of houses located in the valley, the remnants of a coal min- 
 ing community. 
 
 A marker to the memory of several of the early settlers of Coal Hol- 
 low, located five miles east of Princeton, has been set up on a bluff over- 
 looking the East Bureau creek valley, the site of the coal mining district 
 which supplied most of Bureau county with fuel in the early days. 
 
 This marker is located on an elevation, and from the top of the hill, 
 a fine view of the site of the entire community is afforded. The marker 
 was erected by the late James Fletcher, who for many years, was Bureau 
 county clerk, and Joseph and Jim Smith, who lived near the family home- 
 stead. It was erected in memory of their fathers and mothers, Harry 
 
BUREAU COUNTY, ILLINOIS 45 
 
 Coal Hollow — Early Mining Settlement 
 
 Fletcher and Mrs. Hanna Beckler Fletcher, William Smith and his wife, 
 Anne Fletcher Smith. 
 
 These early settlers located at Coal Hollow shortly after the Civil 
 War where they assisted in opening up a mining field that at one time 
 boasted 13 coal mines. Built up around them was a community of 50 
 homes, being the largest coal mining camp in this part of the country at 
 that time. 
 
 This coal field was actively operated during its existence and fur- 
 nished the coal supply for practically all of Princeton and nearby towns. 
 Scores of teamsters were used to convey the coal, until the state-wide 
 commercial mines located along the railroads were developed in eastern 
 Bureau county, at Ladd, Seatonville, and Spring Valley. 
 
 Coal Hollow was the site of the well-known "House That Jack 
 Built," which for years served as a trading post and general merchandise 
 store. In the early days Coal Hollow was a lively place, and became 
 known as somewhat of a trading center. Many celebrations were held 
 there, but the residents were specially noted for their big Fourth of July 
 celebrations. 
 
 Besides the residences in the town there were many other buildings 
 such as the Baptist church, Odd Fellows hall, Burman boarding house, 
 and the Shabbona school. There were also boarding houses operated by 
 Mrs. Fletcher, William Smith, and Selby Smith. 
 
 A number of residents of the community took an active part in 
 local and county politics and also in some of the official religious and 
 civic organizations of the county. Many of the descendants of these pio- 
 neers still live in the community and in nearby towns. 
 
 The men who owned mines at Coal Hollow at one time included 
 Harry Fletcher, Joe Fletcher, William Smith, George Heathcock, Nickols, 
 Ridley and Jackson, Andy and John Walton, William Bowen, Selby 
 Smith, Charles Birchell, Jack Hill, the man who built "The House That 
 Jack Built," William Harrington, Norton Nichols, J. H. Delano, whose 
 home was at Princeton, and Amos Douglas. 
 
 The memorial boulder was dedicated in October, 1936, at which 
 time dedication services were held. The memorial stone with a bronze 
 plaque bears this inscription, "In honor of Harry Fletcher and his wife 
 Hannah Beckley Fletcher, William Smith, and wife, Ann Fletcher Smith, 
 who came from England in I860 and were pioneers in the coal industry 
 here — Coal Hollow. Erected by Fletcher and Smith relatives, 1936." 
 
 Located directly behind the memorial stone boulder is a wooden 
 shaft which bears these words, "Harry and Joe Fletcher, Ann Smith, 
 Elizabeth Vane, Maria Heathcock, Alice Glover, Mary Ann Wonders, 
 all sisters of Harry and Joe Fletcher." 
 
46 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS 
 
 Owen Lovejoy Shrine 
 
 (The Owen Lovejoy home and "Underground Station" is 
 located on the east edge of the city of Princeton, on U. S. 
 Route 6.) 
 
 Chapter 1Q 
 
 HPHE NAME of Owen Lovejoy is well known, not only in Bureau 
 county, and the state of Illinois, but in the entire United States. 
 This firey abolitionist, minister, teacher, and statesman was known far 
 and wide for aiding the escape of the slaves from the southland to Can- 
 ada, where they had complete freedom from the bonds of slavery. 
 
 Owen Lovejoy came to Princeton in 1838, and within a short time 
 became the minister of the Hampshire Colony Congregational church. 
 In 1841 he was united in marriage to Eunice Storrs Denham, a young 
 widow with three daughters. The Lovejoys subsequently had six children 
 of their own. The Denham home was a large house, with several addi- 
 tions, being the same house which is now referred to as the Lovejoy 
 Homestead. The house is a two-story frame dwelling, with 15 rooms, 
 nine downstairs and six upstairs. There are also narrow halls and several 
 closets, one large one in particular, where it is said that Lovejoy hid 
 runaway slaves while they were in his "Underground Station" awaiting 
 further transportation on their way to freedom. 
 
 Lovejoy died in 1864 and his widow continued to live in the Love- 
 joy homestead until her death in 1899. Upon Mrs. Lovejoy's death, the 
 daughter, Mary B. Denham's share in the estate, was the plot of land 
 upon which the homestead stood. Miss Denham continued to live in 
 
BUREAU COUNTY, ILLINOIS 
 
 47 
 
 Owen Lovejoy Shrine 
 
 the old home, and her half-brother, Elijah Parish Lovejoy and his family 
 made their home with her. 
 
 A modern residence was constructed some years later, and they 
 moved into this house, the "old house" standing deserted and vacant 
 for many years. 
 
 The house and grounds have changed hands several times since the 
 Lovejoy possesion, and they now belong to Mr. and Mrs. O. B. Johnson, 
 Princeton, formerly of Seneca. 
 
 
 
 BUREAU COUNTY COURT HOUSE 
 
 1860-1936 
 
 The engraving above is of the second court house in 
 
 Bureau County. This building was partially razed in 
 
 1936 to make way for the present modern edifice. 
 
48 
 
 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS 
 
BUREAU COUNTY, ILLINOIS 49 
 
 Chapter 20 
 
 Princeton High School 
 
 r T"'HE HISTORY of Princeton Township High school is a long and 
 colorful one, and one of which the city, county and also the state, 
 are justifiably proud. In 1866, a committee was appointed to investi- 
 gate the need of an educational system. At a special town meeting called 
 for the purpose the idea of a township high school was put before the 
 people. It was proposed to form the township into one district. On 
 April 23, 1866, Dr. F. Bascom, John H. Bryant, and Jacob Christzman 
 were chosen as a board of directors, and the present site was decided upon 
 after some discussion. It was determined finally to erect the school 
 building in Block one of Farnham's addition. 
 
 A charter for the high school was drawn up by George O. Ide, and 
 was sent to Springfield where it was passed with no opposition by the 
 Illinois General assembly, January, 1867. 
 
 Plans for the building were submitted by two men, with James R. 
 Meriam, Chicago, being awarded the contract as architect and construc- 
 tion superintendent. On June 11, 1866, the contract for the building 
 was let at a cost of $45,249, the building to be completed and ready for 
 use by June 1, 1867. Entire cost of the school building, including furni- 
 ture, was about $60,000. It was opened in September, 1867, with 130 
 pupils. 
 
 The money was raised by the sale of township bonds, some of which 
 were sold here, some were taken by the contractors, while others were 
 taken by John H. Bryant to New York, where, with the assistance of 
 William Cullen Bryant, the poet, he raised $30,000. All these bonds 
 were redeemed as they fell due. One year the sum of $20,000 was raised. 
 
 There were no ceremonies connected with the laying of the corner 
 stone. The building was dedicated Aug. 27, 1867, being a five story 
 brick building. In June, 1870, the first commencement was held, with 
 15 in the graduating class. 
 
 During the year 1892 the fifth floor was condemned as unsafe, 
 but nothing was done about it at that time. In 1894 the entire fifth floor 
 was removed and fountains were installed. 
 
 In 1908 the building was again enlarged to accommodate an in- 
 crease in enrollment. The east wing, a boys' gymnasium, a girls' gym- 
 nasium, and new equipment were added. 
 
 Again, this time in 1922, the building was overhauled and agricul- 
 
50 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS 
 
 Princeton High School 
 
 ture and home economics were added to the curricular schedule. The 
 property located at 428 East Crown street was purchased to provide for 
 the sewing classes. 
 
 On Dec. 15, 1924, came the fire which completely destroyed this 
 first high school building. The fire, of unknown origin, was a total 
 loss, not only in that everything in the building was destroyed, but the 
 fact that all the records of students who had graduated, paintings and 
 statutes, the 1,800 library books, museum of natural history, containing 
 fine collections of birds and insects, were all destroyed. 
 
 Work was begun at once on the new school building, and the pres- 
 ent building, when construtced cost $350,000. This building was dedi- 
 cated Nov. 25, 1926. 
 
 Upon completion of the building, the athletic field was fenced and 
 improved and re-named "Bryant Field" in honor of John Howard Bry- 
 ant, pioneer educator, and the members of the Bryant family who have 
 long been associated with the board of education of the high school. 
 New Bryant field was dedicated Nov. 11, 1930 at special Armistice day 
 exercises held in conjunction with the Princeton Post, No. 125, Amer- 
 ican Legion, preceding a football game. 
 
 John W. Bailey I, the first of three generations of the Bailey family 
 to serve as publisher of The Bureau County Republican, made a 
 significant contribution to creation of the township high school by 
 awakening public attention and interest in a free public high school where 
 as he said "the humblest lad in the land might be fully equipped for all 
 the duties of citizenship ..." 
 
BUREAU COUNTY, ILLINOIS 
 
 51 
 
 Darius Miller Park 
 
 (Located at the north end of the city of Princeton, near the 
 C. B. & Q. depot, there stands a boulder, a memorial stone, 
 dedicating a park formerly known as Railroad park, to Darius 
 Miller. The park is now known as the Darius P. Miller Memor- 
 ial park.) 
 
 Chapter 21 
 
 TAARIUS P. MILLER, a native son of Princeton, achieved fame by 
 becoming president of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy railroad. 
 He was born in Princeton, April 3, 1859, and received his education in 
 Princeton high school, but before graduation, took a position in a law 
 office in Morris. 
 
 He then entered service as a freight clerk and stenographer in the 
 general freight office of the Michigan-Central railroad in 1877, which 
 position he held from November, 1877 until June, 1880. He then be- 
 came a clerk in the freight office of the St. Louis, Iron Mountain, and 
 Southern railways ; chief clerk of the Memphis and Little Rock railroad ; 
 general freight and ticket agent of the same road ; general freight and 
 passenger agent of the St. Louis, Arkansas and Texas; traffic manager 
 of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas railway; vice president of the same 
 road; then became second vice president of the Great Northern railroad, 
 and finally on Jan. 1, became first vice president of the Chicago, Burl- 
 ington and Quincy railroad. 
 
52 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS 
 
 Darius Miller Park 
 
 From the position of first vice president of this railroad, he rose 
 to president in 1910, which position he held until his death. 
 
 Mr. Miller was exceedingly proud of his "hometown" of Princeton, 
 and through his efforts, many improvements and services were made 
 available to the city. 
 
 Railroad park was a plot of ground containing a fraction more 
 than an acre, abutting the Burlington tracks on the west side of North 
 Main street, an eyesore to the city, and at one time, was a low marshy 
 tract, filled with debris. In later years, it was graded to a certain extent 
 and improved. It was not an attracive sight to travelers on the railroad, 
 and their first impression of the "city of elms," was far from good. 
 
 This park had been under a lease to the city by the railroad, but 
 because of the uncertain tenure, the city never felt justified in making 
 any improvements. Prior to 1926, the city made some efforts to persuade 
 the Burlington officials to donate the park, but nothing was accomplished 
 until 1926 when a movement was started to pave several streets in the 
 North end business district, including Long street, from Main street to 
 the depot. 
 
 Conferences were then held with Burlington officials by a commit- 
 tee from the Princeton Booster club, headed by the late H. H. Priestley. 
 During the conference, the late Mayor Thomas P. Gunning suggested 
 that the railroad company donate the park to the city as a memorial to 
 the late Darius Miller, for many years president of the Burlington sys- 
 tem, and a Princeton native, the city in turn to assume the cost of the 
 pavement and other improvements around the park, estimated at about 
 SI, 800. 
 
 This proved satisfactory to the Burlington railroad, and in the year 
 1929, with no fanfare whatsoever, the C. B. & Q. railroad deeded this 
 plot of ground to the city of Princeton. This deed, which is on file in the 
 county circuit clerk's office, was dated July 6, 1929, and conveyed the 
 premises to the city to be used for park purposes only, and to revert to 
 the railroad upon cessation of such. 
 
 Also among the historical files regarding the park conveyance, is 
 the note that the park was donated to the city under an agreement by 
 which the council was to grade and improve it and erect a suitable 
 memorial to Darius P. Miller. 
 
 The stone boulder which is now placed in the southeast corner of 
 the park was brought from Manlius, and erected on its present site by 
 the late E. Jack Best and H. F. Morrison. The bronze plaque on the 
 boulder designates the park as the Darius P. Miller Memorial park. A 
 cannon was also located in the park but was scrapped during the war 
 years of World War II. 
 
BUREAU COUNTY, ILLINOIS 
 
 53 
 
 Bureau County Historical Museum 
 
 WW 
 
 (Located in the city of Princeton, on the west edge of the Court 
 House square is the Bureau County Historical museum. This 
 museum and its contents are truly one of the finest in the State 
 of Illinois. One can browse through the museum' s four floors, 
 reviving many memories of an era long past. No one interested 
 in the history of Bureau county, and accompanying generations, 
 should miss a tour through this very fine museum.) 
 
 Chapter 22 
 
 "DUREAU COUNTY'S Historical museum is housed in one of Prince- 
 ton's famous old homes, the residence of the late S. P. Clark, and 
 the late Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Norris. Every room is utilized, with care- 
 taker's quarters adjoining. The Clark-Norris home is a perfect setting 
 for the many museum articles, and provides a background comparable to 
 historical items of rare value. 
 
 Four floors of the house are used. The main floor contains the re- 
 ception room, where one may find Craftguild articles for sale, the office, 
 and the library room where old books, newspapers, files, maps, etc., are 
 kept. On the east porch is located the Indian room with one end of the 
 porch made into a typical Indian camp, with a genuine Indian tepee set 
 among a natural setting. A collection of Indian relics collected by Clark 
 Janes is also on display. On one wall is an oil painting of Starved Rock 
 by Julian Bryant, son of Arthur Bryant I, painted between 1857-61. 
 Donor was Arthur Bryant III. Also in the Indian room is a full case of 
 fossils from Bureau county, showing it to be an inland sea centuries ago. 
 
 To the left of the reception room is the former dining room of the 
 
54 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS 
 
 Bureau County Historical Museum 
 
 Clark-Norris home and is now known as the china room. On display 
 are collections of old pieces of china, crystal, silver, pewter, some of 
 which bears marks of the settlers "robbing" their pewterware to make 
 bullets. Among the types of china are Haviland, Wedgewood, Stafford- 
 shire, Benningtonware, Bavarian china, English, German, and some 
 Italian pieces, all collector's items. An interesting item on display is a 
 piece of milk glass of the blackberry pattern, which is supposed to be 
 the first milk glass pattern. There is also a display of ironstone china. 
 
 The second floor has a different display in each room. To the left 
 of the stairs is the music room, containing many historic items, such as 
 four organs, one from the Hazen family, piano, melodian, two Edison 
 home phonographs, accordian type organ, zither, flute and a violin used 
 by the first vender of petroleum in Bureau county, Rip Buchanan, and 
 when the county residents heard Rip playing on his bugle, they knew his 
 wagon was approaching and his "red kerosene" was for sale. Bugle donor 
 was Leon Oakford. Also housed in the music room is a clock over 200 
 years old with wooden works, given by J. C. Field. 
 
 The next room to the left is the war room, which contains many 
 relics of past conflagrations. On the east wall hangs a large flag, bearing 
 36 stars, the last star being put on when Nevada was admitted to the 
 Union in 1864. This flag hung over the road at Limerick. In front of 
 the flag is the Limerick band drum. Included among some of the items 
 are a Revoluntionary war sword, uniforms from Civil War, Spanish- 
 American War, World War I and a nurse's army cape and hat of World 
 War II. There are Civil War guns, one Confederate gun, Owen Lovejoy's 
 sword, a German burp-gun from World War II, and many medals and 
 badges. There is also a drummer boy uniform. Included in the war room 
 is a photostatic copy of a letter from Abraham Lincoln to John H. Bry- 
 ant in connection with puting up a monument to the memory of Owen 
 Lovejoy. This letter bears date of 1864 and was donated by George H. 
 Bohman. 
 
 At the top of the stairs, one is greeted by the fan and hat room. 
 On display are many beautiful fans, made from colorful ostrich plumes, 
 and elaborate ladies' hats of an era gone-by. Also in glass cases on dis- 
 play is a fine collection of antique jewelry, beaded bags, combs, paisley 
 shawls, and an intriguing display of hat-pins, all very colorful, each aver- 
 aging around 10 inches long. 
 
 Adjoining the fan room is what is known as the "handwork room" 
 with a wonderful handmade castle, with appropriate background, mount- 
 ed in a glass case. This castle was made by Lorenz Gross and was mod- 
 
BUREAU COUNTY, ILLINOIS 55 
 
 Bureau County Historical Museum 
 
 eled after a castle on the Rhine which he saw when in Germany as a 
 young man. The infinite detail work on the castle shows a labor of 
 minute detail and skill. Included in the setting are miniature figures of 
 people, church, and small outbuildings. Truly, this is a work of art. 
 Other items in this room are the hand woven coverlets, baskets, spin- 
 ning wheel, boots, shoes, and skates. 
 
 Also on the second floor is the wedding gown room, showing what 
 the well-dressed bride of the 187()'s and other years, was wearing for her 
 wedding. Such elaborate details work is shown on the brocade coat, made 
 90 years ago, imported rosepoint lace, plaid taffeta, all with many ruf- 
 fles and frills. A black lace dress, belonging to Miss Grace Farwell's 
 mother, is on display, made of a type of lace not now found. A beauti- 
 ful silk and wool wedding dress belonging to the late Mary Dunbar 
 Ferris is also in display. Other items include bustles, hoop skirts, night 
 caps, and baptismal dresses. 
 
 The third floor of the museum has been made to represent an en- 
 tire house of the past. This includes a combination kitchen, dining room, 
 living room, children's room, and bedroom. The living room has such 
 items as an organ over 100 years old, marble top table, kerosene lamps, 
 a desk of date 1854, and a chest made of cherry in the year 1836. Seated 
 at the organ is a dummy dressed like a lady wearing a merino silk gown 
 which belonged to the late Mrs. Nancy Kitterman More, Tiskilwa. 
 
 The kitchen has a brick fireplace with a crane and kettles hanging 
 over the logs, and a large buffalo rug in front. The many cooking and 
 household items which were used, in comparison to present-day effic- 
 iency cooking utensils, must have made getting a meal a long arduous 
 task. In the bedroom is a walnut trundle bed, with the cord springs, 
 straw matresses and hand woven coverlet. There is a wash stand from 
 the home of the late Miss Grace Bryant, and a wash set belonging to 
 the late Mrs. Norris. The dresser has a pincushion on it which is 150 
 years old, and a colonial rug is on the floor. There are also on display 
 sewing machines, one bearing date 1857, two with the foot-shape treadle, 
 and a hand sewing machine. 
 
 The children's room is a fascinating place, with many beautiful 
 dolls, doll dishes, clothing, beds, and buggies. One doll is 120 years old, 
 being used by four generations, and another doll belonged to Mrs. Nor- 
 ris which was given to her when she was a youngster by Mrs. Ulysses 
 Grant, who also made the doll clothes. It bears date of around 1872-76. 
 
 The museum basement contains many articles, being some of the 
 larger things. There is a loom brought from Sweden in 1864; one of the 
 first vacuum cleaners; four types of corn planters; various farm imple- 
 
56 
 
 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS 
 
 Bureau County Historical Museum 
 
 ments; a threshing machine made by the late S. P. Clark, made to han- 
 dle "headed" grain, bat not full stalks of straw; kitchen range, side sad- 
 dles, oxen yoke, an English bicycle, and many sleigh bells. There are two 
 buggies, the oldest one dating back to 1854, and a surrey with the fringe 
 on top, which came from the Gunning family in Neponset. Also in the 
 basement is an old-fashioned wheel chair, a twin baby buggy over 100 
 years old, bellows from a blacksmithy, wooden hay forks, cultivator, and 
 a parlor stove which could be used for heating or baking. 
 
 The Bureau County Historical society museum was first kept in the 
 basement of the court house, the room being dedicated in 1938. Upon 
 the death of Mrs. Alfred Norris, the museum was moved into the Norris 
 home just before Christmas in 1948. Through the generosity of Mrs. 
 Norris, this home was bequeathed to the society as a museum. 
 
 PUBLISHED BY THE 
 
 IUREAU COUNTY REPUBLICAN 
 
 PRINCETON, ILLINOIS