977. 34^3 B97e EARLY HISTORY OF LA HAR?*> " ILLINOIS AND VICINITY, LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN 977. 3^3 B97e Illinois Historical Survey b97e 4 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 with funding from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign http://archive.org/details/earlyhistoryoflaOObutl ^yt*ffC of "<••*< <~M « i m& wm EARLY HISTORY OF LA HARPE, ILLINOIS AND VICINITY WRITTEN BY The Youngest Brother of the Late Dr. W. O. Butler i ROY G. BUTLER Photo 1898 Price by Mail, Fifty Cents D 3 =1 C LA HARFE This early history which I have written and put in pamphlet form was written from memory and when I read it over, cant comprehend how all of the old homes, stores, farms and names of the peo- ple come back to me. I went to Bowen, Ills., in mercantile business with brother Frank in 1884, losing our business by fire. Made some visits to La Harpe, but February, 1886 I went West and not Home until 1893. Made few trips up to 1905, then I was away 19 years until 1924. I have lived at the reifrg National Home since 1916, going on 18 years. If you enjoy my early history send it to any party who used to live in La Harpe 40 to 60 years ago; they will appreciate it. My address is Elks Na- tional Home, Bedford, Va. ROY G. BUTLER Early History of La Harpe and Vicinity 1868 to 1884 This early history of La Harpe and vicinity was written by Hoy G. Butler, the youngest son of Dr. N. B. Butler, and brother of the late Dr. W. O. Butler; born in La Harpe 1862, but left there in 1884, was not back there for nineteen years. This data was from his memory and he is living for the eighteen years at the Elks Na- tional Home, Bedford, Va. Only four brother Elks have been there longer than he. He would like to hear from any of the old-timers their opinion of this write-up. I went to the expense to put this in a nice pamphlet a/nd any early La Harpe man or woman would appreciate it, will mail it for a fee of fifty cents, would like to get cost of the printing. Money don't grow on Virginia trees, and I have never asked any assistance from relatives or frie'nds as I am one of a few of the four hundred elks who would get out and work as I have for the passed seventeen years. When I can't make a few quarters I am ready for the undertaker. And the youngest, seventy-two year-old kid at the Elks National Home. Will start at one corner of the block and go around that block; starting on East Main Street on the southeast corner, the Coggs- well property, Smith W. Coggswell, the second editor of the La Harper had boys, Prank and Lou. Lou married Ida Gittings, af- terwards to Gene Ingraham; girls, Minnie and Bessie; later R. K. Shinn, the dry goods merchant lived there, he had a son Symour afnd girls, Belle, also Mrs. Boggess from the State of Virginia. Go- ing west, next Mrs. Boggess built a home, had sons, Caleb and Ernie and another boy and girl. Next James C. Coulson's .home, the third editor of the La Harper. He moved here from Raritan, had a son, Charles S., who married Edith Butler and a girl Effie, and a brother-in-law, Tom Stansbury. Of the second family I know only George who is editor now of the La Harper. Think Mrs. Coul- son living there now and one of the few residing and owning the old homestead. Next,- I think, on the southwest corner of this block A. J. Hillier who was an early brickmaker, his wife was a Roller. They had daughters, Annie and Jennie and boys William and George. Turning north, cannot remember any houses in the middle of this block. On the northwest corner was the house, I think, of Joe Crable, not certain. Turning, going east, was an old building on the northeast corner, turn going south, next, Wm. Ross' home. He was a carpenter and contractor. His son Ed Ross, was a partner with George W. Soule in the grocery business in the Coulson block. He had a daughter Nellie. They all moved to Kan- sas. This finishes this block and brings us back to the Cogswell home. (2) EARLY HISTORY OF LA HARPE, ILLINOIS. Going west one block to the north side of Main Street one block was the Norris home. I think his name was John and a blacksmith. He had one daughter, Emma, very large and fat. She married a small man, Wm. Moram, a butcher. Next was the Church home. There was a girl, Susan, and I remember Hens- ley Brown married a Church girl. The next house, I can't remem- ber who they were, but later years Joe Booth whose wife Jerusha Fordyce. On the southwest corner of this block was a Mr. Hart. He was a tailor and my brother, Ed Butler, married Mrs. Hart's daughter, Emma Panting. Turning north to the northwest corn- er of the block was the S. W. King home. He was an attorney. He had a son, James L., who moved to Topeka, Kansas, and son Levi and a daughter who married Wm. Bushby, afterwards Squire Wm. Coquillette, who was postmaster. A daughter, Carrie, mar- ried D. Headon, and son Harry, married Zola Figley, afterwards, Frank Johnson. Turn, going back east, I cannot remember any houses on that side of the street to the 'northeast corner. I think A. J. Hillier used to live there. Turning back south brings us back to the north corner and completes that block. Going west one block to the southeast corner of that block was the Parker home, Mrs. A. S. Hum was a daughter, next was A. S. Hum's home and he was a shoemaker. He had an adopted daugh- ter, Ruby. Next was an open lot. One time my father, Dr. But- ler and Benjamin Warrem who owned it ran a brick yard, and Sam- uel Hasty and A. J. Hillier worked for them. It was used also as a baseball ground. Next was the Isaac N. Soule home. He ran a tan- nery also partner in the harness shop with Elijah Claycomb. His wife was a Ricker, and had sons, George W. who had a very strong bass voice and was a partner in the grocery business with Ed- Ross. George married a Bainter and his second wife was Laura Sperry and they had a daughter Clara. James Soule and Eugene, I met in Portlamd, Oregon, in 1905. Youngest boy was Elbert afterwards George H. Butler from Raritan who ran the harness shop lived in it. Next was the Doffemier home. He was a black- smith, daughter Rilla married Charlie Ward had a girl Jennie and a boy James. The next house I cannot recall who lived there but later Wm Bushby lived there. The next was a blacksmith shop. I cainnot remember who ran it. Next on the southwest corner was John Sperry's shop. Will turn and go north. Here was John Sper- ry's home. I can remember his wife wove rag carpets and made blue jeans cloth. There was a son Joy, the drayman, and later 36a the liquor business. There was Vet and Mex, Lem. Mrs. Kinzey Gittings was a daughter and Manda who married Jerry Smith, Maud's mother and Phoebe Greein, afterwards Mrs. Frank Johnson. Laura who afterwards married George Soule. There was no other houses to the comer opposite the Catholic Church. Turning the corner going east, no houses till you reach Isaac Soule's tannery. Next, was the Warren Brother's old sawmill. Next, open lots to the next corner. Warren property. We turn south, brings us back to the Parker property, finishing this block. We will go south one block to the southeast corner of the Gilliland property. Later on this Conner Ed Manifold who married (3) EARLY HISTORY OF LA HARPE, ILLINOIS. Malone Gittings, built a home. Next, H. P. Gilliland home who was a blacksmith and wagonmaker. Across the street. Their son George Gilliland used to work in Hungate and Ward Bank. There was Delia, married Ed Coulson. Libby married Mr. Kidd, a semi- nary boy; also Josie, other boys, Prank and Charlie. Later years David H. Gochenour moved there. Next, was the Malotte San- ford who went to Leadville, Colorado about 1880. Charles San- ford, who married June Vincent ran a livery stable there. A daughter, Mrs. Jessie Soule, mother of Seymour, Hallie and Jessie. Next the Tuttle property. He was a partner in Pierpont and Tut- tle, who made the La Harpe conn cultivator and moved to Bush- nell. There was a boy Roy and another boy and a daughter Ruby. Later, Jap Figley had a photograph gallery there. Later, Harry Omra run the gallery. Next, was the Pierpont and Tuttle fac- tory. That burnt down. And Ed Gillette built a hotel. His wife was a Pailor. They had a girl, Alice. That hotel burnt later, and the Christian Church stands there today. Turning north, no houses on that side o the block, turning east no houses on that side except an old house on the back end of the Sanford property. Turning at this corner south, no homes upjhe Gilliland corner. This completes this block. We will go west one block to the Bray Building. On the south- east corner of that block. In the Bray Building corner was run as a butcher shop. I cannot recall party's 'name. Later years, my brother, W. O. Butler was postmaster and had the postofice lo- cated there, but I was away then. I think the postoffice was there in 1924 when I was at home. Next was Wm. Bray and son, tinshop, son Thomas Bray a parftner, Wm. Porter was their tinner. This was a frame building. Afterwards Wlm. Bushby run that busi- ness. Next was a two-story brick building where Wm. Perrin had his drug store and his family lived upstairs. They had a daugh- ter Mamie. Edgar Brayman married one of the girls. Perrin's mov- ed later to the southeast part of the town. Next was a two-story brick building where Claycomb and Soule ran a harness shop. Here is where George Soule and Henry Ehbrodt and Frank Barnes learn- ed their trade. Afterwards my cousin George H. Butler, ran this harness shop. Upstairs Elijah Claycomb lived. His wife was a Rieker and had a boy Roy, and one girl. Next was a one-story brick building, where Luther Warren ran his store. Next was a one-story frame shoe shop. I think the man's name was Tharp. He had a boy, Joe. Afterwards Cowden Bryan had a watch-mak- ing shop there. Later built a brick building there. Next, before John Warren built store building stood a long frame building that was moved to East Main Street to the Jog in the street on the corner. Later was cut in two. In that house Roy G. Butler and his twin brother was born April 5th, 1862. I don't remember it, but I was there. John Warren and his son Edgar, built a two-story brick in the 70s. Edgar was the post- master and ran the stationery store. Mabel Warren and Joe Booth were clerks. Afterwards, Figley Sisters located there. Upstairs, front room, my brother, W. O. Butler had his dentist office. Next was a two-story brick building built by Thomas J. Campbell and James C. Mayor for a drygoods store. Afterwards S. E. HUrd had (4) EARLY HISTORY OP LA HARPE, ILLINOIS. a drygoods store there. I cannot remember who succeeded Hurd. Charles F. Gills Jr., had a grocery store there. Next was George Otto's furniture store, one story frame building., which was mov- ed in the rear and a two story brick .building built at the same time as Campbell' and Mayor's. George W .Brayman worked for Mr. Otto. Later his brother in law Abe Hyatt worked there. Thom- as Bray afterwards went in as partner. Later years, a Mr. Biggs ran this business. Next was a two story brick building that Char- les F. Gill, St., ran a bank. Howard Bliss was a clerk. I think Homer Bacon worked there. Later John Hungate and Q. C. Ward ran the bank. James MoGee clerked there. He was a cousin of theirs. Later George Gilliland and the writer worked there at about that time. Later Judd Hartzdl and J. O. Peasley after Q. C. Ward went to McComb, Charles Ingrhaam was in the bank. Later it changed to the First National Bank. Upstairs, my brother, W. O. Butler had his dentist office. Next, was the Abner Tuttle three story brick building. On the lower floor, he ran a drug- store. R. B. Kirkpatrick worked for him, and later succeeded him in the business. Later R. B. Kirkpatrick and Ed Manifold opened a bank there. Upstairs, on second floor, Ab. Tuttle lived, his wife was Lizzie Kirkpatrick. They had daughters, Hattie and Nellie, and a son George. Later, Mrs. Henry Coulson who was a Comstock, had a daughter, Ella, who married Theodore Stone and moved to Denver, Colorado. Ed Coulson married Delia Gilliland. Later, Mr. Rising who first started the La Harper lived there. Later, my brtoher W. O. Butler lived there and had his dental office in the front room. The third story was the Masonic Hall, where I took my first degree in Masonry on April 4, 1884. This building burnt down. Next was a two story frame building where H. Bliss ran a store. He moved to Galesburg. John Mager who was a gardner for John Warren, ran a candy store htere. He had a daughter, Mary. Later John married Mrs. Wolfart. She had a daughter Freda. This building burnt. Next was a two story frame build- ing where James M. Campbell had a dry goods store. Upstairs, Annie McCandles and her sister had a dress-making parlor. This building burnt. Next was a one story rame building where Geo. Cattermole ran a grocery store. He was from Fort Madison, Iowa. This building burnt. Next was a one story frame building where Robert H. Barnes ran a cigar and candy store. Later Ed Meyers ran the store there. This building burnt. Next was a two story building, the Warren Brothers. John and Ben ran business during the Civil War. They also ran a distillery and made whiskey. Af- terwards I think a man named Jenkins had this store. James M. Robinson and Israel Brundage had a grocery store there. They were succeeded by Frank Peck and J. W. (Jake) Hindman. This is the corner where the La Harpe Clothing store was located. Turn- ing north at this corner there was a one story frame building that was moved htere. Here Wm. Coquiellette had the postoffice. Next was the Congregational church parsonage which I can remember when built and Rev. Wakefield was the minister. He had two daughters. Next was the brick church. Here is where I learned my first Sunday school lesson, under Lucy Maynard, and later Thomas J. Campbell. Many of us, if we had followed Aunt Lucy's teach- (5) EARLY HISTORY OF LA HARPE, ILLINOIS. ing we would have been better men and women. If I am brought to La Harpe for burial I hope I will be taken to the old brick church. My elks lodge has promised my body will be sent there. And instructions of theirs are now in the superintendents office. Turning this corner, going east, next was the Tailor Bowers home. Mr. Bowers had the first jersey cows in La Harpe. He had a daugh- ter, Ella Bowers, a school teacher and Mattie. Next, a frame house. I do not know whether it was the parsonage of the M. E. church or not. Dan Ginnavin, his wife was Sadie Gill, used to live there. At the next corner we turn south. Here was the M. E. Church. I cannot recall any of the preachers names. As I was not a Meth- odist. Crossing the alley we come to the Wm. Bray house. He had a son Thomas and Prank, and a daughter, I think was Ella, and Wm. Smith's wife was a Bray. This brings us back to Main Street and completes that block. We go west one block to the three -story brick Gochenour block. The east room was where D. H. Gochenour, Sr., had a store during the Civil War. Then Dave, Jr., ran a grocery store and his brother Charlie worked there. Later Charles F. Gill, Sr., had a grocery store there. Later L. E. Garvin had a dry goods store there, and I. O. Judd Hartsell worked there. In the west room Bailey Stone and son Theodore, ran a hardware store. Later a Mr. Caney moved a stock of dry goods from Dallas and the writer used to work as a boy. Later, Bailey Stone had a candy and ice cream parlor there. Upstairs in the middle floor in the east front room was a barber shop and I think Wm. Gardner ran the shop. In the west front room, second story, C. C. Preston had his law office and J. R. Morford, the justice of the peace, had his of- fices. In the third story, east side, was the first La Harper of- fice, run by a man named Rising. Later Smith W. Cogswell ran the La Harper. Later James C. Coulson became editor. Here was where F. W. (Pat) Wilkinson, Harry Barnes, Jr., Charles Corn- stock and Jim Morford learned the printing business. On the west side was the Odd Fellow's hall. Later this building burnt. Next, was a one -story building whcih was used as a saloon. I remember Fitch Shaw, Wm. Mills and Joy Sperry ran them. Near was Rob- ert Sutton's drug store, and afterwards a butcher shop. Wm. Swisher and John N. Baiter ran them. My brother, French B. But- ler, had a butcher shop ome place along there. And one of those old fashioned bologna sausage knives fell and cut him badly. Next was a one-story building that was used as a sloon. Wm White and Elias Bowers had saloons there. Later Charles Bowers used it for a barber shop. Next was the Todd building. C. K. Todd's fath- er ran a store before I can remember. Next was a two-story frame building belonging to Frank Leavitt. I cannot remember the oc- upants but I remember Ed Gillette, his wife was a Failer, and they had a boy, Will Failer, lived there. I remember well the time these buildings burned. I think it was 1870. Later in a building erected on these properties by Libby, the photographer, was located and Ernie Pearsley married his daughter. Next was my father, Dr. N. B. But- ler's one story office building. Later there was a man by the name of Dr. Mills, who had his dentist office there, and with him was (6) EARLY HISTORY OP LA HARPE, ILLINOIS. where my brother, W. O. Butler, learned to be a dentist. Next was .apsometerNoTn Ellag,esorest a long two-story house where Samuel James lived. He had a daughter, Kate, who married John N. Bainter and Belle James married Robert Link. They had one son John. This family moved to Missouri. Afterwards my father, Dr. N. B. Butler, lived there. The year '69 or '70 when we had that total eclipse, we were living there at that time. These buildings burned. Next was Frank Bow- man's livery stable. Next was a one-story frame building where Maggie Jacobs had a millinery store. These buildings burned and later they built a two-story building there, two together. Next on the corner, was the John Gardner property, a two-story building. Mrs. Gardner was Bailey Stone, and Mrs. Luther Warren and Mrs. J. W. Hindman's mother. I cannot remember who ran a business on this corner. Turning this corner there were no houses on the west side of this block. Turning at this corner, going east, in the middle of the block was the Wesley Stone property. A Mr. Cassing- ham married his widow. The Stones had two daughters. Next, turning south at the next corner was the Thomas J. Campbell home. He had a son, Walter, and a daughter, Birdie. Later they moved to a new home on West Depot Street. Afterwards George Catter- mole, the groceryman, lived there. He had three boys, George, Prank and Charlie. Afterwards, Dr. J. H. Henry moved there. He had a daughter, Birdie, and a son Hez, who married Maud Smith, and he is a banker at Camp Point, 111. Crossing the alley was the old Gochenour warehouse. On the south side of this warehouse was a long building where the city kept the firemen's ladders and the hand truck. This used to be where the whiskey drinkers, when the saloons were not running, used to go to drink what we call now, bootlegger whiskey, out of a bottle. Many an empty flask was found there. Sold to Bill White and Fitz Shaw. I rememebr an old yellow quart square medicine bottle I sold some days for ten cents, two and three times. This brings us back to the Gochenour corner and completes this block. We now turn west one block, to corner opposite Tremont Hotel. On this corner stood a frame building, steps on the front, used as a carpenter shop. It had a basement and a man named Elmer, made cigars. This building ws moved north to the northeast cor- ner of this block. This was where Frank Johnson lived ot one time. Afterwards my father, Dr. N. B. Butler, lived there. Later, Abner Tuttle lived there. Later years a Dr. Martin lived ther. Next was the John Warren home. His wife was a Ricker. There was Ed- gar, Lynna, Mabel Joly, Nora who moved to Denver, Colorado. Ab- bie, Berg, Ruth and Eva, all this family moved to Denver, Colora- do. John Mager, an old German, was their gardner for years. Later a doctor, E. H. Smith, from Terre Haute, lived there. Turn- ing at the corner going north, on the next corner stood the barn, opposite George Coulso's home. Turning this corner going east, I think today, this is where the La Harpe hospital is located. There was no houses to the next corner. On that corner stood the build- ing that was moved from Main Street, going south, to the corner, completes this block. Going west one block, to the next corner was the H. H. Bliss (7) EARLY HISTORY OP LA HARPE, ILLINOIS. home. There was Howard, Mary, Artie, and I think Homer Bacon's wife was a daughter. This family moved to Galesburg. I think afterwards there was a family named Cassingham lived there. Turning north at the next corner was the Wheaton home. Job and Dick used to be a left handed baseball pitcher, when they pitched baseballs. There were two girls who married brothers, Ed and Zarah Kern. There were only two houses on this block. This completes tis block. Across the street was the public school property. This build- ing burnt down. When I was at home in 1924, they used the same bell, as I recognized the sound that called me first to school in September, 1870. My first teacher was Mrs. Stanley, Sammie's mother. Later Rebecca Mayor married George Coulson. Later Adell Vincent who married Cowden Bryan. There were teachers, Ella Bowers, Mary Bliss, Mary Mayor. One time there was one-armed principal and he used to strap the pupils when he lick- ed them. Later Prof. A. H. Owens was a fine teacher, and his wife also was a teacher. George Roach, the colored man who liv- ed with my family, was the janitor. I remember the old baseball ground lying west of the building. This completes this block. In the next small block was the George W. Brayman houme and he worked for George Otto. One of the girls married John Welsh, a T. P. & W. engineer. Another married Byron Vincent and the youngest, Bessie. There were boys, Lynn, George Jr., and Edgar, he marritd a Perrin girl. This completes that block. Going west across the street stood the Elias Bowers home. He was called Whiskey Bowers and had a son Charlie Bowers who was a barber. Mrs. S. E. Hurd was Mrs. Bowers daughter, and they had an adopted daughter, Jennie, who married John Oakman Next was the Dr. Robert Sutton home, whose wife was Sue Gochen- our, mother of Carlton Sutton. I can't remember the names of the Sutton family. Later Cotton Smith, a T. P. & W. Railway con- ductor, lived there. Later Dr. Martin who had a boy, Raleigh. The Martins moved to Marysville, Mo. Next was the Samuel Vincent fields where later years the racetrack and fair grounds were located. Next was the Samuel Vincent home. There was a girl, Adell, a school teacher who married Cowden Bryan and a daughter Rose married Farmer Nudd. Junie married Charles Sanford and one married a James and another girl nmed Elma; a son Byron, mar- ried Emma Brayman. The next was the Annie Shaw property, boys. Pitz, Henry and Lou, a daughter Ada; the Shaws moved to the southeast corner of the City Square. Afterwards J. M. Campbell moved there. His wife was Mary Sterns. There was Irving, Heber and several younger boys; Grace married a man named Foster. I cannot name the younger girls. Next we go west across the T. P. & W. branch called the Mealey Crossing, comes tire Biggs farm. They had a daughter, Mary, who married Emmett Brookett. I can- not name the other children. Going west, next is the John McCord farm and where you turn to the north on the east side was the Mc- Cord house. I cannot remember when they lived across the road in the old house. His wife was a Manifold. Their son Noah was named for my father. He had another boy, George, the others I cannot remember. Well we will go north in the country across (8) EARLY HISTORY OP LA HARPE, ILLINOIS. First and Second Creeks to top of the hill, west side of the road was John Miller farm. He was a brother-in-law of Andy J. James. He had boys, John and Wayland, the other boys I cannot name. A daughter used to go to school with me. Going north, across the road, was the Andy J. James farm. I can recall a bright red house with a cupalo on top. A son, Frank, married a Vincent girl, and there was Mana and Andy, Jr., and they had a daughter Reta. Go- ing north across the Burlington branch T. P. & W. on the west side of the road lived preacher Papa Strong, Albert Comstock's wife was a daughter. Also Orpha and Josie. Josie married Charlie Gochenour and a son Will, and grandchildren Lou and another boy and a girl Jessie. Going north to the corner, stood the M. P. church. The road leading west went to Disco, but we travel back east. I cannot recall any homes on the Gittings land. But on the south side of the road brings us to the John N. Hurdle farm. He had a son, Edgar, who taught at the Gittings seminary- I think he married Marian Painter. There were girls, Emma and Lula. I remember a boy Will. I think he married Bertha Peasley. Going east brings us to the Gittings school house corner. Here we go north to the James Gittings home. There was a boy, Samuel, who married a girl, Melda, at my home. They had a boy named for me, Roy. There was Clarence, Robert M., and little Jim Gitting's fath- er. One girl, Mary, married Prof. I. W. Castle. The other girls, I cannot recall. Across the road Antone and Mary Devire, French people, the ones who gave La Harpe the hospital. Only a short distance from the Henderson county line. Turn back to Gittings school corner. A school house stood on Smith Bryan's farm. I think his daughters name was Mary. Henry Painter lived near there. His daughter Marian married Edgar Hurdle. There was a boy, Charlie. Near was the Dawson farm. His dughter Eva, mar- ried Curtis K. Todd. They had a son, Mona. Near was the Por- ter Gilman farm. His wife was Mariam Wolfe. Near was the Stever Kern farm. Had a daughter Mary, and a son Elmer L. El- mer lived later where I was in Butte, Mont. From the Gittings school house corner go back sonth on the left side of the road was the Milton C. Fritz farm and Leslie Wolfe was there. Going south on the west side was Thomas J. Walker's farm. He had a daugh- ter, Mary, and a son Thomas, others I cannot recall. Next was *. field where James Gittings had some awful wild cattl« and there was where I used to go to pick my hazelnuts. Crossing Second Creek up a mile on west side was a farm my father, Dr. Butler, cleared off the timber and on the south side was planted a large orchard. Never many buildings on that farm. Later was sold to George Summers about 1875. My father sold that place for fifty dollars an acre. I saw in the La Harpe papers where one part was sold to Judd Sloan's father and another I forgot the name. I think it was $275 and $325 an acre, a big difference since 1875. Across the road was the James McCurdy farm which was sold to James Gittings and afterwards I. W. Cassel and family lived there. Next, across the road, was Gittings timber land. Down on Firsi Creek was a great swimming hole for boys my age. In the 70's. Next was the Mrs. Morford timber land. Next was old man Peyron, Frenchman who had a large vineyard. Dropping back across trr (9) EARLY HISTORY CXP LA HARPE, TI.TJNOIS. road was our cow pasture and the next was the Wheaton pasture. Next was the home of Joe Vest. I cannot recall the childrens names. Next on the west side, was old lady Devere's property. She had a son, Antone and daughter, Mary. Afterwards I. W. Cassel built a new house there. His wife was Mary Gittings. They had a daughter, Mary, who married Judd Hartwell and one Mamie; boys Robert M. and Qrt. Afterwards A. L. Gilliland lived there. Going south on the west side was a home that sat away back from the road. I cannot recall their names. And a long house next, and I forgot the names. Next, I think was John Peyron, the har- ness maker. His wife was a Conrady. I cannot recall the chil- dren's names. Next was the Terry Vincent home. He was a car- penter and moved to Greeley, Colo. Had a son Aide, and daugh- ters, Belle and Carrie. Later was the Hungate home, had sons, John H. Cap who married Julia Ingraham, and a daughter, Lillie who married Charles Ingraham. If they are living there one of the few living on the old homestead. Next was the Mrs. Morford field, where Clara Gochenous Roberts built a home. Her daugh- ter married James C. Mayor who is state senator now. Had an- other girl and a son, Tom. Nearer town back on the hillside used to stand David Gochenour Sr., and Mrs. Sutton's grave stones. Later they were taken up. Next was the Morford orchard. Turn- ing the next corner was the old Gochenour property. His wife was a Coulson, and Aunt Jane was always a good fiend of mine. Sue Gochenour married Dr. Robert H. Sutton. Had sons, David, married Sadie Nudd, and Charlie marrjed Josie Strong, and George whose nickname (Gutty), daughter Emma, married Frank Peasley. She had a girl Cora and a son Fred. If Emma is living on the home place she is one of the few living on the old homestead. Effie married William Thayer; Clara, John Roberts. They used to live at Carmen, 111. Fannie married Frank Bradshaw. Later Mrs. Gochenour married J. R. Morford. They had a son, James, who married Ruby Warren. Jim used to be one of the publishers of the Quill. Mr. Morford had a boy, Sam and Edward, and a girl, Ella. Going west later years, James Morford built a home. Next was the old Gochenour barn. Next was the city pound on the Daniel Bainter property. Back sat the old saw mill. Next on the corner was the George Coulson new home. His wife was a Bainter, mother of George, Jr., and Mary who married R. L. Widney. If Mrs. Widney is living there she is one of the few living on the old homestead. Across the street on the corner opposite the Coul- son home sat a house. I cannot recall for sure the parties names who lived there. Next, across the street from the public school building was George Coulson's first home. Next was William Hick- man's home, a carpenter and he had two daughters. They moved to Denver, Col. Next was the Jobe Wheaton home. Now we will cross the old school baseball grounds and come out at the Elias Bower corner, completing a country circuit of seven or eight miles. This completes that circuit. We will go back on the Terre Haute road to the Mide Curtis home, which extended across First Creek. Here was another of us boy's swimming pools. The Curtis' boys, James, Douglas and Seymour and can only recall one girls name, Emma. In nineteen (10) EARLY HISTORY OP LA HARPE, ILLINOIS. hundred I met Jim Curtis in Payette, Idaho. Later he shot him- self there. Going back south. Next was the Goodman home. He was a photographer up in the third story of the Leavitt Block, Main Street. They were relatives of the Perrins, the druggist. Later the Thomas Locke home. His wife was a Todd. She had a daughter Clevie. Later, Mrs. Locke married John N. .Bainter Later in the -90's my brother, French B. Butler, lived there, and my sister-law Manda, is living there now. Next was the Kern home. I think his name was Henry. He was an early merchant, before I could remember. Mr. Kern and John Warren and my father and mother and myself drove a wagon to Wichita, Kansas. I think it was 1869. Mr. Kern got sick and returned from some place in Missouri. Edward and Zarah Kern married sisters, the Wheaton girls. Had another boy Charlie Kern. Later, there was a family by the name of Goff lived there. I cannot recall the children's names. Later, my brother, Dr. W. O. Butler, who mar- ried Luella Holiday of Blandsville, following children born there, Mary, who married Herbert Tuttle; Florence, Earl Grigsby; Ruth and Edna and son Lyle, moved to Canada, and all married up there, and their mother living there with them. Next, down in the bottom, stood an old house which belonged to a Frenchman who went back to France. Next home I cannot recall the early people living there. Later A. Luther Gilliland lived there. He had a son, Frank and Luther, and one other daughter, Mollie, is married and lives in San Diego, California. She was a class mate of mine. Later, James McCurdy lived there. He had a son Ansone. Next was the Daniel Myers home. He was a tailor and had a son Lester, Ed who married Mary Grenig, and Charlie and Frank; the daughters were Elzora who married Nib Swisher, Mary and a younger one I can- not recall. Next was the orchard of Hindman's. Next was a cooper shop, run by Wesley Stone. Coming to the corner, turning east, next was the J. W. Hindman home, and a son Jake Hindman, who was a partner with Frank Peck in the grocery business, a daughter, think name was Julia. Mrs. Hindman was a sister of Baily Stone. Next was the first residence of Charles F. Gill, the banker His wife was a Bainter. They had a daughter, Ella and Sadie married Dan. Ginnavin, had sons, Charles Jr., who married a Carthage girl and John, if John lives in the old Dan Bainter home he is one of the few living on the old homestead. Next was the Daniel Bainter home. Their daughter, Lucy, married Charles F. Gill, one married George Coulson who was the mother of Mary Widney, one mar- ried George W. Soule. I think one married William Bradshaw. They had sons, William C. and John N., and another I cannot re- call. Later Charles F. Gill moved there. Going to the next corn- er, turning north was the Oatman home. I think his name was George. He had a son George and a half brother, Harvey. I can only recall one girl, Emma. Next ws the Hezikiah Lincoln home. He was a lawyer. His wife's name was Phoebe. She used to run a store in the Bainter Block. Think late years Mrs. James Mc- Curdy lived here. She was Ida Stearns. I cannot recall the next houses. Down opposite the Figley's lived the miller of Figley's mill. I cannot recall his name. The next the old Captain White place, who used to have a large vineyard and orchards. The people who (11) EARLY HISTORY OF LA HARPE, ILLINOIS. lived there with him and afterwards, I cannot recall their name. Going north, down at the foot of the hill, stood an old building which was the Warren Brothers distillery in Civil War time. They used to render dead hogs there. Now we will cross First Creek and name a few farms. There was William Coquillette, near there was Thomas Carnes on Second Creek. When I was a boy, hunting wild ducks I shot, thought they were mallards, they did not fly. They were tame ducks. Later years on one of my trips home I told Uncle Tommy and offered to pay, but he objected. Out here lived the Nevilles. I remember Denis. Here was the Todd farm. Her daughter, Mary, went to Arizona, the other married Thomas Locke. Their son Curtis K. lives now in La Harpe. He married Eva Dawson. Will come back north across First Creek on the east side of the road on top of the hill was a home. I cannot recall the names, but he was an" Englishman. Next was the barn and buildings across the street of Captain White. Next was the Beck- man home. I think his name was Henry, and he ran the gristmill. I cannot recall the children's names. Afterward the Figleys mov- ed there and ran the mill. I think his initials were J. G. He had a son Jap, a photographer and one, Curtis, there were several girls. Harry Coquiellete married one of the girls. Next, home between Figleys and the Catholic church corner, I cannt recall these parties names. On this corner in early days it was a school- house. Going east next was the Burgess home. There were several girls, Ella, a school teacher, married Perry Westfall and moved to Montana, where I afterwards saw them. There was a son Gerard. Later Mrs. Burgess married Lianus Cheney and they had a son whose name I cannot recall. The next house, I canot recall who lived there. Going down the hill and up the other side was a house my father lived in at one time, about 1868. Who lived there after years I cannot recall. Next home was Grandma Coulson, who was awful good to me when I was young. She was the moth- er of many of the La Harpe early settlers. There was Jane, Mrs. David H. Gochenour, later Mrs. J. R. Morford, Mary, Mrs. Harry H. Barnes, and a Mrs. Sanford, other girls I cannot recall. They had boys, Henry, George, Pat and James C. I do not think I can recall all. Next on the corner we turn street that leads to the cemetery. From this corner one can see the Butler monument, erected in 1875 and my name is already cut on the monument with the date of my birth. It has always been my wish to be buried in the Butler plot. I remember well the high sidewalk which led to the cemetery. Coming back to the corner and turning orth was the James M. Robinson home who was a partner with Brund- age in the grocery business. Their daughter Carrie married an engineer on the railroad. The boys were Oscar, Henry and Ed. About forty-five years ago, I met Oscar in Lincoln, Nebraska, and Ed. a train dispatcher, C. B. & Q. Ry. at Creston. Iowa. Next was Joe Law's home. He ran a two-wheel dray and Joe Sperry suc- ceeded him. I cannot recall the names of that lar^e family. They were relatives of the Veats. Next was the Charter home. I think his name was Sam. He moved in from the country. There were several girls. One was Lucille, one married W. H. cpigroot) Hartzell. Next was the William Sea home and old time carpenter (12) EARLY HISTORY OF LA HARPE, ILLINOIS. and contractor. Many a house in La Harpe was built by Uncle Bill. He had a boy James H, Joe, John and William (Spud), girls, Mary and Annabell. There used to be a man named Shyrock who lived with them. The next open space was a brickyard. Going east to the corner and turning back north a Mr. Cotton lived, who ran the brickyard. Coming back south was the Louis Long home. He had a son Louis. Mrs. Long was the mother of Isaac Landis. Ike must be nearly a hundred years old, as he was a grown man when I was wearing knee pants. There were two Landis girls, Dora married Mex Sperry. Coming back south in 1924, Mrs. Porter Gilman lived there. Called to see her and she was blind. She could not remember my voice. I told her she had not mean for about 25 years. I told her I was Cutey, a name she gave me when I was a little fellow. Going south to the corner on the jog in Main Street stands a house which was moved from the John Warren and Son location. In 1924 brother Will took me in this house and showed me the corner where the bed stood where I was born. Turning this corner we will go east and see some of the farms. There was a nurseryman by the name of Edgerton and the Brock- way farm. They had boys, Sam and Jess. Out there was the old McGee farm. They had a son James McGee who worked for his cousins, Hungate and Ward, bankers. Afterwards George Locke lived there. He had a son Tom, who married a Todd, had a girl named Cala. Across the road at one time was a race track. Out here was the Bainter farm. I have forgotten whether it was Adam or Peter Bainter. On the same side of the road was a Comstoek farm, long Bill to distringuish from short Bill. I can remember Mr. Comstoek had a spotted driving team. On the same side farther out was the old Grandpa Comstoek farm. There was a son, Henry who went to Texas. John P. married my mother's sister. They went to Kansas in 1870. There was short Bill. Mrs. Henry Coulson was a Comstoek. Albert, whose wife was a daughter of Papa Strong, the minister. Albert had a son Chester, and others whom I cannot recall. Grant married Nellie Barlow. On this same side farther east was the farm of Phillip George, a German, who had two girls, Mahala, married Douglas Bradshaw, a son Al- bert mrried Julia Bradshaw. On the other side of the road farther east was a colored man. called Nigger Pete, where I went many a time with my father. Ie remember he used to make all kinds of baskets. He was one of the earliest of the colored families in this country. Turning back west on the same side of the road was the Andrew J. Bradshaw farm. Uncle Jack was surely a grand old fellow. He used to call me Royfill. Many a piece of money Uncle Jack handede me when I was s a kid. He had a son. Charlie, who married Belle Wilkinson the father of Harry W. who was editor of the Quill. And John married Pauline Ingraham; Frank married Fannie Gochenour, Doug, married Mahala George and Julia married Albert George; Nell married Jim Howatt. The young- est was Fannie. Out near there lived William Connell. His son married an Ingraham. The Hosea Rocket farm laid south of this road. Now we go back to town. To the northwest corner of the jog of Main Street, here was another Cogswell property. Might have been Holly Cogswell. I remember they had peafowls and the pea- CIS) EARLY HISTORY OF LA HARPE, ILLINOIS. fowls used to fly on top of the houses and you could hear him holler all over town. Now we will turn this corner and go south the next was the Richard A. Sailor home. He was a plasterer and brick mason. They had a daughter, Ada, who was a school teacher; boys, Frank, Charlie nd Dick. I met Charlie in Tacoma, Washington several times in the 90's. He was one of the partners in the Carnation Cream business. Next was the Piper home. I remember one girl called Laura. Next was the Fowler home. They had a girl, Belle, and a son William J. If Billy lives on the old homestead he is another of the few who do. Next home was Robeys. They had a son, Jeff, and a girl Belle. Now we come to the T. P. & W. railroad crossing. Used to me called Bainters Crossing. Turning here we will go out in the country to the second railroad crossing. There lived William Combstock. He was called short Bill. His wife, sister of Mrs. Ben Warren. They had one daughter. She married Gerard Roller; another married a May- nard, and had a son William, and one Frank. Coming back to town on the south side of the railroad was the Maynard farm. They had a daughter, Lucy, who was the first Sunday school teacher for many an early La Harpe boy and girl. There was Pliny. He married a Comstoek and James also married a Comstoek. Payson who lived on the Terre Haute road married a Kirkpatrick. Afterwards one of the Maynard boys married Eva- line Herzog. I remember Maynards had a sorghum mill. Will ?o on west to the next corner and look over Goose Neck Section. There was the Grenig farm. They were relatives of Ike Landis. They had a girl, Mary who married Ed Myers, and a younger one married a Link. Charles H. Betson lived ther. He moved later and built a new home in town. There was Nick Conrady. He had a son who later was in the grocery business and a daughter who married John Pyron. Near there was the Towler farm. He was so tall he coudn't ride a horse. There was a German family name of Schroeder. Mr. Schroeder got killed by the train on the Bainter Crossing. Mrs. Schroeder's baby fell on the cowcatcher and was not hurt. I helped my father attend Mrs. Schoeder. Cot- ton Smith was the conductor and William Railsback was engineer. Isaac Funk lived in that section. He had a son who married Dave Gochenour's daughter, Fannie. Going back towards town on the corner was the John Link farm. He had a son Robert, who used to buy cattle and hogs. His wife was Belle James. I cannot recall names of the others. Now we come to the John N. Baint- er farm. He was a son of Daniel Bainter and his wife was Kate James. They had a son, Frank. Later Mr. Bainter married Mrs. Thomas Locke. I think later Charles F. Gill owned this proper- ty. But later C. C. Preston, the lawyer, moved there. Now we come to the Bainter Crossing. Here was the section house where William Sharp was section bosjs. He had a girl named Hannah. His brother, Sam Sharp, was a section man and the father of Sam Sharp who is now superintendent of the T. P. & W. R. R. at Peoria. We will now go to the northeast corner of the block, east Main Street, opposite the Cogswell property, going west on the south side of the street, was the Thorpe home. He was a shoe- maker and had a son Joe. Later John Link moved ther&. Next (14) EARLY HISTORY OF LA HARPE, ILLINOIS. on the corner was the Ransom A. Ingraham home, brick mason and plasterer. Many a building standing in La Harpe today, he built. There was a son, Charlie, who married Lillie Hungate and Will died years ago. young boys, George and Art. One of the girls, Mamie, married Charlie Moon. Julia married Captain Hungate and went to Walla Walla, Washington. I do not see how Cap caught Julia. At school she could outrun a deer. Pauline mar ried John Bradshaw and Gene married Lou Cogswell. Ida married Farm Peck. The youngest girl married a Connell boy. Turning south at this corner I cannot recall any houses on that side of the block. Turning east I cannot, remember any. Turning north there were no houses. This finishes that block. Will go across the strees from the Ingrahams to the north- east corner of the next block. Thomas Bray's home was in the middle of the block. His wife was a Leavitt. They had a son, Edwin M., who went to Secorra, N. M. Later I met Ed at El Pasco, Texas, in the mercantile business. And he was president of the Chamber of Commerce at El Pasco. Annie married John B. Place. They went to Boulder, Colo. Winnie, the youngest, mar- ried a doctor. Going west to the next corner and turning south, going to the next corner was the home that George Soule built. His wife was a Bainter. Afterwards a dentist, Dr. Mills lived there and he had a son Clarence, and one girl. Going east I can- not recall for sure, any houses to the next corner. Turning back north, no houses to the corner. This finishes this block. We will go west one block to the Henry Hyatt property, the first family to live there that I can remember was my father, who lived there after us I cannot remember. Mr. Hyatt had a son George, his nickname was Cookie, and a daughter, Annie. Her aunt Annie Parker of Quincy, raised her. Going west to the next corner was the George Otto home. His wife was a Hyatt. They had an adopted girl, Emma, who married Ed Capps. I met them and Dave Marler, Emma's uncle, in Anaconda, Mont., in the early 90's. Turning this corner, going south to the next corner was William Smith. His wife was a Bray. They had a daugh- ter who married George Young and moved to Montana. Turning this corner there were no houses to the next and turning this corner going north brings us to the Hyatt property and completes this block. We will now go west one. block to the Samuel Hasty home. Mr. Hasty was a brick maker who used to work for my Father and Ben Warren. He had a daughter Aseneth who was a school teach- er. She had a son Sammy Stanley. Going west no houses to the next corner. Turning that corner south no houses to the corner. I think this was where the butcher's family lived. There was one called Steve, one Dick and Nelson, and a girl, Dolly. Turning at this corner going east, no houses. Turning this corner going north, to the Hasty home, completes this block. Going west one block on the corner was the John Wolfe home. His wife had a daughter, Meriam, and she was some relation to the Cogswells. Later, her daughter married Porter Gilman. She was one of the early school teachers. As a lad I spent half the time at Granma Wolfe's. Mrs. Gilman always called me Cutey. Even (15) EARLY HISTORY OF LA HAUPE, ILLINOIS. did in 1924, when she was blind and could not see me. Next was the H. F. Gilliland wagon and' blacksmith shops. Next was the Lauren -Tuttle building on the corner. He had a son Dexter and one who was partner with Mr. Pierpont also Abner and Edgar. Dexter and Ed went to California; Ed's son, Herbert, married my niece, Mary Butter. I cannot recall parties who lived upstairs. Turning south at this corner somewhere Elisha Hamilton lived. I cannot recall location. Near was the John Harland livery stable. Next was the home of Mrs. Montgomery. She was a daughter of the Harlands. I Cannot recall the children's names. Turning this corner next was the Harland hotel. They had a son, John and a daughter, Mrs. Montgomery. I think Mrs. Harland was a Barr. Going to the next corner, no houses. Turning this corn- er brings us back to the Wolfe home and completes this block. Going west one block was the Daniel Bainter two-story brick. I can remember when that was built. The east room on the cor- ner Mrs. Phoebe Lincoln used, to run a store. Later, G. W. Soule and Ed Ross had a grocery store there. Later changed to Soule and W. T. Kirkpatrick. Later, W. W. Gillon ran the store. In the west room a Mr. Gutman ran a clothing house. They lived in a white house in the rear. Later years this was called Coulson Block. Upstairs one time was called Locke's Opera House. At one time it was used as a roller skating rink. The Christian church used to use it at one time, and one of the early pastors was James A. Seaton. He was a first cousin of my father. In the late 90's met brother Seaton when located in Montana. Next was a vacant lot where later years James C. Coulson built the La Harper office and same is located there now. Next was a one- story brick building occupied by John Peyron as a harness shop. Next a vacant lot. Next was a three-story brick building owned by R. K. Shinn who lived upstairs. My brother, Frank M. Butler, used to work for Mr. Shinn. Nelson Montgomery succeeded Mr. Shinn. Next was a double store three story brick buildings, owned by Frank Leavitt. Hugh Dickson ran a clothing store and later Ed Gillette ran a bakery and lived upstairs. The west room, ground floor, was the Campbell sisters millinery store, Carrie and Maggie. In the second story at one time William Porter lived. He had a daughter, Elva, who married George Hainline. In 1905 at the World's Fair in Portland, Oregon, Elva recognized me in the crowd. Later this was used as a barber shop, and was run by William Gardner. His wife Belle was a Sinclair. In the third story was a photograph gallery run by Mr. Goodman. Later these buildings burnt. Next was a one story frame building. A. S. Hum, boot and shoe shop, where the kids used to go for strap oil and Shooey enjoyed strapping them across his lap. Next was the Wilkinson garden. Next a one story building where John Wil- kinson first used as a store. Later a man by the name of Mar- tin, started a newspaper, the Quill. He was succeeded by Fred W. (Pat) Wilkinson and Charlie (Granny) Comstock. Charlie was succeeded by Jim Morford and Jim was succeeded by Harry W. Bradshaw who now is the editor of the Quill. Next on the corner is a two story brick building, and was the John Wilkinson store. Later James C. Coulson was the postmaster and used that as the (16) EARLY HISTORY OF LA HARPE, ILLINOIS. postoffice, and the upstairs was used as the La Harper newspaper office. Later Charles Moon had a grocery store there. Next was the John Wilkinson home, aunt Jane was a Nance; Phoebe Hick- man was Mr. Wilkinson's daughter, who lived at Sciota. There was boys, John, Fred W. and Irving and a girl, Mamie. Irving and Mamie moved to Kewanee, the oldest girl, Belle, married Charles Bradshaw, father of Harry W. Bradshaw, who is editor of the Quill. Many a pleasant time I had at Aunt Jane's house. If any of the heirs live on this homestead, they are of the few. Next was the Young property. There was a store building and Mrs. Fields ran a millinery store there. She had a daughter, Lula. They wers relatives of the James'. Mrs. Young had her home next. Later this store building was moved south of the railroad tracks on old Depot Street, and they ibuilt a new home. She had a son, Will, who married a Miss Sourwine, and George married Billy Smith's daughter. George moved to Montana where in later years I saw him. Later years, near here, the Masons built a building. Here is where I took the R. A. M. degrees in 1886. Near was the old home of Mrs. Marler. She had a son, Hamilton and one Dave. Emma Otto was a granddaughter. I remember a very large tree which stood in the yard. Later, John Bundy, the champion wood sawer lived there. Next on the corner was a long house which Ben Warren moved there. The Darymple family lived there. They had a girl Viola and a boy whose name I have forgotten. Later, the Christian church minister, Jim Al Seaton lived there. I can- not recall the children's names. Even though they were my rela- tives. Later Robert Hettrick lived there. They had an adopted boy, Bob, who in later years I saw in Denver, Colorado. Turning this corner going back east next was a home where Ed Anderson, whose wife's name was Emma. Ed was a painter. They were relatives of the Cogswells. A Mrs. Sanford lived there one time. Turning the corner going north was the Amos Breed home. They had a daughter. Grace, who married Theo Munger and moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Another daughter named Birdie. Next was the Breed and Munger Machinery Depot and made pumps. Later Brundage and Kilgore ran the place. Next were two onestory buildings that belonged to Daniel Bainter. I cannot recall who used them. Next was a frame dwelling where Mr. Gutman lived. They had a daughter Tillie, and one named Freda, and a boy Har- ry. Next was the Bainter block which completes this block. Going west one block brings us to the Public Square. I can remember when there were no trees nor was it fenced. When Frank and Lou Cogswell. John Maver. Pat and Frank Barnes Aide Vincent, Ed Butler and Robert Kirknatrick and Dick Wheaton, the left handed pitcher played baseball there. Those days circuses traveled over land and showed in the Square. You can see the old one-rin? there yet. I remember well when they set the trees. This completes this block. Next was the Tremont Hotel corner owned by Aquilla Clay- comb. His wife was a Barr, one son, Harry Emmett. His nick- name was Cooney. Frank Barr, a nephew of theirs used to drive the bus. He was a son of Hamilton Barr. I saw two Tremont hotels burn in my time. The next was their livery stable, which (17) EARLY HISTORY OF LA HARPE, ILLINOIS. Charlie Sanford ran. He had a driving team called Banjo and Kate. Near here, later Emmett Olaycomb who married Belle Hartzell, built a home. Next was an open lot, ClaycomVs garden. Next on the corner was the Harry H. Barnes home. Uncle Harry was a great lover of driving horses. He was marshall of the town, and later Justice of the Peace. His wife was a COulson. Robert H. Barnes married Julia Butler, a cousin of mine. They had a daughter called — ulia, Pat, Prank, Edward O. who later ran the Raritan newspaper, Harry, Jr., learned the printing business with La Harper. Aunt Mary was a dear old friend of mine. Turning south at this corner next was the Barnes stable. Back in the barnyard in the rear, was La Harpe's wooden calaboose. Next was the Hosea Brockett home. His wife was a sister of Mrs. Ben War- ren. They had one son Emmett, who married Mary Biggs. After Mrs. Brockett died, the family moved to Santa Anna California. Next was a vacant lot owned by Ben Warren. Turning the corner going back east we pass the Kirkpatrick barnyard. Turning at the next corner north. Later years Robert B. Kirkpatrick, the druggist, built a home. Next was the Dr. George W. Kirkpatrick home, and his office on the side. Mrs. Kirk was a sister of Joe Booth, daughter Lizzie, married Abner Tuttle, another married Payson Maynard who lived north on the Terre Haute road. Ada who was a school teacher married Doctor Shawgo, the youngest girl, Ida married Charles Plantz, who lived in Peoria. They had a son WilliamT and Robert B. Next was the Tremont House gar- den, and this hotel completes another block. Turning west and going one block across the street from the Barnes home was the Pierpont home. He was a partner in the P & Tuttle Plow Co., who moved to Bushnell. He had a son Wal- lace and two daughters. One was called Jessie. Afterwards, I think, but am not sure, R. M. Griswold, who was a T. P. & W. Ry. station agent, later Q. C. Ward, the banker lived there. There were only two houses on that block. The other facing south was the Ben Warren home. A brother of John Warren. Of the early merchants Warren Brothers, Civil War time. Mrs. Warren was a sister of Mrs. George H. Payne. They had sons Ben Jr., who was a grain merchant in Peoria, 111; Charles (Spot) married a Bunger; John married Reina Walters; also Albert and Luther had two daughters, Carrie and Charlotte. The house standing on the south- east corner of the Public Square was moved from here before the new Warren house was built. This completes this block. And going to the Bainter Railroad Crossing opposite the sec- tion house, and go north, I cannot recall any house. I think this was the Lauren Tuttle meadow. Turning at this corner and go- ing west I cannot recall any homes until I get to the old Leavitt home. They had a son, Addison, who married Mrs. Herzog, moth- er of Evelyn and Julius. If he is still alive is one of the few liv- ing on their old homestead. They had a son, Frank, who married a Ricker. Mrs. Tom Bray was a daughter. Next on the corner was the Ricker home. Mrs. John Warren, Mrs. Frank Leavitt, Mrs. Elijah Claycomb, Mrs. I. N. Soule were Ricker girls. A son, Tim- othy P. was a carpenter. My father, Dr. Butler, lived there in 1854. As my brother, Frank M. born there August 15th, 1854. Turning (18) EARLY HISTORY OF LA HARPE, ILLINOIS. at this corner south next was William Perrin, the druggist. A fam- ily lived there before them, and I think was Mr. Beckman, who used to run the flour mill. This street ends here. Tuttle's meadow across the street lived Joy Sperry. He used to run a dray, later a saloon. He had boys Charles B. who married Laura Sloan, (Dune) married a Randall girl, one called Grant and one Am*>er. Going north to the corner was the Jerry Smith home. Justice of the Peace, father of Frank and Libby, Maud's mother was Amanda Sperry. Maud married Hez Henry, a banker at Camp Point, 111. Turning this corner going west I cannot recall any home until we reach the Ketter home. He moved to Bushnell with the Pier- point and Tuttle Company. I cannot recall the girls and boyo names. Next was the Gleason home They had sons John, Ed. Dick, Steve and Nelson and Dollie. Butcher lived near there. Next was the Wager home. They had sons Kinsey and Dan and a girl, thing was Ella. Going east to the corner was a wagon shop and upstairs a paint shop. I cannot recall who ran them. Turning this corner going south, was a blacksmith shop. Next was the George Macker home. He had a boy, Elmer. Next was the Lauren Tuttle meadow nearly to the railroad. Later William Porter, the tinner, built a home there. Also a Bunger built there. Going south opposite the Bainters was a house built. I cannot recall who lived there, but in 1879 Prof. W'idney, one of the teachers at Gittings Seminary, lived there. Going south near here, Reed and Munger built a pump factory. This brings us to the T. P. & W. R. R. Crossing, old Depot Street. We now will go to the John Mayer blacksmith shop on the corner. His was one of the earliest blacksmith shops in La Harpe. Going west, there used to stand an old log house. Next was Casper Sights home. He was a carpenter. He had a son, James. Later years Jim ran a traveling show. I have forgotten the names of the other children. Going west to the corner was the Frye home. They sons, Oliver, Joe and Rufus. Jim Tanner used to live there. Turning south at this corner next was Dan Avery home. His family was all girls. Their names I cannot recall. Later, Henry Tilton, the carpenter lived there. He had a son, Gilley, the others- I cannot recall. Next was the William Swisher home. He was a butcher. He had a son. George. He married Elzora Myers, Frank (Ag.) about 1902 I accidentally recognized Ag in a town in Wash- ington in the Puget Sound country. Another son Charles had a daughter Abbie and one Bertha. Afterwards Henry Hamilton built a new house there. Mr. Hamilton married my mother in 1885. Afterwards Jim Rich lived there. Turning east we come to the John Mvers home on the corner. He had daughters Rebecca and Mary who were school teachers. The youngest, Louise, married Dan Hutchison. Mattie married George Coulson. She is one of the few now living on their old homestead. James C. who was a partner of Thomas J. Campbell, moved to Carthage, 111., as coun- ty clerk. John, who married a niece of the Gillilands. father of Jimmie Mayor, who is now state senator. Also Dave and Doug- las. Going north I cannot recall who lived there. Next on the corner was the John Mayor blacksmith shop. This completes that block. (19) EARLY HISTORY OF LA HARPE, ILLINOIS. Will turn this corner go west one block to the southeast corner of the Public Square. Here was the James M. Campbell home. Later was Mrs. Annie Shaw's, mother of Ada. Mr. Campbell mov- ed to the Shaw fram. Next was the J. J. McVey home, built in the 90's. Hemoved in from west of town. He had a boy Elmer who was drowned in the Yellowstone River in Montana, where he was a mail carrier. I afterwards met the man he worked for. Next ws the Joe Nudd home. He had a daughter Sadie who mar- ried David Gochenour. He had sons, Farm, Wood, Pink and War- ren. Dave Gochenour lived there later. Afterwards, a man named Helfrich, a butcher from Carthage. Later Henry Hamilton lived there. Next was the Major William Smith home. One of the earliest settlers and merchants of La Harpe. His wife was a Sterns and they brought with them from Connecticut the first colored family to La Harpe, old Aunty Washington. They had sos. William, Jonathan and Albert nd one daughter Bessie. Later 1870 my father, Dr. Butler, bought the place. There were five boys, William O., Edwin C, Frank M., French B., and the writer, Roy G. Later 1884, John H. Hungate, the banker lived there. He married a half-sister of Nelson Montgomery. Her name was Flor- ence Matthews, from Mammoth. They had sons, Ward and John M., and a daughter Edith who mrried a Mr. Waddell. Later, C. K. Todd bought the property and turned it into a hotel. It burned down a few years ago. Next there used to stand a house where Butler lived in 1852 and my brother Ed was born there June 1852. About 1876 my brother Will, built a new house there and where Edith, his daughter was born, August, 1877. She married Charlie S. Coulson. Later, conductor Joh Houke who was on the Burling- ton Branch, lived there. Later Nat Bruen, the race horse mna, ibought the place. His wife was a Peasley, sister of George and Frank. They had two girls and one boy John. About 1902 I met John at Calgary, Alta. Later a Mr. Duryea bought the property. He was the father of Charles E. Duryea, class mate of mine in 1882 at Gittings Seminary. Charles E. Duryea built or made the first buggy into an auto, and that machine is now in Washington, D. C. I saw it there a few years ago. Later Prank Johnson lived there. His wife was Phoebe Sperry. They had a daughter Clara Johnson. Next was the M. P. church. I remember when they raised the church up and built a basement underneath and built that tall steeple. That was about 1875 or '76. Next was the M. P. Church parsonage. Rev. Mayall was the minister there. He had a daugh- ter Carrie. I think she was a school teacher. Next precher was William Jordan. He preached my father's funeral September 1876. They had a daughter Emma and boys Will and Frank. Later was the Rev. Stringham father of Lawrence B., another class mate of mine. Gittings Seminary 1882. Later, Papa Strong was minister. Next was the Ben Warren stable across the street from his house. Turning the corner south was the Butler meadow. On the corner George Roach, a colored man, who used to be janitor of the public school, lived, there. Turning this corner going east passing the Butler meadow. The next was the William Lathrope. He was a plasterer and had a daughter Edith nad nother named Jennie. Next was the Luther Warren home on the corner. His (20) EARLY HISTORY OP LA HARPE, ILLINOIS. wife was a Stone. They had two boys. Frank married a Connell girl and a daughter Ruby, married Jim Morford. Next was S. E. Hurd's home. She was a daughter of Mrs. Elias Bowers. They had two daughters, Alice and Blanche. One married Edgar Reed and the other Sam Widney. The family moved to Denver, Colorado. Later, Pap Strong, the minister lived there. Next, I cannot re- call who lived there early. Later a Mr. Baker, the station agent lived there, and later Charles Moon. Next was the Mrs. Eliza Comstock home. She had two sons Ed and Charlie, who was owner of the Quill at one time. Daughter Effie, married an Iowa men. The youngest girl, Fannie, married and is one of the few living on their old homestead. Will_ Garrigus, a nephew of Mrs. Comstock, lived with them. Billy, I met in Montana, who was married to an Indian woman. She and each of the children got land from the government. Going north to the Shaw property fin- ishes this block. We will go back south on this street to the corner opposite Luther Warren's home and go west. Mrs. Thompson, mother of Rosie, who married Curtis Gitting and a daughter married a John- son. The Johnsons I met afterwards in Montana. There was a boy, Ernest. Next was Charles H. Betson's home, who moved in from Goose Neck county. Next was the home of John B. Place, who married Anna Bray, lived about 1885, Turning the next cor- ner and go south, no houses to the next corner. I think their names were Coleman. I cannot recall the children's ames. Turn- ing back east at this corner was the William Randall home who liv- ed to be a very old man. He was a carpenter and builder. He had a son George, the only one I can recall. Had two daughters, one married Frank Sperry. Mr. Randall married later. Mrs. Houston, Elmer and Dona's mother. They had a son Fred, who was of late years connected with the bank. If he is living he is one of the few living on the old homestead. Going east and turn the corner in the middle of the block was the Homer Bacon home. He was agent of the T. P. & W. Ry. His wife was a Bliss. Later Kinsey Gittings lived there. Going north from the corner completes this block. Going back south on this same street one block a house on the northeast corner, I cannot recall peoples name, but it was oc- cupied by railroad men mostly. Turning west was where Luther Warren used to live. Across the street from the Randalls. Later William Railsback lived there, a T. P. & W. Ry. engineer. Later Charles (Spot) Warren, who married Rose Bunger, lived there. No houses going west to the corner, and none going south to the railroad crossing on the Burlington Branch. We will now go to the northeast corner of the block across the street from the John Mayor home. Here was the George Barlow home. He used to be pump man at the railroad tank. They had a daughter, Nellie who married Grant Comstock. Next was the Bunger home. They had a daughter Myra, and a son, Arthur, and were relatives of the James M. Robinson's. Next was the old Man Bainter home. I think it was Adam, Peter's father. On this corner turn west one block, was the Campbell sister's home, Carrie and Maggie. They had a brother Wm. T, and John and Geo. Oakman (2D EARLY HISTORY OF LA HARPE, ILLINOIS. were nephews. Going north next was George Cattermole, who mov- ed to Boulder, Colorado. They had three ooys, George, Frank ana Charlie. JNext was the Mrs. Jennie Ross home. Next on the corn- er was the Sea home, Joe or Jim, forgot which, and a younger sis- ter, Annie, lived there. Turning east to the next corner, Barlows completes this block. Going south one block brings us to the Thomas J. Campbell new home, jartner of James C. Mayor. Be had a son Waiter and a daughter Birdie. I think they moved to Colorado. Later, B. J. Headen lived there and ran the grain elevator. Going west one block on the corner was the James C. Mayor home. He had a son, Irving, also one daughter. They moved to Carthage and he was county clerk several terms. Later, Farm Peck lived there. He married Ida Ingraham. They had one daughter, called Gene. Go- ing south to the next corner, I cannot recall who lived there. Turning east I cannot recall any house to the ext corner. Near here George Lawson lived. He was a painter. Iremember Mrs. Law- son was the last place my father visited just a few hours before ne died, September 26, 1876. Will go to the old depot before the Burlington Branch was built, across the railroad tracks was the grain elevator, Henry Hyatt proprietor. His brother Abe worker there; also his son George. Later, B. J. Headen ran the grain etevator. East of these buildings was the stockyard. The first T. P. & W. agent I can remember was Homer Bacon. Then a man by the name of Griswold. Down in the new depot a Mr. Baker was agent. In the old depot I re- member some of the earlyc onductors, Ben Thompson, Cotton Smith, James Howatt, Frank Tippetts, Charles Plantz, Charlie Moon, on the branch, John Houke, the early engineers were William Railsback, John Welch, William Sharpe and Sam Sharpe were section foremen. Going south across the railroad track was the widow Young's farm. They moved the old store building there. Go- ing south you come to the Tarman school house. There was the Tarman farm. There were several girls one Celia Tarman was a class mate of mine. Near here was Alkany Messecker farm and the Uncle Nick Butler farm, no relatives of mine., but was a great friend of my father. Dave Gocenhour's farm was near here. Go- nig west was the Farm and Wood Nudd farms. Coming bacic north towards the railroads was the G. W. Peck farm. I cannot recall the girls name. One married Bert Ross and one was called Rebecca. There wer boys, Peter, Frank, Warren (Wad) and Farm. Now we cross the T. P. & W. railroad. The next was the Kinsey Gittings farm. His wife was a Sperry. They had daughters, Ella, Molona, who married Ed Manifold; Ida married Lou Cogswell; Minnie was the youngest. Boys, Curtis married Rosie Thompson, and Homer died a long time ago. Afterwards this farm was sold to a man by the name of Campbell. Going north across the road, was the Dickson place. He had a boy Huigh. Later Travis lived there. I cannot recall their first names. This brnigs us back to the Burlington Branch railroad crossing. Across the track on the west side was the Walter Fordyce home. They had a daughter, Clara. Next, Jacob Bryan's home. I can only recall one son, Cow- (22) EARLY HISTORY OF LA HARPE, ILLINOIS. den, who married Adel Vincent. They had a daughter, June. Next was the pasture of Frank Leavitt, where the Gittings Semi- nary, which opened September 1879. Professor I. W. Cassel, Principal. I do not ermember the date this building burned, but they built a new building over near town on the John W. Hungate property. Next was the Frank Leavitt home. His wife was a Rioker, and had four daughters, Ellen and Lou. I haveforgotten the names of the younger ones. Next was the home of my father, Dr. Butler, built and they were living there December, 1857, and there was where brother French was born. Afterwards, Mrs. Jane King lived Jihere. They had a daughter, Mary, who married George Peasley, who moved to Greeley, Colorado. They had three sons, Theodore, Rialto and Carlton. Afterwards, I. W. Cassel lived there, in 1879. Going north and turning the corner was the Peyton home. He was one of the early hardware merchants, and had sons, John, Jesse, Bailey and Peter, and one girl Manda and Libby. Afterwards, Israel Brundage lived there. Next was Mrs. Rebecca Hartzell moved from her farm near Dur- ham. They had one daughter, Belle, who married H. E. Clay- comb. They had two sons, I. O. Judd married Mary Cassel, and William H. (Pigroot) married a Charter girl, and lives in Carthage. Next was the C. C. Preston home. He was an attorney and had a son Charlie and a daughter Bessie. Afterwards they moved to the John M. Bainter farm. Next was the W. W. Gillon home. He was a painter, but afterwards ran a grocery store in the Coul- son Block. I think he had a daughter Alice and one Mayme. Next; was the Israel Brundage home. He was a partner in the Robin- son and Brundage grocery. Later, Brundage and Kilgore Imple- ment Company and Coulson and Brundage Hardware. They had a son Ernest, who I saw in San Francisco, California about 1901. The younger son was Carlton. Aunt Mag was one of my favorites. Later, Professor A. H. Owens, principal of the high school, lived there. Next was a long house, the parties names I cannot recall, who went to Leadville, Colorado, with Monotte Sanford. I think his name was Wheeler, but am not sure. The next was the D. Bailey Stone home. They had a son, Theodore, who married Ella Coulson and moved to Denver, Colorado. Valda married a Car- thage girl. The last heard of him was railroading around Good- land, Kansas. Next, this street opened up to the Gittings Seminary, but never any homes on that street. Across the street on the cor- ner was the Peterson home. I think he was a wagon maker or blacksmith. He had a brother who married a Failor girl. Next was an old house and I cannot recall any who lived there. Next was an open field. I think it belonged to James M. Campbell. A Mrs. Ogle had a home there. I cannot recall the children's names. Next was an open field until we get to the urlington Branch called Measley's Crossing. Next was the John Measley farm. He had a son, I. Newton and I remember him as being very tall. Pink Nudd married one of the girls. Ben Thompson married one of the Mealey girls, and Fred Gillette married Hattie, the youngest. He had a nephew, Fred, who lived with them. Going west and turn the corner brings us to the J. J. McVey farm, down farther on the other side of the road was the Joshiah Sterns farm. Steve Sterns (23) EABLY HISTORY OP LA HARPE, ILLINOIS. was a surveyor, and daughter Mary, married James M. Campbell, and Ida married James MoCurdy. Over west of there was the Wil- liam C. Bainter farm, and his brother-in-law William Bradshaw, and there was Joel Bradshaw had lots of boys, but I cannot recall their names. Sherman Bradfield was raised in that country and there was Plem Manifold and across the road back off the road back off the road was the Green Smiddy farm. Coming back to- wards town was the John Manifold farm. He had a son Ed, who married Malona Gittings, afterwards in the bank at La Harpe. Betty Manifold, a sister, lived with them. This brings us back to the John iMcCord corner and finishes my travels around La Harpe and finishes up my work of the early history of La Harpe. (24) UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA 977.343B97E C 001 EARLY HISTORY OF LA HARPE, ILLINOIS, AND 3 0112 025391050