"L I B R.AR.Y 
 
 OF THE 
 U N I VER.S ITY 
 or ILLINOIS 
 
 977.35a 
 
 I^t. \4vsto>f^ SovvJey
 
 / 
 
 -y
 
 Joseph Stevens. 
 
 THE FIRST SETTLER OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 [NOW LIVING.]
 
 HISTO RY 
 
 OF 
 
 Macon County, 
 
 ILLINOIS 
 
 FROM ITS ORGANIZATION TO 1876. 
 
 B Y 
 
 JOHN W. SMITH, ESQ 
 
 OF THE M^COX COINTY BAR. 
 
 SPRINGFIELD : 
 
 rokkkr's printing house. 
 
 187«.
 
 Respectfully Dedicated 
 
 TO THE 
 
 Pioneers of Macon Coitnt^', 
 
 BY THE author.
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Chapter I. — Illinois. — The Indians; Discovery of Illinois; Its 
 Settlements; Its Government under the French, English, Cana- 
 dians, Virginians, United States Government, Northwestern Ter- 
 ritory, Indiana Territory, Illinois Territory, and State Organiza- 
 tion. 
 
 Chapter II. — ]\Iacon County. — Its Organization; Original 
 and present boundai-ies; Location of Count}' Seat; Comparative 
 advantages of County in location, public sentiment, intelligence, 
 business, etc.; Its settlement: where made, drawbacks, fencing, 
 speculators, markets, ague, etc., etc. 
 
 Chapter III. — County Officer s . — County Commissioners' Court; 
 County Court; Board of Supervisors; Judges of Circuit Court; 
 Judges of County Court; State's Attorneys; Masters in Chancery; 
 Circuit Clerks; County Clerks; County Treasurers; Sheriffs; 
 Circuit Courts; Character of first cases; Early Juries; Attorneys; 
 Biographical sketches of all county officers from organization of 
 the county, etc. 
 
 Chapter IV. — Record of the County in the Black Hawk war, 
 Mexican war, and Late war; Principal engagements each Com- 
 pany and Regiment participated in; Names of all who enlisted 
 from Macon County, dates of enlistment, discharge, and if killed 
 or wounded, when and where, etc. 
 
 Chapter V. — Incidents connected with the Early History of 
 the County; Deep vSnow; Sudden Change; Hard trials and 
 tribulations of pioneer life; Games; Amusements; Bee Hunt- 
 ing, Deer Hunting, etc., etc. 
 
 ^ ^ 3 , 
 
 ^ O^^A
 
 xV CONTEXTS. 
 
 Chapter VL — Churches of the County: Methodist, Presby- 
 terian, etc.; When Organized; Respective Pastors; Present con- 
 dition, statistics, etc.; Sunday Schools: when organized, statistics, 
 etc. 
 
 Chapter VII. — Our Manufactures, Improvements, Raih-oads, 
 Agriculture, and Present Status of Each. 
 
 Chapter VIII. — Our Cities, Tov^^ns and Milages: Decatur, 
 Maroa, Macon, etc.; Officers of Each. 
 
 Chapter IX. — Our Educational Interests; Earlv Schools; Ye 
 Olde Schoolmaster; Early jVIethods of Teaching; School-houses 
 and furniture; Comparison of Past and Present Educational 
 Facilities; School Statistics, etc. 
 
 Chapter X. — Biographical Sketches of Early Settlers who 
 came here prior to 1836, and their families, up to the Present 
 time; Births, Marriages, Deaths, etc.
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 In the presentation to the public of a History of Macon county, 
 the author feels that it is incumbent on him to make a few state- 
 ments, partly by way of apology, and partly by way of explana- 
 tion. He admits, in the outstart, that the work is by no means 
 perfect, for the expectations of a remuneration for the time and 
 labor necessary to be employed in its preparation have not been such 
 as to justify him in devoting the time requisite for a more 
 perfect work. In fact, the time and labor actually expended have 
 been such as the author could illy afford to take from the business 
 of his profession, however much pleasure it might have afforded 
 him in other situations in life. The necessity of an accurate and 
 authentic History of Macon County, from the organization to the 
 present time, no one will probably deny. Fifty years hence that 
 demand will be much more keenly felt. This being the Centen- 
 nial year of the nation's history, a somewhat general interest has 
 pervaded the public mind in reference thereto, which has awakened 
 a kindred feeling, to some extent, regarding our more local affairs. 
 In the Eastern States many counties, cities, towns, and even fami- 
 lies, have their histories in book form, which are kept complete, 
 and to which the interested turn with pride and satisfaction. 
 Though over half a century has passed since the earliest settle- 
 ments were made within the present limits of the county, scarcely
 
 VI PREFACE. 
 
 a page has ever been written and embodied in book form, by 
 which might be preserved, to some extent at least, the trials and 
 incidents connected with Macon county pioneer life. It is already 
 too late to make a complete and authentic record of these events. 
 Many of the early settlers have long since passed away. 
 Many others have moved to other localities, and thence to still 
 others, and all trace of them is lost. The first settler, now livinsr 
 within the county, and whose portrait forms the frontispiece of 
 this work, is almost on the verge of the grave. His physical and 
 mental organizations are enfeebled, insomuch that he is unable to 
 give an accurate account of his own family. The second settler in 
 order, who purchased the first tract of land in the present limits of 
 the county, has just removed to Kansas, leaving but one male rep- 
 resentative of his family behind him. On the county records are 
 found names of persons who participated in the early affairs of the 
 county, of whom, after diligent inquiry, absolutely nothing can be 
 ascertained. In the preparation of the family history of many 
 of the pioneers, much difficulty has been experienced. Much of 
 the information obtained in this regard is inaccurate; and especially 
 so in reference to dates. Many large and influential families have 
 been met with that have no written family record of the births, 
 deaths and marriages of their individual members. Many others 
 who were here, and took part in the scenes and prominent inci- 
 dents connected with the early development of the county, can 
 give from memory no accurate information as to dates. They may 
 remember that the particular object of inquiry took place a few 
 years before, or a few years after, the " deep snow, " but when 
 that was, to save their lives they cannot tell. 
 
 Yet, with the materials at command, the author has endeavored, 
 as near as possible, to be accurate. It is hoped that all matter 
 herein contained, from the county and city records, will be found 
 substantially correct. The record of those who participated in the 
 Black Hawk and Mexican wars has been taken from the muster
 
 PREFACE. Vll 
 
 rolls, and, of course, is reliable. The history of the participants 
 in the late war, in which an attempt has been made to give the 
 dates of enlistment, death, discharge, mustering out, etc., of 
 those who enlisted from Macon county, has been taken from the 
 Adjutant General's reports, and verified, as far as possible, by the 
 recollection of members of the different companies in the various 
 regfiments. Of course no effort has been made to include in this 
 work anything relating to those who are now residents, who 
 enlisted from other counties or States, or of those who were then 
 residents of this countv, but were accredited to other counties or 
 States. The war record has been made as full, complete and 
 accurate as possible, so as to place in the hands of each who desires 
 it, the personal record of all who engaged in the suppression of 
 the rebellion who are accredited to this county. No tangible 
 record of this kind exists, except the Adjutant General's reports, 
 and they constitute eight large volumes, and are not suitable or 
 designed for general circulation. 
 
 That part of this book devoted to incidents connected with the 
 early history of the county, such as the " Deep Snow," " Sudden 
 Change," " Hardships and Trials of Pioneer Life," etc., etc., has 
 been prepared from the recollection of those who were witnesses 
 and participants, and it is believed, \vill be found, in the main, a 
 faithful portrayal, though by no means as exhaustive as it might be. 
 
 The author acknowledges with gratitude the assistance ren- 
 dered by many of the early settlers, without which he would have 
 failed in many important particulars. No effort has been made, 
 whatever, at rhetorical embellishment; but on the contrary, sim- 
 plicity has been sought to be attained. 
 
 It is hoped, therefore, that the public will, to some extent, 
 appreciate and lend their assistance to this, the first feeble effort 
 made to place in a permanent form the early history of the county, 
 and overlook what imperfections and deficiencies mav be found 
 herein.
 
 MEMORIAL LINES 
 
 Hallowed mem'ries cluster round 
 On the consecrated ground 
 
 Where we tread; 
 Of the pioneers who came, 
 Battling for a home and name, 
 
 All are dead. 
 
 Savage yell, nor howling storms. 
 Famine's pangs, nor war's alarms. 
 
 Drove them hence. 
 Here the native log they hewed; 
 Here with strength and grace imbued; 
 
 Men of sense 
 
 Gathered 'round the cheerful blaze, 
 Telling tales of childhood's days — 
 
 Here they sat. 
 With contentment and hard " pokes," 
 Here they told the old-time jokes. 
 
 This and that. 
 
 Roughened hand and sunburned face 
 Mingled here with rustic grace, 
 
 In the dance: 
 Gentle grew the manly tone, 
 While the eyes that youthful shone 
 
 Looked askance; 
 
 And the eye of beauty fell 
 
 With the tale which all must tell,
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Soon or late. 
 Since in Eden Adam loved, 
 Time has always fully proved 
 
 'Tis man's fate. 
 
 Here, vs^ith I'ev'rent feet they trod, 
 As the pioneer of God 
 
 Read the Word. 
 Simple was the style, and rude. 
 With the grace of being good — 
 
 So they heard. 
 
 In this quiet, lonely spot. 
 May have stood a home forgot 
 
 By all on earth. 
 Not a trace of it to-day — 
 Time has spirited away 
 
 All its mirth. 
 
 In those quiet, silent graves. 
 Yonder where the river laves. 
 
 With its breast 
 Laden with the wildwood's bloom- 
 Peaceful in each silent tomb. 
 
 Low they rest. 
 
 Solemn stillness reigns supreme, 
 And the clouds e'en silent seem 
 
 In the skies. 
 So we stand with bending: head 
 In the presence of the dead. 
 
 With sad eyes. 
 
 As the breezes glide along. 
 Whispering an angel's song, 
 
 With hearts moved, 
 Here all silently we stand. 
 Clasping with our spirit hand 
 
 Those we loved. 
 
 M. L. Cain. 
 
 Decatur, December 19, 1876. 
 — 2
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 ILLINOIS. 
 
 THE INDIANS. 
 
 No authentic history of the successive tribes of Indians occupy- 
 ing the hmits of the present State of IlHnois has ever been written. 
 What vv^e have on the subject is largely founded on tradition and 
 conjecture. Perhaps the Algonquins were the first that occupied 
 that portion of the country, as far back as we have any authentic 
 account. The Illinois Indiafis, or Illinois Confederacy^ which 
 was of Algonquin lineage, about the middle of the seventeenth 
 century occupied the country southwest of Lake Michigan, extend- 
 ing down the Illinois river, and to the mouth of the Ohio. They 
 were known as the " Ulini," or " Illinois," and it is to them wc 
 owe the name of our State and of our principal river. The origi- 
 nal signification of the word Illini is " real men," or "superior 
 men," and of course is attributable to the characteristics of the 
 Indians bearing that name. This confederation was composed of 
 five tribes: the Tamaroas, Michagamies, Kaskaskies, Cahokies, 
 and Peorias. Towards the close of the seventeenth century the 
 Illinois Confederation was driven southward by a more hostile 
 tribe from the north, and the greater portion of their territory 
 passed into the possession of the Potto-jootamies. This nation is 
 said to have been the greatest, most warlike and hostile of modern 
 times, and extended throughout the greater portion of Illinois, 
 Michigan, Wisconsin and Indiana. The Piankashaxvs were in 
 possession of the entire portion of the State along the Wabash. 
 The Winnebagoes — "Having an ancient, fishy smell," — were
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. II 
 
 occupants of the Rock River country. From tradition we learn 
 that this tribe came from the west, and had a language entirely 
 dissimilar to all other tribes. In 1763 the Kickafoos occwpied the 
 country scnithwest of the southern extremity of Lake Michigan. 
 At a later day they emigrated southward, and were in the posses- 
 sion of the territory along the Mackinaw and the Sangamon rivers. 
 They were the immediate predecessors of the white man on the 
 territory of the present Macon county, and are said to have been 
 "more civilized, industrious, energetic, and cleanly" than their 
 neighboring tribes, but were the most implacable and inveterate 
 haters of the white people. It was this tribe that led in the fierce 
 charges at Tippecanoe, and was conspicuous in many of the bloodv 
 hostilities of the northwest. When they were finally overcome, 
 they refused longer to live within the limits of the United States, 
 and removed to Texas, then a province of Mexico. The Sacs and 
 Foxes lived in the northwest part of the State, in the vicinity of 
 Rock Island. They were formerly from the neighborhood of 
 Quebec, and were driven west by the Iroquois, and took a con- 
 spicuous part, with the Pottowotamies, in driving out, and almost 
 exterminating, the Illinois Confederacy. It was this tribe, led by 
 the great chief Black Hawk, that waged the war of 1S31-2, known 
 as the Black Hawk war.* 
 
 THE DISCOVERY OF ILLINOIS. 
 
 About the middle of May, 1673, Jacques Marquette,f a Jesuit 
 missionary, in company with M. Joliett, a Quebec merchant, left 
 the missionary station at Mackinaw for a two-fold purpose, as 
 expressed by Marquette : " My friend," referring to Joliett, " is 
 an envoy of France, to discover new countries; and I am an em- 
 bassador of God, to enlighten them [the Indians] with the truths 
 of the Gospel."^ They proceeded to Green Bay, thence up the 
 Fox river and Lake Winnebago to the Portage, where they trans- 
 
 *It is related upon the authority of a participant in this war, who still resides 
 near Clinton, 111., that there were three men who served in the war — two in 
 the same regiment, and another in the same brigade — that afterwards became 
 famous in the history of the country, viz: Col. Zachary Taylor, Lieut.-Col. 
 Jefferson Davis, and Capt. Abraham Lincoln. 
 
 f James Marquette, as given by Reynold's- 
 
 X Monette's " Valley of the Mississippi." 
 
 § Called by the Indians, " Peckitanoni."
 
 12 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 ferred their canoes, a distance of three miles, across the Wisconsin, 
 and thence down that river to the Mississippi, which they discov- 
 ered on the 17th of June. Thence they sailed down the " Father 
 of Waters," discovering the confluence of the Missouri and Missis- 
 sippi, which Marquette called " the most beautiful confi:uence of 
 rivers in the world." Journeying southward, they discovered the 
 mouth of the Ohio, which they mistook for the Wabash, and then 
 to the site of the present city of Memphis, where they were met 
 by the hostile Arkansas Indians, and barely escaped destruction. 
 On the lyth of July, of the same year, they commenced ascending 
 the river, and on reaching the mouth of the Illinois, they were 
 informed by the Indians that it was much nearer for their return 
 by that river, and they changed their course, and by so doing, 
 traversed for the first time, by white men, that region which Mar- 
 quette described as follows: " Nowhere did we see such grounds, 
 meadows, woods, stags, buffaloes, deer, wildcats, bustards, swans, 
 ducks, paroquetts, and even beavers, as on the Illinois river." M. 
 Joliett hastened on to Canada, to make his discoveries known there 
 and in France. This discovery and report|| in France and Canada 
 resulted in its settlement. 
 
 The object of Marquette's voyage seems to have been two-fold : 
 J^irst^tho: christianization of the Indians; and second, the discovery 
 of a northwest passage to the East Indies and China. The news 
 of Marquette's discoveries soon reached Canada, and thence spread 
 to France, through w^hich, and in consequence of the interest 
 awakened by these, and the subsequent discoveries by LaSalle and 
 Hennepin, the early French settlements were made in Illinois, and 
 the country passed under the national control of France. M. 
 Joliett was mainly instrumental in bringing this newly discovered 
 country to the attention of the world. 
 
 SETTLEMENT OF ILLINOIS. 
 
 Between 16S0 and 1690, — perhaps about the year 168S* — the 
 first settlements in Illinois were made — or commenced rather. The 
 first military occupation of the country was at Fort Creve-Coeur, 
 in February, 16S0; but there is no reliable information thatasettle- 
 ment was attempted there until sometime after ward. f The first 
 
 II By the capsizing of Joliett's canoe in Lachine Rapids, he lost all his papers 
 relating to the voyage and discovery. 
 ♦Reynolds, f Annals of the West.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1 3 
 
 settlement in Illinois, or in the Mississippi valley, was commenced 
 by the building of Fort St. Louis, on the Illinois river, in 1682 ;| 
 but it remained in existence but a few years, so that Kaskaskia is 
 now regarded as the first permanent settlement in Illinois. || 
 
 Settlements were also made at Peoria and Kaskaskia, about the 
 same time. M. Tonti was commander-in-chief of all the territory 
 embraced between Canada and the Gulf of Mexico, and extending 
 east and west of the Mississippi as far as his imagination or ambi- 
 tion pleased to allow. He spent twenty-one years in establishing 
 forts and organizing the first settlements of Illinois. On the 14th 
 of September, 17 12, the French government granted a monopoly 
 of all the trade and commerce of the country to M. Crozat, a 
 wealthy merchant of Paris, who established a trading company in 
 Illinois, and it was by this means that the early settlements became 
 permanent and others established. From the impetus thus given, 
 the people began to turn their attention to agricultural and commer- 
 cial pursuits. The marvelous development of the State in popula- 
 tion, improvement and wealth would be a theme upon which we 
 could dwell with pleasure, but space, in this connection, forbids 
 further mention. 
 
 ITS GOVERNMENT. 
 
 In 1717, M. Crozat, heretofore mentioned, surrendered his char- 
 ter, and the Company of the West was organized, to " aid and 
 assist" the banking system of John Law. Under this company a 
 commandant and secretary were sent to Illinois, which constituted 
 its first organized government. A branch of this company, called 
 the Company of St. Philip's, was soon afterwards organized for 
 the express purpose of working the rich silver mines supposed to be 
 in Illinois, and Philip Francis Renault w^as appointed as its agent. 
 In 1 7 19 he sailed from France with two hundred miners, laborers 
 and mechanics, which was the greatest acquisition to Illinois yet 
 made.§ During 17 19 the Company of the West was, by, royal 
 order, united with the " Royal Company of the Indies," but the 
 charter was not surrendered until 1732, when Illinois became a part 
 
 |Bancroft. || Bancroft. 
 
 i^Renault purchased in the West Indies, en route to Illinois, five hundred 
 negro slaves to work in his expected mines. This was the introduction of 
 slavery in Illinois. 
 
 \
 
 14 HISTORY OF MACOX COUNTY. 
 
 of the Royal Government of Quebec, with D' Artaquette^ as its 
 local Governor. La Buissonierre was appointed his successor, who 
 was succeeded by Chevalier McCarty, who remained Governor 
 until a short time previous to the cession of New France to Eng- 
 land, in 1763, at which time M. St. Ange de Belle Rive was 
 appointed Governor, and remained until 1765, when Capt. Sterling 
 took possession under the treaty of two years previous. Frazier, 
 Reed, Wilkins, Rocheflave, and perhaps others, were successive 
 Governors. On the 4th of July, 1778, Kaskaskia was captured by 
 Col. Clark, in pursuance of a plan matured by Patrick Henry 
 (then Governor of Virginia), Thomas Jefferson, George Wyth and 
 George Mason, in January previous. In a short time thereafter 
 the county of Illinois was created by the Legislature of Virginia. 
 It included Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. John 
 Todd* was made commander of Illinois, and in 1779 he organized 
 courts and established a government. Timothy De Mountebrun 
 was his successor. In 1784 Illinois was ceded to the United States 
 by Virginia, and in 17S7 Congress passed an ordinance for the 
 government of the new territory — called the Northwest Territory 
 — and Arthur St. Clair was appointed Governor, who continued in 
 office until 1S02. In that year Indiana Territoiy was formed, which 
 included the present terrritory of Illinois, and William H. Harrison 
 was appointed Governor. In the General Assembly of the new 
 territory, in 1808, Jesse B. Thomas was elected as a delegate to 
 Congress, and was instructed to obtain a division of the territory ; 
 and on the 23d of February, 1S09, the Territory of Illinois was 
 established, which extended on the north to the British possessions. 
 A territorial government was organized, and Ninian Edwards was 
 appointed Governor (through the solicitation of Henry Clay), 
 Nathaniel Pope, Secretary, and Jesse B. Thomas, William Sprigg, 
 and Alexander Stuart, Judges, by President James Madison. The 
 Governor appointed John J. CrittendenJ< x\ttorney General, who 
 
 ^This gallant and fearless man was, on May 20, 17^6, dangerously wounded 
 in an engagement between the French and Chickasaw Indians, near the source 
 of the Tallahatchie river, in Mississippi, and was taken prisoner, and after- 
 wards tortured and burned at the stake. 
 
 ♦Killed at Blue Lick, Kentucky, August iS, 1782. 
 
 §He returned to Kentucky, and afterwards became famous in Kentucky and 
 national history.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 15 
 
 was in a short time succeeded by his brother, William P. Critten- 
 den. In 18 1 8 a petition was prepared by the territorial legislature, 
 petitioning Congress for admission into the Union. On April 
 iSth the Enabling Act was approved, and in July following the 
 Constitution was signed, and Shadrach Bond was elected Govenor; 
 and on the 3d of December, 1818, Illinois was admitted into the 
 Union.
 
 COLUMBIA'S REVIEW. 
 
 I see the nations gathering to my hundreth jubilee, 
 
 And hear their loud hosannahs on the welkin of the free. 
 
 Outspread before me lie the trophies of a hundred years, 
 By wisdom won, by toil, by sacrificial blood and tears. 
 
 Behold this magic enginery, -which with all curious art, 
 Fills full the lap of luxury in every merchant mart. 
 
 Here are my sacred battle-fiags, blood-reddened, rent and torn. 
 Amid the death and carnage on a hundred fields upborne. 
 
 The curse of slavery gone — its stain expunged by fiery flood. 
 And all its wounds healed in the balsam of the nation's blood. 
 
 And shall the nation live? — born of the struggling past in pain, 
 Yet mightly as Olympian Jove, or Neptune of the Main. 
 
 The glad fruition of all hope, the answer of all prayer, 
 
 The pledge of equal rights, and freedom's earnest everywhere. 
 
 Unyielding, stern, she yet shall stand — all time's assault defy; 
 And at her feet shall Treason quail, and Fraud, despairing, die. 
 
 The nation, from its perils passed, a stronger life shall draw. 
 And justice, undismayed, assert the majesty of law. 
 
 The rushing of each headlight, and the rocking of each fleet. 
 Are but the pulse of commerce beating strong beneath my feet. 
 
 Oh! how my spirit sti-engthens with the marching of the years. 
 As, promise-crowned, the future beckons, while the century disap- 
 pears ! 
 
 A. J. Wallace. 
 Decatur, 111., Dec. 75, i8j6.
 
 CH AP TER II. 
 
 MACON COUNTY. 
 
 ITS ORGANIZATION. 
 
 Previous to the meeting of the Legislature, in 1S29, Benjamin 
 R. Austin, Andrew W. Smith, and John Ward, had been selected 
 to go to Vandalia, then capital of the State, and procure the pass- 
 age of an act dividing the county of Shelby, of which the present 
 county of Macon then formed a part, and forming a new county of 
 the territory thus detached. They were successful; and at that 
 session the following act was approved establishing the county of 
 Macon.* 
 
 *NoTE. — Macon county derived its name from Hon. Nathaniel Macon, of 
 North Carolina, whose fame, at the time of the formation of the county 
 extended throughout the nation. He was born in Warren county, N. C, in 
 1757. and died in the same county, June 29tk, 1837. He was educated at 
 Princeton, N. J., and was there at the opening of the War of the Revolution. 
 In 1777 he left college, and served for a short time as a private in a company 
 of volunteers. At the expiration of his term of service, he commenced the 
 study of law, but soon re-enlisted in the army under his brother John. He 
 continued in the service until peace was declared. He was present at the fall 
 of Charleston. For all his arduous services in the war, he steadily refused 
 compensation, nor would he accept a pension after the government had pro- 
 vided one. Before he left the army he had been elected to the State Senate, in 
 which he served until 1785. When the Constitution of the United States was 
 proposed, he, like Patrick Henry, thought it " squinted too much in the direc- 
 tion of monarchy," and therefore opposed its adoption. He thought the gen- 
 eral government proposed was too independent of the States. Mr. Macon was 
 elected to the lower house of Congress in 1791, where he continued to serve 
 until 181 5, serving as Speaker from 1801 to 1806. From the lower house he 
 was transferred to the U. S. Senate, in 1816, where he remained until 1828, 
 
 —3
 
 l8 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 "AN ACT TO ESTABLISH A NEW COUNTY TO BE CALLED THE 
 
 COUNTY OF MACON. 
 
 "Section i. Be it enacted by the -people of the State of Illinois^ 
 represented in the General Assembly^ That all that tract of coun- 
 try lying within the following bounderies, to-wit: beginning at the 
 southwest corner of section numbered eighteen, in township num- 
 bered fourteen north, of range numbered one east of the third 
 principal meridian; thence due north with the said thiid principal 
 meridian line to the northwest corner of township nvunbered 
 twenty north, of range numbered one east; thence due east with 
 the line between townships numbered twenty and twenty-one 
 north, to the northeast corner of township numbered twenty north, 
 of range numbered six east; thence due south with the line between 
 ranges numbered six and seven east, to the southeast corner of sec- 
 tion numbered thirteen, in township number fourteen north, of 
 range numbered six east; and from thence due west along through 
 the middle of townships numbered fourteen north, to the place of 
 beginning, shall constitute a county, to be called the county of 
 Macon; and the seat of justice therein, when located, shall be 
 called the town of Decatur. 
 
 " Sec. 2. For the purpose of locating the seat of justice of the 
 said county of Macon, the following named persons are appointed 
 Commissioners, to-wit: John Fleming, Jesse Rhodes and Easton 
 Whitton, whose duty it shall be to meet at the house of James 
 Ward, in said county, on the first Monday in April next, or within 
 ten days thereafter, and after being duly sworn before some justice 
 of the peace of this State, faithfully and impartially to discharge 
 the duties imposed upon them by this act, shall proceed to deter- 
 mine upon a place for the location of the said seat of justice, having 
 
 and was President /r<? tetn. of that body in 1825-7. He was thirty-seven years 
 in Congress, uninterruptedly — the longest continuous service of any one 
 man.* Twice during Jefferson's administration he declined the office of Post- 
 master General. He was a Democrat in politics, and had an earnest convic- 
 tion in the ability of the people for self-government. Jefferson said he was 
 " the last of the old Romans," and Randolph called him "the wisest man he 
 ever knew." In his temperment he was a stoic, disregarding style and con- 
 ventionalties, and in all things practiced the strictest economy. 
 
 *American Encycloptedia.
 
 HISTOKY OF MACON COUNTY. 1 9 
 
 due regard to the situation of the settlements, the convenience of 
 the people, and the future population of said county. 
 
 " Sec. 3. The said Commissioners are hereby authorized to 
 locate the said seat of justice on the land of any person or persons, 
 who may be the fee simple owners thereof, if the proprietor or 
 proprietors of such land shall donate and convey, with covenants 
 of general warranty, to the County Commissioners, for the use of 
 said county, a quantity of land not less than twenty acres, in a 
 square or oblong form, upon which to erect the public buildings; 
 or otherwise, the said Commissioners may, in their discretion, 
 locate the said seat of justice on any of the public lands in said county, 
 as may seem to be the most advantageous to the future interest of 
 said county. 
 
 " Sec. 4. As soon as said service shall be performed, the said 
 Commissioners shall make a report of their proceedings, under 
 their proper hands and seals, to the first County Commissioners' 
 Court, to be held for and in said county, designating particularly 
 the place selected, and a description of the same. And if the situ- 
 uation on the public lands shall be preferred, after examination as 
 aforesaid, the half quarter or quarter section of land upon which 
 the same may be located shall be stated in said report; and in that 
 event, it shall be the duty of the said County Commissioners, as 
 soon thereafter as they may be enabled, to enter and purchase the 
 same, at the proper land office, in their respective names, as County 
 Commissioners, for the use of the county of Macon; all of which 
 said proceedings the County Commissioners' Court shall cause to 
 be entered at large on their books of record. 
 
 " Sec. 5. As soon as a suitable site shall have been selected for 
 the seat of justice, and a report made thereof, as aforesaid, it shall 
 be the duty of the County Commissioners to cause such donation, 
 or tract of land (if public land should be selected), or so much 
 thereof as they may deem advisable, to be laid off into lots, and be 
 sold upon such terms and conditions as may be considered most 
 advantageous to the interests of the county, and the proceeds of 
 such sales shall be applied to the erection of a court house and jail, 
 and such other public works as may be necessary for the use of 
 said county. And as often as any lots shall be sold as aforesaid, it 
 shall be the further duty of said County Commissioners to make 
 conveyances for the same to the purchasers thereof, in their own 
 names, as Commissioners for and in behalf of said county.
 
 30 HISTORY OF MACOX COUNTY, 
 
 " Sec. 6. Until public buildings shall be erected for the pur- 
 pose, the courts shall be held at the house of James Ward, in said 
 county. 
 
 " Sec. 7. An election shall be held at the house of James 
 Ward, on the second Monday of April next, for one Sheriff, one 
 Coroner and three County Commissioners, for said county, who 
 shall hold their offices, respectively, until the next general election, 
 and until their successors are qualified ; which said election shall bg 
 conducted in all respects agreeably to the provisions of the law 
 regulating elections: Provided^ that the qualified voters present 
 may elect from among their number three qualified voters to act as 
 judges of said election, who shall appoint two qualified voters to 
 act as clerks. 
 
 Sec. 8. It shall be the dut}- of the Clerk of the Circuit Court, 
 who mav be appointed for such county, to give public notice, at 
 least fifteen davs previous to said election, of the time and place, 
 when and where the same will be held, and the officers to be elect- 
 ed thereat; and in case there should be no clerk, it shall be the 
 duty of the recorder, or any justice of the peace residing within 
 the limits of said countv, to give notice of the time and place of 
 holding the same as aforesaid. 
 
 " Sec. 9. The Commissioners appointed to locate the seat of 
 justice, as aforesaid, shall receive the suin of one dollar and fifty 
 cents per day for each day by them necessarily consumed in dis- 
 charging the duties imposed upon them by this act, to be allowed 
 by the County CommissioneiV Court, and paid out of the treasury 
 of said county. 
 
 " Sec. 10. Until the next apportionment of members of the 
 General Assembly shall be made, said county of Macon shall vote 
 with the counties of Fayette, Bond, Montgomery, Shelby and 
 Tazewell; and the clerk of the said county of Macon shall meet 
 the clerks of the said counties of Fayette, Bond, Montgomery, 
 Shelby and Tazewell, at Vandalia, the seat of justice of Fayette 
 county, to compare the number of votes given for Senator and 
 Representatives to the General Assembl)', and sign the necessary 
 certificate of electipn, at Vandalia, and deliver the same to the per- 
 son or persons entitled thereto. 
 
 "Sec II. The said county of Macon shall be and is hereby 
 attached to the first judicial circuit.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 21 
 
 " This Act to take effect from aiid after its passage." 
 Approved January 19, 1829. 
 
 It will be observed by the foregoing act that the county, so formed, 
 was much larger than it is at present. It then included all of what 
 is now DeWitt county, except the northern tier of townships; all 
 of Piatt county, except one township, and about half of Moultrie 
 county. On the first of March, 1S39, DeWitt county was formed, 
 establishing the northern line of this county where it now^ is. On 
 the following day an act was passed adding to the county of Macon 
 that portion now known as Niantic township. It may be remarked, 
 in this connection, that the formation of DeWitt, and the losing of 
 that much territory to this county, was a source of but little con- 
 cern to our people. In fact, at the time it was urged that the 
 southern line of DeWitt should be extended far enousfh south 
 to include the present towns of Maroa, Austin and Friends Creek. 
 This tract of land, now rich, highly productive, and as finely im- 
 proved as any other portion of the county, was then considered a 
 burden, and not desired by Macon, and not wanted by DeWitt. It 
 was not thought possible to cultivate the soil, or that it would ever 
 be inhabited ; and the expense of keeping up roads through it was 
 considered to be largely in excess of the income to be derived. At 
 that day there were but few people who dreamed even of the large 
 prairies becoming settled and put into cultivation. The most that 
 was claimed was that the farms would extend but a short distance 
 from the timber, and the prairies remain forever wild, and used for 
 grazing purposes only. Many of the early settlers made " clear- 
 ings," and started their little farms in the timber, as they had been 
 accustomed to do in the States from which they came. It is not 
 strange, however, that the opinion was entertained that much of 
 the prairie land ^vas absolutely useless and valueless, for at that 
 period, for the greater portion of the year, they were almost sub- 
 merged with water. Horses and cattle would mire on land now 
 considered dry, and forming some of the best farms in the county. 
 It is asserted by some of our then residents of the county, that the 
 object of securing the addition to the county of the present Niantic 
 township, was to prevent the removal of the county seat Irom 
 Decatur to a little town then just commenced in the township of 
 Friends Creek, called Murfreesboro. It will be remembered that 
 Piatt county was then a part of Macon, and the proposed new
 
 23 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 county seat, being nearer the center of the county than Decatur, 
 may have actuated Mr. Gouge, who was then our representative in 
 the legislature, in procuring this addition to our western territory. 
 The assertion, however, that any such notions were entertained as 
 to the proposed change in the county seat, is denied by others who 
 were residents at the time. It is very probable, however, that 
 there was a change of the " seat of justice " anticipated, for the 
 Niantic territory was considered worthless, except as so much bal- 
 last to counterbalance the eastern portion of the county. And the 
 prospects of Murfreesboro, it seems, were blighted about that time, 
 and it has long since ceased to be, except in the recollection of a 
 very few of our oldest residents. 
 
 In January,i84i, Piatt county was formed from portions of DeWitt 
 and Macon counties, and in February, 1843, the county of Moul- 
 trie was formed from portions of Shelby and Macon counties, each 
 by acts of the legislature. Macon county now remains as left after 
 the passage of- the last act, forming Moultrie county. It now con- 
 tains an area of five hundred and seventy-seven square miles, or 
 369,280 acres. 
 
 The Commissioners appointed by virtue of the foregoing act, 
 met on the tenth day of April, 1S29, and proceeded to view the 
 several proposed locations for a "seat of justice;" and as a result 
 of their deliberation, made the following report, as appears by the 
 recoi-d of the County Commissioners' Court: 
 
 " We, the Commissioners appointed for the purpose of locating 
 the seat of justice for Macon county, after being duly sworn before 
 John Miller, an acting justice of the peace for said county of 
 Macon, having carefully and impartially viewed and examined the 
 situation and convenience, likewise the advantages, of the present 
 and future population, have located the said seat on, the fifteenth 
 section in township sixteen north, in range two east, northeast 
 quarter and east half of said quarter, the southeast corner of said 
 above-named half quarter, in compliance to an act of the General 
 Assembly requiring us so to act. Approved January 19, 1829. 
 Whereunto we have set our hands and seals this tenth day of 
 April, in the year of our Lord, 1829. 
 
 "John Fleming, [Seal.-] 
 
 "Jesse Rhodes, [Seal.] 
 
 " Easton Whitton." [Seal.]
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 23 
 
 When the site had been selected, as referred to in the above 
 report, an order was made on the first day of June, 1829, by the 
 County Commissioners, directing the "laying off" of the town of 
 Decatur, as follows : 
 
 " Ordered., That Benjamin R. Austin, County Surveyor for the 
 county of Macon, be and is hereby required to lay off the town of 
 Decatur, in said county, after the form of Shelbyville, and make 
 and return to one of the commissioners of this court, a complete 
 plat of the same on or before the first day of July next." 
 
 Under the above order the " old town " of Decatur was laid out 
 and platted, which contained twenty acres. Its boundaries were : 
 Prairie street on the north. Water street on the east, Wood street 
 on the south, and Church street on the west, and was divided by 
 Main street, running east and west, and by North Main street, run- 
 ning north and south. The " old town " remains substantially as 
 platted, " after the form of Shelbyville," with the exception that 
 Merchant street has been formed since, and some of the lots are 
 divided so as to run north and south instead of east and west, as 
 laid out. 
 
 By the act creating this county, the land upon which the Com- 
 missioners located the " seat of justice " was to be donated to the 
 county. The land on which the county seat was located had not, 
 in fact, been entered from the government at the time, but was 
 afterwards entered by Parmenius Smallwood, Easton Whitton 
 and Charles Prentice, and a deed was by them made to the County 
 Commissioners, on the eighth day of October, 1831. 
 
 A sale of town lots, however, had been made by the County 
 Commissioners on the tenth day of July, 1829, and bonds given to 
 the purchasers. 
 
 The order of the Commissioners, under which this sale was 
 made, is as follows : 
 
 '■'Ordered., That a sale of lots take place in the town of Decatur, 
 in this county, on the tenth day of July next, on the following 
 terms, to-wit: A credit of twelve months will be given, and note 
 with approved security will be required, and that the clerk of this 
 court is required to advertise the sale in the paper printed in 
 Vandalia, until the day of sale." 
 
 The following order was also made, which we insert, showing 
 the rate of taxation and the articles of property to be assessed :
 
 24 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 '''•Ordered^ That for the purpose of raising a I'evenue to defray 
 expenses of the county for the year 1829, that a tax of one-half per 
 cent, be levied upon the following personal jDroperty, to-wit : On 
 slaves and indentured or registered negro or mulatto servants; on 
 pleasure carriages; on distilleries; on stock in trade; on all horses, 
 mares, mules or asses, and neat cattle over three years old ; and 
 on watches, with their appendages, and on all other personal prop- 
 erty except the lawful fire-arms of each individual." 
 
 This tax, when collected, amounted to the sum of $109,331^. 
 
 At the same term of Court, the tavern rates were also fixed as 
 follows : 
 
 '•'•Ordered^ That the tavern rates for this county shall hereafter 
 be as follows, to-wit: For breakfast and horse fed, 37^ cents; 
 keeping man and horse each night (the man to have supper and 
 lodging), 621^ cents; dinner and horse fed, 37^ cents; brandy, 
 rum, gin, wine or cordial, 35 cents per half pint; whisky, or cider 
 brandy, 12^ cents per half pint." 
 
 This was also for the purpose of defraying the county expenses : 
 No person was allowed to go into any sort of merchandising busi- 
 ness without a license " first had and obtained " from the County 
 Commissioners, for which a fee of from three to five dollars was 
 charged. Ferries were established on the river, and license granted, 
 and the rates of ferriage fixed by the court. 
 
 In connection with the organization of the county, a few things 
 may be said in reference to its location, character of population, 
 and commanding influence with reference to neighboring counties, 
 etc. It is the geographical centre of the State — east and west, 
 north and south. Its entire area is within the great corn-growing 
 belt of Illinois, and it possesses a soil unsurpassed in rich and pro- 
 ductive qualities. There is not an acre of it, scarcely, that is not 
 susceptible of cultivation. Its population, composed, as it is, of 
 emigrants from the east and south, in about an equal proportion, 
 is a modification of the temperaments and sentiments of the two 
 sections, possessing the extremes of neither. Politically, it has 
 been Whig, Democratic and Republican, and never either way by 
 a large majority. A just estimate of the political sentiment of 
 Macon county has always been, almost without an exception, a 
 true criterion of the sentiment of the State. As it has been in
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 25 
 
 politics, so it has been in religion, in morality, in business. In the 
 latter, we have never had the wealth of some other counties, nor 
 the wild, reckless, speculating spirit of some others; but our busi- 
 ness men have always been of the safe, conservative sort, that make 
 gradual progress, and with that are satisfied, reference, of course, 
 being here made to the general mass. We have never launched out 
 into a system of public expenditures for this public improvement or 
 that, not consistent with our actual wants and our ability to pay. 
 We have no public city or county debt hanging over us and weigh- 
 ing us down to such an extent as to cripple our industries, and 
 drive away our population. Our taxes are, and have always been 
 medium, as compared with other counties in the State. Our im- 
 provements have been, for both county and city, just such as the 
 public demands suggested. We have no court house at the present, 
 it is truC; but we have what satisfies the public in both economy 
 and convenience, and have no one, two or three million dollar court 
 house debt eating out the material prosperity of the people. Our 
 school houses are ample in size, well built, and constructed usually 
 with a view to health, comfort and convenience, rather than show 
 and splendor. We have kept on straight forward, as the crow flies, 
 and have met with no reverses, such as have overtaken other coun- 
 ties. In peace we have been peaceful, maintained order, and had 
 but little or no outlawry. In war we have been actuated by the 
 dictates of true and genuine patriotism, and have done our whole 
 duty. In the Black Hawk war we furnished 50 men; in the Mexi 
 can war, 79; in the late war, a reference to Chapter IV of this 
 work will satisfy everyone that Macon county was " in the fray." 
 In the ranks we were not behind. Our Tuppers, Pughs, Oglesbys, 
 Moores, Smiths, and a host of others were there. In education, 
 with but l8 persons in the county, between the ages of 12 and 21, 
 who can neither read nor write, we have nothing to be ashamed of, 
 In crimes and misdemeanors our position is not unenviable. Smaller 
 counties, with one-fourth our population, furnish more penitentiary 
 convicts than we do. 
 
 Hence we say, for these reasons, and many others that might be 
 mentioned in this connection, that while we are not boastful, and 
 " have none of that other spirit that would drag angels down," yet 
 we, as a county, can claim our share of whatever glory there may 
 be in making Illinois one of the first States in the Union, in pros- 
 
 —4
 
 26 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 perity, wealth and commanding influence. We arrogate to our- 
 selves nothing but what justly belongs to us, but if it were possible 
 to blot our State from existence, the shock would affect the com- 
 mercial world from center to circumference. 
 
 ITS SETTLEMENT. 
 
 The first house erected within the present limits of Macon county 
 was the " trading house," about eight miles north-east of Decatur, 
 on premises belonging to Wm. C. Johns, Esq., which was a log 
 structure, built by Lortons for the purpose of trading with the 
 Indians. A thriving business was carried on by these inen until 
 1825 or '6, when the Indians ceased to visit this part of the country, 
 except in very small companies. Prior to that, from 200 to 500 
 Indians would sometimes be camped in the vicinity at once. The 
 men were principalh' engaged in hunting, and would bring to Lor- 
 tons whatever furs or other articles they had for exchange, and 
 purchase powder, whisky, blankets, etc. The trading house was 
 erected about the year 1816. The Lortons were from St. Joe, 
 Michigan, and returned to that place when the Indians left this part 
 of Illinois. The second house erected in the present limits of 
 Macon county was built by William Downing, near the present 
 residence of Capt. D. L. Allin, on the south side of the Sangamon 
 river. This was in fact the first residence, for the one built by 
 Lortons was not intended as a permanent residence, but only for 
 the purpose of trafficking with the Indians so long as they remained 
 in the vicinity. Downing is said to have come into this vicinity for 
 the purpose of trajDping and gathering honey. He left the neigh- 
 borhood of Vandalia in the spring of 1820, and built his cabin some 
 time in the fall of that year. Downing remained here but a short 
 time, and sold his "improvements" to John Ward, upon the latter's 
 arrival in this vicinity. He then removed to Bond county, Illinois, 
 where he lived a great many years. It is regretted that a more 
 extended sketch of Downing cannot be given in this connection, 
 but he was here but a few years, and there is, perhaps, but one man 
 now living in the county who was here any portion of the time 
 that Downing was; and it being over half a century since, he 
 remembers but little of the old trapper and bee hunter. 
 
 The next house built was by Buel Stevens, in 1S22, near what 
 is now known as Stevens' creek, about three miles northwest of
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 2'] 
 
 Decatur. This became the nucleus of what was afterwards known 
 as the Stevens' Settlement, which, with the Ward Settlement, on 
 the south side of the river, were the only settlements within the 
 present line of Macon county until about the year 1828, when peo- 
 ple began to come into the county, and settle both up and down 
 the river. 
 
 For an account of the early settlements made within what was 
 then Macon, but which now constitutes Piatt county, we make the 
 following extracts from a historical sketch of the latter county, 
 read at l/Ionticello on the Fourth of July, 1S76, prepared by a 
 committee consisting of William H. Piatt, Ezra Marquis and C. 
 D. Moore, old and respected citizens of that county : 
 
 " Settlements commenced as early as 1823 — over half a century 
 ago. The first known settler in the territory comprising Piatt 
 county was George Hayworth, a Quaker from Tennessee, who, 
 in 1823, located on a piece of land included in the present city 
 limits of Monticello, and built the first cabin. This historic struc- 
 ture is still standing in Monticello, and is used for a stable. He 
 was joined during the same year by a Mr. Daggett, who erected a 
 cabin on a spot just north of Monticello, where N. E. Rhodes* 
 barn now stands. On the following March, 1824, Abraham Hane- 
 line, of Green county, Ohio, moved here with his sons, including 
 Nathan, who is the oldest resident now living in the county. 
 They located in the Sangamon timber, about four miles northeast 
 of Monticello, at Coon's Spring. About the same time James 
 and John Martin, from Virginia, built on Furnes' run, about a 
 mile above the spring. The next year brought another settler by 
 the name of York, who stopped near the mouth of Goose Creek. 
 In 1828 James A. Piatt, Sen.,* formerly of Ohio, but later of 
 Indianapolis, Indiana, purchased the claim of Hayworth, and in 
 April, 1829, moved upon the claim with his family. In the 
 autumn of the same year, Jeremiah Terry settled on what is now 
 the Piatt county fair grounds. In 1831, Peter Souders, of Lee 
 
 *NoTE. — The James A. Piatt mentioned in the above extract, was for years 
 a member of the County Commissioners' Court of Macon county, and was a 
 very efficient and valuable officer. The records show that he was seldom ab- 
 sent from the meetings of the court, though he was compelled to ride a dis- 
 tance of over twenty miles over roads that must have been almost impassable 
 at times.
 
 28 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 county, Virginia, moved his family to the northeast part of the 
 county, in the Sangamon timber. Settlers now began to increase 
 more rapidly, but the rich, rolling prairie, with all its fertility and 
 beauty, seemed to have few charms as a dwelling place for these 
 early settlers. Instead, they invariably selected some spot in the 
 timber for their abiding place, and it was not long before the first 
 settlers had neighbors in all the belts of timber that line the banks 
 of the Sangamon, Okaw, Camp Creek, Goose Creek, Willow 
 Branch and Madden's Run. Among the early settlers that fol- 
 lowed close upon the heels of those already inentioned, were 
 Abraham and Ezra Marquiss, of Ohio; George Widick, a Mr. 
 Dillow, James Chambers of Kentucky; John Madden, John 
 Argo, William Wright, Peter Ci'oninger, I. V. Williams, Joseph 
 Mallory, George Boyer, Samuel and Jacob Cline, Thomas Welch, 
 John Bailey, George Evans, A. Rizor, Samuel Suver, John 
 Hughes, A. J. Wiley, Luther and Joe Moore, William Monroe, 
 Simon Shonk\viler, Daniel Stickel, and others." 
 
 We are also permitted to make the following extract from the 
 history of DeWitt county, by Mr. W. L. Glessner, of Clinton, 
 which was prepared for the Fourth of July celebration of the 
 present year, and published in the Clinton Register of the 7th of 
 July, 1S76. It will be remembered that the portions of DeWitt 
 county referred to, constituted a part of Macon until 1839, so that 
 all the settlements referred to w^ere made in what was then Macon 
 county, and are interesting as a pai"t of Macon county history: 
 
 " The first settlers of DeWitt count}', as near as I have been able 
 to ascertain, were a party consisting of six persons: Zion Shugart, 
 Edom Shugart, their mother, Elisha Butler and his wife, and John 
 Coppenbarger, of whom the only living member is Edom Shu- 
 gart, who now resides at Marysville, Nebraska. This party 
 arrived in what is now section seven, Tunbridge township (on 
 what is known as the Emily Hayes farm), on the 29th day of 
 October, 1824. They put up a hastily constructed log cabin, and 
 made ready for the winter. During the winter of 1S24, Nathan 
 Vestal, with a'large family, iTJOved in and settled a short distance 
 from the Shugarts, and in the following spring John Coppenbar- 
 ger removed his family into the neighborhood, and thus was com- 
 menced the settlement of that portion of the territory of Illinois 
 now know^n as DeWitt county. During the winter of 1824 a
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 29 
 
 little girl of Nathan Vestal's died, and was buried on the hill near 
 Emily Hayes' residence. As there was no lumber in the country, 
 a coffin was made by splitting slabs out of trees and hewing them 
 into shape. The nearest settlement to the Shugarts', at that time, 
 was the residence of a man named Laughery, ten miles down Salt 
 Creek, in what is now Logan county. 
 
 " Another settlement was made in what was called Fork Prairie, 
 in the vicinity of the present town of Marion, in 1831 and '32, the 
 first settlers being Thomas R. Davis, James Morris, John Morris, 
 Benjamin Lisenby, Alexander Dale, Josian Harp, Charles McCord 
 and Hugh Davenport. 
 
 " The first settlement about Clinton was made by Joseph (or 
 Josiah) Clion, in 1830. He erected a cabin on what is now 
 known as the Paschal Mills farm, about one mile west of Clinton." 
 
 There were also early settlements made in what was then this 
 county, but which now forms a part of Moultrie, as earlv as 1829 
 and '30. 
 
 It is worthy of remark that the first who came here, as a general 
 thing, commenced their improvements in the timber. But few, 
 for a great many years, thought it advisable to attempt farming in 
 the prairie. They at first were not satisfied that crops could be 
 successfully cultivated there. It was almost the unanimous opin- 
 ion that the large prairies never would be in a state of cultivation, 
 but useful only for grazing purposes. Another obstacle was in the 
 way for a good many years, and that was,, there were no plows 
 suitable for breaking the prairie land. The sod was very much 
 tougher then than it was in after years when the stock had pastured 
 the prairies and killed out the grass to some extent. It would be 
 astonishing to many of our present residents to see the immense 
 crops of prairie grass that in early days grew upon their present 
 fields. It grew in places to the height of from six to twelve feet, 
 and was " almost as thick," some of the old settlers say, " as the 
 hair on a dog's back." It was these immense crops of grass that 
 furnished the fuel for the terrible fires that swept over the prairies 
 during the fall season of the year, and were so often productive of 
 loss of life and property. And then, again, there was so much of 
 the prairie land that was considered too wet to be ever suitable for 
 cultivation. Thousands of acres that now constitute some of the 
 best farms, in the highest state of cultivation, and possessing the
 
 30 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 very richest of soil, were condemned as swamp lands. The fact is 
 that there is much of the land of Alacon countv that is now con- 
 sidered high and dry, or at least sufficiently so for all practical 
 farming purposes, that was so wet that during a greater portion of 
 the year it was absolutely dangerous to ride over it on horseback, 
 for fear of miring. There was another drawback in the settlement 
 of the prairies, and that was the great labor and cost of fencing. 
 It is a well authenticated fact that the northern portion of Illinois 
 might have been under a general state of improvement a great many 
 years sooner than it was, but for the difficulty and great expense of 
 fencing the farms. The Supi^eme Court of this State, at an early 
 day, entertaining the idea generally prevailing, that our immense 
 prairies would always remain commons, and used only for pastur- 
 ing purposes, reversed the common law idea prevailing almost uni- 
 versally, in consequence of which every man was compelled to fence 
 his entire farm so as to keep his neighbor's stock out, in order to 
 protect his crop. It would have been much less expensive for each 
 man to have protected himself against his own stock, than to have 
 protected himself against the stock of the entire neighborhood. 
 This decision of the Supreme Court, requiring stock to be fenced 
 out instead of in, has been the most expensive decision to the people 
 of Illinois of any other, perhaps, ever made. It has cost the farmers 
 of Macon county, who entered their land of the government, more 
 to build these fences and keep them in repair, by far, than the land 
 cost, and all the necessary implements of husbandry. Our prairies 
 would have been in a splendid state of cultivation long before they 
 were, but for the inability of the people to build the necessary fences 
 to protect their crops from destruction by the few cattle that were 
 permitted to run at large and feed on the commons or speculator's 
 land. One-tenth of the land that might have been in cultivation but 
 for the expense of fencing, would have produced more than suffi- 
 cient corn to have fattened all the hogs running at large merely for 
 the sake of the fall masts. Another thing retarded the early settle- 
 ment of the county to some extent, which- was the fact of specu- 
 lators and capitalists from the east coming into the county and 
 buying up large tracts of the best and most available lands, and 
 holding them for an advance in price occasioned by the development 
 and improvement of the surrounding lands. Every person who 
 came into the county to make it his home was welcomed. He was
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 assisted in every possible ■way to induce him to become a resident. 
 But the speculator, who brought nothing into the county, and did 
 nothing whatever to develop the growth of the country by building 
 or improvements of any kind, was not held in very high esteem by 
 the residents generally. He bought his lands and paid the small 
 annual assessments thereon, and waited for other people's labor and 
 money to enhance the value of his investments. It should be men- 
 tioned, however, in this connection, that Philo Hale, who owned as 
 much if not more land in Macon county than any one else, was an 
 exception to the rule just stated. He owned large bodies of land 
 in the county, but he came here and made this his home. He was 
 one of the people. He induced others to come, and did all in his 
 power to advance the material prosperity of the county. He pub- 
 lished in the eastern papers flaming accounts of our rolling prairies, 
 rich soil, etc., etc. The people of the county were often astonished 
 at reading in the newspapers published in the eastern States, glow- 
 ing accounts of large and enthusiastic mass meetings, at which 
 Judge so and so presided, and Captain so and so acted as secretary, 
 when and where resolutions were passed endorsing this or that local 
 improvement, and expressing the gratitude of the people for the 
 rapid progress in the construction of a railroad from Chicago to St. 
 Louis or Chicago to New Orleans, or Vincennes to Nauvoo! Of 
 course the meetings and the resolutions passed only existed in the 
 mind of Mr. Hale, and, of course, the result to be accomplished 
 was commendable, whether some of the means he resorted to were 
 justifiable or not. Had he lived to old age, Mr. H. would have 
 been instrumental in aiding immensely in the material advancement 
 and improvement of the county.* 
 
 Another obstacle was also in the way of the rapid advancement 
 of the country, and that was, the lack of markets for the produce 
 raised, which continued until railroad facilities were offered by the 
 opening of the great Western Railroad (now T., W. & W. R. R.), 
 and the Illinois Central — the former in 1852, and the latter in 1854. 
 The hogs and cattle sold had to be driven overland to St. Louis, 
 Chicago and other markets. There was no sale, of course, for 
 
 ♦Note. — He died about 1836, and was buried on the " Hale farm," in Mt. 
 Zion township. His grave is said to be unmarked and neglected, although at 
 the time of his death he owned thousands of acres of land in this county 
 which has since become valuable!
 
 32 " HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 corn — or compai"atively none — and wheat, when hauled to Spring- 
 field, but very seldom realized over thirty-three cents per 
 bushel, so that there was no impetus given to the raising of grain 
 of any sort, except lor home consumption. But upon the con- 
 struction of the railroads above mentioned, dividing the county into 
 four quarters, a new era commenced in the history of Macon 
 county. The fact is, that the day that the first train of cars ran 
 into Decatur, is the day from which the material advancement of 
 Macon county dates. That was the beginning of our improve- 
 ments; that was the beginning of our settlement proper; that was 
 the beginning of our agricultural development. It was the com- 
 mencement of our manufacturing institutions; it was the com- 
 mencement of the city of Decatur. According to the United 
 States census for 1850, the entire population of Macon county at 
 that time was but 3,998. From 1850 to 1870 — a period of twenty 
 years — the population had increased to 26,481. In 1830, the year 
 after the organization of the county, our population was but 1,133, 
 so that the increase in population for the twenty years preceding 
 the construction of our two leading railroads was but 2,876, and 
 for the twenty years following was 22,483. In 1850 but a small 
 portion of our prairies were in cultivation, but now they are a 
 solid mass of farms, and many of them are in a splendid state of 
 cultivation. There . were in cultivation during the year 1876, 
 258,315 acres of land. But it must be remembered that this vast 
 body of land now in cultivation, does not produce as much by one- 
 half as it is capable of under a judicious and systematic treatment, 
 such as we find in some of the older states. 
 
 Another influence also operated in retarding the rapid settlement 
 of the county during its early histoiy, and that was what was 
 variously styled the "ague," "chills and fever," and "Illinois 
 shakes." It was a terror to newcomers. In the fall season of the 
 year, like Brady's bitters, everybody took it. It was no respecter 
 of persons; everybody shook with it, and it was in everybody's 
 system. They all looked pale and yellow, as though they were 
 frost-bitten. It was not contageous, but was a kind of miasmi that 
 floated around the atmosphere and was absorbed in the system. It 
 kept on absorbing and accumulating from day to da}', until the 
 whole body corporate became charged with it as with electricity, 
 and then the shock came; and the shock was a regular shake, with
 
 HISTORY OP MACON COUNTY. 
 
 3$ 
 
 a fixed beginning and an ending, coming on each day, or each 
 alternate day, with a regularity that was surprising. And after the 
 shake, then came the fever, and this " last estate was worse than 
 the first." It was a burning hot fever, and one that lasted for 
 hours. When you had the chill you couldn't get warm, and when 
 you had the fever you couldn't get cool. It was awkward in this 
 respect. It was, indeed. It would not stop, either, for any sort of 
 contingency. Not even a wedding in the family would stop it. 
 It was impei-ative and exacting. When the appointed hour came 
 around, everything else had to be stopped to attend to its demands. 
 It didn't have any Sundays or holidays. After the fever went 
 down, you didn't still feel much better. You felt as though you 
 had gone through some sort of a collision, and came out not killed, 
 but badly demoralized. You felt weak, as though you had run too 
 far after something, and then didn't catch it. You felt languid, 
 stupid and sore, and was down in the mouth and heel and partially 
 raveled out, so to speak. Your back was out of fix, and your 
 appetite was in a worse fix than that. Your eyes had more white 
 in them than usual, and altogether, you felt poor, disconsolate and 
 sad. You didn't think much of yourself, and didn't believe other 
 people did either. Your didn't care whether there was any school 
 or not. You didn't think much of suicide, but at the same time 
 you almost made up your mind that under certain circumstances it 
 was justifiable. You imagined that even the dogs looked at you 
 with a kind of self-complacency. You thought the sun had a kind 
 of sickly shine about it. About this time you came to the conclu- 
 sion that you would not take the whole State of Illinois as a gift, 
 and picked up Hannah and the baby and your traps, and went 
 back " yander " to Injeany, Ohio, or old Kaintuck. 
 
 The above is no picture of the imagination. It occurred in hun- 
 dreds of cases. It put us in bad repute with our neighbors, and 
 for that reason they refused to come and settle with us. Whole 
 families would sometimes be sick at once, and not one member 
 scarcely able to wait on the others. And when an emigrant hap- 
 pened to stop in a neighborhood affected with this disease, he did 
 not stay long. 
 
 Persons emigrating to the county usually selected their locations 
 and commenced their improvements on government land, and 
 waited until they were able to amass from the scanty resources 
 
 —5
 
 34 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 enough to purchase the forty or eighty acres — as the case might be 
 — at the sales at the land office at Vandalia. In the earlier days 
 the government price of land was fixed at $1.25 per acre. Amus- 
 ing incidents are related in connection with the races that were 
 sometimes made by different persons desiring to enter the same 
 piece of land. It was not unfrequent that men who had about" 
 exhausted their means in reaching the country, and had labored 
 hard and undergone all sorts of privations in securing a comfortable 
 home and other necessary improvements, and had, perhaps, a few 
 acres of ground in cultivation-^when they had at last obtained, by 
 the strictest economy, or perhaps borrowed enough money, to 
 purchase from the government their little forty-acre home, found 
 that soirie speculator had preceded them and entered their land. 
 It is said, however, that in some instances the speculator did not 
 retain the improvements; for, by some magical power or otherwise, 
 in a remarkable short space of time almost, the identical improve- 
 ments appeared at some other locality not far away, and having 
 the same occupants. 
 
 The first piece of land ever entered in Macon county was the 
 west half of the northeast quarter of section thirty-one, in town- 
 ship sixteen north, range two east of the third principal meridian, 
 on the ninth day of November, 1827, by Lewis B. Ward. This 
 was owned by Mr. Ward until the fall of 1876, when it was sold to 
 Hartley G. Henry. There were about eight hundred acres of land 
 entered during that year, and there is now probably not an acre of 
 land in the county belonging to the government. 
 
 ;
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 COUNTY OFFICERS. 
 
 At the time of the formation of the county, all county affairs 
 were transacted by the County Commissioners' Court, which was 
 composed of three men, who were usually selected with reference 
 to their qualifications for the peculiar and responsible duties of the 
 office. This court assumed jurisdiction upon almost all manner of 
 subjects, except the exercise of judicial functions, and the record 
 shows that, even in this respect, upon one occasion at least, the 
 court assumed to fine a man for an indignity to that honorable body, 
 which supposed indignity the court characterised as " flouting," 
 whatever that may mean. 
 
 COUNTY commissioners' COURT. f 
 
 1S29-30 — Benjamin Wilson, 
 Elisha Freeman, 
 James Miller, 
 
 1831-32 — James Miller, 
 I. C. Pugh, 
 David Davis, 
 
 1833-34 — Elisha Freeman, 
 Hugh Bolls, 
 Philip D. Williams. 
 
 1835-36 — James A, Piatt, 
 Wm. Muirhead, 
 Benj. Wilson. 
 
 1830-31 — Elisha Freeman, 
 James Miller, 
 I. C. Pugh. 
 
 1S32-33 — James Miller, 
 I. C. Pugh, 
 David Davis. 
 
 1834-35 — James A. Piatt, 
 Wm. Muirhead, 
 Benj. Wilson. 
 
 1836-37 — James A. Piatt, 
 Wm. Muirhead, 
 Benj. Wilson. 
 
 fEstablished under act of March 22, 1819.
 
 36 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 1837-38 — James A. Piatt, 1S38-39 — Wm. Muirhead, 
 
 Wm. Muirhead, James A. Piatt, 
 
 Josiah Clifton. Abram Chapin. 
 
 1839-40 — *Elisha Freeman, 3 yrs 1840-41 — Elisha Freeman, 
 *Benj. Wilson, 2 yrs., Benj. Wilson, 
 
 *Hiram Chapin, i yr. John Rucker. 
 
 1841-42 — Elisha Freeman, 1842-43 — John Rucker, 
 
 John Rucker, Abraham H. Keller, 
 
 Abraham H, Keller. Leonard Ashton. 
 
 1843-44 — J^^^ Rucker, 1844-45 — J'^^" Rucker, 
 
 Leonard Ashton, Andrew W. Smith, 
 
 Andrew W. Smith. James D. Tait. 
 
 184^-46 — Andrew W. Smith, 1846-47 — Elisha Freeman, 
 James D. Tait, Samuel Rea, 
 
 Elisha Freeman. James D. Campbell. 
 
 1847-48 — Elisha Freeman, 184S-49 — Elisha Freeman, 
 
 Samuel Rea, Samuel Rea, 
 
 James D. Campbell. James D. Campbell. 
 
 It will be noticed that there are but two members of the above 
 court remaining in Macon county, viz: James D. Tait and Samuel 
 Rea. The others are either dead or have ceased to be residents. 
 
 By an act of the Legislature, approved February 12, 1849, the 
 County Commissioners' Court was abolished, and the County 
 Court established, This act provided for the election of a county 
 judge and two additional justices of the peace, whose duty it should 
 be " to sit with the county judge as members of the court, for the 
 transaction of all county business." The County Court was in 
 existence from 1850 to i860. The following constituted our 
 County Court during that period: 
 
 COUNTY COURT. 
 
 18^0-51 — William Prather, County Judge. 
 Jacob Hostetler, Associate Justice. 
 John Rucker, Associate Justice. 
 
 ♦These Commissioners were allotted to the respective terms opposite their 
 names by the County Clerk, under an act approved March ist, 1S37. Under 
 this act the term of service of the County Commissioners was fixed at three 
 years, one to be elected each year.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 37 
 
 1851-52 — William Prather, County Judge. 
 Jacob Hosteller, Associate Justice. 
 John Rucker, Associate Justice. 
 
 1852-53 — William Prather, County Judge. 
 Jacob Hostetler, Associate Justice. 
 John Rucker, Associate Justice. 
 
 1853-54 — William Prather, County Judge. 
 Jacob Hostetler, Associate Justice. 
 John Rucker, Associate Justice. 
 
 1854-55 — William Prather, County Judge. 
 Jacob Hostetler, Associate Justice. 
 John Rucker, Associate Justice. 
 
 1855-56 — William Prather, County Judge. 
 Jocob Hostetler, Associate Justice. 
 John Rucker, Associate Justice. 
 
 1856-57 — John Rickets, County Jndge. 
 
 Jacob Hostetler, Associate Justice. 
 John Rucker, Associate Justice. 
 
 1857-58 — John Rickets, County Judge. 
 
 Jacob Spangler, Associate Justice. 
 M. G. Camron, Associate Justice. 
 
 1858-59 — John Rickets, County Judge. 
 
 Jacob Spangler, Associate Justice. 
 M. G. Camron, Associate Justice. 
 
 1869-70 — John Rickets County Judge. 
 
 Jacob Spangler, Associate Justice. 
 M. G. Camron, Associate Justice. 
 
 There are but three members of the old County Court now 
 living, viz : Judge John Rickets, and Associate Justices Jacob 
 Spangler and M. G. Camron. 
 
 BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.* 
 
 1S60. 
 
 Hickory Point, J. Y. Braden. Oakly, G. W. Forest. 
 Austin, James Parker. Long Creek, John Rucker. 
 
 Note. — On the 17th of February, 1851, an act was passed authorizing coun- 
 ties to adopt the system of "Township Organization" therein prescribed, 
 upon the petition and vote of citizens of the county. At the September
 
 38 
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Maroa, William Crawford. 
 Friends Creek, D. K. Wilson, 
 Decatur, H. B. Durfee. 
 Niantic, J. H. Hughes. 
 S. Wneatland, I. S. Boardman. 
 
 Whitmore, Jas. Lichtenberger. 
 Harristown, Abraham Eyman. 
 Decatur, John W. Koehler, ast. 
 Mt. Zion, W. C. Meyers. 
 South Macon, W. D. Hamilton. 
 
 Blue Mound, J. C. Armstrong. 
 1861. 
 
 Decatur, H. B. Durfee. 
 Friends Creek, D. K. Wilson. 
 Maroa, W. F. Crawford. 
 Hickory Point, J. Y. Braden, 
 Niantic, J. H. Hughes. 
 Oakley, G. W. Forest. 
 Long Creek, J. C. Rucker. 
 
 Decatur, John W. Koehler, ast. 
 Blue Mound, W. T. Moffett. 
 Mt. Zion, W. C. Meyers. 
 S. Wheatland, I. S. Boardman. 
 Harristown, J. H. Pickrell. 
 South Macon, L. M. Clement. 
 Whitmore, Henry Rhodes. 
 
 Austin, J. S. Parker. 
 
 1S62. 
 
 Harristown, J. B. Hanks. 
 Whitmore, Jas. Lichtenberger. 
 Long Creek, J. C. Rucker. 
 Niantic, J. A. Pritchett. 
 S. Wheatland, L S. Boardman. 
 South Macon, A. H. Martin. 
 Decatur, John W. Koehler. 
 
 Hickory Point, J. Y. Braden. 
 Maroa, W. F. Crawford. 
 Mt. Zion, B. W. Davidson. 
 Friends Creek, Comely Lukens. 
 Blue Mound, F. A. Brown. 
 Decatur, H. B. Durfee. 
 Austin, A. Emery. 
 
 Oakley, Laban Chambers. 
 
 term, 1859, of the County Court, a vote of the county was authorized to be 
 submitted to the legal voters at the November election ensuing. The propo- 
 sition to go into township organization was carried, and at the December term 
 following of the County Court, William Cantrill, David Garver and James 
 Dingman, were appointed as commissioners to divide the county into town- 
 ships, which they did, and reported to the court their action on the 14th of 
 January, i860. At that time the county was divided into fourteen townships, 
 as follows: (i) Friends Creek (2) Maroa, (3) Montgomery (afterwards changed 
 to Austin), (4) Bull Point (afterwards changed to Hickory, and then to Hickory 
 Point), (5) Decatur, (6) Long Creek, (7) Whitmore, (8) Oakley, (9) Harris 
 (afterwards changed to Harristown, (10) Wilson (afterwards changed to Mt. 
 Zion), (11) South Wheatland, (12) South Macon, (13) Madison (afterwards 
 changed to Blue Mound), (14) Niantic. Illini, Milam, and Pleasant View have 
 been since formed of parts of other townships.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 39 
 
 Harristown, M. G. Camron. 
 
 Whitmore, John Gill. 
 
 Long Creek, John S. Kizer. 
 
 Niantic, J. W. Corbett. 
 
 S. Wheatland, I. S. Boardman 
 
 South Macon, W. W. Dean. 
 
 Decatur, B. F. Dillehunt. 
 
 Hickory Point, J. Y. Braden, 
 Whitmore, Charles Wooster. 
 Niantic, J. W. Corbett. 
 Decatur, J. E. Roberts. 
 Maroa, W. F. Crawford. 
 South Macon, Frank Babcock 
 Mt. Zion, John Scott. 
 Blue Mound, W. T. Moffett. 
 
 Hickory Point, J. Y. Braden 
 Whitmore, Joshua Green. 
 Niantic, J. W. Corbett. 
 Decatur, W. O. Jones. 
 Maroa, Anderson Franklin. 
 S. Macon, Frank Babcock. 
 Mt. Zion, Jehu Scott. 
 Blue Mound, W. T. Moffett. 
 
 1863. 
 
 Hickory Point, J. Y. Braden. 
 Maroa, W. F. Crawford. 
 Mt. Zion, B. W. Davidson. 
 Friends Creek, Andrew Dickey. 
 . Blue Mound, F. A. Brown. 
 Decatur, H, B. Durfee. 
 Austin, J. S. Parker. 
 Oakley, H. McCoy. 
 
 1S64. 
 
 Illini,J. H. Pickrell. 
 
 Austin, J. S. Parker. 
 
 S. Wheatland, I. S. Boardman. 
 
 Decatur, David Morgan. 
 
 Oakley, H. McCoy. 
 
 Friends Creek, Comely Lukens.j 
 
 Long Creek, John W. Tyler. 
 
 Harristown, M. G. Camron. 
 
 1865. 
 
 mini, John S. Childs. 
 Austin, J, S. Parker. 
 S: Wheatland, L S. Boardman. 
 Decatur, David Morgan. 
 Oakley, O. J. Doyle. 
 Friends Creek, D. K. Wilson. 
 Long Creek, John W. Tyler. 
 Harristown, M. G. Camron. 
 
 1866. 
 
 H. Point, W. F. Montgomery. 
 Whitmore, Joshua Green. 
 Niantic, J. W. Corbett. 
 Decatur, H. B. Durfee. 
 Maroa, John Crocker. 
 South Macon, N. Failing. 
 Mt. Zion, John A. Henry. 
 Blue Mound, W. T. Moffett. 
 
 i/i<&rMii 
 
 mini, J. S. Childs. 
 
 Austin, C. F. Emery. 
 
 S. Wheatland, Jno. Montgomery 
 
 Decatur, W. A. Barnes. 
 
 Oakley, O. J. Doyle. 
 
 Friends Creek, William Daves. 
 
 Long Creek, John W. Tyler. 
 
 Harristown, M. G. Camron. 
 
 ■{■Resigned.
 
 40 
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Decatur, H. B. Durfee. 
 Whitmore, Jas. Lichtenberger 
 South Macon, R. Gray. 
 Niantic, A, W. Pritchett. 
 South Macon, N. Failing. 
 Mt. Zion, J. A. Henry, 
 mini, J. S*! Childs. 
 Harristown, M. G. Camron. 
 
 Decatur, H. B. Durfee. 
 Whitmore, J. G. Harnesberger. 
 South Macon, Joel T. Walker. 
 Niantic, Sheldon Parks. 
 South Macon, John Lyon. 
 Mt. Zion. J. A. Henry, 
 mini. J. C. Tucker. 
 Harristown, M. G. Camron. 
 
 Decatur, James Milliken. 
 Whitmore, J. G. Harnesberger 
 Macon, Joel T. Walker. 
 Niantic, Shaw Pease. 
 Maroa, JohnT. Lyon. 
 Mt. Zion, R. M. Foster, 
 mini, J. J. Bachelder. 
 Harristown, M. G. Camron. 
 
 1867. 
 
 Decatur, W. A. Barnes. 
 
 Friends Creek, Wm. Daves. 
 
 Austin, C. F. Emery. 
 
 Blue Mound, W. T. Moffett. 
 
 S. Wheatland, I. S. Boardman. 
 
 Long Creek, J. S. Kizer. 
 
 Oakley, E. Rhodes. 
 
 H. Point, W. F. Montgomery. 
 
 1868. 
 
 Decatur, M. Forstmeyer. 
 Friends Creek, S. Payne. 
 Austin, T. B. Campbell. 
 Blue Mound, W. T. Moffett. 
 S. Wheatland, L S. Boardman. 
 Long Creek, Joseph Spangler. 
 Oakley, E. Rhodes. 
 Hickory Point, H. S. Mannon. 
 
 1869. 
 
 Decatur, M. Forstmeyer. 
 Friends Cr'k, Payne & Swantes. 
 Austin, Robert T. Morris. 
 Blue Mound, W. T. Moffett. 
 S. Wheatland, L S. Boardman. 
 Long Creek, Samuel Gillispie. 
 Oakley, Reed Spencer. 
 Hickory Point, A. McBride. 
 
 Pleasant View, D, Powles. 
 1870. 
 
 Decatur, Reuben Betzer. 
 Whitmore, Jas. Lichtenberger. 
 Macon, J. T. Walker. 
 Niantic, Thomas Acom. 
 Maroa, John T. Lyon. 
 Mt. Zion, R. M. Foster. 
 
 Decatur, M. Forstmeyer. 
 Friends Ci'eek, F. Swantes.* 
 Austin, Peter Bennett. 
 Blue Mound, R. H. Hill. 
 Wheatland, L S. Boardman. 
 Long Creek, J. Benson Myers. 
 
 ♦Resigned, and T. H. Barr appointed.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 4» 
 
 mini, J. J. Bachelder. 
 Hasristown, M. G. Camron. 
 Pleasant View, D. D. Powles. 
 
 Milam, G. A. Bartlett. 
 Mt. Zion, William Davis. 
 Decatur, M. Forstmeyer. 
 Whitmore, Joshua Green. 
 Maroa, Samuel Lowe. 
 Long Creek, J. B. Myers. 
 Pleasant View, D. D. Powles, 
 mini, J. C. Tucker. 
 South Macon, J. T. Walker. 
 
 Harristown, M. G. Camron. 
 Whitmore, Joshua Green, 
 Decatur, H. Hummell. 
 Hickory Point, A. McBride. 
 Mt. Zion, G. A. Smith. 
 Long Creek, A. T. Davis. 
 Austin, D. Patterson. 
 S. Wheatland, Hiram Ward. 
 Pleasant View, John Hatfield. 
 
 Harristown, M. G. Camron. 
 Blue Mound, Frank Coleman 
 Mt. Zion, Wm. Davis. 
 Macon, N. Failing. 
 Decatur, Jacob Spangler. 
 Hickory Point, H. Lehman. 
 Maroa, John Orr. 
 Friends Creek, R. H. Park. 
 Whitmore, J. C. Ruddock. 
 
 Harristown, M. G. Camron. 
 
 Oakley, Reed Spencer. 
 Hickory Point, A. McBride. 
 Milam, J. B. Gleason.j- 
 
 1871. 
 
 Harristown, M. G. Camron. 
 Austin, C. F. Emery. 
 Decatur, Joseph Mills. 
 Blue Mound, R. H. Hill. 
 Friends Creek, John Marsh. 
 Hickory Point, A. McBride. 
 Oakley, E. Rhodes. 
 S. Wheatland, Hiram Ward. 
 Niantic, S. Parks. 
 
 1872. 
 
 South Macon, N. Failing. 
 Niantic, John Gordy. 
 Decatur, Jacob Spangler. 
 Maroa, Jason Rogers. 
 Oakley, Read Spencer. 
 Niantic, S. Parks, 
 mini, J. C. Tucker. 
 Milam, G. A. Bartlett. 
 Blue Mound, D. F. Barber. 
 
 1873- 
 
 Oakley, Dr. S. Cooper. 
 Long Creek, A. T. Davis. 
 Niantic, James Dingman. 
 Decatur, David S. Hughes. 
 Pleasant View, E. House, 
 mini, L. R. Morse. 
 Austin, D. Patterson. 
 Milam, J. W. Rogers. 
 S. Wheatland, H. Ward. 
 
 1874. 
 
 Oakley, Dr. S. Cooper. 
 
 fOrganized in 1869. 
 
 —6
 
 42 
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUXTY. 
 
 Blue Mound, Frank Coleman. 
 Niantic, James Dingman. 
 Macon, W. S. Gage. 
 Decatur, Jacob Spangler. 
 Pleasant View, E. House. 
 Hickory Point, A. McBride. 
 Friends Creek, J. Ruddock. 
 Wheatland, H. Ward. 
 
 Blue Mound, F. M. Coleman. 
 Whitmore, J.C. Ruddock. 
 Decatur, H. B. Durfee. 
 Oakley, William Grason. 
 Long Creek, Samuel Gillispie. 
 Mt. Zion, J. A. Henry. 
 Austin, Robert Morris, 
 mini, L. R. Morse. 
 Friends Creek, Jas. W. Brown 
 
 Mt. Zion, Wm. Davis. 
 Oakley, Wm. Grason. 
 Decatur, David Hughes. 
 Decatur, H. Hummel. 
 Austin, Robert Morris. 
 Maroa, John Orr. 
 Maroa, Jason Rogers. 
 Long Creek, Samuel Gillispie. 
 
 '875- 
 
 Harristown, M. G. Camron. 
 
 Decatur, M. Forstmeyer. 
 
 Decatur, Jacob Spangler. 
 
 South Macon, W. S. Gage. 
 
 Pleasant View, E. House. 
 
 Milam, W. E. Kyker. 
 
 Hickory Point, A. McBride. 
 
 Maroa, John Orr. 
 . South Wheatland, H. Ward. 
 
 [876. 
 
 Decatur, Samuel Powers. 
 Decatur, M. Forstmeyer. 
 Pleasant View, E. House. 
 Oakley, William Grason. 
 Hickory Point, Henry Lehman, 
 mini, L. R. Morse. 
 Harristown, M. G. Camron. 
 Mt. Zion, W. H. Wallace. 
 Blue Mound, W. T. Moifett. 
 
 Austin, A 
 
 Decatur, D. L. Hughes. 
 Milam, W. E. Kyker. 
 Maroa, John Longstreet. 
 Wheatland, H. Ward. 
 Whitmore, J. C. Ruddock. 
 Long Creek, H. W. Davis. 
 Niantic, A. C. Edgar. 
 Friends Creek, J, W. Brown. 
 Macon, R. H. Woodcock. 
 Hackyard.
 
 HISTORY OK MACON COUNTY. 
 
 43 
 
 • 
 
 > 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 a! 
 
 • 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 u 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 cS 
 
 
 t-. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 X 
 
 ^ 
 
 -^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 c 
 
 < 
 
 ,Q 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ■*J 
 
 K 
 
 O 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 D 
 
 u 
 
 fl. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 . 
 
 
 
 
 
 C^ 
 
 ;z 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 HH 
 
 JZ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ' 
 
 « 
 
 bH 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 c 
 
 
 Ph 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 , 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 o 
 
 J3 
 
 C/3 
 
 < 
 
 • 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 H 
 
 ^ 
 
 • 
 
 1— 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 03 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 U) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 =« 
 
 • 
 
 
 
 
 
 • 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 * 
 
 
 
 
 lU 
 
 >" 
 
 * 
 
 
 
 
 • * 
 
 
 
 
 • • 
 
 • • • 
 
 
 « • 
 
 
 
 
 • • >— » 
 
 M 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 • . ^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Z 
 
 . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 • • rt 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 • • n 
 
 o 
 
 H 
 < 
 
 
 
 
 "o 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 O 
 
 
 • • fcuo 
 
 O 
 
 Q 
 
 
 a, 
 
 
 
 • : 6 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 a 
 
 
 H 
 
 
 
 
 S 
 
 
 
 
 -M JD 
 
 M 
 
 Ph 
 
 
 
 £ 
 
 
 rt 
 
 
 :i 
 
 
 
 
 in o 
 
 W 
 
 < 
 
 
 :i 
 
 :i :i s 
 
 
 
 H-1 :; 
 
 .S 
 
 
 J3 
 
 
 
 
 
 x» 
 
 i<5 
 
 C/2 
 
 o 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 o 
 
 
 C 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ^ -0 
 
 
 I— > 
 
 
 
 c 
 
 
 
 •— i 
 
 
 I— i 
 
 
 U 
 
 
 
 
 w :^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 • 
 
 
 . i^ 
 
 W 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 H 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 • 
 
 
 • 
 
 < 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 U] 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 , 
 
 
 . c 
 
 pa 
 o 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 O 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 • a; 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ^ 
 ^ 
 
 Pm 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 a 
 o 
 
 en 
 0) 
 
 s 
 
 
 =i.y 
 
 
 
 
 
 p^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 o 
 
 fa 
 o 
 
 
 
 
 
 incj 
 
 :: 
 
 ^ ^ 
 
 - 
 
 Oh 
 
 s 
 
 o 
 
 H 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 z 
 
 - 
 
 ^ 3 
 " O 
 
 u 
 
 
 
 
 CO 
 
 u 
 
 
 
 ■> 
 
 
 
 o 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 o 
 6 
 
 u 
 
 
 
 
 • • • 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 « 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 • S 
 
 H 
 
 
 
 • • • 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ' *J 
 
 C5 
 
 
 
 • • 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ; a. 
 
 Q 
 
 & 
 
 o 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 0) 
 
 o 
 
 o 
 
 O " 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 P H 
 
 •4-) 
 
 1) 
 
 J— I 
 
 H 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 CO 
 
 Q 
 
 •-» 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 O 
 
 Q 
 
 
 H 
 
 
 ,2 ^ 
 
 ffi 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 -i-( 
 
 > 
 
 
 
 ^°2 
 
 
 C/2 
 
 
 M 
 
 C/3 
 * 
 
 
 - t— 
 
 ^C/2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 cyy 
 
 
 , 
 
 o 
 
 - CO 
 
 G- 
 
 \ " 
 
 M 
 
 <^ ^ 
 
 -u~,vr5 
 
 r- 
 
 .GO 
 
 c- 
 
 y O 
 
 _ 
 
 
 5-t 
 
 CO r<- 
 
 5 <y 
 
 5 ro ro fO r' 
 
 5 CO t^ 
 
 > r< 
 
 2 -t- -t- 
 
 H 
 
 - "-t- H 
 
 - -)- -h 
 
 '^ 
 
 - -+- 
 
 -t 
 
 ij~j 
 
 ij- 
 
 ►■^ 
 
 CO CO 
 
 CO 
 
 CO CO 00 CO 
 
 CO CO 
 
 C/n 
 
 CO CO 
 
 CO 
 
 CO CO 
 
 CO CO 
 
 y.) 
 
 CO 
 
 o) 
 
 CO 
 
 CO OD u 
 
 >H ! 
 
 •-H 
 
 ^H 
 
 
 f^ 
 
 t-t 
 
 t-H 
 
 »-H 
 
 HH 
 
 HH 
 
 »-H 
 
 1—* 
 
 CH 
 
 CH 
 
 )— * 
 
 l-rf 
 
 Ni^ »— < 
 
 ►-* 
 
 HH 
 
 1— < 
 
 *— ( 
 
 )— 1 
 
 >-< j::
 
 44 
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 > 
 
 
 
 ci 
 
 
 
 w 
 
 • 
 
 
 
 
 
 < 
 
 fl -s 
 
 
 X 
 
 
 
 U 
 
 
 
 
 be ^ «i O 
 
 
 Pi 
 
 
 
 < 
 
 u a ffi <i 
 
 
 S 
 
 ^ fii ^ 
 
 
 >^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 W 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Z 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Hirf 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 C 
 
 
 
 rH 
 
 •a 
 
 O 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 o 
 
 
 
 (U 
 
 <: 
 
 C/3 
 
 if 
 
 
 
 r" 
 
 
 
 
 o 
 
 
 
 tc (« ^ 
 
 1 u :5 
 
 c 
 
 'o 
 a 
 a, 
 a 
 
 
 Li] ^ W i< rn 
 
 c 
 c 
 
 3 
 
 
 S H^ ^ Q S U 
 
 
 
 
 X! 
 
 • 
 
 
 C 
 
 w 
 
 
 R! 
 
 < 
 
 ■"•••••••••••••••••••••• 
 
 
 n 
 
 
 c 
 
 O' 
 
 U 
 
 be 
 
 Ci 
 
 0) 
 
 U} 
 
 Ph 
 
 JC 
 
 -t-; lyj .... 
 
 C« -M 
 
 
 o 
 
 o r 
 
 c 
 
 
 
 1 ^' '''o,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,^ 
 
 o 
 
 ^3 
 
 a ^ ^ 
 
 £ 
 
 ►— i 
 
 
 to 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ■^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 J3 
 
 • 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 u 
 
 m 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Lh 
 
 
 
 a 
 
 
 r^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 <2 
 
 D 
 
 
 O u - ' - 
 
 
 
 
 
 1—1 
 
 CA 
 
 
 
 
 
 03 
 
 h 
 
 QW- - ^ ^ - - ^ - - - - - i. . . . . e 
 
 Q 
 
 
 P 
 
 
 ^ ^ o ^^ ^ ^ 
 
 
 u 
 
 
 \ o - 
 
 < 
 
 S 
 
 0) 
 
 -4-) 
 
 . 
 
 CO Th vovo ir^OO C 
 
 N fO Tj- vnVO t-^CO OS O ►- N fO T+- u-;\0 
 
 >r> 
 
 
 lO lO iJ^ >^j lO u~) lO^ VO^O^VO^^VOVO^ t~*t^t^t^t^l>.l>. 
 
 
 >^ 
 
 CO 
 
 
 00 
 
 CO 
 
 CO 
 
 CO 
 
 CO 
 
 CO 
 
 00 
 
 CO 
 
 CO 
 
 00 
 
 CO 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 CO 
 
 »-4 
 
 00 
 
 CO 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 CO 
 
 1— 1 
 
 CO 
 
 1— < 
 
 CO 
 
 *
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 45 
 
 t-H 
 
 W 
 !7} 
 
 Pi 
 D 
 
 w 
 
 H 
 >- 
 
 H 
 D 
 
 o 
 O 
 
 o 
 
 'S 
 
 s 
 
 a 
 
 O 
 
 * 
 * 
 
 
 
 S 
 
 A^ g 
 
 •a 
 
 c 
 
 S .1 
 
 a -^ 
 
 C/5 73 
 
 o 
 d •« c ^ 
 
 3 — 3 O 
 
 • o . CS 
 
 1) a; 
 
 D 
 
 
 
 
 &, Oh 
 
 O O 
 
 0) 
 
 occ 
 
 C 
 
 
 C/3 
 
 6 
 
 4) 
 
 o 
 a, 
 
 a, 
 
 C4 
 
 O 
 u 
 
 -a 
 
 D 
 
 ■T3 f<5 
 
 •£c 
 
 o .- 
 
 CI. 4j 
 
 < n 
 . o 
 
 .2 * 
 "S 
 
 o u 
 
 
 O 
 
 o 
 
 ;-> 
 ' O 
 
 Ph 
 
 W 
 
 
 CI 
 
 O 
 
 
 o 
 
 * 
 
 o 
 o 
 
 
 
 ■^ c 
 
 •a W) 
 
 TO (U 
 
 u 
 
 ^ o 
 •^ a, 
 
 ^ 
 
 C?\ O '-' M f^ "+ >OVO t-^CO CN O — N fO Tt- lO^O t^CO ON o - 
 COOOCOOOOOQOCOOOOOCOCOCOCOOOCOCOODOOCOCOOOCOOO
 
 46 
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY 
 
 S 
 
 
 0) 
 
 
 CO 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 O 
 
 
 XI 
 
 
 <u 
 
 u 
 
 4-> 
 
 o 
 
 (-■ 
 
 (U 
 
 s. 
 
 •4-» 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 o 
 
 Oh 
 
 
 o 
 
 1) 
 
 s 
 
 .5 
 
 p 
 
 o 
 o - 
 
 o 
 
 o 
 
 • 
 
 x; 
 
 • 
 
 • 
 
 CO 
 
 o 
 
 c 
 c 
 
 c 
 
 r-; 
 
 ■J. 
 
 "> 
 
 o 
 
 s 
 
 o 
 o 
 
 
 w 
 
 ^ 
 
 O 
 
 o 
 
 < 
 
 O 
 
 
 
 bx) 
 
 ,<" 3 :j :: 
 
 (U 
 
 s 
 
 o 
 fa 
 
 
 O 
 
 U 
 
 C/2 t-H* 
 
 u 
 
 :: rt 
 
 o 
 
 pq 
 
 O 
 
 pq 
 
 S 
 
 O 
 
 
 o 
 
 bx) 
 
 u 
 
 o 
 
 Pi 
 w 
 
 U 
 
 H 
 O 
 
 U 
 
 . . V 
 
 p :::::::::;:: i 
 
 o eS • • * • bo 
 
 .' ri^^>*<^-..*^s* rH ^ ^ v# . • 
 
 > 3 . - - - > 
 
 ^ £ U ^ 
 
 )4 
 
 
 u 
 
 OJ . . . . v< - 
 
 -SOS «* 
 
 cC O I « 
 
 g - - - < :: s :i ffi - - ^ -- - ^ - - ^ - - - ^ -^ - -- 
 
 _^ ^ ^ w 
 
 vo u~i »J~) >0 lO >0 <-0 u^VO ^VOMDVO^VOO^VO I:^t-^t^l>.I>.I>.l>. 
 
 cocococococococococooooooocococooocooocooocooococo
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 47 
 
 The first Circuit Court held in the county was in the town of 
 Decatur, commencing on the eighth day of May, 1830, and was 
 presided over by Judge Samuel D. Lockwood. Wm. Warnick 
 was sheriff, and Daniel McCall clerk, and John H. Pugh was 
 prosecuting attorney. There were on the docket for trial, at this 
 term, the following cases: Thomas Cowan vs. Wm. King, appeal ; 
 John Hanks vs. John Henderson, slander; Wm. Webb vs. Hub- 
 bell Sprague, slander; W^m. Webb vs. Phillip D. Williams, appeal. 
 The two appeal cases were dismissed at the cost of the defend- 
 ants, and the first slander suit was dismissed at the cost of the 
 plaintiff, and the second at the cost of the defendant. At the 
 March term, 1830, of the County Commissioners' Court, the fol- 
 lowing order was made, and the persons therein named constituted 
 the first grand and petit jurors: 
 
 '•'■ Ordered^ That the following named persons appear before the 
 Circuit Court, to be held at Decatur on the sixth day of May next, 
 at the hour of eleven o'clock A. m., to serve as grand jurors, to-wit: 
 Benjamin R. Austin, Francis G. Hill,* Robert Foster, William 
 Freeman, Lambert G. Bearden, James Ward, Jeremiah Ward, 
 William D. Baker*, Michael Myres, William Wheeler, Edmund 
 McDaniel,* William Miller, John Miller, sr., James Hanks, Isaac 
 Miller, David Miller (2d), Samuel Miller, William King, Thomas 
 Cowan, Luther Stevens, John Miller (3d), John Hanks,* and Jon- 
 athan Miller; and that the following named persons appear at the 
 Circuit Court, at the time and place above mentioned, to serve as 
 petit jurors, to-wit: David Miller, Doras Stevens, Matthias 
 Anderson, Parmenas Smallwood, James Owens, Winkfield 
 Everett, William Ward, John Widick, Samuel Widick, James 
 W. D. Taylor, James A, Ward, James Myres, John Mowry, 
 Henry Ewing, James Finly, James McGinas, George Widick, 
 Landy Harrell, Peter Walker, William Cox, Berry Rose, Ran- 
 dolph Rose, David Davis and John Warnick." 
 
 Substantially the same juries were selected at the August term, 
 1829, of the County Commissioners' Court, to serve at a fall term 
 of the Circuit Court to have been held at the house of James 
 Ward. The writs issued were returnable at a court to be held at 
 James Wards also; but there is no record of a court held in the 
 
 *Four of this grand jury are still living; but none of the petit jury.
 
 4^ HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 fall of 1829, and one of the jurors who served at the first term of 
 court informs me that it was held in Decatur in 1S30. There is 
 an impression, however, in the minds of many, that the first court 
 was held at Ward's, four miles south of Decatur. 
 
 The grand jury selected as above stated, were charged by John 
 H. Pugh, after which they retired "to consider the presentments." 
 On the same day they " returned into court, and having no busi- 
 ness, nor the attorney for the people any for them," were dis- 
 charged. 
 
 There appears to be no evidence as to what attorney attended 
 this term of court, either from the record files or docket, excepting 
 Mr. Pugh. 
 
 The second term of court was held on the second and third days 
 of May, 1 83 1. At this term there were six cases pending for trial, 
 one of which was an indictment for cheating, on change of venue 
 from Tazewell county, which was continued. Another was for 
 " damages," which was dismissed by the plaintiff. The other four 
 cases were for slander, two of which were continued by consent, 
 one dismissed by the plaintiff, and one tried, in which the jury 
 rendered a verdict of guilty, and assessed the plaintiff's damages at 
 one cent. 
 
 The attorneys engaged in these cases were: George Forquer, 
 John H. Pugh, W. L. D. Ewing, and Hon. John T. Stuart, all of 
 Springfield. 
 
 The following persons constituted the grand jury: James John- 
 son, foreman; Benjamin Wilson, Thomas Ward, Ephraim Cox, 
 Hiram Reavis, William Christopher, John Walker, William Muir- 
 heid, Richard Dauget, Benjamin Frazie, Jacob Coppenbarger, 
 John Ballard, Moses Harrel, Christopher Miller, Joseph Stevens, 
 John Taylor, David L. Allin, John Ingram, Reuben Beecher, 
 Josiah Allen, James Bone, John Smith and Landy Harrell, who, 
 on being sworn and charged, " retired to consult;" after which 
 they brought into court one indictment charging the defendant 
 with larceny. 
 
 The petit jury at this term was as follows: Emanuel Widick, 
 Lewis B. Ward, Jacob Caulk, Elisha Freeman, John Rose, Lem- 
 uel Walker, Henry Traughber, Allen Travis, Kinian Ingram, 
 Thomas S. Taylor, William Shepard, James Shepard, George 
 Hawks, John Coppenbarger, Alexander Scott, James Miller, Jona-
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 49 
 
 than Flory, Philip Ballard, Alfred Layman, Thomas Johnson, 
 Daniel Shinkle, Abraham Shepard, Isaac Bigelow and Philip D. 
 Williams. 
 
 But one of the grand jurors — David L. Allin — and four of the 
 petit jurors are now living. At the close of the first day the court 
 adjourned until six o'clock the next morning, at which time, it 
 having no further business, adjourned until court in course. 
 
 There would be much of public interest connected with a de- 
 tailed analysis of the early courts of this county, and a more exten- 
 sive notice of the lawyers who engaged in the early practice; but 
 our limits forbid. Many of the illustrious men of this country, who 
 have since become famous in its politics, jurisprudence and. national 
 history, have practiced at the Macon county bar. Among them 
 we mention : Abraham Lincoln, Stephen A. Douglas, David 
 Davis, Edward D. Baker, John A. McDougall, Anthony Thorn- 
 ton, Horatio M. Vandeveer, Charles Emerson, Leonard Swett, 
 John T. Stuart, U. F. Linder, Josiah Lamborn and Stephen T. 
 Logan. 
 
 Mr. Emerson was the first resident attorney, and came here in 
 the spring of 1S34*; Kirby Benedict* was the second, who came 
 here in 1836; and J. S. Post was the first attorney admitted to 
 practice from the county.* George Powers* and Jerome R. 
 Gorin* were admitted next in order. 
 
 BIOGRAPHIES OF COUNTY OFFICERS. 
 
 COUNTY JUDGES. 
 
 Daniel McCall, J^irsf County yudge. — Daniel McCall 
 moved from Fayette county to Macon in the early part of 1829. 
 He was then about thirty-six years of age. He was postmaster at 
 the time of the organization of the county, and also held the offices 
 of probate judgis, circuit clerk and county clerk at the same time. 
 But little is know^n of his early history prior to his coming to this 
 county, or after he left here. He was educated, and had the ability 
 to be a useful and influential member of the community, but, unfor- 
 tunately, was very much dissipated. He left this county and emi- 
 
 *See sketch, chapter 10. 
 
 ' —7
 
 "-- ' 5*^ HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 -■■• -.'; 
 
 • ••' ',' '.grated to Texas, and, as reported, died there; but at what period 
 "'l ' i'we have been unable to learn. 
 
 •.. * . ■•■, • Charles Emerson, Second County yudge. — [See sketch in 
 ; ». chapter lo.] 
 
 .^ ■. ,• Kirby Benedict, Third County yudgc. — [See sketch in chap- 
 
 ter lO.] 
 
 , ^%-'' Dr. John G. Spear, Fourth County Judge. — [See sketch in 
 
 chapter lo.] 
 
 Thomas H. Read, Fifth County Judge. — [See sketch in 
 chapter lo.] 
 
 William Prather, Sixth County Judge. — Mr. P. was born 
 in Maryland about the year iSo6, and died on the twenty-ninth 
 day of August, 1870. He was appointed circuit clerk in 1S47, and 
 elected to the same office in 1848, and re-elected in 1852. In 1850 
 he was elected county judge, and retained that position until 1856. 
 He always had very infirm health. 
 
 John Rickets, Seventh County Judge. — Mr. R. was born in 
 1814, in Lynchburg, Campbell county, Va. In 1832 he moved 
 with his father to Kentucky, and came to Illinois in 1834, and loca- 
 ted at Bloomington, where he remained until 1839, when he came 
 to Decatur. In 1841 he removed to Monticello, where he re- 
 mained until 1847, and then returned to Decatur. Was a justice 
 of the peace for a good many years, and was judge of the county 
 court from 1856 to 1861. 
 
 Samuel F. Greer, Fighth County Judge. — Mr. G. was born 
 in Fairfield county, Ohio, September 8, 1824, and removed to 
 Macon county in 1854. He engaged in the sale of dry goods for 
 about five years. He was elected judge of the county court in 
 1 86 1, and has been re-elected at the expiration of each term since. 
 Has also been a member of the board of education, and has held 
 other offices of trust and responsibility. 
 
 circuit clerks. 
 D. McCall, First Circuit Clerk. — [See sketch above.] 
 
 H. M. Gorin, Second Circuit Clerk. — Mr. Gorin was born 
 October 14, 1812, in Kentucky, and came to Macon county in 1831 
 or '32, and was clerk of the circuit court from 1834 or '40 — having 
 been appointed in the place of D. McCall, discharged — and was
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 5I 
 
 -■/ O - 
 
 clerk of the county court from 1837 to 1840. He removed from ^. ^ v-^ 
 
 Macon county, in 1840, to Scotland county, Mo., where he was ^ ^ I ^ " 
 
 afterwards elected clerk of the circuit court, and where he now i^." y ^^ 
 resides. He married Mary Ann Love, and was a brother of V 
 
 1? ' 1— 
 
 Jerome R. Gorin, of Decatur. ■ > ' ^^ 
 
 N. W. Peddicord, T/iird Circuit Clerk.— Mr. Peddicord \ ^ -^ 
 was born in Montgomery county, Maryland, and removed to 
 Macon county in 1S36, where he engaged as a clerk for Adam- 
 son & Prather, and afterwards formed a co-partnership with Joseph 
 Stickel in merchandising. He was appointed clerk of the circuit 
 court to succeed Mr. Gorin, in 1840, and served in that capacity 
 until 1847, and was also clerk of the county court from 1840 to 
 1846. He removed from Macon county and became a resident of 
 Missouri, California and Iowa. He died in the latter state about 
 1870. 
 
 William Prather, Fourth Circuit Clerk. — [See above, as 
 county judge.] 
 
 Joseph Q. A, Odor, Fifth Circuit Clerk. — Mr. Odor was born 
 May 30, 1827, in Garrard county, Kentucky, and came to Macon 
 county in April, 1S52, where he engaged in farming and teaching 
 school until 1854, when he was appointed deputy sheriff under 
 Stephen M. Whitehouse. He was elected clerk of the circuit 
 court in 1856, and served four years. In 1861 he became a member 
 of the firm of Milliken & Odor, in the banking business, and con- 
 tinued until 1863, when he went to Louisville, Kentucky, and 
 again engaged in banking. In 1869 he returned to Macon county, 
 and resumed business here as a member of the firm of Smiths, 
 Hammer & Co., and afterwards, upon the dissolution of that firm, 
 became a partner in the firm of Rucker, Hammer & Co., which 
 position he now holds. 
 
 William L. Hammer, Sixth Circuit Clerk. — William L. 
 Hammer, the sixth circuit clerk of Macon county, was born Nov. 
 2, 181 7, in Winchester, Clark county, Kentucky, and came from 
 Kentucky to Sangamon county, Illinois, in 1827. From there he 
 removed to that part of Shelby county, now Christian county, in 
 1837, and thence to 1/Iacon county in 1854. In i860 he was elected 
 circuit clerk of Macon county, and was re-elected in 1864, serving 
 two full terms with entire satisfaction to his constituents. On
 
 52 HISTORY OF MACOX COUNTY. 
 
 retiring from office he became a director, and subsequently presi- 
 dent, of the First National Bank of Decatur, and on the liquida- 
 tion of that institution he became senior member of the banking 
 house of Rucker, Hammer & Co. He was mayor of the city of 
 Decatur in 1S69, and a member of the board of education of Deca- 
 tur school district from 1S65 to 1S74, and was largely instrumental 
 in the erection of the elegant and commodious school buildings 
 that are a pride to the citizens of Decatur. Mr. H., in his business 
 and official relations, has been gentlemanly and upright. In his 
 social and domestic relations he is kind and indulgfent. 
 
 E. McClellan, Seventh Circuit Clerk. — Mr. McClellan was 
 born October, 1S18, in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and came 
 to Illinois in 1835. He was elected sheriff in 1856, and served two 
 years. He was city marshal from 1863 to 1865. He was elected 
 circuit clerk in 1868, and re-elected in 1872, and again in 1876, and 
 also served as deputy clerk, under Mr. Hainmer, for three years. 
 He married Judith Snyder, who was born in Kentucky in 1835 or 
 '6, and removed to Macon county in 1834. 
 
 COUNTY CLERKS. 
 
 D. McCall, First Coitnty Clerk. — [See county judge above.] 
 
 H. M. Gorin, Second County Clerk. — [See circuit clerk above.] 
 
 N. W. Peddicord, Third County Clerk. — [See circuit clerk 
 above.] 
 
 E. B. Hale, Fourth County Clerk. — Mr. Hale was a son of 
 Philo Hale, elsewhere mentioned in this work. He is a resident 
 of Cleveland, Ohio, and is tha owner of a large amount of land in 
 Macon county which was entered by his father, and is said to be 
 wealthy. We have applied to Mr. H. for information regarding 
 his father's and his own history, but have received no response. 
 
 Warner W. Oglesby, Fifth County Clerk. — Mr. O. was 
 born October i, 181 7, in Kentucky. He held the office of county 
 clerk from 1847 to 1856. He died on the twenty-second day of 
 August, i860. He held other positions of trust, and was loved 
 and respected by all. 
 
 Samuel Rea, Sixth County Clerk. — [See sketch in chapter 10.] 
 I. C. PuGH, Seventh County Clerk. — [See sketch in chapter 10.]
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 53 
 
 H. W. Waggoner, Eighth County Clerk. — Mr. W. was born 
 November 9, 1835, '" Pei"ry county, Pennsylvania. He removed 
 to Chicago in 1855, and a short time afterwards to Macon county. 
 He was deputy county clerk from 1855 to 1866, and in 1869 was 
 elected clerk of that court, and was re-elected in 1873. 
 
 SHERIFFS. 
 
 ^William Warnick, First Sheriff.— \SeQ sketch in chapter 10.] 
 John McMennamy, Second Sheriff. — [See sketch in chapter 
 
 James Stevens, Third Sheriff. — [See sketch in chapter 10,] 
 William Wheeler, Fourth Sheriff". — [See sketch in chapter 
 
 Samuel Re a, Fifth Sheriff. — [See sketch in chapter 10.] 
 
 Stephen M. Whitehouse, Sixth Sheriff. — Mr. W. was born 
 February 8, 183 1, in Washington county, Virginia, and came to 
 Illinois in 1846, and located in this county. He married Mary E. 
 Falconer, March 7, 1850, and was elected sheriff in the fall of 
 1854,- and sei'ved two years. He removed to Kansas in 1869, 
 where he died, December 6, 1875. 
 
 E. McClellan, Seventh Sheriff. — [See sketch as circuit clerk.] 
 
 George Goodman, Eighth Sheriff. — Mr. Goodman was born 
 in Coles county, Indiana, in 1823, and came to this state in 1836, 
 and located on. the Okaw, in what is now Moultrie county, but 
 then a part of Macon. He came to Decatur in 1837, was elected 
 sheriff of Macon county in i860, and served two years, and has 
 been a justice of the peace for seventeen years. Me says, in his 
 early days he was a most excellent shoemaker. 
 
 John W. Bear, Ninth Sheriff. — Mr. B. was born about 1830, 
 in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and came to Illinois in the spring 
 of 1854. He was elected sheriff in 1863, and served two years, 
 and also served as a member of the city council, and was a justice 
 of the peace. He is now a resident of Wichita, Kansas. 
 
 A. A.Murray, Tenth Sheriff. — Mr. M. was born in 1832, in 
 Jefferson county, New York. He removed to Illinois in 1847, ^"^ 
 located in Springfield, Illinois, where he remained five years, and 
 then went to Bloommgton and remamed four years, and came to 
 Decatur, Illinois, in 1857. Was elected sheriff in 1864, since
 
 54 
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 which time he has been engaged in the sale of agricultural imple- 
 ments. 
 
 John E. Jones, Eleventh Sheriff. — Mr. Jones was born in 
 Madison county, Ohio, and came to Macon county in 1854, and 
 was in the army during the late war. After his return he engaged 
 in merchandising for a short time, and was elected sheriff in 1S67, 
 and served one term. He died in Decatur in August, 1870. 
 
 James Travis, Twelfth Sheriff". — Was born in Kentucky 
 about 1810. He removed to Tippecanoe county, Indiana, and 
 thence to Macon county, where he was elected sheriff in 1868, and 
 served for one term. In 1873 he removed to Grand Rapids, Michi- 
 gan. His present residence unknown. 
 
 George M. Wood, Thirteenth Sheriff. — Mr. W. was born in 
 Hart county, Kentucky, in May, 1828, and came to Illinois in 1835, 
 and settled in Greene county. He remained there until 1849, and 
 went to Texas and staid two years. Thence he returned to Illi- 
 nois and located in Springfield, and came to Macon county in 1854, 
 and engaged in the sale of dry goods. He was elected sheriff in 
 November, 1870, and served two years, and was then appointed 
 deputy under Mr. Jennings, and served in that capacity until 
 November, 1875, when he was elected county treasurer, which 
 position he now holds. 
 
 I. D. Jennings, Fotirteenth Sheriff. — Mr. J. was born July 10, 
 1825, in Somerset county. New Jersey, where the rocks are so 
 thick that the noses of the sheep are compelled to be sharpened 
 before they — the sheep — can subsist on the grass that grows be- 
 tween the rockg^ He came to Illinois in 1850, and located at Jack- 
 sonville, where he remained until 1853, when he came to Decatur. 
 He was elected sheriff in 1872, and served two years, and was re- 
 elected in 1874, and also served as deputy under Sheriff ^Vood. 
 He was city marshal from 1867 to 1870. 
 
 Martin Forstmeyer, Tifteeftth Sheriff. — Was born in South 
 Bavaria, March 21, 1830, and emigrated to America in 1852, and 
 located in Decatur in 1854. With the exception of two years he 
 has been a member of the board of supervisors since 1864, ^^'^^^ 
 was mayor of the city of Decatur in 1872, and was a member of 
 the city council from 1862 to 1871. At the recent election he was 
 elected sheriff by a large majority.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 55 
 
 COUNTY TREASURERS. 
 
 B. R. Austin, First County Treasurer. — [See sketch in chap- 
 ter lO.] 
 
 John Miller, Second County Treasurer. — We have been 
 unable to learn much of Mr. M. He was probably born in Vir- 
 ginia, and was about fifty years of age when he held the office of 
 county treasurer. 
 
 James Johnson, Third County Treasurer. — Came from Ken- 
 tucky to Macon county at least as early as 1830.* He was county 
 treasurer in 1832 and '3, and was colonel in the Black Hawk war. 
 He removed from Macon county to Pike county, Illinois, where 
 he died — date unknown. 
 
 Joseph Hostetler, Fourth County Treasurer. — [See sketch 
 in chapter 10.] 
 
 Joseph Stevens, Fifth County Treasurer. — [See sketch in 
 chapter 10,] 
 
 James Renshaw, Sixth County Treasurer. — [See sketch in 
 chapter 10.] 
 
 David Davis, Seventh County Treasurer. — [See sketch in 
 chapter 10.] 
 
 Henry Snyder, EigJith County Treasurer — [See sketch in 
 chapter 10.] 
 
 Thomas H. Read, Ninth County Treasurer. — [See sketch in 
 chapter 10.] 
 
 George Powers, Tenth County Treasurer. — [See sketch in 
 chapter 10.] 
 
 Samuel C. Allen, Eleventh County Treasurer. — [See sketch 
 in chapter 10.] 
 
 I. C. PuGH, Txvelfth County Treasurer. — [See sketch in 
 chapter 10.] 
 
 William Cantrill, Thirteenth County Treasurer. — [See 
 sketch in chapter 10.] 
 
 Ira B. Curtis, Fourteenth County Treasurer.— \^ee sketch in 
 chapter 10.] 
 
 William M. Boyd, Fifteenth Cotuity Treasurer. — Mr. Boyd 
 was born on the thirtieth of May, 1842, in Warren county, Vir
 
 56 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 ginia, and came to Decatur, Illinois, in the fall of i860. He was 
 elected county treasurer in the fall of 1869, and served two terms, 
 and was elected as a member of the city council in 1875, and has 
 been for several years occupying an important and responsible 
 position in the banking house of Peddecord & Burrows. 
 
 R. H. Park, Sixteenth County Treasurer. — Mr. Park was 
 born November 11, 1S33, in Madison county, Kentucky; came to 
 Illinois, March, 186 1; settled in Macon county; was elected treas- 
 urer in 1873, and served two years. 
 
 George M. Wood, Seventeenth County Treasurer. — [See 
 sketch as sheriff, above.] 
 
 state's attorneys.* 
 
 D. L. BuNN, Ninth State''s Attorney. — D. L. Bunn, " was born 
 on the banks of the raging Okaw," as he strenuously insists, McLean 
 county, 111., on the 27th day of September, 1837, ^"^ came to Macon 
 county in 1855. He was appointed prosecuting attorney by Gov. 
 Yates, in 1862, to fill out the unexpired term of James P. Boyd, 
 and was re-elected in 1864, and served four years, and then "retired 
 in good order." Mr. B., in his official capacity, was regarded by 
 all as a successful prosecutor, and faithfully discharged the duties of 
 his office. 
 
 M. B. Thompson, Tenth States Attorney. — Mr. Thompson was 
 born in 1S33, in Vigo connty, Indiana, and came to Illinois in 1856, 
 and settled in Urbana, Champaign county. He was elected state's 
 attorney in 186S, for the seventeenth judicial circuit, of which Ma- 
 con county formed a part at that time. 
 
 Chas. C. yicCoMXs^ Eleventh State'' s Attorney. — Mr. McComas 
 was born in Jasper county, Illinois, August 10, 1844, ^^^^ came to 
 Macon county in 1861, where he enlisted and served for three years 
 in the army. After his return he studied law, and was admitted lo 
 practice in 1869, and in 1872 was elected prosecuting attorne}' for 
 Macon county, being the first elected for the count}' under the con- 
 stitution of 1870. 
 
 I, A. Buckingham, Tivelfth State's Attorney. — Mr. Bucking- 
 ham was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, July 25, 1S40. He studied 
 
 *NoTE. — We are enabled to give sketcfies of the state's attorneys from 1864 
 only.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 57 
 
 law with Tilden & Caldwell in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was admit- 
 ted to the bar in 1853, and came to Macon county in September, 
 1863, at which time he formed a co-partnership with Capt. J. S. 
 Post in the practice of law, and has been in active practice ever 
 since. He was appointed city attorney for the years 1873, '4/5 and 
 '6, respectively, and in Nov., 1876, was elected state's attorney for 
 Macon county for the period of four years, 
 
 MASTERS IN CHANCERY. 
 
 I. C. PuGH, First Master in Chancery. — [See sketch in chap- 
 ter 10.] 
 
 Wm. a. Barnes, Second Master i)i Chancery. — Wm. A. 
 Barnes was born in Claremont, Sullivan county, N. H., March 15, 
 1824, and came to this county in 1853. He now holds the positions of 
 president of the board of education of Decatur, president of the 
 public library board, and president of the Citizens' Association of 
 Decatur. Was Master in Chancery from 18 — to 1864. 
 
 R. H. Merriweather, Third Master in Chancery. — 
 Was born in Howard county, Md., June 33, 1820, and came to Ma- 
 con county in 1858. He was appointed Master in Chancery in May, 
 1S64, and continued to hold the ofHce until January, 1S74. He was 
 deputy circuit clerk for four years under Hammer, and most of the 
 time under McClellan. 
 
 John A. Brown, Fourth Master in Chancery. — John A. Brown 
 was born July 23, 1843, in Abington, Mass. Removed from 
 that state, with his father, to Cincinnati, Ohio, and thence to Mis- 
 souri in 1857, and thence to Illinois in 1S60, and to Decatur, 111., 
 in 1865. Was connected with the newspapers at Decatur, Illinois, 
 for three years. He then commenced the study of law, and after 
 the usual course of study was admitted to the bar in 1S76, and im- 
 mediately entered into a co-partnership with F. B. Tait in the prac- 
 tice of law at Decatur, He was appointed by Judge C. B. Smith 
 master in chancery of Jvlacon county, in 1873, and has performed 
 the duties pertaining to the office faithfully and efficiently. 
 
 —8
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 THE BLACK HAWK WAR. 
 
 In 183 1 a treaty was made by which Black Hawk and his tribes 
 of Indians were to remove to the west side of the Mississippi river, 
 and release all claim upon the east side. Emissaries of the British 
 government, from Canada, induced the Indians to disregard the 
 treaty and return to their former homes in Illinois. On the sixth 
 day of April, 1832, Black Hawk, with his followers, crossed the 
 Mississippi, bringing with them their women, children and prop- 
 erty. He announced that his mission was peaceful — but no doubt 
 his object was to reclaim the territor}^ he had released under the 
 treaty of the year before. Governor Reynolds, learning of the 
 movement of Black Hawk, called for volunteers to repel the inva- 
 ders. Eighteen hundred volunteers, under Whiteside and Rey- 
 nolds, were mustered into service, and General Atkinson dispatched 
 them in pursuit of the Indians. On the twelfth of May they 
 reached Dixon's ferry, where they were joined by Major Stillman 
 with 275 men. Stillman considered his command independent 
 of Whiteside, and declined to join Whiteside's brigade. Stillman, 
 with Major Baily, received orders to go to " Old Man's creek," 
 now Stillman's run, to ascertain the movements of the Indians. 
 The two battalions camped about ten miles from the ferry on the 
 evening of the thirteenth, and on the morning of the fourteenth 
 Stillman took command of both battalions, and continued in pur- 
 suit until sunset, when they encamped in "front of a small creek" 
 (Stillman's run) about thirty miles from Dixon. Black Hawk hearing 
 of their approach, sent out three men to meet them and take them 
 to his camp, that a council might be held; but the men were taken
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 59 
 
 prisoners. Five others were sent out for the same purpose, but 
 two of them were killed. This aroused Black Hawk, and with 
 about forty men he met the assailants — the main body of his war- 
 riors being about ten miles away — and routed them completely, 
 and in great confusion. Some of Stillman's men, it is said, did not 
 stojD until they reached Dixon. In the fight, Major Perkins, Capt. 
 Adams, and nine men, were killed, one of whom, James Milton, 
 was from Macon county. William Cox, and others from this 
 county, had their horses shot. 
 
 The following is a complete copy of the muster roll of the com- 
 pany from Macon county engaged in the war, showing the names 
 of the volunteers, date of enlistment, date of discharge, and status 
 of company at the time of discharge: 
 
 " Muster roll of Captain Johnson's company of mounted volun- 
 teers, belonging to the Fifth regiment, commanded by James 
 Johnson, of the brigade of mounted volunteers of Illinois militia, 
 commanded by Brigadier General Samuel Whiteside. Mustered 
 out of service of United States at mouth of Fox river, the state of 
 Illinois, on the 27th day of May, 1832; distance, miles, 150 from 
 place of enrollment. 
 
 [The date of enlistment of all was April 24, 1832; and the term 
 was 35 days.] 
 
 1 Jas. Johnson, Captain, promoted to Colonel 16 May, 1832. 
 
 2 William Warnick, ist Lieutenant, absent with leave. 
 
 3 I. C. Pugh, 2d Lieut., promoted to Captain 16 May, 1832. 
 
 4 J. D. Wright, 1st Sergeant, absent on extra duty. 
 
 5 James A. Ward, 2d Sergeant, promoted to 2d Lieutenant. 
 
 6 Walter Bowls, 3d Sergeant, absent with leave. 
 ^7 Joseph Hanks, 4th Sergeant. 
 
 8 Henry M. Gorin, 1st Corporal. 
 
 9 S. R. Shepard, 2d Corporal. 
 
 10 G. Coppenbarger, 3d Corporal, absent with leave. 
 
 1 1 James Milton, 4th Corporal, killed in battle. 
 
 12 Asher Simpson, private. 
 
 13 A. W. Bell, private. 
 
 14 Abram Black, private. 
 
 15 D. McCall, private. 
 
 16 D. H, Stewart, private, absent on exti"a duty. 
 
 17 Elisha Butler, private, absent with leave. 
 
 18 G. D. Smallwood, private.
 
 6o HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY 
 
 19 John Hanks, private. 
 
 20 Jacob Lane, private, absent on extra duty. 
 
 21 John Henderson, private, absent w^ith leave. 
 
 22 James Querry, private, 
 
 23 James Miller, private. 
 
 24 John Manly, private. 
 
 25 James Ennis; private, absent with leave. 
 
 26 John Clifton, private, absent with leave. 
 
 27 Jesse Dickey, private, wounded in battle. 
 
 28 John Williams, private, absent with leave. 
 
 29 John Murph}' , private. 
 
 30 Jacob Black, absent with leave. 
 
 31 James Herrod, private, absent with leave. 
 
 32 Kinian Ingram, private, absent with leave. 
 
 33 C. Hooper, private, absent with leave. 
 
 34 Robert Smith, private. 
 
 35 S. B. Dewees, private, sick. 
 
 36 S. Miller, private. 
 
 37 S. Troxel, private, absent with leave. 
 
 38 Thos. Devanport, private, absent with leave. 
 
 39 William Hanks, private, absent with leave. 
 
 40 William Adams, private, absent with leave. 
 
 41 William Miller, private. ' 
 
 42 William Hooper, private, absent with leave. 
 
 43 William Cox, private, absent wnth leave. 
 
 44 Joseph Clifton, private, absent with leave. 
 
 I certify, on honor, that the muster roll exhibits the true state of 
 the company of mounted volunteers under my command, of the 
 Illinois militia, of the brigade of mounted volunteers under the com- 
 mand of Brigadier Genefal Samuel Whiteside on this day, and 
 that the remarks set opposite the names of the men, are accurate 
 and just. 
 
 Signed Fox River, 111., this the 27th day of May, 1832. 
 
 I. C. PuGH, Captain, 
 Co>nmandi7ig the Company^ 
 
 There was also a company of Rangers organized during the 
 summer of 1832, commanded by Captain William Warnick. This 
 company was out in the vicinity of Kickapoo town near the head 
 of the Big Vermilion, but found no Indians and soon returned.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 61 
 
 THE MEXICAN WAR. 
 
 War was declared with Mexico in May, 1846, and Illinois, under 
 the call for volunteers, was entitled to three regiments. The sheriff 
 of Macon county, under the proclamation of Gov. Ford, called for 
 the enlistment of volunteers. Under this call company C of what 
 was afterwards the 4th regiment was raised, consisting of y8 men. 
 When the company reached Springfield thirty companies had al- 
 ready reported, and the three regiments were full, E, D, Baker*^ 
 then a prominent man of Illinois, through the influence of Hon. 
 O. B. Ficklin, our member in Congress, pi'evailed on President 
 Polk to allow him to raise a 4th regiment from Illinois, and by this 
 means the Macon county men entered the service, Mr. Baker was 
 elected Colonel, Lieut. Gov, Moore was elected Lieutenant Colonel, 
 and Thomas Harrisf was elected Major of the regiment. The late 
 Gen, I, C, Pugh was elected Captain of company C, and Senator 
 R. J. Oglesby, ist Lieutenant; Anderson Fromon, 2d Lieutenant; 
 John P. Post, 3d Lieutenant; Stephen Osborn, 1st Sergeant; G. 
 W. Galbreath, 2d Sergeant; B. F. Oglesby, 3d Sergaant; B, L, 
 Martin, I St Corporal; James HoUingsworth, 2d Corporal; W.J, 
 Usrey, 3d Corporal; and G. W. Nelson, 4th Corporal. 
 
 The following is a list of the volunteers : 
 
 Madison Bradshaw, 
 P, T, Bebee, 
 Laban Chambers, 
 J. M. Dickey, 
 W. P. Davidson, 
 James Greenfield, 
 J. Horner, 
 Wm, Hawks, 
 Levi Hite, 
 T, Johnson, 
 H. Lord, 
 J. C. Malson, 
 I. Martin, 
 
 Chris. Mayers, 
 
 G, M. Braden, 
 A, Botkin, 
 George Carver, 
 G, W. Dillow, 
 Daniel Davis, 
 David Huffman, 
 D. Howell, 
 M, M. Henry, 
 John Henry, 
 J, A, Lowi-ie, 
 Thomas Lord, 
 G, J. Malson, 
 H. Martin, 
 
 Chas. Nelson, 
 
 W, W. Chapman, 
 G. W. Church, 
 J. B. Case, 
 W. Dean, 
 A. Greenfield, 
 Sterne Helm, 
 S. K. Harrell, 
 W. D. B. Henry, 
 I. Inman, 
 J. C. Leadbetter, 
 A. B. Lee, 
 Ben. Martin, 
 Wm. McDaniel, 
 
 Wm. Nesbitt, 
 
 *Afterwards Senator from Oregon, Major General in the late war, and who 
 was killed at Ball's Bluff. 
 
 f After whom Harristown was afterwards named.
 
 62 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 J. S. Post, J. Perryman, S. Rice, 
 
 James Rea, Wm. Robinson, E. Rice, 
 
 J. Sheppard, Jason Sprague, R. H. Stewart, 
 
 D. G. Stevens, W. E. Lee, Dan. Spangler, 
 
 J. A. Shepley, T. Souther, J. Saunders, 
 
 James Turner, F. E. Travis, J. B. Travis, 
 
 J. D. Travis, T. D, Turncy, William Wheeler, 
 
 W. R. Wheeler, Lewis Ward, B. E. Wells, 
 
 W. E. Warnick, J. W. White, B. White, 
 
 Robert Warnick, James Freeman,* J. M. Arwood, 
 
 Richard Barnwell, Miles Bosworth, Jesse Butler, 
 
 David Bailer. 
 
 Company C marched from Decatur to Springfield about the 
 middle of June, 1S46, where the regiment was formed. After re- 
 maining at SjDringfield a short time, the regiment marched to 
 Alton, where arms were in store, which the regiment procured by 
 a little maneuvering on the part of Col. Baker and Capt. J. S. Post. 
 Col. J. J. Hardin, believing that he was entitled to these arms, 
 stoutly protested against their appropriation by Col. Baker, and a 
 woi'dy warfare ensued which came near resulting in a duel. From 
 Alton the regiment was transferred to Jefferson Barracks, and 
 there placed under charge of Col. Churchill, commandant, under 
 w^hom it received thorough discipline and drill. About the 20th 
 of July the regiment was mustered into service by Col. Crogan, of 
 Fort Meigs notoriety. In a few days the regiment received orders 
 and .embarked for New Orleans, and thence to Brazos, Santiago 
 Bay, four miles north of the mouth of the Rio Grande, where it 
 disembarked. After remaining at this point for about a week, 
 orders were received to march up the Rio Grande eight miles, 
 where occurred the first death in Co. C, viz: Second Sergeant 
 George Galbreath. As Col. Baker and a squad of twelve men, 
 all from Macon county, detailed to bury Mr G., were about to 
 return to camp, they heard a disturbance on board of a steamboat 
 near by, and on arriving at the scene, they learned that an Irish 
 company, in a drunken melee, had driven from the boat the Ken- 
 nesaw rangers. Baker ordered his handful of men on the boat to 
 quell the disturbance; but no sooner had he done so, than a hand- 
 
 *Joined the company at Brazos.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 63 
 
 to-hand encounter ensued, in which the colonel and his squad were 
 soon overpowered and compelled to retire: but not without loss. 
 Col. Baker received a rapier thrust, penetrating his mouth and ex- 
 tending through the back of his neck; Capt. J. S. Post was 
 wounded in the breast, having a rib broken; Charles Dillow,* 
 killed; R. H. Stewart, bayoneted in the thigh; and seven others of 
 the squad more or less injvn-ed. At this point orders were received 
 to move still further up the river to Matamoras, on the Mexican 
 side, where they remained a few days, and then moved on to 
 Camargo, where a great deal of sickness ensued. Returning to 
 Matamoras, they then marched to Victoria— marching on Christ- 
 mas day forty-five miles. x\bout the first of January, 1847, orders 
 were received to March to Tampico, two hundred miles distant, at 
 which place preparations were made for an attack on Vera Cruz. 
 Taking ship at Tampico about the first of February, Vera Cruz 
 was reached in sixteen days, and Company C assisted in the con- 
 struction of the batteries and the bombardment of the city, which 
 surrendered March 29. After the taking of the city of Vera 
 Cruz, Scott's army marched for the City of Mexico, and en route 
 met Santa Anna, at the mountain pass of Cerro Gordo, on the 
 eighteenth of April, where a battle was fought. Company C had 
 but forty-eight men in this engagement, two of whom were killed 
 and ten wounded. The killed were J. C. Malson and George 
 Nelson. 
 
 At this battle Santa Anna came near being taken prisoner, and 
 in his effort to escape left in his carriage $25,000 in silver and his 
 cork leg, which were captured by Company C, it being at the 
 head of the brigade. The next morning ensuing the battle. Gen. 
 Scott followed on to Jalapa, where Company C remained about a 
 month, when the time of enlistment expired, and the company 
 returned via New Orleans and vSt. Louis, arriving at home about 
 the first of June, 1S47, bringing with them the banner received 
 from the citizens on their departure. They were very enthusiastic- 
 ally received. A grand barbecue was prepared for the returning 
 volunteers, and day of general rejoicing was had, still remembered 
 with satisfaction by the participants. 
 
 *His last words were: " If I have got to go, the road to heaven is just as 
 near from here as from Macon county."
 
 64 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 THE LATE WAR. 
 
 It is unnecessary in this connection, and, in met, would consume 
 entirely too much space, to give any details as to the causes of the 
 rebellion. It is our purpose, rather, to give Macon county's record, 
 as complete as we can, in the suppression of that rebellion. The 
 long list of names following, of those who were sacrificed on the 
 altar of their country, will sufficientlv attest the patriotic impulses 
 that actuated our people, and convince the most casual observer 
 that Macon county, when called, was at her post and performed 
 her whole duty valiantly. 
 
 In the succeeding pages of this chapter we give a brief synopsis 
 of the principal engagements of the various regiments, together 
 with a regimental and company roster, and the names, date of 
 enlistment, discharge, etc., of those only who enlisted from the 
 county. 
 
 SEVENTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 The 7th Cavalry was organized at Camp Butler, Illinois, and 
 mustered into service Oct. 13, 1861. The companies A, C, I and 
 G were directly ordered to Bird's Point, Missouri, where the other 
 eight companies arrived on the 25th of December. Some time in 
 January, all, except companies B, C, I and L, moved to Cape Gir- 
 ardeau, Mo. Company I, to which most of the men from Macon 
 county belonged, remained at Bird's Point, and were engaged in 
 scouting during the winter. At New Madrid the regiment again 
 united. Was at Island No. 10. After this moved to Hamburg Land- 
 ing, Tennessee river, thence in the direction of Corinth. Was en- 
 gaged in the battle of luka, and afterwards at Corinth, Oct 2d, 3d 
 and 4th. Nov. 23, seven companies met Richardson near Somer- 
 ville; Dec. i, assigned to Col. Dickey's command of cavalrv. At 
 Holly Springs, Miss.; followed Price as far south as Coffeeville and 
 retreated. In Western Tenneessee. On the 17th of April, started 
 on " Grierson's Raid " to Baton Rouge. Dec. 26th, the regiment 
 fougfht the entire force of Forrest. In an engfagfement at AIoscow, 
 Tenn. Moved to Decatur, Ala. Returned to Nashville, and was 
 mustered out of service, and received its final pay and discharge at 
 Camp Butler, 111,, Nov. 17, 1865. Its period of service was about 
 four years and three months.
 
 I 
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 65 
 
 ROSTER SEVENTH CAVALRY— COMPANY " I." 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 COLONELS. 
 
 W. p. Kellogg, Sept. 8, 1861. Resigned June i, 1862. 
 
 Edward Prince, June i, '62. Tm. exp'd Oct. 15, '64, was Lt. Col. 
 
 John M. Graham, Mar. i,'65. Must'd out Nov. 4, '65, was Maj. 
 
 LIEUTENANT COLONELS. 
 
 W D. Blackburn, Feb. 10, '63. Died of wounds May 17, '63. 
 
 Geo. W. Trafton, Mar. 17, '63. Dismissed Nov. 4, '64. 
 
 H. C. Forbes, Mar. i, '65. Must'd out Nov. 4, 65, was Maj. 
 
 MAJORS. 
 
 Cyrus Hall, Sept. 21, '61. Res. for promotion Feb, 9, '62. 
 
 Jas. Rawalt, Sept. 21, '61. Res. June 10, '62. 
 
 Z. Applington, Nov. 13, '61. Killed in battle May 15,62. 
 
 Henry Case, Feb. i, '62. Resigned Apr. 4, '62. 
 
 H. C. Nelson, April 24, '62. Resigned June 22, '63. 
 
 A. P. Koehler, May. 15, '62. Resigned May 14, '63. 
 
 A.W. MDconald, June 22, '63. Mustered out Nov. 4, '65. 
 
 Geo. A. Root, May 10, '65. Must'd out Nov. 4,'65, was Adjt. 
 
 M. G. Wiley, May 10, '65. Mustered out Nov. 4, '65. 
 
 ADJUTANTS. 
 
 Henry Stockdale, Jan. 30 '62. Mustered out May 26,'62. 
 Allen W. Heald, May 10, ^6y Mustered out Nov. 4, '65, 
 
 BATTALION ADJUTANTS. 
 
 Geo. Bestor, Jan. 15. Mustered out '62. 
 
 Chas. Wills, Jan. 15. Mustered out '62. 
 
 QUARTERMASTERS. 
 
 W. A. Dickerson, Oct. 25, '61. Mustered out May 26, '62. 
 J.R.W. Hinchman,Oct. 28,'62. Mustered out Nov. 4, '65. 
 
 BATTALION QUARTERMASTERS. 
 
 Jas. T. Myers, Dec. 25, '62. Mustered out '62. 
 
 John W. Resor, Dec. 25, '61. Mustered out May 26, '62. 
 
 —9
 
 66 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 JVame, and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 SURGEONS. 
 
 C. D. Rankin, Oct. 28, '61. Resigned Jan. i. '62. 
 
 Daniel Stahl, Sept. 9, '62. Discharged Sept 9, '64. 
 
 Thos. J. Riggs, Sept. 16, '64. Must, out Nov. 4, '65, was ist Ast. 
 
 FIRST ASSISTANT SURGEON. 
 
 Chas. H. Novell, April 3, "^6^. Mustered out Nov. 4, '65. 
 
 SECOND ASSISTANT SURGEON. 
 
 A. G. Gilbert, May 29, '63. Discharged Sept. 5, '64. 
 M. W. Nesmith, Apr. 16, '65. Mustered out Nov. 4, 65. 
 
 CHAPLAIN. 
 
 Simon G. Meinor, Oct. 3, '61. Term expired Oct 15, '64. 
 
 COMMISSARIES. 
 
 H. F. Barker, Oct. i, '62. Term expired Oct 15, '64. 
 
 Daniel F. Robbins, Oct. 4, '64. Mustered oiit Nov. 4, '65. 
 
 CAPTAINS. 
 
 A.J. Gallagher, Aug. 16, '61. Resigned June 20, '62. 
 
 Wm. Ashmead, Jnne 20, '62. Term expired Oct. 15, '64; was 2d 
 
 [Lieutenant. 
 Byron H. Tuller, Nov. 28, '65. Mustered out Nov. 4, '65. 
 
 FIRST LIEUTENANTS. 
 
 Wm. H. Stratton, Aug. 19, '61. Term expired Oct. 15, '65. 
 Horace K. Rice, May 28, '65. Mustered out Nov. 4, '65. 
 
 SECOND LIEUTENANTS. 
 
 S. G. Washburn, June 20, '62. Term expired Oct. 4, '64. 
 O. L. Kendall, June 28, '65. Mustered out Nov. 4, '65. 
 
 FIRST SERGEANT. 
 
 Clark, Wm. F., Sept. 3, '61. Killed in action Mar. i, '62. 
 
 QUARTERMASTER SERGEANT. 
 
 Flattery, Geo., Sept. 3, '61. Mustered out Oct. 15, '64. 
 
 SERGEANTS. 
 
 Haworth, Jno. W., Sept. 3, '61. Mustered out Oct. 15, '64.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 67 
 
 N'ame^ and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 Ruby, Matthew, Sept. 3, '61. Mustered out Oct. 15, '64. 
 Gardner, Geo. H., Sept. 3, '61. Mustered out Oct. 15, '64. 
 Washburn, S, G., Sept. 3, '61. Promoted 2d Lieut. 
 
 CORPORALS. 
 
 Dickson, Archb'ld, Sept. 3, '61. Re-enlisted as veteran. 
 Dunbar, Daniel H., Sept. 3, '61. Mustered out Oct. 15, '64. 
 Kaylor, Geo. W., Sept. 3, '61. Killed in action May i, '62. 
 Ashmead, Marion, Sept. 3, '61. Killed in action May 30, '62. 
 McComas, W. D., Sept. 3, '61. Discharged Dec. i, '62. 
 Jordan, Abner H., Sept. 2, *6i. Killed in action May 30, '62. 
 Varney, Thad. P., Sept 3, '61. Mustered out Sept. 8, '64. 
 Hilt, Wm, Sept. 3, '61. Mustered out Oct. 15, '64. 
 
 BUGLERS. 
 
 King, Davis T., Sept 3, '61. Promoted chief bugler. 
 Strong, Jos. J., Sept 3, '61. Promoted Chief bugler. 
 
 FARRIER. 
 
 Furr, Argyle W., Sept. 3, '61. Mustered out Oct. 15, '64. 
 
 BLACKSMITH. 
 
 Fornof, Geo., Sept. 3. '61. Mustered out Oct. 15, '64. 
 
 WAGONER. 
 
 Deal, Wm., Sept. 3, '61. Mustered out Oct. 15, '64. 
 
 PRIVATES. 
 
 Adams, John O., Sept. 3, '61. Re-enlisted as veteran. 
 Bohrer, John, Sept. 3, '61. ' Mustered out Oct. 15, '65. 
 Belknap, C. M., Sept. 3, '61. Re-enlisted as veteran; mustered 
 
 [out Nov. 4, '65, as sergeant. 
 Bartlett, Robt., Sept, 3, '61. 
 
 Beals, Luther, Sept. 3, '61. Discharged Oct., '62. 
 
 Calhoun, Webster, Sept. 3, '61. Mustered out Oct. 15, '64. 
 Calhoun, David, Sept. 3, '61. 
 Cornwell, Isaac P., Sept. 3, '61. Re-enlisted as veteran; mustered 
 
 [out Nov. 4, '65. 
 Clark, Geo., Sept. 3, '61. Re-enlisted as veteran; mustered 
 
 [out Nov. 4, '65.
 
 68 
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 JVame, and date of Rank. 
 Dugan, Chas., Sept. 3, '61. 
 
 Dugger, Wm. A., Sept. 3, '61. 
 Doner, Wm. H., Sept. 3, '61. 
 Dawson, Eb., Sept. 3, '61. 
 Dickson, Geo., Sept. 3, '61. 
 Earles, Walter, Sept. 3, '61. 
 Fletcher, Geo. W., Sept. 3, '61. 
 GIbbs, Ed. M., Sept., 3, '61. 
 GofF, Chas., Sept. 3, '61. 
 Grove, Wm., Sept. 3, '61. 
 
 Grady, Henry, Sept. 3, '61. 
 Hartman, Jno. P., Sept. 3, '61. 
 Hopkins, Chas. P., Sept. 3, '61. 
 Hays, John, Sept. 3, '61. 
 Haworth, Frank, Sept. 3, '61. 
 Hafrau, Jas., Sept. 3, '61. 
 Jones, Jas. M., Sept. 3, '61. 
 Jones, John S., Sept. 3, '61. 
 Kendall, O. L., Sept. 3, '61. 
 
 Knipple, Henry, Sept. 3, '61. 
 
 Ledbetter, Jas. C, Sept. 3, '61. 
 Martin, Wm., Sept. 3, '61. 
 
 Martin, Henry, Sept. 3, '61. 
 May, Marion, Sept. 3, '61. 
 Myers, Henry, Sept. 3, '61. 
 McRay or McKay, Sept. 3, '61. 
 Melville, Edward, Sept. 3, '61. 
 Miller, Lawrence, Sept. 3, '61. 
 
 McElroy, Jas., Sept. 3, '61. 
 McDougal, J. R., Sept. 3, '61. 
 McCay, Thos., Sept. 3, '61-. 
 
 Remarks. 
 
 Re-enlisted as veteran; mustered 
 
 [ont Nov. 4, '65. 
 Mustered out Oct. 15, '64. 
 Re-enlisted as veteran. 
 Must'd out Oct. 15, '64, as sergt. 
 Mustered out Oct. 15, '64. 
 
 Discharged April 8, '63, as corp'l. 
 Must'd out Oct. 15, '64, as sergt. 
 Discharged March 4, '62. 
 Re-enlisted as veteran; mustered 
 
 [out Nov. 4, '65. 
 Mustered out Oct. 15, '65. 
 Discharged July, '62. 
 
 Mustered out Oct. 15, '64. 
 Died Andersonville, Aug. 10, '64. 
 Died Andersonville, July 23, '64. 
 Mustered out Oct. 15, '64. 
 Must'd out Oct. 15, '64, as serg't. 
 Re-enlisted as veteran, private, ser- 
 
 [geant, then lieutenant. 
 Re-enlisted as veteran; mustered 
 
 [out Nov. 4, '65, as corporal. 
 Discharged July, '63, 
 Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out 
 
 [Nov. 4, '65. 
 Discharged Oct., '62. 
 Discharged Dec, '62. 
 Transferred to Co. M. 
 Must'd out Oct. 15, '64, as corpr'l. 
 
 Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out 
 
 [Nov. 4, '65, as sergeant. 
 Died of wounds received in camp. 
 Discharged April 6, '63.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 69 
 
 Name, and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 Nicholson, Jas., Sept. 3, '61. Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out 
 
 [Nov. 4, '65. 
 Nicholson, Jas. P., Sept. 3, '6i. Discharged May, '62. 
 Powers, John, Sept. 3, '61. Died wounds received Dec. 5, '62. 
 
 Powers, Michael, Sept. 3, '61. Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out 
 
 [Nov. 4, '65, as veteran. 
 
 Paine, Robert S., Sept. 3, '61. Mustered out Oct. 4, '64. 
 
 Riley, Wm., Sept. 3, '6i. Mustered o«t Oct. 15, '64. 
 
 Ruby, Henry, Sept. 3, '61. Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out 
 
 [Nov. 4, '65, as corporal. 
 
 Rice, Horace K., Sept. 3, '61. Promoted serg't, then ist lieut. 
 
 Sullivan, M., Sept. 3, '61. Mustered out Nov. 4, '65, as corp. 
 
 Tuller, Byron H., Sept. 3, '61. Promoted to captain. 
 
 Smith, Cyrus B., Sept. 3, '61. Discharged Jan., '62. 
 
 Stookey, Jno. A., Sept. 3, '61. Died Feb. 11, '62. 
 
 Smythe, Chas. E., Sept. 3, '61. Mustered out Sept. 20, '65. 
 
 Temple, Pulaski L.,Sept. 3, '61. Discharged Sept., '62. 
 
 Tater, Henry, Sept. 3, '61. Discharged April 16, '63. 
 
 Taber, Augustus A., Sept. 3, '61. Private hospital steward, U. S. A. 
 
 Thomas, Jno. R., Sept. 3, '61. Mustered out Aug. 29, '64. 
 
 Vancourt, Jno. D., Sept. 3, '61. Disch'd April 30, '62, as corporal. 
 
 Weatherby, W. D.,Sept. 3, '61. Discharged July, '62. 
 
 WiUiams, Chas., Sept. 3, '61. Discharged July, '62. 
 
 Wood, Geo. W.,Sept. 3, '61. Mustered out Oct. 15, '64. 
 
 Webb, Edward S., Sept, 3, '61. Discharged Sept., '62. 
 
 Westfall, Chas., Sept. 3, '61. Discharged May, '62. 
 
 Walters, Jas. L,, Sept. 3, '61. Discharged Mar. 4, '62. 
 
 Yopes, Simon, Sept. 3, '61. Mustered out Sept. 8, '64. 
 
 RECRUITS. 
 
 Arbuckle, Jno. H., Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out July 12, '65. 
 Adams, David, Dec. 22, '63. Mustered out Nov. 4, '65. 
 Able, Dempsey, Dec. 15, '63. Mustered out Nov. 4, '65. 
 Ater, Wm. H., Sept. 3, '61. Died Nov. 14, '63. 
 Anderson, Jacob, Aug. 12, '62. 
 
 Bradley, Worth R., Feb. 2, '64. Mustered out Nov. 4, '65. 
 Rockway, D. S., Jan. 24, '64. Mustered out Nov. 4, '65. 
 Boddy, Robert, Dec. 14, '63. Mustered out Nov. 4, '65. 
 Carmean, Robt., Dec. 14, '63. Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
 
 70 
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 JVame, and date of Ratik. 
 
 Carmean, G. W., Dec. i8, '63, 
 Daniels, Jas. W., Jan. 39, '64, 
 Dunston, J. O., Jan. 4, '64. 
 Daily, Jno., March 18, '64. 
 Dunston, Chas., Jan. 4, '64. 
 
 Earles, Edwai-d, Jan. 30, '64. 
 Emerson, Jerome, Feb. y, '65. 
 Gregerty, John, Jan. 27, '64. 
 Gibbs, Jas. A., Jan, 15, '64. 
 Hall, Eugene, Dec. 10, '63. 
 Holman, VVm., Jan. 26, '64. 
 Hoffman, Peter, Jan. 10, '64. 
 Holman, And. J. Feb, 9, '64. 
 
 Lawson, T-aylor, Jan. 16, '64. 
 Lehn, Wilson, April 25, '64. 
 Martin, Henry, Dec. 15, '63. 
 McDougal, Jno. R,,Jan.4, '64. 
 McCune, Martin, Dec. 19, '63. 
 May, Theodore, Dec. 19, '63. 
 Pate, Robert, April, 7, '64. 
 Ruby, Horace S., Jan. 30, '64. 
 Rea, John T., Jan. i, '64. 
 Reed, Elhannan, April i, '64. 
 Reedy, Jas. A., Jan. 26, '64. 
 Scott, Wm. F., Dec, 31, '63. 
 Shinneman, A. T,, Feb. 13, '64. 
 Stookey, H. L., Jan. 30, '64. 
 Smith, Wm., Dec, 11, '63. 
 
 Stewart, Wm. C, Mar, 20, '64. 
 
 Wood, James, April 16, '64. 
 Williams, Chas., Jan. 25, '64. 
 Webber Philip, Feb. i, '64, 
 Wood, Geo. W,, Feb. 9, '65. 
 Young, Geo., Mar. 24, '64. 
 
 Rrniarks. 
 
 Mustered out Nov. 4, '65. 
 Must'd out Nov. 4, '65, as sergt. 
 Mustered out Nov, 4, '65, 
 Mustered out Nov. 4, '65. 
 Died at LaGrange, Tenn., July 14, 
 
 ['64, wounded. 
 Mustered out Nov. 4, '65. 
 Mustered out Nov. 4. '65. 
 Mustered out Nov. 4, '65. 
 Must'd out Nov. 4, '64, as corp. 
 Mustered out Nov. 4, '65. 
 Mustered out Nov, 4, '65. 
 Must'd out Nov. 4, '65, as corp. 
 Died at Memphis, Tenn; June 9, 
 
 [1864. 
 Mustered out Nov. 4, '65. 
 Mustered out June 5, '65. 
 Mustered out Nov. 4, '65. 
 Mustered out Nov. 4. '65. 
 Mustered out Nov. 4, '65. 
 Mustered out Nov, 4, '65. 
 Mustered out Nov. 4, '65. 
 Mustered out Nov. 4, '65. 
 Mustered out Nov. 4, '65. 
 Mustered out Nov. 4, '65. 
 
 Must'd out Nov. 4, '65, as corp. 
 Mustered out Nov. 4, '65. 
 Mustered out Nov. 4, '65. 
 Absent, sick at mustering out of 
 
 [regiment. 
 Absent, sick at mustering out of 
 
 [regiment. 
 
 Vet, ; mustered out Nov. 4, ''6^. 
 Discharged Dec. 8, '65, 
 Mustered out Nov. 4, '65. 
 Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 71 
 
 JVame^ and date of Rank. Re7narks. 
 
 UNASSIGNED RECRUITS. 
 
 Dorris, Jas., Jan. 26, '64. 
 
 Daniels, Jas., Feb. 12, '64. 
 
 Earles, Chas. W., April 7, '64. Rejected. 
 
 Glove, Alonzo M., Jan. 27, '64. Discharged May 10, '64. 
 
 Saunders, Forest, Jan. 23, '64. Discharged July 2, '64. 
 
 Scott, Win. F., Dec. 21, '63. 
 
 Wilson, Wm. H., Mar. 9, '65. Discharged May 1 1, '65. 
 
 White, Wm. D., Mar. 7, '65. 
 
 EIGHTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 
 
 This regiment was organized on the 25th day of April, i86i,for 
 the three months service, Col. R. J. Oglesby commanding. Sta- 
 tioned at Cairo until mustered out, at close of term. Re-orsfanized 
 for three years service; moved to Bird's Point, Mo., Feb. 2, 1862; 
 embarked for Tennessee river; engaged enemy near Ft. Henry; 
 attacked Ft. Donelson about middle of Feb., where most valuable 
 service was rendered, and where serious loss was sustained. Maj. 
 John P. Post was taken prisoner in this battle. Was engaged in 
 the battle of Shiloh. Actively participated at the seige of Cor- 
 inth, where Col. Oglesby was dangerously wounded and borne 
 from the field in expectation of immediate death. Met enemy at 
 Raymond. Sent to Camp Butler in '64, on veteran furlough. Af- 
 terwards the regiment was in Western Tennessee, Mississippi and 
 Louisiana. Mustered out of service at Baton Rouge, May 4, 1866. 
 Ordered to Springfield for final payment and discharge, where it 
 arrived May 13, 1866. 
 
 ROSTER EIGHTH ILL. INFANTRY. (Three Months.) 
 
 COLONEL. 
 
 ■^' J- Oglesby, May 3, '61. Re-enlisted 3 years service. 
 
 LIEUTENANT COLONEL. 
 
 Frank L. Rhodes, May 3, '61. Re-enlisted 3 years service. 
 
 MAJORS. 
 
 John P. Post, May 3, '61. Re-enlisted 3 years service. 
 
 Herman Leib, Oct. 7, '62. Promoted Col. 9th Inf. (col.)
 
 72 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 JVame, and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 CAPTAIN CO. " A." 
 
 I. C. Pugh, April 23, '61. Re-enlisted 3 years service; Col. 
 
 [41st i"egiment. 
 
 FIRST LIEUTENANT. 
 
 I. N. Martin, April 23, '61. 
 
 SECOND LIEUTENANT. 
 
 G. M. Bruce, April 23, '61. Re-enlisted 3 years service. 
 
 CAPTAINS CO. " B." 
 
 H. P. Westerfield, Apr. 30, '61. 
 John P. Post. 
 
 FIRST LIEUTENANT. 
 
 John M. Lowry, Apr. 25, '61. Resigned Sept. 3, '62. 
 
 SECOND LIEUTENANT. 
 
 Thos. Goodman, April 25, '61. Resigned July 35, '61. 
 ROSTER EIGHTH REGIMENT INF. (Three Years.) 
 
 COLONELS. 
 
 R.J. Oglesby, April 25, '61. Promoted Brig.-Gen. April i, '62; 
 
 Major-Gen. Nov. 9, '62. 
 F. L. Rhodes, April i, '62. Resigned Oct. 7, '62. 
 
 John P. Post, Oct. 7, '62. Resigned Sept. 28, '63. 
 
 Josiah A. Shietz, Sept. 23, '63. Prom, to Brevet Brig.-Gen. Nov. 
 
 [25, '65; resigned Feb. 9, '66. 
 Loyd Wheaton, Feb. 9, '64. Mustered out May 4, ''66. 
 
 LIEUTENANT COLONELS. 
 
 R. H. Sturges, Oct. 7, '62. Resigned July 25, '63. 
 
 Noah Dennison, Nov. 8, ''66. Mustered out May 4, ''66. 
 
 MAJORS. 
 
 H. Lieb, Oct. 7, '62. Prom. Col. 9th Louisiana (col.) 
 
 Daniel Sayers, Mar. 8, ''66. Mustered out May 4, ''66. 
 
 ADJUTANTS. 
 
 W. C. Clark, Jan. 25, '61. Resigned June 25, '62. ■
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 73 
 
 Name^ and date of Ratzk. Remarks. 
 
 B. F. Monroe, June 25, '62. Promoted Capt. Co. "I." 
 Fred. A. King, July 25, '64. Resigned Oct. 9, '64. 
 Wm. W. Carver, Oct. 9, '64. 
 
 Leander A. Sheetz, Nov. 25, '65. Mustered out May 4, '6-. 
 
 QUARTERMASTERS. 
 
 Sam'l Rhodes, Jan. 25, '61. Resigned Dec. 9, '61. 
 
 H. N. Fearse, Dec. 10, '61. Resigned Aug. i, '63. 
 
 R. T. Mercer, Aug. i, '63. Mustered out May 4, ^66. 
 
 SURGEONS. 
 
 S. T. Trowbridge, Apr. 25, '61. Mustered out July 27, '64. 
 
 C. N. Dennison, July 37, '64. Mustered out May 4, ''66. 
 
 FIRST ASSISTANT SURGEONS. 
 
 John M. Phipps, April 25,'6i. Resigned Feb. 16, '63. 
 W. F. Buck, Nov. 28, '63. Mustered out May 4, 66. 
 
 SECOND ASSISTANT SURGEON. 
 
 C. M. Spalding, May 27, '65. Mustered out May 4, ^66. 
 
 CHAPLAIN. 
 
 Samuel Day, Jan. 28, '66. Mustered out Jan. 29, '65. 
 
 CAPTAINS. 
 
 G. M. Price, July 25, '61. Resigned Feb. 5, '62. 
 
 Frank Leeper, Feb. 5, '62. Killed in battle. 
 
 Geo. D. Durfee, May 14, '63. Mustered out May 4, ^66. 
 
 FIRST LIEUTENANTS. 
 
 W. J. Taylor, Feb. 5, '62. Resigned Jan. 28, '63. 
 
 W. A. Albert, May 14, '63. Term expired Jan. 27, '64. 
 Sam'l Nicholson, Jan. 27, '64. Mustered out May 4, ^66. 
 
 SECOND LIEUTENANT. 
 
 J. W. Reavis, Jan. 28, '64. Mustered out May 4, ^66. 
 
 SERGEANT. 
 
 D. W. Greenawalt,July 25,'6i. Died at Bird's Point, Mo., Nov. 
 
 [18, '61. 
 — 10
 
 74 
 
 HISTORY OF MACOX COUNTY. 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. 
 
 Remarks. 
 
 CORPORALS. 
 
 James Dunbar, July 25, '61. 
 
 Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out 
 
 [May 4, '66. 
 Michael Matthews, July 35, '61. Killed at Ft. Donelson, Feb. I5,'62. 
 Wm. M. BuUard, July 35, '61. Died at Cincinnati, O., Mar. 4, '62, 
 
 [of wound rec'd at Donelson. 
 Robert E. Horey, Jnly 25, '61. Discharged July 34, '64. 
 Geo. S. Leach, July 25, '61. Killed at Ft. Donelson, Feb, 15, '62. 
 John B. Lowell, July 25, '61. Died Bird's Point, Mo., Nov. i,'6i. 
 Marcellus Warner, July 25, '61. Killed at Raymond, Miss., May 
 
 [12, '63. 
 
 PRIVATES. 
 
 Baker, Abijah J. July 25, '61. Prom, sergeant; died June 4, '63, 
 
 [of wounds rec'd at Vicksburg. 
 Bashford, G. D., July 25, '61. Promoted sergeant. 
 Bacon, John H., July 25, '61. Mustered out May 4, ''66. 
 Cochrane, Henry, July, 25, '61. Killed at Shiloh, April 6, '62. 
 Cook, Andrew E., July 25, '61. Re-enlisted as veteran. 
 Dunn, James W., July 25, '61. Mustered out July 30, '64. 
 
 Killed at Shiloh, April 6, '62. 
 Promoted corporal; mustered out 
 
 [May 4, ''66. 
 Disch'd Aug. 15, '62, of wounds 
 
 [at Donelson. 
 Prom, serg't; disch'd July 10, '65, 
 
 [of wounds rec'd at Jackson. 
 Re enlisted. 
 
 Prom. Corp.; M. O. May 4, ''66. 
 Prom, sergeant; dis. Jan. 27, '62. 
 Discharged June 22, '62, of wounds 
 
 [received at Donelson. 
 Killed at Raymond, Miss., May 
 
 [May 13, '63. 
 Mustered out May 4, ''66. 
 Killed at Ft. Donelson, Feb. 15, '62. 
 Prom. Corp.; killed at Champion 
 [Hill, May 16, '63. 
 
 Denniston, Wm., July 25, '61. 
 Dudley, Jos. S., July 25, '61. 
 
 Florey, A. J., July 25, '61. 
 
 Fouch, Jos., July 25, '61. 
 
 Greer, B. F., July 25, '61. 
 Hagart A. H., July 25, '61. 
 Helm, L.,July 25, '61. 
 Hess, Joseph, July 25, '61. 
 
 Hudson, James, July 25, '61. 
 
 Idell, Robert, July 25, '61. 
 Jefferson, W. J., July 25, '61. 
 Tames, Geo. W., July 25, '61.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 75 
 
 JVanie^ and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 Jones, Andrew, July 25, '61. Killed at Ft. Donelson, Feb. 15, '62. 
 
 Livingston, M. C, July 25, '61. Mustered out July 30, '64. 
 
 Leach, James, July 25, '61. Mustered out July 30, '64. 
 Leland, Jas. H., July 25, '61. 
 
 Muirhead, T.J., July, 25, '61. Killed at Shiloh April 6, '62. 
 McDonald, J. C, July 25, '61. 
 
 Moskell, Ellis, July 25, '61. Mustered out May 28, ""66. 
 
 Pope, Geo. S., July 25, '61. Killed at Shiloh April 6, '62. 
 
 Reavis, Jas. W., July 25, '61. Promoted to 2d lieut. 
 
 Rock, Jos. W., July 25, '61. Mustered out May 4, ''66. 
 Shively, H. C, July 25, '61. " July 30, '64. 
 
 Smith, Jos. W., July 25, '61. " " 
 
 Whitbeck, H., July 25, '61. Killed at Fort Donelson Feb. 15, 
 
 ['62. 
 
 RECRUITS. 
 
 Albert, Wm. A., Aug. 15. '61. Promoted lieut. 
 
 Ault, Jos., Dec. 1 1, '63. Promoted sergeant; mustered out 
 
 [May 4, '66. 
 Bradbury, J. A., Aug. 15, '61. Promoted sergeant; killed at Shi- 
 
 [loh April 6, '62. 
 Craine, Robt. W., Aug. 5, '61. Discharged Dec. 27, '61. 
 Dumman, J. W., Aug. 15, '61. Discharged Aug. 15, '62, of wound 
 
 [at Donelson. 
 Green, John H., Aug. 10, '61. Killed at Raymond, Miss., May 
 
 [12, '63. 
 Helpman, Irwin, Aug. 15, '61. Re-enlisted as vet. 
 Holtz, Ernest, Aug. 15, '61. Discharged July 22, '62, of wound 
 
 [at Donelson. 
 Hatchett, Wm., Aug, 15, '62. Discharged Aug 14, '64. 
 Haggard, Jas., Aug. 16, '61. Died at Decatur, Ala., April 11, 
 
 ['62. 
 James, B. F., Aug. 15, '61. Killed at Donelson Feb. 15, '62. 
 
 Kunkleman, J. H., Aug. 10, '61. 
 
 McCarty, Patrick, Aug. 5, '61. Died at Carthage, La., of wounds 
 
 [received on steamer Moderator. 
 Marsh, Peter, Dec. 15, '61. Mustered out May 4, ''66,
 
 >j6 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 McKinly, W. A. Aug. lo, '6i. Died at Memphis, Tenn., Mar. lo, 
 
 ['63- 
 Norris, John H., Aug. 5, '61. Discharged Feb. 19, '63. 
 
 Nicholson, J. R., Aug. 15, '61. Mustered out May 4, '66. 
 
 Nicholson, Jer., Aug. 15, '61. Discharged Aug. 14, '64; tm. exp. 
 
 Paine, R. T., Aug; 5, '61. Transferred to 9th regt. La. Inft. 
 
 [May 5, '63. 
 Pearce, Irwin, Aug. 25, '61. Discharged Dec. 25, '61. 
 Pope, Wm. F.Jan. I, '62, Promoted capt. ; discharged Oct. 
 
 [31, '65; disabled. 
 Rector, John W., Dec. 15, '62. Died in hospital at Vicksburg,July 
 
 [2, '63, disease. 
 Stevenson, W. B. Aug. 2, '61. Transferred, and disch'd Feb. 2, 
 
 \^66^ of wounds at Jackson, Miss. 
 Squire, Geo. W., Aug. 15, '61. Died at Memphis, Tenn., Sept. 12, 
 
 ['63- 
 Steel, Jas. F., Aug. 15, '61. Discharged Aug. 14, '64; tm. expd. 
 
 DRAFTS AND RECRUITS. 
 
 Bosworth, J. B., Sept. 26, '64. Mustered out Sept. 26, '65. 
 
 Company « B." 
 
 CAPTAINS. 
 
 H. Lieb, Jan. 25, '61. Promoted major. 
 
 Peter Schlosser, Oct. 7, '62. Term expired Jan. 27. '64. 
 
 H. A. Miller, Jan. 28, '64. Mustered out May 4, '66. 
 
 FIRST LIEUTENANTS. 
 
 B. Zick, Oct. 7, '62. Term expired Jan. 28, '64. 
 
 Thos. Mclnery, Jan, 28, '64. Mustered out May 4, '66. 
 
 second LIEUTENANTS. 
 
 H.J. Marsh, Jan. 25, '61. Killed at Ft. Donelson. 
 
 John Collmer, Oct. 7, '62. Term expired Jan. 27, '64. 
 
 FIRST SERGEANT. 
 
 H. C. Oglesby, July 25, '61. Reduced to ranks; drummed out 
 
 of service, Sept. 15, '63.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 77 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 SERGEANTS. 
 
 B. F. Snow, July 25, '6i. Disch'd Sept. 32, '62, ot" wounds 
 
 [at Donelson. 
 W. F. Gardenhire, July 25, '61. Discharged May 2, '62; disabled. 
 Chas. Albert, July 25, '61. Mustered out July 30, '64. 
 
 CORPORALS. 
 
 John M. Collmer, July 25, '61. Promoted 2d lieut. 
 
 C. P. A. Goddard, July25, '61. Died Oct. 31, '63. 
 
 Chas. Fechner, July 25, '61. Killed at Shiloh April 6, '62. 
 John Smith, July 25, '61. Mustered out July 30, '64. 
 
 Thos. Scantlin, July 25, '61. Transferred to non-com. staff as 
 
 [com. sergt. 
 
 PRIVATES. 
 
 Athons, W. H.,July 35, '61. 
 
 Abin, Geo., July 25, '61. Died April 8, '64, of wounds reed. 
 
 [at Raymond, Miss. 
 Bech, Jno. M., July 25, '61. Disch'd Sept. 8, '63, of wounds at 
 
 [Donelson. , 
 
 Batin, F., July 25, '61. Mustered out July 30, '64. 
 
 Basler, J. G., July, 25, '61. " July 20, '64. 
 
 Becker, Wm., July 35, '61. Died at Vicksburg, June 30, '63. 
 
 Bruner, John, July 35, '61. Died May 35, '63, of wounds reed. 
 
 [at Champion Hills, 
 Berlin, D. M.,July 25, '61. Mustered out July i,'65. 
 
 Bruner, J. D.,July, 25, '61. 
 
 Baner, Jacob, July 35, '61. Mustered out July 30, '64. 
 
 Breitsprecker, W., July 35, '61. " " 
 
 CulHgan,John,July 35, '61. " « 
 
 Cunningham, S. B., July 35, '61. 
 
 Campbell, Jno. E., July 25, '61. " May 4, '64. 
 
 Durant, F., July 35, '61. Accidently killed May 3o, '63. 
 
 Dutcher, Chas., July 35, '61. Discharged Oct. 14, '61. 
 Dunham, A., July 35, '61. Killed at Ft. Donelson Feb. 15, '62. 
 
 Everman, J. C., July 25, '61. Mustered out Aug. 6, '64. 
 Elliot, Jos., July 25, '61. Died at Cairo, 111., (no date.)
 
 78 
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 JVa?ne^ and date of Rajtk. 
 Flora, Jasper, July 25, '61. 
 
 Gardenhire,J. M., July 25, '61. 
 
 Gemer, A., July 35, '61, 
 Genert, August, July 35, '61. 
 Geswinder, N., July 25, '61, 
 Gardenhire, Geo., July 25, '61, 
 Humphrey, J. A., July 25, '61. 
 Jameson, Joshua, July 35, '61. 
 Johnson, Moses, July 25, '61. 
 Ki-ebs, Chris., July 25, '61. 
 
 Keller, Jacob, July 25, '6i. 
 Kelly, John, July, 25, '61. 
 
 Lynch,Jas., July 25, '61. 
 Leeper, Wm., July 25, '61. 
 Miller, F. C.,July 25, '61. 
 Miller, H. A.,July 25, '61. 
 Manchon, H., July 25, '61. 
 O'Brien, Peter, July 25, '61. 
 O'Neil, John, July 25, '61. 
 Priest, John W., July 25, '61. 
 Peters, Geo., July 25, '6r. 
 Robinett, John, July 25, '61. 
 Rouse, Geo. W., July 25, '61. 
 Rust, M. N.,July 25, '61. 
 Switzer, John M., July 25, '61. 
 Staines, Button, July 25, '61. 
 
 Steward, E. O., July 25, '61. 
 Seiter, John C.July 25, '61. 
 Tansey, V. G., July 25, '61. 
 Wardner, H., July 25, '61. 
 
 Warren,' J. July 25, '61. 
 
 Remarks, 
 
 Discharged July 25, '62, by order 
 
 [of Grant. 
 , Discharged May 2, '62, by order of 
 
 [Grant. 
 Died Aug. 14, '61. 
 
 Mustered out Mar. 21, ''(>6. 
 Killed at Donelson Feb. 15, '62. 
 
 Absent at mustering out. 
 
 Discharged Oct. 14, '61. 
 
 Disch'd July 24, '62, of wounds at 
 
 [Donelson and Shiloh. 
 Killed at Donelson Feb. 15, '62. 
 Murdered at Norfolk, Mo., Sept. 
 
 [17/61. 
 Mustered out July 30, '64. 
 Transferred to N. C. S.'as Mus. 
 Killed at Donelson, Feb. 15, '62. 
 Promoted captain J«ly 14, '64. 
 Discharged July 10, '63; disabled. 
 
 Discharged July 25, '64: tm. expd. 
 Killed at Donelson Feb. 15, '62. 
 Mustered out May 4, '64. 
 
 Transferred to 12th 111. infantry. 
 
 Promoted sergt. 
 
 Promoted corpl.; disch'd Sept. 24, 
 
 ['62. 
 Discharged Oct. 14, '61. 
 Mustered out May 4, ""^d. 
 Discharged Oct. 14, '61. 
 Transferred to Inv. Corps Sept. 15, 
 
 Discharged N(jv, 8, '63, of wounds 
 [at Vicksburg.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 79 
 
 Name^ a?id date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 Wills, Andrew, July 25, '61. Died Feb. 17, '63, of wounds at 
 
 [Donelson. 
 
 RECRUITS, DRAFTS AND SUBSTITUTES. 
 
 Anthons, Josephus, Apr. 5, '64. Prom. corp. ; mustered out May 4, 
 
 \'66. 
 Andrish, Antoine, Aug. 17, '61. Killed at Shiloh April 6, '63. 
 Beecher, Peter, Aug. 17, '61. Disch'd Sept. 9, '62, of wounds at 
 
 [Shiloh. 
 Brown, Henry, Aug. 29, '61. Disch'd Sept. 5, '63, of wounds at 
 
 [Shiloh. 
 
 Dunham, Dayton, Aug. 16, '61. Wounded at Donelson; discharged 
 
 [April II, ''62. 
 
 Dunz, John, Aug. 39, '61. Mustered out May 4, '65. 
 
 Frank, Peter, Sept. 7, '61. 
 
 Fluke, August, Aug. 39, '62. Discharged Oct. 11, '63. 
 
 Grosh, Jacob, Aug. 17, '61. Mustered out Aug. 5, '64. 
 
 Gross, Jacob, Aug. 32, '61. 
 
 Gunter, Hugo, Nov. 37, '61. Mustered out March 3, ''66. 
 
 Grob, Jno. J., Jan 5, '64. « May 4, '66. 
 
 Hatchly, Isaac, Nov. 26, '61. Disch'd May i, '63. of wounds at 
 
 [Shiloh. 
 
 Hawley, Jno. D., Sept. 19, '61. 
 
 Jones, R. F. Mustered out May 14, ''66. 
 
 Kepler, M., Sept. 7, '61. Disch'd Dec. 15, '62, of wounds at 
 
 [Shiloh. 
 
 Lehman, Jacob, Aug. 8, '61. Disharged Aug. 7, '64. 
 
 Langheld, August, Aug. 5, '61. Disch'd Aug. 8, '63, of wounds at 
 
 [Raymond, Miss. 
 
 Lynn, Robt., Aug. 39, '6i. Died Oct. 31, '61. 
 
 Lankerman, Jacob, Jan. i, '63. Mustered out May 4, '66. 
 
 Mossman, Wm., Dec. 18, '63. 
 
 Magae,Jno. S., April 38, '64. 
 
 Mathys, Jno., April 16, '64. 
 
 McGorry, Thos., Dec. i, '61. Promoted ist lieut. 
 
 O'Connol, J. H., Aug. 13, '61. 
 
 Preston, Thos., Aug. 33, '61. Disch'd Oct. 15, '63, of wounds at 
 
 [Vicksburg. 
 
 11 
 
 (( 
 
 (C 
 
 (( 
 
 (( 
 
 ((
 
 So HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 JVame, a?id date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 Pfeifer, Frank, April 15, '64. Mustered out July i, '65. 
 Reister, Leonard, Sept. 2, '61. 
 
 Walker, Michael, Aug. 13, '61. Mustered out May 4, ^66. 
 Webber, Chas., Sept. 28, '61. Killed at Charleston, Mo., Oct. 16, 
 
 ['61. 
 Zimm, Jno., April 28, '64. Mustered out May 4, ''66. 
 
 TWENTY-FIRST ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 
 
 The Twenty-first Illinois Regiment Infantr}- was mustered into 
 the service in the latter part of June, 1861, under command of L^. 
 S. Grant. Went to Ironton, Mo. Engaged in battle at Perryville 
 and Chaplin Hill. In a skirmish at Knob Gap. Engaged in bat- 
 tle near Murfreesboro, Tenn.; lost many men in this engage- 
 ment. Was with Gen. Rosecrans' army, from Murfreesboro to 
 Chattanooga. Engaged in a severe skirmish at Liberty Gap, June 
 25, 1S63. In the battle of Chicamauga, Sept. 19-20, 1863. 
 
 After this battle, regiment remained at Bridgeport, Ala., three 
 months. 
 
 Mustered out Dec. 16, 1865, at San Antonio, Texas. Arrived at 
 Camp Butler Jan. 18, 1866, for final pay and discharge. 
 
 ROSTER TWENTY-FIRST INFANTRY— CO. " A." 
 Name., and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 COLONELS. 
 
 U. S. Grant, June 16, '61. Promoted Brig. Gen. Aug. 5, '61; 
 
 [Maj. Gen. Feb. 16, '62. 
 J. W. Alexander, Aug. 23, '61. Killed in battle Sept. 20, '63. 
 Jas. E.Calloway, May ii, '65. Mustered out Dec. 16, '65. 
 Wm. H.Jamison, July 13, '65. " " 
 
 LIEUTENANT COLONELS. 
 
 Geo. W. Peck, Sept 2, '61. Dischd, ill health, Sept. 19, '62. 
 
 W. E. McMaken, Sept. 19, '62. Term expired Nov. 16, '64. 
 
 MAJOR. 
 
 Jno. L. Wilson, June 2, '65. Mustered out Dec. 16, '65.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 8l 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 ADJUTANTS. 
 
 Chas. B. Steele, Sept. 6, '6i. Resigned July 20, '64. 
 J. R. Duncan, July 20, '64. Prom. capt. company " A;" mus- 
 
 tered out Dec. 16, '65. 
 Jno. A. Pierce, Aug. 21, '65. Mustered out Dec. 16, '65. 
 
 QUARTERMASTERS. 
 
 Jno. E.Jones, May 15, '61. Mustered out Aug. 18, '64. 
 
 SimeonPaddleford, Aug. i8,'64. " Dec. 16, '65. 
 
 SURGEONS. 
 
 Eden M. Seeley, Aug. 21, '62. Res. May 21, '64. 
 
 Jas. J. Reat, May 21, '64. Mustered out Dec. 16, ''(>y 
 
 CHAPLAIN. 
 
 E. D. Wilkins, Oct. 12, '61. Res. July 9, '64. 
 
 CAPTAINS. 
 
 S. S. Goode, May 7, '61. State service, ten regt. bill. 
 
 Geo. S. Dunning, May 17, '61. Res. Oct. 24, '62. 
 
 Geo. F. Eaton, Oct. 24, '62. Mustered out July 5, '64. 
 
 FIRST LIEUTENANTS. 
 
 E. D. Coxe, Oct. 24, '62. Mustered out July 5, '64. 
 
 B. F. Osborne, July 5, '64. Dismissed July 3, '65. 
 
 J. R. Sheperd, Aug. 21, '65. Mustered out Dec. 16, '65. 
 
 SECOND LIEUTENANTS. 
 
 J. L. Bowman, May 7, '61. Res. April 14, '62. 
 
 Jos. C. Alvord, Oct. 24, '62. Killed in battle Dec. 31. '62. 
 
 Theo. Gross, June i,'63. Res. May 12, '65. 
 
 Alvin Colmus, Dec. 16, '65. Mustered out Dec. 16, '65. 
 
 FIRST SERGEANT. 
 
 Edward D. Coxe, June 15, '61. Promoted 2d lieutenant. 
 
 SECOND SERGEANT. 
 
 Charles Disbrow, June, 15, '61. Discharged Aug. 10, '62, disability. 
 — II
 
 82 
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 JVame^ and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 CORPORALS. 
 
 Elijah Smith, June 15, '61. Killed at Stone river Dec. 30, '62. 
 
 Wm. R. Wheeler, June 15, '61. Discharged Sept. i,'63. 
 
 Ben. F. Osborne, June 15, '61, Re-enlisted as vet.; promoted 1st 
 
 lieut. 
 Joseph Wagoner, June 15, '61. Discharged April 23, '63. 
 G. W, Stephens, June 15, '61. Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out 
 
 Dec. 16, '65. 
 
 MUSICIAN. 
 
 J, D. L. Meeks, June 15, '61. Mustered out July 5, 64. 
 
 WAGONER. 
 
 Jno. Hanks, June 15, '61. Mustered out July 5, '64. 
 
 PRIVATES. 
 
 Joseph Barber, June 23, '61. Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out 
 
 Dec. 16, '65. 
 Discharged Oct. 16, '62. 
 
 Jas. T; Baker, June 15, '61 
 Hugh Bacon, June 15, '61. 
 Philip Bloss, June 15, '61. 
 
 Killed at Stone river Dec. 31, '62. 
 Died at Andersonville prison June 
 
 15' '64- 
 Killed at Stone river Dec. 30, '62. 
 
 Wm. H. Clipson, June 15, '61. Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out 
 
 July 13, '63. Prisoner of war. 
 Re-enlisted as vet-; transferred to 
 eng. corps Aug. 2, '64. 
 Henry Cruise, July 21, '61. 
 
 David Crawford, June 26, '61. Re-enlisted as vet,; mustered out 
 
 July 13, '65. Prisoner of war. 
 Dischd Aug. 10, '62; disability. 
 
 Jacob ConoufF, June 15, '61 
 Wm. H. Clipson, June 
 
 Jas. Clark, June 21, '61. 
 
 Frank Ernst, June 15, '61. 
 F. H. Fammer, June 15, '61. 
 H. F. Fletcher, June 15, '61. 
 Daniel Foley, June 15, '61. 
 
 Mustered out July 5, '64. 
 
 Killed at Chickamauga Sept. 10, 
 
 '63- 
 Joseph E. Hobson, June i5,'6i. Mustered out July 5, '64. 
 Jasper H. Hixson, June 15, '61. Disch'd March 11, '64; disability. 
 Wm. H. Higgins, June 24, '61. Killed at Stone river Dec. 30, '62. 
 Orlando Hogan, June 24, '61. Mustered out July 5, '64.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 83 
 
 JVame^ and date of Rank. 
 
 Wm. Johnson, June 35, '61. 
 Thos. E. Jefferson, June 25, '61. 
 Jas. R. Kennedy, June 25, '61. 
 Jno. B. Lembeck, June 25, '61. 
 
 Jno. Leigh, June 24, '61. 
 Wm, McPherson, June 15, '61. 
 H. B. F. Martin, June 15, '61. 
 
 Jno. McAvoy, June 15, '61. 
 
 L. D. Morgan, June 23, '61. 
 Abe. McKitrick, June 23, '61. 
 Wm. McGrath, June 15, '61. 
 C. M. Pope, June 15, '61. 
 Wm. H. Ross, June 25, '61. 
 C. Rosenberger, June 15, '61. 
 Daniel Shutter, June 23, '61. 
 Peter Shelt, June 15, '61. 
 
 Geo. S. Stuart, Juue 15, '61, 
 Heww C. Stuart, June 15, '61. 
 
 Edward Stockton, June 15, '61. 
 Jos. Sheperd, June 15, '61. 
 John Smith, June 15, '61. 
 John Street, June 15, '61. 
 
 Patrick Shannon, June 15, '61. 
 
 Jas. Shepherd, June 22, '61. 
 Wm. H. Stewart, June 23, '61. 
 Martin Tibbett, June 15, '61. 
 John Thute, June 24, '61. 
 
 Jno. L. Whitton, June 15, '61. 
 Benj. F. Witts, June 22, '61. 
 
 Remarks. 
 
 Discharged Oct. i, '61. 
 Mustered out July 5, '64. 
 Disch'd Sept. 29, '62, wounds. 
 Transferred to inv. corps March 
 
 23, '64. 
 Mustered out July 5, '64. 
 
 Re-enlisted as vet.; died Oct. 30, 
 
 '64. 
 Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out 
 
 July 13, '65. Prisoner of war. 
 Mustered out July 5, '64. 
 Disch'd April 30, '62; disability. 
 Discharged Oct. 7, '61. 
 Mustered out July 5, '64. 
 
 
 
 as corp. 
 
 Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out 
 
 Dec, 16, '65. 
 Died at Annapolis, Md., Nov., '64. 
 Re-enlisted as vet,; mustered out 
 
 Dec. 16, '65. 
 
 Mustered out July 5, '64. 
 Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out 
 
 Dec. 16, '65, as corporal. 
 Discharged to re-enlist in 15th U. 
 
 S. Inf., Dec. 24, '62. 
 Re-enlisted as vet.; prom, ist lieut. 
 Mustered out Dec. 16, '65, 
 Mustered out July 5, '64, 
 Re-enlisted as vet,; mustered out 
 
 Dec. 16, '65. 
 Disch'd Aug. iS, '63 — disability. 
 Died Jan. 7, '63 — wounds.
 
 84 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 Wm. H. Witts, June 24, '61. Mustered out July 5, '64. 
 Rodolph Zorger, June 22, '61. Died Jan. 22, '63, of wounds. 
 
 RECRUITS. 
 
 John Cram, Oct. 12, '61. Died Nov. 10, '62. 
 
 John Eckart, Jan. 22, '62. Mustered out Jan. 28, '65. 
 
 Martin Fitzpatrick, Oct. 12, '61. " " Feb. 12, '65. 
 
 Taylor Florey, Oct. 12, '61. " " April 27, '65, 
 
 Albert Fowkes, Oct. 12, '61. 
 
 Silas W. West, Aug. 13, '61. Discharged Feb. i, '62 — disability. 
 
 Company " K." 
 
 captains. 
 
 A. M. Pattison, May 16, '61. Resigned Nov. 21, '62. 
 John L. Wilson, Nov. 21, '62. Promoted Major. 
 Sydney B. Wade, July 18, '65. Mustered out Dec. 16, '65. 
 
 SECOND LIEUTENANT. 
 
 John F. Weitzel, Jan. 31, '63. Killed at Chickamauga, Sep.19,'63. 
 
 PRIVATES. 
 
 Pat. S. Curtis, June 14, '61. 
 
 John F. Weitzel, June 25, '61. Promoted sergeant and 2d lieut. 
 
 UNASSIGNED RECRUITS. 
 
 John^Barrett, Dec. 19, '63. 
 
 THIRTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 
 
 The Thirty-fifth Illinois Infantry was organized in Decatur, on 
 the third day of July, 1861. On the twenty-third it was accepted 
 by the Secretary of War, as Col. G. A. Smith's Independent Regi- 
 ment of Illinois Volunteers. Left Decatur August 4th; arrived at 
 Jefferson Barracks, Mo,, the 5th; thence to the Marine Hospital, 
 St. Louis; moved to Jefferson City, Mo.; next to Otterville; 
 marched to Sedalia and joined Gen. Siegel's advance on Spring- 
 field, arriving there the 26th; moved from Springfield to Rolla; 
 returned to Springfield the 13th of February, 1862. In an
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 85 
 
 engagement at Pea Ridge, Col. G. A. Smith was severely 
 wounded. The principal places of action were at Rocky-faced 
 Ridge, Resaca, Dallas, Mud Creek, Kenesaw, Perryville, Stone 
 River and Chickamauga. Mustered out at Springfield, 111., on the 
 27th day of September, 1864. 
 
 ROSTER THIRTY-FIFTH REGIMENT INFANTRY. 
 Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 COLONELS. 
 
 G. A. Smith, July 2, '61. Prom. Brig.-Gen. Sept. 19, '62; 
 
 discharged Sept. 22, '63. 
 W. P. Chandler, Sept. 22, '63. Term expired Sept. 27, '64; was 
 
 Lieutenant Colonel. 
 
 MAIOR. 
 
 John Mcllwain, July 3, '61. Killed at Kenesaw Mountain, June 
 
 22, '64. 
 
 ADJUTANTS. 
 
 W.J. Usrey, Sept. i, '61. Resigned April 15, '63. 
 
 Uriah Fox, April 15, '62, Resigned Nov. 17, '63. 
 
 Samuel W. Bird, Nov. 17, '63. Term expired Sept. 27, '64. 
 
 QUARTERMASTER. 
 
 John G. Miles, July 3, '61. Term expired Sept. 27, '64. 
 
 SURGEONS. 
 
 W.J. Chenoweth, Sep. 25, '6i. Resigned Dec. 14, '62. 
 
 S. B. Hawley, Dec. 9, '62. Term expired Sept. 27, '64. 
 
 FIRST ASSISTANT SURGEON. 
 
 D. C. Titball, Sept. 25, '61. Term expired Sept. 27, '64. 
 
 SECOND ASSISTANT SURGEON. 
 
 Jonathan D, Wylie, Dec. 8, '62. Term expired Sept. 27, '64. 
 
 CHAPLAINS. 
 
 p. D. Hammond, July 3, '61. Resigned May 12, '62.
 
 86 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 JVame, and date of Rank. Rcftiarks. 
 
 R. E. Harris, May 12, '63. Left at Florence, Ala., Aug. 18, 
 
 '62 ; not heard from. 
 
 NON-COMMISSIONED StAFF. 
 SERGEANT MAJOR. 
 
 Geo. B. Peake, July 3, '61. Prom. 2d lieut. Co. A, and capt'n. 
 
 HOSPITAL STEWARD. 
 
 Jos. T. DeWatney, July 3, '61. Reduced, and returned to Co. A. 
 
 PRINCIPAL MUSICIANS. 
 
 Newlin B. Davis, July 3, '61. 
 
 Archibald Monroe, July 3, '61. Promoted to principal musician. 
 
 SECOND CLASS MUSICIAN. 
 
 Joseph Ricketts, July 3, '61. 
 
 Company " A." 
 
 CAPTAINS. 
 
 ' B. M. Tables, July 3, '61. Resigned Dec. 20, '61. 
 
 Pierre W. Thomas, Dec, 25, '61. Resigned Jan. 31, '64. 
 Geo. B. Peake, July 3, '61. Term expired Sept. 27, '64. 
 
 FIRST LIEUTENANTS. 
 
 George F. Deitz, Dec. 25, '61. Died July 8, '63. 
 
 John W. Peen, Jan. 31, '64. Term expired Sept. 27, '64. 
 
 SECOND LIEUTENANT. 
 
 Jas. Shoaif, July 3, '61. Resigned Feb. 3, '62. 
 
 PRIVATES. 
 
 Augusta Glatz, July 3, '61. Discharged Aug. 9, '62 — wounds. 
 
 Conover Hatfield, July 3, '61. Disch'd Dec. 12, '61 — disability. 
 
 Wm. C. Stewart, July 3, '61. Disch'd June 15, '62 — disability. 
 
 Andrew Stewart, July 3, '61, 
 
 Joseph McMullen, July 3, '61. 
 
 John D. McFadden, July 3, '61. 
 
 John Hager, July 3, '61. 
 
 Curtis Aastin, July 3, '61. Transferred to 59th reg't. 
 
 Frank Rea, July 3, '61.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 87 
 
 JVame, atid date of Rank. Refnarks. 
 
 Company " F." 
 
 N. L. F. Monroe, July 3, '61. Disch'd March 34, '63 — disability. 
 
 FORTY-FIRST ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 
 
 The Forty-first Infantry Illinois Volunteers was organized at 
 Decatur, Illinois, in the month of August, 1S61, by Col. Isaac C. 
 Pugh. Moved to St. Louis August 7; 29th moved to Bird's 
 Point, Mo., and assigned to the command of General Prentiss; 
 September 8th moved to Paducah, Ky., and assigned to General 
 B. F. Smith's command; February 5th, '62, moved to Fort Henry; 
 nth marched to Fort Donelson, and was engaged, 13th, 14th and 
 15th in the siege, under Colonel McArthur; March 10 moved for 
 Pittsburg Landing, arriving the 14th; engaged in the battle of 
 Shiloh, April 6th and 7th, 1862; engaged in the siege at Corinth; 
 marched to Memphis, arriving July 11, and remained until Sept. 
 6; moved for Bolivar; moved from Bolivar*to LaGrange, Nov. 3; 
 Arrived at Memphis, Tenn., March 10, 1S63; sent to Hernando, 
 Miss.; in an engagement at Cold water; returned to Memphis; 
 moved to Vicksburg May 12th, etc.; was at last consolidated with 
 the Fifty-third regiment. 
 
 ROSTER FORTY-FIRST REGIMENT INFANTRY. 
 
 Nanie^ and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 colonel. 
 
 Isaac C. Pugh, July 27, '61. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 
 lieutenant colonels. 
 
 Ansel Tupper, July 27, '61. Killed at Pittsburg Landing April 
 
 6, '62. 
 Jno. Warner, April 8, '62. Discharged Nov. 26, '62. 
 
 Jno. H. Nale. Mustered out Aug. 2, '64.
 
 88 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. Re?narks. 
 
 MAJORS. 
 
 F. M. Long, Killed in action July 12, '63. 
 
 R. H. McFadden. Transferred to field staff as con- 
 
 solidated. 
 
 ADJUUTANTS. 
 
 B. G. Pugh, Dec. 12, '61. Res. March 17, '62. 
 
 Wm. C. Gillespie. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 
 QUARTERMASTERS. 
 
 H, C. Bradsby,July 27, '61. Res. June 9, '62. 
 
 I. R. Pugh, Sept. 30, '62. Res. Aug. i, '63. 
 
 John Boughman. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 
 SURGEONS. 
 
 Wm. M. Gray. Mustered out March 29, '62. 
 
 Chas. Carle. " Aug. 20, '64. 
 
 FIRST ASSISTANT SURGEON. 
 
 Geo. W. Short, July 27, '61. Resigned. 
 
 O. M. Warmoth, April 12, '62. Transferred to field and staff as 
 
 consolidated. 
 
 SECOND ASSISTANT SURGEON. 
 
 Jno. W. Coleman, Sept. 30, '62. Term expired ^66. 
 
 Company " A." 
 
 CAPTAINS. 
 
 Jno. H. Nale, July 27, '61. Promoted, 
 
 M. F. Kanan, April 8, '62. Transferred to Co. A as consolida- 
 
 ted. 
 
 FIRST LIEUTENANTS. 
 
 Geo. R, Steele, April 8, '62. Res. Aug. 3, '63. 
 Rolando Bell, April 8, '62. Prom, from 2d lieut.; must'd out 
 
 Aug. 20, '64.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 89 
 
 JVa?ne, and date of Rank.. 'Remarks. 
 
 NON-COMMISSIONED StAFF. 
 
 SERGEANT MAJOR. , 
 
 Hartley G. Pugh, Aug. 5, '61. Promoted adjutant. 
 
 QUARTERMASTER SERGEANT. 
 
 Alonzo Burgess, Aug. 5, '61. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 
 HOSPITAL STEWARD. 
 
 Jas. W. Routh, Aug. 5, '61. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 
 PRINCIPAL MUSICIAN. 
 
 Alex. Allsbury, Aug. 5, '61. Reduced to ranks Sept. 1, '62. 
 
 FIRST SERGEANT. 
 
 Lewis B. Morton, Aug. 5, '61. Died at Paducah, Ky., Sep. 1 9, '6 1. 
 
 SERGEANTS. 
 
 Roland Bell, Aug, 5, '61. Promoted 2d lieut. 
 
 Bryant Kelsey, Aug. 5, '61. Died June 20, '63; wounds. 
 
 W. E. Winholtz. Aug. 5, '61. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64, as ist 
 
 sergj:. ; wounds. 
 David S. Morse, Aug. 5, '61. Died at Moscow, Tenn., Jan. 23, 
 
 '63. 
 
 CORPORALS. 
 
 Wm. H. Hecocks, Aug. 5, '61, Sergt., killed at Jackson, Miss., 
 
 July 12, '63. 
 Moses A. Stare, Aug. 5, '61. 
 
 Henry C. Payne, Aug. 5, '61. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 H. M. Streever, Aug. 5, '61. " " as sergt. 
 
 Jno. W. Sheperd, Aug. 5, '61. Discharged Nov. 10, '62; wounds. 
 Fred. O. Spooner, Aug. 5, '61. Killed at Shiloh, April 6, '62. 
 Horace W. Clark, Aug. 5, '61. 
 
 PRIVATES. 
 
 Anderson, Jas. W., Aug. 5, '61. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 Asher, Robert, Aug. 5, '61. " " 
 
 Albert, John, Aug. 5, '61. « " 
 
 Bryant, James, Aug. 5, '61. " " 
 
 — 12
 
 90 
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Natne^ and date of Rank. 
 Boring, John, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Beamer, Marion, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Betzer, Geo. W., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Bell, Albert, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Bridleman, Sam., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Bear, Sam. W., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Brancet, Marion, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Buck, Latham, Aug. 5, '61. 
 
 Cole, Aaron, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Chambers, Henry, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Collady, Hen. S., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Crandall, Chris., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Clark, Henry G., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Culver, L, L., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Cox, Jas. S., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Drennen, J. B., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Dubois, M. C, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Delany, Elijah, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Davis, Geo. W., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Davis, John M., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Edmundson, J. W., Aug. 5, '61 
 Ebord, Adam, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Fuller, Henry, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Fike, John, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Fennor, Elijah B., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Forin, John L., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Greene, Enoch D., Aug. 5, '61. 
 GibHn, Michael, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Glassie, R. \V., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Guthbred, Richd., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Greene, Wm. H., Aug. 5. '61. 
 Hays, John, Aug. 5, '61. 
 
 Hull, John R., Aug. 5, '61. 
 
 Hull, James E., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Harter, Thos. J., Aug. 5, '61. 
 
 Remarks. 
 Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 
 Discharged Sept. 28, '62 ; wounds. 
 Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 
 Disch'd Oct. 1 8, '62; disability. 
 Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 Re-enlisted as vet.; transferred to 
 
 Co. A, vet. bat. 
 Re-enlisted as vet.; wounded. 
 Disch'd June 10, '62; disability. 
 Discharged for disability. 
 Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 Died Nov,, '61, 
 Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 Killed at Shiloh April 6, '63. 
 Killed at Donelson Feb. 15, '62. 
 Died at home Sept. 23, '63; w'nds. 
 Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 
 Disch'd Nov. 34, '61 ; disabilit}'. 
 Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 
 « " w'nded. 
 
 Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 
 
 
 Supposed died at Decatur, 111. 
 Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 
 " " as corp. 
 
 Discharged Aug. 6, '61, by writ of 
 
 habeas corpus. 
 Discharged April 8, '63, as corp.; 
 
 disability. 
 Died in hands of enemy; w'nded. 
 Disch'd Dec. 5, '62 ; wounds.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 91 
 
 JVame, and date of Rank. 
 
 Huston, Walt. B., Aug, 5, '61. 
 Huston, Norv., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Hackney, Thos., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Jordan, I. N., Aug. 5. '61. 
 
 Jennison, Geo., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Kelse, Oscar A., Aug. 5, '61. 
 
 Kile, Isaac W., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Kummisson, J.VV. Aug. 5, '61. 
 Longabaugh, R., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Longabaugh, C, Aug. 5, '61. 
 
 Morlan, Wm. M., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Manderville, Geo., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Moore, Jas. W., Aug. 5, '61. 
 McDonald, Hugh, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Monohon,J. M., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Parr, Wm., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Ray, Jos., Aug. 5, '61. 
 
 Smick, Aaron, Aug. 5, '61. 
 
 Sides, Jas. M., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Stookey, H. L., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Stookey, Wm. H., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Strope, Thos. B., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Smith, Wm. W., Awg. 5, '61. 
 Sweet, Michael, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Senseman, Daniel, Aug. 5, '61. 
 
 Smith, Wm. H., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Short, William T., Aug. 5, '61, 
 Spainhower, D., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Stewart, Jas. H., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Troxell, Jas. B., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Todd, Geo. E., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Tuttle, George, Aug. 5, '61. 
 
 Remarks. 
 
 Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 Killed at Shiloh April 6, '62. 
 Disch'd Sept. 19, '62; wounds. 
 Wounded at Shiloh; killed at 
 
 Vicksburg June 7, '63. 
 Captured, paroled. 
 W'nded at Donelson; disch'd Oct. 
 
 23, '63, as Corp., and prom. 
 Mustered out Aug. 20, '64, as corp. 
 
 Trans, to in v. corps Sept. 15, '63. 
 Re-enlisted as vet . ; transferred to 
 
 Co. A, vet. bat. 
 Disch'd Nov. 7, '62; wounds. 
 Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 Died at Paducah, Ky., Feb. 7, '62. 
 
 Died at Paducah, Ky., Dec. 28, '61. 
 Must'd out Aug. 20, '64 (vet. bat.) 
 Wounded at Shiloh; re-enlisted as 
 
 vet.; transferred to Co. A. 
 M. O. Aug. 20, '64, as sergeant; 
 
 wounded. 
 Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 Discharged Aug. 2, '64; wounds. 
 Died at Alexandria, La., Ap.17,'64. 
 Disch'd April 27, '62; disability. 
 Discharged Sept. 19, '62; wounds. 
 
 Discharged Sept. 20, '63, as corp. ; 
 
 wounds. 
 Serg't; died April 16, '62; wounds. 
 Disch'd Feb. 27, '63; disability. 
 Disch'd Sept. iS, '62; disability. 
 M. O. Aug. 20, '64; wounded. 
 
 (i u u a 
 
 Disch'd April 7, '62 ; disability. 
 Killed at Shiloh, April 6, '62.
 
 •92 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 Thompson, G. W., Aug. 5, '61. Disch'd Nov. 17, '62; disability. 
 Timmons, S. H., Aug. 5, '61. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 Timmons, M. F., Aug. 5, '61. Died at Natchez Oct. 20, '63, of 
 
 wounds. 
 Tansy, Alex. VV„ Aug. 5, '61. Disch'd Nov. 25, '62; disability. 
 Vaughan, Wm.D., Aug. 5, '61. Disch'd Aug. 4, '62; disability. 
 Westcott, W. H., Aug. 5 '61, Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 White, John R., Aug. 5, '61. Re-enlisted as vet.; transferred to 
 
 Co. A., Vet. Bat. 
 Williams, Andrew, Aug. 5, '61. Transferred to invalid corps, Sept. 
 
 15, '63- 
 Williams, John E., Aug. 5, '61. Died at Jackson, Tenn. 
 
 Wilson, Hiram R., Aug. 5, '61. Disch'd Aug. 2, '62; wounds. 
 
 Ward, John J., Aug. 5, '61. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 
 Whitesell, Wm. H., Aug.5, '61. " " " 
 
 RECRUITS. 
 
 Crain, Jas. H. Died at home, Oct. 27, '63. 
 
 Hull, Joel. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 
 McDonald, Samuel A. Deserted. 
 
 Robey, Kilburn H. Disch'd Nov. 24, '61; disability. 
 
 Schroll, George B. Disch'd Sept. iS, '62; wounds. 
 
 Wheeler, William. Mustered out May 3, ''66^ to date 
 
 Aug. 25, '62. 
 
 Company " B." 
 
 CAPTAINS. 
 
 A. B. Lee, July 27, '61. Resigned Aug. 11, '63. 
 
 John H. Davis, Aug. 15, '63. Term expired Aug. 20, '64; was 
 
 1st lieutenant. 
 
 FIRST LIEUTENANT. 
 
 Wm. H. Palmer, Aug. 15, '63. Transferred to Co. B, as consoli- 
 dated; was 2d lieutenant. 
 
 SECOND LIEUTENANT. 
 
 Jackson A. Alelick, July 27, '61. Died at Mound City, Mar. i, '62.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 93 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 PRIVATE. 
 
 Good, John C, Jan. 3, '64. Transferred to Co. B, Vet. Bat.; 
 
 transferred to Co. G, 53d. 
 
 Company "E." 
 
 CAPTAIN. 
 
 Jno. L. Armstrong, July 27,'6i. Died Dec. 11, '61. 
 
 W. S. Oglesby, Dec. 12, '61. Killed in action, April 6, '62; was 
 
 1st lieutenant. 
 Oscar Short, Sept. i, '62. Term expired Aug. 20, '64. 
 
 FIRST LIEUTENANTS. 
 
 Robert Warnick, Dec. 12, '61. Dismissed as 2d lieut. 
 
 Jas. A. Wilson, April 18, '62. Term expired Aug. 20, '64. 
 
 SECOND LIEUTENANTS. 
 
 Jas. M. Taylor, Dec. 12, '61. Resigned April 26, '62. 
 S. R. Appleton, Sept. 30, '62. Resigned Nov. 18, '62. 
 Jos. Catherwood, Nov. 18, '62. Term expired Aug. 20, '64. 
 
 SERGEANT. 
 
 Pasley, Buckner H., Aug. 5, '61. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 Wilson, Jas. A., Aug.- 5, '61. Promoted 1st lieutenant. 
 Yick, Joseph, Aug. 5, '61. Died April 8, '62; wounds. 
 
 CORPORALS. 
 
 Rose, Albert D., Aug. 5, '61. Disch'd Sept. 6, '62; disability. 
 Bennett, Jno. H., Aug. 5, '61. Disch'd April 18, '62; disability. 
 Strait, Oscar, Aug. 5, '61. Promoted sergeant, then captain. 
 
 Stevens, Henry, Aug. 5, '61. M. O. Aug. 20, '64, as private. 
 Graham, Harrison, Aug. 5, '61. Drowned near Decatur, June 19, 
 
 '62. 
 Stevens, Jas. M., Aug. 5, '61. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 Burke, Jas. W., Aug. 5, '61. Discharged Oct. 9, '62. 
 Graham, Jacob, Aug. 5, '61. Killed at Shiloh, April 6, '62* 
 
 PRIVATES. 
 
 Armstrong, T. J., Aug. 5, '61. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 
 Austin, Edmiston, Aug. 5, '61. " " ♦
 
 94 
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Natne^ and date of Rank. 
 
 Botts, Wm. D., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Ben-y, Jesse R., Aug. 5, '61, 
 Barrell, John P., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Bennett, Wm., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Blair, Wm., Aug. 5, '61. 
 
 Beshle, John, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Berry, Benjamin, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Brookshire, J. P., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Barker, C. S., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Bentley, Charles, Aug. 5, '61. 
 
 Brewington, H. I., Aug. 5, '61. 
 
 Clark, Benjamin, Aug. 5, '61. 
 
 Clark, Martin, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Crouch, Alex., Aug. 5, '61. 
 
 Carmean, Peai'son, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Davis, David M., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Douglas, Edward, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Dillon, Job A., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Evans, Robert, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Graham, Wm. J., Aug. 5, '61. 
 
 GrifFee, Levi, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Gull, John Z., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Hemstead, Henry, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Herring, Thomas, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Jostis, Henry, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Jostis, William, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Jones, David, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Kirbaugh, Wm., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Langdon, S., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Long, Jas. W., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Little, James W., Aug. 5, '61. 
 % Lutrelle, John, Aug. 5, '61. 
 
 Remarks. 
 
 Disch'd Sept. 19, '62; disability. 
 Died Nov. II, '63; wounds. 
 Disch'd Mar. 2, '63; disability. 
 Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 Re-enlisted as vet.; transferred to 
 
 Co. A, Vet. Bat. 
 Died Aug. 6, '62; wounds. 
 Serg't; died at Keokuk, July i,'62. 
 Disch'd April 10, '63; disability. 
 
 Re-enlisted as vet.; transferred to 
 
 Co. A, Vet. Bat. 
 Re enlisted as vet.; transferred to 
 
 Co. A. 
 In marine service; said to have 
 
 been discharged. 
 Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 Re-enlisted as vet.; transferred to 
 
 Co. A, Vet. Bat. 
 Disch'd Dec. 7, '61; disability. 
 Killed at Shiloh, April 2, '62. 
 Re-enlisted as veteran. 
 Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 Disch'd June 19, '63; disability. 
 Prisoner of war; mustered out of 
 
 regiment. 
 Disch'd Jan. 8, '62; disability. 
 Died at Albany, Ind., June 9, '62. 
 
 Serg't; died July 18, '62; wounds. 
 Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 
 Disch'd June 17, '62; disability. 
 
 Re-enlisted as veteran. 
 
 Died at Paducah, Ky., Dec. 2, '61. 
 
 Died July 21, '63; wounds. 
 
 Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 
 Died at Columbus, Ky., Dec. 4, '62.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 95 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. 
 
 McQuality, Jas. Aug. 5, '6i. 
 Malon, Perry, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Nicholson, J. N., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Odor, Henry C, Aug. 5, '61. 
 
 Ordleb, Lewis, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Peck, Geo. A., Aug. 5, '61. 
 
 Pasley, Jos. A., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Pasley, M. L,, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Pope, John, Aug, 5, '61. 
 Read, John, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Ralls, Geo. W,, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Rose, Wm. C, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Scott, John, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Shoi'tel, John, Aug. 5, '61. 
 Stephens, Jos. F., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Stith, Geo. W., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Sinnard, Ben. P., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Smith, Simon D., x\ug. 5, '61, 
 
 Ulmer, Chas., Aug. 5, '61. 
 Ward, John, Aug. 5, '61. 
 
 Remarks. 
 
 Disch'd Nov. 25, '62; disability. 
 
 Mustered out Aug. 20. '64. 
 Missing since Feb. 10, '62; sup- 
 posed dead. 
 
 Sergeant; died at Mound City, 
 
 March 8, '62. 
 Mustered out Aug 20, '64. 
 Died at Paducah, Ky., Dec. 4, '61. 
 Trans, to inv. corps Dec. i, '63. 
 Killed at Ft. Donelson. 
 Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 Died April 13, '62; wounds. 
 Mustered out in the field. 
 
 Disch'd Dec. 20, '61; disability. 
 Killed at Shiloh April 6, '62. 
 Disch'd Feb. 14, '63; disability. 
 Disch'd Sept. i, ''62^ as corp. ; dis- 
 ability. 
 Mustei-ed out Aug. 20, '64. 
 
 " " as ser- 
 
 geant; 
 
 wounded. 
 
 I 
 
 Allsbury, Alex. 
 Green, Aaron. 
 
 Murray, Patrick. 
 
 Nevins, Chas. 
 
 Perdue, James T., Dec. 22, '63. 
 
 Stevens, F. M. 
 
 Stevens John D. 
 
 Smith, Joseph. 
 
 Walker, Joseph L.,Jan. 5, '64. 
 Wheeler, And. M. 
 
 RECRUITS. 
 
 Re-enlisted at vet. 
 
 Mustered out Aug. 20, '64, as 1st 
 
 sergt. 
 Transferred to Co. A. vet. bat. 
 Re-enlisted as vet. 
 
 Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 
 Died at Memphis, Tenn., April 3, 
 
 '63- 
 Trans, to Co. A, vet. bat. 
 
 Mustered out May 29, '65.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 Company " F." 
 
 CAPTAINS. 
 
 David P. Brown, July 27, '6i. Res. March 28, '62. 
 
 J. C. Lewis, March 28, '62. Resigned Oct. 16, '62; was.ist 
 
 lieut. and 2d Heut. 
 Jesse F. Harrold, Oct, 16, '62. Term expired Aug. 20, '64; was 
 
 1st lieut. 
 
 FIRST LIEUTENANTS. 
 
 H. C. McCook, July '27, '61. Promoted chaplain. 
 Henry Bevis, Oct. i, '61. Res. Feb. 10, '62. 
 
 Wm. H. Taylor, Oct. 16, '62. Term expired Aug. 20, '64; was 
 
 2d lieutenant. 
 
 SECOND LIEUTENANT. 
 
 Ed. C. Sackett, Oct. 16, '62. Term expired Aug. 20, '64. 
 
 PRIVATES. 
 
 Rogers, Henry, Aug. 7, '61, Re-enlisted as vet. 
 Petrey, Solomon. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 
 Rouse, Levi. Disch'd May 5, '62 ; disability. 
 
 Company " G." 
 
 CAPTAINS. 
 
 Francis M. Long, July 27, '61. Prom, major. 
 
 Daniel H. Hall, Sept. i. '62. Prom, by President May 26, '64; 
 
 was I St lieut. 
 T.J. Anderson, May 27, '64. Term expired Aug. 20, '64; was 
 
 1st lieut. and 2d lieut. 
 
 FIRST LIEUTENANTS. 
 
 John B. Butler, Sept. i, '62. Res. June 18, '63; was 2d lieut. 
 Chas G. Young, Ma}^ 27, '64. Term expii-ed Aug. 20, '64. 
 
 SECOND LIEUTENANT. 
 
 John C Cox, July 27, '61. Died April 9, '62; wounds rec'd at 
 
 Pittsburg Landing.
 
 I 
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 97 
 
 Name, and date of Rattk. Remarks. 
 
 PRIVATES. 
 
 Reddy, Wm. H., July 36, '61. Killed at Shiloh April 6, '62. 
 Ready, John W. Disch'd Sept. 18, '62; disability. 
 
 Company "H." 
 
 CAPTAINS. 
 
 H. Blackstone, July 27, '61. Res. Jan. 14, '62. 
 
 John H. HufFner, Jan. 28, '62. Killed in battle April 6,''62; was 
 
 1st lieut. 
 Luther H. Wilber, April 7, '62. Died April 28, '62; was 1st lieut. 
 Wm. F. Turney, April 29, '62. Term expired Aug. 20, '64; was 2d 
 
 lieut. 
 
 FIRST LIEUTENANTS. 
 
 James S. Steen,July 27, '61. Res. Dec. 21, '61. 
 
 D. M. Turney, April 29, '62. Term expired Aug. 20, '64. 
 
 SECOND LIEUTENANTS. 
 
 H. H. Hardy, Dec. 25, '61. Res. May 21, '62. 
 
 Chris. Corneley, May 22, '62. Killed in action July 12, '63. 
 
 PRIVATES. 
 
 Pugh, Isaac R. Prom, regimental quartermaster. 
 
 Company " I." 
 
 CAPTAINS. 
 
 Ben. B. Bacon, July 27, '61. Res. Mar. 4, '62. 
 F. M. Green, Mar 5, '62 . Term expired Aug. 20, '64; was 
 
 2d lieutenant. 
 
 FIRST LIEUTENANTS. 
 
 B. R. Parrish,July 27, '61. Res. Sept. 28, '62. 
 Leander Green, Nov. 5, '62. Term expired Aug. 20, '64; was 
 
 2d lieut. 
 
 SECOND LIEUTe'nANT. 
 
 P.J. Frederick, Sept. 28, '62. Term expired Aug. 20, '64. 
 —13
 
 98 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 JVame, and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 PRIVATES. 
 
 Carmon, Jno. P., Aug. 5, '61. Promoted commissary sergt. 
 
 Gross, Sam'l E., Aug. 5, '61. Discharged Aug. 16, '61. 
 
 Jacobs, Geo., Aug. 5, '61. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 Wells, Elijah, Aug. 5, '61. " 
 
 White, Henry, Aug, 5, '61. Died accidental w'nds Sept. 13, '62. 
 
 Wellhouse, Peter, Aug. 5, '61. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. 
 
 VETERANS. 
 
 Conrad, Edward, Jan. 21, '64. Transferred to Co. A, vet. bat. 
 
 Frazee, Ben. F,, Dec. 18, '63. Transferred to vet. bat. 
 
 Jones, James, Jan. 5, '64. " " 
 
 Snyder, Henry, Dec. 18, '63. « " 
 
 Smith, Wm. H., Dec. 18, '63. 
 
 Woodward, Sam., Feb. 10, '64. " " 
 
 Davidson, Jo., April 5, '64. 
 
 Gaines, Maxwell, Oct. 31, '63. 
 
 Stingley, Daniel, Jan, 15, '64. 
 
 SIXTY-THIRD INFANTRY. 
 
 The Sixty-third Infantry, Illinois Volunteers, was organized at 
 Camp Dubois, Anna, Illinois, in the month of December, 1S61, by 
 Colonel Francis Moro, and mustered into United States service 
 April 10, 1S62. Ordered to Cairo April 27; to Henderson, Ky., 
 July 12; returned to Cairo 22d. August 4th moved to Jackson, 
 Tenn,, and assigned to Fourth Brigade, Seventh Division, Seven- 
 teenth Army Corps, Col. John D. Stephenson, Seventh Missouri 
 Infantry, commanding brigade. Brig. -Gen. John A. Logan com- 
 _ manding division. November 10 moved to LaGrange; 2Sth 
 moved against Pemberton, and returned to LaGrange January 16, 
 1863. May loth, 1863, ordered to Vicksburg, Miss.; on picket 
 duty at Young's Point till May 21st; June 7th assigned to Mower's 
 Brigade, and moved to Millikin's Bend. In an engagement at 
 Richmond, La.; returned to Young's Point, thence to Vicksburg; 
 July 5th, 1863, moved to Helena, Ark; 28th moved to Memphis;
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 99 
 
 moved towards Chattanooga; November i6th arrived at Bridge- 
 port, Ala.; arrived at Chattanooga November 20th; engaged in 
 battle at Mission Ridge, 23d and 24th of November, 1863; arrived 
 at Huntsville Dec. 26th, and went into winter quarters. Ordered to 
 Illinois on veteran furlough, April 3, and returned to Huntsville, 
 May 2ist, 1864. June 22d moved to Kingston; command ordered 
 to join Gen. Sherman; December loth, 1864, arrived at Savannah, 
 and moved to Miller's Station, on the Gulf Railroad; started on a 
 trip through the Carolinas; returned to Savannah. Participated 
 in the battle of Bentonville, N. C, March 21st, and entered Golds- 
 boro March 24, 1S65; moved to Raleigh; moved from Raleigh 
 April 29th, and arrived at Richmond May 10; went to Alexan- 
 dria; participated in the grand review at Washington, May 24; 
 moved to Parkersburg, on the Ohio river, thence to Louisville, Ky. 
 July 13, 1S65, mustered out of United States service, and left for 
 Camp Butler, Illinois, arriving there July 16th, after having trav- 
 eled 6,453 miles. 
 
 ROSTER SIXTY-THIRD INFANTRY. 
 Naine^ and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 COLONELS. 
 
 Francis Moro, Dec. i, '61. Resigned Sept. 29, '62. 
 
 Jos. B. McCown, Sept. 29, '62. M. O. April 9, '65; was Lt.-Col. 
 
 James Isaminger, July 12, '65. M. O.July 12, '65; was Lt.-Col 
 
 LIEUTENANT COLONEL. 
 
 Henry Glaze, Sept. 24, '62. Res. June 30, '63; was Major, 
 
 MAJORS. 
 
 Joseph K. Lemen, Sept. 29, '62. Mustered out April 9, '65, 
 J. R. Stanford, June 4, '65. " July ^S? '65. 
 
 ADJUTANTS. 
 
 C. S. Chambers, April 10, '62. Resigned tDec. 16, '62. 
 W. P. Richardson, Dec. 16, '62. Mustered out April 9, '65. 
 Theodore Elfes, June 6, '65. " July 13, '65.
 
 lOO HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 QUARTERMASTERS. 
 
 John M. Maris, Feb. 28, '62. Mustered out April 9, '65. 
 Benj, Robertson, June 6, '65. « Jwly 13, '65. 
 
 SURGEONS. 
 
 Wm. M. Gray, May 26, '62. Resigned Sept. 12, '62. 
 J. W. McKinney, Sept. 15, '62. Mustered out April 9, '65. 
 Alex. A. Lodge, June 6, '65, M. O. July 13, '65; was ist asst. 
 
 surgeon and 2d. 
 
 FIRST ASSISTANT SURGEON. 
 
 Lyman Hall, April 10, '62. Resigned Dec. 31, '62. 
 
 CHAPLAINS. 
 
 Stephen Blair, April 10, '62. Died. 
 
 John Glaze, Feb. 2, '63. Commission canceled. 
 
 George Compton, May 22, '63. Mustered out July 13, '65. 
 
 Company « H." 
 
 CAPTAINS. 
 
 S. G. Parker, April 10, '62. Discharged July 14, '63. 
 
 John M. Davis, July 14, '63. Discharged April 30, '64; was ist 
 
 lieutenant. 
 Geo. W. Baxter, July 12, '6y M. O.July 12, 65; was ist lieut. 
 
 FIRST LIEUTENANTS. 
 
 Wilson F. Cox, July 14, '63. M. O. May 24, '65; was 2d Heut. 
 A. J. Bixler, July 12, '65. M. O. July 13, '65. 
 
 SECOND LIEUTENANTS. 
 
 James Houselman, April 10, '62. Discharged Dec. 2, '62. 
 Thos. Abernethy, July 12, '65. Mustered out July 13, '65. 
 
 FIRST SERGEANT. 
 
 Snides, Daniel D., Dec. 16, '61. 
 
 SERGEANTS. 
 
 Cox, Wilson T., Dec. 16, '61. Promoted 2d lieut. 
 Baxter, Geo. W., Dec. 16, '61. Re-enlisted as veteran.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. lOI 
 
 Name., and date of Ra7ik. Remarks, 
 
 Freeman, R,, Dec. i6, '6i. Re-enlisted as veteran. 
 
 Mettlin, Jas. C, Dec. i6, '61. « « 
 
 CORPORALS. 
 
 McQuay, Jos., Dec. 16, '61. 
 
 Peterson, J. M. B., Dec. 16, '61. Died at Jackson, Tenn., Sept. 15, 
 
 '62. 
 Dawson, D. L., Dec. 16, '61 . Re-enlisted as veteran. 
 Kohr, Samuel W., Dec. 16, '61. « « 
 
 Robinson, David, Dec. 16, '61. Died, Jackson, Tenn., Sept. I4,'62. 
 Law^rence, Y. P., Dec. 16, '61. Mustered out April 9, '65. 
 ' Hill, Joel, Dec. 16, '61. 
 Holmes, W. H., Dec. 16, '61. Disch'd Nov. 14, '62; disability. 
 
 WAGONER. 
 
 Rowe, Absalom, Dec. 16, '61. Disch'd Nov. 14, '62; disability. 
 
 PRIVATES. 
 
 Ayers, Dan. C, Dec. 16, '61. Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out 
 
 July 1 3, '65. 
 Armstrong, S. A., Dec. 16, '61. Died at Cairo, May 12, '62. 
 Abbott, Josiah, Dec. 16, '61. 
 Abernethy, Thos., Dec. 16, '61. Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out 
 
 J"ly 13' '^5' ^« serg't. 
 Asbury, Levi, Dec. 16, '61. Re-enlisted as veteran. 
 
 Barnes, Wm. H., Dec. 16, '61. " " 
 
 Brockway, A., Dec. 16, '61. 
 
 Brockway, D. L., Dec. 16, '61. Disch'd Nov. 14, '62; disability. 
 Bixler, A. J., Dec. 16, '61. Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out 
 
 July 13, '65, as 1st serg't. 
 Bruce, Fi-anklin, Dec. 16, '61. Mustered out May 31, '65. 
 Brower, Godfrey, Dec. 16, '61. 
 Bozarth,Jno. S., Dec. 16, '61. Re-enlisted as vet; mustered out 
 
 >iyi3. '65- 
 
 Buixh, George, Dec. 16, '61. Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out 
 
 July 1 3, '65. 
 Barnhart, Jacob, Dec. i6, '61. Died at Anna, 111., April 27, '62. 
 Baily, Samuel, Dec. 16, '61. Discharged June 28, '64. 
 
 Crawford, Eli, Dec. 16, '61.
 
 I02 
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 JVame^ and date of Rank. 
 Crawford, Wm., Dec. i6, '6i. 
 
 Crawford, S., Dec. i6, '6i. 
 Culver, S. M., Dec. i6, '6i. 
 Campbell, S. D., Dec. i6, '6i. 
 
 Cadwallader, A., Dec. i6, '6i. 
 
 Church, George, Dec. i6, '6i. 
 Cline, Simon, Dec. i6, '6i. 
 Crigler, Wm. H., Dec. i6, '6i, 
 Doolen, J. L., Dec. i6, '6i. 
 Day, Richard, Dec. i6, '6r. 
 Earles, Joshua, Dec. i6, '6i. 
 Earls, Booker, Dec. 16, '61. 
 Ebbert, John J., Dec. 16, '61. 
 Ford, Wm. C, Dec. 16, '61. 
 Flaherty, Jno., Dec. 16, '61, 
 Harrigan, Jno., Dec. 16, '61. 
 
 Holly, Michael, Dec. 16, '61. 
 Harman, Jesse, Dec. 16, '61. 
 Hogan, John, Dec. 16, '61. 
 
 Jones, James H., Dec. 16, '61. 
 Lynch, Myter, Dec. 16, '61. 
 Lacost, John, Dec. 16, '61. 
 
 Lord, Andrew, Dec. 16, '61. 
 Meddleton, B., Dec. 16, '61. 
 McWilHams, H., Dec. 16, '61, 
 Moore John, Dec. 16, '61, 
 Morgan, Samuel, Dec. 16, '61. 
 Newton, Wm., Dec. 16, '61. 
 Piatt, Phinneas, Dec. 16, 61. 
 Querry, Wm., Dec. 16, '61. 
 
 Roberts, Jos., Dec. 16, '61. 
 
 Remarks. 
 
 Re-enlisted as vet. ; mustered out 
 
 July 15, '65. 
 Disch'd Nov. 14, '62; disability. 
 Mustered out Api-il 9, '65. 
 Died at Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 3, 
 
 '64. 
 Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out 
 July 13, '65. 
 
 Disch'd Nov. 14, '63; disability. 
 
 Mustered out April 9, '65. 
 Disch'd Sept. 9, '63; disability. 
 Re-enlisted as veteran. 
 
 Re-enllsted as veteran. 
 
 Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out 
 July 13, '65. 
 
 Re-enlisted as vet. 
 
 Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out 
 
 July 15' '65- 
 
 Mustered out April 9, '65. 
 Retained to make good the time 
 
 lost. 
 Mustered out April 39, '65. 
 
 Mustered out April 11, '65. 
 
 Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out 
 July 15, '65.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 [O3 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. 
 
 Sheets, Joseph, Dec. 16, '61. 
 Sheets, Isaiah, Dec, 16, '61. 
 Smith, James, Dec. 16, '61. 
 Smith, George, Dec. 16, '61. 
 Sparling, And., Dec. 16, '61. 
 Sparling, Isaac, Dec. 16, '61. 
 
 Suck, Jacob, Dec. 16, '61. 
 Sullivan, Orren S. Dec. 16, '61. 
 
 Umbert, Chas. F., Dec. 16, '61, 
 Wimmer, B., Dec. 16, '61. 
 Wilson, W. A., Dec. 16, '61. 
 Wilson, John B., Dec. 16, '61. 
 Wright Harrison, Dec. 16, '61. 
 
 Watkins, Joel, Dec. 16, '61. 
 Waller, Eli, Dec. 16, '61. 
 Weiver, Isaac, Dec. 16, '61. 
 Waggoner, Thos., Dec. 16, '61 , 
 Waggoner, R., Dec. 16, '61. 
 Young, George, Dec. 16, '6i. 
 Young, Jas. B., Dec. 16, '61. 
 
 Remarks. 
 
 Died at Mound City May 20, '62. 
 Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out 
 
 >iy 13/65. 
 
 Re-enlisted as vet. 
 
 " " mustered out 
 
 July 13/65. 
 
 Re-enlisted as vet. 
 Mustered out April 9, '65. 
 Disch'd July 19, '62; disability. 
 Mustered out April 9, '65. 
 Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out 
 
 July 13. '65- 
 
 Re-enlisted as vet. 
 
 Discharged July 23, '62. 
 Re-enlisted as vet. 
 
 RECRUITS. 
 
 Abbott, Isaiah, Dec. 16, '61. 
 Beach, Harmon, Feb. 27, '64. 
 Davis, Allen, Feb. 27, '64. 
 
 Mustered out July 13, '65. 
 
 I. 
 
 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTEENTH REGIMENT ILLI- 
 NOIS INFANTRY. 
 
 This i-egiment left Camp Butler the 4th of Oct., 1862; reported 
 to Gen. Wright, at Cincinnati, the 6th, and crossed over into Ken- 
 tucky and reported to Brig. Gen. A.J. Smith, and was assigned to 
 Second Brigade Second Division, Army of Kentucky. Passed to
 
 I04 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Richmond, Kentucky, and remained there about two months. 
 About the 21st of December, went to Danville, Ky.; from Dan- 
 ville to Louisville, thence to Nashville, Tenn., and went into camp. 
 From Nashville to Franklin, and went into camp. In March, '63, 
 under Baird and Atkins, they assisted in driving VanDorn across 
 the Duck river, and then returned to camp and remained until June 
 1st, 1S63. Went to Triune, Tenn., and June 24, with the Army of 
 the Cumberland, drove Gen. Bragg across the Tennessee. Went 
 into camp at Tullahoma, but soon marched towards Chattanooga, 
 with a forced march across the Cumberland mountains to Ross- 
 ville, Ga. On the 19th and 20th of September, engaged the 
 enemy on the field of Chickamauga. In this engagement, lost five 
 men from Macon county. After the engagement marched against 
 Dalton, Ga.; returned to camp near Cleveland, Tenn.; remained 
 there until the 3d day of May, then joined Sherman's Army on the 
 Atlantic campaign. This regiment led the charge at Tunnel Hill, 
 Ga., and engaged in battle at Resaca, Ga., on the 15th and i6th of 
 May, 1864. This regiment took an active part in the engagements 
 of November and December, 1864, which resulted in the destruc- 
 tion of Bragg's old veteran army, known as the Army of the Ten- 
 nessee, under Gen. Hood. The Brigade to which the 115th Illinois 
 was attached for nearly two years was known as the " Iron Brig- 
 ade." 
 
 On the 23d of December, 1864, while pursuing Hood in his re- 
 treat from Nashville, Col. J. H. Moore of the 115th Illinois took 
 command of this Brigade, of which the 115th was a part. This 
 position he kept until the regiment was mustered out of service at 
 the close of the war. The regiment went to Huntsville, Ala., and 
 went into camp the 5th of Jan., 1865. On the 14th of March 
 went into East Tennessee, then to Nashville, where it remained 
 until it was mustered out of service at the close of the war, June 
 1 1, 1865. Arrived at Camp Butler, 111., June 16; received pay, and 
 discharged, June 23.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. IO5 
 
 ROSTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTEENTH REGI- 
 MENT INFANTRY. 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks^ 
 
 COLONEL. 
 
 Jesse H. Moore, Sept. 13, '62. Promoted Brevet Brig. -Gen., May 
 
 i5» '65- 
 
 LIEUTENANT COLONELS. 
 
 Wm. Kinman, Sept. 13, '62. Killed in battle, Sept. 20, '63. 
 Geo. A. Poteet, Sept. 20, '63. Must'd out June 11, '65; was Maj. 
 
 MAJOR. 
 
 Jno. W. Lapham, Sept. 20, '63. Mustered out June, 11, '65; was 
 
 Capt. Co. A. 
 
 ADJUUTANTS. 
 
 John H. Woods, Sept. 13, '62. Resigned April 10, '63. 
 
 A. Litsinberger, April 10, '63. Resigned Oct. 26, '63. 
 
 W. W. Peddecord, Oct. 26, '63. Mustered out June ii, '65. 
 
 QUARTERMASTERS. 
 
 B. F. Early, Sept. 13, '62. Resigned April i, '63, 
 Chas. W.Jerome, April i, '63. Mustered out June 11, '65. 
 
 SURGEONS. 
 
 Enoch W. Moore, Oct. 4, '62. Resigned April 17, '63. 
 Chas. W. Higgins, June 8, '63. Declined commission. 
 Garner H. Bane, June 17, '63. Mustered out June 11, '65. 
 
 FIRST ASSISTANT SURGEONS. 
 
 N. G. Blalock, Sept. 13, '62. Resigned July 27, '63. 
 Clark E. Loomis, Aug. 17, '64. Mustered out June 11, '65. 
 
 SECOND ASSISTANT SURGEON. 
 
 Jam«s A. Jones, Oct. 3, '62. Murdered by guerrillas. Tunnel 
 
 Hill, Ga., July 11, '64. 
 
 CHAPLAINS. 
 
 Arthur Bradshaw, Sept. 23, '62. Resigned Dec. 30, '62. 
 —14
 
 Io6 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 Richard Holding, Jan. i,'63. Declined commission. 
 Wm. S. Crissey,July 20, '63. Mustered out June 11, '65. 
 
 Company "A." 
 
 CAPTAIN. 
 
 Jesse Hannon, Sept. 20, '63. Mustered out June ii,'65; was ist 
 
 lieut. and 2d lieut. 
 
 FIRST LIEUTENANTS. 
 
 A. C. Bankson, Sept. 13, '62. Resigned Dec. 30, '62. 
 Jos. B. Gore, Sept. 20, '63. Mustered out June 11, '63; was 
 
 2d lieut. 
 
 PRIVATE. 
 
 Wm. Reese, Aug. 11, '62. Died at Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 12, 
 
 '63; wounds. 
 
 Company " E." 
 
 CAPTAINS. 
 
 John M. Lane, Sept, 13, '62. Resigned May 11, '63. 
 Jas. A. Whitaker, May 11, '63. Mustered out June 11, '65; was 
 
 ist lieut. 
 
 FIRST LIEUTENANTS. 
 
 David S. MofRtt, Sept. 13, '62. Resigned Mar. 25, '63. 
 Jesse F. Hedges, May 1 1, '63. Mustered out June 11, '65; was 
 
 2d lieut. 
 
 SECOND LIEUTENANTS. 
 
 Adam C. Allison, Sept. 13, '62. Resigned Feb. 28, '63. 
 
 I. H. C. Royse, May 1 1, '63. Mustered out June 11, '65. 
 
 PRIVATES. 
 
 Abrams, F. M., Aug. 3, '62. Mustered out June 1 1, '65. 
 
 Armstrong, J. A., Aug. 13, '62. " " 
 
 Armstrong, M. S., Aug. 13, '62. Died at Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 3, 
 
 Ashmead, M. J., Aug. 13, '62. Killed at Chickamauga, Sept. 20, 
 
 '63-
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. IO7 
 
 Name^ and date of Ratik. Remarks. 
 
 Amsler, John, Aug. 23, '63. Disch'd June 30, '63; disability. 
 
 Biddle, Alex. W., Aug. 32, '63. Trans, to V. R. C, April 30, '64. 
 
 Breeden, Jno. M., Aug. 33, '63. Discharged Jan. 5, '63; disability. 
 
 Breeden, C. M., Aug. 33, '62. Mustered (Hit June 1 1, '65, as corp. 
 Barnes, John A., Aug. 33, '62. " " " 
 
 Bivens, Robert, Aug, 23, '63. Disch'd Mar. 23, '65; wounds. 
 
 Clements, D. T., Aug. 22, '62. Missing in action, Sept. 20, '63. 
 
 Clements, M. H., Aug. 22, '62. Disch'd Dec. 14, ^62; disability. 
 
 Clements, Philip, Aug. 22, '62. Must'd out June 11, '65, as corp. 
 
 Cummings, Jno., Aug. 22, '62. Absent, sick, at muster out of reg. 
 
 Cummings, J. H., Aug. 23, '63. Mustered out June 11, '65. 
 
 Ci'ocks, G. W., Aug. 15, '63, Died in Christian county, 111., Nov. 
 
 6, '63. 
 
 Crafton, John, Aug. 33, '63. Died at Nashville, Tenn., March 
 
 4, '63- 
 Clements, E. T., Aug. 13, '63. Must'd out June 11, '65, as sergt. 
 
 Douglas, A. C, Aug, 13, '62. Promoted hospital steward. 
 
 Darmer, Jno. O., Aug. 15, '62. Disch'd May 15, '65; wounds. 
 
 Darmer, Wm. C, Aug. 15, '62. Mustered out July i, '65; was 
 
 prisoner, 
 
 DeAtley, A, H,, Aug. 13, '62. Died at Nashville, Tenn., March 
 
 3, '63. 
 Gay, David H., Aug. 13, '62. Disch'd April 3, '63; disability. 
 
 Hight, James L., Aug. 13, '62. Corporal; transfei'red to V. R. C. 
 
 April 30, '64. 
 Hedges, Jesse T., Aug. 13, '62. ist sergt; promoted 2d lieut. 
 Johnson, Jos,, Aug. 11, '62. Corporal; killed at Chickamauga, 
 
 Sept. 20, '63. 
 Jacobs, Jas. C, Aug. 22, '62. Mustered out June 11, '65. 
 Markwell,W. A., Aug, 22, '62, Mustered out June 11, '62, 
 Myers, Jno, W., Aug. 15, '62, " " 
 
 Martin, Jas, M., Aug, 13, '62, " " as sergt. 
 
 Pope, Zachariah, Aug. 13, '62. Died at Lexington Ky,, Nov, 10, 
 
 '62. 
 Pope, James M., Aug, 13, '62, Died at Danville, Ky., Dec. 3i,'62. 
 Quick, Sam. W., Aug. 13, '62. Mustered out June 11, '65. 
 Roberson, Jer., Aug. 13, '62. Transferred to &ng. corps Aug. 11, 
 
 '64,
 
 Io8 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 JVame^ and date of Ra7ik. Remarks. 
 
 Rose, John V., Aug, 13, '62. Died at Resaca, Ga., May 26, '64. 
 Ruby, Henry J., Aug. 13, '62. Killed at Chickaniauga Sept. 20, 
 
 '63. 
 Ruby, Jas. A., Aug. 13, '62. Mustered out June ii, '65. 
 
 Rugh, Samuel, Aug. 13, '62. "• ••' 
 
 Wood, Newell, Aug. 13, '62. " " 
 
 Whitaker, J. A., Aug, 15, '62. Promoted ist lieut. 
 
 White, Levi, Aug. 13, '62. Disch'd Aug. 6, '63; disability. 
 
 Waterman, G. A,, Aug. 13, '62. 
 
 RECRUITS. 
 
 Deatley,Jos. A., Jan. 22, '63. Transferred to Co. A, 21 111. Inf. 
 Elder, Wm. F., Jan. 28, '63. Disch'd Jan. 2. '65; wounds. 
 Hugle, John. Died at Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 14, 
 
 '6,3. 
 
 Company " F." 
 
 CAPTAINS. 
 
 F. L. Hays, Sept 13, '62. Prom, by President to major and 
 
 payment, April 6, '64. 
 Chas. GrifHth, April 7, '64. Mustered out June 11, '64. 
 
 FIRST LIEUTKNANTS. 
 
 Jas. Smith, Sept. 13, '62. Res. Feb. 6, '63. 
 
 Mat. Freeman, Feb. 6, '63. Died March 30, '63; was ist lieut. 
 
 Wm. F. Slocum, Mar. 30, '63. Res. Nov. 28, '63; was ist lieut. 
 
 Jacob Porter, Nov. 28, '63. Killed May 15, '64. 
 
 Gordon W. Mills, May 15, '64. Resigned Feb, 14, '64. 
 
 C. C. McComas, March 13, '65. Mustered out June 11, '65. 
 
 SECOND LIEUTENANT. 
 
 David Reed, March 30, '63. Died Sept. 27, '63; wounds. 
 
 PRIVATES. 
 
 Carter, Jas. F., Aug. 7, '62. Mustered out July 12, ''d-^. 
 Lutrell, Alex., Aug. 12, '62. Killed at Chickamauga Sept. 20, 
 
 '63.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY 
 
 109 
 
 Name, and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 Goodman, Chas., Aug. 16, '62. Mustered out June 11, '65, 
 
 Moore, Edward, Aug. 18, '62. Disch'd Aug. 6, '63; disability. 
 
 Sanderson, J. D., Aug. 21, '62. Mustered out June 11, '65. 
 
 Cline, Andy, Aug. 6, '62. 
 Chew, Wm. L., Aug. 13, '62. 
 Freeland, G. C, Aug. 12, '62. 
 Garver, Abe. M., Aug. 14, '62. 
 Imboden, C. M., Aug. 6, '62. 
 Kramer, Elias, Aug. 6, '62. 
 Kepler, Andrew, Aug. 11, '62. 
 Kaufman, I. S., Aug. 12, '62. 
 Kaufman, M. S., Aug. 1 1, '62. 
 Kolp, Wm. H., Aug. 9, '62. 
 Lutrell, The., Aug. 6, '62. 
 Moore Albert T., Aug. 6, '62. 
 Meridith, Jas. W., Aug. 7, '62. 
 "Oglesby, C. E., Sept, 11, '62. 
 Priest, John, Sept. 6, '62. 
 Pierce, Wm. W., Aug. 1 1, '62. 
 Roe, Geo. L., Aug. 1 1, '62. 
 Ross, Jos., Aug. 15, '62. 
 Roberts, Richard, Aug. 9, '62. 
 Shively, Alf., Aug. 1 1, '62. 
 
 Disch'd May 30, '63; disability. 
 Disch'd April i, '63; disability. 
 Mustered out June 1 1 ; '65, as corp. 
 
 u a 
 
 Disch'd Feb. 29, '64; wounds. 
 Disch'd Oct. 4, '62 ; disability. 
 Mustered out June 11, '65. 
 
 " " as sergt. 
 
 " " as Corp. 
 
 Prom, principal musician. 
 Disch'd Dec. 16, '63; disability. 
 Mustered out June 1 1, '65; sergt. 
 
 (( 
 
 Shull, Richard, Aug. 11, '62. 
 
 Company " H." 
 
 Died at Franklin, Tenn, Apr, 6,'63. 
 Disch'd April 14, '63; disability. 
 Disch'd Jan. 22, '63; disability. 
 Sergt.; killed at Chickamauga 
 
 Sept. 20, '63. 
 Mustered out June 1 1, '65. 
 
 CAPTAINS. 
 
 Henry Pratt, Sept. 13, '62. Res. April 16, '63. 
 
 J. O. Reardon, April 24, '63. Mustered out June ii,'65; was ist 
 
 lieut. and 2d lieut. 
 
 FIRST LIEUTENANTS. 
 
 Silas Parker, Sept. 13, '62. Res. Nov. 12, '63. 
 
 Jos. J. Slaughter, April 24, '63. Mustered out June 11, '65. 
 
 SECOND LIEUTENANT. 
 
 S. R. Hatfield, March 12, '63. Mustered out June 11, '65.
 
 no HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 JVame^ and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 PRIVATES. 
 
 Boze, Alvis H., Aug. 15, '62. Discharged March 31, '63. 
 
 Plitsenberger, A,, July 6, '63. Promoted com. sergt. 
 
 Peddecord,W.W. Aug. 5, '62. Promoted sergt. major. 
 
 Quinlan, John, Aug. 7, '62. Discharged March 20, '63. 
 
 WeatherfordjW., Aug. 13, '62. Mustered out June 11, ''6y 
 
 Company "K." 
 
 captains. 
 
 Jas. Steele, Sept. 13, '62. Dismissed March 3, '63. 
 
 Alanson Pierce, March 3, '63. Resigned Sept. 24, '64. 
 Philip Riley, Sept. 24, '64. Mustered out June 11, '6=,; was ist 
 
 lieut. and 2d lieut. 
 
 FIRST LIEUTENANTS. 
 
 Sylvester Baily, Sept. 13, '62. Resigned Dec. 28, '63. 
 Sam. Alexander, Sept. 24, '64. Mustered out June 11, '64. 
 
 PRIVATE. 
 
 Throckmorton, J. W. 
 
 ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTEENTH ILLINOIS 
 
 INFANTRY. 
 
 The One Hundred and Sixteenth Regiment Illinois Volunteers 
 was made up almost entirely from Macon county. The campanies 
 began to go into camp in the fair ground, near Decatur, about the 
 15th August, 1S63. They were sworn into the LTnited States service 
 on the 6th day of September, but ranks not being full, were only 
 mustered as a battalion. On the 31st were mustered as a regiment. 
 Left Decatur November Sth, arriving at Cairo on the 9th; left on 
 the same evening for Memphis, where it remained until the 26th, 
 during which time the Fifteenth Army Corps was organized under
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. Ill 
 
 the command of Gen. W. T. Sherman, and was assigned to the 
 First Brigade, Second Division. The commander of this division 
 was Maj.-Gen. Morgan L. Smith, and the brigade commander. 
 Gen. Giles A. Smith. From Memphis marched to Tallahatchie, 
 which was reached December 13th. On the 20th started down the 
 Mississippi; entered the mouth of the Yazoo the 26th, and landed 
 about fifteen miles above the mouth of that river. On the next 
 day the battle of Chickasaw began, and continued until the 30th. 
 This was the first engagement of the regiment. About the ist of 
 January, 1863, passed down the Yazoo, and sailed up the Missis- 
 sippi and Arkansas rivers to Arkansas Post, where was fought the 
 second battle in which this regiment was engaged, January 10 and 
 II. On the 23d landed at Young's Point, La., opposite Vicks- 
 burg. During the winter made attemjDts to get around Vicksburg 
 by canals, etc. In the spring crossed the river near Port Gibson, 
 and were under fire at Black River and Champion Hills, and were 
 engaged in the bloody charges upon the works in the rear of 
 Vicksburg, May 18 and 22, and were present at the surrender of 
 that place, July 4th. The next morning started in search of Gen. 
 Johnston, who was stationed beyond Black river; followed him 
 until he took I'efuge in Jackson, Miss. By several engagements, 
 drove him beyond the Pearl river. Went into camp near Black 
 river, July 25th; the camp was called Camp Sherman. Here the 
 regiment remained until about the first of October, then removed 
 to Vicksburg, then sailed to Memphis, and then went to Corinth, 
 and then marched for Chattanooga, which was reached November 
 2 1st. On the night of the 33d the ii6th, in company with the 6th 
 Missouri, embarked in pontoon boats, floated down the Tennessee 
 and landed at the mouth of the Chickamauga, within less than one 
 mile of the enemy's entrenchments on Missionary Ridge, and held 
 the position until the balance of the corps was brought over, and 
 captured all of Bragg's pickets. Then marched to the foot of the 
 ridge on the evening of the 24th ; engaged in a skirmish in which 
 Gen. Giles A. Smith was wounded, the command of the brigade 
 devolving on Col. Tupper. On the 35th were present at the 
 storming of Missionary Ridge. After this victory this regiment 
 was marched to the relief of Knoxville, and was constantly on 
 the move until the 9th of January, 1S64; then went into winter 
 quarters at Larkensville, Ala.; remained in quarters until May 16
 
 112 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 and was engaged in the charge and capture of Resaca; was at the 
 battles of Dallas, May 25 to 28, and Big Shanty; next at Kenesaw 
 Mountain, on 27th of June; thence crossed the Chattahoochie and 
 fought the battle of Stone Mountain, and drove the enem}- to the 
 immediate vicinity of Atlanta, where the battle of June 22d was 
 fought, recapturing the works after the enemy had taken them 
 from us. 
 
 On the 28th fought the battle of Ezra Chapel, in which the 
 enemy was badly beaten and driven back; moved up and formed 
 lines wf^thii^ 800 yards of enemy, August 3d, at Atlanta, and en- 
 gaged in the siege of that place, fighting the battle of Jonesboro, 
 the 14th, -which was virtual!}^ an end of the siege. After the bat- 
 tle of Jonesboro, went into camp at Atlanta; remained there until 
 orders were given to break camp and begin " Sherman's March to 
 the Sea," with occasional skirmishes on the march, until the 
 vicinity of Savannah was reached ; then participated in the capture 
 of Fort McAUistei", on December 13. Then the regiment marched 
 to Savannah, and entered that city December 21, and went into 
 camp. Then took shipping and went to Beaufort, S. C, and 
 marched thence to Pocatalago, and fought a battle there, and had 
 general skirmishing until the city of Columbia was reached; 
 went into camp after the burning of that city; moved thence to 
 Bentonville, N. C, and had a severe battle; went into camp; 
 moved thence to Raleigh, which surrendered without opposition; 
 thence ordered to Washington, and went into camp and remained 
 until ordered home to be mustered out of service, which was done 
 June 7, 1865. 
 
 For some unaccountable reason, no mention is made of the noble 
 record of this regiment in the Adjutant General's Reports. A 
 similar omission is made in the Patriotism of Illinois. T-he brief 
 history of the regiment above given, the author has prepared partly 
 from the recollection of Capt. William Grason, and partly from 
 memoranda furnished by Chaplain N. M. Baker, and Surgeon Ira 
 N. Barnes. The citizens of Macon county have erected to the 
 iTiemory of the brave Col. Tupper, in Greenwood Cemetery, a 
 monument, as a recognition of his services; and the long list of 
 killed and woanded in battle, given below, will forever speak, 
 louder than words, of the splendid record of the ii6th.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. II3 
 
 REGIMENTAL ROSTER. 
 Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 COLONELS. 
 
 N. W. Tupper, Sept. 30, '62. Died at Decatur, Mar. 10, '64. 
 John E. Maddux, June 7, '65, Mustered out June 7, '65; was 
 
 Lieutenant Colonel. 
 
 LIEUTENANT COLONELS. 
 
 J. P. Boyd, Sept. 6, '62. Resigned Jan. 28, '64. 
 
 Anderson Froman, Jan. 28, '64. Died June 16, '64; was Major. 
 John A. Windsor, May 15, '65. Must'd out June 7, '65; was Maj. 
 
 MAJORS. 
 
 Austin McCleery, Jan. 28, '64. Resigned Sept. 26, '64. 
 Nich. Geshwind, June 7, '65. Mustered out June 7, '65, as Capt. 
 
 Company F- 
 
 ADJUTANTS. 
 
 Chas. H. Fuller, Sept. 30, '62. Resigned June 27, '63. 
 Wm. E. Crissey, June 27, '63. Discharged Jan. 30, '65. 
 Myron Holcomb, Jan. 30, '65. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 QUARTERMASTERS. 
 
 Lyman King, Sept. 3, '62. Resigned Mar. 2, '63. 
 
 Chas. F. Emery, Mar. 2, '62. Prom, by President, Jan. 9, '64. 
 
 John H. Porter, Jan. 9, '64. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 SURGEON. 
 
 Ira N. Barnes, Mar. 26, '63. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 FIRST ASSISTANT SURGEON. 
 
 J. A. Heckleman, Sept. 17, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 SECOND ASSISTANT SURGEON. 
 
 J. A. W. Hostetler, Oct. i, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 CHAPLAINS. 
 
 N. M. Baker, Sept. 30, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 —15
 
 114 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 JVame^ and date of Hank. Remarks. 
 
 NON-COMMISSIONED StAFF. 
 
 Crocker, R. C, Aug, 7, '62. Sergt. major; trans, to Co. D. 
 
 Holcomb, Myron. Promoted adjutant. 
 
 Ward, Thos. J., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65; was 
 
 prisoner. 
 Porter, John J. Promoted reg. quartermaster. 
 
 Hopkins, Allen F., Aug. 9, '62. Quartermaster sergt; mustered out 
 
 June 7, '65; was quar. sergt. 
 Crissey, Wm. E., Aug. 9, '62. Com. sergt.; promoted adjutant: 
 
 was com. sergt. 
 Jennings, I. D., Aug. 7, '62. Com. sergt.; mustered out June 7, 
 
 '65. 
 Lukens, Edward, Aug. 13, '62. Hospital steward; mustered out 
 
 June 7, '65. 
 Barret, Martin L., Aug. 14, '62. Principal musician; mustered out 
 
 June 7, '65. 
 Henneby, Francis, Aug. 7, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65; principal 
 
 musician. 
 
 Company " A." 
 
 CAPTAINS. 
 
 W. F. Brown, Sept. 6, '62. Resigned April 20, '63. 
 
 Guston F. Hardy, April 20, '63. Died June 12, '63; was 2d lieut. 
 Wm. Grasson, June 12, '63. Mustered out June 7, '65; was ist 
 
 lieut. 
 
 FIRST LIEUTENANTS. 
 
 John B. Perdew, Sept. 6, '62. Died March 27, '63. 
 J. L. Shellabarger,June I2,'63. Mustered out June 12, '65; was 2d 
 
 lieut. 
 
 SECOND LIEUTENANT. 
 
 Jas. Boswell, June 7, '65. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 SERGEANTS. 
 
 Boswell, Jas. H., July 26, '62. Sergt.; mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Stephens, A. C, Aug. 4, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Farrow, Geo. L., Aug. 4, '62.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. II5 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 CORPORALS. 
 
 Harrington, R. H., Aug. 9, '62. Disch'd Feb. 2, '63; disability. 
 
 Cox, Jerome A., Aug. 8, ''dz. Mustered out May 20, '65. 
 
 Stine, Jas., Aug. 6, '62. .Discharged Feb. 2, '65, as sergnt. ; 
 
 Eads, James, Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Baty, Samuel, Aug. 6, '62. Killed at Vicksburg May 19, '63. 
 
 Furdeu, Wm. M., Aug. 4, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 MUSICIANS. 
 
 Widick, Jas. H., Aug. 6, '62. Must'd out June 7, '65, as private. 
 Lyons, Geo. W., Aug. 7, '62. " " " 
 
 WAGONER. 
 
 Steel, Wm. M., Aug. 4, '62. Disch'd March 4, '63; disability. 
 
 PRIVATES. 
 
 Agen, Monathan, Aug. 8, '62. Mustered out June 7, "^Sy 
 
 Allen, Elisha, Aug. 2, '62. Died of wounds received Arkansas 
 
 Post, Jan. 1 1, '63. 
 Balch, Alex. H., July 26, '62. Died at Van Buren, Ark., June i, 
 
 '63- 
 Bear, Wm., Aug. 6, '62. Died at Young's Point, March 3, 
 
 '63. 
 Bear, Henry C, Aug 9, '62. Absent, wounded at mustering out 
 
 of regiment. 
 Beamer, Jacob E., Aug. 21, '62. Died at Memphis Sept. 23, '63. 
 Bilby, Geo., Aug. 14, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Bowen, Daniel, Aug. 9, '62. " " 
 
 Bowdle, Wm. H., Aug. 6, '62. Discharged Dec. 21, '64; wounds. 
 Bowman, Sol. S., Aug. 6, '62. Transferred to V. R. C, Jan. 10, 
 
 '65. 
 Brackney, Eli, Aug. 4, '62. 
 
 Brown, Wes. M., Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Brown, Thos.W., Aug. 13, '62. Trans to inv. corps, Aug. i,'63. 
 Bundy, Hardin, Aug. 9, '62. Died at Benton Barracks July 17, 
 
 '63. 
 Burke, Thos. F., Aug. 6. '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as sergt.
 
 1 l6 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Name, and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 Caulk, Albert, Aug. 9, '62. Andersonville prison record says 
 
 died. 
 Cheek, Alonzo, Aug. 26, '62. Died at Young's Point, La. 
 Davis, Geo. W., Aug. 2, '62. Sergt; killed at Atlanta, Ga., July 
 
 22, '64. 
 Green, Michael, Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Glaze, Wm., July 26, '62. Absent, sick, at mustering out. 
 
 Guffy, Nathaniel, Aug. 6, '62. " » « 
 
 Guffy, Jacob, Aug. 14, '62. Transferred to inv. corps August 1, 
 
 '63. 
 Hickman, Wm., Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as corp. 
 
 Hollandsworth,W. Aug. 6, '62. Died at Young's Point April 19, 
 
 . ' '63. 
 Houseman, John, Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Houseman, N., Aug. 21, '62. Absent, sick, at mustering out of 
 
 regiment. 
 Houseman, W., Aug. 6, '62. Transferred to V. R. C, Aug. 10, 
 
 '64. 
 Jabine, Jas. T., Aug. 12, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as corp. 
 Littleton, T. M., Aug. 28, '62. 
 Long, Jas., Aug. 6, '62. 
 Long, Thos., M. Transferred to inv. corps, Sept. i, 
 
 '63. 
 
 McKee, And., Aug. 7, '62. Mustered out June .7, '65. 
 
 Makey, Horace D., Aug. 8, '62. " " 26, '65. 
 
 Marsh, Samuel D., Aug. 22, '62. Died at St. Louis April 29, '63. 
 Michener, J. A., Aug. 6, '62. Died at Camp Butler, 111., Jan. 4^ 
 
 '64. 
 Miller, Daniel, Aug. 24, '62. Died at Young's Point March 4, 
 
 '63. 
 
 Morris, Lew^is, Aug. 5, '62. Sergt.; wounded; transferred to 
 
 inv. corps Feb. 15, '64. 
 Morris, Wm. T., Aug. 8, '62. Died at Marietta, Ga., Aug. 3, '64; 
 
 wounds. 
 McCurdy, Chas., Aug. 7, '62. Died at Memphis June 28, '63. 
 Nelson, Samuel, July 30, '62. Disch'd March 16, '63; disabihty. 
 Ney hard, John J., Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, 65. 
 Nichols, John W., Aug. 6, '62. Disch'd Feb. 6, '64; wounds. 
 
 (4 a
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 117 
 
 JVame, and date of Rank. Remarks, 
 
 Perdew, Joel F., Aug. 9, '62. Absent, sick, at mustering out of 
 
 regiment. 
 Page, Moses B., Aug. 21, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Peck, John, July 21, '62. Sergt. ; died at home Sept. 28, '63. 
 
 Peck, Jacob, July 24, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Pasley, Arthur, Aug. 6, '62. Transferred to inv. corps, Dec. i, 
 
 '63. 
 Palmer, Jos. V., Aug. 8, '62. Died June 4, '63; wounds. 
 Porter, Jno. H., Aug. 20, '62. Promoted quartermaster sergt. 
 Reason, Wm. J., Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, 
 Rimmell, H. M., Aug, 9, '62. Died at Memphis, Tenn., Jan. 21, 
 
 '63. 
 Ritter, Jno. M., Aug. 11, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as sergt. 
 
 Rose, Elijah T., Aug. 7, '62. Died May 22, '63, wounds at siege 
 
 of Vicksburg, 
 Rundle, Chas. W., Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Rogers, Jno. W., Aug. 6, '62. Killed near Kingston, N. C, Mar. 
 
 8, '65. 
 Scheer, F. W., Aug. 23, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Skinner, John R., Aug. 6, '62. Disch'd Sept. 16, '63; of wounds. 
 Stafford, Nelson, Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Stapp, David, Aug. 6, '62. Died at Lawson hospital May 5, 
 
 '63- 
 
 Stewart, Thos. C, Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65; was pris- 
 oner. 
 
 Walker, Henry, Aug. 11, '62. Died at Memphis Tenn., April 3 
 
 '64. 
 
 Walker, Peter, Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65; w'nded. 
 
 Wear, Jonathan, Aug. 6, '62. " " as corp. 
 
 Wilson, George, Aug. 6, '62. Absent, sick, at mustering out of 
 
 regiment. 
 
 Wright, C. F., Aug. 6, '62. Died at Jefferson barracks July 
 
 2, '63. 
 
 RECRUITS. 
 
 Moffet, Jos. E., Feb. i, '64. Trans, to Co. H, 55th 111. Inf 
 Walters, Wm. J., Feb. i, '64. Died at Kennesaw Mountain June 
 
 27, '64; wounds.
 
 Il8 HISTOYR OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 (( 
 
 a 
 
 u 
 
 u 
 
 (( 
 
 (( 
 
 JVame, and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 John Leslie. Died of w'nds rec'd at Kennesaw 
 
 June 27, '64. 
 
 Joseph Blythe. Wounded at Kennesaw June 27. 
 W. H. Clay. " Ft. McAllister. 
 
 John W. Steward. Died in hospital. 
 
 Josiah D. Steward. Killed at Jonesboro Aug, 13. 
 
 M. M. Betzer. Transferred to 55th 111. 
 James Peck. 
 John McKee. 
 James McKee. 
 
 Company « B." 
 
 CAPTAINS. 
 
 Austin McClurg, Sept. 6, '62. Promoted Major. 
 C. Reibsame, Jan. 28, '64. Mustered out June 7, '65; was ist 
 
 Lieutenant. 
 
 FIRST LIEUTENANTS. » 
 
 John S. Taylor, Sept. 6, '62. Killed Jan. 8, '63. 
 Chas. E. Bolles, Jan. 28, '64. Commission canceled; was 2d lieut. 
 John H. Miller, Jan. 28, '64. Mustered out June 7, '65; was 2d 
 
 lieut. 
 
 SECOND LIEUTENANT. 
 
 A.J. Williams, Sept. 6, '62. Resigned Mar. 17, '63. 
 
 FIRST SERGEANT. 
 
 Isaac D. Jennings, Aug. 7, '62. Promoted com. sergeant. 
 
 SERGEANTS. 
 
 Miller, John H., Aug. 7, '62. Promoted 2d lieut. 
 
 Menaugh, W. T., Aug. 7, '62. Absent, sick, at muster out of regt. 
 
 Songer, John A., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out July 10, '65, as priv. 
 Songer, Adiniron, Aug. 9, '62. 
 
 CORPORALS. 
 
 Brown, K. A., Aug. 7, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Funk, William, Aug. 8, '62. " " 
 
 Rogers, Reuben, Aug. 9, '62. " " as priv.
 
 I 
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. I I9 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 .Shirley, Geo. W., Aug. 9, '62. Absent, sick, at muster out of reg. 
 Troutman, J. W., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Troutman, Sam., Aug. 9, '62. " " 
 
 MUSICIANS. 
 
 Carter, H. W., Aug. 8, '62. Discharged Jan. 28, '63. 
 
 Goodman, J. E., Aug. 11, '62. Discharged Sept. 20, '63. 
 
 WAGONER. 
 
 Welty, Geo. H., Aug. 12, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 PRIVATES. 
 
 Adams, James, Aug. 5, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Andrews, J. B., Aug. 9, '62. Absent, sick, at muster out of reg. 
 Boles, Chas. E., Aug. 13, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as sergt; 
 
 com'd lieut. 
 Billings, Milton, Aug. 8, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Bear, John M., Aug. 6, '62. Sergeant; absent, sick, at muster 
 
 out of regiment. 
 Bradon, John E., Aug. 11, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Burgess, T. J., Aug. 5, '62. 
 Baily, John W., Aug. 15, '62. Mustered out July 1, '65, as corp.; 
 
 wounded. 
 Beck, William, Aug. 15, '62. Absent, sick, at muster out of reg. 
 Bills, R., Jr., Aug. 14, '62. Killed at Arkansas Post, January 
 
 II, '63. 
 Braden, S. R., Aug. 12, '62. Absent, wounded, at muster out of 
 
 regiment. 
 Bradshaw, S. C, Aug. 9, '62. Died at Young's Point, La., April 
 
 3, '63- 
 Burke, Patrick, Aug. 7, '62. Died at Young's Point, La., April 
 
 8, '63. 
 Burke, William, Aug. 7, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Bell, Charles V., Aug. 15, '62. Died in Mississippi, Mar. 23, '63. 
 Dilliner, James, Aug. 7, '62. Absent, sick, at muster out of reg. 
 Daily, Austin, Aug, 19, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Disbrow, Lewis, Aug. 14, '62. Sergeant; died at Young's Point, 
 
 April 15, '63.
 
 I20 
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. 
 
 Dugan, Michael, Aug. 14, '62. 
 Earls, Stephen, July 19, '62. 
 Enterline, E., Aug. 19, '63. 
 Enos, Thomas, Aug. 9, '62. 
 Enterline, Conrad, Aug. 9, '62. 
 Ellis, David A., Aug. 14, '62. 
 Frank, S. G., Aug. 6, '62. 
 Foster, John W., Aug. 20, '62. 
 Fry, Amos, July 19, '62. 
 Fuller, Fred., Aug. 7, '62. 
 Gill, John, Aug. 9, '62. 
 Garver, F. M., Aug. 9, '62. 
 Garver, C, Aug. 14, '62. 
 Houck, Lewis, Aug. 9, '62. 
 Huggins, J. H., Aug. 14, '62. 
 Henson, R. S., Aug. 9, '62. 
 Houck, Geo. L., Aug. 9, '62. 
 Hays, Thompson, Aug. 7, '62. 
 Henley ,or Heneby,F.Aug. 7,'62. 
 Hays, John G., Aug. 7, '62. 
 Hough, John S., Aug. 9, '62. 
 Jordan, John W., Aug. 8, '62. 
 
 Jordan, Wm. H., Aug. 8, '62. 
 Jordan, Jeremiah, Aug. 9, '62. 
 
 Kelley, Michael, Aug. 15, '62. 
 Larken, T. H., Aug. 7, '62. 
 Maher, Edward, Aug. 15, '62. 
 McWhinney, Jno., July 30, '62. 
 Myer, William, Aug. 2, '62. 
 McDonald, R., July 17, '62. 
 Nolan, Patrick, Aug. 21, '62. 
 Nix, Wm. H., Aug. 7, '62. 
 Nesbitt, H. W., Aug. 11, '62. 
 Olney, Geo. W., Aug. 11, '62 
 Pricer, Aaron, Aug. 9, '62. 
 Peaker, John W., Aug. 8, '62. 
 
 Remarks. 
 
 Mustered out July 2, '65. 
 Absent, sick, at muster out of reg. 
 Discharged March 14, '63. 
 Died at Young's Point, Feb. 1 1,'63. 
 Discharged March 20, '64. 
 Trans, to V. R. C, Sept. i, '63. 
 Died at St. Louis, April 11, '63. 
 Mustered out June 7, ''Gy 
 Mustered out July 19, '65; w'nded. 
 Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 (( 
 
 (C 
 
 as corp. 
 
 Died at St. Louis, May 17, '63. 
 
 Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 " " was pris'r. 
 
 « 
 
 (( 
 
 (( 
 
 Promoted principal musician. 
 Discharged Aug. 7, '63. 
 Absent, sick, at muster out of reg. 
 Died at Young's Point, La., Feb. 
 
 8, '63. 
 Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Died at Young's Point, February 
 
 II, '63. 
 Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 (( 
 
 (( 
 
 (( 
 
 (( 
 
 as corp. 
 Deserted Nov. 13, '62. 
 Died at Memphis, Oct. 4, '63. 
 Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Absent, sick, at muster out of reg. 
 Died at Keokuk, la., Jan. 27, '63. 
 Died at Memphis, Mar. 17, '63. 
 Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Absent, wounded, at M. O. of reg.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 121 
 
 Natne^ and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 Patterson, A., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Patterson, G. W., Aug. 20, '62. Killed at Kenesaw Mountain, 
 
 June 27, '64. 
 Quackenbush, S., July 30, '62. Mustered out July 10, '65. 
 Rogers, R. A., Aug. 9, '62. Absent, sick, at muster out of reg. 
 Reibsame, C, Aug. 11, '62. Promoted sergt., then ist lieut. 
 Rutherford, G. W., Aug. 8, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Smoot, Ben. F., Aug. 9, '62. Died at Young's Point, February 
 
 15, '63. 
 Sherman, Jas. D., Aug. 20, '62. Died on steamer City of Memphis, 
 
 May 25, '63. 
 Street, Wesley, Aug. 15, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Stains, John A., Aug. 8, '62. Died at Young's Point, June 4,'63. 
 Shelton, Martin, Aug. 11, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Shepherd, J. H., Aug. 9, '62. 
 
 Sickafonse, J. W., Aug. 15, '62. " " 
 
 Shepherd, A., Aug. 8, '62. Killed at Arkansas Post, January 
 
 II, '63. 
 Shutter, Daniel, Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Tolles, Cyrus N., Aug. 8, '62. 
 Wall, Richard, Aug. 14, '62. « 
 
 Wydick, John, Aug. 9, '62. 
 
 Weikel, Samuel, Aug. 15, '62. Absent, sick, at muster out of reg- 
 Westfall, J. W., July 30, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as sergt. 
 Wheeler, Amos, Aug. 11, '62. Sick at muster out of regiment. 
 Warnick, W. C, Aug. 15, '62. Sick at muster out of regiment. 
 Wheeler, A. J., Aug. 12, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 RECRUITS. 
 
 Sites, Henry, Feb. 25, '64. Trans, to Co. F, 55th 111. Inf. 
 
 Shutter, Felix, Feb. 24, '64. " 
 
 Westfall, Jas. K., April 13, '64. 
 
 Company " C." 
 
 captains. 
 
 Thos. White, Sept. 6, '62. Killed in battle May> 26, '64. 
 
 —16
 
 122 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 R. M. Foster, June 7, '64. Mustered out June 7, '65; was ist 
 
 lieut. and 2d lieut. 
 
 FIRST LIEUTENANTS. 
 
 Jas. M. Wallace, Sept. 6, '62. Resigned March 2, '63. 
 Z. R. Prather, April 20, '65. Mustered out June 7, '65; was 2d 
 
 lieut. 
 
 SECOND LIEUTENANT. 
 
 Jacob B. Schroll, June 7, '65, Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 FIRST SERGEANT. 
 
 Ellis, John W., Aug. 9, '62. Died at Young's Point Feb. 23, 
 
 '63- 
 
 SERGEANT. 
 
 Metzler, Abe., Aug. 13, '62. Wounded at muster out of regt. 
 Camp, W. P., Aug. 9, '62. Died at Milliker's Bend June 23, 
 
 '63. 
 Montgomery, T., Aug. 9, '62. Trans, to V. R. C, Feb. i, '64. 
 
 Davidson, John B., Aug. 9, '62. Died at Young's Point Feb, 8, '63. 
 
 CORPORALS. 
 
 Dunbar, Elias 1^., Aug, 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Edwards, J. W., Aug. 9, '62. Disch'd April 13, '63; disability. 
 Fenton, Philo S, Aug. 9, '62. Absent, wounded, at muster out of 
 
 regiment. 
 Maeyers, Sam. T., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Jones, Jas. H., Aug. 13, '62. Disch'd Feb., '63; wounds. 
 Markel, Israel W., Aug. 9, '62. Died at Memphis Feb. 30, '63. 
 Prather, Z. R., Aug. 9, '62. Promoted 2d lieut. 
 Warnick, R. G., Aug. 9, '62. Died at Memphis, May 22, '63. 
 
 MUSICIANS. 
 
 Helpman, D. C, Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out July 22, '65; was 
 
 prisoner. 
 
 Wallace, W. R., Aug. 6, '62. Died on steamer D. A. January, 
 
 March 7, '63.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. I23 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 WAGONER. 
 
 Niles, Erastus, Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 PRIVATES. 
 
 Aaron, James L., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Altum, Jas. W., Aug. 13, '62. Died at Young's Point May 12, 
 
 '63- 
 Akers, Wm. A., Aug. 18, '62. Died at Young's Point Feb. 10, 
 
 '63. 
 
 Black, Robert M,, Aug. 9, '62. Disch'd June 3, '63; disability. 
 
 Beedles,Jas. P., Aug. 9, '62. Died on City of Memphis, March 
 
 16, '63. 
 
 Bohrer, John W., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Bohrer, Geo. W., Aug. 9, '62. Disch'd Jan. 9, '63; disability. 
 
 Champion, A. B., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as sergt. 
 
 Cochran, Jas. A., Aug. 9, '62. " July, '65, as corporal, 
 
 prisoner of war. 
 
 Coomb, Elijah, Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Devore, Jos., Aug. 9, '62. Discharged April 25, '64. 
 
 Dickey, Jno. B., Aug. 9, '62. Trans, to signal corps June 7, '64. 
 
 Davidson, Jas. B., Aug. 9, '62. Disch'd Feb. 5, '63; disability. 
 
 Davidson, D. L., Aug. 13, '62. Mustered out July 11, '65; prison- 
 er of war. 
 
 Davis, Wm., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Davidson, R. L,, Aug. 9, '62. Died at home Dec. 5, '63. 
 
 Dividson, Alex., Aug. 13, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Davidson, D. P., Aug. 13, '62. » " 
 
 Davidson, T. K., Aug. 15, '62. Killed near Jonesboro, Ga., Aug. 
 
 3i> '65- 
 Ellis, Jas. A., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Gregory, David, Aug. 9, '62. Died at Louisiana April 16, '63. 
 
 Grennel, Chas., Aug. 9, '62. Died at Mound City Dec. 15, '63. 
 
 GofF, Edward L., Aug. 9, '62. Died at Mound City Nov. 2, '63. 
 
 Goff, Leonard J., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as wag- 
 oner. 
 
 Gault, John M., Aug. 9, '62. Absent, wounded, at muster out of 
 
 regt.
 
 124 
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. 
 Hopkins, A. F., Aug. 9, '62. 
 
 Hill, Joshua F., Aug. 9, '62. 
 
 Herrington, D. J., Aug. 11, '62. 
 
 Howell, E. J., Aug. it, '62. 
 
 Jones, Hugh, Aug. 13, '62. 
 
 Krone, Jacob, Sept. 15, '62. 
 Mcllheran, John, Aug. 9, '62. 
 
 Maeyers, John, Aug. 9,'62. 
 
 Montgomery, Eli, Aug. 9, '62. 
 McConnaughty, S. B. " 
 
 Myers, Wm. J., Aug. 9, '62. 
 
 May, Henry F., Aug. 13, '62. 
 
 McMurty, J. L., Aug. 13, '62. 
 
 Pound, D. K., Aug. 13, '62. 
 Riber, E., Aug. 13, '62. 
 
 Stoner, John H., Aug. 9, '62. 
 Smith, John R., Aug. 9, '62. 
 Smith, Jos. P., Aug. 9, '62. 
 Snyder, Sam. W., Aug. 9, '62. 
 Stine, Hiram S., Aug. 9, '62. 
 Scott, James, T., Aug. 9, '62. 
 Scott, Henry C., Aug. 9, '62, 
 
 Schroll, Jacob B., Aug. 9, '62. 
 
 Spaulding, J. A., Aug. 9, '62. 
 
 Turpin, Beechem, Aug. 9, '62. 
 
 Remarks, 
 
 Prom, sergt., then quartermaster 
 sergt. 
 
 Prisoner of war; died July 23, '63 » 
 wounds. 
 
 Mustered out June 7, '65, as musi- 
 cian. 
 
 Died at Richmond, Va., Feb. 15, 
 '65. Prisoner of war. 
 
 Died at Memphis, Tenn,, Dec. 24, 
 
 '62. 
 Died at Paducah, Ky., Feb. 20, '64 
 Absent, wounded, at muster out of 
 
 regt. ; prisoner of war. 
 Died at Andersonville prison, June 
 
 17, '64. 
 Died at Mound City Dec. 7, '64. 
 Died at Walnut Hills, Miss., May 
 
 19, '63; wounds. 
 
 Disch'd Jan. 24, '63; disability. 
 
 Disch'd March 20, '63; disability. 
 
 Must'd out July I, '65; was pris. 
 
 " June 7, '65 ; was pris. 
 
 " " was prom. 
 
 sergt. 
 Mustered out May 27, '65. 
 Disch'd Feb. 6, '64; disability. 
 Disch'd Aug. 4, '63; disability. 
 Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Disch'd July 7, '63; disability. 
 Disch'd Jan., '63; disability. 
 Died at Memphis July 8, '63; 
 
 wounds. 
 Mustered out June 7, '65, as sergt. 
 
 Com. 2d lieut. ; was prisoner. 
 Died at Camp Sherman, Miss., 
 
 Aug. 6, '63. 
 Mustered out June 7, '65.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 125 
 
 JVame^ and date of Rank, Remarks. 
 
 Thomas, Wm., Aug. 9, '62. Died at Richmond, Va., Feb. 10, 
 
 '64; prisoner of war. 
 Traughber, R. S., Aug. 9, '62. Died on Stmr. City of Memphis 
 
 Feb. 8, '63. 
 Travis, J. D. C, Aug. 13, '62. Disch'd Feb. 16, '63; disability. 
 Travis, Isaac W., Aug, 13, '62. Died at St, Louis Sept. 2, '63. 
 Travis, Sam. H., Aug. 13, '62. Died on Stmr. Planet Jan. 5, '63. 
 Travis, U. D., Aug. 13, '62. Died in La., April 27, '63. 
 Timmons, Eph., Aug. 12, '62. Disch'd Feb. 25, '63; disability. 
 Timmons, Lam., Aug. 13, '62. Died at Memphis Maixh 16, '63. 
 Traughber, H. C, Aug. 18, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Urbain, John, Aug. 9, '62. Disch'd Sept. 5, '63; disability. 
 
 Vliet, Amos W., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Wallace, Wm., Aug. 9, '62. Disch'd April, '63; disability. 
 Ward, Thos. J., Aug. 9, '62. Sergt. ; prom, sergt. major; vv^as 
 
 prisoner of war. 
 Wilson, Robt. D., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Webber, Lewis, Aug. 18, '62. Died at Richmond, Va., March 16, 
 
 '64. 
 
 RECRUITS. • 
 
 Aaron, John C, Feb. 11, '64. Trans, to Co. F, 55th 111. Inf. 
 Baker, N. M. 
 
 Devore, Benjamin F. Trans, to Co. K, before muster in. 
 
 Dulaney, John, March 29, '64. Trans, to Co. F, 55th 111. Inf. 
 Johnson, W. H., Feb. 27, '64. « " " 
 
 Kimberlin, John A. Trans, to Co. K, before muster in. 
 Kitt, Samuel. 
 
 Company « D." 
 
 CAPTAINS. 
 
 Joseph Lingle, Sept. 6, '62. Resigned Feb. 29, '64. 
 
 Geo. A. Milmine, Feb. 29, '64. Discharged Jan. 30, '65; was ist 
 
 lieut. and 2d lieut. 
 
 FIRST LIEUTENANTS. 
 
 Jas. R. Briggs, Sept. 6, '62. Resigned April 6, '63.
 
 126 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. Reinarks. 
 
 Thad. Collins, Feb. 29, '64. Mustered out June 7, '65; was 2d 
 
 lieut. 
 
 SECOND LIEUTENANT. 
 
 Hugh A. Lyons, June 7, '65. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 FIRST SERGEANT. 
 
 George, J. W., Aug. 15, '62. Discharged Aug. 3, '63. 
 
 SERGEANTS. 
 
 Hoagland, J. E., Aug. 7, '62. Disch'd June 7, '63; disability. 
 Williams, G. W., Aug. 7, '62. Died on steamer City of Memphis 
 
 Feb. 18, '63. 
 Collins, Thad., Aug. 7, '62. Promoted 2d lieut. 
 
 Lyons, Hugh A., Aug, 13, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as 1st 
 
 sergt.; com'd 2d lieut. 
 
 CORPORALS. 
 
 Armstrong, D. T., Aug. 13, '62. Sergeant; died at St. Louis April 
 
 7, '63. 
 Bowser, John F., Aug. 9, '62. Died at Chattanooga May 21, '64; 
 
 wounds. 
 
 Gill, David, Aug. 9, '62. Died at Chickasaw Bayou Dec. 
 
 3I' '62. 
 
 Watson, A. J., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Streever, J. B., Aug. 9, '62. Died at Annapolis, Md., Novem- 
 ber I, '63. 
 
 Spore, Seth F., Aug. 9, '62. Trans, to Co. F, 55th 111. Inf. 
 
 Slifer, N. W., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as sergt. 
 
 Long, J. G., Aug. 9, '62. Died at Richmond, Va., Feb. 20, 
 
 '64; prisoner of war. 
 
 MUSICIANS. 
 
 Barger, Elias, Aug, 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Robertson, Amos, Aug. 13, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as corp. 
 
 WAGONER. 
 
 Emery, C. F., Aug. 8, '62. Discharged March 2, '63.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 127 
 
 JVame^ and date of Rank. 
 
 Re?narks. 
 
 PRIVATES. 
 
 Armstrong, John, Aug. 15, '62. 
 Adams, Andrew, Aug. 11, '62. 
 
 Antrim, B. F., Aug. 7, '62. 
 Allen, J. L., Aug. 9, '63. 
 Amber, Wm., Aug. 9, '62. 
 
 Amber, H., Aug. 9, '62. 
 Adams, Joel B., Aug. 9, '62. 
 Arbuckle, J. I., Aug. 9, '62. 
 Alexander, Sam., Aug. 9, '62. 
 Briggs, Wm., Aug. 9, '63. 
 Belford, R. A., Aug. 12, '62. 
 Chism, John A., Aug. 8, '62. 
 Chapman, L. N., Aug. 9, '62. 
 Cory, Arthur O., Aug. 9, '62. 
 
 Cooper, N., Aug. 13, '62. 
 
 Craft, John, Aug. 15, '62. 
 Corn, A. F., Aug. 9, '62. 
 
 Crocker, R. C, Aug. 7, '62. 
 Davidson, E. H., Aug. 9, '62. 
 Daves, Wm., Aug. 9, '62. 
 Evans, Andrew, Aug. 13, '62. 
 Emerick, Geo., Aug. 7, '62. 
 
 Elliott, J. W., Aug. 15, '62. 
 Fesler, Isaac, Aug. 9, '62. 
 Fenner, John W., Aug, 9, '62. 
 
 Fesler, Larkin, Aug. 15, '62. 
 Gash, H. B., Aug. 9, '62. 
 Huckaboy, Jas., Aug. 7, '62. 
 Kline, John, Aug. 15, '62. 
 
 Corporal; died at Richmond, Va., 
 Jan. 27, '64; prisoner of war. 
 
 Mustered out June 7, '65, as sergt. 
 
 Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Died at Young's Point January 
 20, '63. 
 
 Died at Vicksbui'g, July 25, '63. 
 
 Mustered out June 8, '65. 
 
 Mustered out June 7, '65, as corp. 
 
 Died at home Dec. 21, '63. 
 
 Discharged Feb. 1 , '63. 
 
 Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Mustered out June 7, '65, as corp. 
 
 Mustered out June 7, '65, as pris- 
 oner of war. 
 
 Died at Memphis, Tenn., March 
 6, '63. 
 
 Died at St. Louis April 5, '64. 
 
 Died on steamer City of Memphis 
 Feb. 18, '63. 
 
 Promoted sergeant major. ' 
 
 Absent, sick, at muster out of reg. 
 
 Mustered out June 7, '65, as sergt. 
 
 Corporal; died at Annapolis, Md., 
 Aug. 25, '63. 
 
 Discharged April 3, '63. 
 
 Killed at Walnut Hills, Miss., 
 
 May 19, '63. 
 Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 a 1.1. 
 
 Mustered out June 7, '65, as corp. 
 Discharged Jan. 19, '63.
 
 128 
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. 
 
 Kennedy, John, Aug. 13, '62. 
 Lukens, Edwards, Aug. 13, '62. 
 Lukens, Wm. F., Aug. 13, '62. 
 Listen, J. E., Aug. 13, '62. 
 Locke, Philip, Aug. 27, '62. 
 McKeever, H. D., Aug. 13, '62. 
 Miller, John, Aug. 13, '62. 
 Miller, Clarke, Aug. 7, '62. 
 Millmine, E. K., Aug. 9, '62. 
 Martin, Robert, Aug. 13, '62. 
 O'Neal, Barnett, Aug. 13, '62. 
 Pope, Richard, Aug. 23, '62. 
 Payne, Sanford, Aug. 13, '62. 
 Plater, J. Y., Aug. 7, '62. 
 
 Querry, James, Aug. 13, '62. 
 Querry, Eri, Aug. 18, '62. 
 Ray, Alonzo, Aug. 8, '62. 
 Rinehart, Wm., Aug. 15, '62. 
 
 Reed, Squire, Aug. 7, '62. 
 
 Ryan, Joseph, Aug. 7, '62. 
 
 Shannon, W. G., Aug. 22, '62. 
 Schenck, B. W., Aug. 7, '62. 
 
 Schenck, Wm., Aug. 7, '62. 
 
 Sperling, Jacob, Aug. 9, '62. 
 
 Smith, Fred., Aug. 9, '62. 
 
 vScott, David, Aug. 7, '62. 
 Sellers, Peter, Aug. 18, '62. 
 Salters, J. W., Aug. 9, '62. 
 Shannon, John, Aug. 9, '62. 
 Sandy, Edward, Aug. 9, '62. 
 Thornburg, Thos., Aug. 7, '62. 
 Towers, Wm., Aug. 9, '62. 
 Tooly, Charles, Aug. 9, '62. 
 Vanler, Wm. A., Aug. 5, '62. 
 VanVoorhees, S. N., Aug. 9,'62. 
 
 1.1. 
 
 
 (.1. 
 
 (( 
 
 
 (( 
 
 «( 
 
 « 
 
 (( 
 
 (( 
 
 
 (( 
 
 Remarks. 
 
 Promoted hospital steward. 
 Died in Mississippi June 22, '63. 
 Killed at Atlanta, Ga., July 22,'64. 
 Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 as pns. 
 
 Discharged Sept. 2, '63. 
 Discharged Sept. 23, '63. 
 Discharged March 12, '63. 
 Sergeant; died at Memphis April 
 
 4. '63- 
 Mustered out June 7,'65 ; prisoner. 
 
 Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Discharged Jan. 19, '63. 
 
 Died at Camp Butler, 111., March 
 
 19, '64. 
 
 Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 (( 
 
 (( 
 
 
 i( 
 
 (( 
 
 as corp, 
 
 (( 
 
 {( 
 
 (( 
 
 (( 
 
 1.1, 
 
 as sergt 
 
 Sergeant; died at Cleveland, 
 
 Tenn., Jan. 28, '65. 
 Mustered out June 7, '65 ; was pris. 
 Discharged Aug. 12, '63. 
 Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Discharged Feb. 6, '64. 
 Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 (( 
 
 Discharged Jan. 16, '63. 
 Discharged January, '63. 
 
 as corp.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1 39 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 Williams, A. G., Aug. ii, '62. Died at Richmond, Va., March 5, 
 
 '64; prisoner of war. 
 Williams, M. J., Aug. 11, '63. Died at St. Louis March 26, '63. 
 Withers, Alex., Aug. 9, '62. Died at Young's Point March 23, 
 
 '63. 
 Withers, Ira, Aug. 9, '63. Died at Milliken's Bend April 27, 
 
 '63. 
 Wright, A. J., Aug. 13, '63. Died at Young's Point Feb. 17, 
 
 '63. 
 Zinn, Jacob, Aug. 15, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 RECRUITS. 
 
 Briggs, Alex. Died on Stmr. Planet Jan. 20, '63. 
 
 Gill, Wm. H. II. 
 Harris, E. 
 
 Company « E." 
 
 captains. 
 
 Lewis J. Eyman, Sept. 6, '62. Killed Jan. 1 1, '63. 
 J. S. Windsor, Jan. 31, '63. Promoted major. 
 
 R. M. Hamilton, Sept. 26, '64. Mustered out June 7, '65; was ist 
 
 lieut. 
 
 FIRST LIEUTENANTS- 
 
 S. H. Varney, Sept. 6, '63, Resigned March 5, '63. 
 
 Jos. D. Noon, March 5, '63. Died June 18, '63. 
 Wm. N. Streeter, June 3, '63. Resigned May 37, '64. 
 Sam, J. Varney, Sept. 26, '64. Died small pox Feb. 13, '65. 
 W. H. Dickerson, Apr. 20, '65. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 SECOND LIEUTENANTS. 
 
 W. L. Harris, Sept. 6, '62. Resigned June 28, '63. 
 
 Amsi H. Baker, June 7, '65. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 SERGEANTS. 
 
 Mackey, L. J., Aug. 15, '62. Absent, sick, at muster out of regt. 
 Hamilton, R. M., Aug. 15, '62. Promoted ist lieut. 
 
 —17
 
 130 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 Noon, Jos. D., Aug. 6, '62. Died at Memphis, June 18, '63. 
 
 Baker, Amsi H., Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65; com'd 2d 
 
 lieut. 
 
 CORPORALS. 
 
 Evman, Ed. C, Aug. 6, '62. Died at Milliken's Bend April 26, 
 
 '63- 
 Boyd, E. H., Aug. 2, '62. Died at Young's Point Feb. 23, '63. 
 
 Gepford, Jer., Aug. 2, '62. Mustered out June 2, '65. 
 
 Rinehart, Joel, Aug. 2, '62. " June 7, '65. 
 
 Ey man, John, Aug. 6, '62. Trans, to V. R. C, Jan. 15, '64. 
 
 Danley, John, Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Parr, Andrew, Aug. 7, '62. 
 
 Goodner, Geo., Aug. 7, '62. 
 
 
 MUSICIANS. 
 
 Kitch, Robert G., Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Gepford, Silas, Aug. 10, '62. 
 
 WAGONER. 
 
 Nicholson, H. B., Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 PRIVATES. 
 
 Allen, Wm. G., Aug. 8, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Boyd, James H., Aug. 2, '62. Absent, sick, at muster out of regt. 
 Benton, Chas. F., Aug. 6, '62. " « " 
 
 Brewer, Geo. W., Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Bullard, Chas. S., Aug. 6, '62. Absent, sick, at muster out of regt. 
 
 Bruce, Joel, Aug. 8, '62. Died at Young's Point Feb. 9, '63. 
 
 Bruce, Geo. W., Aug. 6, '62. Died at Decatur Aug. 31, '63. 
 
 Benton, E. L., Aug. 8, '62. Died on hospital boat Mar. 18, '63. 
 
 Barnhart, J., Aug. 10, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65; prisoner 
 
 of war. 
 
 Burt, Silas, Aug. 2, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Clark, Ira E., Aug. 6, '62. Died at Decatur, 111., Nov. 6, '62. 
 
 Corn, John W., Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Cross, Jacob, Aug. 6, '62. " 
 
 Clark, Chas. H., Aug. 6, '62. 
 
 Carver, M., Aug. 7, '62. Died at Young's Point Feb. 11, 
 
 '63. 

 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. I3I 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. Reynarks. 
 
 *ox, John H., Aug. 7, '62. Discharged at wSt. Louis. 
 
 Cross, Israel M., Aug. 9, '62. Died at Young's Point March 26, 
 
 '63- 
 Dickerson, W. H., Aug. 3, '62. Promoted corporal, sergeant and 
 
 1st lieut. 
 
 Downey, John, Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Danley, F. M., Aug. 6, '62. Died at Young's Point March 5, 
 
 •63- 
 
 Douglas, S. A., Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Dunham, L. H., Aug. 13, '62. Trans, to V. R. C. May i, '64. 
 
 Eaton, Michael, Aug. 8, '62. Discharged Nov. 25, '63. 
 
 French, H. W., Aug. 2, '62. Trans, to inv. corps, Sept 30, '63. 
 
 Farnam, M. A., Aug. 2, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Farnam, Stephen, Aug. 2, '62. " " as sergt. 
 
 Farnam, Chester, Aug. 6, '62. Corporal; killed at Resaca, Ga., 
 
 May 14, '64. 
 
 Farnam, David, Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Farnam, Lindsay, Aug. 6, '62. Absent, sick, at muster out of reg. 
 
 Free, James, Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Fov^^ler, J. W., Aug. 6, '62, Killed at Walnut Hills, Miss., May 
 
 I9> '63. 
 Gooden, Jos., Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Greeley, M., Aug. 6, '62. " " as corp. 
 
 Graham, Thos., Aug. 7, '62. " " 
 
 Gass, E. M., Sept. 29, '62. Died at Memphis Oct. 31, '63. 
 
 Gepford, W. H., Sept. 16, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as corp. 
 Hornbeck, S. C, Sept. 18, '62. « " 
 
 Houser, Geo. W., Sept. i8, '62. " " as corp. 
 
 Houston, Wm., Aug. 2, '62. Killed near Atlanta, Ga., July 22, 
 
 '64. 
 Hunt, Wm., Aug. 2, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Holcomb, Byron, Aug. 2, '62. Promoted sergt. major. 
 Hawk, James M., Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as corp. 
 Hobbs, Jacob J., Aug. 6, '62. Sergt.; died July 30, '64; wounds. 
 Havener, Jos., Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Harrison, Ben., Aug. 6, '62. Died at Camp Butler Feb. 24, '64. 
 Hatchett, Jno. H., Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65; sergt, 
 Jones, Young P., Aug. 7, '62.
 
 '32 
 
 HISTORY OK MACOX COUNTY. 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. 
 
 Johnson, F. M., Aug. 6, '62. 
 Jones, Wm. G., Aug. 7, '62. 
 Johnson, E. M., Aug. 7, '62. 
 James, J. L., Aug. 8, '62. 
 Kitch, Solomon, Aug. 6, '62. 
 Kile, Edward M., Aug. 6, '62. 
 Kelsey, Harper, Aug. 13, '62. 
 Kile, John W., Aug. 6, '62. 
 Land, Moses, Aug. 6, '62. 
 
 Nelson, Eli, Aug. 7, '62. 
 Pettit, Geo., Aug. 6, '62. 
 Parr, James H., Aug. 6, '62. 
 
 Rittenhouse, I. W., Aug. 6, '62. 
 
 Rager, Wm. H., Aug. 2, '62. 
 Shartzer, A., Aug. 2, '62. 
 Sprague, Jas. .H., Aug. 2, '62. 
 Stocton, R. M., Aug. 6, '62. 
 Sollars, R. G., Aug. 6, '62. 
 Stout, Leonard, Aug. 6, '62. 
 Sprague, Nat., Aug. 5, '62. 
 Smalley, Allen, Aug. 6, '62. 
 
 Snyder, Thos. A., Aug. 18, '62, 
 VanGundy, Geo., Aug. 6, '62. 
 Varney, Sam. J., Aug. 14, '62. 
 
 Wheeler, Larkin, Aug. 2, '62. 
 White, Lewis E., Aug. 2, '62. 
 Wood, Basil, Aug. 6, '62. 
 Young, Jos. H., Aug. 6, '62. 
 
 Remarks. 
 
 Absent, sick, at muster out of reg. 
 Died at Decatur, 111., Oct. 16, '63. 
 Discharged June 14, '63. 
 Mustered out June 7, '65, as corp. 
 
 (( 
 
 (( 
 
 Died at Memphis Aug. 5, '63. 
 
 Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Died at Cherry Grove, 111., Nov. 
 
 25' '63- 
 Disch'd Feb. iS, '65; disability. 
 
 Died near Dallas, Ga., May 31, '64. 
 
 Died at Young's Point March 2, 
 
 '63. 
 Coi"p.; died at Decatur, 111., Sept. 
 
 29, '64; wounds. 
 
 Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 
 (.i. 
 (« 
 
 " " as sergt. 
 
 Discharged Sept. 16, '64. 
 Discharged March 28, '64. 
 Mustered out June 7, '65, as corp. 
 Died at Camp Sherman, Miss., 
 
 Aug. 31, '63. 
 Died at St. Louis July 3, '63. 
 Died at Young's Point Mar. i6,'63. 
 Sergt; com'd istlieut. ; not must'd; 
 
 died at Annapolis Feb. 3, '65. 
 
 Discharged Aug. 14, '63. 
 Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Died at Memphis April 13, '63. 
 
 Benton, William P. 
 
 RECRUITS. 
 
 Died at Memphis, January, '63.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. I 33 
 
 Nanie^ and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 Company " F." 
 
 captains. 
 
 Sam'l N. Bishop, Sept. 6, '62. Resigned April 12, '63. 
 
 N. Geschvvind, April 12, '63. Promoted Major. 
 
 Wm. P. Goodner, June 7, '65. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 FIRST lieutenants. 
 
 John B. Tutt, Sept. 6, '62. Died Jan. 26, '63. 
 
 S. R. Riggs, April 12, '63. Resigned Dec 11, '64. 
 
 John A. Cochran, June 7, '65. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 SECOND lieutenants. 
 
 E. R. Pratt, Sept. 30, '62. Died March 30, '63. 
 
 J. C. Stansbury, April 28, '63. Died April 19, '63. 
 John P. Lewis, June 7, '65. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 privates. 
 
 Lourish, Benj., Sept. 5, '62. Died at Young's Point February 
 
 15. '63- 
 Lourish, David, Aug. 11, '62. Discharged March 20, '63. 
 Young, Geo. E., Sept. 14, '62. Absent, sick, at muster out of reg. 
 
 Company " G." 
 
 captains. 
 
 Alonzo B. Davis, Sept. 30, '62. Died Dec. 22, '63. 
 Harvey Mahannah, Dec. 22,'63. Mustered out June 7, '65; was ist 
 
 lieut. 
 
 FIRST lieutenant. 
 
 Jas. P. Barnett, Dec. 22, '63. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 SECOND lieutenants. 
 
 Lafayette Helm, Sept. 30, '62. Died Feb. 16, '63. 
 Byron Barrett, Mar. 15, '63. Mustered out June 7, '65.
 
 ■ 134 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. Retfiarks. 
 
 FIRST SERGEANT. 
 
 Barnett, Jas. P., Aug. ii, '62. Prom, ist lieut. 
 
 SERGEANTS. 
 
 Landis, D. B., Aug. 18, '62. Wounded; transferred to V. R. 
 
 C. Sept. 15, '63. 
 Davis, Wm. B„ Aug. 12, '62. 
 
 Doyle, Michael, Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Burdick, Z. C, Aug. 12, '62. « « 
 
 CORPORALS. 
 
 Smith, Wm., Aug. 1 1, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as sergt. 
 Rouse, Oren S., Aug. 12, '62. " " « 
 
 Kitrick, Abe., Aug. 14, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Bragg, John E., Aug. 12, '62. " " 
 
 MUSICIAN. 
 
 Rea, David, Aug, 12, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 W^AGONER. 
 
 Horton, Wm. H., Aug. 12, '62. 
 
 PRIVATES. 
 
 Andrews, Elijah, Sept. 28, '62. 
 
 Andrews, Elias, Sept. 28, '62. 
 
 Barret, M. L., Aug. 14, '62. Promoted principal musician. 
 
 Barrett, Chas., Sept. 14, '62. Died at Young's Point February 
 
 22, '63. 
 Brooks, Wm., Aug. 12, '62. 
 
 Baird, Joseph C, Aug. 12, '62. Discharged March 31, '63. 
 Cotterell, Thos., Aug. 12, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Crissey, Wm. E., Aug. 12, '62. Promoted com. sergeant. 
 Dickey, Wm. W., Aug. 15, '62. Killed at Atlanta, Ga., July 22,'64. 
 Dickey, D. A., Sept. 9, '62. Corporal; killed at Atlanta, Ga., 
 
 July 22, '64.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 135 
 
 Name^ aitd date of Rank. 
 
 Fry, Wm., Sept. 9, '62. 
 Fuller, Lafayette, Sept. 29, '62. 
 Gant, Jackson, Sept. 11, '62. 
 
 Higgins, Jno. T., Aug. 14, '62. 
 Howell, Brice, Aug. 12, '62. 
 Howell, Lewis, Aug. 15, '62. 
 Hoots, Alex., Aug. 12, '62. 
 Helm, John S., Aug. 18, '62. 
 Harper, C. R., Aug. 11, '62. 
 Hooker, Wm. C, Aug. 15, '62. 
 Huston, Servantus, Aug. i3,'62. 
 Huusley, C. E., Aug. 14, '62. 
 Henson, J., Aug. 20, '62. 
 Hanks, Dunham, Aug. 12, '62. 
 Kemp, Isaac, Aug. 12, '62. 
 Kemp, Philip, Aug. 15, '62. 
 Lyons, Wm., Aug. 12, '62. 
 Lickliter, G. W., Sept. 29, '62. 
 Lukens, John, Aug. 14, '62. 
 Latham, Henry, Aug. 2, '62. 
 Moore, David, Aug. 20, '62. 
 Moore, Wm., Aug. 15, '62. 
 Mahannah, H., Aug. 11, '62. 
 Mott, Geo. W., Sept. 11, '62. 
 
 Rosa, S. W., Aug. 12, '62. 
 Rhodes, Wm. H., Sept. iS, '62. 
 Smith, A. L., Aug. 12, '62. 
 Smith, Wm. C, Aug. 21, '62. 
 
 Shupp, Samuel, Aug. 26, '62. 
 
 Shasted, Wm. E., Aug. 14, '62. 
 
 Smith, T. W., Aug. 11, 62. 
 Startsman, L., Aug. 18, '62. 
 
 Remarks. 
 
 Absent, sick, at muster out of reg. 
 Died at Memphis, Tenn., October 
 
 10, '63. 
 Detached at muster out of repf. 
 
 Mustered out June 7, '65, as corp. 
 
 Died Jan. 12, '65; wounds. 
 Died at Memphis March 30, '63. 
 Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 (( 
 (( 
 
 
 Mustered out June 7, '65, as sergt. 
 Absent, sick, at muster out of reg. 
 Died at Memphis May i, '63, 
 Mustered out June 7, '65; woun'd. 
 
 (( 
 (( 
 
 
 Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Discharged Feb. 18, '65, as sergt.; 
 wounds. 
 
 Discharged March 11, '63. 
 
 Discharged Dec. 18, '62. 
 
 Died at Young's Point January 
 
 27» '63- 
 
 1st sergt.; absent, sick, at muster 
 
 out of regiment. 
 Died at Young's Point February 
 
 20, '63. 
 Mustered out June 7, '65.
 
 136 HISTORy OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 Secrist, Wm., Aug. i2,'62. Died at Moand City, 111., August 
 
 I, '63. 
 Smith, Jno. W., Sept. 18, '62. Discharged Sept. 12, '63. 
 Schmitz, M., Sept. 13, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Spear, Wm., Aug. 14, '62. Discharged March 3, '65. 
 
 Troxell, John A., Aug. 14, '62. Transferred to V. R. C. June 15, 
 
 '63. 
 Willett, Jas. L., Aug. 12, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as corp. 
 
 Williams, L. A., Aug. 17, '62. Transferred to V. R. C. December 
 Wheeler, Wesley, Aug. 12, '62. Discharged June 6, '63. 
 
 Company " H." 
 captains. 
 
 J. L. Dobson, Sept. 30, '62. Resigned June 13, '63. 
 
 John P. Lamb, June 13, '63. Resigned Dec. 22, '64. 
 Chas. P. Essick, April 20, '65. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 FIRST lieutenants. 
 
 Isom Simmons, April 28, '63. Killed Dec. 22, '64. 
 
 Jas. Goodwin, April 20, '65. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 SECOND lieutenants. 
 
 The. Short, Sept. 20, '62. Died Feb. 6, '63. 
 
 Wm. W. Winn, June 7, '65. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 MUSICIAN. 
 
 Robinson, Jos. Sept. 18,^62. Trans, to Inv. Corps Dec. 17, '63. 
 
 PRIVATE. 
 
 Sollars, Chas., Sept, 10, '62. 
 
 RECRUIT. 
 
 Bacon, Geo. W., Feb. 28, '64. Trans, to Co. F, 55th 111. inf.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. I37 
 
 Name., and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 Company " I." 
 
 CAPTAINS. 
 
 Uriah P. Forbes, Sept. 30, '62. Resigned April 25, '63. 
 
 John F. Bishop, April 25, '63. Resigned March 30, '64, was ist 
 
 lieut. 
 Isaac N. Martin, Mar. 13, '64. Mustered out June 7, '65; was ist 
 
 lieut. 
 
 FIRST LIEUTENANT. 
 
 Fred. vSchwah, March 13, '64. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 SECOND LIEUTENANTS. 
 
 Irwin Miller, Sept. 30, '62. Dismissed Jan. 19, '65. 
 
 Joshua K. Carr, June 7, '65. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 SERGEANTS. 
 
 Sheppard, F. M., Aug. 13, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as priv. 
 Carr, Joshua K., Aug. 6, '62. " " as ist 
 
 sergt.; com. 2d lieut. 
 VVorkheiser, E., Aug. 14, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as priv. 
 Phillips, W. li., Aug. 22, '63. Priv.; detached at muster out of 
 
 regiment. 
 
 CORPORALS. 
 
 Vermillion, M., Aug. 14, '63. Priv.; died Larkinsville, Ala., Feb. 
 
 4, '64. 
 Carter, J. E., Aug. 8, '62, Mustered out June 7, '65, as priv. 
 
 Martin, Geo., Aug. 12, '62. " " as sergt. 
 
 Hammond, J. H., Aug. 14, '62. " " as priv. 
 
 Schuh, Peter, Aug. 13, '62. " " 
 
 Kingsberry, Asa, Aug. 8, '62. Absent, sick, at muster out of reg. 
 vScott, John, Aug. 14, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as priv, 
 
 Mendenhall, G. W.,Aug. 8, '62. " « was pris. 
 
 MUSICIAN. 
 
 Whelan, Henry, Aug. 32, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, 
 
 — 18
 
 138 
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. 
 
 Art, Joseph, Aug. 12, '62. 
 Bavth, Jacob, Aug. 22, '62. 
 Bratz, Jacob, Aug. 14, '62. 
 
 Remarks. 
 
 PRIVATES. 
 
 Died on hospital boat March 15, 
 
 '63. 
 Died on hospital boat March 15, 
 
 '63- 
 Died at Young's Point, La., Feb. 
 
 22, '63. 
 
 Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 (( 
 
 (( 
 
 as Corp. 
 as sergt. 
 
 (( 
 
 Bailey, G. C, Aug. 18, '62. 
 Barnett, Samuel, Sept. 27, '62 
 Conaly, M. C, Aug. 13, '62. 
 Collins, E. R., Aug. 8, '62. 
 Cline, Henry, Aug. 15, '62. 
 Cothen, Cors, Aug. 14, '62. 
 Church, Geo. W., Aug. 11, '62. Transferred to Co. A, 55th 111, Inf. 
 Drain, Joseph, Aug. 22, '62. Disch'd May 5, '65; disability. 
 Enkie,Jno. Q., Aug. 14, '62. Disch'd April 8, '63; disability. 
 Ebert, Henry, Aug. 14, '62. Sergt.; absent, sick, at muster out 
 
 ot regiment. 
 Mustered out June 7, '65, as corp. 
 
 Fry, Michael, Aug. 8, '62. 
 Flaherty, J. J., Aug. 13, '62. 
 Fulk, Henry, Aug. 16, '62. 
 Flaherty, M., Aug. 27, '62. 
 Fulk, John W., Aug. 22, '62. 
 
 Fry, John, Aug. 22, '62. 
 
 Absent, sick, at muster out of reg. 
 
 Must'd out June 7, '65; was pris. 
 
 Died at Young's Point, La., Jan. 
 29, '63. 
 
 Trans, to Co. A, 55th 111. Inf. 
 Guthrie, David, Aug. 14, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Guthrie, Wm. S., Aug. 14, '62. Died at Young's Point Feb. 9, '63. 
 Gehrt, Ferd., Aug. 21, '62. Absent, sick, at muster out of reg. 
 
 Garver, Dan. H., Sept. 19, '62. 
 
 Gloden, Michael, Aug. 14, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as corp. 
 Goodpasture, J., Aug. 9, '62. Discharged Oct. 9, '62 ; writ habeas 
 
 corpus. 
 Hammond, T. R., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as sergt. 
 
 Hoff, Michael, Aug. 9, '62. 
 Harris, Henry, Aug. 22, '62. 
 Heinold, And., Aug. 12, ''62. 
 Herrindeen, O., Sept. 27, ''dz. 
 
 as corp. 
 
 «( 
 
 Died at Quincy, 111., Mar. 25, '65. 
 Died on hospital boat March 13, 
 
 '63.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 139 
 
 JVame^ and date of Rank. 
 
 Jenkins, S. T., Sept. 10, '63. 
 Keller, Mathias, Aug. 9, '62. 
 Kitchen, J. B., Aug. 12, '62. 
 Koehler, Ernest, Aug. 12, '62. 
 
 Latch, J., jr., Aug. 8, '62. 
 Latch, Geo. B., Aug. 8, '62. 
 Latch, Theo. R., Aug. 8, '62. 
 Morganthall, J., Aug. 8, '62. 
 Martin, Jo^^n, Aug. 14, '62. 
 Miller, Alex., Aug. 9, '62. 
 
 Miles, Samuel, Aug. 13, '62. 
 Mang, John, Sept. 26, '62. 
 Miller, Henry S., Aug. 9, '62. 
 Morrel, Andrew, Aug. 14, '62 
 
 Mendenha, H., Aug. 20, '62. 
 Nier, Fred., Aug. 12, '62. 
 Odle, Wm., Aug. 12, '62. 
 Reynolds, S. V., Aug. 13, '62. 
 Smith, Val., Aug. 14, '62. 
 Smoot, M. A., Aug. 14, '62. 
 Strickland, Jos., Aug. 15, '62. 
 Shinnaman, H., Aug. 19, '62. 
 StumpfF, John, Aug. 19, '62. 
 Smith, Fred., Aug. 22, '62. 
 Smith, E., Sept. 13, '62. 
 Tool, Geo., Aug. 22, '62. 
 Vogle, Philip A., Aug. 14, '62. 
 Veail, David, Aug. 13, '62. 
 Witt, Michael, Aug. 29, '62. 
 Westerhaver, H., Aug. 8, '62. 
 
 Younger, Josiah, Aug. 12, '62. 
 
 Younger, J, Q., Aug. 14, '62. 
 
 Remarks. 
 
 Disch'd Jan. 24, '63; disability. 
 Died at Quincy, 111., Oct. 25, '63. 
 Disch'd March 27, '63; disability. 
 Died at Chattanooga, Tenn., Feb. 
 19, '64. 
 
 Absent, sick, at muster out of reg. 
 
 Killed at Resaca, Ga., May 14, 
 
 '64. 
 Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Disch'd Sept. 2, '63; disability. 
 Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Killed at Arkansas Post Jan. 11, 
 
 '63. 
 Disch'd March 6, '63; disability. 
 
 Mustered out June 7, 65. 
 
 Disch'd March 11, '63; disability. 
 
 Died at Decatur Oct. 8, '62. 
 
 Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Died on str. Planet Feb. 18, '63. 
 
 Died at Evansville Jan. 10, '65. 
 
 Died at St. Louis March 4, '63. 
 
 Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Mustered out June 7, '65, as corp. 
 
 Trans to V. R. C. May i, '64. 
 Disch'd May 22, '63; disability. 
 Mustered out June 7, '65, 
 Wagoner; absent, sick at muster 
 
 out of regiment. 
 Corp.; killed at Vicksburg July 2, 
 
 '63. 
 Disch'd Mar. 28, '63; disability.
 
 L40 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 Young, Wm., Aug. 12, '62. Corp.; absent, wounded, at muster 
 
 out of regiment. 
 
 RECRUIT. 
 
 Miller, Wm. H., Aug. 12, '62. Trans, to Co. A, 55th 111. Inf. 
 
 Company " K." 
 
 CAPTAINS. 
 
 John E. Maddox, Sept. 30, '€2. Promoted Lieut. Col. 
 Jas. H. Glore, June 15, '64. Mustered out June 7, '65; was ist 
 
 lieut. and 2d lieut. 
 
 FIRST LIEUTENANTS, 
 
 John S. Windsor, Sept. 30, '62. Promoted captain Co. E. 
 Jos. D. Mackey, June 15, '64. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 SECOND LIEUTENANTS. 
 
 N. W. Wheeler, Sept. 30, '62. Killed March 19, '63; siege of 
 
 Vicksburg. 
 H. G. Eppler, June 7, '65. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 SERGEANTS. 
 
 Green, G. W., July 17, '62. Absent, sick, at muster out of reg. 
 
 1/IcCann, Thos. Died at Milliken's Bend, La., May 
 
 8, '63. 
 Dermot, Jas., July 9, '62. Disch'd March 20, '64, as priv. 
 
 CORPORALS. 
 
 Tedroe, Wm. L., July 26, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65; was pris. 
 Stackhouse, John, Aug. 6, '62. " " 
 
 PurtrofF, John, July 29, '62. Died at Mound City Sept. 7, '63. 
 Young, J. J. H., July 14, '62. Discharged April 11, '63. 
 Harbour, M. V., Aug. 14, '62. Sergt.; absent, wounded, at mus- 
 ter out of regiment. 
 Thompson, Wm., Aug. 14, '62. Absent, sick, at muster out of reg. 
 Herrin, John, Aug. 14, '62. Died at Young's Point May 24, 
 
 '63- 
 Griffin, Wm. T., Aug. 6, '62.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 141 
 
 Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 MUSICIANS. 
 
 Mclntyre, Dan., Aug. 15, '62. Discharged July 3, '64. 
 Berickman, B. C, Aug. 19, '62. 
 
 WAGONER, 
 
 Young, Wm., Aug. 6, '62. Absent, sick, at muster out of reg. 
 
 PRIVATES, 
 
 Ater, Geo., Aug. 7, '62. Trans to Inv. Corps Sept. t, '63. 
 
 Ashberry, J. W., Aug. 24, '62. Corp.; died at Rome, Ga., Sept. 9, 
 
 '64; wounds. 
 Brewer, Wm. J., Aug. 14, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Burt, G. W., Aug. 15, '62. Transferred to Invalid Corps Jan. 
 
 17, '64. 
 Died at Young's Point February 
 
 23. '63- 
 Absent, sick, at muster out of reg. 
 
 Died at Young's Point February 
 
 3/63. 
 Mustered out June 7, '65, as sergt. 
 
 Baird, C. M., July 25, '62. 
 
 Badger, James, July 22, '62. 
 Brooks, Jasper, Aug. 24, '62. 
 
 
 
 Brooks, R. K., Aug. 24, '62. 
 
 Chafin, Amos, Aug. 15, '62. 
 
 Coleman, Adam, Aug. 15, '62. Died at Memphis March 21, '63. 
 
 Clarke, Michael, Aug. 28, '62. Died at Memphis Jan. 31, '63. 
 
 Carr, Clark, Aug. 22, ''dz. 
 
 Clay, Wm., Aug. 2, '62. 
 
 Collins, Naman, Aug. 8, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as sergt. 
 
 Cook, N. T., July 15, '62. 
 
 Clark, Hugh, July 22, '62. 
 
 Cox, Jerome, Aug. 8, '62. 
 
 Chafin, Joseph, Aug. 25, '62. 
 
 Deboy, George, Aug. 13, '62. Died at Atlanta, Ga.,July 25, '64; 
 
 wounds. 
 Devore, Benj., Aug. 9, '62. Died at Decatur Nov. 18, '63. 
 
 Eldridge, B., Aug. 19, '62. Absent, sick, at muster out of reg. 
 
 Epler, Hiram. Mustered out June 7, '65, as sergt. 
 
 Follis, Levi, Aug. 11, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Follis, Alex., Aug. 11, '62. Died on hospital boat May 23, '63. 
 
 Fry, Jesse, Aug. 7, '62. Discharged January 8, '65. 
 
 Discharged July i, '63.
 
 142 
 
 HISTORY OF MACOX COUNTY. 
 
 JVame, and date of Rank. 
 Gingle, Andrew, Aug, 6, '62. 
 
 Hunter, J. S., Aug, 15, '62. 
 Hix, Richard, Aug. 27, '62, 
 Hampshire, Wm., Aug. 22, '62. 
 Herrold, J. A., Aug. 22, '62. 
 
 Hegar, or Haaka,H. Aug. 28,'62, 
 
 Heck, John, Aug. 2, '62. 
 Holder, Wm., Aug. i, '62. 
 James, Jacob, Aug. 11, '62. 
 
 James, Daniel, Aug. 11, '62. 
 Johnson, J., Aug. 25, '62. 
 Jones, J., Aug. 2, '62. 
 Kimberland, J. A., Aug. i5,'62. 
 Luster, Wm., Aug. 11, '62. 
 Leigh, G. W., Aug. 2, '62. 
 Mattox, Maley, Aug. 14, '62. 
 
 McGloughlin, M., Aug. 6, '62. 
 Murphy, Patrick, Aug. 20, '62. 
 McCantus, Owen, Aug. 22, '62. 
 Maples, Jacob, Aug. 15, '62. 
 McCune, Wm., Aug. 22, '62. 
 O'Neil, John, Aug. 25, '62. 
 Poindexter, S. H., Aug. 22, '62. 
 Poyner, S., Aug. 16, '62. 
 Purkey, David, Aug. 7, '62. 
 
 Ryan, James, Aug. 15, '62, 
 
 Reed, J. W,, Aug. 8, '62. 
 Reed, T. J., Aug. 22, '62. 
 
 Staines, Daniel, Aug. 15, '62, 
 
 Remarks. 
 
 Missing since May 31, '65; sup- 
 posed insane. 
 Discharged May 6, '65, as corp. 
 Died on hospital boat Jan. 31, '63, 
 Absent, sick, at muster out of reg. 
 Transferred to Invalid Corps Sept, 
 
 3O' '63- 
 Died at Big Shanty June 23, '64; 
 
 wounds. 
 Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Died at Chattanooga June 14, '64. 
 Killed near Atlanta, Ga., July 22, 
 
 '64. 
 Died at St. Louis July 20, '63. 
 Died at Decatur Nov. 25, '62. 
 Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Died at Memphis Nov. 26, '62. 
 Corporal; died at Young's Point 
 
 Feb. I, '63. 
 Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 Discharged Dec. 4, '63. 
 
 Absent, sick, at muster out of reg. 
 
 (( u u 
 
 Discharged Sept. 29, '63. 
 Absent, sick, at muster out of reg. 
 Died at Pana, 111., June 20, '64. 
 Transferred to Invalid Corps Sept. 
 
 I, '63. 
 Sergeant; died at Big Shanty, 
 
 Ga., July 17, '64; wounded. 
 Died at Keokuk, Iowa, Oct. 5, '63. 
 Died at Young's Point February 
 
 ii,'63. 
 Died at Young's Point February 
 
 7, '63.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. I43 
 
 JVame^ and date of Rank. Remarks. 
 
 Shields, John, Aug. 15, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Shoemaker, David, Aug. 8, '62. " " 
 
 Shaw, Henry, July 15, '62. Discharged April 15, '63. 
 
 Smith, C. R., July 25, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 See, William, Aug. 27, '62. Discharged April 10, '63. 
 
 Terril, David B., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as corp. 
 
 Vest, Toliver, July 17, '62. Com. in 2d Miss. Colored Inf. 
 
 Wannell, Jas. W., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65. 
 
 Wallace, David, Aug. 12, '62. " « 
 
 Wood, Jas. W., Aug. 18, '62. Died at Young's Point January 
 
 31' '63- 
 
 RECRUITS. 
 
 Chappin, E. C, Nov. 3, '62. Killed at Resaca, Ga., May 14, '64. 
 
 Dobson, John. 
 
 Hines, Wm., Feb. 15, '64. 
 
 Richardson, Isaac. Died at Camp Butler Mar. 26, '64.
 
 a 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 THE DEEP SNOW." 
 
 Among the memorable events associated with the early history 
 of the county, is the " deep snow." This is one of the land-marks 
 of the early settler. It is his mile-stone, from which he counts in 
 dating preceding or succeeding events. He reckons the date of his 
 coming, his marriage, and the births of his children, from it. You 
 ask him the age of John, Sarah or Susan, and he seldom fails to 
 fix their births at so many years before or after the deep snow. 
 You may locate a certain event as occurring Anno Domini, so and 
 so, and your ante-deep-snow resident will at once commence count- 
 ing on his fingers the intervening years between the deep snow 
 and the particular time in question, in order to verify your date. 
 The fact is, that the deep snow was an important and ver}' extra- 
 ordinary phenomenon. There has been nothing equal to it in this 
 latitude for the last hundred years — if the Indian traditions are cor- 
 rect as to what occurred before the white man's advent. Accord- 
 ing to their traditions, as related to the first white settlers, a snow 
 fell, from fifty to seventy-five years before the settlement by the 
 white people, which swept away the immense herds of buffalo and 
 elk that then roamed over our vast prairies. This tradition was 
 verified by the vast quantity of buffalo and elk bones remaining in 
 different localities upon our prairies when first visited by white 
 men. 
 
 The deep snow under consideration occurred in the winter of 
 i830-'3i. 
 
 It commenced snowing early in the fall, and continued, at inter- 
 vals, throughout the entire winter. The snow falls would be sue-
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. I45 
 
 ceeded by heavy sleets, forming crusts of ice between the layers of 
 snow. There were weeks that the sun was not visible, and the 
 cold was so intense that not a particle of snow would melt upon 
 the sides of the houses facing the south. People were for weeks 
 absolutely blockaded or housed up, and remained so until starva- 
 tion compelled them to go forth in search of food, or to procure 
 corn and to get it ground at the few horse mills then in the coun- 
 try. It may be of interest, in this connection, to relate an incident 
 connected with the early history of the late Abraham Lincoln, 
 who was at that time a resident of Macon county. Late in the 
 winter, Mr. Lincoln and John Hanks, with great difficulty made 
 their way across the Sangamon to a horse mill owned by Robert 
 Smith, five and a half miles southwest of Decatur, for the purpose 
 of getting some corn ground. They found Mr. S. in the field 
 gathering corn. He had succeeded in getting a road opened to 
 the field, and would drive a yoke of oxen, attached to a sled, to the 
 end of the road, lift the sled around, turning the cattle in the direc- 
 tion from which they came, and then, with baskets, gather the 
 corn that was exposed above the snow, and carry it and deposit it 
 in the sled. Mr. S. was engaged at this when Mr. Lincoln made 
 his appearance, requesting his " grist " to be ground. Mr. Lincoln 
 was asked if he had to labor under such difficulties on his side of 
 the river. " Yes," said he, "we have to do worse than that, for we 
 have used up all of our corn, and now have to go to our neighbors 
 for assistance." 
 
 It is not known that any one starved or was frozen during this 
 trying ordeal; but suffering, hunger and untold hardships were 
 endured by the people. Game, such as prairie chickens, quails, 
 deer, etc., prior to that time, had been abundant, but for years after- 
 wards was very scarce, having perished in the snow. Deer were 
 often caught and killed without the aid of guns or other fire-arms, 
 being unable to get through the snow or walk on top. Later in 
 winter, when the mass of snow and ice had become compact, 
 fences that were staked and ridered were driven over with heavily 
 loaded vehicles, and, in fact, in places could not be seen. The 
 snow is usually estimated at three feet deep at places where it was 
 not drifted, and of course would have been much deeper than that 
 if it had fallen in a short space of time. In the spring, when this 
 immense amount of snow melted, the river and streams were very 
 —19
 
 146 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 high, and, for this reason, it was ahnost as difficult to get from a 
 place as it was during the winter. 
 
 THE "SUDDEN i^REEZE," OR "SUDDEN CHANGE." 
 
 In January, 1836, occurred an extraordinary atmospheric phen- 
 omenon experienced by the residents of this county, known as the 
 " sudden freeze." It was attended with loss of life to both man 
 and beast, and the most intense suffering from cold. Incidents are 
 related in connection with this " sudden change," that, to the in- 
 credulous, seem marvelous and highly colored, and as some have 
 expressed it, " rather fishy." Immediately preceding the storm 
 the ground had been covered with snow, which, from rain falling 
 on the day of the occurrence, had become " slushy." The storm 
 came from the northwest, and the clouds, upon its approach, 
 assumed a very threatening and extraordinary aspect, those above 
 being dark, and those below of a white, frosty appearance. The 
 air seemed to be filled with innumerable particles of frozen mist, 
 and the moment the storm struck the unfortunate person away 
 from shelter, he seemed to be instantaneously transferred from a 
 temperate to a most frigid zone. The father of the writer, as this 
 storm approached, was going on an errand, not over a quarter of 
 a mile distant. As he went, the ground was covered with sleet and 
 water; on his immediate return home, the ice had formed sufficient 
 in thickness that he could walk on top. 
 
 " The late Gen. I. C. Pugh left town on horseback in the rain, 
 for his home on the Bloomington road, and when he reached the 
 large pond which formerly lay on the east side of North Water 
 street, the cold v^^as so intense that long needles of ice were shoot- 
 ing over the surface of the pond in every direction, presenting a 
 very singular appearance, and in a few moments it was frozen en- 
 tirely over. The late Dr. Thomas Read came near freezing to 
 death on the prairie, on his way to Shelbyville, on horseback, at 
 that time, and several persons did lose their lives by being on the 
 prairie and unable to reach a shelter. Cattle that were in the 
 fields were held fast by the "slush" freezing about their feet, and it 
 became necessary to cut away the ice to liberate them. Ducks and 
 geese were imprisoned in the same way. It was scarcely fifteen
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 147 
 
 minutes from the time the cold wave swept over the place, before 
 the water and melting snow were hard enough to bear up a horse."* 
 Another instance is related of a man who came into his house 
 and remained but a few minutes, when some member of the family 
 came in and remarked that the ice and snow had frozen so hard 
 that it would bear a person up. The man at once flatly contra- 
 dicted the assertion, and accused the person making it of prevarica- 
 tion, and was only convinced when he had made the experiment 
 himself. 
 
 METEOROLOGICAL. 
 
 In connection with the above atmospheric phenomena, we would 
 desire to extend our observations, but there have been no records 
 kept in this locality until within the last two years. Meteoi'ology 
 is a science entitled to as much consideration as astronomy or other 
 natural sciences. It owes its origin to the observations and study 
 of meteors and their connection with the planetary system. It has 
 extended its field so as to embrace atmospheric phenomena, and 
 their climatology, as well as the changing influences of nature on 
 land and sea. Records are now being made and tabulated, from 
 which much ver}- valuable information may be derived by the 
 great agricultural west. We have no doubt but a few years more 
 of observation and study of this science, will result in the predic- 
 tion of all unusual and extraordinary atmospheric phenomena, 
 with almost as much certainty as eclipses, transits, etc., are foretold. 
 We give below tables of observations made at Decatur for the last 
 twenty-one months, which, so far as we know, is the only record 
 kept in the county. 
 
 *Historical sketch of Macon County, read at Decatur, July 4, 1876.
 
 I4S 
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 SYNOPSIS 
 
 Of Meteorological Record for the twenty -one months commencing 
 April 1st, iS'/Si (i^id ending December jist, iSyd ; Decatur, 
 III.; latitude, jg dcg. jj min.; longitude, 88 deg. 50 min.; 
 elevation of barometer above mean sea level, 68j.iy feet. 
 
 Table No. i. 
 
 
 BAROMETER. 
 
 THERMOMETER. 
 
 
 t-i 
 
 . 
 
 ^ 
 
 a 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 a 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 — ■" 
 
 
 Range. 
 
 
 
 Range . 
 
 
 
 C3 
 
 Oj 
 
 ^ 
 
 a 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 sj, 
 
 1 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 5=' 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1875, 
 
 
 
 
 en 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 '6 
 > 
 
 -a 
 a) 
 
 > 
 
 00 
 
 SI 
 
 a 
 
 c 
 
 
 □Q 
 
 
 00 «j 
 
 ^1 
 
 
 .- C 
 
 
 ,., 
 
 
 
 c 
 
 . 
 
 
 
 m 
 
 <o 
 
 
 >> 
 
 C G 
 
 
 '^. -^^ 
 
 
 ? 
 c 
 >. 
 
 
 
 
 £ 
 >, 
 
 
 
 en 
 
 s 
 
 •c 
 
 
 
 s 
 
 >> 
 
 OS 
 
 c 
 
 
 Cm 
 
 
 
 0. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 •5 
 
 o; 
 
 tf. 
 
 t 
 
 ,c 
 
 fci 
 
 E 
 
 
 5 
 
 ^ 
 
 3 
 
 Xl 
 
 Si 
 
 
 c 
 
 
 fco 
 
 
 ta 
 
 
 
 y. 
 
 s 
 
 
 a 
 
 c 
 
 c 
 
 
 
 c 
 
 • 
 
 
 1^ 
 
 30.252 
 
 hJ 
 
 
 .783 
 
 s 
 
 82 
 
 ii 
 20 
 
 3 
 
 62 
 
 S 
 
 ^ 
 
 <l 
 
 2 
 
 s 
 
 April 
 
 •2!I.9-AS 
 
 29.469 
 
 52.17 
 
 10 
 
 1.81 
 
 .71 
 
 May 
 
 2!t.895 
 
 30.432 
 
 29.261 
 
 1.171 
 
 62.68 
 
 88 
 
 3" 
 
 58 
 
 78 
 
 14 
 
 9.42'.... 
 
 
 Mean of 2 spring 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 months, 1875 
 
 29.909 
 39.927 
 
 
 
 
 57.42 
 71.40 
 
 
 
 
 
 24 
 16 
 
 11.23 
 
 6.41 
 
 •> 
 
 .71 
 
 June 
 
 30.232 
 
 29.595 
 
 .637 
 
 92 
 
 44 
 
 48 
 
 84 
 
 
 Jiilv 
 
 29.868 
 
 30.223 29.6.^0 
 
 .573 
 
 77.63 
 
 95 
 
 litl 
 
 35 
 
 81 4 
 
 18 
 
 12.49 
 
 
 
 August 
 
 29.888 
 
 30,239 
 30.276 
 
 29.539 
 29.654 
 
 .700 
 
 71.38 
 
 88 
 
 50 
 
 38 
 
 80.12 
 
 11 
 
 4.77 
 
 
 
 Mean of sum'r. 
 
 29,894 
 30.029 
 
 .622 
 
 73.47 
 64.53 
 
 
 
 
 81.84 
 77.13 
 
 45 
 6 
 
 23.67 
 2.23 
 
 
 Sept 
 
 90 
 
 33 
 
 57 
 
 
 October 
 
 30.005 
 
 .30.474 
 
 29.390 
 
 1.084 
 
 .52.02 
 
 80 
 
 27 
 
 53 
 
 74.38 
 
 7 
 
 2.82 
 
 
 
 November 
 
 30.05.5 
 
 30.646 
 
 29.619 
 
 1.027 
 
 39.64 
 
 67 
 
 13 
 
 54 
 
 75.07 
 
 6 
 
 1.25 
 
 1 
 
 6 
 
 .... 
 
 Mean of fall . . . 
 
 30.029 
 29.945 
 
 
 52.06 
 40.32 
 
 
 
 
 75.52 
 
 75.74 
 
 19 
 8 
 
 6.30 
 1.37 
 
 
 Dscember 
 
 30.393 
 
 29.377 
 
 l.Olfi 
 
 74 
 
 -^ 
 
 78 
 
 1.8 
 
 Mean of!) m'ths 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ending Dec. 31/75 
 
 29.948 
 
 30.646 
 
 29.261 
 
 1.385 
 
 59.08 
 
 95 
 
 —4 
 
 99 
 
 78.23 
 
 96 
 
 42.57 
 
 8 
 
 1.79 
 
 1876. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 January 
 
 30.096 
 
 30.638 
 
 29.336 
 
 1.302 
 
 37.12 
 
 69 
 
 4 
 
 65 
 
 71.11 
 
 10 
 
 3. £6 
 
 o 
 
 1.1 
 
 February 
 
 30.067 
 
 30.510 
 
 29.428 
 
 1.082 
 
 36.61 
 
 70 
 
 —5 
 
 75 
 
 67.08 
 
 6 
 
 3.56 
 
 5 
 
 3. 
 
 Mean of winter 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1875-'76 
 
 30.036 
 29.976 
 
 30.459 
 
 29.113 
 
 1.346 
 
 38.01 
 37. 3s 
 
 
 
 
 71.31 
 72.16 
 
 24 
 11 
 
 8.19 
 5.84 
 
 13 
 11 
 
 5 9 
 
 Marcli 
 
 74 
 
 10 
 
 (>4 
 
 18.8 
 
 April 
 
 29.95-i 
 
 30.249 
 
 29.363 
 
 .931 
 
 54.06 
 
 82 
 
 30 
 
 52 
 
 61.88 
 
 11 
 
 3.57 
 
 
 
 May 
 
 •29.925 
 
 30.299 
 
 29.632 
 
 .667 
 
 66.23 
 
 89 
 
 36 
 
 63 
 
 61.49 
 
 8 
 
 3.13 
 12.54 
 
 11 
 
 
 Mean of spring. 
 
 29.951 
 
 
 
 
 52 55 
 
 
 
 
 65.17 
 
 30 
 
 18 8 
 
 
 
 

 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 149 
 
 Table No. i. — Continued. 
 
 
 BAROMETER. 
 
 THERMOMETER. 
 
 a 
 
 .a 
 
 a 
 a 
 
 
 a 
 >) 
 
 s 
 
 a 
 
 
 2 
 
 a 
 2 
 
 .c 
 
 ? 
 a 
 >> 
 
 C3 
 ■a 
 
 Ct-. 
 
 
 
 a> 
 
 .a 
 a 
 a 
 
 ;? 
 
 a 
 
 CD 
 
 .2 2 
 a| 
 
 „ S 
 
 11 
 
 u a 
 
 a 
 
 
 a 
 
 
 a 
 
 00 
 
 si 
 a 
 
 £.1 
 
 ■0 
 
 
 
 t.1 
 
 D 
 
 a 
 
 z; 
 
 a 
 
 
 Range. 
 
 Range. 
 
 S 
 
 1876. 
 
 « 
 
 a 
 s 
 
 
 
 
 
 JS 
 60 
 
 a 
 
 en 
 <u 
 
 
 
 si 
 a 
 a 
 
 S 
 
 a 
 
 a; 
 
 (5 
 
 0* 
 
 e 
 1 
 
 •0 
 
 > 
 
 ta 
 
 S 
 
 a 
 
 ■a 
 
 > 
 
 4) 
 
 en 
 
 .0 
 
 
 s 
 
 a 
 
 "a 
 
 00 
 
 6X 
 
 a) 
 
 H 
 u 
 
 i-l 
 
 .0 
 5 
 
 
 a . 
 
 « OD 
 
 a 
 
 
 June 
 
 July 
 
 August 
 
 29.852 
 29.942 
 29.976 
 
 29.923 
 
 29.96S 
 29.958 
 30.011 
 
 29.979 
 
 30.129 
 
 29.988 
 
 30.075 
 80.149 
 30.197 
 
 29.469 
 29.714 
 29.744 
 
 .606 
 .435 
 .453 
 
 71.65 
 
 78. 
 77.26 
 
 89 
 94 
 93 
 
 49 
 56 
 53 
 
 40 
 38 
 40 
 
 73.86 
 
 73. 
 
 71.63 
 
 20 
 13 
 12 
 
 9.35 
 
 3,46 
 3.80 
 
 
 
 Mean of sum'r 
 
 
 
 
 75.64 
 
 65. as 
 
 52.79 
 
 38.98 
 
 
 
 
 72.83 
 
 74.66 
 64.51 
 74.44 
 
 45 
 
 13 
 9 
 6 
 
 16.61 
 
 7.37 
 4.40 
 1.96 
 
 
 
 September 
 
 October 
 
 30.241 
 30.483 
 30.262 
 
 29.657 
 29.395 
 29.489 
 
 .584 
 
 1.08") 
 
 .773 
 
 85 
 80 
 74 
 
 49 
 
 43 
 27 
 16 
 
 42 
 53 
 
 58 
 
 
 November 
 
 6 
 
 3.6 
 
 Mean of fall. . . 
 
 52.53 
 19.95 
 
 —12 
 
 61 
 
 71.14 
 
 28 
 
 
 13.73 
 37 
 
 6 
 
 
 December 
 
 30.536 
 30.638 
 
 29.664 
 
 .872 
 
 3.7 
 
 Mean of year 
 
 29.113 
 
 1.525 
 
 52.99 
 
 94 
 
 —12 
 
 106. 
 
 69.74 
 
 119 
 
 50.07 
 
 30 
 
 30.2 
 
 Compiled bj J. Stebbins King, M. D., 
 
 Observer Signal Service, U. S. Army.
 
 I50 
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 STATEMENT 
 
 Shozving Iio'lV many times zvind icas observed blo-u;ing from the 
 eight cardinal points of the compass^ during each m^onth^ 
 frofn April 7, iSjSi ^^ Dec. ji., iSj6 ; also., aspect of the sky. 
 
 Table No. 2. 
 
 North 
 
 Northeast 
 
 East 
 
 Southeast 
 
 South 
 
 Southwest . . . 
 
 West 
 
 Northwest . . . 
 Calm 
 
 Clear 
 
 Fair 
 
 Partly cloudy 
 Cloudy 
 
 ]f> 18 
 12' 7 
 14i 5 
 13 11 
 
 32 1 32 
 
 18 24 
 14 19 
 26 18 
 
 22! 14 
 15 31 
 5 
 14 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 •Jl 
 
 9 11 
 
 5 13 
 
 3 
 
 5 
 28 
 26 
 
 19 
 
 16 20 
 4 
 
 36 
 26 
 
 25 12 
 13123, :» 
 
 3 C'^lc 
 
 4 3 
 3 2 
 
 2 3 
 
 6 
 
 17|25 
 16 22 
 18 17 
 14 18i24 
 4 1 1 
 
 37 28 
 
 7 '26 
 
 17117 
 
 31116 
 
 12' 5 
 8:14 
 
 
 10 4 
 18 8 
 4 
 13 
 26 24 
 15,21 
 8 13 
 4 8 
 3 1 
 
 26 32 
 26 31 
 23 '16 
 
 15^14 25 
 
 ■I" 
 
 50,2; 
 
 o 
 H 
 
 
 .^ 
 
 150 
 188 
 113 
 193 
 400 
 343 
 226 
 284 
 91 
 
 617 
 458 
 3.50 
 512 
 
 1988 
 
 1937 
 
 Explanation of Tables, etc. 
 
 Clear Indicates no clouds, or not more than one-tenth cloudy. 
 
 Fair, two to four tenths, inclusive. 
 
 Partly cloudy, five to eight-tenths of clouds. 
 
 Cloudy, nine-tenths and upwards. 
 
 Regula's observations are taken at 6.48 A. M., 3.48 and 10.13 P. M., each day, Decatur 
 mean time, which corresponds with Washington, D. C, mean time of 7.35 A. M., 4.35 and 
 11 P. M., that being the hour at which all observations are taken at Regula's Signal Ser- 
 vice Stations, corrections being made for local time to correspond therewith. 
 
 Other observations of the instruments, direction of the wind, etc., are taken as may be 
 demanded. It will be seen, by Table 2, that 1988 observations of direction of wind were 
 noted, and but 1937 of aspect of the sky : the difference is caused by observations taken 
 during the approach of storms, when the wind has shifted often, while the aspect of the 
 sky has remained unchanged and not mentioned. In Table l, in column mean of sea- 
 sons, nine months and of year, the mean of the barometer, thermometer and hygrome- 
 ter are given, while in the other footings in said colunms the range, difference and. sums 
 are given. 
 
 The minus mark, thus — , placed before figures pertaining to the ithermometer, indi- 
 cates below zero
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 15I 
 
 Summary of the Nine Months ending Dec. 31, 1875. 
 
 Highest observed thermometer 95, 3.48 P. M., July 16. 
 
 L owest " " —4, 6.48 A. M., Dec 17 
 
 Difference 99 deg. 
 
 Highest daily mean thermometer S7.2, July i6. 
 
 Lowest " " 3.25, Dec. 17. 
 
 Difference 83.95 ^^S- 
 
 Highest monthly mean thermometer.. 77-63, July. 
 
 Lowest " " 39.63, November. 
 
 Difference 38.00 deg. 
 
 Highest observed barometer .... 30.646, lo A. M., Nov. 24. 
 
 Lowest '• " 29.261,7.35 A. M.May i. 
 
 Difference i .385 inches. 
 
 Highest daily mean barometer 30-5S8, November 21. 
 
 Lowest " " 29.391, May 7. 
 
 Difference 1.167 inches. 
 
 Highest monthly mean barometer 30.055, November. 
 
 Lowest " " 29.868, July. 
 
 Difference ... ,187 inches. 
 
 Last freeze of spring, May i6; ice one-thirty-second of an inch 
 formed. Last white frost, May 17; no ice. First frost and ice in 
 fall, September 21; ice thickness of letter paper. First cold day of 
 fall, freezing during entire 34 hours, November 16. First snow, 
 December 7. River frozen over for first time, December 17th; on 
 19th ice was four inches thick. All ice and frost had disappeared on 
 the 3 1st. Latter part of December was warm and pleasant; on 
 the 30th and 31st frogs were heard croaking in numerous ponds 
 near the city; and at adjoining railroad stations, some farmers plow- 
 ing on the 30th. 
 
 Heaviest fall of rain in 34 hours, on May 33d, on which day 4.60 
 inches fell from 3.34 P. M., to 10.10 P. M., of which 3.0S inches 
 fell in 31 minutes, viz: from 3.34 to 3.55 P. M. 
 
 No snow storms during these nine months. Light snows fell on 
 eight days, during the months of April and December; as will be 
 seen by reference to table i, less than two inches fall.
 
 152 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Summary of the Year 1876. 
 
 Highest observed thermometer 94, 3 P. M., July 19. 
 
 Lowest " " — 12, 648 A. M., Dec. 9. 
 
 Difference . . 106 deg. 
 
 Highest daily mean thermometer 86.25, July 19. 
 
 Lowest " " — 2.66, Dec. 9. 
 
 Difference 88.91 
 
 Highest monthly mean thermometer . . 78 July. 
 Lowest " • u ^9-9i December. 
 
 Difference 58.1 deg. 
 
 Highest observed barometer 30.536, Dec. 4th. 
 
 Lowest " " 29.1 13, March 16. 
 
 Difference ^-423 inches. 
 
 Highest daily mean barometer 30.446, Dec. 3. 
 
 Lowest " " 29.378, March 16. 
 
 Difference 1.068 inches. 
 
 Highest monthly mean barometer 30.129, December. 
 
 Lowest " " 29.852, June. 
 
 Difference .277 inches. 
 
 Last freeze of spring. May i ; thin ice formed. Last white frost 
 observed in city. May 3d; no ice. May 23d, a light white frost was 
 reported fiom some low lands in the country. 
 
 First white frost in fall, September 27th; no injury done to veg- 
 etation. First killing frost, with thin ice, October 7th. First ice 
 of any thickness, October 15; 1^ inch thick. First cold day, freez- 
 ing during same, November 18. First snow, November 14. 
 River frozen over on the 8th of December; from that to 31st ice 
 formed to thickness of 10 inches. 
 
 During the winter of 1874-5, ground was frozen to an average 
 depth of 38 inches; winter of 1S75-6, 6 inches; and thus far in 
 winter of 1876-7, 12 inches.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1 53 
 
 HIGH WATER. 
 
 It is said said that the greatest uain-fall that has occurred in this 
 country was in the year 1831^. There was no record kejDt of the 
 amount that fell by any of the methods of to-day, and all we have 
 to judge by is the high water in the river and creeks. The Sanga- 
 mon is said to have been higher than at the breaking up of the 
 deep snow in the spring of 1831, or at any time since. The rains 
 commenced falling in the early spring, and continued throughout 
 the early summer. There have been, perhaps, other seasons just 
 as wet, but the streams were never so high at any other time. 
 There were a great many hard rains, and a storm of rain, thvnider 
 and lightning occurred in the early part of July, that, for severity, 
 has scarcely ever been excelled. It extended throughout the west, 
 as far as information extended. Our prairies, then undrained, 
 resembled an immense lake, and tish were abundant in almost 
 every locality. It may not be known to many, but it is a well 
 attested fact, that the large ponds upon our prairies, in early days, 
 contained fish, large enough for domestic purposes, almost every 
 spring, and that, too, when the ponds would annually dry up 
 entirely. How the presence of such fish was to be accounted for 
 surpassed the comprehension of ye old settler, except that they were 
 " rained down when small." During this year but little in the way 
 of crops was attempted to be raised. Hogs were fattened in the 
 fall upon the mast, and those that were not killed for food had to 
 subsist during the winter upon the acorns. With them it was lit- 
 erally " root hog or die." Cattle wintered upon buds, the trees 
 being cut down for that purpose. Eighteen hundred and forty-two 
 and 1858 ai"e also notable as years of great rain-fall. During the 
 early history of the county, when there were no bridges, much diffi- 
 culty was experienced in getting from place to place in the spring 
 time, on account of the high waters. The people, however, were 
 nearly all expert swimmers, and it was seldom that life was lost 
 from the high water. We are sometimes at a loss to know why 
 ferries were established and licensed on the Sangamon; but it 
 should be remembered the river " was up " a great deal longer in 
 those days, when the land was not imjDroved, and when 
 there were no drains to carry the water off rapidly. The water 
 then had to seek the natural drainage, and its course was 
 retarded by many obstructions. We are disposed to believe 
 — 20
 
 154 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 that the elements " cut more capers," in the shape of rleep 
 snows, sudden changes, severe storms, when this whole w^estern 
 country was a wild waste. They say civilization is a great leveler ; 
 and perhaps it has had something to do in toneing down the ele- 
 ments. And we had no signal service bureau then, charged by the 
 government with the duty of looking after those matters. " Old 
 Probabilities" didn't then put out his daily weather bulletin at the 
 corner of the postoffice to warn us of the approaching " cold snap," 
 so that we were then often caught without any oil in our lamps, so 
 to speak. 
 
 CHARACTERISTICS OF EARLY SETTLERS. 
 
 For true and genuine hospitality, the pioneers of this western 
 country were remarkable. This, no doubt, is attributable, in part, 
 to inherent characteristics of the people, but largely so to the pecu- 
 liar surroundings and circumstances in which they weix placed. 
 The sympathetic emotions of man become more and more obtuse 
 as he is placed in situations of independence. Selfishness is not 
 wholly a characteristic of the individual. Cosmopolitan ideas are 
 assumed as wealth and independence place a person be3'ond the 
 demands of succor and help from others. The requirements of 
 want and deprivation are calculated to make one feel kind and hos- 
 pitable to all. Napoleon, as an exile at Helena, was not the austere 
 commander at Austerlitz and Mount Tabor. The haughty child of 
 fortune may, and often does, become, when old age and misfortune 
 have overtaken him or her, the very embodiment of kindness and 
 universal friendship. While the wants and necessities of pioneer 
 life are few and simple, yet their supply is none the less exacting. 
 Hence, we find the pioneers of Macon county, governed by the 
 same law, and manifesting the same spirit of generosity that actu- 
 ates the human breast, under similar circumstances, everywhere. 
 Chapter after chapter of individual acts of kindness might here be re- 
 lated, of those who took part in the early settlement of this county, if 
 we only had the space to devote. No doubt lessons of profit might 
 be learned therefrom by us, in this golden age of steam, of im- 
 provement, and civilization. We sometimes laugh at what we 
 call the simplicity and old-fogy notions of our fathers; but what- 
 ever we may say on that point, of their generosity, their devotion 
 to each other, of their friendship, of their kind treatment of stran- 
 gers, as well as acquaintances and neighbors, the less we say, by
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. I55 
 
 way of comparison, the better. To divide they were always 
 willing; and to give all, in cases of extreme sympathy, was not 
 uncommon. To charge a stranger for a night's loding was an act 
 of gross impropriety not to be tolerated. 
 
 Twenty miles was a short distance to ride, over the then bad 
 roads, to see a sick neighbor. It was never too cold or wet to lend 
 assistance to the needy. If a neighbor, by sickness or other mis- 
 fortune, was unable to plant his corn, sow or reap his wheat, they 
 all "turned in" and assisted or did it for him. It was never too far 
 to go to assist a " new comer " to " raise " his house, or help rebuild 
 one destroyed by fire. The tools of one man were almost property 
 in common. The refusal to lend almost any article of personal 
 propeity, was an act of hostilitv that the whole neighborhood re- 
 sented. They did not all drink, but among those who did, a re- 
 fusal to drink with a friend was the unkindest cut of all; it was an 
 act of social ostracism. Another peculiarity of the early pioneers 
 was the readiness they manifested in resenting real or imaginary 
 wrongs or insults. They are said to have been always ready for a 
 fight. The court dockets show that they were as ready for a legal 
 contest, and the amounts involved seems to have had but little 
 weight in the institution of legal proceedings. It was the wrong 
 they sought to correct, and not the amount involved that determined 
 whether they would resort to litigation or not. Slander suits were 
 quite common. Of the four suits brought at the first term of the 
 Macon county circuit court, two were for slander; and of the six 
 at the next term, four were for the same thing. 
 
 From the results arrived at, in the cases mentioned, we presume the 
 suits were not very meritorious; yet it is a well established fact 
 that in those early days the people were very jealous in guarding 
 their reputations and that of their families. Character was not to 
 be assailed without just cause. Aside from the fact that in sparsely 
 settled communities every person knows every other person's busi- 
 ness, and is for that reason perhaps more disposed to talk, we do 
 not believe the tongue of slander is more energetic or more dis- 
 posed to injure, under such surroundings, than in densely populated 
 districts; and probably not so much so. The disposition to resent 
 insult, real or seeming, is, however, more marked. There was 
 another characteristic of the pioneers that it is proper to mention 
 in this connection, and which we still see among the survivors, and
 
 156 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY 
 
 that was the impHcit confidence reposed in each other in their 
 promises and business relations. It is true their contracts were few 
 and simple, and their business transactions by no means complica- 
 ted, yet there was usually the most implicit confidence reposed in 
 the honor and integrity of those with whom they dealt. A man's 
 promise upon his honor was sure to be met, no matter what sacri- 
 fices w^ere required. His word was as good as his bond, if the last 
 cow^ or hog had to be given up to make it so. Promissory notes 
 were given sometimes, but the person required to give one thought 
 it was a slight reflection upon his integrity. He looked upon it as 
 a transaction tinged a little bit with suspicion and doubt in the mind 
 of the payee, and he usuallv managed to "take up" that note as 
 soon as possible. He regarded it as a dangerous instrument, and he 
 breathed freer when he had borrowed the money from a neighbor 
 and got his name torn off the note. Of course, there Avere excep- 
 tions to these characteristics, but the general rule, nevertheless, pre- 
 vailed. The old credit system, existing in earh^ da3^s in this coun- 
 try, grew out of the confidence reposed in the public bv the mer- 
 chants. The necessities of the times, growing out of the scarcity 
 of money, the lack of markets and the few commodities for sale or 
 exhange, of course, had mueh to do with making a credit system 
 the only svstem. The merchants bought on long time and sold on 
 long time, and usuallv at profits that would justifv it. 
 
 We should make one remark further in this connection, with 
 reference to the state of society during the early settlement of the 
 county. Notwithstanding on muster-days, holidays and Saturdays, 
 when the people generally came together, there was al\vays more 
 or less quarreling or fighting, yet there was none of the reckless 
 lawlessness we find in some parts of the country. It was seldom 
 the parties resorted to knives or pistols; that was gross cowardice. 
 When two men became enraged, or disputed about anything, there 
 was no resort to the "code of honor," now, happily almost entirely 
 banished from the United States, but it was settled in the fisticuff 
 style, and the fellow that was beaten said so, and they quit, shook 
 hands and were friends again. Those who were privileged, by 
 reason of opportunity, to see the fight, looked on as spectators, 
 anxious to see who was the best man, and exerted themselves, not 
 to part the combatants, but to see that they had a "fair fight." It 
 was a cominon remark made by the early settlers that such and such
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1 57 
 
 a man would rather fight than eat. But, while they were disposed 
 to be " on their muscle," and fighting was quite common among 
 these pioneers, there was seldom anything more serious resulting 
 than a black eye or a swollen nose, or a few bruises that lasted but 
 a few days. The first murder that ever occun"ed in the county was 
 that of Wesley Bohrer, who was murdered by Samuel Huffman, 
 in 1846, seventeen years after the organization of the county. There 
 was but little of the outlawry and bloodshed that has disgraced 
 other portions of the country in the early days, or later days, for 
 that matter. It is said that but one challenge for a duel was ever 
 given and accepted, and that the result of that was not very san- 
 guinary, more laughable in fact than bloody. 
 
 " HARD TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS." 
 
 None but those who have experienced them can duly appreciate 
 the difficulties to be surmounted, the hardships to be met and en- 
 dured, the deprivations and wants experienced that are incident to 
 pioneer life. We talk of the depressions in trade; we bemoan the 
 scarcity of a circulating medium; w^e talk of the absolute stagna- 
 tion of the markets for this produce or that; we become enraged 
 at the excessive charges for freights and transportation; we talk of 
 poverty and starvation staring us in the face; we hear political as- 
 pirants proclaiming from the rostrums (the stumps of pioneer life) 
 the absolute necessity of the naked, starving, downtrodden oppres- 
 sed people arising in their might and throwing off the yoke of op- 
 pression, or hurling from power this administration or that, which 
 they insist is dragging the people down to poverty and ruin. There 
 yet live in this county men who not only have seen trade depressed, 
 but absolutely no trade; have seen money so scarce that letters 
 from friends had to remain in the post office for days and weeks for 
 want of money to pay the postage; who have hauled their wheat 
 to Chicago, St. Louis and Springfield, in wagons drawn by oxen, 
 over roads termed highways that did not deserve the name of cart- 
 ways, and when they reached their destination could get but 
 little more than half enough for a bushel of wheat to buy a yard 
 of calico; who have been compelled to live for weeks upon hom- 
 ney, and if bread at all it was bread made from corn ground in 
 hand mills or pounded up with mortars; whose children have been 
 destitute of shoes during the entire winter; whose families had no
 
 1^8 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 clothing except what was carded, spun, wove and made into gar- 
 ments by their ow^n hands; schools, they had none; churches, they 
 had none; afflicted with sickness incident to all new countries, 
 sometimes the whole family at once; luxuries of life, they had 
 none; conveniences of modern life, they had none; the auxilliariesj 
 improvements, inventions and labor-saving machinery of to-day they 
 had none ; and what they possessed was obtained by the hardest of 
 labor, and the sweat of individual exertions; yet they bore these 
 things without murmuring, hoping for better times to come, and 
 often too, with but little prospect of realization. These were times 
 that tried mens' souls. We often hear it remarked by these old 
 settlers and pioneers that it will do for the young men to go west to 
 the new countries and help build them up, but for them there is no 
 anxiety to try the vicissitudes incident to the early settlement again. 
 They have been there. To them there is no novelty about the 
 thing enticing enough to induce them to leave a home of comfort. 
 We hear people talk about the old fogy ideas and fogy ways, 
 and want of energy of the old men who have gone through the 
 experiences of pioneer life. . Sometimes, perhaps, such remarks are 
 just, but, considering the experiences, education and whole life of 
 such men, such remarks are just as well unsaid. They have had 
 their trials, misfortunes, hardships and adventures, aud shall we, 
 now as they are passing far down the western declivity of life, and 
 many of them gone, point at them the finger of derision and laugh 
 and sneer at the simplicity of their ways? Let us rather sheer 
 them up, revere and respect them, for beneath those rough exteri- 
 ors beat hearts as noble as ever throbbed the human breast. Sena- 
 tor Oglesby, in his fourth of July address of 1876, surrounded by 
 the few remaining pioneers, paid them a most glowing tribute of 
 respect. He said that we of this generation could never duly 
 appreciate the great sacrifices of those people. They had toiled on and 
 on through adversity and untold trials, that we their distant and re- 
 mote successors might enjoy the fruits of their sacrifices. He said it 
 was a serious question of the hour, and one that addressed itself to 
 each of us, whether or not we are not so swallowed up in materialism, 
 so wrapped up in personal gain and the acquisition of filthy lucre, as 
 to lose sight of the sturdy women and men who laid the founda- 
 tions of the republic and placed in the solid earth the corner stones 
 upon which had been reared the fabrics of our material and politi-
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. I59 
 
 cal prosperity. He made further prediction, which, he said, had 
 haunted him tor years, as he had contemplated the condition and 
 tendencies of our affairs, which was this: that when we as a peo- 
 ple in the vain pursuits of life, struggling for wealth, distinction and 
 fame, allowed the love of the past to die out in our hearts, then the 
 republic would have taken its first downward step. 
 
 As it is in our political affairs and the enjoyment of our civil and 
 religious liberties, so it is with our material comforts. We are 
 blessed with a rich soil, splendid harvests, medium climate and 
 many other things that make us a contented, prosperous and happy 
 people; but we owe much to those who opened up these aven- 
 ues that have led to our present condition and happy sur- 
 roundings. Unremitting toil and labor have driven off" the sickly 
 miasmas that brooded over our swampy prairies. Energy and per- 
 severence have peopled every section of our wild lands, and 
 changed them from wastes and deserts to gardens of beauty and 
 profit. Where but a few years ago the howling wolves made the 
 night hideous with their wild shrieks, now is heard only the low- 
 ing and bleating of domestic animals. But fifty years ago the wild 
 whoop of the Indian was heard where now is heard the engine and 
 rumbling trains of cars, bearing away to the east and to the old 
 world the products of our labor and soil. Then the savage built 
 his rude hut on the spot where rises the dwellings and school-houses 
 and church spires of civilized life. Transformation indeed! And 
 all done not through the chimerical process of Kubla Kahn, but 
 the incessant toil and aggregated labor of thousands of tired hands 
 and brave hearts, and the impulses of such as make any country 
 great. No, we will not forget what we owe to the pioneers of our 
 country. They had their faults, but who does not? If charity be 
 an attribute of the human heart, let us throw around them that 
 mantle as one by one they depart. Let us drop a sympathetic 
 tear over their last resting places as they are gathered, we hope, to 
 a better land, where the rude blasts of winter do not penetrate their 
 abodes, and where storms and winds and sickness and fatigue are 
 tniknown. 
 
 What will another half century accomplish? These old men 
 who are yet lingering among us as connecting links of the past 
 with the present, what do they think as with their dim eyes they 
 view the scenes that surround them? They have seen the old and
 
 l6o HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 new worlds connected with cords that pulsate with the life of in- 
 dustry and progress. They have seen the oceans bound together 
 with metalic bonds, and the whole country traversed with high- 
 ways of commerce. They have seen the nation rise in majesty and 
 become an influence felt and respected throughout thew^orld. They 
 have seen the spirit of liberty grow up and assert itself to its pres- 
 ent commanding influence. Thev have seen the initiation of that 
 principal of universal brotherhood which dictates the settlement of 
 international disputes by arbitration, rather than a resort to war. 
 They may yet see the same spirit of equity and fairness assert itself 
 in the adjustment of our own domestic affairs. They may live to 
 see the machinery of government so adjusted as that no jars and 
 thunderings of civil war will be felt and heard upon the result 
 of presidential contests. They have seen the religious intoleration 
 that existed to some extent in the early history of the country al- 
 most entirely obliterated, so that all men everywhere worship ac- 
 cording to the dictates of their own consience, as it was designed 
 they should. They have seen what we are pleased to term the 
 civilization of the nineteenth century permeating every department 
 of human experience, and asserting its influence in all directions for 
 the general good of mankind. They have seen complete revolu- 
 tions in almost every branch of industry. They have seen the 
 steamboat and railroad supplant the old-time methods of travel. 
 They have seen the reaper and mower and corn-planter succeed 
 the sickle, scythe and hoe. They have seen their households in- 
 vaded by Howe and Wheeler & Wilson and Singer, and all that 
 long list of labor and time saving machinery that have driven 
 away the stiich, stitch, stitch, so truthfully portrayed by Hood. 
 They view the surroundings with the same strange, wondering as- 
 tonishment as did Rip VanWinkle on his return from his long sleep 
 in the mountains. Again we ask, what will the next half century 
 accomplish? With the advantages that surround us, what is ex- 
 pected of us? With the capital we have, what shall be expected 
 as our increase? The late Senator Harris frequently remarked to 
 his students of the grave responsibilities resting upon them with 
 the advantages they posssessed. He said, though then near 70 
 years of age, he could scarcely realize that he was not a young man, 
 the opportunities the times brought were so enticing, so fraught 
 with interest to every one who sought to lead a life of usefulness.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. l6l 
 
 With tears in his eyes he dismissed his students with the motto for 
 each, that: — 
 
 "'Tis infamy to die and not be missed." 
 None of us can do much of ourselves, hut what has been done in 
 the last thirty, forty or fifty years has been by the accumulated la- 
 bor of all that have come and gone before us. What we accom- 
 plish will be in the same way, and with doubts and anxious solici- 
 tude we leave it for the futui'e historian to record. 
 
 A RETROSPECT. 
 
 BY A. J. WALLACE. 
 
 Fair Genius of the West, whose magic wand 
 Spreads fadeless beauty o'er this western land — 
 Where nature o'er the rude and savage wild 
 Reigned, ere the city or the farm-house smiled; 
 Or yet was waked the echoes of the horn. 
 Or dreams of wealth in these wide wastes were born, 
 Bid thou the light of recollection flow 
 Back o'er the scenes of fifty years ago. 
 
 The savage, then, with never yielding will 
 Pursues the frightened deer with sleuth-hound skill 
 And tireless feet, till, with unerring aim. 
 The fateful arrow slays the panting game; 
 Or shadows, with a panther's step, his foe — 
 The hated pale-face — cause of all his woe; 
 Turns deaf his ear at each imploring cry, 
 And shouts with joy to see his victim die ; 
 Then, with the nightfall seeks his dusky mates, 
 And all his triumphs of the day relates; 
 Or, urged by soft infatuations pent, 
 The same which heav'n to all mankind has sent, 
 He quits the crown, to gentle conquest moves, 
 And w-orships at the feet of her he loves. 
 
 Hard by the borders of yon sheltering wood 
 We pass the spot where once a cabin stood; 
 But see no sign — save that the grain-stalk spears 
 
 21
 
 l63 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 More rankly o'er the garnered mould of years. 
 
 Gone, with the builder gone — and yet how dear 
 
 The rough-hewn cottage of the pioneer! 
 
 Its doors unshut, and generous all its laws. 
 
 Broad as the ingle-place its welcome was. 
 
 Warm as the hearthstone, ever cleanly swept. 
 
 So warm the heart that with each sufferer wept. 
 
 Bright as the flame that up the chimney flew. 
 
 So bright the joy that round the fireside grew; 
 
 And when the night with silent step advanced 
 
 On slumb'rous couch the household sank entranced; 
 
 And dreams as blissful filled each sleeper's head 
 
 As e're filled prince's in his downy bed. 
 
 Rough were the men who ploughed the virgin lea. 
 
 Swept by the billows of a grassy sea. 
 
 Rewarded was their toil; the golden grain 
 
 Waved answering undulations o'er the plain. 
 
 Uncouth their manners, cordial as the day, 
 
 No unfed beggar toiled his weary way. 
 
 The traveler unknown, belated, lost. 
 
 E'er found a welcome and a kindly host. 
 
 These gallant men with ax and plough and spade, 
 The deep foundations of the nation laid ; 
 And built so well that ages hence will see 
 An ever-widening home for all the free. 
 The patriots ever as the poet's heart 
 Hoards up the memories as the years depart ; 
 Leaps with the joy and feels the battle thrill 
 That Putnam felt at glorious Bunker Hill. , 
 The rarest gems in nature's rich array 
 Are valued ever by the price we pay ; 
 Forgot the cost, and we forget the trace 
 That lends the magic to the diamond's face; — 
 So when the nation, all ungrateful grows, 
 Forgets the past, its struggles, and its woes, 
 In swift retreat 'twill take, with hurried breath, 
 Its first step downward to the shoi^es of death.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 163 
 
 If evil with unrighteous rule prevails, 
 
 'Tis not the heritage the past entails. 
 
 The wanton child of Luxury and Lust, 
 
 Unknown to shame or virtuous distrust, 
 
 Runs riot through the heart's enchanted ground, 
 
 And leaps its walled defenses at a bound. 
 
 The "fast" young man, less noble than his sire, 
 
 A slave to wealth and to untamed desire. 
 
 In youth decayed, in trembling age unblessed, 
 
 Sinks unregretted to his solemn i^est. 
 
 See Fashion all-adored, though lovely less 
 Than maiden nature in her homespun dress. 
 What is the flame her tinseled robes inspire 
 To fervid nature's fierce magnetic fire? 
 See wild Ambition, on his fiery car 
 (Behind him famine, pestilence and war,) 
 Lift high the flaming truncheon in his hand. 
 And to destruction doom a smiling land. 
 Thus great the evil, not without some good; 
 Or else the prospect is a blackening flood. 
 
 Sure, Science in her study brooding brings 
 Some compensation on the agile wings 
 Of Enterprise, that mobile as the wind. 
 Seeks every good that blesses human kind; 
 And Art enraptured, beautiful and true. 
 Whose magic pencil steals the sunset hue. 
 Whose chisel stroke the heroe's living mold. 
 Doth fix forever in the marble cold, 
 Smooths down unpolished nature to the line, 
 And in designing proves itself divine. 
 
 Then, reigned a rude and simple rustic grace. 
 
 And, now. Refinement sits with smiling face, 
 
 A hundred comforts fill our daily store 
 
 To one that blessed the pioneer of yore. 
 
 His life is past, his labor all is done. 
 
 And we now reap the harvest that he won.
 
 164 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY 
 
 NAVIGATION UNDER DIFFICULTIES. 
 
 It may not be known to many of our present residents that the 
 Sangamon has ever been navigated. Such is the fact, however. 
 A small sized steamboat is said to have come up as far as Spring- 
 field at one time, but experienced considerable difficulty in turning 
 around, and the cajDtain probably abandoned further efforts in that 
 direction in disgust. The legislature at one time declared the San- 
 gamon navigable, but the law did not make it so in fact and soon 
 became a "dead letter." In 1845 the navigation fever struck this 
 vicinity, and a flat-boat was built and went down the river, com- 
 manded by Capt. Wm. Rea. In 1846 five more boats were built 
 destined for New Orleans, and were loaded with hogs and corn. 
 They got as far as Long Point (a short distance south of Niantic) 
 that year, and landed for the winter, awaiting high water in the 
 spring of 1847. That spring three of the bbats were fitted up and 
 the loads of the other two transferred to them, and another attempt 
 made to get to their destination, with more success. Two were 
 loaded with hogs and one with corn. At Beardstown, the river 
 becoming deeper and the loads being too light, a large quantity of 
 bran was bought and taken on board, partly, perhaps, as ballast and 
 partly as an article of merchandise. Two of the boats went through 
 to New Orleans, and one stopped at Natchez. The captains of 
 these several vessels were Uncle John Hanks, J. G. Braden and 
 Hosea Armstrong. The latter became tired of seafaring at Beards- 
 town and transferred his command to Moses Spencer. The firm 
 engaged in this laudable enterprise was composed of the following 
 gentlemen: Hosea Armstrong, J. J. Peddecord and Henry Prather. 
 We have tried to ascertain the profits derived from these ship- 
 ments, but have only been able to ascertain that they were not very 
 large. The losses, however, were not very large, for the prices 
 paid for the corn was not to exceed eight cents per bushel, and the 
 hogs were purchased fw about one dollar per head. The people 
 along the river were very much interested in the success of this 
 flat-boat experiment. "Uncle Henry Prather," in the autumns of 
 184=5 and 1846, went along down the river and made speeches, 
 urging the necessity of the people turning out and assisting in remov- 
 ing the obstructions in the river. They did so, many of them 
 working for days in cutting out the logs and drifts that had accu- 
 mulated so that during the high water of the spring following the
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 165 
 
 obstructions would float out in advance of the arrival of the boats^ 
 When the boats were passing, crowds of people would be found 
 congregated upon the banks of the river to observe the passing flo- 
 tilla of commerce, so to speak. *pie people even followed the boats 
 in some instances for miles, to see that no harm should overtake the 
 infant enterprise, and to assist in getting the boats over the logs and 
 mill-dams that impeded their progress. After this effort, all fur- 
 ther attempts at navigating the Sangamon ceased. 
 
 DEER HUNTINGS. 
 
 It was also customary to have neighborhood huntings, when all 
 the men, young and old, would meet together at some appointed 
 place with their hounds, generally on Saturday afternoon, and en- 
 gage in hunting. The locality was selected, and the participants 
 placed in their positions, which were called "stands,;" then the 
 " driver " with the hounds would go out to- "start up" the deer, 
 which, when started, would pass the stands where it was generally 
 shot, for there were but few of the early settlers but were " good 
 shots," and rarely failed to bring down their game. It should be 
 mentioned in this connection that deer have their regular runs or 
 courses they follow, and it was necessary in these hunts to be fam- 
 iliar with them, in order to secure positions or stands the game 
 would pass. 
 
 Wolf hunts and fox hunts were also quite common. In the early 
 settlement of the county wolves were very common, especially 
 prairie wolves. They could be heard at night in droves, barking 
 like so many dogs. They were very destructive of sheep, and no 
 farmer ever dared leave his out of the " sheep house " over night, 
 and they were often attacked in day time in close proximity to the 
 dwelling. As a means of exterminating these ravenous creatures, 
 a reward of one dollar was provided for by an act of the legislature 
 in 1837, for each wolf scalp exhibited to the clerk of the county 
 court. The black wolves, which wei-e very large, when hungry, 
 have ben known to attack persons, but they were never plentiful 
 in this county. Wolf " chases " were among the many amuse- 
 ments of the early inhabitants, and were a source of protection as 
 well. Wolves ordinarily run very fast, and their endurance was 
 wonderful, the chase often being given up as fruitless when hounds 
 and horses had been completely exhausted. They, even when 
 taken very young, could not be tamed.
 
 l66 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 The red fox and gray fox were also to be found in this county, 
 though they wei'e not as plentiful as in other localities. The fox 
 chase, owing to the peculiarities of this animal, was always a source 
 of great amusement, not only here, but in all countries. They 
 were often caught and confined for days, until those who desired to 
 take part wei^e ready for the chase, when the excitement of the 
 chase was next to that of " mustering day." 
 
 Shooting matches were also very common to the early settlers, 
 and especially so about the holdays. Almost every man was an ex- 
 pert in the use of " fire-arms," especially the rifle. Pioneer life is 
 productive of good marksmen. 
 
 COURT DAYS. 
 
 Among the notable days in the early history of the county, was 
 court day. The convening of court was one of the events of the 
 year. On that day nearly everybody went to town. If he hap- 
 pened not to be on one of the juries, or a witness, or a suitor, he 
 felt it to be his duty to "go to court" to see and hear what was 
 going on. It answered the place of the shows and circuses of a 
 later day, and perhaps was as instructive if not as entertaining. 
 When court was over in the evening, the judge, lawyers and citi- 
 zens congregated in the bar rooms of the taverns, where stories 
 were told, and the evenings spent in conversation, regarded by the 
 " old inhabitants as very entertaining. No doubt but they were, 
 for Lincoln and Douglas and Baker and McDougal and Stuart and 
 Emerson and Lockwood and Treat and Logan and Davis, and 
 others of world-wide reputation, were there and engaged therein. 
 It is said that the immense fund of anecdotes possessed by the late 
 President Lincoln was largely derived from collections made "while 
 on the circuit." 
 
 HOUSE RAISINGS. 
 
 In the early settlement of the county, the dwellings were mostly 
 built of logs, and those who built houses of such proportions as not 
 to be called " cabins " were compelled to give what was called a 
 " house raising," to which all the inhabitants far and near were in- 
 vited to assist. The logs were prepared, sometimes hewed and 
 sometimes not, and brought to the place where the house was to be 
 erected, then when the people had all gathered in, those who were
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 167 
 
 the more dexterous in the use of the axe were selected to " carry up 
 the corners," /. e. notching the logs so they would fit the one upon 
 the other, and the others would divide off in pairs of correspond- 
 ing strength, and would carry the logs and place them in position as 
 the building progressed. At the raising of a barn on the farm of 
 the author's father, and which is now the oldest barn standing in 
 the county (erected in 1S29), people came the distance of 20 miles 
 to assist in its " raising." At these gatherings in the early days, it 
 was considered improper, in fact an act highly reprehensible, not to 
 have " liquor," as it was then called, to drink. And it may also be 
 noted that while almost every one drank, yet, it was seldom that 
 intoxication was to be seen. Log-rollings and rail-maulings were 
 also common in those days. 
 
 THE MAILS. 
 
 For a good many years after the organization of the county the 
 mails were not of great dimensions. The arrival of the mail car- 
 rier was not a very important event, excepting for a few weeks 
 after election. The news, which was generally by letter, was not 
 fresh and racy when received, as it is to-day. It was more ex- 
 pensive, however, for the postage on a letter cost 25 cents, and it 
 was not always that the recipient could raise the necessary funds to 
 liquidate the government dues. The law was that the postage 
 might be paid at either end of the route, and upon the anti-biblical 
 doctrine that it is more pleasant to receive than to give, the person 
 receiving the letter as a usual thing was compelled to pay the car- 
 riage. Letters were often weeks and even months in arriving at 
 their destination. The « fast mails " of " Old Father Taft," though 
 not yet an assured success are of quite late invention. The mails 
 were carried on horseback, usually in a pair of saddle bags more 
 frequently unlocked than locked. The wolves sometimes chased 
 the mail carrier, who was often but a lad, so that at times the mail 
 arrived " ahead of time," which is about the only instance of at- 
 tempts at fast mail carrying of early days. Sometimes the mail 
 carrier got the ague enroute, or his horse got sick, or the rain or 
 snow stopped him, and then the mail would be "behind time" for 
 a few hours or a few days perhaps. Then instead of the mails 
 coming once or twice a day and from all directions, they came once 
 a week and from Shelbyville only. That was the point of dis-
 
 l68 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 tribution for us. Afterwards and before the era of railroads, the 
 mails were carried by the stage lines, some of which ran east and 
 west and some north and south. This was an improvement, for 
 the mails were then more frequent. We insert the following no- 
 tice of arrivals and departures of mails in 1851 : 
 
 ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES OF THE MAILS. 
 
 Arrives from Springfield, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 
 at 8 o'clock p. M. 
 
 From Covington, Indiana, Wednesdays, Fridays and .Simdays, 
 at 1 o'clock p. M. 
 
 From Bloomington, Fridays, at 12 o'clock M.'£ Returns^same 
 day at i o'clock p. m. 
 
 From Charleston, Thursday, 12 o'clock M. Returning same 
 day at i o'clock p. m. 
 
 From Ewington, Saturdays, 6 o'clock p. m. Returns Wendes- 
 days, at 6 o'clock A. m. 
 
 From Paris, Thursdays, at 6 o'clock p, m. Returns Fridays, 
 at 6 o'clock A. M. 
 
 From Edwardsville, Wednesdays, at 6 o'clock i*. m. Returns 
 next day at six o'clock A. M. 
 Decatur, July, 1851. 
 
 P. BUTLER, P. M. 
 
 ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE OF MAILS IN 1876. 
 
 Post Office Hold's. 
 
 Office open at 7 a. m.; closes at 8 p. m. 
 Sundays from 9 to 10 A. m. 
 
 Money Order and Registering office open from 7.30 A. m. to 7 
 p. m. 
 
 Mails Close. 
 
 For Terre Haute on 111. M. R. R 9-40 A- ^^• 
 
 West and St. Louis, on T., W. and W 10.40 A. m. 
 
 East and Chicago, on T., W. and W 1 1.30 a. m. 
 
 East, on Ind., D. and S. R. R i.oo p. m. 
 
 Peoria, on 111. M. R. R i .00 p. m. 
 
 Monticello and Champaign, on I., B. and W 1.00 p. m.
 
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1 69 
 
 From Pekin and Peoria, on T., W. and W. R. R 2.30 p. m. 
 
 " Chicago and St. Louis 8.00 p. m. 
 
 " Lafayette and East 8.00 p. m. 
 
 " North, on 111. Cent. R. R 8.00 v. m. 
 
 Mails Arrive. 
 
 From South and St. Louis 5.45 a. m. 
 
 Lafayette, on T., W. and W 5.45 A. m. 
 
 Peoria, on L M. R. R 5.45 a. m. 
 
 " Pekin and Peoria, on T., W. and \V. and 111. M. 
 
 R. R., 10.30 A. M. 
 
 " East 1 1,20 A. M. 
 
 " Monticello and Champaign, on I., B. and W . . . . 11.20 a. m. 
 
 "• East, on Ind., D. and S. R. R 1 1.20 a. m. 
 
 " West and St. Louis, on T., W. and W 12.20 p. m. 
 
 " East, on 111. Mid. R. R 1.30 p. M. 
 
 North on Illinois Central 5,45 p. m. 
 
 R. P. LYTLE, T'. M. 
 Decatur, III., May 7, i8j6. 
 
 THE STAGES. 
 
 But few now here remember those old fashioned stages we used 
 to have, that ran between Terre Haute and Springfield, Shelby- 
 ville and Bloomington. The arrival of the stage with its passen- 
 gers and mails was a more important event than the arrival of the 
 mail carrier. The stage stand in our villages, which was usually 
 the tavern, was a place of very considerable local interest. The 
 stage driver was usually considered as a little larger man and entitled 
 to a few more privileges than ordinary mortals. Albeit he was 
 a man of functionary privileges, and you were required by law to 
 give the entire road to him as he passed. 
 
 . The passing of his stage was a matter of as much interest as the 
 passing of a new train of cars. He had a peculiar swing and crack 
 of his whip that the little boys would strive to attain. The stage 
 was a peculiar piece of mechanism that rocked prodigiously, as if 
 to keep the passengers awake. It was never full, for in staging it 
 was a proverbial saying that there was always room for one more. 
 It had a "boot" fastened on behind for the storage of the luggage and 
 mails, that was almost as capacious as the stage itself. These stages 
 — 22
 
 l^O HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 are still seen in some of our western states and territories, and as in 
 our pre-railroad times are yet carrying the mails. With us, how- 
 ever, they are of the past — gone west, like Greely's young man, or 
 the star of empire, as it were. But we are not to forget them. 
 They were of use and importance in their day and generation, and 
 they were of dignity as well, for Clay, as Senator, and Jackson, as 
 President, rode to Washington in them. They were not remark- 
 able for ease and comfort and not to be compared to the palace cars 
 of to-day, but were endurable nevertheless, for some of our oldest 
 citizens came to the country in them, making an uninterrupted 
 journey of fourteen days and nights. In this day a trip can be 
 made across the continent and back in the same length of time and 
 with immeasurably less fatigue.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. I^l 
 
 CHAPTER VI 
 
 THE CHURCHES, Etc. 
 
 I say the pulpit (in the sober use 
 Of its legitimate peculiar powers) 
 
 Must stand acknowledged while the world shall stand 
 The most important and effectual guard, 
 Support and ornament of virtue's cause. 
 
 It would be idle to speculate as to which of the various denomi- 
 nations has done most in bringing about the present condition of 
 society, so far as morals are concerned. Which they have all 
 accomplished in the aggregate there are no methods of ascertain- 
 ing. If 
 
 " There's a Divinity that shapes our ends, 
 Rough hew them as we will," 
 
 We are disposed to believe that He in his providence has devised 
 the church in all its branches for the accomplishment of certain 
 purposes, and the whys and wherefores are matters of little concern 
 to us. If the theological disquisitions and discussions that have 
 taken place in the last hundred years had been devoted to the erad- 
 ication of evil rather than heated contests, long drawn out, as to 
 whether this denomination or that one was the church specially 
 recognized and sanctioned by holy writ, perhaps equally as much 
 good would have been accomplished. If there shall be a time 
 coming when the lamb and lion shall lie down together and a little 
 child shall lead them, then the asperities engendered by the wordy 
 warfares over the ipsedixits of creeds and doctrinal points, whether 
 essentials or non-essentials, will have entirely disappeared. The
 
 172 HISTORY OF MACOX COUNTY. 
 
 millennium will in all probability obliterate all the speculations of 
 doctrinaries and consign to oblivion many learned theories of innu- 
 merable learned D. D.'s, He that shall stand in the light then 
 shining may, perhaps, look into the past centuries and see the paths 
 of at least twelve tribes all converging towards the promised land. 
 There is no royal highway leading up to the New Jerusalem of 
 which any particular corporation has exclusive privileges and sole 
 control. On the contrary there are many ways. That which, for 
 designation, we call the Methodist way, may be a little rough, and 
 its trains may run, at times, at what may seem a reckless speed; 
 and that other way, which we may call the Presbyterian way, may 
 seem more solid and better ballasted, and its trains may run with a 
 more solemn stillness, as it were; yet they both tend to the same 
 point. The trains on each are through trains. The managers of 
 each may speak in terms of praise of the safet}^ and ease and peace 
 of mind vouchsafed by the respective routes, but the passenger, 
 when through, on either, is tired and glad to escape the incidents 
 of travel. It is not our design, therefore, in the very brief sketches 
 of the various denominations mentioned in this chapter to enter into 
 an}' analogies of their differences, their accomplishments or special 
 characteristics. We give the dates of their organizations, as near 
 as attainable, present membership, etc. Before that, howe^•er, we 
 may be pardoned for mentioning specially the 
 
 PIONEER PREACHER. 
 
 About as far back as we had settlers we had Baptists, Presbyte- 
 rians, Methodists, etc. By and by along came the preacher, and he 
 selected out his followers. The sheep, though terribly scattered, 
 heard the voice of the shepherd, and came following. Those earlv 
 shepherds — those pioneer preachers — deserve a passing notice. 
 Their's was no easy lot. Their lives did not fall in pleasant places. 
 Those who stood upon the outskirts of civilization and proclaimed 
 the Word of God, held no enviable positions. It was no place of 
 ease and comfort. It was like picket duty, and just as necessary. 
 
 Those early pioneer preachers were men of endurance, and 
 sometimes their hearers as well. They wore their homespun and 
 preached homespun sermons to homespun hearers, in similar logic, 
 and on similar subjects. They had no fine churches with carpeted 
 floors and cushioned seats, and windows of stained glass, and Gothic
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1 73 
 
 roofs, frescoed over with bugled angels. None of this. Their 
 meeting houses ^were often groves, with grass for carpets, rude logs 
 for seats, and the broad canopj of heaven for a covering. Their 
 position, however, was not unenviable. Their songs mingled with 
 the songs of the birds. Their prayers ascended to heaven on bree- 
 zes bedewed with the perfumes of millions of wild flowers. Their 
 voices echoed through the forests planted and decorated by the hand 
 of God himself. There were no reverberations from painted and 
 papered walls, borne upon an oxidized atmosphere filled with gases 
 from cracked furnaces, and poisonous from diseased lungs. With 
 pure and gentle breezes playing around him, the preacher preached 
 to reprove, persuade and convince, and not to keep his hearers 
 awake. He kept on preaching, too, after his thirty minutes were 
 out, for his hearers came to stay all day. He finished up his sub- 
 ject to his own satisfaction, at the end of an hour, an hour and a 
 half or two hours. It was not necessary to bring part of it up at 
 the next meeting as imfinished business. That subject, or doctrine, 
 was nailed down and riveted. No, the thirty minute executioner 
 didn't stand over your pioneer preacher ready to lop the sermon in 
 two at the end of secondly. The pioneer preacher was also in the 
 habit of speaking out in meeting. No subject laid upon his mind 
 for weeks and months waiting for a favorable opportunity for ex- 
 pression. He had no wrestling with his conscience about whether 
 he ought or ought not to reprove brother or sister so and so. He 
 spoke as he was moved by the spirit, as it were, unmindful of what 
 brother was hit or missed. He preached what he believed to be 
 true, no matter if it ruffled the belief of half his congregation. He 
 had no knack at tempering the winds to shorn lambs. He was 
 bold and fearless in this respect. He could preach Perseverance of 
 the Saints to a whole conference of Methodists. He could preach 
 Falling from Grace to a synod of Presbyterians. When he saw 
 the enemy attempting a flank movement, he moved on him and 
 attacked him in his most vulnerable point. When the devil showed 
 himself he was sure to be struck then and there. There was no 
 coaxing and diplomacy resorted to to dislodge satan from his strong- 
 hold. The pioneer preacher never used tufts of grass. He took 
 a stone in the first instance, and he threw it. A two-edged sword 
 was his constant companion, and he kept it whetted sharp.
 
 74 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY 
 
 Anrl then again your pioneer in the wilderness was a man of no 
 great pretensions. He was what he was, and made no effort at 
 appearing to be anything else. While his calling was high, yet, 
 like his Master, he was found among all classes and conditions of 
 society ; among the rich and those that dwelt on fine lands and in 
 pleasant surroundings; among the poor and the wretched, where 
 the wolf was continually at their dooi's. He was a man of simpli- 
 city and plainness. What he was upon one day of the week he 
 was sure to be upon all the others. He had no special Sunday cloak 
 that covered up a multitude of weekly sins. His conduct was as 
 the crow flies, straight on, without shadow of turning. He was 
 always a poor man. Like Goldsmith's parson, his income was 
 exceedingly meagre. 
 
 THE CIRCUIT RIDER. 
 
 The next who followed in the footsteps of the pioneer preacher, 
 was the regularly appointed circuit rider. As the early school- 
 master was a revolving genius, so was the circuit rider, except that 
 his territory was larger and he revolved on horseback. With a 
 bible, hymn book, horse, bridle and saddle, and a pair of saddle 
 bags that contained a change of raiment, the circuit rider's outfit was 
 complete. He had long rides to make across wide prairies and 
 through dense forests. He faced the cold winds like a hero. He 
 battled with the elements with bravery. The rain was scarcely 
 ever too hard or the snow too deep to stop him. Like the train 
 conductor, he felt bound to meet his connections. He studied and 
 practiced on his sermons and " pitched his tunes " on horseback, as 
 he rode from one appointment to another. The good old mothers 
 often stuffed his pockets with new socks, carded, spun and knit 
 with their own hands. Now and then a new pair of trousers were 
 given him as the result of the " chipping in " of two or more 
 neighbors. They did not always fit exactly, for thev were made 
 "by guess," but that was a small circumstance, for the circuit rider 
 was none of your fastidious men. He could not afford it and his 
 calling was an embargo in that direction. The pioneer preacher 
 and the circuit rider are about numbered with the things that were. 
 Meetings are no longer held in the private houses as in very early 
 days; nor in the school houses, as in a later day. The substantial 
 and most expensive church houses that exist in our cities, and the
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 175 
 
 neat and modest ones of the country neighborhoods have supplant- 
 ed them. 
 
 THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 
 
 The Methodist church was estabHshed when there were but few 
 inhabitants in the country, and has kept pace with the population, 
 constantly advancing until it has reached its present membei'ship. 
 
 The first Methodist preaching done in this county, was in the 
 Steven's settlement; and the first organization was eflfected there by 
 Rev. W. L. Deneen, which formed part of what was then known 
 as the " Salt Creek Circuit," Peter Cartwright being the presiding 
 elder. This organization was formed in the fall of 1829, and con- 
 sisted of about twelve members, of which the following are some 
 of the names: Buel Stevens and wife, Luther Stevens and wife, 
 Dorus Stevens, Joseph Stevens, Hollenback, David Owen and wife, 
 and John Frazee. In the following year several additions were 
 made to the society fi-om the families of Jonathan and Isaac Miller, 
 who moved to the county. 
 
 The same year Dr. Wm. T. Crissey, Alonzo Lapham and their 
 families moved from Edgar county and settled in Decatur and vicin- 
 ity, and connected themselves with the chuixh. 
 
 The first Methodist camp meeting was held the same year, in 
 the Stevens neighborhood, on the farm of David Owens, on what 
 is now known as the Andrew Williams place. This was reserved 
 for a camp ground several years. 
 
 In the fall of 1831 the preaching and society were transferred 
 from that neighborhood to Decatur. 
 
 So far as is now known, the first preaching by a Methodist min- 
 ister in Decatur was in May, 1831, by Rev. W. S. Crissey, 
 who came from Indiana on a visit to his uncle. Dr. W. T. Crissey. 
 In the same year several preaching places were established in Ma- 
 con county. 
 
 The first Methodist church building in the county was erected in 
 1835, in the town of Decatur. It was a frame building, twenty- 
 five feet by thirty feet, and a very rude, insignificant structure com- 
 pared with those of 1876. From this beginning as seen from its 
 early history, it has progressed to what is shown by following facts 
 concerning its present standing:
 
 1^6 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 There are now in Macon county seven English and two German 
 stations and circuits, making nine, all of which have regular pas- 
 tors. 
 
 There are thirteen English and two German churches in the 
 county. 
 
 The entire membership of the county consists of 2030 members. 
 
 There are fifteen church buildings and five parsonages. 
 
 The above church property is valued at $140,000. There are also 
 of this denomination fifteen Sunday schools with about 2000 schol- 
 ars, and a requisite number of teachers and libraries. 
 
 In addition to the above, there is in the city of Decatiir an Afri- 
 can M. E. church of forty members, with a church house valued at 
 $1500. There is also a flourishing Sunday school of forty mem- 
 bers at the same place. 
 
 * THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF DECATUR. 
 
 Was organized in the house of Mr. Samuel Powers, on the ist day 
 of May, 1852, by the Rev. Robert H. Lilly, who was appointed a 
 committee for that purpose by the Presbytery of Palestine. The 
 members at the organization were, David Hopkins, Catherine, his 
 wife, and Lydia, their daughter, Nancy Eagar, Mrs. Mary Lilly, 
 Miss Agness McCormick, John Nicholson and his wife Julia, and 
 Robert Moftit and his wife Elizabeth. David Hopkins was elected 
 and installed first ruling elder. Rev. Augustus F. Pratt gathered 
 up this little church and preached to them one year. After him 
 the Rev. David Manfort, D. D., then quite an old and feeble man, 
 served the church faithfully till October, 1S54. About the middle 
 of the next month the church secured the services of the Rev. 
 Erastus W. Thayer, who preached ably to them till the spring of 
 1S57. 
 
 The congregation up to about this time worshiped in the old 
 court house, then in the old academy, and in a new building which 
 was erected on east Main street, on a lot belonging to Dr. Roberts 
 and designed ultimately for a store house. About this time, the 
 congregation, having increased in numbers and pecuniary strength, 
 began to take the first steps towards the erection of a church edi- 
 fice, which resulted in the brick church on Prairie street. 
 
 The next minister was the Rev. P. D. Young, who preached 
 one year, and left, for reasons to the writer unknown. Rev. T. M. 
 Oveatt was invited to the charge of the church in July, 1S5S, and
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. I77 
 
 was, in the following spring, installed as the first regular pastor of 
 this church. He continued in the pastoral relation till Jan. 1863, 
 and was succeeded in the following spring by Rev. D. C. Marquis, 
 who was called from this church to the North Presbyterian Church 
 in Chicago, in January, 1S66. The church, during the pastorate of 
 these last two men, had a steady and a much more rapid growth. 
 Mr. Marquis, though a young man, just out of the Theological 
 Seminary at Chicago, had preaching pow^ers of no ordinary char- 
 acter. His sermons were evangelical, clear, and profound, and 
 were delivered with great force and animation. If he has had any 
 equal as a sermonizer among the young men in central Illinois, it 
 was his immediate successor, the Rev. Samuel Conn, now of New 
 Albany, Indiana. Both these gentlemen were early honored with 
 the degree of Doctor Divinitatis; because by native power and hard 
 study they earned the distinction. Mr. Conn's health, which was 
 never firm, suffered under the labor and care of the church, and in 
 September, 186S, he closed his labors here. During the last year 
 of Mr. Conn's pastorate a second church was organized in connec- 
 tion with what was called the New School General Assembly, with 
 forty-two members from the First Church, and seven from other 
 quarters. This branch of the church enjoyed the very acceptable 
 services of the Rev. A. L. Brooks till after the union of the two 
 General Assemblies, when he accepted a call to Danville, Illinois, 
 and the two churches united into one harmonious church. The 
 elders of both churches were elected to constitute the session of the 
 re-united church. After Mr. Conn left the Rev. John Brown, 
 D. D., came over on Saturday and supplied this church during the 
 greater part of the next winter. 
 
 In the spring of 1869 Rev. James E. Moffatt, a young man from 
 the Chicago Theological Seminary, was settled as pastor^ and re- 
 mained four years. After him came the Rev. Robert McKenzie, 
 and preached a few months over two years. 
 
 In September, 1876, Rev. W. H. Prestly accepted a call to this 
 church, and is now preaching most acceptably to full houses. 
 
 The church, which began with ten members and one ruling 
 elder, now has about three hundred members, a full bench of ruling 
 elders, and full boards of deacons and trustees. 
 
 A large and successful Sunday School is organized under the 
 auspices of this church. 
 
 —23
 
 178 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 
 
 The first sermon by this denomination ever preached in Macon 
 county, was by Rev. Jolin Berrj-, and was in an old log school 
 house three and a half miles southwest of Decatur, near the present 
 residence of P. M. WikofF. 
 
 The Mt. Zion Cumberland Presbyterian Church was organized 
 on the 24th of April, 1830, at the house of the Rev. David Foster, 
 with the following members: Allen Travis, Peggy Travis, An- 
 drew Wilson, Mary A. Wilson, Alexander M. Wilson, Nancy 
 Wilson, Katharine Wilson, James D.' Campbell, Lovina Campbell, 
 Andrew Davidson, Asseneth R. Davidson, Elizabeth Bell, Alex- 
 ander Bell, Nancy Jane Bell, John Davidson, Rhoda Davidson, 
 Rebecca Travis, David Davis, Polly M. Davis, John Smith, Peggy 
 Smith, Samuel Davidson, Elizabeth Davidson, Nancy Davidson, 
 Eleanor Davidson, William D. Baker, Manila Baker, Robert 
 Smith, Nancy Smith, Robert Foster, Margaret Foster, David Fos- 
 ter, Anna Foster, Wm. C. Foster, Isabel Foster, and Nancy Allen 
 Foster. 
 
 The following are, the names of the ministers who have had 
 charge of this congregation: David Foster, by whom the church 
 was organized, Neil Johnson, Daniel Traughber, Samuel Ashton, 
 John D. Cowan, J. T. A. Henderson, John C. Smith, R. T. Alar- 
 low, R. T. Lester, R. G. Carden, N. M. Baker, and P. H. Crider, 
 the present pastor. 
 
 The church has at present about 175 members, and a Sunday 
 School of about 70 members. The first Sunday School in the 
 covmtv was organized at this place by the Rev. David Foster in 
 I S3 1. The first superintendent was James Scott, and Andrew Wil- 
 son, assistant. 
 
 The North Fork C. P. Church was organized in April, 1855, 
 by the Rev. John C. Smith, at the Emerson school house, and con- 
 sisted of 54 members, all but six of which had previously been 
 members of the Mt. Zion congregation. 
 
 Present membership, 52. 
 
 Present membership of Sunday school, 66. 
 
 The successive pastors have been, Daniel Traughber, John C. 
 Smith, Joseph R. Lawrence, G. W. Kinsolving, W. P. Baker, M. 
 Dillow, W. L. Bankson, and N. M. Baker, the present pastor.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. I79 
 
 The first Sunday school in this \'icinity was organized by Miss 
 Charlotte Emerson, sister of the late Judge Emerson, who acted 
 as superintendent and teacher. This was organized in a small 
 house in her father's yard, in the year 1S40. 
 
 Bethlehem C. P. Church was organized in 1850, by the Rev. 
 John C. Smith. It consisted of 51 members; some of which were 
 from Mt. Zion and Mt. Carmel congregations. At present it has 
 100 members, and a Sunday school of 60 members. 
 
 The successive pastors have been John C. Smith, Abner Lans- 
 
 den, James Pantier, N. M. Baker, W. Pinckney Baker, Ryan, 
 
 Thomas Montgomer}', J. T. A. Henderson, Robert G. Carden, J. 
 R. Lowrance, T. G. Stansberry, and the present pastor, W. L. 
 Bankson. 
 
 The Madisox C. P. Church was organized by the Rev. John 
 C. Smith, from members formerly belonging to the Bethlehem and 
 Mt. Carmel congregations, and has a flourishing membership and 
 Sunday school. The present pastor is Rev. Jesse Beals. 
 
 There are also organized churches of this denomination near 
 Argenta, in Friend's Creek township; at Prairie Hall, in Mt. Zion 
 township, and at Shady Grove, in Wheatland township. 
 
 THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 
 
 This chuch was organized in the year 1830, by Elder Joseph 
 Hostetler, of whom a biographical sketch may be found in another 
 part of this book. The place of organization was in the old log 
 court house, which then stood on the west side of the old square, 
 but has since been moved east of Decatur. 
 
 The charter members of the organization were, Thomas Cowan 
 and wife, Warner G. Strickland and wife, Elizabeth Cantrall, Steph- 
 en Shepherd and wife Dr. Bartley Gorin and wife, Col. Joseph 
 Johnson and wife, Charlotte Turpin, and Mrs. Harrold, none of 
 whom are now living. 
 
 The following have served this church in the ministry: Joseph 
 Hostetler, John W. Tyler, George A. Patterson, James Fanning, 
 B. W. Henry, Robert Foster, J. P. Lancaster, Hughey. Bowles, 
 Walter P. Bovles, Wm. Harrow, Tobias Grider, A.J. Kane, W. 
 B. Happy, Wm. Ebert, Dr. John Hughes, Wm. C. Dawson, P. D. 
 Vermillion, Ira Mitchell, Lucius Ames, A. D. Northcutt, and the 
 present pastor, F. S. Haynes.
 
 l8o HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 The present membership is 225. Its Sunday school was organ- 
 ized in 1855, by E. M. Nabb, who was its first superintendent. 
 Ransom Wright, W. E. Nelscni, W. W. Shockey, W. E. Brigham, 
 L. B. C. Leffingwell, N. S. Haynes and W. L. Hammer have suc- 
 ceeded to the superintendency. The present enrohment of this 
 school is 154. The value of church property is $10,000. 
 
 THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH. 
 
 The first sermon preached in this county by a U. B. preacher 
 was by Rev, James Parks, in the spring of 1848, at the house of 
 Rev. M. T. Chew, five miles southwest of Decatur. The first 
 class consisted of these two persons and Mrs. M. T. Chew\ In 
 the fall they petitioned to the annual conference to send them a 
 preacher. James Parks was licensed by the conference and re- 
 turned to act as minister of this small class. There were but three 
 families in the community, and often there were but two or three 
 present at the meetings. 
 
 The first church in Decatur of this denomination was orgfanized 
 in 181^6, by the Rev. M. Ambrose, in the old Masonic Hall. The 
 charter members were, S. B. McClelland, J. E, McClelland, 
 Rachel McClelland, S. W. Hamsher, Sarah Hamsher, Jacob Bohn 
 and Mary Bohn. The next year they succeeded in erecting a 
 church house on Cerro Gordo and North Main streets. 
 
 The following are the names of the ministers who have had 
 charge of this congregation: M. Ambrose, A. Winsett, T. A. 
 Tawney, S. P. Hay, L. M. Bennett, H. H. Hilbish, A. A. Shesler, 
 S. Levick, H. El well, L. Fields, and Isaac Kretzinger, the present 
 pastor. In 1873 the church purchased two lots at a cost of $23:50 
 and erected a new house at a cost of $5000. This is located on the 
 corner of Broadway and Edwards streets. The present member- 
 ship is 85, and a Sunday-school of 115 scholars. 
 
 The following][are thie statistics of the county: 
 
 Number of church houses, 10. 
 
 Members in county, 500. 
 
 Number of Sunday schools, 11. 
 
 Total number of scholars, 620. 
 
 Total value of church property, $19,600.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. l8l 
 
 BAPTIST DENOMINATIONS. 
 
 The Decatur Baptist church (United Baptist) was organized on 
 the 14th of September, 1S43, "^ ^^^^ liouse of David L. Allen. 
 
 It was composed in its first organization of the following mem- 
 bers of the United Baptist church of Springfield : David L. Allen, 
 Julia E. Allen, Thomas H. Read, Elizabeth Read, David Brett, 
 Margaret Brett, Henry Rigs, Malinda Rigs, Lemuel Allen, Rob- 
 ert Allen, Margaret Pratt, and S. C. Allen. It was organized by 
 Elder H. W. Dodge. 
 
 The first house of worship, on the northeast corner of Water 
 and William streets, was dedicated Dec. 27, 1857. They have now 
 a much more commodious and elegant building on North street, 
 between Water and Franklin streets. The successive pastors have 
 been, H. W. Dodge, Moses Lemon, B. Carpenter, C. H. Gates, N. 
 Alvord, J. N. Tolman, B. F. Thomas, S. G. Miner, F. M. Ellis, F. 
 G. Thearle, S. F. Holt, J. C. Banham, and W. G. Inman. The 
 present number of members is about 175. It has also a flourishing 
 Sabbath School of over 200 members. 
 
 THE ROLLING MILL CHAPEL 
 
 Was erected by the Baptist church in 1871, at a cost of $2500. It 
 has a Sabbath school of 150 members. 
 
 ANTIOCH, AFRICAN. 
 
 This was organized in the year 185S, with 14 members. House 
 of worship on South Main street, near Brambles' Grove. 
 
 There is also a new church of this denomination at Oreana. 
 
 SALEM CHURCH (SEPARATE BAPTIST.) 
 
 This church is located five miles southwest of Decatur. It was 
 organized in 1846, with the following members: John Burke» 
 Micajah Burke, L. B. Ward, Elizabeth Ward, Coleman Brown, 
 Elizabeth Brown, Ephriam Cox, Nancy Cox and Amos Walker. 
 The successive pastors have been, Robert Henson, J. W. Vaughan, 
 John Turner, F. S. Randolph, S. B. N. Vaughan, and others. The 
 membership at present numbers about 40. It has a Sunday school 
 of about 40 members. ^ 
 
 The cemetery at this church, perhaps the oldest in the county, 
 was commenced in the year 1829 or 1830. A Mr. Mangrin and 
 wife were the first buried there.
 
 l82 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 OLD SCHOOL OR PRESBYTERIAN BAPTIST. 
 
 This church never had a regular church organization in this 
 county, though there have been ministers and pi"eaching since a 
 very early day indifferent localities throughout the county. There 
 is a membership of about 50 persons, who belong to the different 
 societies throughout the Sangamon Association, which extends 
 throughout Central Illinois. The first minister of this denomina- 
 tion who preached in this county was William Shields, who was 
 the contractor for the old court house. The next was Michael 
 Mann, from Logan county. John B. Moore, C. B. Stafford, John 
 Alsbury, Charles Alsbury, Stephen Hugle, Chester Carpenter 
 Richard Newport, Daniel Parker, P. McCary, Lemuel Davis, 
 William A. Thompson, Joseph Richardson, Edmund T. Morris, 
 William L. Campbell, A. W. Murray, James H. Ring, and John 
 H. Myers have successively preached to the people of this denom 
 ination throughout the county. Mr. Myers, who is one of our 
 oldest native born citizens, is now preaching regularly in the city 
 of Decatur, and expects to organize a church during the spring of 
 1877. 
 
 UNIVERSALIST CHURCH. 
 
 • 
 
 This society was organized in 1854, by Rev. D. P. Bunn. The 
 early inembers of the organization were Joseph Spangler, sr. ; 
 Joseph Spangler, jr. ; Jacob Spangler, J. B. Hanks and wife, John 
 Rickets and wife, John Capps and wife. The present member- 
 ship is about 75. The successive pastors of the church have been, 
 D. P. Bunn, (14 years,) S. S. Hebberd, S. F. Gibb, and M. W. 
 Tabor. The present value of the church property is $10,000. 
 
 A Sunday school was organized in connection with the church 
 in 1854, and has continued uninterruptedly since, with a present 
 membership of 50. 
 
 CHURCH OF GOD. 
 
 Decatur Church. — This church was organized in May, 1S57, 
 by Elder A. J. Fenton, with u members, viz: Jackson Fisher 
 and wife, Mrs. Howenstine, Mrs. David Givler, David Hamsher, 
 John Hamsher and wife, J. Fenton and wife, Mrs. Fisher, and Ja- 
 cob Knisely. The successive pastors have been, A. J. Fenton, 
 David Kyle, J. H. Hurley, James Worncr, Connelly, Thomas
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 183 t 
 
 DeShen V, R. White, J. B. Soule, S. M. Newcomer, Henry L. 
 Soule, O. V. Kennison, and W. B. Allin. 
 
 Present membership, 75. 
 
 There is a Sunday school under the control of the church of 
 about 75 scholars. 
 
 Value of church property, $4,000. 
 
 There are churches of this denomination at Boiling Springs, 
 Hickory township; Fairview, in same township; Warrensburg and 
 near Macon. 
 
 CATHOLIC CHURCH. 
 
 St. Patrick's Church was organized in 1854, and the present 
 chui'ch building erected in 1S63, which, at the time, was the most 
 costly church edifice in the county. There is a membership of 
 something over three hundred families, and a large Sunday school 
 in connection with the church. The present pastor is the Rev. 
 Mr. Hickey. 
 
 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 
 
 St. Johns, of Decatur. — This church was organized in 1856, 
 with the following members: Wm. Prather, C. H. Fuller, M. S. 
 Fuller, Cyril Fuller, Maurice Fuller, Chas. B. Smythe, Elam Rust, 
 M. E. F. Rust, Chas. M. Smythe, J. W. Richardson, Jas. Simpson, 
 Sarah Simpson, Emma lyutrell, S. D. Macy, A. S. Halbert. The 
 successive Rectors of the church have been. Rev. S. R. Child, Rev. 
 W. L. Bostwick, Rev. E. P. Wright, Rev. W^m. M. Steel, Rev. 
 Silas Totten, D. D., Rev. S. D. Pulford, Rev. P. McKim, Rev. 
 W. W. DeWolf, and Rev. Stephen H. Granberry. The latter is 
 the present rector. 
 
 Note. — We notice the different churches of Maroa, Macon, etc., in con- 
 nection with the history of those towns found in Chap. VIII.
 
 [84 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY 
 
 MASONIC ORGANIZATIONS. 
 
 MACON LODGE NO, 8, A. F. & A. M. 
 
 This Lodge was chartered Oct. 5, 1841, by the Grand Lodge of 
 the State. Its charter members were George A. Patterson, Joseph 
 King, WilHam Laforgee, Henry Prather, Elijah League, Leonai'd 
 Ashton, and James Ashton. The officers were — 
 
 Geo. A. Patterson W. M. | Joseph King S. W. 
 
 Wm. Laforgee J. W. 
 
 The present officers are — 
 
 W. W. Foster W. M. | W. L. Hammer T. 
 
 F. M. Cox S. W. I J. S. Carter S. 
 
 A. C. Corman J. W. | James L. Peake Tyler. 
 
 This Lodge is, as will be seen by its number, one of the oldest 
 Lodges in the State, and is the owner of considerable property in 
 Decatur. 
 
 IONIC LODGE NO. 312, A. F. & A. M. 
 
 Ionic Lodge was chartered in Oct. 1859 — the following named 
 persons constituting the charter members: A. B. Bunn, Geo. R. 
 Moffitt, D. W. C. Hardy, S. S. Goode, Joseph Lowenstein, J. M. 
 Lowry, and George Goodman. It has at present a membership of 
 96. The following are the present officers^— 
 
 J.N. Baker W.M. | A. A. Murry Treas . 
 
 W. PI. Stoer S.W. | John O. Barnes Sec'y. 
 
 Wm . Young . J . W . | Wm . Towling Tiler . 
 
 MACON CHAPTER NO. 51, R. A. M. 
 
 This Chapter was organized Sept. 29, 1855, by the Grand Chap- 
 ter of the State of Illinois, with the following named persons as 
 officers : 
 
 D. P. Bunn H. P 
 
 J . R . Gorin King 
 
 Henry Prather Scribe 
 
 Josiah Hunt C . H 
 
 W. H. Ennis M. 1st V. 
 
 W. W. Oglesby P. S. 
 
 Jos. King R.A.C. 
 
 J. C. Weaver M. 3d V. 
 
 J.J. Peddecord M . 2d V .
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 185 
 
 Present officers — 
 
 A. A. Murry H. P. 
 
 J. S. King K. 
 
 E . D . Carter S , 
 
 R. C. Crocker C. H, 
 
 W. H. Gipson P. S, 
 
 A . C . Corman R . A . C 
 
 W. H. Starr G.M. 3 V. 
 
 J. N. Baker G.M. 2 V. 
 
 A. L. Roberts.... G.M. i V. 
 W. L. Hammer .... Treasurer. 
 
 W . H . Wilson Secretary , 
 
 Wm . Tovvling Tiler. 
 
 K. T. 
 
 BEAUMANOIR COMMANDERY NO. 9, 
 
 This Commandery was organized Nov. 3, 1859, by the Grand 
 Commandery of Illinois, with the following named persons as 
 charter members: Robert Green, S. T. Greer, I. C. Pugh, C. H. 
 Fuller, John N. Fuller, Geo. W. Bright, Jerome R. Gorin, Henry 
 Hummell, Wm. Dewees, Wm. Martin. 
 
 The following persons are the present officers : 
 
 W. L. Hammer T . 
 
 A . A . Murray E . C 
 
 D. P. Elwood Gen'l'mo 
 
 W. M. Camp C . G 
 
 J . H . Babbitt S . W 
 
 J. N. Baker J. W 
 
 Wm . Towling. 
 
 J . S . Hand Recorder. 
 
 J . T . Barnett .... St'd. Bearer. 
 W.J. Wayne .... Sw'd Bearer. 
 
 CM. Imboden Warden . 
 
 C. of G. 
 
 ODD FELLOWS' ORGANIZATIONS. 
 
 DECATUR I.ODGE NO. 65, I. O. OF O. F. 
 
 This lodge was organized in July, 1850, with the following named 
 persons as charter members: S. K. Thompson, H. Hummell, J. 
 R. Turner, B. F. Oglesby and John W. Koehler. This is the old- 
 est lodge of this order in Decatur, and has considerable property. 
 
 The present officers are : 
 
 Wm . Ragan N . G . 
 
 Bruce Woodruff. .... V . G . R . 
 Rev . Inman R . .S . 
 
 P . D . Kline P . S . 
 
 John Ulrich T. 
 
 J. W. Rockway ..D. D.G.M.
 
 1 86 
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY 
 
 CELESTIAL LODGE NO. l86, I. O. OF O. F. 
 
 This lodge was organized Oct. I3, 1855, with the following 
 named persons as charter members: W. W. Oglesby, P. D. Kline, 
 S. K. Thompson, Henry P. Elliott, R. F. Jones, Joseph King, Jas. 
 Shoaff, J. L. Peake, A. J. Wolf, C. H. Fuller, Geo. W. Baker, B. 
 H. Cassell, and John J. Ballentine. 
 
 The present officers are : 
 
 John Armstrong N . G . 
 
 Samuel Funk V. G, 
 
 John Mark R. S. 
 
 Joseph Gates P . S . 
 
 I. W. Ehrman T. 
 
 G. W. Patterson, D. D. G. M. 
 
 ENCAMPMENT NO. 37, I. O. OF O. F. 
 
 I ^This encampment was organized Dec, 1856, with the following- 
 persons as charter members: G. A. Smith, H. Kain, B. F. McCoy, 
 Hamilton McCoy, William T. Peake, Stephen Grimes, Peter Ter- 
 rell and Alonzo Pierce. 
 The present officers are : 
 
 Henry Bower C . P . George Cole J . W . 
 
 John G . Cloyd H . P . Wm . Towling Scribe . 
 
 P. D. Kline S. W. Geo. W. Patterson T. 
 
 E.G. Richmond ....D. D. G. M. 
 
 DAUGHTERS OF REBEKAH. 
 
 BENEVOLENT LODGE NO. 6l, I. O. OF O. F. 
 
 This lodge was organized October 14, 1873, with the following 
 persons as charter members: I. N. Martin, P. L. Kline, Wm. 
 Towling, G.W.Baker, Newton Edwards, B. J. Schock, Joseph 
 Mills, Wm. McDonald, B. Stine, John Ulrich, M. Forstmeyer, E. 
 Swartz, O. F. McKim, Mrs. I. N. Martin, Miss Kate Towling, 
 Mrs. Kate Baker, H. Swartz, Mrs. R. Jones, Mrs. Ballentine. 
 
 The present officers are : 
 
 W. Patterson N. G. 
 
 Mrs. Wm. Young V. G. 
 
 Mrs . L . L . Haworth T . 
 
 Mrs. E. P. Tuttle R. S, 
 
 Mrs. H. H. Staffiird . . . . F . S, 
 Geo. Patterson . . . . D. D. G. M ,
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1S7 
 
 I. O. G. T. 
 
 Decatur Lodge No. 568, of the Independent Order of Good 
 Templars, was chartered on the 23d day of February, 1874. The 
 following named persons are among the 60 charter memhers who 
 assisted in the organization and who still reside in the county: D. 
 L. Bunn, Jesse Lefargee, Aurilla Culver, S. A. Jones, Jennie 
 Young, S. H. Corman, Sallie Blair, Mattie Hanks (Righter), Theo. 
 Coleman, J.J. H. Young, W. H. Hubbard, M. Y. Givler, Casper 
 Bazou, Mary Bazou, and Ben. H. Righter. 
 
 The present officers are: 
 
 D . L . Bunn L . D . 
 
 W. G. Inman P. W. C. T. 
 
 John House 
 
 Theo . Coleman . . . . W . C . T . 
 
 Ruth Culver W. V. T. 
 
 W. S. 
 
 DECATUR PUBLIC LIBRARY. 
 
 This library was the result of the labors of the Ladies' Library 
 Association, which was organized some eight years ago. The li- 
 brary was collected and managed by that association until Sept. 9, 
 1875, when all the books and furniture were transferred to the city 
 of Decatur, and is is now under the auspices of the city council. 
 There were in the library when control was assumed oy the city 
 1692 volumes and at the end of the first half year there were 1300 
 borrowers. During this period 17,572 books had been loaned, or 
 an average of 117 per day, and 28,345 persons had visited the 
 rooms. At the end of the first year 24,933 books had been loaned, 
 or 3130 per month, and 40,138 persons had visited the library and 
 recorded their names, which the librarian estimates is not more than 
 half the actual visitors, as many visitors do not record their names. 
 At present the[number of volumes in the library is in excess of 2000 
 and is being increased as the funds under the control of the library 
 board will justify. The library is supported by a tax levied upon 
 the city property under the law of the state. There is in connec- 
 tion with the library a reading room, on the files of which are kept 
 all the leading newspapers, journals, magazines, etc., of the United 
 States. Fifty different newspapers alone are on file. The books 
 in the library have been selected with care and judgment, and it is 
 useless to add anything more than the above exhibit of the number 
 of readers to show the benefit being derived by the public through
 
 1 88 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 this small library. It is hoped that the number of books will soon 
 be increased so as to meet the public demand, as it is felt that the 
 present facilities are entirely inadequate. The interest the commu- 
 nity takes in reading and general information derived from a gen- 
 eral library and reading rooms, is a matter of education to a large 
 extent. The aggregate value to be attached to this channel of in- 
 formation cannot be estimated. Many young persons are found 
 daily at the library and reading rooms, engaged in reading useful 
 books or papers who otherwise would be denied any privi- 
 lesres in that direction for want of means. Others are there who 
 have cultivated a taste for the study and perusal of useful books, 
 who otherwise might be cultivating a taste for vice in some one of 
 its thousand enticing forms. 
 
 The following constitute the present members of the libraiy man- 
 agement : 
 
 W. A. Barnes, President. 
 Mrs. S. F. Greer, Secretary. 
 R. L. Evans, Librarian. 
 
 Directors. — W. A. Barnes, J. L. Peake. W. L. Hammer, Mrs. 
 vS. F. Greer, Mrs. B. F. Sibley, Mrs. C. A. Ewing, W. W. Foster, 
 Fred. Kuney, W. T. Wells. 
 
 standinh; committees. 
 
 Admi u i strati on. — SN. L. Hammer, W. T. Wells, Mrs. B. F. 
 Sibley. 
 
 Finance, — J. L. Peake, W. L. Hammer, Mrs. C. A. Ewing. 
 
 Binldings and Gro2inds. — Fred. Kuney, J. L. Peake, Mrs. C. 
 A. Ewing. 
 
 By-Laws and Regulations. — W. W. Foster, Fred. Kuney, 
 Mrs. B. F. Sibley. 
 
 Library and Reading Room. — W. T. Wells, W. W. Foster, 
 Mrs. S. F. Greer.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1S9 
 
 CHAPTER \' I I 
 
 OUR MANUFACTORIES. 
 
 We give below a few brief sketches of some of our principal 
 manufacturing institutions, though we fail to notice all, for want of 
 space, what we have to say is not in the wav of laudation or ful- 
 some praise of any of tl;c institutions mentioned, nor as an adver- 
 tisement to either of them;* but to illustrate as best we can the 
 present condition of the county in this department of wealth and 
 pi-ogress. We have aimed thus far in this work to treat of facts as 
 we find them, without undue praise or partiality. Of the import- 
 ance to be attached to manufacture in adding to the prosperity of a 
 city or locality, nothing need be said. W^e only need point to 
 places having equal facilities- — one with manufacturing institutions, 
 and the other with none. The one is alive with energy and activ- 
 ity, the other is dead; the streets of one city are noisy and bustling 
 with business and trade, and those of the other are lifeless and inac- 
 tive; the one grows rapidly, and soon has its buildings, its churches, 
 its schools and colleges of superior merit and magnificence, the other 
 has its old tumble-down, rickety rookeries, and its grog-shops are 
 the principal places where the people congregate. 
 
 Among the early manufacturing institutions of the county was 
 the " old ox mill," erected just east of the old Revere house site, in 
 the year 1S39. This was erected by J.J. Peddecord, Ninian Ped- 
 decord and E. O. Smith. The motive power was obtained by pla- 
 cing three or four cows upon an inclined wheel, their heads being 
 
 * No institutien mentioned in this chapter has contributed one cent for the 
 notice given it, and some of them not even subscribed for this work.
 
 190 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 secured to a cross beam. Much difficulty was experienced for some 
 time after this mill was set in operation, in getting the machinery so 
 regulated as to be under the control of the person in charge. The 
 gearing apparatus was not perfect, and occasionally a cog slipped, 
 or the connections between the wheel and the mill machinery be- 
 came detached, and then there was a runaway. The cows would 
 become frightened and commence running, which gave the revolu- 
 tions of the wheel more velocity, and then a scene of general con- 
 sternation spread throughout the village. All kind-hearted citizens 
 would rush to the rescue, and assist " Uncle Henry " in stopping 
 his mill, by throwing rails and logs under the wheel. Some of the 
 cows on the wheel being larger unable to keep up with it, its rev- 
 olutions were so rapid, would be found dragging by the head. The 
 bellowing of the cows, the screaking of the machinery, the smash- 
 ing of the rails; the quick, excited and shrill voice of " Uncle Hen- 
 ry," in giving orders, are remembered by many of the old settlers, 
 and related with wonderful minuteness. When it was announced 
 that the mill was running away with itself, then there was running 
 to and fro like there was at Belgium's capital, on a certain noted 
 occasion. 
 
 The principal product of this mill was corn meal, and the tolls 
 derived glutted the market, and there being no demand except the 
 home demand, the mill soon proved an unprofitable investment, and 
 was sold to Joseph Stickel. He sought to make it a paying invest- 
 ment by grinding corn for Allen's distillery. As soon, however, 
 as it was known that he was, in this indirect way, giving " aid and 
 comfort," as it were, to the production of whisky, he was brought 
 before the church, of which he was a member, and required to 
 produce the " thus saith the Lord," for his iniquitous and nefarious 
 traffic, or be expelled from the church. What the result was of 
 the indictment of Bro. Joe, we do not know, but so it was, how- 
 ever, in a short time the mill ceased to run, and was purchased by 
 a man from Clinton, by the name of Ward, and was converted into 
 a carding factory, and run as such for a great many years. 
 
 It may not be known to many that lime was ever manufactured 
 in this county, but such is the fact. Capt. D. L. Allen, at an early 
 day erected a lime kiln on the river, a short distance southwest of 
 the city of Decatur, at what is still known as the "old lime kiln 
 ford." He manufactured a considerable quantity of lime from lime-
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. I9I 
 
 stone obtained in that vicinity, sufficient, at least, to meet the wants 
 of our people. The lime produced is said to have been of a very fine 
 grade, and was purchased by builders in Springfield on account of 
 the superior finishing qualities it possessed. 
 
 Senator R. J. Oglesby was imbued, in his early days, with the 
 idea that rope making would be a success, and started a rope fac- 
 tory. Hemp was raised and ropes were actually made and j^laced 
 in the market by Mr. O., but the remuneration not being adequate 
 to meet his expectations, the rope works, after a year or so, were 
 abandoned. 
 
 THE DECATUR FURNITURE COMPANY. 
 
 This is one of our largest manufacturing establishments. It was 
 commenced in 1866, under the firm name of Wm. Lintner & Co. 
 Mr. L. sold his interest in 1S75 to his co-partners, Messrs. Pedde- 
 cord & Burrows, who are now the owners of the entire establish- 
 ment. This firm is engaged in the manufacture of all kinds of 
 furniture, and has a capital invested in the business of about one 
 hundred thousand dollars. The furniture manufactured by this 
 firm is shipped to all parts of Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, and Indiana; 
 the sales of which amount, in the aggregate, to one hundred and 
 fifty thousand dollars annually. The lumber used by the company 
 is obtained from southern Illinois, Indiana, and Tennessee, and is 
 required to be selected with great care, as none but the best is suit- 
 able for the grades of furniture manufactured by this company. 
 The yearly pay-roll will average about 100 men, to whom is paid 
 annually about $50,000. It is a matter of verification that the 
 number of persons deriving a support from this factory alone, will 
 equal in numbers, if not exceed, the entire population of Decatur 
 prior to the building of our railroads. 
 
 The company is also engaged in the manufacture of wood pumps, 
 which are sold largely throughout the northwest. The business 
 was commenced by the manufacture of this article in 1863, ^' 
 Messrs. Barnes & Lintner, who employed, at the commencement, 
 not to exceed a half dozen men. As the business increased, new 
 buildings were erected and machinery purchased, until at present 
 the main building used by the company is 108x36 feet, five stories 
 high, with two additional buildings 100x32 and 99x92, each three
 
 19^ 
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 stories high, besides other out houses used for the drying and stor- 
 age of lumber. 
 
 The raih-oad facihties at this point enables this firm to compete 
 successfully with the older and larger establishments of Cincinnati 
 and eastern cities. 
 
 The established reputation and capital of the Decatur Furniture 
 Co., will continue to render it one of the manufacturing institutions 
 which Decatur and Macon county may justly be proud of, 
 
 UNION IKON WORKS. 
 
 These works are among the most important of our manufactur- 
 ing institutions. They were commenced in 1S64 by Burroughs & 
 Co., upon a limited scale, intending at the time only to start a first- 
 class repair shop for machinery. Like all institutions of the kind, 
 however, that are backed by capital and industry, their work in- 
 creased as its character became known. Additions have been made 
 to the buildings, machinery facilities, etc., from time to time, to the 
 extent of $75,000. The company is at present engaged in the 
 manufacture of steam engines, mill and elevator machinery, the 
 Western Corn-Sheller and Cleaner, and general repairing. Their 
 facilities are such that engines of the most powerful construction, as 
 well as of the most intricate nature, are being made here and ship- 
 ped to all parts of the west, and east as far as Ohio, and south as 
 far as Tennessee. 
 
 About one hundred thousand dollars^vorth of work is annually 
 turned out by the firm, requiring a working force of at least thirty- 
 five men — the most of whom are skilled mechanics. The chief 
 characteristics of the engines manufactured are, durability, simpli- 
 city and symmetry. In the construction of the various parts thev 
 avoid cLumsiness and weight, except where absolutely necessar}' 'for 
 strength. Fi'om all the information we have been able to obtain 
 from persons who have used engines manufactured by the Union 
 Iron Works, we do not hesitate to say th;^*^ their work is entitled 
 to be classed as equal to any other product of western skill. The 
 woi-k of manufacturing engines is divided into separate and distinct 
 departments, and each department has a superintendent who has 
 attained his position by years of practical experience. 
 
 Another branch of the business of this firm is devoted to furnish- 
 ing plans and specifications, and superintending the construction of
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY 
 
 ■93 
 
 flour mills and elevators. Millwrights arc constantly kept em- 
 ployed in this department. 
 
 Within the last two years, the manufacture of the "Western 
 Corn Sheller" and the "Western Corn Cleaner" has been engaged 
 in. These machines are the inventions of C. C. Burrougfhs, one of 
 the members of the firm, and are meeting with a success scaixelv 
 anticipated by the inventor. They are supplanting the old ma- 
 chines that have been in popular favor for years, and are destined to 
 be of material benefit to the whole agricultural west. Three of 
 the principal articles of manufacture of Macon county are Macon 
 county inventions, and are designed to supply the wants of our ag- 
 ricultural community. The one above inentioned, while we have 
 no space to devote to a description of its merits, we doubt not will 
 become, when properly before the public, an article of remuner- 
 ation to its inventor and manufacturers, as well as a valuable ma- 
 chine in the speedy preparation of our immense crops of corn for the 
 market. 
 
 The Union Iron Works are owned by C. C. Burroughs, James 
 Millikin, John M. Flood and Charles Gradweld, the latter two hav- 
 ing become members of the firm in 1873. 
 
 DECATUR BAGGING CO. 
 
 During the summer of 1875, the Decatur Bagging Co. was 
 formed, composed of the following parties: Moses Jerome, A. W. 
 Conklin and D. S. Shellaboyer. Immediately after the organiza- 
 tion of the company very large and extensive buildings were erec- 
 ted on the Toledo, Wabash and Western Railroad, in the city of 
 Decatur, for the purpose of carrying on the business in. These 
 buildings, together with the necessary 'machinery, engines and fix- 
 tures, were erected at a cost of over $50,000. The business of the 
 company is the manufacture of but a single article, viz : "bagging," 
 which is used only for covering cotton bales. The market for this 
 article of manufacture is all points south devoted to the culture of 
 cotton. 
 
 In connection with this manufactory, and belonging to the com- 
 pany, are four tow-mills, located as follows: Paxton, Buckle}-, Ran- 
 toul and Onarga, which cost about $55,000. The flax lint is man- 
 ufactured into tow in these mills and shipped in bales to the factory 
 here, where it is spun and wove into cloth and shipped south. 
 
 —25
 
 194 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 This manufactory requires the labor of i6o hantls, who are em- 
 ployed winter and summer alike, one-half of whom are females, and 
 the average pay of all is $i per day. We were pained to learn that 
 five-sixths of the raw material used by this companv in the manu- 
 facture of its goods is raised in other counties than our own, so that, 
 while the location of the manufactory is here and the most of the 
 employees are residents, which are of great benefit to Decatur and 
 the county, it might be made to contribute far more to our material 
 worth, if the farmers of the county were to devote attention to the 
 cultivation of flax and hemp, so as to supply the demands of the fac- 
 tory. If the culture of the raw material be a source of income to 
 the farmers of Ford and Champaign counties, why may it not be 
 to our own people, especially when the cost of transportation must 
 of necesssity be taken from the price paid in those foreign counties. 
 Besides, it is a well attested fact that our soil, climate, etc., are 
 equally if not better suited for the successful cultivation of this ar- 
 ticle. This, together with the fact that hemp and flax are articles 
 of easy culture, very prolific, and will meet with a home mar- 
 ket, ought to stimulate some of our farmers to devote some atten- 
 tion to this article of agriculture. We are disposed to assert, 
 from an examination given to this subject, that if our farmers would 
 devote some part of their farms to the culture of hemp and flax, so 
 as to supply the demands of the factory, it would save to the peo- 
 ple of the county thousands of dollars that are annually expended 
 elsewhere, and induce the bringing to this county the tow mills 
 now erected in other counties, besides being a source of revenue 
 and profit to our own people. 
 
 The bagging factory is now owned entirely b}' Messrs. A. W. 
 and C. A. Conklin, who are men of capital, energy and perseve- 
 rance, and who are now thoroughly initiated in the business. We 
 have no doubt they will, with their business qualifications, soon 
 make this, to us, new branch of industry one of the best paying in- 
 stitutions located in our midst. The class of persons furnished em- 
 ployment in the factory though not what are termed skilled me- 
 chanics, yet they are of that industrious and peaceable sort who 
 otherwise might have difliculty in obtaining employment or means 
 of support for themselves and their families, and whose earnings 
 are devoted to that purpose rather than indulgence and vice, as we 
 see among employees of other manufacturing institutions. We
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. I95 
 
 have no hesitancy whatever in saying that the Decatur Bagging- 
 factory is now one of our most important manufacturing institutions, 
 and one of which Macon county ought to be proud, and is destined 
 to be of far greater importance to us. 
 
 It asks no bonus or support from us other than what is to the in- 
 terest and profit of our people to give, in the way of material fur- 
 nished, for which a market is made. Its owners are our own citi- 
 zens and of us and expect to remain with us. 
 
 HA WORTH & SONS. 
 
 " To save time is to lengtlieu life," 
 
 Is an old saying, and as true as it is old. The object sought to be 
 obtained in almost all of our modern inventions is time and labor. 
 So with Haworth's Check-Rower. Its main object is to save the 
 time and labor of the farmer in the corn-planting season, when 
 every minute of time saved is almost as precious as minutes of gold. 
 When he is I'eady for planting his corn, every hour lost is a propor- 
 tionate loss in bushels at the ensuing autumn. The check-rower is 
 the invention of George D. Haworth, one of the members of the 
 firm, and was completed and a patent obtained therefor in the vear 
 1869. Valuable improvements have been added to it from time to 
 time since as experience has dictated, so that farmers who under- 
 stand and have had the use of this machine attach to it a value 
 next in importance to the corn-planter itself. Upon level western 
 prairies, where the soil is such that the weeds grow as rapidly as 
 the corn, and sprout and commence growing as soon as the ground 
 is broken up, it is found very desirable that the corn should be 
 planted in rows each way, and planted as soon as possible after 
 the soil is turned over, so that the corn will have an equal chance 
 with the weeds and grass. Without the use of the check-rower it 
 is necessary that the entire piece of land, ten or twenty acres as the 
 case may be, shall be broken up, then it must be marked oflf with 
 a marker so as to make the cross rows, by which it is found that by 
 the time the entire piece of land is broken up and crossed oflT the 
 weeds are beginning to show themselves above ground in the part 
 first plowed. But with the check-rower this difficulty is obviated, 
 and that too, even if the farmer has but one team to use. 
 
 But it is useless to dilate upon the merits of this machine; as such 
 it is an invention of the county, and of which the people will yet
 
 196 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 more thoroughly appreciate. The firm engaged in the manufacture 
 of this implement are M. Haworth, L. L. Haworth, J. W. Haworth, 
 and Georgfe D. Haworth — father and sons. Thev were formerly 
 from Clinton county, Ohio, and removed to Illinois in 1852, and to 
 Macon county in 1S57. They are all men of energy and thorough 
 business qualifications. They took hold of this invention a few 
 years since, and by industry and perseverance have overcome the 
 natural prejudice existing among the people against all new inven- 
 tions; so that now increasing demands are coming from Illinois, 
 Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Texas, for it. 
 
 During the past year the original shops, inachinery and facilities 
 for manufacture, have been increased to more than four times their 
 original capacity. The value of the real estate, shops, machinery, 
 warerooms, of the firm does not probably vary far from $150,000. 
 Thirty-five men are employed b}' the firm. One feature connected 
 with the manufacture of the check-rower is that every part of the 
 machine is made here in the shops, so that there is but a ver}- small 
 outlay of money by the firm that Macon county does not receive 
 the benefit of. The value of the manufactures of this firm for the 
 year 1S76 will not vary far from $200,000. 
 
 ROBERTS, LYTLE & CO. 
 
 This firm has been in business but three years, and is comjoosed 
 of the following named gentlemen: T. T. Roberts, R. P. Lytle 
 and O. Z. Green. While the articles manufactured by this firm, 
 viz: wooden burial cases and caskets, are not pleasant to contem- 
 plate, and never purchased except when painful necessity requires, 
 yet in these pre-cremation days the demands therefor is steady and 
 constant, and unaffected by the fluctuating influences operating 
 upon other articles of manufacture. $40,000 worth of burial cases are 
 annually manufactured b} this firm, and shipped throughout Illinois, 
 Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and other States. The lumber used is ob- 
 tained from southern Illinois, Michigan and Tennessee. Twenty 
 men are employed by the firm the year round. 
 
 The members of this firm are all young men of energy and business 
 qualifications, and their growing business will soon create a demand 
 for much larger works and a greater investment of capital. Their 
 present grounds, buildings and machinery cost in the neighborhood 
 of $20,000.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. I97 
 
 H. W. HILL & CO., 
 Manufacturers of Hardivare Specialties and Hog Rings and Ringers. 
 
 This firm is composed of H. W. Hill and C. P. Housum, and 
 commenced business in 1S72. They were first engaged in the man- 
 ufacture of H. W. Hill's hog ringer and rings; and by perseve- 
 rance and energy have established a business in that line of work 
 exceeding all others combined. With their present machinery they 
 have a capacity of manufacturing 140,000 rings daily, and have 
 placed upon the market in four years 30,000,000 rings, consuming 
 900 miles of wire. The market for this article of commerce ex- 
 tends from Maine to California and Texas, and some goods have 
 been exported to Europe. The demand for this device, manufac- 
 tured by this firm, is increasing as its merits become known by the 
 farming community. Over nine millions and a half of rings have 
 been sold during the past year, which is fifty per cent, in excess of 
 the sales the year previous. 
 
 The firm commenced business on a limited capital, and under 
 disadvantages arising from imperfect machinery, or rather no ma- 
 chinery at all ; from prejudices naturally existing against all new 
 and valuable improvements, and have been harrassed by litigations 
 in reference to patents, almost without number. But notwithstand- 
 ing these obstacles, they have by business tact and energy over- 
 come them, and now constitute one of the substantial and securely 
 established manufiicturing institutions of which we may well feel 
 proud, and have a capital of $30,000 invested. They also manu- 
 facture, to a considerable extent, corn-huskers, ladles, etc., which 
 are inventions of the firm. They also have in connection with 
 their business a printing otfice, by which they are enabled to do all 
 their own printing and advertising. 
 
 H. W. Hill, the senior member of the firm, is a native of North 
 Carolina, and has been a resident of Macon county about 1 1 years. 
 
 Charles P. Housum, the junior member, is a native of Ohio, and 
 has been a resident of Macon county about 1 1 years. 
 
 The reputation of Decatur as a manufacturing city and railroad 
 center has been largely increased thi-ough the extensive advertising 
 done by the firm. About three tons of advertising matter are an- 
 nually distributed to all parts of the United States by them.
 
 198 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 CHAMBERS, BEHRING & QUINLAN. 
 
 Manufacturers of Champion Hog Ringer^ Rings and Holder^ Eaglebill Corn 
 Husker^ and Barms' Wire Check- Reiver. 
 
 The firm of Chambers & Quinlan was formed in the spring of 
 1875, for the purpose of manufacturing the Champion Hog Ringer, 
 Rings and Holder. By their perseverance and devotion to the 
 manufacture of their articles, they have succeeded in building up a 
 business that is growing and permanent; so that they in Dec. 1S76, 
 associated with them Mr. J. Ed. Behring, as a partner, and exten- 
 ded the list of articles manufactui'ed by them, and are now manu- 
 facturing the Eagle-bill Corn-Husker, Barnes' Wire Check-Rower, 
 and Brown's Hog Ringer and Rings. 
 
 We have no space to enter into an examination of the merits of 
 the various articles manufactured by the firm. It will be seen that 
 all the articles are intended to meet the demands of our farming 
 communitv. The Champion hog ringer and rings made b\' the 
 firm is the only invention of the kind in use. The ring is a double 
 ring and is said to have advantages over the single ring. It is suf- 
 ficient to say that this article is found upon the shelves of hardware 
 dealers throughout the United States, and is being introduced in 
 Europe. 
 
 The Barnes' check-rower, made by this firm, has only been upt)n 
 the market for a short time, and its merits not fully understood. 
 The advantages claimed for it are, durabilit}-; that it will not con- 
 tract or extend; no side draft; convenience in use, and adaptability 
 to all planters. 
 
 The firm employs on an average about 14 hands, and occupies 
 the old agricultural shops. 
 
 The members of this, firm are thorough business men. Mr. 
 Chambers is now (1876) mayor of the city of Decatur, and Mr. 
 Quinlan is an old and respected citizen of the county. 
 
 W. & B. SAWYER. 
 lAnseed Oil and Oil Cake. 
 
 The oil mill of this firm was put in operation in 1867, and with 
 the additions made since, including machinery, is valued at $30,000, 
 There are $75,000 worth of oil and cake annually manufactured,
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. I99 
 
 the principal markets for which are St. Louis and New York. A 
 large proportion of the oil cake is exported to Europe. They 
 also have a retail trade extending throughout Illinois, Indiana and 
 Missouri. The number of men employed by the firm is 13. The 
 flax seed consumed by the mill averages about 50 thousand bushels 
 per annum, and is principally raised in Southern Illinois, for 
 which $1,40 to $1,50 per bushel is paid. 
 
 The firm is composed of William Sawyer and Benjamin Saw- 
 yer. The latter has been a resident of Macon County since 1S36, 
 and the former since 1S67. Of the business qualifications of the 
 firm nothing need be said. It is a straightforward business firm; 
 energetic and i-esponsible. 
 
 BOYD, HASKELL & CO. 
 
 " Decatur Woolen Mills. " 
 
 This is among the oldest existing manufacturing institutions of 
 the County, having been established in 1859, by the present firm 
 composed of the following persons, viz: Wm. H. Boyd, L. C. 
 Haskell and W. J. Myers. The principal goods manufactured 
 are flannels, yarns, blankets, jeans, and, also, card and spin. The 
 wool used by the firm is procured from Macon and adjoining 
 counties entirely, and the products of the factory are sold through- 
 out Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan and Indiana; amounting 
 annually to about $75,000 in value. 
 
 In 1 868 the mills we're destroyed by fire, but were immediately 
 rebuilt. The value of mills, including machinery, is not far from 
 $30,000. The firm are thoroughly initiated in all the details of 
 the business, and are sound business men, and have in their employ 
 about 25 persons the year round. 
 
 Prior to their engaging in this business here in 1859, Mr. Boyd 
 was a resident of Maryland, Mr. Haskell of New York, and Mr. 
 Myei's of Pennsylvania. The latter has been an influential mem- 
 ber of the city council. 
 
 This firm, but with little attempt at show or display, has been, and 
 continues to be, engaged in a department of manufacture that 
 Macon County could illy afford to be without.
 
 200 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY, 
 
 PETER LOEK. 
 Manufacturer of Agricultural and Gray Iron Castings. 
 
 Mr. L. erected his shops and foundry in the summer of 1876, and 
 is a man of twenty years experience in his Hne of business. He 
 has on an average ten men in his employment since ready for busi- 
 ness. He says with the patronage thus far received, and the facih- 
 ties he has, he will in a short time more than double his present 
 amount of business, which he estimates for 1876 at $15,000. The 
 necessity for a foundry of the character of Mr. L's., of course can 
 not be denied. Our farmers annually expend thousands of dollars 
 for the repairs of machinery ordered at Cincinnati, Pittsburg and 
 elsewhere, which might just as well be expended at home. Loss of 
 time and the freights in the shipment should be considered and 
 would be no small items in the aggregate. 
 
 II. MUELLER & CO. 
 
 Manufacturers of Water Main Tappers., Toy Pistols, Gunsmithing and General 
 
 Repairing of Machinery. 
 
 This firm has been in business since April, 1874, the senior mem- 
 ber having carried on a gunsmith and general repairing shop for 
 a great many years. He is thoroughly conversant with his busi- 
 ness in all of its branches, and the firm is wide awake and thorough- 
 ly energetic in all things pertaining to their line of work. Their 
 annual manufactures will run from twelve to fifteen thousand dol- 
 lars per annum, and the monthly pay-roll will not fall short of nine 
 men. Their business is increasing, and their shops, machinery, 
 etc., speak well for the present and future. The water main tap- 
 per made by the firm is an ingenious and very simple invention, 
 perfected and patented by H. Mueller. 
 
 KRAMER & MCCLELLAND. 
 
 Manufacturers of Road., Spritig and Lumber Wagons Carriages and Buggies. 
 
 This is one of the oldest firms, if not the oldest in the county, 
 having been established in 1S54. Each member of the firm has 
 been a resident of the county since 1853. The firm has a capital
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 20I 
 
 invested of $10,000, and their annual manufacture aggregates in 
 the neighborhood of that amount. Their wagons, etc., find a mar- 
 ket in this and adjoining counties, and some are shipped to Indiana 
 and New Mexico. Their work, as thousands of tlieir customers 
 can verify, is of the most substantial character, as well as orna- 
 mental, and needs no commendation. They make a specialty of 
 "Jump seats and Greencastle bodies." 
 
 WAYNE BROS. 
 
 This firm is engaged in the manufacture of carriages, buggies 
 and spring wagons, and also do a large repairing business. The 
 members of the firm are, John B. and Wni. J. Wayne. They are 
 natives of Pennsylvania, but have been residents of Illinois for 
 about 35 years, and of Macon county four years. Each of the firm 
 is thoroughly conversant with all the minutiae of the business. 
 Their average annual manufacture of vehicles of various kinds ag- 
 eresrate $20,000, the most of which is sold to home customers; 
 some goods, however, are shipped to Iowa, Kansas and Texas. 
 The material used by the firm is obtained in the eastern markets, 
 and is selected with the greatest of care. The carriages and bug- 
 gies made are substantial and well built, and this firm has turned 
 oat some. of the finest work in Central Illinois. They have in their 
 employ about 20 of the most skillful mechanics, in the different de- 
 partments of their work. 
 
 D. S. SHEI.LABARGER. 
 
 Flour Alills. 
 
 This firm commenced business in Decatur in 1862, and is corti- 
 posed of D. S. Shellabarger, John B. Shellabarger and Wm. Bow- 
 ers, though we believe some changes have been made in the firm 
 in that time. Each member of the firm is thoroughly acquainted 
 with the flouring business in all its departments. The senior mem- 
 ber of the firm has been mayor of the city, as well as alderman. 
 They have a capital invested in the milling business, consisting of 
 real estate, machinery, etc., of $35,000. The average annual value 
 of manufactures will run from $175,000 to $200,000. They have 
 in their employ eight men, and their principal market is Macon 
 county and surrounding country. 
 
 —26
 
 202 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY 
 
 GEO, PRIEST (t CO. 
 
 Flotir Mills. 
 
 One of the oldest flour mills in the county is that of Geo. Priest 
 & Co. The firm is now composed of Geo. Priest and A. N. Deal, 
 both of whom are thoroughly initiated in all the departments of 
 their business. They ha^■e a capital invested in the business of 
 about $33,000, and the annual product of flour, etc., manufactured 
 amounting to $150,000, requiring the labor of eight men. Their 
 business extends throughout the county and along the railroad lines 
 leading from Decatur. 
 
 GREENFIELD, BELL & CO. 
 
 Flovr Mills. 
 
 This mill has been in operation about eight years, and has an 
 investment of $20,000 in real estate, buildings and machinery, with 
 a capacity of producing annually 11,000 barrels of flour, employing 
 six men, and has a trade extending in almost every direction within 
 a radius of thirty to forty miles from Decatur. The members of 
 this firm are old residents of Macon county, Mr. Bell having been 
 born here, and Mr. Greenfield came at a very early day. 
 
 HARPSTRITE & SCHLANDEMAN. 
 
 Manufactn rers of Beer. 
 
 This firm began business in 1S62, in Decatur. The members of 
 the firm are Edward Harpstrite, who came from Clinton county in 
 1855, and Henry Schlandeman, who came from Logansport, Ind., 
 in 1856. They have an investment of $60,000 in their business, and 
 their annual manufactures amount to about $40,000, which finds a 
 market in Macon and adjoining counties. They annually consume 
 about 10,000 bushels of barley, for which they pay on an average 
 ninety cents per bushel, which is shipped to them from Kansas, 
 Nebraska and Minnesota. Their hops are obtained from New 
 York. Ten men are in the employ of the firm.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 203 
 
 FERRIS * EMMONS. 
 
 Alatiufacturers of and Dealers in Litbricating and Illuminating 
 Oils and Axle Grease^ and Dealers in Animal Oils. 
 
 This firm was organized in 1S75, The members of the firm are 
 W. P. Ferris, who came to Macon county in 1871, and was en- 
 gaged until 1S75 as conductor on the T., W. and W. R. R, G. 
 W. Emmons came to Macon county in 1870, and was conductor 
 on the above road until 1874. Mr. F. is a native of New York, 
 and Mr. E. of New HamjDshire. The annual sales of goods man- 
 ufactured and on sale, are $100,000 per annum. Number of men 
 employed by firm, six. Principle market for goods, Illinois, and some 
 have been shipped to Kansas. The carbon oil used by this firm is 
 shipped in large iron tanks made expressly for the purpose, and 
 transferred directly from the tanks bv means of siphons to the tanks 
 of the firm, which have a capacity of 8,000 gallons. From these 
 tanks the oil is transferred to the barrels for disti'ibution. 
 
 ELWOOD & CO. 
 
 Alantifacturcrs of Doors., Sas/i, Blinds, etc. 
 
 This firm was organized in 1S65; the Messrs. Elwood having 
 been residents of the county for 22 years. They have a cash 
 capital invested in this county of about $40,000, and have been 
 doing a large and increasing business in their line since they came 
 to Decatur. They own large pineries in Michigan, which are 
 under the charge of D. Elwood, one of the members of the firm, 
 from which they obtain the pi-incipal part of their lumber. The 
 annual average manufactures of the firin amount to $40,000, and 
 from 33 to 25 men are employed by them. The firm manufactures 
 and sells about two million feet of lumber per annum, which finds 
 a market in Macon and adjoining counties.
 
 204 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 RAILROADS.* 
 
 A history of the raih-oad interests of the State, would be a 
 volume of itself, and not devoid of interest. 
 
 From the introduction of railroads in this country, Illinois has 
 been destined to be a railroad State. The foresight of Hon. Ste- 
 
 NoTE. — The first successful locomotive steam engine in the world was in- 
 vented by George Stephenson, and is still preserved at Darlington, England. 
 Prior to its invention Mr. S. was regarded as "the craziest man in all En"-- 
 land," but after its successful operation, on its trial trip he was regarded as "the 
 smartest man in all England and in all the world." The first railroad and upon 
 Avhich this engine ran, was completed from Stockton to Darlington, England, 
 Sept. 27, 1825. The project of Stephenson was ridiculed in parliament, and a 
 large concourse of people gathered upon the occasion of the trial to ridicule 
 the "insane " Stephenson. The engine was attached to a train of 34 coal 
 wagons and coaches, which were about the size of an ordinary old-fashioned 
 stage coach. The passengers took their places in the coaches, and a man on 
 horseback took his position in front of the engine to herald the approach of the 
 coming train ! The signal for starting was given, and the Engine started oft" with 
 the cars like a "thing of life." The gentleman who was to ride on horseback in 
 front of the train to announce its coming, soon found it convenient to " look 
 out for the cars," and left the track in disgust! -The ridiculing spectators who 
 were left behind, were in a ridiculous state of mind at the unexpected success- 
 ful working of the crazy man's engine. The journey was completed at the 
 f^peed of 15 miles an hour, and from that time since the name of George Ste- 
 phenson has been written high upon the scale of the world's benefactors. 
 
 In 1831 a railroad was completed from Albany to Schenectady, New York, 
 a distance of 16 miles, which was among the first roads upon which a train 
 of cars were propelled by steam in America, and took place the year the road 
 was finished. The trains upon this road, however, ran very slowly The road 
 ran over hills and down into the valleys, so that it was necessary to draw 
 the trains up acclivities, in places, by stationary- engines. The first engine 
 upon this road was the "John Bull," which was made in England, and 
 weighed four tons. The venerable Thurlow Weed was among the 15 passen- 
 gers upon the first train of passenger cars propelled by steam. But little did he 
 suspect on the morning of that excursion that in much less than half a century 
 he would behold trains running through that Mohawk valley at the rate of 40 
 and 50 miles an hour, and still others bearing freight si^fficient in value to 
 have paid for the entire Mohawk «.^^ Hudson Railroad, with its equipment. 
 One of Stephenson's engines was put upon a road constructed by the Dela- 
 ware and Hudson Canal Co., from their coal mines to Honesdale, in 1829, but 
 it was not used for passenger traffic to any great extent, if at all.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 205 
 
 phen A. Douglas in getting the Illinois Central Railroad construc- 
 ted from Cairo to Chicago and Dunleith, has resulted in incalcula- 
 ble benefit in opening up the fertile prairies of Illinois to cultivation. 
 He lived long enough to see his expectations more than realized, 
 and his predictions fully met. The early railway legislation of this 
 State fully manifests the popular feeling as to the necessity of some 
 means for the transportation of our grain and herds of cattle and 
 hogs. The means of attaining the requisite railways, however, 
 were matters of serious consideration, and of no well-defined opin- 
 ion. One crude idea that seems to have pervaded the entire legis- 
 lature in 1835-6-7, was that these great highways of commerce 
 might be legislated into existence; hence it was that in those years 
 there were enacted that gigantic enterprise that has since been 
 known as the internal improvement scheme. It had for its object 
 the construction of canals and railways, branching out to almost all 
 parts of the country; all to be built and owned by the State; the 
 construction of one-half of which would have bankrupted Illinois 
 beyond all hopes of recovery. 
 
 It was a gigantic undertaking without any means of accomplish- 
 ing. It was a brilliant idea, w^ithout any sort of conception as to the 
 requisite amount of capital to give it practical shape and direction. 
 It was akin to that other idea, and had about as much consistency 
 in it, by which the fellow undertook to jump across the Mississippi 
 by taking hold of his boot straps. The whole internal improve- 
 ment scheme collapsed with the financial panic of 1837. Several 
 millions of dollars were appropriated from the treasury and ex- 
 pended with scarcely a dollar to show therefor except a few em- 
 bankments in difierent parts of the State. Among the projected 
 lines of railway under which work was commenced under the 
 improvement system was that of the Northern Cross Railroad, 
 chartered in 1S37, running from Quincy to Danville and the State 
 line. The first locomotive engine that ever ran in Illinois was 
 placed upon this road, and ran through from Meredosia to Jackson- 
 ville, perhaps in the winter of 1838-9. 
 
 The above road was completed through to Springfield from 
 Jacksonville in 1843, and the cars made three trips to the Illinois 
 river every week; which feat is spoken of by the journals of that 
 day as wonderful! This road was constructed by nailing flat pieces 
 of iron upon long pieces of timber, running lengthwise with the
 
 2o6 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 road. The road, however, had not been in use long before the 
 track became uneven and rough, and the engine was so out of re- 
 pair that it had to be taken off the road, and the cars were then 
 propelled by mules! This process of locomotion finally became 
 unendurable, and the whole road was sold by the State for a mere 
 nominal consideration. We mention these facts, as thev constitute the 
 first railroad experience of Illinois; and also for the reason that the 
 Northern Cross Railroad formed a part of the line, which, after 
 various consolidations, became the 
 
 This, though built under a different name, was the first railroad 
 that was constructed through the county of Macon. From the 
 time its cars ran into Decatur in April, 1854, commences the rapid 
 improvement and almost unexampled prosperity of our county. At 
 that date commences the real history of our agricultural and com- 
 mercial ad^'ancement. Then all the stock in trade of all the mer- 
 chants in the county would have made but a few dray loads. From 
 that period hog drovers became scarce. Thenceforward those old- 
 fashioned, broad-tyred Virginia wagons, with their inevitable 
 accompaniments — the two dogs and a tar bucket — ceased to be vehi- 
 cles transporting our dry-goods and groceries from St. Louis and 
 Chicago. Their owners, who had hitherto made the principal part 
 of their living by "wagoning," looked upon the construction of 
 the railroads with an eye of suspicion, and regarded it as an inter- 
 ference, to some extent at least, with " vested rights." Other ob- 
 jections were urged against the construction of railroads, that to us 
 in this day would seem laughable indeed; among others it was 
 urged that the whistling of the engines and noise of the cars would 
 drive away all the game! Others said the ranges would all be des- 
 troyed, and poor people would have to keep their cattle and hogs 
 enclosed. 
 
 The T., W. & W. R. R. has been one of the two roads that has 
 been largely instrumental in making our county what it is. To 
 our merchants and our farmers who ship stock and grain east, this 
 road has been of incalculable value. 
 
 * We understand that after January, 1877, ^^e name of this road is to be 
 changed to the Wabash Railway.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY, 207 
 
 The length of the road is as follows: 
 
 Main line from Toledo to Quincy 473 miles. 
 
 St. Louis Division (from Decatur to E. St. Louis) no " 
 
 Keokuk Branch 41 " 
 
 Naples Branch 3 " 
 
 Total 627 » 
 
 Of these 627 miles there arc in Illinois 7^S6 miles. 
 
 The annual shipments forwarded hy this line will average from 
 350 to 400 thousand dollars, and the annual receipts are ahout one 
 hundred an.l twenty thousand dollars from Decatur station, as 
 shown by the books of the company. The passenger traffic from 
 Decatur varies between 90 and 100 thousand dollars. The pay- 
 roll for men employed in Decatur, runs between five and six thou- 
 sand dollars per month. 
 
 THE ILLINOIS CENTRAL RAILROAD. 
 
 In September, 1S50, an act of Congress was passed granting 
 lands to the State of Illinois for the purpose of constructing a rail- 
 road throujjh Central Illinois. The legislature of Illinois in 1S51 
 incorporated the Illinois Central Railroad, and the lands held in 
 trust by the State were transferred to the company upon a compli- 
 ance with the conditions of the charter. The road was completed 
 through Macon county in 1854, from the north, and the entire line 
 soon thereafter opened to the public. 
 
 The procurement of aid from the general government, by the 
 donation of lands, was a subject that the people of the county had 
 taken an interest in for several years prior to the passage of the act. 
 It became a question in the election of representatives to the legis- 
 lature, and was made one. of the issues of the campaign of 1S48. 
 It is said that a senator from Macon county was the first to intro- 
 duce and secure the passage of a resolution by the legislature re- 
 questing and urging our senators and representatives in congress to 
 secure the desired aid from the s'eneral grovernment. As elsewhere 
 remarked, Senator Douglas, who was always alive to anything that 
 had for its object the improvement of the State, and the benefit 
 of our people; acting upon the resolution, secured the passage of 
 the law, donating to the State for the use of the railroad, every 
 alternate section for the distance of six miles upon each side of the 
 proposed line.
 
 2o8 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 There was some little apprehension existing for a while in refer- 
 ence to the location of the road through the county. An effort 
 was made to locate the road six miles west of Decatur, crossing the 
 river at what was, in early days, known as the " cut-off," and a 
 survey upon this line was made, but through the exertions of Hon. 
 E. O. Smith and other citizens of Decatur, the " cut-off route" was 
 abandoned, and the present route selected, though said by the en- 
 gineer, Chas. A. Tuttle, to be more expensive. 
 
 This road, by judicious management, and the capital derived 
 from the sale of its lands, has always been upon a sound financial 
 basis. Its treatment of its patrons has been such as to call for no 
 great amount of complaint, for want of equipment or means and 
 proper facilities for transportation. Its management has been such 
 that but rarely are suits brought for the recovery of damages for 
 negligence on the part of its agents. 
 
 The passenger cars upon the road have never been remarkable 
 for their costliness or splendor of their appointments; yet are 
 usually substantial, safe, and have all the necessaries for ease and 
 comfort. Its employees have been well paid and selected with 
 reference to their qualifications and abilities. Engineers, conduct- 
 ors and agents, who were in the employment of the company in 
 1854, still hold their positions. 
 
 There are 705 miles of road in Illinois, under the management 
 of this company, distributed as follows: 
 
 Main line (Cairo to Dunleith) 455 "''il^s- 
 
 Chicago branch (Centralia to Chicago) 250 " 
 
 By an arrangement recently consummated this company has now 
 the control of a road extending to New Orleans, from Cairo, ma- 
 kino- an entire line from either Sioux Citv or Chicago to New 
 
 Orleans. 
 
 The average annual shipment forwarded by this road from De- 
 catur, amounts to $25,000; and the receipts will double that amount, 
 as shown by the books of the company. The ticket sales at the 
 Decatur ofhce do not vary far from $20,000 annually.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 209 
 
 DECATUR AND EAST ST. LOUIS RAILROAD. 
 
 This road was chartered in 1867 and built in 1S68, under the 
 management of the T., W. & W. R. R., and has since been un- 
 der the control of that road. It runs to East St, Louis, a distance of 
 108 miles, and since the construction of the great bridge across the 
 Mississippi its trains run into the city of St. Louis. This road is 
 regarded as one of our best and most important roads, and should 
 it be extended to Chicago, as it was intended that it should be, it 
 will be second to none as a means of furnishing transportation to 
 the markets for our producing people. When we have a direct 
 outlet to both Chicago and St. Louis — the great cities of the south- 
 west — then our railroad facilities will be most ample and complete. 
 We sought to accomplish this by means of the 
 
 DECATUR AND STATE LINE RAILROAD, 
 
 the charter for which was more than once defeated by the Chicago 
 & Alton Co. It is asserted by some of our best informed citizens 
 that the construction of this road after the charter had been obtain- 
 ed was defeated through manipulations originating from the same 
 source. We do not know where the blame lies for the loss to the 
 people of this county of this very important road, but whoever was 
 instrumental in it has a conscience inimical to the public interests 
 of Macon county. The road was important; the subscriptions 
 along the line were sutficient for its construction ; it was under con- 
 tract and partially built; and Decatur six years ago anticipated soon 
 being the principal city on the shortest line of road through the 
 most fertile portions of the state, between ///e cities of the northwest, 
 but awoke one morning and found the work suspended and the 
 jDeople along the entire line dumbfounded, like the workmen at the 
 tower of Babel. But why, the author is unable to state. 
 
 PEKIN, LINCOLN AND DECATUR RAILROAD. 
 
 This road was chartei'ed in 1861, and the charter amended in 
 1865, and constructed in 1871. It is 67 miles in length, and was 
 leased by the T., W. & W. R. R. Co. at its completion, and has 
 been under its management until 1S76. It extends from Decatur to 
 Pekin on the Illinois river, but its trains run through to Peoria. 
 —27
 
 2IO HISTORY OF MACOX COUNTY, 
 
 THE DECATUR, MONTICELLO AND CHAMPAIGN R. R. 
 
 This road was constructed in the year 1873, and extends to 
 Champaign, 111., where it connects with the branch of the I. C. R. 
 R., north, and the I., B. & W. R. R., east. It is now consolida- 
 ted with the latter road, and is known as the Decatur branch of 
 the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western. It secures to us com- 
 petition for eastern transportation. 
 
 DECATUR, SULLIVAN AND MATTOON R. R. 
 
 This road waschartered in iS6i,and constructed in 1872, and ex- 
 tends to Mattoon, 111. It was intended that this road should be ex- 
 tended through to Grayville, on the Ohio river, securing to us a 
 southeastern travel and transportation but financial embarrassments 
 have prevented its construction farther than Mattoon. 
 
 ILLINOIS MIDLAND R. R. 
 
 This is a consolidation of the Peoria, Atlanta & Decatur and 
 Paris & Decatur Railroads. The road was constructed in 1S72. 
 Its line extends from Terre Haute, Ind., to Peoria, 111. 
 
 Entire length 1 76 miles. 
 
 Entire length in Illinois 168 miles. 
 
 INDIANAPOLIS, DECATUR AND^SPRINGFIELD R. R. 
 
 This road was chartered in 1S50 as the Indiana & Illinois Cen- 
 tral R. R., but w^as not constructed until 1872, and then finished 
 only to Montezuma, on the Wabash. It is thought that it will 
 shortly be constructed through to Indianapolis, and when done will 
 be one of our most important roads. The name was changed in 
 1876.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 211 
 
 AGRICULTURE. 
 
 This is the oldest branch of industry. It needs no words of com- 
 mendation. Those who engage in tilHng the soil form a large and 
 very important element in society— a necessary element, and one 
 just as dignified, when duly appreciated, as any of the others. In 
 character, influence and relative position the agricultural class is 
 what its members make it. It is high or low, as its masses are en- 
 ergetic, educated and skilled. In some localities the sun seems to 
 be always shining. The farmers are busy the year round. Their 
 farms are neat and well fenced. Their barns and outhouses are 
 painted and in perfect repair. They have reapers, mowers, corn 
 planters and all the modern improvements in the art. The dwel- 
 lings are neat and comfortable, and their occupants seem always 
 cheerful, and are intelligent, refined, social, industrious, and are 
 always glad to have you come and see them. This is what people 
 call "a good neighborhood to live in," "a good farming commu- 
 nity," etc., etc. 
 
 There is another community, sometimes but a few miles distant, 
 occupying a position at the other extreme. There seems to be 
 always a cloud over it. It is hedged in and about with ennui and 
 lassitude and laziness of the most reckless sort. The fields are 
 haggard and torn and lacerated, and seem to have been cultivated 
 in a haphazard sort of a way without reference to the points of the 
 compass. The fences are racked and partially down, and where 
 standing seem to cling to the shrubs and trees for support. The 
 plows, reapers and mowers stand in the field, as they were left 
 when last used. The farm house is in the last stages of decay, and 
 ready to tumble down upon the slightest provocation. Its doors 
 are old and weatherbeaten and fasten with a latch and strintj. The 
 windows are dilapidated and pretty well filled up with hats of 
 ancient date or pillows sable and dusky hued. The inmates are 
 living specimens of inertia, dejected and downhearted, whose whole 
 travel seems to have been over stony roads. They have a corduroy
 
 2t2 HISTORY OF MACOX COUNTY 
 
 look about them, as though they had spent many weary nights in 
 pondering over Mark Twain's Roughing It. The head of the 
 household trudges about with one boot and one shoe and a sino-le 
 'suspender, as though he was continually weighing in his mind 
 the question whether he ought or ought not to. His "old woman" 
 — that is his wife — poor soul, does as well as she can, endures all, 
 works hard and dies young, an object of pity and neglect. The 
 children, a half dozen or more, grow up in rags and penury, half 
 starved, half clothed, half educated and sore-eyed, and are contin- 
 ually knocked and buffeted about in the world, and pricked and 
 stung by the ragged edges of poverty. The barn is a cross be- ' 
 tween a rail pen and a "straw-stack," and is "fearfully and wonder- 
 fully made." The team of "critters" is a bona-fide spectacle piti- 
 ful to look at, lame and often blind. The yellow dogs that lie in 
 the front door yard have scarcely sufficient energy to recognize a 
 stranger or bark a good square bark. They look as though thev 
 wanted something and did not know where to get it. 
 
 Such are pictures of the two classes of farmers. The latter 
 class is becoming rare in this age of steam and progress. They 
 have been rooted out and gone off " where it aint so thickly set- 
 tled." 
 
 There is a most perfect harmony existing between the agricul- 
 turalist and the manufacturer, the mechanic and professional man. 
 There is no agency at work, when their relations are properly under- 
 stood, that tears the one down to build the other up. They each have 
 a work to perform and a sphere to fill. Our whole industrial svstem 
 is like a perfect machine. Some parts may be more powerful and 
 exert a greater influence than others, yet all the parts are of equal 
 utility. The farmer is not independent, nor is the mechanic, the 
 laborer, the lawyer, the doctor, nor any one who labors with mus- 
 cle or brain. 
 
 • We do not deem it material to devote space to notice the differ- 
 ent agricultural and horticultural products of the county. They 
 are substantially the same throughout Central Illinois. Corn is 
 now, and no doubt will remain our staple product. As our prairies 
 were being opened up for cultivation, and when -the soil was very 
 rich, a very large acreage of wheat was sown. But of late years 
 the wheat crop has been on the decline so that now it is fequently 
 the case that we do not raise enough of this cereal for home con-
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 2I3 
 
 sumption.* This is owing to sev'eral reasong; the decline in price 
 since the war, the destruction of late years by chinch-bugs, rust, 
 severe winters, etc., the labor required to produce it, as compared 
 with corn, and other products. If the amount of labor that is be- 
 stowed upon wheat culture in St. Clair and other wheat-growing 
 counties, was expended here, our wheat crops would double their 
 present yield. The timber soil of this county is better adapted to 
 wheat raising than that of the prairie; which, no doubt, is owing to 
 the protection the wheat receives from the snow lying upon the 
 ground more evenly upon timber fields, and also owing to the fact 
 of there being more clay in the timber soil, which seems to be bet- 
 ter adapted to prevent the injury arising from constant freezing and 
 thawing. The soil is more compact, and seems to protect the roots 
 better. 
 
 But little spring wheat is sowed, and very little rye and barley — 
 though good crops are raised of both the latter. Of late years a 
 great deal more attention is being given to pasturage. Formerly 
 but a small proportion of our farms was devoted to meadows, but 
 now many of our tarmers devote more space to grass than to grain. 
 Our soil and climate are admirably adapted to the culture of timo- 
 thy and clover, and the labor required for the preservation of these 
 crops is insignificant when compared to that required for corn and 
 wheat. Oats ai'e raised in sufficient amount for home use, but not 
 largely for foreign market. 
 
 A great deal of attention is now being given to the raising of 
 hogs and cattle. No doubt much more attention will be given 
 to this as our country grows older, than to the raising of grain for 
 the market.' The stock of hogs now in the county is far superior 
 to that which we had in our early history; while our beef cattle 
 have improved equally as much. One of our oldest butchers states 
 that our cattle now upon the market for home consumption will 
 average at least one-third better than they did twenty years ago. 
 The "scrubs" and " hazle-splitters " of the last quarter of a cen- 
 tury are growing scarcer day by day. It costs no more to raise a good 
 cow or a good hog than A poor one, if indeed as much. Better stock — 
 thanks to our Pickrells, Taylors, Barbers, and a host of other names 
 we might mention — is upon exhibition now at our county fairs than 
 
 * It is estimated that three-fourths of the wheat consumed by our mills 
 in 1875 and 1876, is foreign wheat.
 
 214 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 could be found at our State fairs a few years since. As a breeder 
 of stock, especially short-horns, James H. Pickrell of Harristown, 
 is known among stock men throughout North America and Great 
 Britain. He holds the position of President of the North Ameri- 
 can Short-horn Association. In the fall of 1875 he visited England 
 and Scotland, and collected a herd of cattle perhaps not excelled in 
 the United States or Canada. 
 
 There are now but few sheep in the county — 11,349 in 1870, and 
 6,538 in 1S76. 
 
 We close this chapter with the following brief table, compiled 
 from the assessor's books for the years 1S60, 1870, 1875 and 1S76, 
 though the valuations affixed, of course, are much below the real 
 value: 
 
 i860. 
 
 ARTICLES. ^ NO. VALUE. 
 
 Horses , 
 
 Neat Cattle , 
 
 Mules and Asses 
 
 Sheep 
 
 Hogs 
 
 Improved lands (acres) 3^5555^ 
 
 Improvements on land 
 
 Acres in corn 49,410 
 
 Acres in wheat 16,322 
 
 Acres other field products 7,61 1 
 
 5.079 
 
 $213,300 
 
 1 1,601 
 
 125,737 
 
 482 
 
 23,265 
 
 3.783 
 
 4,007 
 
 13.728 
 
 35.109 
 
 305.558 
 
 2,315.909 
 
 
 698,792 
 
 1870. 
 
 Horses 10,888 295,765 
 
 Neat Cattle 15.623 160,754 
 
 Mules and Asses 1,480 45.^84 
 
 Sheep 11,549 5.453 
 
 Hogs 30,102 58,862 
 
 Improved lands (acres) 305,558 2,315,909 
 
 Improvements on land 648,792 
 
 Acres in corn 91,929 
 
 Acres in wheat 30,H5 
 
 Acres other field products 25,085 
 
 1875. 
 
 Horses 1 2,568 659,603 
 
 Cattle 19,617 404,128 
 
 Mules and Asses 2,287 161,014 
 
 Hogs 45,750 195.242 
 
 Improved lands (acres) 344,621 8,881,791
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 215 
 
 VALUE. 
 $390,679 
 
 1875. 
 
 ARTICLES. NO. 
 
 Unimproved lands 23,33 1 
 
 Acres in corn 156,673 
 
 Acres in wheat. ... 13,718 
 
 Acres in oats 24,163 
 
 Acres in meadow 18,171 
 
 Acres other field pi^oducts 9^279 
 
 Acres in pasture 47,209 
 
 1876. 
 
 Horses 1 2,607 
 
 Cattle 1 8,93 1 
 
 Mules and Asses 2,438 
 
 Sheep ^oS^ 
 
 Hogs 38,886 
 
 Improved lands (acres) 340,218 
 
 Unimproved lands 2 1,021 
 
 Acres in corn 146,244 
 
 Acres in wheat ^5733 
 
 Acres in oats 24,8 1 7 
 
 Acres in meadow 20,385 
 
 Acres other field products 559*^5 
 
 Acres in pasture . ; 49,986 
 
 608,1 II 
 360,569 
 156,748 
 
 11737 
 179,001 
 
 8,718,936 
 
 412,953 
 
 i
 
 2l6 HISTORY OF MACOX COUNTY. 
 
 CHAPTER \'III 
 
 Our Cities, Towns and Villages. 
 
 THE CITY OF DECATUR.* 
 
 The history of a county and that of its county seat are so inti- 
 mately connected that it is difficult to speak of them separately; 
 their interests are the same; that which advances one advances the 
 other; that which retards the one retards alike the other. But we 
 deem it necessary to devote a short space to the history of the city 
 proper. We sometimes observe the town advance more rapidly 
 
 *NoTE. — Stephen Decatur — This city was named after that gallant com- 
 mander Stephen Decatur, of whom it is proper in this connection to give a 
 short sketch of his hrilliant history, successes, triumphs and the unfortunate ter- 
 mination of his earthly career. This "Bayard of the seas" was born in Worces- 
 ter county, Maryland, Jan. 5, 1779. At the age of nine years young Stephen 
 made a sea voyage with his father, from which, no doubt, he received the im- 
 pressions that determined his course of life. His early education was received 
 in Philadelphia, where he returned soon after the evacuation of that city by 
 the British. He was a leader in all the amusements at school, and was called 
 "Capt. Dick." He next was sent to Pennsylvania Universit}', where he remained 
 but a short time. 
 
 We next find him assisting in the construction of the frigate "United States," 
 which he afterwards commanded, and which became famous in our country's 
 naval history. He went with Commodore Barr}' on board the United States 
 on a cruise through the west Indies, to suppress the depredations of the French 
 privateers. On this voyage several successful encounters were had with F^rench 
 vessels in the vicinity of Martinique, in all of which Decatur, then but twenty 
 years of age, manifested the bdld, daring disposition of his future life, a!^d ren-
 
 HISTORY OF MACOX CONXTY. 217 
 
 than the surrounding country, and vice versa; but that has not 
 been the case with Macon county and the city of Decatur. They 
 have kept step by step in their advancement in wealth, improve- 
 ments, population and general prosperity. Political demagogues 
 are sometimes, for their own selfish purposes, disposed to array 
 the city against the country or the country against the city, as the 
 case maybe; but to the true observer their interests are one and in- 
 separable, as a moment's reflection will demonstrate. The man 
 that takes no interest in his county town and its advancement is an 
 
 dered signal services for which he was made Heutenant. He was next engaged 
 in cruising along the coast from Georgia to Cape Cod, protecting our commer- 
 cial interests. He then made two voyages across the ocean, after which a 
 treaty of peace was declared between the United States and France, which put 
 an end to the naval prospects of Di2catur for the time being. 
 
 The United States soon after sent a squadron to the Mediterranean to stop 
 the depredations of the Tripolines and Algerines upon our commerce. Deca- 
 tur was commissioned first lieutenant under Capt. Bainbridge, on board the 
 Essex, which was stationed to guard the coasts and port of Tripoli, where he 
 remained until 1802, when the Essex was relieved by the Chesapeake, under 
 Com. Morris, when he returned home. After spending a few weeks at home 
 his restless spirit induced him to join the New York, under Capt. James Bar- 
 row, with whom he again set sail for the Mediterranean in Sept., 1802. He re- 
 mained but a short time and returned home, where he was put in charge of the 
 Argus, on which he saile-d to Gibraltar, where he assumed command of the 
 schooner Enterprise, with which, on the 23d of October, 1803, he captured the 
 Tripoline craft Mostico, with 70 prisoners. In the early part of 1S04, Captain 
 Bainbridge, being a prisoner in the City of Tripoli, and the gallant old ship 
 Philadelphia having been captured, which, with its forty guns, well 
 manned, effectually guarded the harbor of Tripoli, it was determined that 
 this ship should be burned, but who was to undertake the hazardous experi- 
 ment.' Decatur volunteered his services. With his little schooner Intrepid, 
 with but a few guns, assisted by the Siren, he set sail for Tripoli, where he ar- 
 rived July 4, 1804. They cautiously approached the harbor where the Philadel- 
 phia lay anchored, and on a dark night the Intrepid, with Decatur at the helm, 
 came up to within a few yards of their coveted prize before being discovered. 
 They lashed the Intrepid to the towering form of the Philadelphia and Deca- 
 tur and his brave men jumped on deck of the latter, drew their swords and 
 rushed upon the panic stricken crew, and in five minutes killed and .drove them 
 pell-mell into the water. The cables of the Philadelphia were cut and she was 
 set on fire, floating at the mercy of the winds. "As the streaming flame cir- 
 cled around mast and boom, flinging its lurid glare over the waste of water, 
 the old vessel floated along until her final explosion. The exultant shouts of 
 her captors penetrated the prison walls of Tripoli and proclaimed speedy liber- 
 ation." 
 
 —28
 
 2l8 
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 enemy of his county; and the resident of the town that Hkewise 
 disregards the interests of the surrounding county, has studied but 
 Httie of the relative demands of each, and fails to see their mutual 
 interests, or his own interest even. 
 
 The land on which the original Totvn of Decatur was located 
 was entered by Parmenius Smallwood, Easton Whitton and Chas. 
 Prentice, for which, at the time of the location of the town, they 
 had received no patent from the government. On the 20th day of 
 June, 1829, they entered into bond with the then county commis- 
 
 A short time afterwards he commanded a division of gunboats at the bom- 
 bardment of Tripoli, in which he was engaged in several hand-to-hand encoun- 
 ters and was wounded with a pike in the hands of the captain, who had assas- 
 sinated his brother but a few minutes before. Decatur was now made post-cap- 
 tain, and received a sword for his gallantry displayed. At 25 he was in com- 
 mand of the Constitution, one of the finest. vessels in the service. With this 
 he proceeded to Malta, and in a short time peace was declared and Decatur re- 
 turned home, where he was met with demonstrations of honor and esteem. 
 
 Soon after the close of the Tripoline war, England and France began their 
 system of spoliation on our commerce, and Decatur was placed in command of 
 a squadron on the Chesapeake. \\'hen the American embargo was declared, 
 Decatur was placed in command of the frigate Chesapeake! More elaborate prep- 
 arations were authorized by Congress. Among the vessels then put in prepara- 
 tion was the United States, the vessel he had assisted in constructing, and on 
 which he started in his naval career. Me was transferred to the squadron of 
 Com. Rogers on June 21, 181 1, and started on a cruise with a view of attacking 
 a British fleet bound for Jamaica. The fleet captured six vessels and returned 
 to Boston. On the 25th, he met, near tlie Island of Madeira, the English ship 
 Macedonian, commanded by the experienced and highly accomplished Capt. 
 Corden. Aiter a hard engagement, the latter surrendered, with 104 killed and 
 wounded and the whole crew prisoners. Decatur lost 12 killed and wounded. 
 He then returned home. Great applause heralded his arrival. Resolutions 
 and medals from Congress and state legislatures were voted, and he was every- 
 where proclaimed the champion of the American navy. 
 
 The Macedonian and Hornet were now added to Decatur's command, and he 
 placed his squadron in Long Island Sound. In 1814 he was again placed in 
 command of the President. In January, 1815, he fell in with the British squad- 
 ron, about fifty miles east of Long Island, and after a bloodv engagement was, 
 for the first time in his career, compelled to surrender. He was sent to Ber- 
 muda, and thence home. In the meantime peace was declared. 
 
 He was not content with peace, however. The piratical Algerines had been 
 creating havoc with our commerce, and Decatur was soon in command of a 
 squadron en-route for Gibraltar, on arriving at which place the whereabouts of 
 the Algerine fleet was ascertained, and he immediately started in pursuit and
 
 HISTOKV OF MACON COUNTY. 219 
 
 sioners, that after they should receive a patent they would convey 
 to the commissioners a deed of gift for 30 acres of land, on which 
 the town had been located on the loth day of April, previous. 
 
 On the 1st day of June, 1839, at a meeting of the county com- 
 missioners' court an order was made as follows: 
 
 " Ordered^ That Benj. R, Austin, county surveyor for the county 
 of Macon, be and he is hereby required to lay oft' the town of De- 
 catur, in said county, after the form of Shelbyville, and make and 
 return to one of the commissioners of this court a complete plat of 
 the same, on or before the first day of July next." 
 
 Under this order the survey was made and acknowledged on the 
 yth day of July following. At the same term of court the follow- 
 ing order was also made by the commissioners: 
 
 soon overtook and captm-ed a part of the squadron. He pushed on to Algiers 
 and dictated peace to the frightened inhabitants, which closed forever the Al- 
 gerine war and i\lgerine piratical thefts. 
 
 Notwithstanding the treaty made with the Tripolitans, ensuing the war with 
 that power above referred to, thej continued to harrass our commerce in con- 
 nection with the pirates of Tunis. Decatur left Algiers without authoritv from 
 his gON-ernment, and proceeded to Tunis and forced an indemnity. Thence he 
 proceeded to Tripoli, and the Bashaw, not willing again to meet the gallant 
 Decatur, likewise agreed upon terms. 
 
 Decatur then returned home, where he met the same enthusiastic reception 
 as before. He was appointed Commissioner of the Navy, which post he filled 
 with credit, which concluded his brilliant naval career, which will be honored 
 and respected as long as our flag floats over the seas. 
 
 The gallant commander's life was now shortly to close. We would gladly drop 
 the pen at this period in this wonderful man's career. Unfortunatelv, at that pe- 
 riod, the ''code of honor," that relic of barbarism was still tolerated. On the 22d 
 of March, 1S20, he fell, mortally wounded in a duel with Com. Barrow, at 
 Bladensburg. He fell saying: " I am mortally wounded, and I wish that I had 
 fallen in defense of my country." He sank rapidly, beseeching his friends to 
 look after his wife, whom he tenderly loved, and not to him. 
 
 The tbllowing notice heralded to the world the unfortunate occurrence: " A 
 hero has fallen. Com. Decatur, one of the first officers of our navy, the pride 
 of his country; the gallant, noble-hearted gentleman is no more. Mourn Co- 
 lumbia, for one of thy brightest stars is set — a son without fear, without re- 
 proach, in the fullness of his fame, in the prime of his usefulness, has descend- 
 ed to his tomb." His remains repose on a beautiful site overlooking Washing- 
 ton and the potomac. 
 
 A worthy name for a rising young city of the west to assume.
 
 320 HISTORY OF MACON COUXTY. 
 
 " Ordered^ That a sale of lots take place in the town of Decatur, 
 in this county, on the loth day of July next, on the following 
 tei'ms, to-wit: a credit of twelve months will be given, and note 
 with approved security will be required, and that the clerk of this 
 court is required to advertise the sale in the i^aper j^rinted in Van- 
 dalia until the day of the sale." 
 
 At the next term of court we find that D. McCall was allowed 
 $500 "for money paid to R, Blackwell, for warrants and advertis- 
 ing the sale of lots in the town of Decatur," 
 
 At the sale on the loth day of July, the first lot sold was lot No- 
 2, in block 3, where Priest's Hotel now stands, which being a 
 " corner lot," was bid in by John Manly, for $53.50. The second 
 lot sold was lot 6, in block i, where Armstrong's drug store now 
 is, which was bid in for $12.00. 
 
 The first house erected in town was by James Renshaw — "Uncle 
 Jimm} Renshaw," he was called — on lot 3, block 3, just north of 
 Priest's Hotel. The second house erected was by Philip D. Wil- 
 liams, -on lot 4, block 1, where the store of Close & Griswold now 
 stands. "Philip" kept a livery stable in those early days — or rather 
 a place for the "entertainment of beasts." There was a very large 
 log lying in north Water street, nearly opposite the entrance to the 
 present court room. Upon this log boxes had been nailed or trenches 
 cut in which the horses were fed. There was also a log lying in front 
 of Renshaw's house, which we omitted to mention was a tavern — 
 the first in Decatur — upon this log, in early days, card jDlaj-ing was 
 carried on. It was the card table, and rather conspicuous, we 
 should say. Whether any fortunes were lost and won, we are unable 
 to say; but, judging from the court records, and the number of en- 
 tries of " indictments for gaming," entered thereon, it appears that 
 ' gaming was a very common pass-time, and the number of "convic- 
 tions" would indicate that there was also playing " for money," 
 and the names of the parties charged, would further indicate that 
 the "heads of town" were accessories, if not principals, in the en- 
 chanting games. 
 
 The officers of the town, and afterwards city of Decatur, since its 
 organization, are as follows;
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 221 
 
 BOARD OF TRUSTEES. 
 
 1S36. — Richard Oglesby, President. Trustees: Wm. T. Crissey, 
 G. R. White, *Wm.' Webb, Thomas Cowan, fH. M. Gorin, Henry 
 Butler, Landy Harrall. f Andrew Love, Clerk; James Carter k^id 
 Wm. Webb, Constables. /^ 
 
 183S. — fjoseph Williams, Henry Snyder, Presidents. Trustees: 
 James Renshaw, James F. Montgomery, George R. White, Henry 
 Pratber. Edmund McClellan, Clerk; Richard Oglesby, J. P. 
 Hickcok, Treasurer; John S. Adamson, Assessor; William Rad- 
 clifFand Thomas Cowan, Supervisors; J. H, Elliott, Constable. 
 
 1839. — Trustees: William T. Crissey, S. B. Etewees, J. M\ For- 
 dice, IJames F. Montgomery. 
 
 1S39. — Kirby Benedict, President. Trustees: John S. Adam- 
 son, Thomas Cowan, Samuel B. Dewees, Jesse H. Elliott, William 
 T. Ci'issey, Thomas H. Read. H. M. Gorin, Clerk; George R. 
 White, Treasurer; H. Prather, Assessor and Collector; G. W. 
 Gilbrath, Zebulon Cantrall and William Webb, Constables. 
 
 1S40. — Joseph King, President. Trustees: Henry Goodman, 
 William Cantrill, B. F. Oglesty, David Wright, John G. Speer, 
 David E.^ Ralls. H. M. Gorin, Clerk; G. R. White, Treasurer; 
 I. C. Pugh, Collector; William Webb, Constable. 
 
 II 1841. — -Thomas P.Rodgers, President. Trustees: J. H. Elliott, 
 D. E. Ralls, G, R. White, Henry Goodman, Benjamin R. Austin, 
 J. D. Tait. J. S. Post, Clerk; J. H. Read, Treasurer; Joseph Ste- 
 vens, Assessor and Collector; Wm. Webb, Constable. 
 
 1846. — David Crone, President. Trustees: Elijah Krone, Jo- 
 seph KaufFman, Michael Elson, Thomas H. Read. E. B. Hale, 
 Clerk; G. A. Smith, Constable. 
 
 1847.— D. ^'I'oiie, President. Trustees; J. H. Read, M. Elson, 
 Joseph KaufFman. Nathan P. West, Clerk; E. McClellan, Con- 
 stable; B. H. Cassell, Assessor. 
 
 * Died, f Resigned. % It does not appear from the record that these last 
 
 named trustees ever met, but that there was an election held on the 6th day of 
 
 May, 1839, under a special act incorporating the town of Decatur, at which 
 election another board was chosen. 
 
 II This was the last meeting of the Trustees of the town of Decatur for five 
 years.
 
 222 HISTORY OF MACOX COUNTY. 
 
 1848.— J. H. Elliott, President. Trustees: H. Prather, H. Arm- 
 strong, E. O. Smith, Jos. King. N. P. West, Clerk; E. McClel- 
 lan, Constable; B. H. Cassell, Assessor and Treasurer. 
 
 1849. — Joseph Kauffman, President. Trustees: H.J.Armstrong, 
 J. H. Elliott, Jos. King, W. S. Crissey. N. P. West, Clerk; B. 
 H. Cassell, Assessor and Treasurer; H. Goodman, Constable. 
 
 1850. — Joseph King, President. Trustees: W.J. Stamper, Wm. 
 Prather, C. H. Pringle, Wm. Wheeler. B. H. Cassell, Clerk; 
 Wm. Wheeler, Constable; B. H. Cassell, Assessor and Treas- 
 urer. 
 
 1S51. — Wm. S. Crissey, President. Trustees: Wm. Prather, C. 
 H. Pringle, Joseph King, W.J. Stamper. B. H. Cassell, Clerk, 
 Treasurer and Assessor, 
 
 1852. — W. J. Stamper, President. Trustees: W. S. Crissey, 
 Wm. Prather, C. H. Pringle, Jos. King. B. H. Cassell, Clerk, 
 Treasurer and Assessor. 
 
 1853. — Wm. Prather, President. Trustees: W. S. Crissey, W. 
 J. Stamper, Joseph King, John Ricketts. B. H. Cassell, Clerk, 
 Treasurer and Assessor. 
 
 1854. — William Prather, President. Trustees: William J. Stam- 
 per, William S. Crissey, Joseph King, Thomas H. Wingate. B. 
 H. Cassell, Clerk. 
 
 1854. — Thomas H. Wingate, President. Trustees: William S. 
 Crissey, Willam Martin, Elias Tanner, John Ricketts. B. H. Cas- 
 sell, Clerk; H. Churchman, Constable. 
 
 1855. — Thomas H. Wingate, President. Trustees: A. L. Kel- 
 lar, J. R. Gorin, William S. Crissey, William Martin. B. H. 
 Cassell, Clerk. 
 
 CITY COUNCIL. 
 
 *i856. — John P. Post, Mayor. Aldermen: Frank Priest, 1st 
 ward; E. O. Smith, 2d ward; J. R. Gorin, S. P. Ohr, 3d ward; 
 J.J. Ballentine, H. Taylor, 4th ward. C. C. Post, Clerk and At- 
 torney. 
 
 * An election was held for city officers, under a special charter, on the 7th 
 of January, 1856.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY, 223 
 
 1S57. — William A. Barnes, Mayor. Aldermen: George Good- 
 man, Joseph Mills, 1st ward; H. B. Durfee, George Dempsey, 2d 
 ward; A. T. Hill, John P, Post, 3d ward; Israel B. Gring, Geo. 
 Wessels, 4th ward. J. P. Boyd, Clerk and Attorney. 
 
 185S. — James Shoaff, Mayor. Aldermen : Joseph Mills, J. B. 
 Trull, 1st ward; H. B. Durtee, Isaac D.Jennings, ^d ward; John 
 P. Post, Samuel F. Greer, 3d ward; George Wessels, O. Powers, 
 4th ward. S. S. Goode, Clerk and Attorney. 
 
 1859. — A. T. Hill, Mayor. Aldermen: James Simpson, J. L. 
 Mansfield, xst ward; John W. Bear, M. Haworth, 2d ward; Sam- 
 uel F. Greer, William Lintner, 3d ward; O. Powers, J. C. Benton, 
 4th ward. S. S. Goode, Clerk and Attorney. 
 
 i860. — Sheridan Wait, Mayor. Aldermen: James Simpson, 
 S. S. Hale, 1st ward; E. McNabb, William J. Scanlan, 2d w^ard ; 
 Wm. Lintner, Peter M. WykofF, 3d ward; J. C. Benton, John'L_ 
 Peake, 4th ward. J. R. Gorin, Clerk and Attorney. 
 
 1861. — E. O. Smith, Mayor. Aldermen: F. Priest, long term, 
 Chas. A. Tuttle, short term, ist ward; James Millikin, William J. 
 Scanlan, 2d ward; W. H. Bramble, P. M. Wykoff, 3d ward; Joel 
 C. Benton, long term, William A. Barnes, short term, 4th ward, 
 J. R. Gorin, Clerk and Attorney. 
 
 1862. — Thomas O. Smith, Mayor. Aldermen: F. Priest, D. H. 
 Elwood, 1st ward; James Millikin, Lowber Burrows, 2d ward; 
 Henry Goodman, W. H. Bramble, 3d ward; Joel C. Benton, Ben- 
 son Henkle, 4th ward. J. R. Gorin, Clerk and Attorney. 
 
 1863. — J.J. Peddecord, Mayor. Aldermen: D. H. Elwood, 
 David S. Hughes, ist ward; James Millikin, Lowber Burrows, 
 2d ward; William H. Bramble, Henry Goodman, 3d ward; John 
 Ullerich, Benson Henkle, 4th ward. J. R. Gorin, Clerk and At- 
 torney. 
 
 1864.— J. J. Peddecord, Mayor. Aldermen: C. A. Tuttle, D. L, 
 Hughes, 1st ward; M. Y. Givlcr, James Millikin, 2d ward; M. 
 Forstmeyer, J. G. Starr, 3d ward; Benson Henkle, long term, T. 
 B. Albert, short term, 4th ward. K. H. Roby, Clerk and At- 
 torney. 
 
 f Resigned. * To till vacancy.
 
 224 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 1865. — Franklin Priest, Mayor. Aldermen: Charles A. Tuttle, 
 Charles H. Fuller, 1st ward; M. Y. Givler, William J. Usrey, 2d 
 ward; M. Forstmeyer, E. A.Barnwell, 3d ward; fBenson Henkle 
 S. T. Trowbridge, 4th ward. K. H. Roby, Clerk and Attorney. 
 
 1S66.— Franklin .Priest, Mayor. fCharles H. Fuller, S. F. Haw- 
 ley, ist ward; W.J. Usrey, E. McNabb, 2d ward ; E.A.Barn- 
 well, M. Forstme3-er, 3d ward; G. Howell, short term, H. Muller, 
 long term, 4th ward, f A. B. Bunn, Clerk and Attorney. 
 
 1867. — John K. Warren, Mayor. Aldermen: S. F. Hawley, 
 Joseph Mills, 1st waixl; E. McNabb, 2d ward; M. Forstmeyer, J. 
 R. Gorin, 3d ward; H. Muller, B. F. Dodson, 4th ward. C. H. 
 Fuller, Register. 
 
 186S. — Isaac C. Pugh, Mayor. Aldermen: D. P. Elwood, Joseph 
 Mills, 1st ward; L. L. Haworth, S. Burrows, 2d ward; M. Forst- 
 meyer, J. R. Gorin, 3d ward; B. F. Dodson, H. Prather, 4th ward. 
 
 C. H. Fuller, Register. 
 
 1869. — Wm. L. Hammer, Mayor, Aldermen: D. P. Elwood, 
 
 D. S. Shellabarger, ist ward; L. L. Haworth, J. L. Libby, 2d 
 ward; M. Forstmeyer, G. S. Simpson, 3d ward; H. Prather, W. F. 
 Busher, 4th ward. C. H. Fuller, Register. 
 
 1870. — F. Priest, Mayor. Aldermen: f E. M. Misner, D. S. 
 Shellabarger, ist ward; Benj. Dill, * E. McNabb, 2d ward; G. S. 
 Simpson, M. Forstmeyer, 3d ward; W. F. Busher, E. Harpstrite, 
 4th ward. C. H. Fuller, Register. 
 
 1S71. — E. M. Misner, Mayor. Aldermen: Joseph Mills, *Wm. 
 J. Myers, ist ward; Benj. Dill, E. McNabb, 2d ward; M. Forst- 
 meyer, Wm. H. Bramble, 3d ward; E. Harpstrite, Wm. Gabbler, 
 4th ward. C. H. Fuller, Register. 
 
 1S72. — D. S. Shellabarger, Mayor. Aldermen: Joseph Mills, 
 W. J. Myers, ist ward; F. Hardy, E. McNabb, 2d ward; A. T. 
 Hill, Wm. H. Bramble, 3d ward; Wm. Gabbler, B. B. Richards, 
 4th ward. George P.Hardy, Register; Thomas Lee, Attorney ; 
 M. K. Hatch, Treasurer; G. V. Loring, City Engineer; John W. 
 Haworth, Marshal. 
 
 1873. — Martin Forstmeyer, Mayor. Aldermen: Geo. Stare, W. 
 J. Myers, ist ward; Frank Hardy, L. F. Muzzy, 2d ward; A. T. 
 Hill, T. J. Able, 3d ward; James Peake, B. B. Ricliards, 4th ward;
 
 HISTORY OF MACOX COUNTY. 225 
 
 Joseph Leake, A. Shoemaker, 5th ward. Geo. Hardy, Register; 
 I. A. Buckingham, Attorney; G. V. Loring, City Engineer; M. 
 K. Hatch, Treasurer; John W . Haworth, Marshal. 
 
 1874. — F. Priest, Mayor, Aldermen: H. W. Waggoner, Geo. 
 Stare, ist ward; E. McNabb, L. F. Muzzy, 2d ward; J. T. Able, 
 Isaac Ehrman, 3d ward; James Feake, J. W. Butman, -ith ward; 
 Joseph Leake, R. N. Mills, 5th ward. Geo. P. Hardy, Register; 
 L A. Buckingham, Attorney; M. K. Hatch, Treasurer; Geo. V. 
 Loring, City Engineer; John W. Haworth, Marshal. 
 
 1875, — R. H. Merriweather, Mayor. Aldermen: H.W.Wag- 
 goner, W.J. Myers, ist ward ; Wm. M. Boyd, H. B, Durfee, 2d ward ; 
 Isaac Ehrman, B. F. Stephens, 3d ward; James Peake, J. W. But- 
 man, 4th ward; Joseph Leake, R. N. Mills, 5th ward. George P. 
 Hardy, Register; M. K. Hatch, Treasurer; I. A, Bucl^ingham, 
 Attorney; John W. Haworth, Marshal; S. Burgess, City Engi- 
 neer. 
 
 1876.— W. B. Chambers, Mayor. Aldermen: W.J. Myers, W. 
 J. Wayne, ist ward; H. B. Durfee, L. F. Muzzy, 2d ward; I. W. 
 Ehrman, B. F. Stephens, 3d ward; James Peake, Edward Harps- 
 trite, 4th ward; Joseph Leake, Kilburn Harwood, 5th ward. Geo. 
 P. Hardy, Register; I. A. Buckingham, Attorney; M. K. Hatch, 
 Treasurer; S. Burgess, City Engineer; John W. Haworth, Mar- 
 shal. 
 
 V ITS WATER WORKS. 
 
 The Sangamon river furnishes ample facilities to the city of De- 
 catur for fire protection and water privileges. It runs within a 
 short distance of the southern limits of the city. At the most avail- 
 able point on the river, just above the crossing of the Illinois Cen- 
 tral Railroad, and above the drainage and sewerage from the city, 
 is located the city water-works. There has probably been no 
 acquisition to the city, since the construction of the railroads, that 
 has added more to its advancement and permanent improvement 
 than the water-works. At the time of their construction there 
 were a few grumblers opposed to their construction, for reasons 
 they no doubt thought were plausible, but at the present time it is 
 safe to say that there is not any enemy to them. It is a remark often 
 made that tor fire protection alone more property, in value, has 
 been saved by means of the water-works than the entire cost of 
 
 —29
 
 226 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY 
 
 their construction and operation. They were constructed under 
 the direction of the city council, in 1S71, at a cost of $35,000, and 
 the additional mains, machinery, and other incidental expenditures 
 up to the present time amount in the aggregate to $130,000, which 
 has been paid with the exception of the oriirinal debt. The works 
 are constructed upon the holly system; the engines being located 
 at the river, and the water forced from that point to all parts of the 
 city. Hydrants are placed atdificrent points upon all the principal 
 streets, so that by the attachment of hose to them, we have what 
 is equal to a steam fire engine at the corner of almost every block in 
 the city. The mains are tapped by persons desiring the use of the 
 water for domestic, manufacturing and other purposes, and the rev- 
 enues derived from this source are now about equal to the expenses 
 of running the works, including labor, repairs, fuel, etc. There 
 are about 8j/^ miles of pipes laid, and Si fire plugs, which are 
 being extended from time to time, as necessity requires. The capa- 
 city of the works is about eight hundred thousand gallons per day, 
 which will be suflicient to meet the demand for years. The water 
 furnished being filtered, is pure, and suitable for all domestic pur- 
 poses, in fact is very much preferable to that obtained from the 
 wells in the business part of town. The water is not impregnated 
 to any considerable extent with lime deposits, which renders it suit- 
 able for nTanufacturing purposes. 
 
 FIRE DEPARTMENT. 
 
 In connection with the water works, it is proper to notice the 
 Decatur Fire Department. It is, as at present organized, perhaps 
 as efticient as any similar organization in the State. The compa- 
 nies, though unjoaid, are prompt and energetic. The fire apparatus 
 of the various companies is excellent, and kept in good condition, 
 and is controlled by the companies with almost as much skill as is 
 displayed by the regular paid companies in our large cities. 
 
 The Hook and Ladder Company was first organized, which was 
 in June, 1868. Some of the members of this company are among 
 our most wealthy merchants and business men. At present it has 
 a membership of fift}- men, and is well uniformed, and has all the 
 implements pertaining to such companies. Homes Cloyd, fore- 
 man; Enos Kepler, ist assistant; Chas. Fletcher, 2d assistant.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 227 
 
 Rescue Hose Company, No. i, was organized in 1S71; W. W. 
 Foster is foreman; George Craft, ist assistant; N. Pringle, 2d 
 assistant. 
 
 Eldorado Hose Company No. 2, was organized in 1871; Andrew 
 
 Shoemaker is foreman; John Sutler, ist assistant; 2d 
 
 assistant. 
 
 Neptune Hose Company No. 3, was organized in 1875; W.J. 
 Wayne is foreman; Samuel Funk, ist assistant; James Hughes, 
 2d assistant. 
 
 The department is under the control of a chief and two assistants, 
 viz: H. B. Durfee, chief; William Dodson, ist assistant; John 
 Ulrich, 2d assistant. 
 
 MAROA, ILLINOIS. 
 
 This is the largest and most important town, except Decatur, 
 within the limits of Macon county, and is located 13 miles north of 
 the latter city. It is situated at the junction of the Illinois Central 
 and Illinois Midland Railroads. The original plat of the town was 
 jointly laid out by the "Associated Land Company" and the "I. C. 
 R. R. Co." The Illinois Central Railroad was opened to the pub- 
 lic in 1S54, and that may be stated as the commencement of the 
 town of Maroa. Mr. John Crocker was appointed the first agent 
 of the road, which position he held until 1866. 
 
 The first house built in Maroa was in the fall of 1855, by G.J. 
 Schenck, which was then, and still is used by him as a dwelling; 
 part of it, however, has been used as a store-room. 
 
 The second house erected was also by Mr. Schenck, but was for 
 Mr. Barndt, in 1856; and Mr. Friedman erected the next two — a 
 dwelling and a store-house. He started the first regular store in 
 Maroa, and he has continued in business to the present, and is the 
 oldest store-keeper in Maroa. 
 
 In 1858 Wm. Greer erected the "Prairie Hotel," which was the 
 first hotel, though prior, and even since that time, Mr. Schenck's 
 hospitable home has alwas been a place open to the weary traveler. 
 In the same year the first school house was erected in Maroa, and 
 Robert Collins was the first school teacher. The present Maroa 
 school house was erected in 1866, at a cost of $7,000, and furnishes 
 accommodations for 200 pupils.
 
 238 . ■ HISTORY Op- MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Maroa Lodge No. 314, I. O. O. F., was organized May 3, 1865, 
 and the following officers installed: Thomas Hunter, X. G.; M. 
 Friedman, V. G. ; O. J. Harlow, S. ; James Huff, P. S. ; Jonah 
 Linglc, Treasurer. The lodge now numbers about 75 members. 
 
 Maroa Lodge No. 454, A . F. A. M., was organized July 4, 
 1865, and the first officers installed were: John H. Crocker, W. M.; 
 R. C. Crocker, S. W. ; O.J. Harlow, J. W . ; G. W. Conover, 
 T. ; A. C. Kccver, vS. D.; Jacob Cooper, J. D., and W. L. Webb, 
 Tyler. 
 
 Maroa Lodge, No. 102, Order of Patrons of Husbandry, was or- 
 ganized January, 1873, with 27 members, with the following offi- 
 cers: J. B. Garvin, M.; Henry Jones, Overseer; J. B. Gardner, 
 Lecturer; John Longstreet, Steward; A. Wykoff, Assistant; J. B. 
 Parkhurst, Chaplain; W. P. Funk, Treasurer; Joseph Jones, Sec- 
 retary; W. O. Williams, G. K.; Mrs. Emma Williams, Ceres; 
 Miss Mary A. Garvin, Flora; Mrs. K. Cooper, Poma. 
 
 The Maroa Library Association was organized August 27, 1870, 
 through the instrumentality of the Rev. J. A. Hood, and is at pre- 
 sent organized under the State law. The library, though quite 
 small, has been a source of improvement to its patrons, and no doubt 
 will, in the course of a few years, become the nucleus of a library 
 
 that will be an honor to its founders and the citizens of Maroa. 
 
 Among the liberal donors to this institution, as to all others that 
 have the improvement of his fellow-citizens as their object and aim, 
 we mention, specially, Elder John Crocker. 
 
 The Maroa Steam Flouring Mills were erected in 1S66, by Con- 
 over Bros., at a cost of from fifteen to twenty thousand dollars. It 
 has a capacity of about fifty thousand bushels per year, and is re- 
 garded as one of the best mills in Central Illinois. It is at present 
 under the management of W. J. Compton. 
 
 The Maroa Steam Elevator was erected in 1867, by J. W. Rich- 
 ards & Co., of Chicago, but is now under the management of Messrs. 
 Crocker & Co., and has a capacity for storage of 14,400 bushels, 
 and can shell and load five hundred bushels per hour. We might 
 
 mention still other business houses of Maroa, but space forbids. 
 
 We can truthfully say, however, that the business men of this town, 
 as a class, are energetic and successful. In fact, the tact of the 
 business men of Maroa has made the town what it is to-day. As 
 a town, it has had no more natural advantages than many others in
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 229 
 
 Central Illinois that it has outstripped and quadrupled in population 
 and advancement. As a shipping point, there are few, if any other 
 places along the entire line of the I. C. R. R., that excel it. There 
 has been shipped from this point, in a single year, as high as 650,- 
 000 bushels of grain. It is the second town in size in the county— 
 the population at present being about 1,500 — and has reached that 
 jDoint in business and commercial importance, which assures it a 
 steady and onward progress. The town of Maroa was incorpora- 
 ted by special act of the legislature, March 7, 1S67. Job A. Race, 
 John B. Gary, Henry Stauffer, Joseph Wilson and Henry Jones, 
 being the incorporators. Mr. Race was the first President of the 
 Town lioard, and Mr. Gary, Secretary. Maroa has four churches, 
 viz: Presbyterian, Methodist-Episcopal, Methodist-Protestant, and 
 Ghristian. The former was organized January 30, 1S50, by the 
 Rev. A.J. Norton, and its church edifice erected in 1S67. It has a 
 regular pastor, a large membership, Sunday school, etc. The 
 Ghristian church was organized by Elder A. N. Page, Ma}'^ 4, 1868, 
 and the present church edifice was erected the following year. The 
 membership is large, and the Sunday school well attended. 
 
 The Methodist-Episcopal and Methodist-Protestant churches are 
 in a good condition, so far as membership and progress are con- 
 cerned. Their church edifices are ample in size, and meet the de- 
 mands of respective congregations. 
 
 Maroa and surrounding community has supported a weekly 
 newspaper for several years. The first paper published was the 
 Times^ in 1867; T.J. Sharp, editor. This was succeeded by the 
 Tablet^ and that in turn by the Tribttiie^ in 186S; A. H. Gorman, 
 editor. This paper was removed in 1873, to Decatur, and was suc- 
 ceeded by the News^ which is at present owned by Mr. Gorman, 
 and is an eight-page, forty-column sheet. 
 
 THE CITY OF MACON. 
 
 This place was incorporated as a city on the 19th of April, 1869. 
 The first house built was commenced by Esquire A. J. Harris, one 
 Sunday Morning in the spring of i860. The first store-house was 
 built by Gharles Williams and James Seamens, in the year 1859. 
 The first hotel was kept by the station agent, Mr. Ruby. After 
 the incorporation of the town, the first officers were J. H. Mat-
 
 J30 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 thews, Mayor; T. C. Drinkall, Clerk; and C. A. Turner, M. Dun- 
 lap, Charles Van Horn and Jacob Frick, Aldermen. Its present 
 officers are C. A. Turner, Mayor; J. W. Harrah, Clerk; and James 
 L. Hight, Daniel Kalips, J. D. Peters and William Whitaker, Al- 
 dermen. 
 
 In 1865, the present school house was erected at a cost of about 
 $4,000. It has a capacity for about 350 pupils. 
 
 Macon Lodge, No. 467, A. F. A. M., was organized in 1865, and 
 is in a flourishing condition. 
 
 There is also a Lodge of the I. O. G. T., Xo. 884, that has 
 been in existence several years. 
 
 There are two large grain elevators in the town ; one ow^ned by W. 
 Harbert & Co., and the other by N. Failing. The former was 
 erected in 1S74, and has a storage capacity of about thirty thousand 
 bushels, and with its facilities can shell and load two thousand bush- 
 els of grain per day, and in the shipping season employs four or 
 five men. The firm owming this elevator are W. Harbert and C. 
 Dunkel; the former has been a resident of Illinois since 1874, and 
 the latter since 1876. The "Macon" elevator was erected in 1867, 
 by John Hatfield, Fletcher Miller, N. Failing and D.-C. Webb, and 
 is at present owned by Mr. Failing. This elevator has a storage 
 capacity of twenty thousand bushels, and can shell and load five 
 thousand bushels per day. This elevator and machinery cost in 
 the neighborhood of twelve thousand dollars, and furnishes em- 
 ployment for four men. Mr. Failing came to Macon from Rock 
 Island in 1863, and has represented his town in the board of super- 
 visors for several years. He is a thorough and safe business man, 
 and has done a great deal for the advancement of the interests of his 
 town. Macon formerly was one of the best shipping points for grain 
 on the I. C. Railroad, but the building of the town of Blue Mound, 
 on the St. Louis branch of the T. W. & W., has taken from it one- 
 third at least of its original shipping interest. The population at 
 present is in the neighborhood of 650. The business men of Ma- 
 con compare favorably with those of all our inland towns. It has 
 four churches, viz: Methodist-Episcopal, Presbyterian, Catholic, 
 and Lutheran — all of which are well sustained. The church edifice of 
 the former was erected in 1S65; the Presbyterian and Catholic in 
 1867, and the Lutheran in 1S71.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 23I 
 
 BLUE MOUND. 
 
 Soon after the construction of the Decatur and East St. Louis 
 Raih-oad, in 1868, this town sprung into existence, and has contin- 
 ued to increase in population and a commercial point of view from 
 that time since. It has some residences and store-houses that would 
 be a credit to a much laij^er place, and its streets often present a 
 scene of activity and business astonishing to one not acquainted 
 with the thriving:, g^o-ahead character of its merchants and business 
 men. There is more business transacted in some ot our railroad 
 towns in one day than there. is in a week in towns of double their 
 size in some of our eastern states; and Blue Mound is a fair illus- 
 tration of the truthfulness of this remark. The town was laid out 
 through the inHuence of Doctor Goltra, who owned at the time of 
 the location of the railroad, the land upon which the town plat 
 was laid out. 
 
 This town has its churches and school — all of which are in suc- 
 cessful operation. It derived its name from two large mounds, situ- 
 ated not far distant. These mounds have been objects of specula- 
 tion and curiosity to our citizens from the time of the first visit of 
 white men to this vicinity. Whether they are of natural or artifi- 
 cial origin, will, in all probability, remain matters of conjecture? 
 and upon which the writer, in this connection, does not deem it 
 proper to add suggestions. 
 
 Is situated on the main line of the Wabash Railroad, west of De- 
 catur, and is an energetic, lively town. It is surrounded by an 
 excellent agricultural country, which wa?, practically donated to 
 Macon county, as elsewhere noticed, because it was thought to be 
 absolutely worthless. Niantic and Niantic township present a 
 marvelous outgrowth of the swampy appearance jA. presented in 
 early days. It is affirmed by some of our early settlers that the 
 swamp land commissioner could not have disposed of the whole 
 township for ten cents jDer acre in the first settlement of the county. 
 Now it is one of our best townships, and its town is one of our most 
 thriving and energetic. 
 
 Niantic is the home of the erratic poetical genius. Captain Joab 
 Wilkinson, who worships at the shrine of the muses, and whose
 
 232 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 daily conversation bubbles up with poetical gems from Milton and 
 Burns. 
 
 HARRISTOWN, 
 
 Though situated too near Decatur to ever become large, deserves 
 special mention as a shipping point for the surrounding country. 
 It is the home of J. H. Pickrell, our famous breeder of short-horns, 
 elsewhere noticed; also of M. G. Camron, who, as a member of 
 our board of supervisors, has been faithful and vigilant in guarding 
 the interests of the county. 
 
 WARRENSBURG, 
 
 In mini township, has grown up within the last few years, 
 since the construction of the Pekin, Lincoln & Decatur Railroad. 
 As a point for the shipment of grain and stock it is destined to be 
 of very considerable commercial importance. 
 
 MOUNT ZION, 
 
 Though until the construction of the P. & D. (now I. M.) Rail- 
 road, was without railroad facilities, has been known for a quarter 
 of a century as the location of the Mt. Zion Seminary, which at 
 one time, was a flourishing school. The village is located near the 
 junction of the I. M, and M. S. & D. Railroad, and is in one of the 
 oldest, wealthiest and earliest settled neighborhoods of the county. 
 
 FORSYTH, 
 
 Is situated on the I. C. Railroad; has an elevator, and is one of the 
 best grain markets in the county. 
 
 ARGENTA AND OH E AN A, 
 
 On the 1. B. & VV. Railroad, arc towns growing in importance and 
 will, in a few years, become points of considerable commercial 
 interest. 
 
 OAKLEY, SANGAMON, WHEATLAND, BOODY, 
 
 Are villages of local interest to their surrouudiu"; neishborhoods, 
 and all have stores, and some of them elevators and other conven- 
 iences for shipping.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 233 
 
 CHAPTER IX 
 
 THE COMMON SCHOOLS. 
 
 A history of the county without noticing the educational interests, 
 would be incomplete, and yet we are unable to give much valuable 
 information in regard to the earlv school system of the county. The 
 fact is the early schools of the county were like angel's visits are said 
 to be, few and far between; and the whole educational system — if sys- 
 tem it may be called — of Macon county, in common with the state, 
 was almost without order or management. There were good schools 
 taught, but as compared with the present system, and its advanta- 
 ges, they were far inferior. There were some good "schoolmas- 
 ters" in those days, who were veiy successful in rearing the tender 
 minds and teaching the young ideas how to shoot; but the majority 
 were but poorly qualified for the duties of instructors. The popu- 
 lar standard of education was low, owing to the peculiar incidents 
 and surroundings of pioneer life. The country was sparsely set- 
 tled, and the people generally poor; and however anxious they may 
 have been for good educational advantages, it was utterly impos- 
 sible to obtain them. But few who had qualified themselves for 
 the profession of teaching wandered so far \vest. The school mas- 
 ter vv^as generally some unfortunate, poverty-stricken wretch that 
 had been wafted to the outskirts of civilization, and had become 
 snow-bound, water-bound, or frost-bitten, and was compelled to 
 "take up a school" to keep soul and body together until a favorable 
 opportunity presented itself, for him to get to his destination, or 
 back to his home in the east. Not infrequently did it happen that 
 a man was to be found who was too lazy, in the popular estimation, 
 
 —30
 
 234 HISTORY OF MACOX COUNTY. 
 
 for anything else than a school teacher, who was induced to pass 
 around his "subscription for signers," and "take up" a school! Some 
 people seemed to have entertained the idea that laziness was one of 
 the qualifications of a school teacher! The Biblical camel could 
 about as well accomplish the needle's eye feat as one of these living 
 specimens of inertia could properly manage and "keep a school," in 
 those days, when the big boys were boiling over with mischief, and 
 had no great respect for the restraint of the school room, any how. 
 The teachers were, of necessity, poorly paid, and, all things con- 
 sidered, perhaps, rendered as much instruction in proportion to the 
 compensation, as those of the present day. It was certainly no 
 pleasant task in those days the teacher had to perform. He usually 
 "boarded round" with the scholars, and in this respect was like a 
 stray dog, having no fixed place of abode. He was compelled to 
 make long and laborious journeys to and from his temporary stop- 
 ping places; which, taken in connection with the fact that the poor 
 fellow was often poorly clad, and possessed no great amount of 
 vitality, at any rate, rendered him an object of mingled commisera- 
 tion and pity. He was likewise made the target at which was 
 hurled all the knotty questions of theology, mathematics, science 
 and politics, that had descended down to the different households 
 from generation to generation. 
 
 These knotty problems were piled on the poor pedagogue pro- 
 miscuously, and in pell-mell order, as though he were a creature of 
 infinite power, and had the ability to solve ihem, scr/af/m,hy some 
 magical power to the populace unknown. The teacher and big 
 boys of the neighboring district poured in on the poor fellow all 
 sorts of mathematical questions that would have puzzled the arith- 
 metic makers themselves, and it was a forfeiture of his standing in 
 the community if he did not furnish a solution and prove his dem- 
 onstration by the rules of Smiley or Adams. It was not infrequent 
 in later days that the school-master was put through a most critical 
 examination on Kirkham or vSmith, by pater famiUas^ to determine 
 his fitness to teach Sarah Jane the rudiments of English Grammar, 
 and woe betide the unfortunate pedagogue if by chance he happen- 
 ed to transgress the ipse dixit of the inquisitor's favorite author. 
 He was, also, the neighborhood calculator of interest on all the paid 
 and unpaid notes of the community, and was also expected to fur- 
 nish each famil}' with the mathematical data as to the required num-
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 235 
 
 ber of hogs, at a given price, to purchase the adjoining forty acres 
 at the next sale, at the land office. He was also expected to furnish 
 to order reasonable and satisfactory arguments for combatting the 
 heretical dogmas of preacher so-and-so, who had a short time pre- 
 vious came near capturing the whole neighborhood with his " new 
 light" doctrines, or anti-total-depravity-theories. 
 
 He had, also, divers other difficulties to meet and overcome. He 
 v^^as usually compelled to court the good graces of the young men 
 who were his pupils. They sometimes were disposed, on slight 
 provocation, to plot treason against the government, which some- 
 times ripened into overt acts. It often happened that open rebel- 
 lion existed, and the poor teacher was subjected to a pummeling at 
 the hands of the refractory members of his school. At other times 
 the parents themselves, for grievances they supposed justifiable, 
 took the law into their own hands, and inflicted upon the ofTending 
 master, a punishment entirely too serious for a well-regulated com- 
 munity to tolerate. An instance is related of one poor fellow who 
 had offended his patrons, being compelled to make the best record 
 known in the community, in the shape of a foot-race, being urged 
 on and on, in front of a pair of brutal stogas which were propelled 
 by an irate father. His coat-tails are said to have ever and anon 
 floated high in air, at the touch of the swearing, raging, pursuing 
 ursine. Whether, henceforth, the offending teacher became a wan- 
 derer, disconsolate and heart-broken, like Ichabod Crane, is not 
 stated. 
 
 Other instances might be given where ye pedagogue was bound 
 hand and foot by his pupils, taken by force of arms from his castle, 
 as it were, and ducked in the creek or frog-pond, and that, too, 
 when the temperature was almost as frigid as it is supposed to be 
 on the north side of the icebergs in Iceland. There was, also, a 
 habit in early days of baring the teacher out of the school-house on 
 Christmas if he would not treat the school to apples, candy, or 
 something of that nature equally as insignificant. It is even said 
 that the demands of the elder portion of the male pupils were often 
 for a jug of something stronger and more exhilarating. This was 
 a custom originating no one knows where, at one time rigidly ad- 
 hered to, but now passed away with many other aforetime usages. 
 The teacher had his pleasures and enjoyments as well. It was 
 not all thorns and thistles that grew along his pathway. A few
 
 536 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 flowers — puny, sickly blossoms of the morning-glory order, to us 
 they might seem but flowers, nevertheless — also grew among them. 
 He was one of the lords of creation, as he boarded around from 
 house to house. There was nothing too good in the eating line, 
 from the dried pumpkins that hung in strings on the wall, to honey 
 and venison and wild turkey, that was not placed before him. 
 There was nothing but the dyspepsia that prevented the revolving 
 teacher from farcing sumptuously everyday; and few remember 
 of having seen a school-teacher in those days of long walks, airy 
 school-houses, who was dyspeptic. The general experience of the 
 good old house-wives of those days is, that a school-teacher who 
 had eaten a cold dinner, or no dinner at all, and then after school 
 "was out" had walked from two to five miles to his evening domi- 
 cile, and had his appetite whetted by the appetising aroma that rose 
 from the semicircle of cooking victuals in front of the old-fashioned 
 fire-places, could come as near reading his title clear, to earthly en- 
 joyment, as any one. He was generally able to do ample and com- 
 plete justice to the repast, so to speak. There was enjoyment in 
 it. He was ipso-facto^ for the time being, lord of all he surveyed, 
 and he surveyed with a kind of otitiin cum dignitate grace that 
 would make a hungry mortal feel glorious. 
 
 If he had any knack at all in story-telling, he was undoubtedly 
 highly edified in sitting around the firesides during the long winter 
 evenings, and dealing out to the listening household those startling 
 stories that have descended down for generations, and have accu- 
 mulated in size and horror at almost each repetition.^ Old grandma, 
 too, was often on hand with her stories of goblins and ghosts, that 
 made the little folks, and teacher as well, feel shaky and down- 
 hearted, and almost afraid to move. There were in those early 
 days when most people had nothing to read, except, perhaps, the 
 Testament, Peep of Day, Life of Boone, or Marion, much real en- 
 joyment in story-telling, and the teacher was always expected to 
 do his duty in this regard, or else be voted an uncommon bore. 
 And then he was the generalissimo at all the parties and gatherings, 
 from the " apple-pealings " up to the wedding. At the latter place 
 he was regarded as but little lower than the parson himself, and 
 was expected to furnish the fun necessary for the occasion — and it 
 was usually a very cheap order of fun required, for on such occa- 
 sions the whole assembly was easily set wild with mirth and laugh-
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 237 
 
 ter on the slightest of provocations. An old-fashioned wedding 
 with the teacher left out, was not regarded as altogether a success. 
 The materials were all there, but it lacked a free and easy sort of a 
 fellow, such as the teacher usually was, to set the giggling ma- 
 chinery a-going. 
 
 But it was in the school room of those early days that the teacher 
 showed his powers to the greatest advantage. There he was the 
 supreme autocrat, and ruled, usually, with a kind of sledge-hammer 
 bravado that was a terror to little urchins. The moment he called 
 "books" there was a mingled expression of sternness and gravity 
 that settled on his austere brow, as though he was born to rule the 
 storm. That very moment he become transposed from Philip 
 drunk, to Philip sober, as it were; and he gathered up all the hila- 
 rious faculties about him, and drowned them out as if thenceforth 
 and forever he expected to remain an iceberg of despair and solem- 
 nitv. When he spoke, he spoke as one having authority; and his 
 orders were peremtory and absolute. There was no look of com- 
 promise in his appearance, and the black flag was kept continually 
 unfurled from, his ramparts. On the morning school commenced 
 he read a string of rules as long as the code Napoleon, and alto- 
 gether niore stringent. These rules he carried in his hat, read once 
 a day, by way of warning, and in the enforcing of which he direct- 
 ed more energy, mental and physical, than to imparting instruction. 
 There stood in the corner, or lay concealed in the desk, a weapon 
 of daily use, of hickorv or hazel origin. This he used as a war 
 measure, both offensive and defensive. It \vas not used as a dernier 
 resort, but as a first resort, and that, too, often quite vigorously. 
 When the offending urchin had passed the line pi'escribed by the 
 oft repeated rules, no matter whether intentional or not, down came 
 the rod, if for no other reason than to show the Inexorable quality 
 of the aforesaid rules. Order was the first law of heaven, and the 
 keeping of order w'as the keeping of the rules. If, for instance, 
 the rules said, "No laughing out in school allowed," and by the 
 merest accident, and wholly unintentional, the most innocent little 
 titter was heard above the surrovmding din, the dogs of war were 
 let loose, and the offender dragged to justice. Who that has ever 
 been in school with a lot of little, mirth-loving brats, all bubbling 
 over with fun, and does not know that there are little incidents 
 occuring in the school-room daily, that it would be worse than 
 death itself if the little fellows could not laugh. Just as well try
 
 238 HISTORY OF MACOX COUNTY. 
 
 to dam up the Niagara at the rapids, as suppress one of these invol- 
 untary laughs in a child full of spirit and life. "It won't down." 
 Yet the teacher had his rules, and these rules were absolutely with- 
 out provisos; and he enforced them without an if or a but. He 
 regarded it as a kind of dot-your-/-and-cross-your-/ transaction. The 
 act was sure to bring on the penalty, without regard to intention or 
 any other-element of crime. 
 
 The method of teaching was also quite different from that of the 
 present day. It is hardly susceptible of accurate description. It is 
 one of those things that ought to be seen to be duly appreciated. 
 The school books were very few. Webster's spelling book was 
 the book used by beginners, usually; though, perhaps, not usdd in- 
 the first schools of the county. There was the old English reader, 
 that succeeded next in order, after the spelling book; but few, how- 
 ever, were able to obtain it. There was no uniformity in the school 
 books. Almost every family of children had a different kind of 
 book, which their parents had used in their school days, and had 
 handed down usually in a good state of preservation. It was not 
 unusual that the children learned their a, b, c's from a shingle, upon 
 which the letters were cut or made with chalk or charcoal. The 
 New Testament was often used as a reader for all grades of ad- 
 vancement. It answered the purpose of a first, second, third, fourth 
 or fifth reader. It was in arithmetic, however, that the defects of 
 the early system of educational training were the most apparent. 
 In this there was absolutely no order or system. There were no 
 classes, and each pupil, provided with an arithmetic, slate and pen- 
 cil, "ciphered" on at his own pleasure, without explanation or ver- 
 ification. He was required to commit the rules to memory, or so 
 much of them as was printed in italics. This done, he launched 
 out into the solution of the problems, having but one object in view, 
 and that was to obtain the answer given. The whys and where- 
 fores of the different steps taken in procuring the answer were mat- 
 ters of no concern whatever. The "sum" stated, and the thus saith 
 the rule, were all the pupil desired, and all that the teacher requir- 
 ed. It was a kind of mechanical process that he went through 
 with without being able to give a single reason for a single step 
 taken, except the mere fact that the rule said so and so. When the 
 pupil came to an example, which, after a trial or two, he failed to 
 obtain the given answer, he reported the fact to the teacher, and
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 239 
 
 the solution was given on the slate, often without explanation, and 
 the pupil returned to his place in the school-room satisfied; not be- 
 cause he understood the modus operandi^ but because he had the 
 answer required. This process was kept up until the pupil had 
 progressed as far as the "single," or, perhaps, the "double rule of 
 three," which was generally regarded as the iiltinia thitle in math- 
 ematical education; and that, too, quite often from an inability on 
 the part of the teacher to conduct — if conduct it may be called — his 
 pupil farther. All that lay beyond that, as a usual thing, was as a 
 sealed book — ,i frozen sea on which the pupil dared not, or consid- 
 ered it uselchb to venture. The arithmetics of the early days were 
 far inferior and less suitable for pupils than those of to-day. The 
 old dry pages of Daball, with their pounds, shillings and pence, 
 would make a fit subject for comparison with the old bar-shear 
 plow of fifty years a^o. If these two articles of the past were not 
 on exhibition at the Centennial of i8y6, they should have been, as 
 mementos of the past, to mark our onward steps of progress. 
 
 English grammar was a study seldom pursued. It was consid- 
 ered as rather too effeminate in its nature for the hardv sons who 
 grew up in the early days of the county. It was sometimes stud- 
 ied, however, b}' the girls, as being more suitable to their natures 
 and mental characteristics. It was not until wuthin the last few 
 years that anatomy, physiology and hygene, were made a part of 
 the common school curriculum. The laws of life and health were 
 singularly omitted in the education of the children under the old 
 system of education. It was considered, however, as highly pro- 
 per that the children should spend nine-tenths of their school-daj^s 
 in learning to spell the contents of Webster's Elementary from 
 asperity to the pictures, without for once learning the simplest rudi- 
 ments pertaining to the preservation of health and life. 
 
 The methods of recitations and teaching were difi^erent from 
 those of to-day; and the modes of study and deportment of the 
 pupils were also vei"y ditTerent. It was quite common during school 
 hours for all the pupils to study aloud ; some reading, some spell- 
 ing, some reciting; some in one tone of voice, and some in another, 
 and all striving, seemingly, to make a bedlam equal to Babel. 
 There were swells in the general racket when it seemed impossible 
 to distinguish, in the din, one idea of human origin or sense. The 
 noise and confusion were worse confounded than the jabbering of
 
 240 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 an army of monkeys in Africa, This would gradually die out until 
 some little urchin, alone, would be heard unconsciously coming 
 over hisb-a-k-e-r baker, s-h-a-d-y shady — the only audible sound 
 to be heard in the whole room. He, too, when nudged in the side 
 b}' some seat-mate, would see the ridiculousness of the situation, 
 and relapse into profound silence. Then the condition of affairs 
 would fitly illustrate the saying, that "after a storm the sea grows 
 calm." 
 
 The school-houses were likewise worthy of mention. They were 
 almost invariably built of logs, and were "chinked and daubed." 
 Some of them had no floors, and those that did have the floors were 
 made of puncheons hewed upon one side and not altogether as 
 smooth as marble floors. The school-house was heated from a 
 large fire-place at one end of the room. These fire-places were of 
 capacious dimensions. Huge logs were often rolled in or carried 
 in by the teacher and scholars, that, except in length, would have 
 made good saw logs. The chimneys were made of wood and clay, of 
 sufficient size to have permitted a good sized yearling elephant to 
 have been thrown down them. Of course most of the heat from 
 the fire-places below passed up the chimney, instead of being thrown 
 out into the room. The windows were usually made by cutting 
 out a log upon one side of the school-house, making the windows 
 rather wide but not very high. Glass, they had none, for the first 
 school-houses, and these "openings in the wall," that have been 
 described, were covered over with greased paper! The effect of 
 greasing the paper, in this glazing process, was to make it more 
 transparent, and also tougher, so as to withstand the storms of wind 
 and rain. It must have been a mellow-tinted light, that which was 
 admitted through those tallow-dipped window panes! However, 
 whether good or bad, it was the only make-shift they had until 
 glass became accessible. The seats in those old school-houses 
 would be a terror to this generation. They, too, like the floors, 
 were made of slabs, hewed upon one side, and, of course, had no 
 backs to them. The little fellows were placed side by side on them 
 rough benches, six, eight or ten in a row, and scarcely any of these 
 could reach the floor with their feet, the benches were so high. 
 Legs were driven into the slabs from the lower side, and it was not 
 always that they were of the same length, so that, at times, the 
 benches would rock from side to side, greatlv to the terror of the
 
 HISTORV OF MACOX COUNTY. 24I 
 
 little boys or girls perched on the top, as the equilibrium was 
 changed. 
 
 It must not be inferred, however, from what has been said, that 
 there were no good results growing up from the educational facili- 
 ties I have mentioned, defective though they were. Men have 
 graced the presidential chair, and earned national and world-wide 
 reputations, whose minds received their first impulses in develop- 
 ment from just such school-rooms and educational advantages as I 
 have mentioned. Bud Means' are quite common in this western 
 country. And it may be debatable ground to-day whether Oxford 
 and Harvard have made more great men than the stinging, urging 
 necessities to self-improvement and self-education, growing out of 
 the defects and wants of educational fticilities of these pioneer col- 
 leges. Perhaps the want of education, and the feeling of that want, 
 has built as many school-houses as the possession of education, 
 coupled with a consciousness of its advantages. "Wittles" were 
 what the hungry Sam Weller wanted most. 
 
 The writing desks were made of split logs, and in later days of 
 planks, which were ranged around the sides of the room, usually 
 under the windows. Pins were driven into the wall, and the slabs 
 or planks laid on them, and this constituted the writing desks for a 
 o-reat many years. They were not of that gilt-edged and varnished 
 sort of to-day, but were quite as substantial. These are the desks 
 that the boys took such a vicious delight in defacing with their 
 jack-knives. They cut upon them all sorts of hieroglyphical char- 
 acters, checker-boards, and representations of beings human and not 
 human, some of which, no doubt, would have made Th. Nast 
 ashamed of himself. The larger boys and girls were privileged to 
 set at these desks, not only while writing, but while "doing their 
 sums." Blackboards and charts were unknown in those days, and 
 in fact, were not needed in the method of teaching then prevailing. 
 A good many young men remember when the new-fangled idea of 
 a blackboard was looked upon with a little bit of distrust by some 
 of the kind-hearted conservative old fellowsv It was the same old 
 chaps who also winked a kind of knowing wink at each other when 
 the corn-planter was introduced. 
 
 Such as I have mentioned were the school-houses, school furni- 
 ture and schools of fifty, forty, and even thirty years ago. They 
 were the best that could then be afforded. It may seem, and it
 
 243 HISTORY OF MACOX COUNTY. 
 
 does seem to many who have witnessed the educational facilities 
 above detailed, that the present generation of children do not duly 
 appreciate the advantages that surround them. They do not, per- 
 haps, duly appreciate their advantages for the same reason that the 
 person reared in wealth and luxury poorly understands the condi- 
 tion of the poverty-sti'icken wretch, that ekes out a misei-able ex- 
 istence, always on the verge of want and starvation. 
 
 Now, then, a few words in reference to the present condition of 
 our educational interests. In 1855 ^^^^ legislature of the State of 
 Illinois passed what is known as the free-school law. Like all laws 
 designed to reach innumerable evils, and embracing a subject com- 
 prehensive and complicated, it was in many respects defective. 
 Frequent amendments and modifications of the law have been, and 
 will continue to be made, as wisdom and experience may suggest. 
 One great object attained, partially, has been to bring order and 
 system in place of the chaotic and disjointed school machinery pre- 
 viously existing. That our school system is perfect, no one will 
 assume. That it will be perfect while our young men and women 
 employed as teachers, as a usual thing, engage therein as a tempo- 
 rary avocation and stepping-stone to something higher, of course, 
 is impossible. It is not the fault of the teachers that this is so. It 
 ought to be and will be so, that teaching will be a profession the 
 same as law and medicine. The requirements and qualifications of 
 a teacher should be just as exacting, and a course of preparation 
 and study for the one should be just as imperative as in the others. 
 No joerson can teach a six-months' school, properly, with the 
 thoughts and expectations of assuming another and different avoca- 
 tion or employment at the end of that period. It is not now so in 
 our cities to any considerable extent, but there are but few teachers 
 in our country schools that follow teaching as a business or profes- 
 sion. It is seldom they could do so if they desired; for the average 
 country school is perhaps not more than five months in length, and 
 no teacher can live properly and support a family upon five months' 
 wages. And then the management under our district system is 
 such, that even though a teacher qualify himself properly, and 
 teaches a good school for his patrons, he is liable to be thrown out 
 of his position by some nondescript that happens along who can 
 aflTord to underbid him, and does so. A cheajD shoe is not alwaA's 
 the cheapest. It may answer the purposes for the time being, even
 
 HISTORY OF MACON CONNTY. 243 
 
 though the material is poor and the fit is bad; but nine chances to 
 one, you will have corns, and it may be, bunyons, when it is done 
 with. Our school system is not yet perfect, when a change of 
 residence from one district to another, involves the purchase of a 
 new set of school-books for the whole family of school-going chil- 
 dren. It is not perfect wheij there are placed together in one 
 school, perhaps forty pupils, all under the charge of one teacher, 
 and pursuing studies ranging from the lowest to the highest per- 
 mitted to be taught. None will receive the attention they require. 
 This difficulty, of course, will be remedied as our population be- 
 comes more compact, and graded schools are established. 
 
 Again, our school system is not and cannot be perfect, when there 
 are in the state forty-four thousand officers charged with the duty 
 of engineering and operating our school machinery. We have in 
 the state about twelve thousand school districts, and thirty -six thou- 
 sand school directors, and these thirty-six thousand directors, each 
 possessing his individual ideas as to the management, etc., of the 
 schools.* Each board is empowered with the authority to deter- 
 mine the kind of text books to be used, the methods of instruction, 
 the discipline and government required, and the kind of teacher, 
 mentally and morally, to be employed. Is it possible, under this 
 army of school officers, each board managing and controlling its 
 affairs in its own way, that there will be much uniformity or sys- 
 tem in Our schools. No good results are accomplished, except by 
 svstem and order. When a hundred men are charged with a duty 
 which six, or even three, can perform, the probability is it will not 
 be done, or if done, the work will not be very satisfactory, and 
 especially so, if each performs his part in his own way, not know- 
 ing or caring how or in what manner the others are doing their 
 part. 
 
 Again, suppose a teacher, by twenty years' teaching and practice, 
 had qualified himself for the duties of his profession, and understood 
 human nature, as displayed in the school-room, in all its phases, so 
 that by looking over the school-room, he could, by a glance, pick 
 out all the little "inglorious Miltons," the sulky Johnies, and the 
 stubborn Sarah Janes, and knew at once the sauce for each, so to 
 speak ; and suppose he knew, by careful examination, the merits 
 and demerits of the whole list of school-books that have passed 
 
 * We have in Macon countj- T19 districts.
 
 ^44 
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY, 
 
 through the ten-cylinder presses of Hinkle & Wilson, what sort of 
 propriety would there he in allowing a board of directors who, 
 however well versed in hogs and cattle, and their peculiarities, in 
 plows and cultivators ^nd their advantages, to say, "teach Ray's 
 series. Green's rudiments, McGuffey's readers; or, if the pupils 
 don't obey, flog 'em, its the only thing that will answer in this 
 deestrict, or you do thus and so, or don't you do thus and so?" So 
 it is, however. 
 
 Of course, there are still defects in our present educational sys- 
 tem. Nothing devised by man can be perfect. And still it is as- 
 tonishing to see the rapid strides we are making in the direction of 
 perfection. Ask our Superintendent of Public Instruction how 
 many schools and school houses and school teachers — male and 
 female — and the average salary paid them, and total number of 
 school children between certain ages, and the entire cost of the 
 education, and the average cost to each puj^il in the state; and he 
 can tell you. Ask our Count}^ Superintendent how many there are 
 in the county between the ages of 6 and 21, how many of these go 
 to school, and how many do not; how many of them can neither 
 read or write; the actual standing of each teacher in educational 
 qualifications; how much monc}^ is expended in the county for 
 schools, school-houses, school furniture, etc.; and he can tell 3-ou. 
 Every teacher, no matter if he joretends to have been a college 
 professor, must have a certificate in order to teach. If a board of 
 directors, for lack of funds, or otherwise, desire a teacher who 
 "passes muster" as a "second grade," it can have its wants, and 
 vice versa. 
 
 We conclude this chapter upon the schools of Macon county, by 
 giving the following table of statistics, comj^iled from the report 
 for the year ending Sept. 30, 1876, of S. P. Micky, our County 
 Superintendent of Schools : 
 
 Total No. of schools in county, (free public) 137 
 
 " " " school-houses 127 
 
 " " " graded schools 13 
 
 " " " teachers — male l4^. 
 
 " " " " female 1 1 1 
 
 Total No, of teachers 255
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 345 
 
 Average wages paid male teachers $54 ^^ 
 
 " " " female " 3841 
 
 -' No. of months taught 7-9 
 
 Total No. of children in county between 6 and 21 ... 10,279 
 
 " " " pupils enrolled 7^7 H 
 
 " " bet. 12 and 3i who can neither read nor write., 18 
 
 " amount of money raised for school purposes from 
 
 all sources, year ending Sept, 30, 1876 $122,008 38 
 
 " amount ofmoijey expended for all school purpo- 
 ses for year ending Sept. 30, 1876 990*^5 -^4 
 
 In this connection it is proper to mention the Mount Zion Acad- 
 emy, which was erected in 1856, through the instrumentality of 
 John Smith and other leading citizens of the village of Mt. Zion. 
 The first officers were: Rev. Daniel Troughber, President; Geo. 
 A. Smith, Secretary; and Hon. Charles Emerson, J. D. Campbell, 
 W. C. Moyers and John Smith, Trustees. The trustees secured 
 the services of Rev. P. H. Crider as first principal. He was suc- 
 ceeded by Rev. G. W. Kensolving, and he, in turn, by A, J, Mc- 
 Glumphy, D, D., now President of Lincoln University, Lincoln, 
 Illinois. The school was prosperous until the establishment of the 
 latter school, soon. after which the Mt. Zion Academy went down, 
 and is beyond all hopes of resuscitation.
 
 246 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY 
 
 CHAPTER X 
 
 BlOGRAPLICAL SKETCHES OF EaRLY 
 
 Settlers. 
 
 BENJ. R. AUSTIN was born in Virginia, March 26, 1802, and 
 removed to Macon county in the fall of 1825. He was a surveyor, 
 and laid out the original town plat of Decatur, and was for a great 
 many vears justice of the peace. He married Margaret Warnick, 
 who was born in Tennessee, Februar}^ 22, 1806. Of their chil- 
 dren — 
 
 Jane was born May 27, 1826; William was born Dec. 22, 1828; 
 Nancy C. was born Sept. 15, 1830; Perlina was born Sept. 5, 
 1832; died May 3, 1870; Lucinda was born Sept. 10, 1834; died. 
 Susan was born Nov. 28, 1836; died March 5, 1837. Margaret 
 A. was born Feb. 23, 1837; Edmiston was born Sept. 25, 1839; 
 Geo. W. was born August 21, 1851. 
 
 WM. A. AUSTIN was born in Virginia, April 26, 1806, and 
 removed to Macon county in 1828, where he married Eleanor 
 Warnick, who was born in Tennessee, January 23, 1810. She was 
 a daughter of Wm. Wornick, and came to Macon county in 1S25; 
 died Nov. 16, 1853. Of their children — 
 
 Henrietta was born Nov. 18, 1832. Lettecia J. was born 
 
 July 3, 1834; died Sept. 20, 1835. May E. was born May 3, 1836; 
 
 died June 13, 1840. Joseph was born Oct. 31, 1837. Benj. L. 
 
 was born Nov. 26, 1839. Geo. W. was born Aug. 21, 1841 ; died ISIay 
 
 15, i860. Wm. C. was born Jan. i, 1843. Louisa M. was born Aug.
 
 HISTORY OF MACOX COUNTY. 347 
 
 II, 1S45; died August 21, 1845. John A. was born July 19, 1846. 
 Nancy J. was born April 32, 1849. Lewis N. was born Feb. 35, 
 1851. Thomas J. was born Nov. 5, 1853. 
 
 Mr. A. was married a second time, August 12, 1853. Children 
 by last wife^ 
 
 Kate was born Jan. 12, i86i. Alain W. was born wSept. 13, 
 1863. Mary E. was born .Sept. 4, 1S67. Infant son was born 
 Sept. 19, 1869; died Sept. 19, 1S70. James M. Was born May 4, 
 
 1873- • 
 
 JESSE AUSTIN was born May 3, 1S18, in Rutherford county, 
 Tenn., and moved to Macon county in 1831; was married in 1847 
 to Catharine Faris. Of their seven children — 
 
 Nancy E. was born July 2, 1848; died 1853. Joseph H. was 
 born Feb. 16, 1850. Rosetta A. was born Sept. 14, 1851, and 
 was married to Wm. Getl,s, March 24, 1870. William I. was 
 born July 16, 1853. Me,llissa E. was born August 25, 1862. 
 Elizabeth was born April 3, 1865. Mary J. was born Oct. 3, 
 1857. 
 
 JOSIAH ABRAMS was born in Ohio; moved to Sangamon 
 county in 1822, and to Macon county in 1829; married Nancy 
 Davis. Of their children — 
 
 Levi was born July 25, iSoS; married Mayon Moore. Eliza- 
 beth was born in 1810; married Dan. Howell. Henry A. was 
 born Oct. I3, 1813; married Elizabeth Primm. Maria J. married 
 Burdine Church (dead). Delila married A. J. Sinclair. Jemmi- 
 MA married S. R. Wheeler. James married Louisa Johnson. 
 Susan married Felix Butler. Francis M. » 
 
 Capt. DAVID L. ALLIN was born in Loudon county, \'a., 
 March 14, 1806, and came to Macon county in the fall of 1838, and 
 located where James C. Lake now resides, on North Water street. 
 There was at that time a small cabin, which had been built by 
 Hubbell Sprague, standing near Mr. Lake's present residence, 
 which was regarded as a country residence. Mr. Allin entered from 
 the go\-ernment the east half, northwest, section 14, town 16, 3 east, 
 which now embraces about one-fourth of the city of Decatur, and 
 of which North Water street was the western line. Mr. A. built 
 the second water mill that was ever built in the coijnty, in 1831-3, 
 which was afterwards sold by him to Robert Maffit, and known
 
 34S HISTORY' OF MACOX COUNTY. 
 
 for many years as Maffitt's Mill. Mr. Allin also made the first 
 lime ever manufactured in Macon county, at the " old lime kiln," 
 a short distance southwest of Decatur, on the river. The lime 
 was said to be of a very superior quality, and a great deal of it was 
 hauled to Springfield, and used for finishing purposes, owing to its 
 superior quality. In September, 1830, Capt. Allin married, in 
 Rutherford county, Tenn, Miss Julia E. Read, who was born in 
 Charlotte county, Va. 
 
 SAMUEL C. ALLEN was born in Loudon count}, Va., Oct. 
 3, iSio; left Virginia in the fall of 1831; came on horseback 
 through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, and spent the winter in 
 Rutherford county, Tenn., and came to Illinois the next spring; 
 lived the first year in Sangamon county; moved to Decatur the 
 next. fall, and has made that and the vicinity his home ever since. 
 Was married to Jane E. Reid, Dec. 7, 1858, (widow of Miner Reid, 
 and daughter of Enos Gore, of Adams county, Ohio.) She was born 
 in Loudon county, Va., July 27, 1827. Of their children — 
 
 Edwin Gore was born May 27, 1S60. Wm. Lee was born 
 Oct. 21, 1861. Milton James was born Feb. 14, 1864; died Nov- 
 ember 26, 1866. Orvit.le Reid was born October 11, 1865. 
 Frank D. was born Jan. 24, 1S68. 
 
 Mr. Allen has been school treasurer, count}- and township asses- 
 sor, and has been postmaster since his removal to this count}'. He 
 has been engaged as a farmer most of the time, but was in the 
 mercantile business several vears. 
 
 ALEXANDER W. BELL was born in East Tennessee in 
 1812, and. came to Macon county in 1829, and located in what is 
 now Mt. Zion townshijD; was married fo Mary Montgomery, who 
 was born in 18 16, in Tennessee. Mr. Bell was a member of the 
 company from Macon county that enlisted in the Black Hawk 
 war. Of their children — 
 
 • James M. was born April 17, 1848. Maggie L. was born 
 April, 1851; married to Geo. T. Outten. Mattie A. was born 
 April 21, 1854; married to J. Edgar Davis. 
 
 SAMUEL BRADEN was born November 5th, 1769, in Ire- 
 land, and emigrated to America the year peace was declared; after 
 
 remaining in Philadelphia a short time he located in county, 
 
 South Carolina, where he married Nancy Young, who was born in
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 249 
 
 the latter state, near Charleston, during the Revolutionary war, 
 (date unknown). They removed from South Carolina to Kentucky, 
 and thence to Tennessee, and from the latter state to Macon coun- 
 ty, 111., in September, 1S3S. Mr. B. died in 1833, and Mrs. B. in 
 1842. Of their three children — 
 
 Sidney R,, was born November 4th, 1814, in Tennessee; re- 
 moved to Illinois with his father, and returned to Tennessee the 
 following year, where he died in 1830. 
 
 John Y., was born March 22, 18 18, in Tennessee; was married 
 January 23d, 1840, to Laura A. Hunting, who was born in Ver- 
 mont, December 24, 18 19, and came to Macon county in 1840. Of 
 their nine children, Sidney R. Braden was born November 15, 
 1840, and married Jane E. Cox, May 23, 1861, and died January 
 II, 1875, of wounds received at Vicksburg during the late war. 
 John E. Braden was born September 26, 1842; married Mary 
 E. Bear, October 31, 1875. Alzina P. Braden, born December 3, 
 1844; maiTied Charles Nichols, December 25, 1861; died Septem- 
 ber 13, 1863. Jerome O. Braden was born February 13, 1847; 
 married Ella Howerton, December 15, 1873. Thos. J. Braden, 
 born August 25, 1849. Maryette A. Braden, born September 13, 
 1851; married William Biven, April 27, 1871; died April 11, 1872. 
 Flora A. Braden, born August 26, 1853; married William L. Bear, 
 December 30, 1874. George A. Braden, born September 29, 1S55. 
 Cora A. Braden was born November 8, 1857. 
 
 George M., was born^in 1816 in Tennessee, and removed to 
 Illinois with his father. He died in 1852. Mary Y. — (See Miller.) 
 
 JOHN F. BLANKENSHIP was born in Virginia in 1801; 
 married to Hannah Wilson who was born in North Carolina, in 
 1805, and is now living in this county, Mr. B. died a few years 
 ago. Of their children — 
 
 Francis L, was born March 6, 1827. P. W., was born January 
 9, 1832. J. T., was born March 25, 1834. Wm. F., was born 
 August 15, 1S37. George A., was born January 4, 1840. Nancy 
 W., was born June 27, 1843. Robert L., was born September 
 28, 1874; died 1873. 
 
 NEWTON N. BAKER was born in Lincoln county. North 
 Carolina, February 28, 1803; moved to Rutherford county, Tenn., 
 when he was eleven years old, and moved to Macon county in
 
 250 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 1830 and settled 5 miles east of Decatur; was married to Tabitha 
 J. Hodge in 1835, and died May 27, 1872. His wife was born in 
 Orange county, North Carolina, in 1814, who came to Illinois in 
 1829, and settled in Sangamon county, remained one year and then 
 removed to Macon county; she is still living in Decatur. Of their 
 children — 
 
 AiMzi H., was born in 1S36; was married to Anna White, in 
 1867, and is now living in Decatur. Mary C, was born in 1839; 
 was married to S. C. Davis, in 1857, and is still living in this coun- 
 ty. Joseph N., was born , and is now living in Decatur. 
 
 James W., was born , also living in Decatur. 
 
 WILLIAM D. BAKER was born in Lincoln county. North 
 Carolina, on the 12th of September, 1800, and came to Macon 
 county in the fall of 1828, and settled in what is now Long Creek 
 township. Mr. Baker was a member of the first grand jury of 
 the county; he man-ied in Tennessee, Marrila Martin. Their 
 children are Matilda L., wife of Andrew Dennis, Jas. T. Baker, 
 Rev. Wm. P. Baker of Grayville in White county, Mrs. Elizabeth 
 Smith and Rev. N. M. Baker. Mr. Baker was one of the few 
 men of whom in a long life no one can say ought agcinst. 
 
 JAMES M. BAKER was born September 19, 181 1, in North 
 Carolina, and came to Macon county in 1830; was married to 
 Arraanna H. Hodge, who was born in North Carolina, May 
 15, 18 16, and removed to Macon county in the winter of 1S30-31. 
 Of their children — 
 
 Robert was born September 10, 1830. S. A. E., was born 
 March 7, 1848; married to James Gregory, and died in March, 
 1873. 
 
 KIRBY BENEDICT was born November 25, 1810, at Kent, 
 Connecticut, and was married to Charlotte G. Curtis, October 
 23, 1834, who was born September 20, 1810, in Newton, Connecti- 
 cut; they removed to Sangamon county, Illinois, in 1835, and to 
 Macon county in March, 1S36, where he engaged in the practice 
 of law, and remained here until 1849, when he removed to Paris, 
 Illinois; in the fall of 1853 he was appointed by President Pierce 
 as one of the associate justices of the territory of New Mexico, in 
 which capacity he served for three years, when he was appointed 
 chief justice of the same territory, which position he held until his
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. . 25 1 
 
 removal by Andrew Johnson in the winter of iS66. After this 
 he again engaged in the practice of law and was editor and pro- 
 prietor of the New Mexico Union, until he died on the 28th day 
 of February, 1S74. Mr, B. held the office of probate justice of 
 the peace of Macon county from 1838 to 1842 and was the third 
 resident practicing lawyer of Macon county ; he received a common 
 school education, and afterwards became proficient in the 
 French and Spanish languages; he studied law with Judge Quit- 
 man in Natches, Mississippi, where he was admitted to the bar. Of 
 their children — 
 
 Ophelia C, and Laura K., died when young. Worthine 
 C, married James Smith and resides near Moweaqua, Illinois and 
 Kirby S., resides at Tuscola, Illinois. 
 
 RICHARD H. BRETT was born in Prince Williams county, 
 Va., November ist, 1772; was married to Margai'et Lee, Novem- 
 ber 22, 1798, who v\^as born May 6, 1779- They moved to Macon 
 county in 1835. Of their 14 children — 
 
 Margaret was born Sept. 17, 1799; died i860. Frances was 
 born March 31, iSoi ; was married to Jacob Munch. John was born 
 May 17, 1802; was married to Sarah Fergerson. Jane was born 
 March 29, 1804; was married to Reuben Rogers; she is now dead. 
 Mildred was born December 14, 1S05; married to George Mont- 
 gomery in January, 1837, and has since died. Penelope was born 
 October 14, 1S08; married to Franklin Montgomery in 1836. 
 Sarah was born July 13, 181 1. George E. was born February 
 4, 18 1 3, and died in November, 1835. James E. was born October 
 II, 1814; died July 3, 1833. Mary E. was born March 21, 1816; 
 was married to John Gulick in April, 1848; she is now dead. 
 Daniel was born December 21, 181 7; was married to Elizabeth 
 Wheeler, February 4, 1S47. Ann M. was born June 24, 1819; 
 died in September, 1836. Alexander was born March 2, 1822; 
 was married to Rebecca Hays, who afterwards died; he then was 
 married to Martha Cox. Frederick S- was born January 3, 1S25, 
 and was married to Martha Montgomery. 
 
 Mr. B. died ; Mrs. B. died . 
 
 DAVID BARNWELL was born in South Carolina in 1S02, 
 and moved thence to Davidson county, Tenn., where he married 
 Elizabeth Haddick, who was about the same age, and born in
 
 t 
 
 252 HISTORY OF MACOX COUNTY. 
 
 Tennessee. They removed to Illinois in 1833, and first settled in 
 what is now Long Creek township. Mr. B. died in 1836 or 7, in 
 Fayette county. Mrs. B. died about 1840, in Macon county. Of 
 their six children — 
 
 Alfred A. was born January 30, 1823, in Tennessee; died 1871. 
 Edward A. was born August 30, 1824, in Tennessee; now resides 
 in Cerro Gordo. Richard G. was born April 31, 1828, in Ten- 
 nessee; resides in Idaho Territory. Almira C. was born Septem- 
 ber 3, 1829, in Tennessee; married Orrin Foster, and now resides 
 in LaBette county Kansas. John B. was born May 19, 1832, in 
 Tennessee; resides in Macon county. Nancy E. was born about 
 1834; died in infancy. 
 
 MICAJAH M. BURKE was born in Kentucky, April 6, 1804 
 and came to this county in 1834, and married Lucy A. Pasly, who 
 was born in Kentucky, April 21, 1814. Mr. B. died May 26, 1863. 
 Of their children — 
 
 John H. was born March 29, 1835. James W. was born No- 
 vember 21, 1837. Robert Y. was born May 5, 1840. Thomas 
 was born April 3, 1843. Delpha was born August 9, 1845. Jo- 
 seph was born February 20, 1S4S. Lewis B. was born January 8, 
 1851. 
 
 WILLIAM CANTRALL was born in Green county, Ky., Jan- 
 uary 17, iSoo; came to Sangamon county, 111., in 1825, and to Ma- 
 con county in 1S33. The first part of his life in Illinois was spent 
 in selling goods. He has held several offices of trust since his con- 
 nection with Macon county. Was married on the 14th of Febru- 
 ary, 182S, to Elizabeth Hall, who was born in 1809, and died in 
 1 868. Of their children— 
 
 Thomas was born in November, 1829; died in Washington Ter- 
 ritory. Jane was born in 1831; married Dr. Kellar, who now 
 lives in Sullivan. Mary was born in 1835; married Dr. Dillon in 
 1854; they now reside in Adams county. Susan was born in 1844; 
 married Harl P. Christie; they are now living in Decatur. 
 
 Mr. Cantrall was married a second time,' August 19, 1869, to 
 Mrs. Han, who was born in the State of Kentucky. 
 
 EPHRAIM COX was among the early settlers who came here 
 about 1828 or 9. We have no record of the fomily^^complete. 
 George M. Cox vya§ born April 6, 1S30, in Macon county,
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 253 
 
 and married Ellen Downs, who was horn in Ohio, March 15, 1832. 
 Of their children — 
 
 Nancy C. was born October 34, 1S52; married John Woods, 
 December 17, 1873. Mary A. was born February 27, 1854; mar- 
 ried John A. W. Bell, October 19, 1876. William H. was born 
 March 8, 1856. John C. was born April 5, 1858; died February 
 23, 1862. M.J. was born August 16, i860. L. A. was born De- 
 cember 24, 1863; died August 15, 1S64. Ida F. was born April 
 16, 1865. George E. was born November 15, 1867. Eda A. 
 was born February 22, 1S70; died February 26, 1S70. S. C. was 
 born July 26, 187 1. 
 
 Margaret E. was born March 14, 1833; married Cornelius 
 Morris in 184S, who was born November 6th, 1825. Of their 
 children — 
 
 Nancy A. was born February 28, 1S49; died December 9, 1861. 
 Mary E. was born September 27, 1850; married November 19, 
 1872, to C. W. Frew. Margaret M. was born February 22, 1853. 
 Lewis J. was born July 17, 1856; died November 12, 1875. Thos. 
 F. was born April 23, 1861. Amanda E. was born April 7, 1864. 
 George W. was born July i, 1867. Ada A. was born June 27, 
 1870. Elmer O. was born May 8, 1872. 
 
 Rev. WM. S. CRISSEY was born in Connecticut, April 21, 
 181 1, and came to Macon county in 1831, on a visit, and removed 
 here in 1834. In i S3 1-2, Mr. C. was upon the Tazewell Circuit, 
 which included a very large territory, viz : Peoria, Pekin, Bloom- 
 ington, etc. In 1832-3, he was assigned to the Jacksonville Circuit, 
 which was as extensive as his former field of labors. Of the expei-i- 
 ences of circuit rider among the pioneers of Illinois, Father Crissey 
 relates some very amusing instances. He has been a close observer 
 of men and events, and has a mind well stored with facts gathered 
 from a long life and varied experiences. 
 
 CoL. E. D. CARTER, was born February 2, 18 14, in Logan 
 county, Ky., and removed thence to Shelbyville in 1833, ^"*^ thence 
 to Springfield in 1836, and thence to Decatur in 1838, where he 
 now resides. He married Christina Smick, who was born in Ken- 
 tucky in 1812. 
 
 JAMES D. CAMPBELL was born June 26, 1803, in North 
 Carolina; removed thence to Caldwell county, Kentucky, and
 
 254 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 thence to Wayne county, Illinois, in 1826; thence to Sangamon 
 county in 1S2S, and to Macon county in 1830. He married in Ken- 
 tucky Lavina Travis, who is still living. Mr. C. was a member of 
 the county commissioners' court, and for many years a justice of the 
 peace. He died in 1864. Their children are — 
 
 Matilda, John T., Margaret, (married Thomas Warfield,) David, 
 Louisa, (married Wm. Foly,) and Mary, (married Geo. Schroll.) 
 
 WILLIAM COX M^as born in the State of Maryland, Decem- 
 ber 19, 1803; was married to Martha , July 3, 1832, who was 
 
 born April 14, 1806, in the state of Virginia; died December 18, 
 1867. Of their children — 
 
 Mary Elizabeth was born August 24, 1833; was married to 
 Harvey Travis; died February 6, 1862. Martha Ann was born 
 December 17, 1834. Almeda Virginia was born May 7, 1837; 
 was married to Gilbert McDaniel; died November 5, 1861. Wil- 
 liam Ephraim was born July 15, 1838; was married to Ellen 
 Traughber, now Hunt; died December 18, 1861. Triphena was 
 born November 5, 1840; was married to Thomas Price; died Feb- 
 ruary 24, 1862. Emily was born March 12, 1843; ^^^^^ December 
 27, 1861. Charlotte was born September 9, 1845; was married 
 to John Miller, and now resides in this county. Lucetta was 
 born January 14, 1848; was married to Harvey Epling, and now re- 
 sides in Kansas. 
 
 Dr. IRA B. CURTIS, the 17th county treasurer of Macon 
 count}', was born October 23, 1823, in Delaware county, Ohio, and 
 moved to Sangamon county, 111., in 1835, and has been a resident 
 of this county since 1844, excepting seven years of which time he 
 was a resident of Christian county. He was a physician in active 
 practice from 1846 until 1S62, when he received a stroke of paraly- 
 sis in his lower limbs, and has been unable to walk since, which, of 
 course, destroyed largely his usefulness in his profession. In 1863 
 he was elected county ti-easurer, which position he held until 1869. 
 
 JACOB CAULK was born November 5, 1S02; was married 
 
 to Mary , January 7, 1830, who was born January 22, 1804. 
 
 Of their children — 
 
 James was born October 26, 1830; died September 5, 1833. 
 Martha was born February 19, 1832. John was born October 
 13, 1833; married Malinda Pound. They are now residents of
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 255 
 
 Decatur. Albert was born June 20. 1837; supposed to have died 
 in tlie army. Mary was born November 19, 1839. Sarah was 
 born December 23, 1841. Jacob Caulk and wife were among the 
 first settlers of this county; neither of them is now living. 
 
 DAVID DAVIS was born in Lincoln ct)unty, North Carolina^ 
 May 2, 1798. At the age of 17 he emigrated to Rutherford county, 
 Tennessee. In 1828 he came to Illinois and settled in this county. 
 At the age of 23 he had the misfortune to become paralyzed in his 
 lower extremities, and throughout his long life he walked with 
 great difficulty. Notwithstanding this, he was ever energetic, and 
 gathered a handsome competence for himself, and provided liberal 
 means for beneficent charities. 'He died August 19, 1875. He was 
 once county treasurer and one of the judges of the first election held 
 in Macon county. He was married to Mary Martin September 28, 
 1825, who was born in Rutherford county, Tennessee, November 
 15,1806. Of their children — 
 
 Isabella C. was born August 17, 1S26; was married to Michael 
 C. Rozzell, November 4, 1845. William M. was born January 
 14, 1831; was married to S. J. Nicholson March 23, 1S54. Syl- 
 vester C. was born June 8, 1834; married to Mary C. Baker, 
 September 3, 1857. Milton Z. was born August 29, 1835; mar- 
 ried to Emma Eichinger, September 3, 1865. Mary P. was born 
 January 11, 1838; married to Hiram G. Wheeler, October 11, 1S55. 
 Elizabeth E. was born September 6, 1841; married to John 
 Rucker, December 28, 1858; died January 24, 1862. John L. was 
 born December 22, 1842; died April 26, 1865. Traughber L^ 
 was born March 2, 1845; was married to Mendosia Houseman, SejD- 
 tember 25, 1873. Marilla A. was boru Januarv 2, 1847; ^^'^^ 
 married to Thomas J. Odor, SejDtember 28, 1869. 
 
 WILLIAM DICKEY, Sr., was born May 6, 1764, in Vir- 
 ginia, and removed thence to South Carolina, and was in the revo- 
 lutionary war; was married about 1790 to Mary Stephenson, in 
 North Carolina, who was born March 26, 1774. Of their chil- 
 dren — 
 
 Sarah was born February 3, 1792; died same year. John was 
 born January 4, 1793; died in 1847. Martha was born Septem- 
 ber 9, 1795; died in 1837. James was born December 23, 1797; 
 
 died . Ed A was born June 6, 1800; married M. Davis; died 
 
 1826. Mary was born November 14, 1802; married James Cain.
 
 256 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 William was born March 9, 1805. Sarah was born January 5, 
 1S07; died in infancy. Jesse was born December 11, 1809, mar- 
 ried Mary Brown. Mathias was born April 2, 1812; died 1816. 
 Andrew was born November 15, 1814; married Ely Russell. 
 
 JOHN DICKEY was born in 1793, and came to Macon county 
 in 1829; married Martha Stevenson; was killed by a run-a-way 
 team in 1846 or '7. 
 
 WM. DICKEY, Jr., was born in Kentucky, Oct. 11, 1814, 
 and married Isabella Foster, Nov. 30, 1837, who was born in Ten- 
 nessee. Mrs. D. died May 30, 1852. Of their children — 
 
 John B. was born October 26^ 1S38. David A. was born 
 August 28, 1840; died July 22, 1864. Martha A. was born 
 March 20, 1843; married J. W. Welton. Abner L. was born 
 March 5, 1846; married E. Mendenhall. W. M. was born Jan- 
 uary 14, 1849. Mary C. was born May 8, 1851; died May 27, 
 1S51. 
 
 Mr. Dickey married to his second wife, Mrs. Sarah A. Warner, 
 October 19, 1852, who was born in Canada, August 25, 1828. 
 Mr. D. died January 17, 1875. Of their children — 
 
 Claretta was born Feb. 19, 1855. Sarah J. was born Dec. 
 27, 1856. Henry E. was born January 13, 1859. Eliza A. was 
 born Februarv 17, 1S61 ; died August 30, 1862. Geo. B. was born 
 September 20, 1862; died September 6, 1863. Chas. A. was 
 born July 21, 1864. Margaret C. was born November 21, 1866. 
 Nancy B. was born February 15, 1869. James H. was born 
 July 32, 1873. 
 
 ALEXANDER C. DICKEY was born February 22, 1818; 
 married Nancy Foster. 
 
 HARVEY DICKEY was born February 23, 1837; married 
 R. Dowling. 
 
 DAVID DICKEY was born March 19, 181 7, in Lovington 
 county, Ky.; came to Macon county in 1829; was married to Mary 
 Chambers, Feb. 2, 1844, who was born February 27, 182 1; died 
 November 10, 1865. Of their children — 
 
 Mary was born December 16, 1844; died October i, 1859. 
 Nancy was born February 26, 1847; ^^^^ September 16, 1847. 
 James was born April 12, 1851; died October 18, 1859.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 357 
 
 Mr. Dickey was married a second time to Nancy J. Dike, De- 
 cember 22, 1870. Their only child, Maggie, was born Sept. 17, 
 1871. 
 
 SAMUEL DAVIDSON was born in South Carolina, in 1774. 
 From South Carolina he came to Southern Illinois; thence to 
 Macon county in 1830; was married in South Carolina to Eliza- 
 beth Mays, who was born in the latter State in 1776. Mr. D. died 
 in 1843, and Mrs. D. died in 1844. Of their children — 
 
 John was born in 1796; died in 1844. Polly was born in 1798; 
 died in 1840. Andrew was born in 1806; died in 1871. Nancy 
 was born in 1808. Ella J. was born in 1810. Elizabeth was 
 born in 1813; died in 1833. Qyntha was born in 1816; died in 
 1835. Baxter was born in 181 7; was married to Elizabeth Har- 
 baugh in 1S42, who was born in 181 7; died in 1867. Of their 
 children — 
 
 D. L. was born in 1843; married in 1867 to Virginia . 
 
 John A. was born in 1845; married in 187 1 to Maula . 
 
 M. R. was born in 1848; married in 1874 to Emma Reeme, who 
 was born in 1S51. Arminda A. was born in 1850. Naoma A. 
 was born in 1856. Mariah F. was born in 1859. 
 
 Mr. Davidson was married the second time, in 1869, to Lovina 
 , who was born in 1835. 
 
 JAMES EDWARDS was born in 1806, near Raleigh, North 
 Carolina. When a young man he came to Tennessee, and re- 
 mained there a few months; then removed to Illinois, arriving in 
 Macon county in the fall of 1827, when there was but 160 acres of 
 land entered upon the south side of the river. He was accom- 
 panied to this county by Dempsey Pope and Jones Edvs^ards — the 
 latter a brother of his, who remained 12 or 15 years, and removed 
 to Iowa, where he died. James E. worked the first year after he 
 came to Illinois for John Ward. During that time the Indians 
 made some threats against the Wards, and Edwards was one of a 
 company of I3 to assist in driving them away. A few more In- 
 dians made their appearance in the vicinity in 1828, but soon left, 
 and were followed and overtaken in the prairie, a short distance 
 east of Mt. Zion. There were twelve in number, besides 
 the squaws. A gun was taken from one of them^ after a severe' 
 struggle, by Smith Mounce, of the Ward company. It was re- 
 
 —33
 
 258 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 turned, however, by order of John Ward, who had command of 
 the expedition, and the Indians were then ordered to move on, 
 which they did. This was the last appearance of the Kickapoos, 
 or other Indians, in Macon county. James E. was married to 
 Nancv L. Hill, in the winter of 1830-31. She w^as born in Meck- 
 linburg county, Virginia, June 22, 1806; mo\'ed to Rutherford 
 county, Tenn.; removed to Illinois in 1829, and has ever since re- 
 sided in this county. Of their children — 
 
 Martha E. was born March 31, 1S34, and married Abraham 
 Lynch, and died. Nancy E. was born January 26, 1836; married 
 John D. Smith, and died on the nth of August, 1S69. Jerome 
 was born March 22, 1837, and married Mary J. Stingly. John 
 was born September 9, 1838, and died in Indiana on the 12th of 
 September, 1S62. Frank was born January 4, 1S40, and was 
 married to Mrs. Henry Edwards, March 16, 1874. Sarah J. was 
 born August 4, 1841, and died March 20. 1854. RuFUS was born 
 January i, 1S43. Samuel S. was born June 22, 1844; married to 
 Isabel Allen, December 24, 1873. Ann was born August 13, 1S46; 
 was married to Richard Whitley, in October, 1862, and now re- 
 sides in Vernon county. Mo. Henry was born AjDril 6, 1848; 
 married to Elizabeth Brown in 1869, and died on the 7th of No- 
 vember, 1872. 
 
 HON. CHARLES EMERSON was born in North Haverhill, 
 Grafton county, New Hampshire, April 15, iSii; he came to this 
 state in the year 1833 and located at Jacksonville, where he spent 
 one term in Illinois College; he removed thence to Springfield, 
 Illinois, and studied law under the instruction of Judge Keys; on 
 his being admitted to practice law he canie to Decatur and entered 
 upon the practice of his profession in the spring of 1S34; in 1S41 
 he married Nancy . Harrell who died December 16, 1866; he 
 remained here until 1847 and then went to Paris, Edgar county, 
 where he remained three years, returning in 1850; on his return 
 he was elected to the legislature and was re-elected in 185 1; in 
 June, 18^3, he was elected judge of the circuit court, which position 
 he filled until 1867, when he ran forjudge of the supreme court 
 but was defeated by a small majority by Judge Walker now of the 
 supreme bench ; he then resamed practice and was elected to the 
 constitutional convention in 1869. He attended the early part of 
 that convention but was sufTering with a severe cold and cough
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY 
 
 259 
 
 which terminated his earthly career, on clay of April 1870. 
 
 As to his judicial career his memory needs no comment; his mind 
 was evenly balanced and he held the scales of justice so impartially 
 that few dared to question the correctness of his adjudications; he 
 seemed to be absolutely unbiased. Though he was a man of strong 
 convictions predjudice was never attributed to him in the discharge 
 of his judicial duty. Meanness he absolutely detested, yet no man 
 was brought before him, however serious his crime, but received a 
 fair and impartial trial. He was a strong party man, yet, when on 
 the bench his opponents never had occasion to utter one word 
 against him as to predjudice, bias or partiality. His mind was broad 
 and grasping; the intricacies of the law he could comprehend 
 readily, and solve the most ditiicult and perplexing questions of law 
 and fact with scarcely a moment's reflection. He had the power of 
 presenting his views succinctly and in such a way that those who 
 heard him, in making a decision, at once acknowledged the justness 
 and correctness of his position in the matter in question. He was 
 charitable, his hands being open on all occasions to succor distress, 
 to encourage enterprise, and support good institutions. He was 
 modest and unafl:ected and possessed not one particle of personal 
 vanity ; "he had no desire for display, and no ambition for admira- 
 tion." He made no effort to win attention in conversation or argu- 
 ment, beyond what the occasion absolutely required ; what he said 
 was always well said, because it was always from a full mind ac- 
 customed to deep reflection. He never obtruded his opinions upon 
 others, but brought them out only as they were sought, and then 
 with clearness and earnestness. To the casual observer, or on first 
 introduction he was thought to be cold and reserved; but he was 
 neither the one or the other. He had great simplicity of manner, 
 dress and deportment, but his simplicity was never accompanied 
 with want of perception of what was right and fit for the occasion. 
 The first impression of a stranger was that of disappointment; it 
 hardly seemed credible that such simplicity should be accompanied 
 with his known position and reputation in life. The consciousness of 
 power was not there; "there was no play of lights and shades of 
 rank ; no study of effect in tone or bearing." He never thought of 
 himself and the air of office was not there. What was said of the 
 great Marshall may with equal truth be said of Judge Emerson : 
 "after all what mav be said of his fame in the eyes of the world.
 
 36o HISTORY OF MASON COUXTY. 
 
 that which in a just sense was his highest glory, was the purity, 
 affectionateness, liberalit}- and devotedness of his domestic life. At 
 home he indulsred himself in what he most loved, the duties and 
 blessings of the family circle. There his heart had full play. There 
 the sunshine of his soul diffused its soft radiance and cheered and 
 soothed and tranquilized the passing hours." The writer has seen 
 him in the family circle surrounded by his children, so completely 
 absorbed in their childish pranks, that he seemed almost oblivious 
 to all passing events; to them he was kind and affectionate, and 
 indulgent to a fault, almost. In his public character he was upright 
 and conscientious. He would not do what he thought to be wrong 
 no matter how popular or pressing was the public clamor; he 
 would not shrink from what he thought right though he might 
 stand alone in his position. In this he was as firm as a rock. On one 
 occasion, having made a decision, he was reminded that the su- 
 preme court had decided directly the contrary doctrine: "I know 
 that," he replied, "but they are wrong and I am right, and I will 
 p-ive them one more chance to correct their error." He loved the 
 law, not as a trade, but as science: he disdained to mislead the court, 
 the jury or his client; the practice of law was to him the enforce- 
 ment of the pi-inciples of right and justice, rather than the tempo- 
 rary success his knowledge of the rules of practice might give him. 
 He resorted to no technicalities for success. His treatment of his 
 brethren at the bar was kind and courteous, whether practicing 
 with them or while on the bench. To the younger members of the 
 bar he was a friend indeed, and was never known to take advantage 
 of their inexperience that he might show his own strength and 
 knowledge, as some petty judges delight to do. He was studious, 
 and his judicial learning was above the ordinary judges of our 
 courts, yet the original bias as well as choice of his mind was to 
 general principles and comprehensive views, rather than technical 
 and recondite learning. In his character, in his family circle, in his 
 practice, in his judicial career, in all the varied stations in life, he 
 was a model worthy of emulation, not perfect and without blemish, 
 but his better characteristics so far exceeding the imperfections and 
 blemishes, that the latter were almost unobserved. Of their child- 
 ren — 
 
 Albert was born February 5, 1842, and is now residing in 
 Monticello, Piatt county, Illinois. Jerome was born December
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 261 
 
 25, 1846, and is now living at Clarinda, Iowa. Joseph was born 
 September 21, 1850; is now living in Lake City, Moultrie county, 
 Illinois. Elizabeth was born November 3, 1852, and married 
 S. H. Record, of Charleston, Illinois, where she now resides. 
 Laura M. was born February 11, 1S55, and died January 13, 1S76. 
 Leora M. was born April 1 1, 1857, and now resides in Decatur. 
 Lucy A. was born April 13, 1859, and now resides in Charleston, 
 Illinois. 
 
 GEORGE W. FALCONER was born in 1777, in Frederick 
 countv, Maryland, and came to this county in 1S39, and died Janu- 
 ary 6, 1856. His children were — 
 
 Jeremiah, Anna, Eliza, Enoch G. and Mary. 
 
 JOHN FALCONER was born January 21, 1830, in Frederick 
 county Maryland, and came to Macon county in 1839. 
 
 JEROME R. GORIN was born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, 
 October 12, 1817, and came to Illinois in 1S28 and settled at Van- 
 dalia, Illinois; he removed thence to Macon county in 1833; he 
 married in Decatur, April 1,1845, Miss Eleanor E. D. Fawcett 
 who was born February iS, 1824. in Jefferson county, Virginia. 
 Mr. G. was admitted to the bar in 1843, but has been engaged for 
 several years past in the banking business in the firm of J. Milliken 
 & Co. 
 
 DR. B. W. GORIN was born in Christian county, Kentucky, 
 in 1S38, and came from there to Vandalia, in this state, where he 
 remained until 1831, when he removed to Shelbyville and thence 
 to Decatur, and was engaged in the practice of medicine. He re- 
 mained here but two vears, and then went to Louisiana, Mo., where 
 he died in 1874. 
 
 HENRY M. GORIN was born in Christian county, Kentucky 
 in 1812, and removed thence to Vandalia, Illinois; he came to De- 
 catur, Illinois, in 1S32, and remained until the year 1841; he was 
 at one time circuit clerk and county clerk of Macon county; after 
 removing to Missouri he engaged in farming, and has held the 
 office of clerk of the circuit court in his county; his records kept by 
 him bear evidence of his carefulness and pains taking. 
 
 JACOB HOSTETTER was born in Shelby county, Kentucky, 
 July 6, 1810; married Tabitha Crum in March, 1835, and came to
 
 262 HISTORY OF MACOX COUNTY, 
 
 Macon county in 1835, where he died in 1S73 of smallpox. Mrs. H. 
 was born in Oldham county, Kentucky, November 4, rSi6. Of 
 their children — 
 
 Francis M. was born in Clark county, Indiana, February 3, 
 1835; "lai'i'ied Elizabeth Wykel, 1S57. Mary J. was born 
 October 15, 1836 and married Jane C. Campbell, March 8, 1865. 
 Malinda E. was born August 31, 1838; married Charles E. 
 HuNSLEY, October 35, 1865. 
 
 JAMES HERREL was born in Grayson county, Kentucky, 
 August 29, 18 1 3, where he remained until 1S34, when he removed 
 to Macon county and remained two years; returned to Kentucky, 
 thence to New Orleans; thence to Florida, as teamster in the war 
 against the Seminole Indians; returned to MacOn county in 1839, 
 where he married Mary Miller, November 26, 1S40. Of their chil- 
 dren — 
 
 Albert G. was born January 6, 1843; married S. J. Miller. 
 Tabitha was born July 6, 1844; died February, 1845. Eliza- 
 beth A. was born October iS, 1845; died June, 1846. George 
 W. was born October 8, 1S47. Francis M. was born June 14, 
 1850; dead. James C. was born January 27, 1853; dead. 
 
 JOHN HANKS, once the old friend and associate of Mr. Lin- 
 coln, was born in Kentucky about 18^2, and come to Illinois in 
 1826 or '27, and settled on Stevens' creek; he married in Kentucky, 
 Susan'Wilson, who was about the same age as Mr. H., and who 
 died in 1861. Of their children — 
 
 William, who lives in Piatt county, and Lewis, who lives in 
 Oregon, were both born in Kentucky. Jane was born January 
 15, I S3 1, in Illinois, and married to A. T. Metlin, who was born in 
 
 1830, in Pa. Emily, born in 1833, in -Illinois, married to Lo- 
 
 mis, and resides at Minonk. Phelix, dead. Grason, resides in 
 Missouri. Levi resides in Macon county. 
 
 JAMES HOWELL was born in 1802, in Galleo county, Ohio, 
 and removed to Macon county in 1831, having been in the state 
 five years. His wife was born in Virginia in 1803. 
 
 Their children were Mary, William T., Emily, Nancy, Charles D., 
 Brice A,, John, Elizabeth. 
 
 WILLIAM HOWELL, DANIEL, JOSEPH and ISAAC, 
 were brothers of James, and came to Macon county early.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 263 
 
 DOLLISTON HEFTON was among the very early settlers 
 of the county. He was one of the old "forty gallon Baptist" preach- 
 ers, and had a sing-song tone to his preaching that was truly won- 
 derful. From the recollection of one of his hearers, we are enabled 
 to give a small extract from a sermon delivered by Mr. H. over 40 
 years ago, which illustrates the peculiar ah's and ideas of which his 
 sermons abounded. " My respected brethren-ah, hell-ah is like 
 takin' a pillow-slip of corn-ah and wadin' the snow-ah and rain-ah, 
 and goin' to Jim Wheeler's mill-ah, and gettin' it ground-ah to 
 make mush -ah! You grind and grind and grind-ah! Brethren-ah, 
 that' is hell-ah. But, my hearers-ah, there is another good place-ah, 
 which we all expect to go to-ah, and when we get there-ah, will feast 
 forever-ah on spare-ribs, biscuits and cofFee-ah, and that's the place we 
 call heaven-ah." Mr. Hefton kept store at Mt. Gillead for a while, 
 and had his family, household goods and merchandise all in one 
 room. His stock of goods consisted of a barrel of pale whisky, that 
 would freeze up in winter, a small quantity of tin-ware, and a few 
 dollar's worth of ' sugar and coffee. One day some one offered to 
 buy his entire stock of tin-ware at a given price, but he refused to 
 sell, because it would "break his stock." 
 
 JAMES HERREL was born in Grayson county, Ky., in 1S13; 
 came to Illinois in 1833 or '4, and settled in Decatur; remained 
 there until 1S40, when he removed to the place where he now 
 lives, about 4 miles west of town. He was married to Mary Mil- 
 ler in 1S40, who was born April 22, 1811. 
 
 Albert G., son of J. and M. Herrel, was born in 1843, ^"^ now 
 resides in this county. 
 
 JOSEPH HOSTETLER was born in Shelby county, Ky., 
 February 27, 1797. His father and grandfather were natives of 
 Pennsylvania. His great-grandfather was born in Germany, near 
 the river Rhine. 
 
 Joseph's mother, Agnes, was the daughter of Anthony Hard- 
 man, of whose ancestry nothing is known, Mr. Hostetler com- 
 menced preaching according to the "Yunker Doctrine," about the 
 year 1815. In 1816 he was married, and the same year authorized 
 to preach by the Yunker church. In 1S17 he moved to Washing- 
 ton county, Ind., and remained there two years. He then moved 
 to Orange county, in the same State, remaining there until 1832,
 
 264 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 when he moved to Illinois, settling in this county, not far frorg 
 Decatur. 
 
 In 1828, he, with others, renounced all " creeds," "confessions of 
 faith," and took his stand with the Church of Christ, or Christian 
 church. After he came to Illinois he performed much hard labor 
 as a pioneer minister, as well as a pioneer farmer. 
 
 In October, 1S32, he organized a church in his neighborhood, of 
 fourteen members. The same church is still in existence, having 
 at present over one hundred members. In 1S33 he organized in 
 Decatur the Church of Christ, which exists to-dav. In the fol- 
 lowing year he inoved to Decatur, and commenced the practice of 
 medicine, in connection with his preaching. In 1S36 he returned 
 to Indiana, and settled on an unimproved farm near Bedford, Law- 
 rence county. In 1S43 he moved to Sheboyagan county, Wiscon- 
 sin, where he opened a farm in heavy timber land, and here, too, 
 he continued to preach and practice medicine. In 1855 he re- 
 moved to Salem, Washington county, Ind. Here he was engaged 
 principally in the practice of medicine. In 1S61 he moved to Lo\- 
 ington, Moultrie county, Illinois. During all this time he was in- 
 cessantly engaged in preaching or practicing medicine. On the 
 27th day of August, 1S70, he died, at his residence, near Loving- 
 ton. His disease was a functional derangement of the heart. He 
 was a heavy built man, weighing about two hundred pounds; was 
 five feet eight inches high, and seemed to bear the weight of years 
 with remarkable firmness and strenirth. 
 
 ANDREW HAMILTON was born May 31, 1806; came to 
 Macon county in 1830; married Margaret Hall in 1S29. Of their 
 children — 
 
 John W. was born December 9, 1830; married to Amelia 
 Clements. Robert G. was born January 20, 1832; died Febru- 
 ary 21, 1832. Martha F. was born February 21, 1833; died Jan- 
 uary 21, 1837. Alfred C. was born June ^, 1835; died April 27, 
 1876. Margaret S. w^as born January 12, 1838; died December 
 18, 1S60. Mary S. was born October 20, 1840; died November 
 20, 1840. Emily H. was born April 17, 1S42; married N. Boles. 
 A. L. was born January 4, 1844; ^^'^d December 4, 1844. Mary J. 
 was born May 9, 1849; died Februar}' 12, 1S73. 
 
 ULYSSES HUSTON was born August 25, 1824, in Pickaway 
 county, Ohio; came to Macon county in the month of November,
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 265 
 
 ^836; married to Matilda McCoy, Feb, 25, 1847, who was born 
 May 19, 1825, in Montgomery county, Indiana, and came to Macon 
 county in 1840. Of their children — 
 
 Phebe was born January 5, 184S; was married to Robert M. 
 McCoy, November 5, 1866. John was born October 13, 1849; 
 died April 14, 1856. Robert was born August 22, 1852. Orus 
 B. was born January 3, 1856. Martha M. was born February 
 18, 1859. Emily J. was born January 7, 1862. William N. was 
 born March 2, 1865. Mary E. was born December 12, 1868. 
 All of which now reside in Macon county. 
 
 SAMUEL HORNBACK was born May 8, 1808, in Bath 
 county, Ky., and was married September 2, 1S30, to Margaret 
 Johnson, who was born February 24, 1811, in the same county and 
 State. They removed to Macon county in September, 1830. Of 
 their nine children — 
 
 Abraham was born February 5, 1835. Letha Ann was born 
 December 16, 1835; ^^^ married December 17, 1856, to Geo. W. 
 Schroll. Isaac was born July 26, 1838; married to Martha Hide, 
 December 20, 1858. Nancy J. was born October 23, 1841; mar- 
 ried to Wm. Gepford, August 22, 1865. Samuel C. was born 
 January i, 1844; married to Margaret Vice, May 6, 1866. Mar- 
 garet was born December 12, 1846; married to George Houser, 
 November 23, 1865. Eliza A. and Lou Ann, twins, were born 
 February 5, 1S50. Jno. W. was born August 15, 1853. 
 
 ROBERT JOHNSON was born in Bath county, Ky., March 
 3, 1807. Was married to Lou Ann Church April 5, 183 1, who 
 was born July 13, 181 3. They moved to Macon county in October, 
 1 83 1. They have no children. 
 
 Dr. JOSEPH KING was born in 1810, and came to Macon 
 
 county in 1839, and married Packard. At that time there 
 
 were but two or three physicians in the county, Drs. Read and 
 Spear. Dr. Rogers came here in 1840, and remained a few years. 
 Dr. K. received his medical education in Cincinnati, O., and soon 
 after his arrival had an extensive practice, and was often called 
 upon to ride 25 or 30 miles to see a patient. The Doctor relates 
 some very amusing incidents connected with the early practice in 
 the county, and some that were not so amusing to the participants; 
 
 —34
 
 266 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 such as being lost on the large prairies, and riding all night in the, 
 cold, when the wolves were uncomfortably thick. The Doctor 
 says he was always afraid of the wolves, and retains a distinct recol- 
 lection of the vigorous barking of these creatures as he would be 
 out riding late at night, perhajDS miles from any habitation. 
 
 ALFRED LAYMONS was born in Grayson county, Ky., 
 September 23, 1808, and removed to Macon county in 1829, where 
 he married Rhoda P. Shepherd, as his first wife, who was born in 
 Virginia, December 28, 181 3, and died September 27, 1836. Of 
 their two children — * 
 
 Henderson M. was born April 15, 1833; died June, 1867. 
 W, W. was born March 14, 1835; '^^^^ February, 1870. 
 
 Mr. Laymons' second wife was Jane Manly, who was born in 
 Grayson county, Ky., August 10, 1815, and died December 31, 1858. 
 Of their children — 
 
 Margaret A. was born May 22, 1839; died December, 1839. 
 Sarah E. was born Nov. 3, 1840; died May i, 1871. Jno. A. 
 was born October 5, 1842; died January, 1870. Jackson M. was 
 born January 9, 1S47. Mary A. was born October 10, 1849. 
 Nancy E. was born June 27, 1S54; died July, 1854. 
 
 Rev. ALONZO LAPHAM was born in New Hampshire, 
 May 29, 1797. He moved to Vermont; afterwards to Indiana, 
 where he became acquainted with, and in 1828 married, Margaret 
 Anderson. He came to Macon county at a very early date, when 
 there were but two houses in the city of Decatur, and soon after- 
 wards engaged in farming. Mr. Lapham was an ordained minis- 
 ter in the Methodist church, and assisted a great deal in the organ- 
 ization of churches in Central Illinois. Of the children of Alonzo 
 and Margaret — 
 
 Mary J. was born October iS, 1829; was married to David M. 
 Thornby, February 22, 1849, and are now living near Salt Creek. 
 John W. was born December 18, 1832; was married to Maria 
 Hammond. He is now engaged as a minister of the gospel, in 
 the M. E. church. Truman C. was born August 28, 1835; was 
 married to Jennie Downs, of Shelbyville, Illinois, January 6, 1863. 
 He is now engaged as a book and music merchant in Shelbyville, 
 Illinois, Wm. W. was born March 7, 1836; was married to Mary 
 J. Crowder, of Springfield, Illinois, March 7, 1S61. He is now
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 267 
 
 engaged in the wholesale music store of Story and Camp, St. 
 Louis, Mo. Martin A. was born January 2, 1841 ; was married 
 to Frances Frazier, of Danville, Illinois, where he now resides. He 
 was for a time \ice-president of Quincy College, and receiving 
 officer of the Fort of New Orleans. A. Milton was born August 
 II, 1843. He has been engaged as a photographer, real estate and 
 insurance agent in Decatur, Illinois, where he now resides. 
 
 GEO. POWERS was born in Charleston, Saratoga county, 
 N. Y., January 17, 1S14; was married to Almira A. Giles, in Ala- 
 bama, April 30, 1S40, who was born in Franklin county, Mass. 
 They removed to Macon county in 1839. He was admitted to the 
 bar soon after his arrival, and was elected to the State vSenate in 
 1S44. He held other offices of trust and responsibility, and died in 
 1849, leaving three daughters: Emma, who married John K. 
 Warren; Sarah A., who married Geo. S. Durfee, and Ada, who 
 married E. D. Bartholomew. 
 
 ROBERT LAW was born in Wilson county, Tenn., in No- 
 vember 1807, and moved to Macon county in 1830 — having been 
 here the year previous to see the country. He was out with the 
 rangers in the Black-Hawk war, under Captain Warnick. He 
 built the old horse-mill at Whitehouse's, in Mt. Zion township, in 
 1836-7, near where Mr. L. now resides. 
 
 JAMES LAW, John Law and Rose Ann, all came here about 
 the same time. They were brothers and sister of Robert; John is 
 dead. 
 
 JOHN LOWRY was born in 1803, in Green county, Tenn.; 
 was married to Elizabeth Drennan in 1825. They removed to 
 Macon county in 1S34. Of their children — 
 
 James A. was born in 1826 or 7. Wm. A. was born in 182S. 
 Jackson C, was born in 1830. Charles D. was born in 1S32. 
 Mary P. was born in 1837. 
 
 ELDRIDGE H. McDANIEL was born November 25, 1807, 
 and married Mary Pope, September 5, 1826. They came to Macon 
 county in 1827, and resided here until their death. Mr. M. died 
 June 29, 1859, and Mrs. M. died August 26, 1871. They raised a 
 large family of children, the ages of which we cannot give.
 
 268 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Elizabeth married Aaron Widick ; both dead. Salamanda 
 married Thomas Lord. Leacy married Jeremiah Turpin; dead. 
 Wm. G., Dempsey, Thomas, (dead,) and John A. B. 
 
 CHRISTOPHER MILLER was born in South CaroHna 
 about 1789; moved with parents to Kentucky, where he married 
 EHzabeth Hays in 1808. He removed thence to Macon co.unty in 
 1829, where he died in 1855. Mrs. M. was born in North Caro- 
 Hna in 179 1 ; removed thence to Grayson county Va., and thence to 
 Grayson county, Ky., where she was married, and came with her 
 husband to Macon, where she is still living. Of their 11 children, 
 we can give ages of but three — 
 
 William was born in Kentucky in 1809. Mary was born in 
 Kentucky in 181 1. James was born in Kentucky in 1813. 
 
 JAMES MILLER was born in Grayson county, Kentucky, 
 August 26, 1813; removed to Macon county in 1829 and married 
 Margaret Hostetler, of Moultrie county, who died in 1852; he 
 married a second time, in 1853, to Elizabeth Miller. By his 
 first wife there were born nine children — 
 
 A.J. was born July 24, 1836. W. G. was born August 20, 1839, 
 
 (no record of others). By his second wife— Jane W. v\^as born 
 
 June 4, 1853; married J. A. Vangundy. Wm. H. was born Aug. 
 
 II, 1855; died September 30, 1856. George W. was born Septem- 
 
 10, 1857; died December , 1S62. 
 
 ■ DxWID MILLER was born December 27, 1790, and married 
 as his first wife Mary Muirhead, who was born July 17, 1808. 
 Mrs. M. died September 19, 1832. Of their children — 
 
 James D. was born October 10, 1828. William M. was born 
 February 18, 1830; died March 20, 1831. Thomas E. B. was 
 born February 9, 1832; died February 10, 1844. 
 
 He was married a second time to Mary Y. Wheeler, widow 
 of Henry Wheeler (See Wheeler) by whom the following children 
 were born. Mr. M. died October 6, 1853. 
 
 Margaret T. was born July 3, 1835. Elvira V. was born 
 January 25, 1837; died February 29, 1844. May H. was born 
 July 12, 1838. George S. was born July 26, 1840. John H. was 
 born August 8, 1841 ; died September, 1841. Tryphosa was 
 born May 14, 1843; died September 17, 1844. Lavenia M. was 
 born July 28, 1844. Lucetta and Genett were born February
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 369 
 
 26, 1S4S; the latter died March 12, 1848. Daniel was born March 
 30, 1849. Harrett a. was born March 30, 1853. 
 
 WILLIAM MUIRHEAD was born in Rockingham county, 
 
 Virginia, in ; he came to this state in 1830 and settled at 
 
 Wykles Place, 4 miles west of Decatur, where he died. He had 
 5 children, to-wit: 
 
 Elizabeth, who married Thomas Strain and moved in the 
 neighborhood of Clinton, Illinois, and died there. Andrew S., 
 who was born in 1S04, and came here with his father. We are 
 unable to give names and ages of the other children. 
 
 EDMUND McDANIEL was born February 13, 1800, in Ogle- 
 thorpe county, Georgia, and removed to Robertson county, Tenn., 
 thence to Vandalia, 111., and thence to Macon county, in 1826. He 
 was married in Kentucky, to Margaret Widick, who was born Jan- « 
 uary 10, 1800, in Virginia, and died November 2, 1874. Mr. M. 
 was upon the first grand jury in this county, and would make at 
 the present, a very efficient foreman. Of their children — 
 
 Joseph, born in Tenn., June 25, 1S21 ; married Kittie K. Wilson, 
 who was born January 21, 1827, in Tennessee. Of their children — 
 
 Margaret J. was born .September 12, 1S44; married R. B. Wil- 
 son. David S. was born January 3, 1S47. Enoch was born 
 July 18, 1849; married C. Hammers. Mary E. was born July 28, 
 1854; married John L. Smith, January 10, 1877. 
 
 William W. was born August 11, 1820, in Tennessee; married 
 Asenith , who was born May 15, 1831. Of their children — 
 
 W. E. was born October 8, 1850. S. C. was born March 18, 
 
 1853. Joseph H. was born February 10, 1855. E. Y. was born 
 
 June 23, 1857. M. F. was born September 18, 1859. A. A. was 
 
 born December 23, 1862. H. D. and R. C. were born January 18, 
 
 1865. J. B. was born March 4, 1S69. 
 
 Emanuel was born in Macon county, May 27, 1827, and mar- 
 ried Caroline Hill. Their children are Margaret, Benjamin, Al- 
 bert and Adaline. Francis M. and John W. died when young. 
 
 Henry was born Feb. 20, 1833, and married Elizabeth Layton. 
 
 Thomas R. was born January, 1835; dead. 
 
 Elizabeth was born in 1838; married Wm. Boardman. 
 
 JOHN McMENNAMY was born March 10, 1793, in Ruther- 
 ford county, Tenn., and came to Macon county in October, 1826,
 
 270 HISTORY OF MACOX COUNTV. 
 
 with his brother-in-law, James Ward. He removed to Texas in 
 1839, and died there. Of his children — 
 
 John H. was born in 18 14, in Tennessee, and has been constable 
 in Macon county for 20 years. His wife died some 25 years ago. 
 He had two children — 
 
 George, who died a few years ago, and Dr. B. F. McMenxa- 
 MY, now of Moultrie county. 
 
 LuciNDA (now Martin), who resides in Harristown township. 
 
 SAMUEL McKINLEY was born December 23, i8t6, in Ross 
 county, Ohio, and moved to Macon county in the month of March, 
 1834. Was married September 24, 1840, to Anna Hanen, who 
 was born January 10, 1822, in Morgan county, Ala. She came to 
 Macon county in the month of March, 1830. Of their children 
 
 William A. was born September 3, 1841, and died in Memphis, 
 Tenn., March 19, 1S63. John H. was born November 23,1843; 
 married to Catharine Ghear, December 30, 1869. Emma was born 
 April II, 1846; was married to John Hammond, June 18, 186S. 
 Eugene was born January 27, 1849. Amanda was born October 
 26, i85i;died September 24, 1852. Alice was born August 8, 
 1853; married to Joseph Baxter, October 16, 1873. Elsie was born 
 March 27, 1856; died April 24, 1856. Mary E. was born May 22, 
 1858. Jennie was born December 6, i860. Edward S. was 
 born February 18, 1864. 
 
 WILLIAM F. MONTGOMERY was born January 7, 181 2, 
 
 in the State of Virginia; was married to Amelia , May 26, 
 
 1836, who was born January 14, 1814, and came to Macon countv 
 in 1835. Of their children — 
 
 Rachael was born April 9, 1837; '^^^ married to John R. 
 Hays, March 26, 1857. Mary C. was born May 11, 1839; was 
 married to Grason Hanks, January 16, 1862. Emily S. was born 
 March 12, 1841. Samuel K.was born December 17, 1842. John 
 F. was born February 11, 1846; was married to Ollie Campbell, 
 September 20, 1871. Patrick H. was born September 29, 1848. 
 Martha A. was born April 9, 1851; was married to Lafayette 
 Gulick, September 20, 1870. 
 
 JAMES MYERS was born October 4, 1804, in Grayson coun- 
 ty, Kentucky, and was married to Mary Meeks, who was born in 
 December, 181 1, in Hardin county, Kentucky. They came to
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 37 1 
 
 Macon county in 1828, and settled the farm now known as the 
 Henry Davis nursery farm, in Long Creek township; Mr. M. 
 died in July, 1872, and Mrs. M, died in 1859. Of their chil- 
 dren — 
 
 John H. was born October 12, 1830; was married in 1848, to 
 Elizabeth A, Park, who was born in 1S28, in Virginia, and died 
 in December, 1S51; married a second time to Emily J. Howell, 
 who was born June 21, 1821, in Sangamon county. Mr. M. had 
 two children by his first wife, both dead; by his last wife has had 
 eleven chikhen, of whom six are living, viz: James M., Charles 
 B., Livinda, Joseph, Daniel and Martha. James B. was born in 
 1849, now resides in Texas. Sarah J. was born in 1836; married 
 to -Andrew Shoemaker. Angelina was born in 1847; i^i'^i'i'i^d 
 to Thomas Atchison. 
 
 MICHAEL MYERS was born about 1779, in North Carolina, 
 and married Louisa Atteberry, who was born about the same 
 date in Kentucky; they removed to Macon county in 1827 or '8. 
 Mr. M. died about 1856, and Mrs. M. about 1862. Of their child- 
 ren — 
 
 Moses was born about 1805, and now resides in Missouri. Eliz- 
 abeth, born in 1807 (about); married to Wm. Lacy; both dead. 
 Dennis, born 1809 (about), and died about 1861. His widow is 
 now the wife of J. D. C.Travis. Minerva, born about i8ii; 
 married John Wallace, who is dead, and she is the present wife of 
 Henry Rhodes. Nancy, bornin 1813; married Andrew Allsman; 
 both dead. James was born in 1824; died in 1870 or '71; married 
 Nancy Howell; also dead. 
 
 SARAH MYERS was born about 1800, in North Carolina; 
 married in Kentucky to Joseph Davis. Came to Illinois in 1831, 
 and died in 1875. Of their children — 
 
 Matilda was born ; married Claiburn Jones. Lydia was 
 
 born ; married to John Kiger. John was born ; now in 
 
 Kansas. Henry was born . Mary was born ; married 
 
 A. Camp. Louisa was born . (See Henry Davis.) 
 
 JACOB MYERS was born in 1802, in North Carolina; was 
 
 married to Elizabeth Wood, who was born . Mr. M. died 
 
 November, 1854. Their children were —
 
 272 
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Joseph B,, born in 1843; John A., born in 1840; Mary A., 
 James Wesley, Sarah C. and James. 
 
 Second marriage in 1849, to Malinda White. 
 
 Nancy L. was born in 1851, and married James M. Bell, Octo- 
 ber, 1871. 
 
 THOMAS NELMS came to Macon county in 1827, from Lo- 
 gan county, Ky., and settled where William C. Smith now resides; 
 died from the effects of a tree falling upon him, perhaps about 1830. 
 A remarkable incident is related in connection with the tree caus- 
 ino- the death of Mr. N. After it was cut down, and before being 
 split, there was one continuous tingling sound came from it, similar 
 to that heard from the splinters when a tough stick of wood is 
 being split. This continued long after the logs were made into 
 rails and laid up in a fence. The attention of travelers was attracted 
 by the peculiar noise, while they were passing along the road by 
 the side of the fence. The fact of this singular and unexplainable 
 circumstance was attested by many of the early settlers — some of 
 whom are still living. That the strange freak had any connection 
 with the killing of Nelms, as was strenuously insisted, is probably 
 without foundation. 
 
 Hon. R.J. OGLESBY was born in Oldham county, Kentucky, 
 July 25, 1824. His parents died when he was but eight years old, 
 and he was placed in charge of an uncle, and in 1836 was brought 
 to Decatur with the family of his uncle, Willis Oglesby. He had, 
 while in Kentucky, worked a year and a half at the carpenter's 
 trade, and after his removal to Decatur worked six months with 
 Hon. E. O. Smith. In 1844 he commenced studying law at Spring- 
 field with Judge Silas Robins, and read with him one year, and 
 was admitted to the bar in 1845, and commenced the practice at 
 Sullivan, Illinois, and remained there until the spring of 1846. In 
 June of that year he went as Lieutenant in Co. C, 4th regiment, to 
 the Mexican war, and took part in the battles at Vera Cruz and 
 Cerro Gordo. On his return he continued to study and practice 
 law; but on- the breaking out of the gold fever, in 1849, he crossed 
 the plains to California, driving a six mule team en route., with a 
 company of eight men, of which Henry PratherVas the leading 
 man. In 1852 he returned home to Macon county, and was a Scott 
 elector. In 1S56 he visited Europe, Asia and Africa, ^nd was ab- 
 sent twenty months. On his return he resumed practice, as a mem-
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY, 273 
 
 ber of the firm of Gallagher, Wait & Oglesby. In 1858 he ran as 
 the Republican candidate for congress, and was defeated by Hon. 
 J. C. Robinson. In 1S60 he was elected to the State senate.. On 
 the evening the returns of this election were coming in, Mr. O. had 
 a fisti-cufF encounter with "Cerro Gordo Williams," in which he 
 came out victorious, and which was regarded as the first fight of the 
 rebellion. During the extra session of the legislature in 1861, Mr. 
 O. was elected colonel of the 8th Illinois infantry. He commanded 
 a brigade at Fort Donelson, and was stationed on the right of Gen. 
 Grant's army, and rendered valuable service in that famous battle, 
 where so many Macon count}^ soldiers fell. He was engaged in 
 the battle of Corinth, and in a brave charge at this place, was 
 shot with an ounce ball, which he still retains, and was borne from 
 the field, as was supposed, mortally wounded. He had been pro- 
 moted to brigadier-general in April previous. After his partial 
 recovery he was promoted to major-general, as a merit for his val- 
 iant services, ranking from Nov. 1862, and in the spring of 1863 
 was assigned to the i6th army corps. Owing to inability from the- 
 efFects of his wound, to perform the arduous duties of his position, 
 he resigned his command in July, 1863; but Gen. Grant refused to 
 accept his resignation, and he was detailed, in Dec. 1863, to court 
 martial and try the surgeon-general of the army, at Washington, 
 where he remained until May, 1864, when he returned to his home, 
 and was nominated and elected as the republican candidate for gov- 
 ernor of Illinois, and served four years. At the end of his term he 
 returned home to Decatur, and was re-elected governor in 1S73; 
 but upon the meeting of the legislature, in January, 1873, he was 
 elected to the senate of the United States, and resigned his office of 
 governor. 
 
 Senator Oglesby is a man of no common native ability. Almost 
 without education, and by the force of his own powers, he has 
 arisen step by stejD to his present position as senator of one of the 
 most important states in the Union. Macon coimty is proud of 
 Senator Oglesby, and we doubt not he is proud of Macon county. 
 
 JOSHUA G. PURDEW was* born in Montgomery county, 
 Tennessee, March 1, 181 1, and moved to Macon county in 1832; 
 was married to Margaret Ward, who was born in Tennessee Janu- 
 ary II, 1814; she died in 1862. Of their children — 
 
 —35
 
 274 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY, 
 
 Mary E., born May i, 1835; marned W.A.Wilson. Phe- 
 RiBA A., born October 5, 1836. John B., born March 27, 1838; 
 married M. A. Frazee; died March 27, 1863. Nancy A., born 
 October 30, 1841 ; married John Neyhard; died March 31, 1861. 
 W^iLLiAM M., born October 30, 1S41 ; married M. H. Pound. Joel 
 T., born December 12, 1843; died March, 1863. JaxMEs Y., born 
 May 12, 1845. Wilson S., born February 3, 1847. America 
 M., born November 21,1848. Joshua L., born April 26, 1850. 
 Lewis M., born July 28, 1854. 
 
 Mr. P. married a second time, to Mrs. Lucinda P. Widick, who 
 was born in Wayne county, Illinois, August i, 1825. Her first 
 husband was Daniel K. Pound. (See Pound,) 
 
 DANIEL K. POUND and Lucinda R. Davidson were mar- 
 ried, November 22, 1842 — (See Purdue). He died August 10, 
 1875. Of their children — 
 
 D. K., Jr. was born January 12, 1845; married April 29, 1866. 
 J. B. was born March 26, 1859; died March 15, 1850. M. H. 
 was born July 10, 1850; married W. M. Purdue, March, 1868. 
 
 Mrs. P. married Aaron Widick, January 22, 1S58. Of their 
 children — 
 
 Larkin W., born January 23, 1850. Aaron K,, born August 
 7, 1S60. 
 
 DEMPSEY POPE was born in North Carolina, and removed 
 thence to Tennessee, and thence to this county, in 1827, and settled 
 on Mosquito Creek. He married in North Carolina, Sarah Ed- 
 wards, who was born in 1794 and died 1874. Mr. P. died in 1853 
 or '4. Their children were — 
 
 Martha, Mary, Tabitha, Elizabeth, William, Leacy J., Sarah, 
 James, Willis Zacharlah, Penelope and Matilda. 
 
 NINIAN PEDDECORD was born In Montgomery county, 
 Maryland, and removed to Macon county In 1836, where he en- 
 gaged as a clerk for Adamson & Prather. He afterwards formed 
 a copartnership with Joseph Stickel. He was clerk of the circuit 
 court from 1840 to 1847, after which he went to Missouri, and thence 
 to Clinton, Iowa, where he died about 1870. He married a daugh- 
 ter of John Stickel. 
 
 JASPER J. PEDDICORD was born November 8, 1818, in 
 Montgomery county, Maryland, and came to Macon county In
 
 275 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 June, 183S. He married Ophelia W. Adamson, sister of Senator 
 R.J. Oj^lesby, August 30, 1843. Her first husband was John S. 
 Adamson, who died in 1840. Mr. P. for a number of years was 
 engaged in merchandising, with Joseph Stickel, and afterwards 
 with Hosea Armstrong. In 1853 he formed a copartnership with 
 Lowber Burrows, in the banking business, besides engaging to a 
 large extent in manufacturing. 
 
 ^Capt. JOEL S. POST was born in the town of Ontario, in what 
 is now Wayne county, New York, April 27, 18 16. In 1838 his 
 father removed to Washtinaw county, Michigan territory, where 
 he remained until the subject of this sketch was 23 years old. In 
 1S39 Mr. Post removed to Macon county; and commenced the 
 study of law under the late Judge Emerson in 1840; was admitted 
 to the bar in 1841, and entered into the practice at Decatur, where 
 he has since remained, being now the oldest practitioner of the 
 Macon county bar. In 1846 Mr. P. enlisted in the service for the 
 Mexican war and was appointed quartermaster with the rank of 
 captain. In 1856 he was elected to represent the senatorial district 
 including Macon and other counties, in the State Senate, and serv- 
 ed two sessions. During this term of service he was mainly instru- 
 mental in securing the passage of a law establishing the Normal 
 University, at Normal, Illinois. Mr. Post married Sallv Ann 
 Bunn, the oldest daughter of Rev. D. P. Bunn, in November, 
 1853. She was born in Ross county, Ohio, in 1833. Of their 
 children — 
 
 Bunn was born in 1856. Hellen was born in 1859. 
 
 It is proper in this connection to say, that in the preparation of 
 this work, we have been materially aided and assisted by Caj^tain 
 Post. He has taken more interest in this effort by which some- 
 thing might be placed in a permanent shape, of the early history of 
 the county, than any other person. 
 
 Gen. ISAAC C. PUGH was born November 23, 180^, in 
 Christian county, Ky. He came to Illinois in 1S21, and settled 
 with his father's family in Shelby county, where he remained until 
 1829, when he came to Macon county; resided here until his death, 
 which occurred November 19, 1874. He was married to Elvira E. 
 Gorin, August 2, i83i,whowas born in Todd county, Kv., De- 
 cember 17, 1814, and came to Illinois in 1829, and to Macon county 
 in 1 83 1. Of their eleven children, five died in infancy —
 
 276 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Maria M. was born June 4, 1833, and married to J. Milton 
 Lowry, February 17, 1S52. John H. was born December 30, 
 1838, and married Sophia Wood, May 39, 1863. Bartley G. 
 was born April 33, 1841 ; married Mary C. Rohrer, September 3, 
 1863. Isaac R. was born January 38, 1843; Ti^i'i'ied Nellie M. 
 Upton, June 31, 1867. He died July 20, 1868. Venitin Isabel 
 was born March 11, 1846; married Perry B. Gilham, September 
 26, 1865. Almira H. was born March 33, 1851; married John 
 C. Mark, June 20, 1874. 
 
 Gen. Pugh has been prominently connected with all the impor- 
 tant affairs of the county, and took a lively interest in everything 
 calculated to advance the interest of the city and county. He was 
 in the Black Hawk war, and served as Captain at the time of 
 Stillman's defeat. He was also Captain of Co. C, in the Mexican 
 war, and took a prominent and active part in the late war. He was 
 Colonel of the 41st regiment, in the late war, and was promoted to 
 the grade of Brig. -General for meritorious conduct. In 1865 he was 
 elected clerk of the county court, and served for four years, and 
 held other positions of trust during his long residence in the countv, 
 and alwavs, whether in office or as a private citizen, was where 
 duty called him. He was kind hearted, affectionate, and in all re- 
 spects upright and honorable. 
 
 THOMAS H. READ was born February 24, 1798, in Charlotte 
 county, Virginia, and died on the first day of September, 1874, in 
 the citv of Decatur. His father moved from Virginia to Ruther- 
 ford county, Tenn., when Thomas was quite young. In the spring 
 of 1 83 1 the Doctor moved from Tennessee to this county; was 
 married on the 24th of August, 1836, to Elizabeth Allen, of 
 Loudon county, Virginia, who was born on the 4th of August, 
 i8i3, and came to Macon county in 1835. Names of children — 
 
 JuT.iA E. was born September 8, 1837, and died October 31, 
 1837. John N. was born August 11, 1839. Mary S. was born 
 March 33, 1841. Annie H. w\as born February 3, 1843, ^"^ '^'^'^ 
 August 34, 1864. James A. was born May 26, 1846. Emma F. 
 was born August 31, 1848. Susie C. was born January 13, 1831. 
 
 JAMES RE A was born February 9, 1799, in Green Briar 
 county, Va., and married in 18 17 to Hannah Hudsinpiller, and 
 came to Macon county in 1839, and remained until April, 1854,
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 377 
 
 when he removed to San Jose, Cal, Mrs. Readied in 1S71. Their 
 only child — 
 
 Wm. Re a, was born October 4, 1S33, in Gallio county, Ohio, 
 and came to this county with his father, and was married July 19, 
 1 84 1, to Mary Howell, who was born August 23, 1833, and died 
 Feb. 28, 1872. Their children are — 
 
 Cyrene, (dead), Frank, Mary, David, Mellissa, (married to John 
 Shrader,) John and William. 
 
 SAMUEL REA was born in Virginia, January 17, 1819, and 
 came to Illinois in 1830; was married March 11, 1856, to Catharine 
 Dennis, who was born in Pennsylvania, January 31, 1833. 
 
 Mr. R., during his long residence in Macon county, has been 
 honored by his fellow citizens with a number of county offices, 
 which he filled to the entire satisfaction of his constituents, and is 
 everywhere respected. His honesty and integrity perhaps no man 
 has ever questioned. His word was as good as his bond, and his 
 enemies, if anv, are few and far between. 
 
 JAMES RENSHAW was born November 31, 1794, in North 
 Carolina, and moved to Kentucky, where he married vSarah Phipps, 
 in 1S19, who was born in the latter State, 
 
 BERRY ROSE was born January 14, 1S06; was married to 
 Martha Pope, November 33, 1836. He died March 13, 1835. His 
 wife was born May 31, '1808, and is now living in this countv, six 
 miles southwest of Decatur. Of their children — 
 
 Albert was born January 34, 1838; was married to Louisa A. 
 Sprouse, October 10, 1850; is now living in Missouri. Mary 
 Jane was born September 31, 1839; was married to Andrew 
 Armstrong, July 35, 1835. They are now living in Blue Mound. 
 Benjamin W. was born July 38, 1831; was married to Mary J. 
 Darmer, March 37, 1856, who died in Missouri. He has since 
 married Mrs. Rebecca Carter, September 6, at six o'clock. He is 
 now living in Blue Mound township. Elijah T. was born March 
 S, 1833; died in the army, January 33, 1863. Berry J. was born 
 May 30, 1835; died July 10, 1835. Martha Ann was born Sep- 
 tember 30, 1836; was married to William C. Darmer, April 30, 
 1857; now living in Champaign count}-. John V. was born No- 
 vember 36, 1838; died in the army, May 36, 1864. Wm. C. was
 
 278 HISTORY OF MASON COUNTY. 
 
 born July 15, 1S41 ; died in fhe army, May 6, 1862. Nancy E. 
 was bornjuly 14, 1S43; married Thomas Armstrong, in the month 
 of March, 1865; now living in this county. Sarah E. was born 
 October 24, 1845; married John Jeter; now living in Champaign 
 county. James T. was born September 22^ 1850; married to 
 Lizzie Cook; is now living in Daviess county. Mo. 
 
 REBECCA ROBINSON was born February 19, 1822, in Put- 
 nam county, Ind., and came to Macon county in 1831; was married 
 in 1847 to John Drake, who was born October 5, i8ii,iii Piqua 
 county, Ohio; came to Macon county in 1S34, and died March 12, 
 1855. Of their children — 
 
 Sarah Ann was born June 29, 1843; died October 26, 1843. 
 Mary Jane was born October 26, 1S44; died August 26, 1S46. 
 Sylvanus was born August 30, 1849. Isaac was born Decem- 
 ber 7, 1852; died February 5, 1872. John Lewis was born Octo- 
 ber 25, 1854. Mrs. Drake was married second time, to Lewis 
 Camp, about the year 1857. Of their children — 
 
 Samuel W. was born October 14, 1859; died in 186 1. Hattie May 
 was born November 4, 1865. 
 
 JOHN RUCKER was born in South Carolina in 1800, and re- 
 moved from that State when quite small, to McMinn county, Tenn.; 
 he remained there until 1833, when he removed to Macon county, 
 and resided here until he died, in the year 1872. He was a hard 
 working man all his life, and by industry ^succeeded in amassing 
 property sufficient to class him with the well-to-do men of the 
 county. He was for fourteen years one of the county commission- 
 ers of Macon county, holding the position longer than any other 
 man since the organization of the county. Mrs. Elizabeth Rucker, 
 his wife, is still living with her son-in-law, E. R. Eldridge, in De- 
 catur. Mr. R., was, in all his transactions, strict, and required all 
 he dealt with to observe the same thing. When he came to the 
 State, his worldly possessions were carried on two horses, and his 
 success in life is a monument to honest and patient toil and indus- 
 try. 
 
 JAMES SANDERS. There are but few old settlers of the 
 county who do not remember "Uncle Jimmy Sanders." He was 
 one of the noted men, and almost every one knew him, by reputa- 
 tion at least, for an area of a great many miles. He was born in
 
 HISTORY OF MACON CONNTY. 279 
 
 Spartanburg county, S. C, June 15, 1800, and was taken on a pack- 
 pony when very small, to Rutherford county, Tenn,, where he re- 
 mained until he was grown. • In 1823 he married Polly Wilson, 
 who was born in North Carolina in 1797, and died in Christian 
 county, 111., in 1866. In the year iS 29, he removed with his family 
 to Illinois, where he has remained ever since On his arrival in 
 Illinois, he says he had a wife, five children and an "old plug of a 
 wagon, three old plugs of horses, one good mare, 61^ cents in 
 money. The money he had in his pocket with his shot and bullets 
 a short ti nvj after his arrival, which he accidentally lost, and 
 was thereby " broken up." Mr. Sanders was a man of most pow- 
 erful constitution, and his strength and endurance were pi'obably 
 not excelled by any man in Central Illinois. On the day of Uncle 
 Joe Stevens' wedding, Mr. S., in a general trial of strength among 
 those persons present, took a piece of lead, 75 pounds in weight, in 
 each hand, and raised them on a level with his shoulders, and then 
 passed them around straight in front until they touched each other. 
 At one time he had been sick for some length of time, and when 
 he had sufficiently recovered to walk to the blackberry patch, he 
 gathered his hat full of blackberries, and then sat down and ate 
 them all. He returned to the house and said, " Polly, I have eat a 
 few blackberries and feel better." 
 
 He was known far and wide as a good rail-maker, and would go 
 as far as 15 and 20 miles and make rails for parties at 25 cents per 
 hundred, or 37^ cents in trade, which he regarded as a very liberal 
 price. He was a man that possessed a great many peculiarities, a 
 particular mention of which, would extend this sketch quite too far. 
 He relates to-day, ]with pride, as one of his greatest achievements, 
 the fact that he at one time in a wrestling match, threw down *Abe 
 Lincoln, who had thrown the bully of the county. Of Mr. San- 
 ders' children — 
 
 * Note. — It will be remembered in this connection, that Mr. Lincoln, when 
 he first came to Illinois, was a resident of Macon county, and he and Mr. San- 
 ders were great cronies and Iriends. Uncle Jim says that they spent many 
 Sundays together fishing in the Sangamon, and were often together at barn- 
 raisings, house-raisings, fox-chases and wolf-hunts. At these early gatherings, 
 when Mr. Lincoln was an awkward gangling boy, he was often called upon, 
 when the work was through, for a Jackson speech, and he seldom failed to re- 
 spond. Mr. L.'s father was a Jackson Democrat, and his son grew up in that 
 faith, and has made a great many Jackson speeches in this county. He after-
 
 zSo HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Ei.LEN was born in 1823, and now resides in Kansas. John, 
 their second, died in the Mexican war. James B. died in 1854. 
 Jane, wife of Prestly Travis, resides in Christian county. Peter 
 H., Peggy, Matilda, Bethany and Amanda, are dead. Frank, 
 the youngest cliild, was born in March, 1845, and married Annis 
 HolHngsworth, with whom Uncle Jimmy now resides. 
 
 JOSEPH and BARBARA SPANGLER came to this county 
 in the fall of 1835, from the county of York, in the State of Penn- 
 sylvania. They were among the first permanent settlers of this 
 county. They had nine children born unto them, all of whom 
 came to this county with their parents, with the exception of the 
 oldest daughter, who married in Pennsylvania.' Barbara Spangler 
 died in March, 1S47. Joseph Spangler died February, 17, 1862, 
 leaving surviving him all of his children, except Felix, who had 
 moved to California in 1852, and died while there. 
 
 wards changed his politics and became a Whig of tlie most pronounced type, 
 which incensed his fatlier no little. Mr. Lincoln commenced his law studies 
 in this county under the following circumstances : He had gone to "Uncle 
 Billy Warnick's" to see one of the girls; but in going, his shoes not being good, 
 he got his feet frost-bitten, and was unable to return home. He remained 
 there for a week or ten days under the medical treatment of old Mrs. Warnick, 
 and while so doing became greatly interested in reading the statutes and a few 
 other stray volumes of law-books, which, no doubt, afterwards materially de- 
 termined his course in adopting his profession. It was reported in the news- 
 papers during the campaign of i860, that Mr. Lincoln in his early day was a 
 great rail maker ; but Mr. Sanders says that while it is true that "Abe" did make 
 some rails, yet they were few in number. Mr. Sanders also relates the cir- 
 cumstance by which Mr. L. ceased to be a resident of this county, which is 
 this: A man by the name of Offit purchased a few hundred hogs, and Mr. 
 Lincoln and his step-brother, John Johnson, were employed to assist in driv- 
 ing the hogs to market at Beardstown. When they had disposed of the hogs 
 they invested the money in groceries, which consisted, as Uncle Jim says, of 
 "sod-corn," spun-cotton, sugar and coftee, powder and lead, etc., the greater 
 part of which were brought back as far as Salem, where tliey started a grocery, 
 and Mr. Lincoln was left in charge of the goods, to keep store. This was the 
 last of Mr, Lincoln's personal history in connection with this county. Mr. 
 Sanders' last interview with Lincoln was but a day or so before Lincoln's de- 
 parture lor Washington. As they were separating — which proved to be their 
 last— Mr. Sanders said, "Now, Abe, don't do any wrong." Mr. Lincoln re- 
 plied, "I will not, if I know it."
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 281 
 
 Jacob, Joseph and John Spangler, and Susan and Eliza, 
 the sons and daughters of Joseph and Barbara Spangler, still reside 
 in this county, each of whom have raised a family. 
 
 Their son, Daniel Spangler, moved to California in 1852, 
 where he still resides. 
 
 Susan Spangler was married to James D. Tait in 1S42. James 
 D. Tait came to this county from Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, 
 in 1839. He opened the first saddle and harness shop ever opened 
 in Decatur, He walked across the country from Naples, on the 
 Illinois river, carrying his tools upon his back, frequently wading 
 water up to his chin, which filled every slough and hollow during 
 those days. He bought his stock of goods in Springfield, Illinois, 
 after deciding to stop in Decatur, and had them hauled here by 
 team. He followed his trade for several years, until he was obliged 
 to discontinue on account of his health. Mr. and Mrs. Tait had 
 borii unto them five sons, to-wit: Joseph S. Tait was born March. 
 28, 1843; was married to Martha E. Dillahunt, January 24, 1871. 
 James H. Tait was born June 39, 1847, and died July 9, 1849. Felix 
 B. Tait was born November 29, 1850. Daniel T. Tait was born 
 February 25, 1853, and died October 8, 1873. Robert M. Tait was 
 born December 10, 1856, and died November 17, 1S73. Joseph S. 
 Tait is one of the largest farmers of this county. Felix B. Tait 
 graduated at the Illinois State Normal University, in June, 1873; 
 was principal of the Woodstock Seminary, in McHenry county, 
 Illinois, in 1S74-75; was licensed to practice law in June, 1876, 
 
 JOHN SCOTT, Sr., was born in North Carolina, in 1775, and 
 married Mary Dodd, in Kentucky, who was born in South Caro- 
 lina, in 1777- They removed from Tennessee to Indiana, in 18 16, 
 and thence to Illinois, in 1829. Mr. S. died December 20, 1830, and 
 Mrs. S. died September 7, of the same year. 
 
 Of their two children, now residents of Macon county, see Fran- 
 cis and John, below. 
 
 Francis D. Scott was born July 12, 1819, in Gibson county, 
 Indiana, and removed to Illinois, with his father, in 1829, and set- 
 tled in Macon county, in 1834, in Mt. Zion township. Mr. S. was 
 married April 24, 1846, to Lucinda Fruit, who was born in Ken- 
 tucky in August, 1824. Of their children — • 
 
 -36
 
 282 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Eli K. was born July 6, 1847. Albert was born October, 2, 1852. 
 Charles was born September 22, 1858. Willie J. was born July 
 16,1865. 
 
 John Scott, Jr., was born December 22, 182 1, and came to Illi- 
 nois with his father, as above stated. He married in March, 1S52, 
 Mary J. Davidson, who was born in 1830, in Macon county. Of 
 their two children — 
 
 Oliver was hcn'n November i, 1858. Rhoda was born April 32, 
 1862. 
 
 LEONARD STEVENS, Sr. At this late day, and from the 
 data at hand, it is absolutely impossible to give an accurate account 
 of the ages, deaths, marriages, etc., of this family. It is also impos- 
 sible to fix, with certainty, when Mr. Stevens came to what now 
 constitutes Macon county. Joseph Stevens, now in his 68th year, 
 and the 7th child of Leonard Stevens, fixes the date of his father's 
 arrival at 1S21; but his memory, I find, is quite treacherous, and 
 his general health is very infirm. It is certain, however, that Leon- 
 ard Stevens was the first settler of the county whose descendants 
 yet i-emain among us. He was born in Connecticut, it is thought, 
 about the year 1764; perhaps a few years earlier. His wife was 
 Alice Gates, also born in Connecticut, about one year after her hus- 
 band, and survived him about one year. They were married in 
 Connecticut, and emigrated a short time afterwards to the state of 
 New York, where most, if not all, of their children were born. 
 They emigrated to Illinois, Randolph county, in 1818, and come 
 from there to Macon about the year 182 1, as above stated; certainly 
 not later than 1823. Thomas Cowan, one of the commissioners 
 who located the county seat of Macon county, was a member of 
 Mr. Stevens' family, and removed to this county with them, from 
 Randolph county. 
 
 BuELL Stevens, the oldest son, was born in New York, about 
 the year 1796, as he was but 22 when his father came to Illinois in 
 1818. He died about the year 1S36. His first wife was a Manville, 
 the date of whose death we have no means of ascertaininsr. His 
 second wife was Polly Gray, who died about 1837. His children, 
 by his first wife, were Leonard Stevens, Jr., who was the first white 
 child born within the limits of Macon county; Ira Stevens, Clara 
 Stevens, and Perry Stevens. Those by his second wife w^ere, Do- 
 rus, James, Truman C, Hattie, Mary and Elizabeth. Leonard
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 2S3 
 
 Stevens, Jr., died in this count}', and was buried by Col. E. D. Car- 
 ter, as coroner; Ira was living in Stephenson county when last 
 heard from; Clara is dead; James died during the late war; Perry 
 was living, when last heard from, near Washington county, in this 
 state; Truman C. lives near Taylorville, Christian county; Hattie 
 married Kelso, near Washington. 
 
 Keziah Stevens, the second child of Leonard Stevens, Sr., 
 married a man by the name of Lawrence, before the removal of her 
 father to Macon count}-, and was never a resident of the county. 
 
 Leonard. S tevens, Jr., was born in New York, about the year 
 1800. He married Hannah Taylor, of Kaskaskia. He was not a 
 resident of Macon county. 
 
 Augustus Stevens was not a resident of the county. He mar- 
 ried, and he and wife both died within about two years of each 
 other; leaving no children. He was buried on Stevens' creek. He 
 was born about 1803. 
 
 Luther Stevens was born about 1804, in New York. He 
 married Augusta Sprague, daughter of Abraham Sprague. He 
 moved from Macon county to Missouri about 30 years ago. His 
 children were, Augustus, Luther, John, Lewis, Alice and Elizabeth- 
 He and his wife have been dead for a few years. 
 
 DoRUS Stevens was born about the year 1806, in New York, 
 married Nancy Biglaw, as his first wife; then the widow Cooper, 
 near Henkle's, in 'Sangamon county. The date of his death is not 
 known. His widow is still living. His children were. Perry, Hat- 
 tie and Mary. 
 
 Joseph Stevens, to whom we are indebted for what meagre 
 information we have of the Stevens' family, was born in New York, 
 March 7, 1S08. He came to this county with his father, when he 
 was but 13 years old. He married in 1830 to Mary Warnick, 
 daughter of Wm. Warnick, the first sheriflT of Macon county. By 
 his first wife he had three children, Francis M., now in Mo.; Wm. 
 Henry, now in this county; and James M., in Kansas. By his last 
 wife he had one child, Cyrus. His first wife died about 1848, and 
 he then married Mrs. Cunningham, whose maiden name was Mar- 
 garet Sentenay, who was born in Ky., and is still living; she was 
 born about 1S16. Mr. S. is now the oldest settler in the countv.
 
 284 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 Harriet Stevens married William Hollenback,and was, when 
 last heard from, living in Stephenson county. Their children's 
 names cannot be given. 
 
 James Stevens was born about 181 2, in New York. His 
 second wife's name was Fordice, who died about 186S. He died 
 about three years ago, In Bloomington, Illinois. 
 
 ROBERT SMITH, Sr., was born in" Guilford county. North 
 Carolina, September 11, 17S2. His father removed to Tennessee, 
 near Nashville, about the year 1S03, and remained there about a 
 year, and removed to Stones River, near Murphreysborough, where 
 he remained until his death, in 1S30, Mr. Smith removed to 
 Illinois in 1828, and located in Sangamon county, where he remain- 
 ed until the spring of 1S2S, when he came to Macon county, where 
 he settled about six miles south-west of Decatur, and died in 1855. 
 His father whose name was also Robert, was engaged in the Rev- 
 olutionary war; and was taken prisoner in North Carolina. Rob- 
 ert was with Jackson in the battle of New Orleans. His first wife 
 was Elenor Wilson, who died in 1S24; he afterwards married Jane 
 Allen, who now lives in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. His children were — 
 Andrew W., Nancy, Robert, Wm. C. and Margaret; all by his 
 first wife. 
 
 ANDREW^ W. SMITH was born in Rutherford county, Ten- 
 nessee, November 25th, 1806. He married Elizabeth Blanken- 
 ship, who died in 1831. He afterwards married Rebecca R. Smith, 
 January 28, 1836; who died in November, 1S75. He was a mem- 
 ber of the old county commissioners court for several years, and 
 w^as engaged in the Black Hawk war; he was with the company 
 of rangers that went out from Macon county, towards the head of 
 the Sangamon, in the vicinity of Cheney's Grove. He died in 
 October, 1875, just one month pi-evious to the death of his wife. 
 Of their children — 
 
 Elizabeth M. J. was born March 14, 1S32; she married Jos. 
 Trobaugh, and now lives in Texas. Alexander A. was born 
 November 25, 1838; was married to Laura Jacobs, October 7, 1869. 
 He now resides in Wheatland township. Abigail E. was born 
 July, 30, 1840; was married to B. G. Henry; who now lives on 
 the Lewis Ward place. Margaret A. was born September 5, 
 1844; was married to Nelson Odor, October 6, 186S; now living 
 in Wheatland township.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 285 
 
 WM. C. SMITH was horn in Rutherford county, Tennessee, 
 July 5, 1S19, moved to this county in 1S2S, fi'om Sangamon county; 
 married Leacy J. Pope, Fehruary 17, 1842, who was horn in 
 Wake county. North Carolina, October 25, 18 19. Of their child- 
 ren — 
 
 John W. was horn February 9, 1843; married Mattie J. Week- 
 ly, September r, 1868; now resides in Decatur, 
 
 George R. was born October 2, 1844; died November 17, 1845. 
 William B. was born January 5, 1847; married Elizabeth GofF, 
 July 2, 1867; now lives in Wheatland township. Robert H. was 
 born November 27, 1849; married Belle Wilson, September 23, 
 1875; now resides in Blue Mound township. Sarah E. was horn 
 Februarv ^, 1852. James M. was born March 20, 1854. Daniel 
 C. was born March 24, 1857; died September 23, 1857. 
 
 PARMENAS SMALLWOOD was born in Virginia, near 
 Charleston, on the 27th of April, 1782; was married to Deborah 
 Brown, in the same state, on the 23d of Jime, 1807. She was born 
 near Charleston, May 12, 1792, and died November 7, 1873. 
 Parmenas 55. died in the month of December, 1851. Of their 
 children — 
 
 Yamzen B, was born May 9, 1808; married to John Murphy, 
 August I, 1832, who is now living on Salt Creek. Yamzen S. 
 died August zj^ 1835. George D. was born March 31, 1810. John 
 B. was born- November 5, 1811; died September 15, 1868. Sam- 
 uel A. was born April 27, 18 13, and now lives north of Decatur. 
 James M. w^as born November 8, 1814; died June, 1852. Daniel 
 M. was born May i, 1816; died July 17, 1839. Amelia A. was 
 born February 17, 1818; married William Bennett, and now re- 
 sides on Salt Creek, in Dewitt county. Elizabeth H. was born 
 December i, 18 19; married Walter Roben, in Dewitt county. 
 Douglas B. was born July 6, 1821; died September 25, 1844. 
 Susan C. V. was born February 14, 1828; married Emanuel 
 Davis, and now lives near Decatur. Parmenas A. was born Aug. 
 31, 1824; now lives in DeWitt county. Sarah J. was born July 27, 
 1827; died October 5, 1846. Joseph P. was born July 10, 1829, and 
 now resides in Decatur. Asbarinah was born November 27, 
 1827; died in October, 1831. Gideon P. was born May 16, 1833; 
 now resides in Dewitt county.
 
 286 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY 
 
 JOHN SMITH was born June 28, 1796, in Rutherford county, 
 Tennessee; where he married Margaret Wilson, who was born 
 at Guilford C. H., North Carolina, July 25, 1801 . They removed 
 to Illinois about 1S39 or '30, and settled at Mt. Zion, where he 
 died, a few years since, loved and respected by all who knew^ him. 
 Of their children — 
 
 Mary J. was born November 10, 1822; died at 18. George 
 A. was born April 6, 1825; died July 29, 1873; married Eliza- 
 beth Wilson and as second wife Martha Wilson. Louisa C. was 
 born May 2, 1829; married Rev. J. C. Smith. Candor R. was 
 born November 17, 1832; died at 13. Nancy M. was born 
 November 20, 1837; i^^arried W. S. Parr. 
 
 Mrs. L. CATHARINE SMITH was born May 2, 1829, 
 in Windsor county, Tennessee, and married Rev. J. C. Smith, 
 July 22, 1845, who died January 4, 1872. Of their children — 
 
 M. R., born April 19, 1S48; married Joseph Wood, September 
 19, 1872. Z. L., born August 16, 1851; died July 11, 1852. A. L. 
 born August 29, 1853. F. A., born April 14, 1855; died June 28, 
 18^8. L. L., born October 13, 1866. 
 
 WILLIS STALLINGS was born in October, 1807, in Smith 
 county, Tenn., and came to Macon county in 1832; married in 
 1830 to Jane Law. Their children are — 
 
 James M., who now resides in Atchison, Kansas, Thomas B. 
 and R. M. Hili-, residing in Macon county. 
 
 DAVID SMICK was born in 1798, in Lincoln county, Ky.; 
 came to this county from Kentucky in 1834, where he has ever 
 since resided; was married November 5, 1829, to Eliza Ann Fer- 
 I'is, who was born in Kent county, Va., December 6, 1S12, Of their 
 children — 
 
 Emily A. was born April 10, 183S; married to Dr. Carr, April 
 28, 1859, who was born May 13, 1832, in Sussex county, N.J. 
 They are now living in Newburgh, this county. Of their chil- 
 dren — 
 
 Aura was born May 25, i860. David E. was born March 22, 
 1863. Chas. W. was born September 5, 1865. ^Iary E. was 
 born November 25, 1867. Robert F. was born November 21, 
 1S70. Walter S. was born July 14, 1874.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 287 
 
 Martha L. Smtck was born . Now living in Decatur. 
 
 Aaron was born December 7, 1840; married to Florence E. 
 Hawkins, who was born in Clinton county, O. They now reside 
 in the city of Decatur. Of their children — 
 
 Walter C. was born May 17, 1870. Mabel Clare was born Feb- 
 ruary 12, 1874. Elmer was born October 22, 1876. 
 
 HENRY TRAUGHBER January 9, 1803, in Logan county, 
 Ky.; came to Illinois in November, 1825; staid there ^until 1829; 
 then came to Macon county, and was married to Nancy Smith, 
 who was born in Tennessee, and died in August, 1863. ^^ their 
 children — 
 
 Robert S., born September 2, 1830; died February 8, 1863; 
 married Elizabeth Bell. DA^■ID, born September 2, 1832; died in 
 infancy. A. C, born April 3, 1833; married V. C. Whitehouse. 
 E. M. E., born about 1843; married Wm. Cox; dead. M. J. C. 
 married D. P. During. Al. R. died in 1868. Caroline married 
 Kitt ; died in 1874. 
 
 Rev. DANIEL TRAUGHBER was born in Logan county, 
 Kv., in May, 1800, and came to Illinois in 1837 or '8, and settled on 
 Big Creek, in Mt. Zion township. He married Mary Banks, in 
 Kentucky, bv whom he had four children — 
 
 Elizabeth married Robert Lansden, Wilson county, Kansas. 
 Gabrella married Robert Foster, Wilson county, Kansas. 
 Henry married in Wilson county, Kansas. 
 
 Mr. T. married a second time to Elizabeth Foster, bv whom the 
 following children were born — 
 
 Cyrus lives at Ottawa, Kansas. 
 
 Mr. T. married a third time to Eliza Smalley, by whom the 
 following children were born — 
 
 Mary A. married John Edwards; lives in Wilson county, Kan. 
 Daniel B.; dead. Harris lives in Wilson county, Kan. 
 
 Mr. T. moved to Fredonia, Kan., in 1872, and now resides there. 
 
 JOHN TRA\"IS was born in South Carolina in i 768, where he 
 married Rebecca Travis, born in South Carolina in 1777. He died 
 in Wayne county, Illinois, in 1824, and Mrs. T. in Macon county, 
 in 1S50. Their children were Allen, Thomas, Finis and Harvey, 
 mentioned below.
 
 288 HISTORY OF MACOX COUNTY. 
 
 ALLEN TRAVIS was born May i8, 1789, in York District, 
 South Carolina. In 1805 his father removed with the family to 
 Livingston county, Ky., where Allen was married, October 5, 
 
 1820, to Margaret Campbell, who was born March 5, 1801. Thev 
 removed to Wayne county, Illinois, perhaps in the spring of 
 
 1821, and to Macon county in March, 1829, in company with his 
 brothers Finis and Thomas, James D. Campbell, Andrew and 
 John Davidson. Mrs. Travis died some five or six years ago. Of 
 their children — 
 
 John B. was born January 9, 1823, in Wayne county, Illinois. 
 James D. C. was born March 7, 1825, in Wayne county-, Illinois. 
 Presly a. was born April 24, 1827, in Wayne county, Illinois. 
 Rebecca was born February 24, 1829, in Sangamon county. 111. 
 Wm. H. was born March 30, 1831, in Macon county. 111. Eliza- 
 beth J. was born May 23, 1834, in Macon county. III.; died Jan- 
 uary 5, 1863. Samuel H. was born September 14, 1S36, in 
 Macon county. 111.; died January 9, 1S63. Ulysses D. was born 
 March 5, 1839, in Macon county, 111.; died April 27,1863. Mar- 
 garet Z. was born February 3, 1841, in Macon county, Illinois. 
 Thomas C. was born March 23, 1844, in Macon county, 111. 
 
 THOMAS TRAVIS was born in South Carolina, and was 
 married before removing to Illinois, to Sarah Davidson, and set- 
 tled one and a half miles northwest of Mt. Zion, 
 
 FINIS TRAVIS was born in Kentucky, in 1810, in what is now 
 Crittenden county, and was married in 1S40 to Nancy J. Foster, 
 who was then the widow of Wm. Foster, maiden name Bell. She 
 died, and he married a second time to Nancy Mahollen. Both are 
 now dead. 
 
 HARVEY TRAVIS was born in Wayne county, Illinois, in 
 1823, and removed with the family to Macon county in 1830, In 
 185 1 he married Elizabeth Cox, who died in 1S62, and he married 
 a second time to Harriet M. F. Campbell; now resides in Decatur. 
 
 WM. TURFIN was born in Grayson county, Ky., in 1809, and 
 came to Macon county in 1831, and settled on Big Creek. 
 
 MATTISON TURPIN was born in 1813, and came to Macon 
 county with his brother William.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 289 
 
 EDMUND TURPIN was born in iSii. The two latter 
 brothers are still residents of the county. 
 
 JOHN WARD, the father of the Wards who were among the 
 early settlers of Macon county, was born in England, in 1769. He 
 emigrated, when a young, man, to South Carolina, where he mar- 
 ried Mary Ward, who was born in Ireland in 1768. They removed 
 thence to Tennessee, near Nashville, and remained a few years, and 
 removed to Logan county, Ky., where Mr. W. died in 181 1. Mrs. 
 W. and the family remained in Logan county, Ky., until 1S19, and 
 left in October of that year, and removed to within 1 1 miles of 
 Vandalia, Fayette county, Illinois, where they arrived November 
 II. They remained in the latter county until 1824, and then re- 
 moved to what is now Macon county, and settled on the south side 
 of the Sangamon river, and constituted what was known in early 
 days as the "Ward settlement." Of their children — 
 
 JERRY WARD was born in South Carolina, January 27, 
 1788. His wife was Dolly Derrington, whom he married in Logan 
 county, Ky. He removed from Macon county to Missouri, and 
 thence to Texas in 1832, where he died. 
 
 JOHN WARD, Jr., was born in South Carolina, in 1790, and 
 married Jane Madol, in Logan county, Ky. They had a very 
 large family of children, 17, perhaps, in all. Mr. W. died in 1831, 
 and is buried at Walnut Grove. Of such of their children as we 
 can obtain the names of — 
 
 Margaret (see Perdue.) Mary died in Fayette county. 
 John, Jr., 2d, died in Fayette county. Sarah married Moses 
 Turner; died in the poor house. Aaron and Joseph, twins; 
 Aaron died in Fayette county ; Joseph, dead. Lucinda married 
 Isaac Miller, and has children living here. Nancy married Nat'l. 
 Murphy; now resides in Missouri. Martha died of cholera in 
 1832. 
 
 JAMES WARD was born in South Carolina, in 1792, and was 
 married in Logan county, Ky., to Elizabeth Freeman; removed 
 from Illinois to Missouri, and thence to Texas, where both died. 
 They had six children, none of whom now reside here. 
 
 —37
 
 290 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 SARAH WARD was born in South Carolina, in 1794. She 
 married Wm. Gambrel, in Logan county, Ky.; removed to IIH- 
 nois, thence back to Kentucky, thence to Missouri, thence to Texas, 
 where she died. 
 
 MARGARET WARD was born in South CaroHna, in 1796, 
 and married in Kentucky to Elisha Freeman, who was one of the 
 first county commissioners of this county. They raised a large 
 family of children. Mr. F. died in 1858, and Mrs. F. in 1873. 
 Their children were : Polly, William, James, John, Jerry, Andrew, 
 Thomas, Albert and Henry. 
 
 POLLY WARD was born in South Carolina in 1798, and mar- 
 ried Wm. Freeman, and now resides in Missouri. 
 
 LUCY WARD was born in South Carolina, and came to Illi- 
 nois in 1819, and married Hiram Reavis. They removed to Mis- 
 souri in 1832, and now reside in Vernon county. 
 
 WILLIAM WARD was born in South Carolina in 1802, and 
 came to Illlinois in 18 19, and lived here the remainder of his life. 
 He died, and was the father of Franklin, Hiram and John Ward, 
 who still reside here. 
 
 THOMAS WARD was born in 1804, and came to Illinois in 
 1818; married Elizabeth Widick, daughter of Jacob Widick. 
 They had seven childi*en, most of whom reside in Christian coun- 
 ty, where Mr. and Mrs. W. died. 
 
 NANCY WARD was born in 1806, and married Lambert S. 
 Beai-den, at Vandalia, Illinois, and moved to Macon county in 1823, 
 and removed to Missouri in 1832, where their children now reside. 
 
 LEWIS B. WARD was born in Logan county, Ky,, January 
 17, 1809, and i"emoved to Illinois in 1819, and to Macon county in 
 1824. On the 23d of December, 1830, he married Elizabeth 
 Walker, who was born September 8, 1813, in Rutherford county, 
 Tenn., and became a resident of Macon county in 1829; died June 
 7, 1852. Of their children — 
 
 Alfred was born October 16, 1831. Mary J. was born No- 
 vember 18, 1833; married S. B. N. Vaughan. Elizabeth was 
 born March 13, 1836; married Woodson Parker. Robert was 
 born June 13, 1S38. Caroline was born November 14, 1840;
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 29I 
 
 married J. B. Moore. Harriet was born November 26, 1844. 
 Rebecca was born November 29, 1846. Lewis J. was born Feb- 
 ruary 26, 1848. Nancy A. was born May 15, 1852; died Septem- 
 ber 28, 1853. 
 
 Mr. Ward was married a second time to Matilda Parker, who 
 was born August 14, 1832. He sold his farm in Macon county in 
 the fall of 1876, and removed to Girard, Kansas, prior to which he 
 was the second settler, in point of arrival, residing in the county. 
 From him we derived most of our information in reference to 
 the Ward family and Ward settlement. He fixes the dates 
 of the erection of the first houses in the county in the follow- 
 ing order: 1st, William Downing's, south of Sangamon; 2d, 
 Leonai'd Stevens', on Stevens' creek; 3d, Abraham Sprague's, just 
 south of fair-ground; 4th, Hubble Sprague's, on the inside of the 
 present fair-ground inclosure; 5th, William King's, a short distance 
 south of the fair-grounds. Mr. Ward says the first mill in Macon 
 countv was on Stevens' creek, and was built by William King in 
 1826, which was afterwards owned by and known as Renshaw's 
 mill; also, that the first house in the limits of the old town of De- 
 catur was just north of Priest's Hotel, and was built by Reuben 
 Miller, who sold out to James Renshaw, in which the first store 
 was kept. He also states that the first school house in the county 
 was on the old Wictick place, now owned by P. M. WickofF, three 
 and a half miles southwest of Decatur, and was erected in 1825, 
 and the first school teacher was "Frozen" Taylor; and that the 
 second school house was on land now owned by W. C. Smith, 
 erected in 182S, in which one Nelson, "a little Yankee," taught. 
 At this school house Abi'aham Lincoln went to singings and spell- 
 ings. In the spring of 1826 Mr. W. raised 1,800 pounds of cotton 
 in Macon county. 
 
 HIRAM WARD was born in Macon county, Illinois, January 
 28, 1837; was married to Clara E. Odor, March 11, 1858, who 
 was born in Garrard county, Kentucky, January 7, 1843, and came 
 to this county in 1850. Of their children — 
 
 La VENA E. was born June 20, i860, and died July 24, 1861. 
 Hattie Beli. was born March 10, 1863, and died July 30, 1864. 
 -Laura A. was born December 27, 1864. Eva May was born 
 May 17, 1867. Frank Nelson was born February 7, 1869. Mir-
 
 292 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 TIE LuELi.A was born April 6, 1871; died August 30, 1872. In- 
 fant son was born December 29, 1872; died January 16, '73. Sarah 
 Elizabeth was born February 8, 1874. 
 
 ROBERT WILSON was born October ^,1779, in Mecklen- 
 burg county, North Carolina, and moved to Murray county, Tenn., 
 when about 18 years old. He moved thence to Wilson county, 
 Tenn., where he married Jane Donald, who died in 1829. Of 
 their seven children — 
 
 Thomas F. was born July 26, 181 3; died August 29, '35. Mary 
 B. was born June 14, 18 15; died August 17, '39. Nancy E. was 
 born September 28, 181 7; died April 6, '34. Sarah G. was born 
 November i, 1S19; died November i,'52. William A. was born 
 
 August 22, 1822. Martha J. was born June 10, 1825; died ^, 
 
 1850. Cyntha E, was born July 9, 1828; died , 1846. 
 
 Mr. Wilson's second wife was Mrs. Sallie Hodge, widow of Jo- 
 seph H. Hodge, and who was born April 26, 1792, in Orange coun- 
 ty, North Carolina. By her first husband the following children 
 were born : — 
 
 Henry J. Hodge, born March 11, 1813; died August 30, 1838; 
 married P. Traughber. Talitha J. Hodge, born December 9, 1814; 
 married N. N. Baker. Arraanna H., born June 25, 1816; married 
 J. M. Baker. Margaret C, born February i, 1819; died — , 1864; 
 married John Hanson. Joseph J., born February 10, 1822; died 
 September 7, 1872; married M. A. Ferriss. Eli L., born October 
 24, 1824; died March 26, 1849.. 
 
 After the marriage of Mr. Wilson and Mrs. Hodge, in 1829, they 
 removed to Sangamon county, Illinois, and came to Macon county 
 in 1830, whei'e Mr. W. died, March'4, 1873, and Mrs. W.January 
 20, 1872. By the last marriage there were three children — 
 
 Robert D. was born October 18, 1830; married Mary Outten. 
 Sarah A. was born January 5, 1833; married John H. Davidson. 
 James A. was born September 5, 1S35; married Sarah Jones. 
 
 D. K. WILSON was born March 27, 1825, in Rutherford coun- 
 ty, Tennessee; came to Macon county in 1835, and was married to 
 Mary J. Dickey, February 25, 1845, who was born July 31, 1827, 
 in Florence, Alabama, and came to Macon county in 1S29. Of 
 their children —
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 293 
 
 Samuel was born. April 17, 1S46; was married to Eveline Dres- 
 back in September, 1S6S, and died January, 1877. Margaret C. 
 was born December 17, 1S47; was married to S. B. Betz in March, 
 1869. Eliza J. was born October 8, 1849; died April 16, 1866. 
 Andrew was born September i, 1S51; was married to Ella Bun- 
 dy April 13, 1S75, who was born April 36, 1S59, in Piqua county, 
 Ohio; came to this county in 1875, and died December 15, 1876. 
 Sarah A. was born October 25, 1852; was married to R.J. Ross 
 December 9, 1874. Mary E. was born January 17, 1858; was 
 married to Marian Ranabarger, February 27, 1876. Zaritha M. 
 was born December 3, 1859. William A. was born December 8, 
 1862. John W. was born April 27, 1865; died September 17, '67. 
 George W. was born July 28, 1868. 
 
 BENJAMIN WILSON was among the early and prominent 
 citizens of Macon county, and came here in 1837, and was one of 
 the county commissioners who assisted in the county organization. 
 He held the position for a great many years. He was born at Guil- 
 ford Court House, in North Carolina, and removed thence to Ten- 
 nessee, and afterwards to Illinois. He married Jane Warnick 
 in the state of Tennessee, who was a sister of "Uncle Billy" War- 
 nick, the first sheriff of the county. Their children were, Polly, 
 (see Sanders,) Rachel, (see Hill,) Peggy Smith, (see John Smith,) 
 Robert, Nancy, Hannah, (see Blankenship,) and — 
 
 John Wilson w^as born in Rutherford county, Tennessee, in 
 1813, came to Illinois in 1828, and was married to Nancy Wilson, 
 March i, 1832, who was born July 6, 1813, in Greene county, Ten- 
 nessee, and became a resident of Macon county about 1S30, Of 
 their Children — 
 
 Benjamin T. was born August 19, 1836; died February 5, 1854. 
 Mary A. was born October 23, 1833, and married Joseph M.Daw- 
 son, who was born April 5, 1828. Of their children — 
 
 John A. was born July 8, 1853. Thomas M. was born April 6, 
 1855. Nancy A. was born January 19, 1857; ^'^^^ December 29, 
 1857. Luella B. was born August 4, 1859. C. E. was born Janu- 
 ary 18, 1863. Edwin P. was born December 17, 1864. Oscar W. 
 was born April 26, 1867. 
 
 ANDREW WILSON was born March 3, 1785, and was mar- 
 ried to Mary Ann Wilson, who was born January 30, 1788.
 
 294 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 They removed from East Tennessee to Macon county about 1830. 
 Mr. W. died August 10, '44, and Mrs. W. September 17, '72. Of 
 their children — 
 
 Thomas B. was born July 26, 1807; died July, '73. Alexan- 
 der M. was born May 6, 1809. Eliza D. was born April 15, 
 
 1811; died September 13, '15. Katharine was born 21, 
 
 1 816; died January 7, '55. John A. was born January 9, 18 19; 
 died December 18, '21. James J. was born November 12, 1822; 
 died April 28, '54. 
 
 WILLIAM WHEELER, Sr., was born in Virginia about 
 1790, and married Elizabeth Hays, who was born in the same 
 State. Mrs. W. died about 1836, and Mr. W. in 1866. Their 
 children were, James, Stacy, Henry, William, jr., Elizabeth, Ra- 
 liegh. Burton, Larkin and Nathaniel. Mr. Wheeler and family 
 removed to Illinois and settled in Macon county, in 1828. 
 
 James Wheeler was born in South Carolina in 1799, and died 
 in 1867. His wife was Margaret Mayberry. 
 
 Stacy Wheeler was born about 1800, and married William 
 Christopher, and died about 1S31. 
 
 Henry Wheeler was born in 1801, in Tennessee, and was 
 married in Tennessee to Mary Y. Braden, who was born January 
 4, 1800. Of their five children — 
 
 Elizabeth E. was born May 7, 1826; married David Brett; died 
 1864. Samuel R. was born August 16, 1827; married Jamima 
 Abrams, who was born in 1828, in Illinois. William E. was born 
 October 23, 1828; married Ellen Frazee; he died 1875. Nancy J. 
 was born January 9, 1830; inarried Samuel Woodward, first hus- 
 band; Mason Packard, second husband; no\y resides in California. 
 Andrew J. was'born January 16, 1832; married N. E. Cox, who 
 was born in Scott county, Illinois, 1837. 
 
 William Wheeler, Jr., was born on the 28th of Dec, 1809, 
 in Rutherford county, Tennessee; was married Oct 27, 1 831, to Sarah 
 A. Ward, (daughter of Jerry Ward,) who died in August, 1869. 
 Mr. Wheeler has been prominently connected with the affairs of 
 the county, and has been repeatedly elected sheriff, assessor and 
 collector. Of their 10 children, but two are living, viz: — 
 
 Mary E., who married Thomas Inscho, now resides in San Jose, 
 California; and Lewis Cass. Andrew M. died in '69; Calvin R.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 295 
 
 died in '6i; Lucinda K. died in '63; William L. died in ^66; Hen- 
 rietta died in '62; James C. died in '51 ; Thomas B. died in infancy, 
 and Alice died in 1S74. 
 
 Elizabeth Wheeler was born in 1811, and married William 
 Ward, the father of Franklin and Hiram Ward, well known in 
 the county. 
 
 Raleigh Wheeler was born in 1S13, and died in 1834; his 
 first wife was Rebecca Travis, and second Mary Fields. 
 
 Burton Wheeler was born in 1S15, and resides in Moultrie 
 county, Illinois. 
 
 Larkin Wheeler was born in 1817; died in 1S38. 
 
 Nathaniel Wheeler was born in 1819; died when young. 
 
 IRA WARNICK was born in Tennessee, August 7, 1823; he 
 moved to this county in 1825, and settled at the place afterwards 
 known as the William Warnick place, and has ever since resided 
 in this county; was married to Julietta Friscila Burke, April 17, 
 1843, who was born in Kentucky, June 30, 1822, and came to this 
 county in 1840. Of their nine children all of which are now liv- 
 
 
 James W. was born April 11, 1844, ^'""^^ married Ann E. Ste- 
 vens, September 14, 1869. Elizabeth E. was born May 10, 1846; 
 and married Edward Hill. Arthusa D. was born August 6, 1848. 
 Thomas T. was born December 3P, 1851, and was married to 
 Mary E. Lynch, in February, 1874. Nancy C. was born Febru- 
 ary 18, 1853, and married S. P. Falconer, September 18, 1873. 
 Major M. was born March 13, 1855. Henriette L. was born 
 December 10, 1857. Julietta A. was born September 27, i860. 
 Ira G. was born March 7, 1864. 
 
 WM. WARNICK, was born in 1784, in North Carolina, and 
 
 married , who was born the same year. He removed from 
 
 North Carolina to Rutherford county, Tennessee, and thence to 
 this county, in 1825. He was the first sheriff of Macon county 
 after its organization, and held the ofiice from 1829 to 1835, and 
 was also re-elected again for two years, in 1840. He was in 
 the Black Hawk war, and participated in the famous Stillman's 
 defeat, where he received a slight flesh wound. He was also cap- 
 tain of the rangers, during the same difficulty. It was Mr. W.
 
 296 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 who, as sheriff of the county, whipped Redmon and Wyatt, by 
 order of the court, giving- them 39 hishes apiece. Tliis was the 
 only punishment of tlie kind ever inflicted in the county. Mr. W's 
 father, James Warnick, was from Ireland, landing in New Castle, 
 August 15, 1758. Their children were — 
 
 John, Margaret, Polly (first wife of Joseph Stevens), Jas., 
 LuciNDA, Betsy (married John Taylor), Clark, Ira, Robert, 
 Sarah (married Benj. Taylor; now dead.) Mr. W. died Febru- 
 ary 12, 1S55. 
 
 LAVINA WILLIAMS, daughter of J. D. Long, was born 
 December 26, 1826, and married Jackson Williams, who was 
 born December 4, 1826. Of their children — 
 
 Lafayette was born July 17, 1852; died 1873. Jerome was 
 born August 21, 1854; died 1856. Walter L. was born Febru- 
 ary 26, 1856. Laura M. was born September 12, 1857. Joseph 
 W. was born November 6, 1859. Mary C. was born May 11, 
 1861. Edward was born August 25, 1864. Jasper was born 
 January 2, 1867. Effie was born March 12, 1S69. 
 
 EMANUEL WIDICK was born February 2, 1806, in Ten- 
 nessee, and came to Illinois and settled in Macon county, in 1826. 
 He married Sarah A. Cox, who was born May 23, 1811. Mr. W. 
 died March 4, 1863, and Mrs. W. died December 10, 1863. Of 
 their children — 
 
 Albert was boro September 3, 1835. William was born 
 August 8, 1837; died March i, 1845. Margaret C. was born 
 May 5, 1838; died November 2, 1853. John was born February 
 2, 1840. Andrew was born March 27, 1842. Ephriam was 
 
 born , 1844. Mary A, E. was born May 6. 1847. Eliza 
 
 J, and Aaron were born April 21, 1850. 
 
 JOHN WIDICK was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, 
 and removed to Macon county, in 1826. He married Cohorine 
 Traughber; but what was the date of the births and deaths of 
 each we cannot ascertain. Mrs. W. died perhaps, about November 
 I, 1832. Their children were — 
 
 William, Margaret (See McDaniel ), Emanuel (dead), 
 Michael, Elizabeth (married Lemuel Walker), Rial (of Ho- 
 mer, Iowa), Aaron (dead), Eli (Saxton Station, Mo.), Edmund 
 (Moultrie county), Henry and Josiah.
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 297 
 
 Henry Widick was born September 30, 1828, in Macon coun- 
 ty, and was married to Elizabeth Mathews, October 30, 1850, who 
 was born May 2, 1833. Of their children — 
 
 Wm. H., born July 14, 1852. Sarah E., born June 8, 1854. 
 Laura E., born August 9, 1S56, Arminda E., born August 4, 
 1859. Lavena A., born October 13, 1863. Ida M., born July 29, 
 1867. George C, born August 23, 1872; died September 7, 1874. 
 
 Samuel, Jacob, George and Joseph Widick were all broth- 
 ers of John Widick, above mentioned, and removed to this county 
 in 1825, at least the former and latter did. Joseph settled at the 
 old Caulk place, recently purchased by P. M. WykofF, Samuel 
 on the old Wm. Young place and Jacob the place where Robert 
 H. Smith now resides. Joseph was accidentally killed by falling 
 on a pitchfork, and Samuel died at Jefferson Barracks, during the 
 late war. 
 
 Note.— The following were omitted in their proper places in this chapter. 
 
 HENRY PRATHER was born November 26, 1802, in Mont- 
 gomery county, Maryland, and removed to this state in 1836, and 
 settled in Macoupin county. His first wife was a Miss Ratcliff, 
 whom he married before leaving Maryland, who died in Macoupin 
 county. He came to Macon county in 1837, and in 1838 married 
 *Amanda Oglesby, who still resides in Decatur. He was killed 
 accidently by being thrown from a buggy in 1869. He was an 
 honest, upright citizen, prominently connected with all the public 
 enterprises tending to advance the interests of Macon county and 
 the city of Decatur. He was public spirited, and nothing calcula- 
 ted to advance the material prosperity of the city or county es- 
 caped his earnest solicitation and support in both means and influ- 
 ence. He was a member of the legislature in 1852. He left no 
 children. A fond recollection in the hearts of the people with 
 whom he associated will last during their lives. 
 
 DAVID FLORY was born in 1803, in Virginia. Came to 
 Illinois in 1825, and settled in what is now Macon county. Came 
 
 * See Oglesby.
 
 298 HISTORY OF MACOX COUNTY. 
 
 with Draper, P. D. Williams and Epperson. Was married to 
 Isabella Wright, who was born in Virginia. One child was 
 born of this marriage — Jerome, who was born in 1838, now re- 
 sides in Macon county. Was married a second time to Rachael 
 RiTTENHOUSE, who was born in 1S26. Of their children — 
 
 J. W. was born in 1850, Mellissa J. was born in 1858. 
 Franklin was born in 1862. 
 
 ERRATA 
 
 On page 26, line 6, read 12 for " 8." 
 
 " •' 26, read Leonard for " Buel " Stevens. 
 
 " " 31, Note, read 46 for " 36." 
 
 " " 50, last line but one, read 1834 to '40. 
 
 " " 57, 2d line, read 1863 for " 1853." 
 
 " '• 92, for " Sam'l A. McDonald, deserted," read, discharged on account of sickness. 
 
 " " 171, for " which they have all accomplished," read, what they have all accom- 
 plished. 
 
 " " 182, for "Old School or Presbyterian," read, Old School or Predestinarian. 
 
 " " 240, read, these for " them," and them for " these," in the line following. 
 
 " " 241, for " set " at these desks, read, sit, &c. 
 
 " " 244, for S. P. " Mickey," read, S. P. Nickey. 
 
 " " 285 \ 3, for James " M," read, James W.
 
 INDEX. 299 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 A 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Austin, B. R 55-246 
 
 Austin, Wni. A 246 
 
 Austin, Jesse 247 
 
 Allen, S. C 55-248 
 
 Agriculture 211 
 
 Argenta 232 
 
 Abiams, Josiah 247 
 
 Allen, D.L 247 
 
 B 
 
 Boai'd of Supervisors 37 
 
 Biograpliies of County oflicers 49 
 
 Benedict, K 49-50-250 
 
 Bear.JohnW 53 
 
 Boyd, Wm. M 55 
 
 Buckingham 56 
 
 Bunn, D. L 56 
 
 Barnes, W. A 57 
 
 Brown, J. A 57 
 
 Black Hawk 58 
 
 Black Hawk War 38 
 
 Black Hawk War, Enlistments in 59 
 
 Baker, E. D 61 
 
 Baptist Church 181 
 
 Baptist, Separate 181 
 
 Baptist, Predestinarian 182 
 
 Boyd, Haskell & Co 199 
 
 Blue Mound 231 
 
 Boody : 232 
 
 Bell, Alexander 248 
 
 Braden, Samuel 248 
 
 Braden, J. T 249 
 
 Blankenship, John L 249 
 
 Baker, Newton 249 
 
 Baker, Wm. 1) 250 
 
 Baker, James M 250 
 
 Brett, Richard 251 
 
 Barnwell, David 251 
 
 Burke, Micajah 252 
 
 C 
 
 Crozat, M. 13 
 
 Company of West 13 
 
 Company Royal of 1 13 
 
 Crittenden, John and Wm 14 
 
 CoUimhia's Review 16 
 
 County Seat 22
 
 300 
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Clinton 29 
 
 County Officers 35 
 
 County Commissioners' Court 35-36 
 
 County Court 36 
 
 County Clerks 45-52 
 
 County Treasurers 45 
 
 Circuit Judges 43 
 
 Circuit Clerks 45-50 
 
 Circuit Courts 47 
 
 Court Days, 166 
 
 jCantrall.Wm 55-252 
 
 Curtis, IraB 55-254 
 
 Cavalry, 7tli 111 64 
 
 Cavalry, 7th 111., Enlistments in 67 
 
 Cliaracteristics of Early Settlers 154 
 
 Churches 171 
 
 Circuit Rider 174 
 
 Cumberland P. Church 178 
 
 Oliristian Church 179 
 
 Church of God 182 
 
 Catholic Cliurch 183 
 
 Chambers, Behring & Co 198 
 
 Cox, Ephraim 252 
 
 Cox, Wm 254 
 
 Crissey, W. S 253 
 
 Carter, E. D 253 
 
 Campbell, J. D 253 
 
 Caulk, Jacob 254 
 
 D 
 
 Decatur laid out 23 
 
 Decatur, County Seat 22 
 
 Decatur, first sale of lots 23 
 
 Decatur Public Library 187 
 
 Decatur Furniture Company 191 
 
 Decatur Bagging Company 193 
 
 Decatur, City of 216 
 
 Decatur, Stephen 216 
 
 Decatur, first Buildings in 220 
 
 Decatur, Trustees of 221 
 
 Decatur City Council 222 
 
 Davis, D !. 55-255 
 
 Deep Snow 144 
 
 Deer Huntings 165 
 
 DeWitt County, Settlement of 28 
 
 Dickey, Wm., Sr 255 
 
 Dickey, John 256 
 
 Dickey, William, Jr 256 
 
 Dickey, Alexander 256 
 
 Dickey, Harvey 256 
 
 Dickey, David 256 
 
 Davidson, Samuel •. 257 
 
 E 
 
 Emmerson, Charles 49-50-258 
 
 Elwood & Co 203 
 
 Edward, James 257
 
 INDEX. 301 
 
 F 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Forstmeyer, M 54 
 
 Fox Hunting 165 
 
 Ferris & Emmons 203 
 
 Fire Department 226 
 
 Forsytli 232 
 
 Falconer 261 
 
 Flory 297 
 
 Grand Jury, 1st, 2d 47 
 
 Green, S.L 50 
 
 Gorin,H. M .. 50 
 
 Goodman, George 53 
 
 Good Templars 187 
 
 Greenfield, Bell & Co 202 
 
 Gorin 261 
 
 H 
 
 Hennepin 12 
 
 Hammer, W. L 51 
 
 Hale. E. B 52 
 
 Hostetler, .Joseph - 55 
 
 High Water 153 
 
 Hard Trials 157 
 
 House-Raisings 166 
 
 Haworth & Sons 195 
 
 Hill,H. W. &Co 197 
 
 Harpstrite & Schlandeman 202 
 
 Harristown 232 
 
 Hostetler 261 
 
 Herrell, .James 262 
 
 Hanks, John 262 
 
 Howell 262 
 
 Hefton 263 
 
 Hamilton, Andrew .264 
 
 Huston, W 264 
 
 Hornback 265 
 
 Illinois, Discovery of H 
 
 Illinois, Government of 13 
 
 Illinois, Settlement of 12 
 
 Infantry, 8 111 71 
 
 Infantry. 8 111, Roster 72, 73 
 
 Infantry, 8 111., Enlistments in 74 
 
 Infantry, 8 111 Co. A. 74, Co. B. 76 
 
 Infantry, 21 111., Roster 80 
 
 Infantry, 21 111., Enlistments Co. A 82, Co. K 84 
 
 Infantry, 35 111 84, Co. A 86 
 
 Infantry. 41 111., Roster 87, Co. A 88, Co. B 92, Co. E 93, Co. F 96, Co. H 97. Co. I 67 
 
 Infantry , 68 111 Roster 99, Co. H lOo 
 
 Infantry, 115 111 103, Roster 105, Co. A IO6, Co. E 106, Co. F 108, Co. H 109, Co. K 110 
 
 Infantry, 116 111 110, Roster 11.3, Co. A 114, Co. B 118, Co. C 121, Co. D 12,'5, Co. E 129 
 
 Infantry, 116 111 Co. F 133, Co. G 133, Co. H 136, Co. 1 137, Co. K 140 
 
 Indians 10
 
 302 
 
 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 J 
 
 Joliett, M 11 
 
 Judge of Circuit Court 43 
 
 Judge of County Court 43, 49 
 
 Judge Probate Court 43 
 
 Jones, John E 54 
 
 Jennings, J. D 54 
 
 Jolanson, James 55 
 
 Johnson, John 265 
 
 K 
 
 Kramer & McClelland 250 
 
 King, Dr 265 
 
 L 
 
 Laswell 12 
 
 License 24 
 
 Loeb, Peter 200 
 
 Laymons 266 
 
 Lapham 266 
 
 Law 267 
 
 Lowry » 267 
 
 Lincoln 279 
 
 M 
 
 Memorial Lines *< 
 
 Marquette H- 13 
 
 Macon, Nath 17 
 
 Masters in Chancery 43 
 
 McCall,D 49 
 
 McClellan, E 62,53 
 
 McMennamy, Jno 53, 269 
 
 Murray, A. A 
 
 Miller, John 55 
 
 McComas, C. C 56 
 
 Mexican War 61 
 
 Mexican War, Enlistments in 61 
 
 Meteorological 147 
 
 M. E. Church 175 
 
 Masonic Organizations 184 
 
 Manufactories 189 
 
 Macon County, Organization 17 
 
 Macon County, Act to Establish 18 
 
 Macon County, Boundaries 21 
 
 Macon County— General Remarks 24 
 
 Macon County, Its Settlement 26 
 
 Mails 167 
 
 Mueller.H. & Co 200 
 
 Maroa 227 
 
 Macon. City of ...229 
 
 Mt. Zion 232 
 
 Morris, Cornelius 253 
 
 McDaniel 276-269 
 
 Miller 268 
 
 Muirhead 269 
 
 McKinley 270 
 
 Montgomei-y 270 
 
 Myers 270
 
 INDEX. 
 
 303 
 
 N 
 
 NaviKiition of Saiigainou 164 
 
 Nlantic 231 
 
 Nelins 272 
 
 o 
 
 Odor.J.Q.A 51 
 
 Oglesby, W. W 52 
 
 Oglesby, R. J 272 
 
 Odd Fellows Organizations.. 185 
 
 Oreana 232 
 
 Oakley 
 
 P 
 
 Piatt County, Settlement of 27 
 
 Prather, Wm 50-51 
 
 Pratliev, Henry 297 
 
 Peddieord, N. W 51-274 
 
 Peddicord, J.J , 274 
 
 Powers, Geo 55-267 
 
 Pugh, I. C 55,35,57.59,275 
 
 Parks, R.H 56 
 
 Pioneer Preacher 172 
 
 Pioneer Circuit Kider 172 
 
 Presbyterian Church , 176 
 
 Presbyterian Cumberland Church 178 
 
 Protestant Episcopal 183 
 
 Priest & Co. Geo 202 
 
 Purdeu 273 
 
 Pound 274 
 
 Pope 274 
 
 Post 275 
 
 R 
 
 Read, T. H 50-55-276 
 
 Ricketts, John 50 
 
 Rea, Samuel 52-53-277 
 
 Rea, James — 277 
 
 Renshaw, James 55-277 
 
 Retrospect, a 161 
 
 Roberts, Lyttle & Co 146 
 
 Railroads, 204 ; Wabash. 206 ; Illinois Central, 207 ; D. & E. St. Louis, 209 ; D. & St. L., 209 : 
 P., Q. & D.,209; D. M. C, 210 ; D., S. & M., 210 ; Q. M., 210 ; I.. D. & S , 210 
 
 Rose 277 
 
 Robin.son 278 
 
 Rucker 278 
 
 S 
 
 Slavery in Illinois 13 
 
 St. Clair, A 14 
 
 Settlements of County, "When Made 29 
 
 Settlements of County, How Retarded 30-31-32 
 
 Supervisors' Courts 37 
 
 State's Attorney 43 
 
 Sheriffs 45 
 
 Spear, John G 50 
 
 Stevens, Jas 53 
 
 Stevens, Jos. 56
 
 304 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Snyder, H 55 
 
 Sudden Freeze and Change " 146 
 
 Sangamon Navigation 164 
 
 Stages 169 
 
 Sawyer, W. & B 198 
 
 Sliellaboyer, D. S. & Co ...201 
 
 Sangamon • 232 
 
 Schools 233 
 
 School Teacher, Ye Okie 234 
 
 School Houses 240 
 
 School Statistics 244 
 
 Sanders 278 
 
 Spangler 280 
 
 Scott 281 
 
 Stevens 282 
 
 Smith 284-286 
 
 Smallwood 285 
 
 Stallings 286 
 
 Smick 286 
 
 T 
 
 Tonti, M 13 
 
 Todd, John 14 
 
 Taxation, Rate of in 1829 24 
 
 Tavern Rates in 1829 24 
 
 Travis, Jas 54-287 
 
 Thompson, M. B 56 
 
 Tait 281 
 
 Traughber 287 
 
 Turpiu 288 
 
 U 
 
 United Bretheren Church 180 
 
 Universalist Church 182 
 
 Union Iron Works 192 
 
 W 
 
 Waggoner, W. W 53 
 
 Warnick, Wm 53-295 
 
 Wheeler, Wm... 63-294 
 
 Whitehouse, S. M 53 
 
 Wood, G. M 54 
 
 War, Black Hawk 58 
 
 War, Mexican 61 
 
 War, Late 64 
 
 Water, High 153 
 
 Wayne Bros 201 
 
 Water Works 225 
 
 Wairensburg , 232 
 
 Wheatland '. 232 
 
 Ward 289-290-291 
 
 Wilson 292-293 
 
 Williams 296 
 
 Widick 296-297