L I E> R.APCY OF THE UN IVERSITY or ILLINOIS 911. i^B -rr HISTOKY OF MERCER COUNTY TOGETHER WITH BIOGRAPHICAL MATTER, STATISTICS, ETC. GATHERED FROM MATTER FURNISHED BY THE MERCER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INTERVIEWS WITH OLD SETTLERS, COUNTY, TOWNSHIP AND OTHER RECORDS, AND EXTRACTS FROM FILES OF PAPERS, PAMPHLETS, AND SUCH OTHER SOURCES AS HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE. CONTAINING ALSO A SHORT HISTOBY OF HENDERSON COUNTY. CHICAGO: H. H. HILL AND COMPANY, PUBLISHERS. 1882. Shepard & Johnston, Printebs. 140, 142, 144, 146 Monroe St., Chicago. Si LIST or PORTRAITS. i ^ William Drury, Vashti Drury, J. M. Emerson, Frederick Frick, B. C. Taliaferro, . William Gayle, . Daniel Mowry, Samuel Cabeen, . James Heaton, Dennis Murto, Richard Kiddoo, . James Vernon, John Glancey, Martin Bear, Mrs. Martin Bear, Jacob Bear, G. D. Miller, . George McPherren, Thomas Candor, 33 51 69 87 105 123 141 159 177 195 231 249 267 285 303 321 339 357 375 Dan W. Sedwick, . J. C. Cabeen, S. P. Cabeen, . John Seaton, William Retherford, Joseph Glancey, Daniel Jones, J. W. Kimel, LoRiMER Johnston, Harison Brown, Thomas Likely, John Lafferty, William Stuart, H. B. Frazier, • S. F. Everett, . Samuel Clark, A. J. Streeter, A. P. Petrie, 393 429 447 465 501 519 555 591 609 627 645 663 681 699 717 735 753 771 INDEX. Abington Township 512 Adams, John B 740 Additional Matter 820 Aledo, Merc-er Connty 539 Aledo Pubhc Schools 564 " Aledo Weekly Record," 552 Allen, John S ." 204 Aly ea, Thomas 99 Anderson, Joseph 505 Ansley, Dr. J. M 738 A Scrap of Ancient History 99 , Associate Reformed Branch, Suez Township 630 Attig, Nicholas 510 Baker, Dr. Jacob Russell 529 Banking in Keithsburg 152 Bassett, Isaac Newton 832 Bay, James E 293 Bear, Jacob 293 Bear, Martin 287 Bell, John 252 Bell, John 263 Bentley, James L 604 Beverlin, Thomas 293 Biographical — Abington Township 515 Duncan Township 498 Eliza Township 287 Greene Township 671 Keithsburg Township 118 Ohio Grove Township 444 Miller>burg Township 205 Mercer Township 583 New Boston Township 72 North Henderson Township . . 809 Perryton Township 324 Preemption Township 713 Richland Grove Township. . . . 737 Rivoli Township 763 Suez Township 634 Bishop, Edwin 289 Bissell, Ammi 690 Black Hawk War 23 Blue, George A 813 Boise, Milton S 618 Boone. George 248 Boone, Hopkins 059 Boone, Washington 607 Bopes, David 327 Borutf, Milton 506 Boyd, Joseph P 251 Boyd, Martin 597 Boyd, William C 259 Bradford, W. W 336 Brady, John, Jr 242 Brain, William 326 Bras, Charles W Ill Branch t, Jacob 247 Braucht, John 503 Breckenridge, Hugh 748 Breckenridge, William C 691 Brewer, Louis AValdo 527 Bridger, G. W 116 Bridger, Henry T 644 Bridger, James 742 Bridgford, Oliver A 241 Bridgford, W. A 238 Brooks, Isaac 782 Brown, Allen S 811 Brown, Benjamin F 809 Brown, Harrison 637 Brown, John H 451 Brown, Joshua H 643 Bi'own, Loami 622 Brown, Samuel 622 Brownlee, David S 650 Brownlee, James H 648 Brownlee, Willium C' 46] Briggs, William 723 Bristol, C. Beeeher 738 Bruington, George 648 Bruington, Gus (i43 Bullock, John Y 529 Burgett, Frederick P 1 54 Business of Aledo 548 Cabeen, Hon. Robert J 525 Cabeen, John W 445 Cabeen, Sanuiel 445 Cabeen, Samuel P 444 Cabeen, Thomas B 153 Cable, Ricbland Grove Township. 737 Calhoun. Henry G 180 Campbell, Alexander 2(»2 Campbell, Dr. James A (ilO Campbejl, INIatthew S 639 Campbell, Robert 647 Campbells, The 199 Cameron, Peter 725 Candor, ("apt. Daniel M 3:>4 Candor, Josiah 334 Candor, Thomas 446 Cannum, Mark ()03 8 INDEX. Carver, Jesse 720 Carver, Redding L 720 Castle, Edward M 504 Cemeteries of Ohio Grove Town- f^hip 443 Cemetery of Greene Township. - . . 668 Cemetery of Suez Township 632 Chidester, Nelson 745 Chidester, Sidney 100 Childs, Augustus B 823 Chowning, Dr. John P 264 Church, Beard 472 Churches of Aledo 575 Churches of Duncan Township. . . . 495 Churrhes of Millersburg 217 Chun hes of New Bo.ston 86 Churches of Rivoli Township 755 Clark, James G 739 Clark, Samuel 737 Clark, Sarah 737 Clarke, David Andrew 719 Clarke, G. R 20 Cofflan. :\rartin L 605 Cole, William Anderson 620 Coleman, John 780 Collins, J. H 510 Collins, William P 674 Commissioners' Record 56 Cook, Henrv C 188 Cool, George M 616 Cooper, David H 329 Cooper, Hamlet 329 Cooper, Levi 338 Company E, 9th Regiment 701 Company A and G, 13th Regiment 788 Companv I, 17th Regiment 730 Company C. 26th Infantry 7^03 Companv G, 27th Regiment 787 Company C, 36th Regiment 729 Company A, 37th Regiment 729 Company B, 6oth Regiment 853 Company D, 83d Regiment 794 Company D, 83d Regiment 854 Company G, 124th Regiment 794 Company G, 124th Regiment 856 Company B, 126th Regiment 795 Company B, 126th Regiment 858 Company F, 140th Regiment 796 Company F, 140th Regiment 859 Company C, 11th Cavalry 859 Company H, 11th Cavalry 860 Connell, James H 833 Connolly, William 722 Conway, Joseph 721 Corns, Warner 344 Cox. Richard 744 Crabs, George D 325 Cramer, R. S 112 Crane, J. H 244 Creighton, Samuel M 460 Crosby, Edwin T 680 Criswell, Dr. M 333 Cummins, Thomas S 190 Cullison, William B 778 Damp, Michael 341 David, Dr. E. B 619 Davison, D. A 260 Deets, Joseph 819 Denison Family 73 Denison, Henry W 92 Democratic Press in Aledo 554 Description of Mercer County 31 Detwiler, Charlds W 622 Detwiler, Lewis Cass 621 Dillev, John Webster 620 Dilley, William 458 Dingwell, John 647 Discoveries 17 Ditto, John W 522 Doak, Daniel F 174 Doak, William 345 Dool, John 262 Dool, Robert 343 Doughty, Lucien B 613 Doughty, Thomas L 103 Doughty, T. H Ill Douglass, Andrew J 517 . Downey, Joseph A 259 Downing, John 265 Drury, Coiirtney 94 Drury, Silas 289 Drury, William 93 Dryden, Gary 252 Duncan, Jonathan 454 Duncan Township 492 Dunlap, Isaac N 593 Dunn, Henry 498 Dunn, John 191 Dunn, J. M 336 Durston, Charles F 597 Durston, Samuel L 775 Durston, Sidney 774 Early Courts 820 Early History of Richland Grove Township 732 Early Settlement of Greene Town- ship 656 Earlv Settlement of Suez Town- ship 623 Early Settlements 45 Eckley, George 738 Edgar, Richard S 247 Education in Perryton Township. • 347 Edwards, Nicholas 590 Egbert, W. W 261 Eighty-fourth Reg. 111. Inf 363 Election — Ohio Grove Township. . 439 Eliza Township 269 Ellett, Benjamin D 172 Emerson, Dr. Edward Ij • ' 780 Emerson, James ^l 822 Emerson, Oliver P 175 Emerson, William S 179 Engle, Charles 741 Episcopal Church 711 Episodes — Greene Township 665 INDEX. 9 Epperly; William 499 Evangelical Lutheran Church 734 Evans, George M (541 Everett. Samuel F 719 Faran John 2.")5 Feather, James 480 Felix, M. F 017 Felton, Herchel 234 Felton, J. B 343 Fender, Jonas oUO Fires in Greene Township 602 First Settlers in Duncan Township 493 Fisk, H. W 338 Flehartv Family 802 Fleharty, Bennett E 809 Flehartv, Govert S 805 Fleharty, H. C 804 Flehartv, J. Q. A 804 Fleharty, Rev. J. J 805 Flehartv, S. F 805 Flehartv, Stephen W 803 Flehartv, S. W, Wm. D., Mary A., and William 806 Fleharty, William L 804 Fleming, Marshall 116 Florv, Moses K 675 Forsvth, Elijah 480 Foster. Robert 728 Frazier, Jesse V 071 Frazier, Hugh B 673 Frazier, j\Iiss Amanda E 354 Frew, AVilliam B 607 Frick, Clarence 192 Frick, Frederick 510 Fuller, Jefferson 234 Fuller, William 638 Garber, Leonard 507 Gardner, John C 088 Garrett, Richard 819 Garrett, William C 775 Gaunt, Jonathan 332 Gayle, William 128 Geiger, John 580 Geology of Greene Tow^nship 052 Gilmore, Edwin 241 Gilmore Familv 588 Gilmore, J. G.'. 326 Gilmore, J. M ' 244 Gilmore, Joseph C 511 Gingles, James 342 Gilbert, John G 088 Gillespie, William C 090 Gladman, William H 834 Glancey, John 292 Glancev, Joseph 515 Glover; Allen F 184 Goding, Joseph A 076 Gore, George 117 Gorman, James 337 Graham, James 459 Gniham, William F 639 Gray, George 336 Green Bower Nursery 669 Greene Township 652 Greenwood, Thomas J ()44 Greer, Minerva A 518 (iriflin Brothers' Tile Works, Rich- land Grove Township 734 GrifHu. John 695 Grifhth, Edward. 233 Gruwell, Benjamin F 174 (iuffy, Theodore 340 Gustin, Lemuel ■ ■ 479 Guthrie, Jacob 474 (luthrie, Robert 078 Habits and Customs of Pioneers.. . 36 Halstead, C. B 327 Hamilton, Robert 470 Hamlet, Perryton Township 317 Hammond, William 720 Hardin, Alvis. 190 Hardin, P>enjamin L 179 Harison, W. II 22 Harriott, Van R 676 Harroun, J. E 570 Hartman, Frederick 328 Harts(m, John L 108 Harvey, J. F 230 Hawkins, John J 188 Heaton, .tames 185 Heaton, William H 140 Helwig, John 203 Henderson, William 457 Henry, John 525 Henry, AVesley 521 Heriford, John 467 Hicks, Robert 725 Hindman, Daniel T 000 Historical Society 60 History of Henderson County 863 Hoaeland, Francis A 677 Hoisted, David M 193 Holister, Lee 325 Holmes, Louis D 615 Holmes, William Henry 000 Howe, Lucien B 240 Hoye, Rev. John F 021 Huffman, Henry 250 Humbert, Robert 191 Humes, Joseph H 813 Humi)hrey, John C 192 Indian Implements 29 I.O.O.F., Rivoli Township 701 Irvin, Dr. George 611 Ives, Gideon 1 1 1 Jackson, Isom 115 Jackson, Thomas J 115 Jenne, Lansing K 20-i Jewel, Zachariah 204 Johnston, Dr. D. R 015 Johnston, John Y 721 Johnston, John Y 722 Jol)nston, Lorimer 035 Johnston, M. H 814 Johnston, Peter W 816 Jolinston, Thomas L 722 10 IKDEX. Joueri, Daniel 747 Jones, Milton M o23 Jones, Orson 747 Jordan, Capt. John A 741 Keithsburi: Township 118 KeHogg, James -^-1 Kellogu, James A 477 Kellv, l^otter 724 Kendall, A 330 Kelly, S.imuel 199 Kennedy, Matthew K <)79 Kidd0 Retherfcrd, William '. 509 Reynolds, Gov 25 Reynolds, J. Warren 778 Reynolds, William D 188 Richey, Cornelius Springer 828 Richland Grove Township 732 Riddell, S. H 255 Riggs, H. M 238 Riggs, William H 229 Rivoli Township 742 Roads, Eliza Township 2S1 Robb, Thomas S 455 Roberts, Henry H 1 00 Robinson, George L. F 686 Rosenberry, Dr. James S 742 Rosenbum, Andrew J 777 Rubert, John 261 Russell, Sanu:el E ()89 Rural Places in Eliza Township. . . 282 Sapp, George B 203 Schools of Eliza Township 284 Schools of Greene Township 667 Schools of Keithsburg 144 Schools of Millersburg 228 12 IXDEX. Schools of New Boston 85 Schools of Preemption Township.. 713 Schools of Rivoli Township 749 Schrader, August 293 Scott, Notley 817 Scott, Siunuel 197 Scudder, Lyman H 114 Seastone, John 110 Seat of Justice, Mercer County. . . . 572 Seaton, Duncan 523 Seaton, John 459 Seaton, John J 524 Secret Societies of New Boston .... 89 Sedwick, Dan. W 634 Sedwick, George W 620 Sexton, John G 774 Sexton, Roswell C 694 Shafer, Aaron P 258 Sharer, Cliristian 468 Shaw, Clinton 776 Shearer, George A 634 Shearer, Nicholas 472 Sheese, Samuel 500 Sherer, A. A 254 Sheriff, Paul 173 Sherrard, David 739 Shevler, Dr. James H 726 Shields, William 291 Shingledecker, P. D 263 Shroyer, A. P " 786 Signor, George H 117 Simi)son, William H 640 Slocumb, C^harles G 203 Smith, Alfred H 337 Smith, D. C. C 467 Smith, George 727 Smith, Hugh 194 Smith, John B 693 Smith, Lucius E 698 Smith, Nathan P 784 Smith, Stephen 745 Smith, Warren L 697 Smith, William H. H 477 Societies of Aledo 581 Societies of Keithsburg 155 Soldiers of Eliza Township 282 Soldiers' Monument 837 Southern, Charles W 696 Speculators, Eliza Township 279 Spicer, Reuben H. Sr 763 Spicer, Thomas 638 Sprowi, Samuel 475 Steam Mill, (ireene Township 670 Steele, David A 246 Stephens, Prof. Alex 569 Stewart, William L 644 St. JoKeph Catholic Church 711 Stratton, J. D 254 Streeter, Hon. Alson J 769 Strong, Luke 616 Stuart, William 685 Suez PostotHce 626 Suez Township 623 Swafford, Jacob H. 99 Swartwout, Cornelius 331 Swezy, Jerome A 187 Talliaferro, Benjamin Coleman. . . . 830 Terrv, William 696 Thede, C. F 608 Thirtieth Regiment 791 Thornton, H. W 235 Thornton, J. D 245 Thompson, Benjamin F 621 Timber in Eliza Township 282 Townsley, Benjamin F 594 Townsley's Tile and Brick Factory 583 Tracy, Victoria CM 783 Tragedies in Keithsburg 162 Trask, Andrew 638 TurnbuU, Rev. Thomas B 617 Unangst, Jacob Wilson 605 United Brethren, Richland 734 United Presbyterians, Suez Town- ship 629 Valentine, William 257 Vance, James 524 Vance, William R 474 Vandalsem, W. C 335 Vatcr, George 503 Venable, Joseph 182 Vernon, Caleb 505 Vernon, James 239 Vetter, Michael 328 Villages of Millersburg 211 Village of Swedona 733 Viola, Greene Township 661 Viola Vinevard 6()8 Vdlkel, Fred 508 Wade, Josephus 176 Wait, F. G 330 Wait, Meigs 324 Walter, George 343 War Record of Greene Township. . 670 Watson, Abram 746 Webster, Hammond 458 Werts, George W 469 West End Creamer}', Millersburg. 583 White, Snowden K 605 Whitehall, Thomas 526 Whitham, Kenneth M 608 Whiting, George W 197 Whitsitt, John 715 Willits, Dr. T 97 Willits, Isaiah 171 Willits, Levi 583 Willits, Mary D 101 Willits, Milton L 96 Willits, Mrs. Sarah G 527 Willitt, Thomas 114 Wilitts, Thomas 254 Willits, Thomas T 836 AVillits, William M 523 Willis, J. M 621 Wilmerton, William 714 Wilson, David 741 Wilson, James McCormick 829 INDEX, 13 Wilson, William A 94 Winchester, W. A 526 Winders, William 596 Wirt, Martin 176 Wolf, George S 823 Wolfe, Jacob 181 Wood, J. W 246 Wood, W. A 345 Woodhams, T. G 786 Woods, Alexander M 608 Wordin, Charles C 599 Wright, George A 607 Wright, James C 596 Wycoff, J. P 192 York, Charles 240 Zentmire, Wilson P 257 PREFACE. In presenting the history of Mercer County to the public the editors and publishers have had in view the preservation of certain valuable historical facts and information which without concentrated effort would not have been obtained, but, with the passing away of the old pioneers, the failure of memory, and the loss of public records and private diaries, would soon have been lost. This locality being com- paratively new, we flatter ourselves that, with the zeal and industry displayed by our general and local historians, we have succeeded in rescuing from the fading years almost every scrap of history worthy of preservation. Doubtless the work is, in some respects, imperfect ; we do not present it as a model literary effort, but in that which goes to make up a valuable book of reference for the present reader and future historian, we assure our patrons that neither money nor time has been spared in the accomplishment of the work. Perhaps some errors will be found. With treacherous memories, personal, political and sectarian prejudices and preferences to contend against, it would be almost a miracle if no mistakes were made. We hope that even these defects, which may be found to exist, may be made available in so far as they may provoke discussion and call attention to corrections and additions necessary to perfect history. In this work we have been greatly aided by the officers and mem- bers of the Mercer County Historical Society, and to Messrs. Tyler McWhorter, I. N. Bassett, C. S. Richey, Graham Leq, and John Geiger, we are indebted not only -for valuable advice, but for articles on various topics that cannot but prove interesting and acceptable to our patrons. Messrs. L. B. Doughty, C. E. Shove, J. S. Fugate, J. V. Frazier, R. H. Spicer, Hopkins Boone, William Marsh, E. S. Ricker, 16 PREFACE. Dr. A. W. Hyde, E. Mathews, Miss Amanda Frazier, and many others, have placed Mercer County under lasting obligations for valuable matter rescued from the fading years. The biographical department contains the names and private sketches of nearly every person of importance in the county. A few persons, whose sketches we would be pleased to have presented, for various reasons refused or delayed furnishing us with the desired information, and in this matter only we feel that our work is incom- plete. However, in most of such cases we have obtained, in regard to the most important persons, some items, atid have woven them into the county or township sketches, so that, as we believe, we cannot be accused of negligence, partiality or prejudice. HISTORY OF Mercer and Henderson Counties. DISCOVERIES AND EXPLORATIONS. That our readers mav have a full understanding of the history of Mercer and Henderson counties, it will be necessary to take them back, not merely to the time of their earliest settlement by the whites, but a time far anterior to that. This part of the State of Illinois has at different periods been in the possession and under the dominion of various persons and powers, whose acts play an important part in the history of this section. Of course we fully realize that, to the present population, the present history will prove much more interesting than that which precedes, but as the foundation of the house is much less appreciated by the occupants and is yet one of its very important parts, so that part of history which forms the basis for what follows must necessarily be of the utmost value as a foundation or root on which to develop the complete work. Though but a little more than half a century has passed since the soil of this part of the Mississijtj^i valley was occupied and cultivated by white men, three times that length of time had elapsed since its first discovery. During that 150 years it was occupied by various tribes of Indians, and was under the dominion of several powerful governments, who contended for its possession with varying success, with but little aj^parent design of occupation other than for the purpose of trading with the original owners, in furs and such other natural products as they could easily gather, and their simple and indolent habits required. Indeed the fur trade seems to have been not only the chief object, but eventually to have led to the peo])ling of the country with those who added to the industiy of fur catching that of agriculture. The first white men to visit Illinois with a view of making extended explorations were Louis Joliet and Jacques Marquette, their travels in this state beginning in 1673. Joliet was born at Quebec in 1645, and educated for a priest of tlie 2 18 HISTORY OF JbfERCER AJSTD HENDERSON COUNTIES, Roman Catholic Church, but at the time of which we write had aban- doned his profession, and at the age of twenty-eight was engaged in the fur trade. Father JNIarquette was born in France in 1637. He was also a priest of the same church and of the order of Jesuits. It was with a view to promulgate the doctrines of Ms church that he left comparative comfort in his native country, crossed the Atlantic and braved the western wilderness, hundreds of miles beyond the boundaries of civili- zation, to convert the Indians to the faith he professed, in which, by his kindness, he made many enduring friendships. These t^'o men, with their several objects in view, set out from the Jesuit Mission on the Sti-ait of Mackinaw with five other French com- panions on their journey, May 17, 1763, their objective point being the Mississippi river, of which they had but a vague idea. Coasting along the northern shore of Lake Michigan, they reached Green Bay, on the west side of the lake, and the mouth of Fox river, in Wisconsin. Up this river they pushed their canoes as far as the depth of the water would pemiit. IIa\dng reached the head waters of the Fox, it was but a few miles to the waters of the "Wisconsin, which flows thence into the Mississippi. Across this stretch of prairie they carried their small boats and scanty outfits, and again launched them. On the 17th of June, just one month after their embarkation at the Mackinaw, they found theraseltes on the broad bosom of the Father of Waters (mean- ing of the Indian words composing the name Mississippi). Down the river they glided rapidly and easily, touching frequently at difterent points on either shore, and doubtless the soil of these counties was pressed, for the first time by white men, by the feet of Joliet and Mar- quette and their companions. On landing at one place their journal shows that they went ashore and remained several days with the natives. This could not have been far from this part of the river's course — probably near Rock Island on the west side. They were treated kindly by the Indians, and given all the supplies at their dis- posal for the further prosecution of their explorations. They continued tlieir course imtil they came near the mouth of the Arkansas river, where, finding Indians who showed some signs of hostility, they deemed it expedient to return. They now entered the mouth of the Illinois river, up which they toiled to Lake Michigan, whose western shore they followed to Green Bay, where they arrived the latter part of September. In this journey they had spent about four months and traveled nearly 3,000 miles. Joliet had accomplished his purpose of discovering a route to the great water thoroughfares and opening up friendly relations with the inhabitants along their shores, and Father DISCOVERIES AND EXPLORATIONS. 19 Marquette had made known the gospel to those with whom his brief visits brought him in contact. The formal occupation of the Mississippi and Illinois valleys was. accomplished in IBS**, in the name of the French, by Robert La Salle, who came, with about thirty followers, for the i)urpose of building forts on the Illinois river at different points, and establishing trading points with the natives in the name and for the benefit of the French govern- ment, which he represented. Even at this early date the English and French were disputing the rights of each other to the trade of these valleys, and this expedition was watched with suspicious eyes by the former. Not only so, but the enterprise which bid fair to be popular and profitable was jealously viewed by the order of Jesuits, who had been excluded from it, and their rivals of the Recollet order selected as spiritual counsel and companions. Of the last was father Hennepin, after whom, 150 years later, was named a town on the Illinois river. OwiTig to these, and unfaithful members of the expedition, ti'eacherous guides and hostile Indians, with many unforseen mishaps, the story of La Salle's travels sounds more like fiction than truth. Often, almost alone, he traveled for many days through the wilderness in the dead of winter and almost without a mouthful of food. His forts and trading posts were built and destroyed and rebuilt by turns, until at last, having formally taken possession of the country and traversed the Illinois river from Lake Michigan, the Kankakee to its junction therewith, and the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico, he was basely assassinated by his own followers in January, 1687. In taking possession of the country he gave it the name of his reigning monarch and called it Louisiana, so that what is now Mercer and Henderson counties and Illinois was once called by that name. Very much that would be interesting to the general reader concern- ing La Salle's voyages must necessarily be omitted, as our work has not so much to do with the State of Illinois and the great water-courses explored by him as with the locality under immediate consideration. Father Llennejnn, whose name has already been mentioned, made by La Salle's order an excursion from the mouth of the Illinois up the Mississippi as far as the Falls of St. Anthony, and may have touched at points bordering on this section. Henry Tonti, one of La Salle's companions, figures largely in the early explorations of this part of the country. He spent over twenty years in establishing posts and build- ing fortifications for their protection. Under his command was all of the territory from the Allegheny to the Rocky Mountains, and from the Gulf of Mexico as far north as imagination could carry. Although the French had, as noted, taken possession of this large 20 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. tract of country, it was not an undisijuted occupation. The English, having settled the Atlantic coast, were gradually pushing their settle- ments toward the west, and finding the fur trade a profitable soui-ee of revenue to individual enterprise and also to the government, disputed with the French who inhabited the shores of the great lakes, the right to the monopoly. To cany out then- plans it became necessary for either to enlist the Indians in their schemes, as from them they were to derive their profit. Accordingly, the natives of the Alleghenies and the Ohio valle}' were naturally arrayed against each other and many and bloody wars were the consequence. In the mother countries the French and English were engaged from time to time in combat, which naturally extended to the colonies of America, and thus were the strug- gles for the fur trade, which might otherwise have been confined to active comj^etition, transformed into long-continued and bloody conflict. These wars in history are termed the French and Indian wars, and lasted for a period of more than fifty years. At last, in 1763, at a ti'eaty between these nations, all that portion of the Mississippi valley east of the river was ceded to England, and thus for a time, imtil the war of the revolution, this section of country remained a province of Oreat Britain. The great struggle of the colonists, commencing in 1775 and ending with then- independence in 1783, though mostly confined to the shores of the Atlantic were not wholly so, for while a fierce conflict was going on at the east, the valleys of the Mississippi, Wabash and Ohio were receiving some attention from both the English and Americans. At the beginning of that war the whole northwest was in the possession of the British. Tlie brilliant achievements which wTested these beautiful valleys from English rule were brought about by Gen. George Rogers Clarke, of Virginia. He well understood the relations existing between the Indians and the mother country, and though the natives had been stirred up to jealousy by the rapid encroachments of white settlers upon their domain, he wisely judged that if the British posts and forts could be wrested from them, the subjugation of the Indians would be a com- jjaratively easy matter. Accordingly he applied to the authorities of Virginia for men and means for the accomplishing of the enterprise, and though they could at that time ill be spared, they were granted, and Clarke set out upon the undertaking. Though many hardships conse- quent upon hunger and fatigue had to be endured, the whole line of forts, including Kaskaskia, Cahokia and Vincennes, was taken with scarcely a show of resistance, the inhabitants of the posts aj^jjarently being desu-ous of coming under the new government. In February, 1777, DISCOVERIKS AND EXPLORATIONS. 21 Yincennes was taken, and tlins hostilities for this region, not only between tlie Americans and English, but for the time being between the Americans and Indians were terminated, and the possession of the northwest made secure. But for these brilliant strokes of Gen. Clarke it is hard to conceive what would have been the history of this part of the country. Possibly a union of all the tribes from Maine to Florida might have been effected, which in conjunction with foreign foes, though then somewhat discouraged, would have retained jDOSsession of the whole Mississipi)i valley even to this time. The close of the war of independence left this portion of the coimtry under the government of the United States, and as a part of Virginia. In 1778, the legislature of Virginia formed, from the ter- ritory under that dominion, all of the country now embraced in the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, AVisconsin and Michigan, the county of Illinois, so that what is now embraced in Mercer and Henderson counties was once a part of Virginia. Illinois continued a part of Virginia until March 1, 1784, when that state ceded it with all other territory north of the Ohio river to the United States. In 1787, the whole country under consideration was, by an ordinance passed by the government, set apart and named the Northwestern Ter- ritorv. After a while the terntory was divided into smaller territories, and what is now the state of Illinois fell into that portion called Indiana Territory as one of its counties, with its old name of 1778 — Illinois county. In 1809, the country now known as Illinois and Wisconsin was erected into a separate territory with the name of Illinois Territory. The population of this vast region was then only about half that of Mercer and somewhat less than Henderson county, being all told 9,000. Many of the oldest citizens of this region, but then residents of other states, doubtless remember, if not the event itself, many incidents of as early a date. Now there are 102 counties in the State of Illinois, few of which contain a smaller population than did both these great states only seventy-iive years ago, one of which has residing within its limits a population sixty times as great. At the time of which we write, the territory was divided into two counties — St. Clair and Randolph. Though the valley of the Mississippi was a part of the United States,^ and though it belonged to the government, it was occupied almost exclusively by the Indians, and they claimed it as their rightful possession in which to live and derive support, not from the culti\'ation of its soil, but from its natural products. In 1801 William Ilemy Harrison, authorized by the general government, made a treaty with 90 HISTORY OF ^tERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. the chiefs and head men of the Sac and Fox nations who were then the occupants of all this region, whereby all the country on both sides of the Mississippi and including all the country west of the Illinois, was given up to the government for purposes of settlement by the wliites. Out of this treatv, a number of years later, gi-ew what is known as the Black Hawk wai-. GENERAL HARRISON. In 1816 all that portion of the state between the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, and extending from the mouth of the latter about 170 miles north, and including the counties of which we now wi'ite, was surveyed by the government and subsequently set apart as bounties to soldiers of the regular anny who had served in the war with Great Britain, and which had just preceded the date just given. The whole tract contained 207 entire townships and several fractions. These land grants or bounties became a kind of currency in this part of the coun- try, and were used not only by actual settlers in making homes for themselves, but large numbers were bought by speculators for a trifling part of their face value. From misunderstandings as to their real value and of their validity, many claims were put in jeopardy, and much litigation in regard to the land titles in the parts of the counties •embraced by the military tract have been the result. "Wlioever has held successfully a disputed title in the Bounty lands, from bitter expe- rience has learaed the history of these land schemes and speculations better than any but the attorneys engaged in unravelling them can know or cai*e to learn. BLACK HAWK WAR. 23 In 1818 the territory now embraced in Illinois became a separate organization and was admitted into the Union as a State. As yet but fifteen counties had been formed in the state and all of these in the southern part. None had been formed in the military tract, nor indeed was there much necessity for such organizations, as there was scarcely a lamily permanently established. However, a few years later, Pike county, embracing all of the wilderness of Warren, Mercer, Henderson and a number of other counties, was organized. From and after the Black Hawk war, settlements were quite rapid west of the Illinois river, and new counties were accordingly as rapidly authorized. The army which went forward to suppress the uprising of the Indians under that chief in 1832 had much to do in settling the section between the mouth of the Illinois and Eock Island. It was then discovered by many of the soldiery that the warden of Illinois lay along that line of march. Many of them profited by their experience by themselves selecting homes in the section under consideration. Information sent by others to friends in the east and south brought many more, so that in 1825 the county of Warren, embracing all ot the territory now included in Warren and Henderson, and Mercer with its present limits, were formed and attached to Peoria for })olitical i)ur- poses. Subsequently, Warren county was organized and Mercer was attached to Warren for a few years. In 1835 Mercer was organized, and in 1841 Henderson with its present limits was cut oft' fi'om the west side of Warren and immediately organized. This then brings us to the consideration of the several counties as separate organizations, and as such we shall refer to them as separate items of historical interest. BLACK HAWK AVAR. Tliough this was not the battle-field of the Indian troubles, yet its proximity to the scenes of the stniggle makes the Black Hawk war a peculiarly interesting topic for consideration ; indeed this petition of the valley of the Mississippi was the home of the Indian. On its banks and those of the Edwards, Pope and Henderson rivers, and the smaller streams of the two counties, he built his wigwam, hunted game and fished in theu- waters. Tlds country was dear to him and for it, though not in it, he made his last desperate struggle. The rich mines of lead at and in the \'icinity of Galena had for some time been worked. That section, about fifteen miles square, had been bought by the government in 1804, and its occupation by the whites had been the source of some ill-feeling on the part of the Indians, which was resented by the whites. In 1825 or thereabouts real trouble be£:an to show itself and confiicts between the two races 24 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. were common. At this time the number of miners had increased to more than 1,500 and they were not always careful to avoid crossing- the Indian claims, nor were they always particular about holding sacred the rights of Indians to their property, or of shooting their game or stealing their ponies, and it finally came about that an Indian's scalp was considered as much of a trophy as was a white man's to an Indian. These gi-owing animosities hnally culminated in an attack by the "Winnebago Indians on the 30th of July, 1827, on two keel-boats which were passing up the Mississippi river with supplies for Fort Snelling. Several of the crew were killed and others wounded. The state gov- ernment being apprised of the outbreak ordered forward, to the tlireat- ened portion of the state, military to quell the hostiles. The whole countiy roundabout was in confusion and alarm, and settlers, throughout the northern part of the state fled to distant points where had been erected fortifications for safety. At Galena 3,000 people, men women and children from the surrounding country were gathered for protection. Several hundred men at Galena were armed and equipped, and in Sangamon and Morgan counties a regiment was foraied and sent foi*ward, but before they arrived the Indians had been driven far north and some of the leaders captured. Hardly had the excitement occasioned by this outbreak died out, however, until trouble began with the Sac and Fox tribes. Tlie leaders, and chiefs of these were Keokuk and Black Hawk, whose names have been perpetuated in different localities in this vicinity by places which bear their names. These men were not friends ; had they been, the war which was soon to follow might have been a much more serious affair than it proved. Keokuk was loyal to the government and con- trolled much the larger portion of the people, though they were anx- ious for war, and in accordance with the stipulations of a preceding treaty he with a majority of the two tribes remained on the west side of the Mississippi river. Black Hawk, however, claiming that the treaty alluded to was void, crossed the river with 300 warriors in the spring of 1831 with a view of occupying his former home near where the city of Kock Island now stands. Here had these people lived for more than a hundred years and this was the principal town of the Sac nation. According to one provision of the treaty the Indians had a. right to occupy the lands until wanted by the government for actual settlement, and though the Indians had been ordered to vacate them no actual settlers were very near — in all of Mercer and Henderson counties perhaps not more than five or six families, and in the whole county of Rock Island not one. However, in those times people liv- BLACK HAWK WAK. 25 ing witliin forty miles of each other were neighbors, and the two races could not well exist within twice the distance without encroaching on each other. Doubtless both parties were much to blame in bringing about this final conilict, and doubtless both were anxious that the iinal test should be made. It is not our province to discuss causes or details, but simply relate facts that seem to have a close connection with the territory whose history we set out to write. On the 30th of April, 1831, a petition signed by forty persons was sent to the executive of Illinois representing that the Indians had done much damage to their property, and that their lives and homes were in constant danger. John Reynolds was then Governor of Illinois and believing from this petition and other information received, that Black Hawk was determined to retain possession of the dis- puted territory to the detriment of tlie state, resolved to ex-pel him. He accordingly made a call for volunteers. In a vdry short time 700 militia were assembled at Beardstown on the Illinois river ready to take up the line of march toward the camp of Black Hawk. Before moving, however, Gen. Gaines, who was then stationed at St. Louis, passed up the river to Rock Island in command of a regiment of United States troops, with the hope of returning the Indians to the west side of the river without the necessity of calling upon the militia. The Indians were obstinate and refused to move, and according to previous arrangement the volunteers from Beards- town were advised to go forward, which they did with much enthu- siasm, their numbers having in the meantime been swelled to twice the original call. The brigade was accompanied by Governor Reynolds ; and Joseph Duncan, whose name appears on the records of Mercer and Henderson as a large land-holder in the early times of this section, was appointed brigadier-general. On the loth of June, this, the largest body of military that had ever been seen in the state, left their encampment at Rushville, just west of the Illinois river, and marched to within a few miles of the Sac village. This line of march took them directly through the centi'al part of Mercer county, and the exact route is still known and pointed out, it being on the old Indian trail (which was nearly on the Henderson and Warren county line) and extending through Mercer county northward between Aledo and Joy. When the Indians found that the government and state were in earnest, and that they were nearly surrounded with bristling bayonets and cannon, and were about to be cut off, they took the alarm, and the night before the intended attack escaped to the west side of the river. Doubtless their retreat was known and could have been cut off, but Gen. Gaines was "26 HISTORY OF >rERCER AXD HENDERSON COUNTIES. anxious that the aftair should end without bloodshed. The soldiery were somewhat disai)pointed, and in a spirit of revenge burned their town, though the wigwams and cabins were needed to i)roteet them- .selves from the rain which was falling incessantly. Thus bloodlessly terminated the campaign, but the war was not yet at an end. Black Hawk had promised to submit to the government of the country and to the counsel of the friendly chiefs, but he still had the defiant \vi\\ which ere long must needs break out in the act which did not terminate so favorably to him and his braves. During the fol- lowing winter he was busy inciting the Indians to hostility, and by spring had succeeded in raising a force of 500. His headquarters were at the site of old Fort Madison, just on the west side of the Mis- sissippi. From thence they proceeded up the river on horses, the women and childi'en in canoes, to a point just opposite the present town of Oquawka. Here they were met by White Cloud, the prophet, who, at a council held at the place named, advised them to go torward and cross the river, and that numerous other tribes would surely join them in a war against the whites. Accordingly the Indians crossed the Mississippi at Rock Island and ascended the Rock river to the ■country still occupied by the Winnebagos, near its source. Couriers were sent to warn them to return, but with no effect. The attitude of Black Hawk looked so alarming that the settlers of the whole of the north half of the state fled precipitately to the southern j^art and to the more thickly settled jjortions of Indiana. Governor Reynolds at once called for volunteers to meet at Beards- to^vn. About 2,000 men assembled upon this call, and on the 27th of April the army started on their march to Oquawka, whei'e they were joined by two companies from Shelby county. Here the army encamped for several days awaiting supplies and provisions, which were furnished them from Rock Island and St. Louis. As soon as they could be supplied, baggage wagons were loaded and all was got in readiness for a march to Dixon, where they had been informed the ■enemy was encamped. When the army was ready to start a letter was brought from Gen. Atkinson, who commanded several com})anies ■of the regular army at Fort Armstrong, that Black Hawk had descended the Rock river, and requesting tlie governor to march immediately with troops to Fort Armstrong. The army was then put in motion and moved to the mouth of Rock river, where they were received into the service of the United States, and Gen. Atkinson .assumed command. The volunteers now took up their course along Rock river toward Dixon, where they were joined a few days later by Gen. Atkinson and BLACK HAWK WAR. 27 tlie regulars. From this point ]\rajors Stillman and ]*>aik'v liad been detailed to protect the pioneer border, and having as yet seen l;ut little service they were anxious to go farther up the river to reconnoitre. Accordingly orders were given to proceed up the river for this purpose, and with nearly 300 men tliey advanced about thirty miles, where they captured a few Indians and pursued some others, who had tied, into the very ambush of Black Hawk, who with only about forty warriors put them to flight and killed several of them. The retreat was as inglorious as it was confusing ; ammunition, food, horses and wagons were left in the precipitate flight, and the fugitives did not stop running until they arrived at Dixon, in squads of from two or three to a dozen. The war was now fully inaugurated, and the next day the army started for the fleld of action. They found the ground strewn with their comrades in a horribly mutilated condition, with heads and limbs sundered from the bodies and hearts plucked out. The fragments were gathered together and buried in one common grave on the sjjot. The Indians had fled, well knomng that the fury of the whites would be fully aroused upon the discovery of the atrocious deeds. The Govermnent now sent Gen. Scott with 1,000 United States troops to superintend operations in the future campaigns. New levies of troops were made and sent forward by the State. On the 6th of June Black Hawk made an attack with about 150 warriors on the fort at Apple river, near (xalena. There were only twenty-five men in the fort, but they defended it witli desperation for fifteen hours, and the Indians were finally compelled to retire, the only damage sustained being the loss of one man, the burning of the houses of the village, and the destruction of other property. Other conflicts followed rapidly in succession between bands of Indians and detachments of American troops, but as the engagements did nf>t occur in the vicinity of the counties of which we wi'ite, we shall but mention them. The battle at Kellogg's Grove, and other conflicts in the northern portion of Illinois and the southern part of Wisconsin occurred during the months of June and July. At last, about the first of August, the Indians were completely hemmed in at a point on the Mississippi called Bad Axe, where they were driven into the river, many being killed and many others being drowned in the attempt to gain the opposite shore. The loss of the Indians was not far short of 300, and near 100 more were wounded and taken prisoners. The war \'irtually ended with the battle of Bad Axe, -and the further pursuit of the hostiles was not deemed necessary. Many of the names of those engaged in the war, such as Anderson, Turney, Ewing, Breese, Dement, Ford, Duncan, Dodge and Lincoln, 28 HISTORY OF >rERCER AND HENDERSON COrNTIES. afterward became noted in the history of the state and of the nation. Among the many who distinguished themselves, none made a more brilliant record than did Gen. James D. Henry, of Springfield, after whom has been named an adjoining county. A few weeks subsequent to the battle of Bad Axe, Black Hawk and the Prophet were captured by some friendly Indians and turned over to the United States authorities. They were held in custody for about one year, when they were set at liberty ; subsequently Black Hawk settled dowTi in Lee county, Iowa, for a short period, and then moved to the vicinity of the Des Moines, twenty miles above its mouth. In 1838 he contracted a disease which ended his life when he had attained the age of seventy-two years. Abraham Miller, formerly a resident of Mercer county, says, in a letter to the Historical Society of Mercer county, that he frequently saw Black Hawk after his expulsion from this section, in the neighborhood of New Boston, where, Mr. Miller says. Black Hawk's daughter lies buried. Quite a number of citizens of Mercer and Henderson counties yet survive who were per- sonally acquainted with this great chief, notably amongst whom is Colonel Patterson of Oquawka, whose intimacy with him and his his- tory we shall notice at length on a subsequent page. MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF THE INDIANS. The Indians inhabiting this portion of the state at the time of the advent of the white settler, and for many years previous, were the Sac and Fox nations, and consisted of the Ottawa, Ivickapoo, Chippewa, Shawnee, Mascoutin, Piankeshaw aud Pottawottamie tribes. They had obtained possession of this part of the State by conquest from other tribes who had lived here before the occupation by these nations. The Sacs and Foxes were at the beginning of the present century indeed but one nation in reality, intermarrying, li\nng, hunting and fighting together as an individual nation. As their history is so closely connected with this section, doubtless many of our younger readers, whose fathers and mothers and elderly fi'iends have recollec- tions reaching back to the closing scenes of the Indian's last years on the east side of the Mississippi and their final departure, will be inter- ested to read something relating to their modes of life. Before the arrival of the Europeans and their intercourse with them, their manners, implements of agriculture, hunting and war, were much more rude than after contact with the more enlightened whites. They were at first found in possession of the most simple utensils ; the fiint dart, of which many have been found along the timber lands of the streams, were the points for the arrows, which, shot from the bow, brought down the game which was their principal subsistence. The MANNERS AND CUSTOilS OF THE INDIANS. 29 "boys as soon as they were strong enough were given tliis instrument, and their education consisted in its use and the knowledge of the habits of the animals it was designed to destroy. This, too, was theu- instrument of warfare. For the difterent pur- poses different shajjed points were used. Some were fashioned with barbs at the base, so that the arrows ha%'ing entered the object would not be easily withdrawn, which, possibly were used for shooting fish ; some were made broad at the base, and were no doubt designed to make a large wound, and were perhaps used for the slaying of the larg-er animals and in war ; and vet others were e^-identlv intended for small game, and where it was not desirable to injure the flesh more than ^ absolutely necessary. Of these three principal varieties cuts are here given, but there were numerous modifications of these, as can be seen by reference to the collections in the possession of a number of persons 30 HISTORY OF MEKCEK AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. in this section. For knives and axes they also used iiint and granite stones fashioned into proper shapes. Mr. Tyler McWhorter has in his valuable and extensive cabinet Si very large number of these and other implements used by these people. These rude implements were, after the iur trade was established, gradually supei-seded by knives and guns procured fi-om the traders in exchange for furs, and many of the Indians soon became as skillful in the use of the rifle as the white men, and afterward made eftectual and savage use of it against the race by whom it had been supplied. However, when our fathers and grandfathers found these people here they were still anything but cultured in then* ways. Tlieir houses consisted of a few poles ten or fifteen feet in length, planted in the ground in circular form and approaching each other at the top, and covered with the skins of animals. In the winter the fire was kindled in the middle of the area inside and the smoke found its way out at the top, where an opening had been left. At this fire they cooked their food by roasting animaFs flesh held on the ends of sharp- ened sticks, and by baking cakes of meal that had been made by breaking the grains with stones on flat, heated stones. A common food was made by boiling the carcass of an animal ^vith kernels of corn and such vegetables as they could find. Abraham Miller, an early settler at the town of Millersburg, relates that he saw Black Hawk and a few of his friends regale themselves on a stew prepared from a polecat thrown into the kettle without any dressing whatever. Skins of ani- mals taken in the chase constituted their beds, and around the smoul- deiing embers of the camp-fire they smoked their pipes and recounted there the incidents of the chase or war, and slept the long winter nights upon these primitive couches. The business of the Indian was to kill game and spear fish, while that of the wife was to till the soil in summer, gather and chop the wood for the fires and do the drudgery for the simple household. Cleanliness was by no means essential to respectability, neither did the clothing nor the person of the Indian receive so many ablutions but that all these events in his life could be easily remembered. Marriage with them was not even a matter of form, unless it be considered in the light of a bargain and sale, for such it really was, ponies, and bear and deer skins being almost always given in exchange- for wives. In general they had but few children. The women were treated as slaves and were subject in consequence of exposure to many and severe attacks of sickness. The stories found in novels of the wooing of the dusky nuiiden by the noble waiTior or daring hunter, and of their tender attachment for DESCRIPTION, 31 their wives and children, are in tlie main very much overdrawn. A few rare exceptions are known. It is said tliat Bhick Hawk was a most devoted husband, and was, througliout his h)ng Hfe, true to hi* marital relations. The amusements of the Indians were the war dance, athletic sports, and the narration of their hunting and war experiences, but in none of these did the females take any part. Though filthy in their habits to the extreme they were nevertheless proud, and were fond of decorating their dirty bodies with paint, feathers, and such bits of ribbons and beads as they could obtain. After its introduction by the whites the Indians grew very fond of whisky, and drunkenness became much more common with them than with their pale brethren. Sometimes when a fresh supply of liquor was obtained, a whole band, with the exception of two or three, who- were required to remain sober for the puqjose of keeping the rest from murdering each other, would get on a grand big drunk, which would not end until the whisky was all gone or they got beyond the power of locomotion. DESCRIPTION. Mercer county lies on the northwestern border of the state and em- braces a little more than fifteen townships, or about 550 square miles. It is bounded on the north by Rock Island county, on the east by Henry and Knox, on the south by Warren and Henderson, and on the west by the middle of the Mississippi river. The fourth principal meridian passes along the eastern border, and it embraces townships 13, 14 and 15 north, and ranges 1, 2, 3, 4, and a part of 5 and 6 west. It is inter- sected fi'om the east to the west, through the northern portion, by Edwards river, which, near the western border, changes its course, and running in a southwesterly direction, empties into the Mississippi about a mUe and a half below New Boston. A few miles south of the Edwards is Pope creek, which passes through the county in the same direction, and enters the Mississippi at Keithsburg. In addition to these there are in the northwest, Eliza creek, which empties into Swan lake, and Camj) creek, a tributary of the Edwards. South of these is North Pope, a tributary of Pope creek, and in the southeast are North Henderson and Duck creeks. These, together with some smaller streams, farnish an abundant supply of water. A large portion of the county is prairie, while along the borders of the streams are the so-called barrens. The soil of the prairie is a deep black or chocolate colored loam, with a yellow or dark bro%vn clay subsoil. The soil of the barrens is similar to that of the prairie, only lighter colored and of 32 HISTORY OF SIEECER AJJD HENDERSON COUNTIES. less depth, while along the upper part of the slope it is of a light hrown or yellowish color, owing to the character of the subsoil, which comes near the surface. In some portions of the barrens there is but a thin covering of the soil, and in these places it is quite light colored. The most extensive allmdal deposit is along the Mississijipi bottom. This extends along the whole western border of the countj, with a varied width of from two to five miles. Of this, that portion which is situated on the northwest and extends as far south as New Boston, is much cut up by swamps, lakes and bays. Through a large j)ortion of these bottom lands there are one or more low ridges of sand. The soil of this sandy portion is of but little value, there being but few seasons when it is wet enough to produce. In other portions the soil is a deep black loam and very productive. [Narrow alluvial belts are also found along nearly all the water-courses, the soil of which is very dark colored, but more or less intermingled with sand and peb- bles. Coal of a good quality is found in various parts ; the veins are fi'om three to five feet thick. The mines furnish a large amount of good coal. The seam furnishing the largest portion of the coal of this county extends over most of the northeastern half of the county, but is most extensively mined in the townships of Greene, Rivoli, Rich- land Grove and Preemption. In the township sketches, devoted to these townships, will be found more extended notices of these mines. The soU of this county is well adapted to agricultural purposes, and is in nearly every part of the county productive of large crojjs of corn, oats and hay. Wheat is not much raised. Formerly, spring wheat was grown to a considerable extent, but of late 3T^ars its cultivation has greatly decreased. Recently, considerable attention has been given to producing winter wheat. The land along or near the water-courses, though of a lighter character, is valuable for the production of fruit. Nearly all the lands along the streams were formerly hea^ily timbered, but here the first settlers built their cabins, and in consequence of habits acquired in their eastern and southern homes, much of the orig- inal forest has disappeared. In the early times coal was not used for fuel ; indeed it was scarcely known to exist, and its value as a fuel was overlooked for a number of years. Fencing and house-building also required much timber, and so the once heavily timbered portions of the county now resemble much more than formerly the oi)en prairies which lie beside them. The kinds of timber most abundant are white, burr, black, red and laurel oak, red and white elm, blue and white ash, hickory, maple, wild cherry, and occasionally a black walnut. In the bottoms are also locust, sycamore, cottonwood, box alder, wild plum WILLIAM DRURY. A SCRAP OF ANCIENT HISTORY. 35 and crab-apple, and occasionally pecans and buckeyes. Grape Wnes and other climbers are abundant. In later years the hand of man has added many varieties of fruit and ornamental trees, which thrive apparently as though in their native soil. The osage orange grows well here, and many of the most tasty farms are now fenced with this shrub. The climate is rather cold for it, however, and its fruit scarcely ever comes to perfection. In the larger rivers, especially near their mouths, are abundant supplies of fish, and formerly in the timber along their banks were found many wild animals, such as deer, squirrels, raccoons, turkeys and chickens. The game has almost all vanished from before the face of the white man. The description of the county will be given more in detail in the several township sketches. A SCRAP OF ANCIENT HISTORY. The following, wi'itten nearly half a century ago, by a visitor to this section, will doubtless prove interesting to many readers. It is from Augustus Mitchell's description of Illinois in 1837. "Mercer county is situated in the northern part of the Military Bounty tract. It lies north of Warren, south of Eock Island, west of Henry, and east of Louisa and Musquitine counties, ^Wisconsin terri- tory, from which it is separated by the Mississippi river. The town of Mercer is located in the exact geogi*apliical center and wdtli the ex]Dres8 \dew of becoming the county seat of Mercer county. It is situated midway between Pope and Edwards rivers, wliich run through the county parallel to each other, and at this point are n<^t more than five miles apart. The site is healthy and elevated, com- manding a beautiful Aiew of the smTounding country, which is as rich and as well adapted to the culture of wheat, and indeed of all kinds of grain, as any in the state. The county is settling rapidly with a moral, industrious and enterjjrising population. The water-power afibrded by Pope and Edwards rivers is equal to that of any county in the state : a circumstance of much importance, not only for fur- nishing lumber for building, but for the erection of grain and flouring mills. There is one saw mill now in operation wdthin two and one- half miles of Mercer, and several others will be built the approaching season, also within a few miles of the town. The situation of Mercer admits of the convenient access to the timber, stone and stone coal of both Pope and Edwards rivers and their branches. Mercer is situa- ted about fourteen miles from New Boston, on the Mississippi, at which there is an excellent landing. It is also on the direct route from the *Now Iowa. 36 HISTORY OF MERCER AXD HENDERSON COrNTIES. latter place to Heiinepiu. and from Oquawka to Rock Island. New Boston, the seat of justice, is the only other town in the county, and is situated at the upper Yellow bank, just above Edwards river, nearly opposite the mouth of the Lower Iowa, a considerable stream of the Wisconsin territory. This place has a good landing and a fine harbor, and when the opix>site territory becomes settled it cannot fail to become a town of considerable impoitimce, as it will be the commercial entre- pot of a large extent of feitile covmtiy." HABITS AND CUSTOMS OF THE PIONEERS. Perhaps most of the grown people of this section have some knowl- edge, either by actual observation or fi-om the lips of the few worthy pioneers who still linger on the shores of time, of the eai'ly modes of life which obtained during most of tlie first quarter of a centmy of its historv. But the last original settler will soon have left us. and then these things, but for the historian's pen. would become but matters of tradition. Even now. amonsrst the voun^er class, the stories of the early hardships, tiials and triumphs of this worthy class of heroic men and women, are not so verv ftdlv realized, and in the neai* future an account of what were once considered **atilictions gi-ievous to be borne." will, without doubt, prove interesting reading to the gi-and- children of those whose voices will have been hushed, and whose weai-v bodies will have been lain awav in the soil thev first tm-ned to the sun. Hotc they came. — A single instance would almost answer for the history of the emigi-ation of all of the early settlefs to this section. We will give it in substance, though not exactly in the words of one who came to this connti'v in 1S3S : Far across the dense woodlands of Indiana, neai* where Ohio's broad watei"S roU onward to join the Mississippi in its com'se to the great ocean, among the gi-aceful forest trees, and gushing spi-ings and fertile fields of Oliio, rests in quiet beauty a shady liillside, a bright green valley, and a dancing water-brook. Xear the lane which passes this spot and crosses the little stream of water just beyond, may be seen a fine old farm house surroimded with towering elms and fronted with evergreens of difierent varieties. But not with this place, as it exists to-dav. has our narrative to do. True, the surroundmors have changed but little in half a century. The trees are much larger, and the house has been so metamorphosed that its former occu]»ant would not recognize it ; but the hillside and the brook, the valley and the forest, present the same appearance as when forty-odd years ago the scene which we are about to describe might have been witnessed. HABITS AN-D CUSTOMS OF THE PION-EEES. 37 It was no uncommon ocenrrence that was taking place Aere, but because of its being a usual circumstanc-e it becomes of the greater importance and is described the more minutely. To the parties c-on- cemed. h<:»wever. it was a matter of the greatest moment. The family who had for years occupied this place had caught a glimpse of the wonderful country in the Bounty tract, one of the number having the year before made a trip to the new State of Illinois and brought back glowing acti-ounts of the broad prairies, the fine belts of timber, the richness of the soiL the abundanc-e of game, and the many other real and fancied advantages to the emigrant bold enough to face the dan- gers and privatirins incident t«:> a pioneer life. The matter had been talked over for many months. The children talked it over and won- dered at the length of the j< :»umey. the exciting incidents of the trip, and the novel scenes that awaited them in their new home, little c-om- prehending the hardships to which they would be subjected. The mother and wife had said but little, but naturally shrank from the trial of leaving relatives, friends and home, and taking up her abode in the wilderness. She could scarcely rec-oncile herself to the life of priva- tion, and perhaps danger, that awaited her and those she loved. But the father argued that the little farm on which they lived, and rented by the year, but barely gave them a support : that the prospect, as much as he liked his neighb<:>rs, and much as he prized the social and other privileges, was very feeble for an independence. He was advanc- ing in years, and the children would soon arrive at manhc« :>d and wom- anhood with no prc> vision for old age for himself and wife, and with nothing for the young f«:>lks with which to begin life. And s<:» it was decided to remove to what seemed to be the land of prcimise. Acc«:»rdingly, their plans had been announced to their neighbors, a sale had been made of what they found to be superfluous articles, though f>erhaps with a view to realize a little ready money, with which to make a substantial start in their new location and to liquidate a few debts that had been contrac-ted at the stores, and all was ready for the journey. The wagon had been backed to the fi^^nt darts of the old world implements of agriculture have not changed nmcli in some thousands of years. Tlie 46 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. pioneers of this county were used to a wooded country. Tliey were used to having stake and ridered fences ; houses and barns made of logs ; used to liaving large, blazing fires of wood in the large chimney place in the winter, and used to wasting large quantities of fine logs by burning in great heaps every year. So when they came here, with all these habits and predispositions, it must naturally have occurred to them that the supply of wood was limited and everyone sought for a good piece of timber, which should adjoin another piece of prairie, whether that prairie was of the best or not. So we find all of the first settlers hugging close to the water-courses upon whose banks grew the only reminder of their former southern or eastern homes. One need not in this respect be told the early history of any locality in the state. The same rule governed all over, and Mercer county waa no exception. Of course, navigation had something to do with settling the shores of such sti'eams as were large enough to allow the steamboat to ply back and forth upon its waters. Steamboats began running along the Mississippi in 1823, and to tliis circumstance, doubtless, we can trace very many of the first settlements in the valley. The vicin- ity of New Boston was permanently occu])ied first by paities who sup- plied the boats with wood, and this, indeed, was the very first settle- ment made by white men in the county. It was in the year 1827 that the Dennison family came to that point to supply the boats with fuel, and in the plat of the towTi of New Boston they as proprietors reserve the right to the monopoly of that trade, and of running a ferry. The Dennisons were a large and respectable family, who had come origi- nally from Lidiana, but had lived a year in Sangamon county. These were the first to make what is now embraced in Mercer county a permanent home. Through the influence of this family others came in, a year or two later, and settled in the immediate neighbor- hood. Indians were still plenty on this side of the river and some of them were quite unfriendly to the encroaching settler, though they endeavored to keep up a show of friendship with the government. This hostile disposition on the part of the Indians made it not only desirable, but imperative, that settlers should keep within a reasonable distance of each other, and of the river, and for this reason, more than any otlier, no settlements were made far up the Edwards or Pope rivers until after the Lidians had been removed in 1832. Among the earliest records of Warren county we find the names of parties who voted once or twice in this vicinity, but of whose identity all other trace seems to have been lost. Tlie earliest settler cannot now even remember the names. These were ])robably steamboat men, hunters or laborers, who possibly may have been here but a few days.. EARLY SETTLEMENT. 47 III those times the ballot was not guarded so closely but that a man could have deposited his ballot, even if he had not been in the precinct the prescribed number of days. The names of such cut no iigure in the history of the county, and need not be even repeated here. We have to do especially with those who came here to reside, to subdue the forest and the soil, to pro\ide for families who have since made themselves known and felt in the comnninity, who founded society and moulded opinions, and who, in a general way, have left their mark upon the county. They are yet kno\\ni, or if de])arted, they are remembered for their bravery, their endurance of hardshii)S, tlieir virtue and honor. Of such we desire to write, and of such we desire to peq^etuate the memories. The Dennison family came originally from Ohio, and lived a short time in Indiana. In 1826 they came to Sangamon county in this state and stayed about a year, and in the year above named came to the vicinity of New Boston. For two years the Dennisons and Shaunces, who at that time lived a few miles farther north, and the Vanatas at Keithsburgh, were almost the sole occupants of the county. In 1830 the census reports show Mercer county as ha^dng a population of only twenty-seven persons, and these nearly all belonged to the two families named. In 1831 the Indian troubles began, and did not end until the fall of 1832, and of course no additions were made during that time, nor indeed for a year or so after, when confidence in the peaceful solu- tion of the troubles was fully restored. The year 1834 brought a number of settlers, not only to the Den- nison neighborhood, but to other portions of the county. In the spring of the year named, several persons fi*om Indiana came in and took claims, planted sod com, and went back in the fall and brought out their families. Among those worthy of record were Joseph Glancey, Wm. Dniry, William, Newton J, and Joshua Willits, Isaac Drury, Joseph, Jolm S. and Lewis Noble. Several of the names mentioned will be found in future pages with extensive and numerous notices, as they proved to be valuable acquisi- tions to the then new but growing community. Jesse Willits was after- ward first probate judge, with his appointment from the governor. His name appears on the poll book as the first man to deposit a ballot, after the county was organized in 1835. Silas Drury was the first sherifi", and Isaac Drury was one of the first county commissioners. Other prominent settlers in the west end of the county (and then con- sidered in reality the same neighborhood), were Jolm Long, first school commissioner, Wm. L Ne^'ius, Eli Reynold's, a physician, and Isaac Dawson, a carpenter. 48 inSTORY OF MERCER AND HEKDERSON COUNTIES. In the meantime a new and distinct settlement was forming, some ten miles np the Edwards river, at a point then and for years aftei*ward known as the Sngar Grove settlement, and after the organization of the county, called the Sugar Grove precinct. A large family, consisting of four brothers, John, Isaac, George and Abraham Miller, wath several rel- atives and friends, settled at tliis point in 1834, completely surrounding the grove. The Miller family was originally from Crab Orcliard, Tennessee, whence they had removed to near Crawfordsville, Indiana, in about 1820. From that place several members of the family came on here, in the latter part of April, 1834, bringing Avith them several yoke of oxen and some agricultural im]>lements, for the pui-pose of making claims and of planting sod corn. AH but Abraham Miller, Junior (son of George Miller), and his wdfe and wife's sister, returned to Indiana and came out subsequently. Abraham Miller, Jun., proved to be a man oint and the Rock ri\-ci-, nor for many miles to the east, and but one family on the south, between that and Monmouth. The next spring (183(1) Rev. John Montgomery, a Presbyterian minister, and James ORGANIZATION OF MERCER CONUTY. 49 Boone, came out t'roni Pennsvlvania and located in the Ricliland neiirh- borliood. (-rabriel Barklev, Rev* Joseph Jones, a Baptist minister, and C. IMiller, came the same year from Indiana and settled in the vicinity of Farlow's Grove. Thus have we traced the main settlements of the Edwards valley, from the mouth of that river to near the eastern line of the county. In the same way the banks of Po])e creek were being occupied, but not quite so rapidly, nor were the neighborhoods quite so distinct, but were considered somewhat as branches of the three principal settle- ments named. Up the North ITenderson, from the vicinity of Oquawka, the pioneer was gradually extending his domain, until the banks of these streams were lined on either side, where grew the native forests, with the pioneer's cabins and the pioneer's patches of corn and other crops. As the settlements grew older and more populous they gradually divided in interest, and centers began to form at points which at the first were considered as being in the same neighborhood, and thus two or more new neighborhoods were by common consent, and by conven- ience, formed from one. Keithsburg and Eliza, on the west side of the county, separated their interests from ]Vew Boston. Ohio Grove, farther up the Pope, and North ITenderson, became more dis- tinct and held less close relations with Sugar Grove or the Miller neighburlington to Quincy ])asse8 througli three townships of Henderson: "Warren, Honey Creek and Dallas. The local enterj)ri8es complete and in prospect will be noticed on anotlier page. THE ROCK ISLAND AND MERCER COUNTY RAILROAD. A line of railroad of a good deal of local imjxtrtiince is the one indicated by the above title, extending from Rock Island in a southerly direction to the town of Cable, in Richland township. The road is twenty-six miles in length, including a run of four miles of the C'hicago & Rock Island road, from Milan to Rock Island. The line was pro- jected by R. R. Cable (vice president of the Chicag(% Rock Island & Pacific), P. L. and Ben. T. Cable, for the purpose of reaching the great coal fields of Richland township, and by these gentlemen built and made ready for the use of tlie coal comjjany organized and owned by the same paities. The cost of the road, including grading, ties, iron, etc., was about $18,000 per mile, or about ,$3(>(»,000. The coal com])any mentioned has fiirnished the rolling stock and put the line in operation, not only for carrying coal but for the trans- portation of merchandise and grain from and to the little towns that have since sprung up all along the line. Passenger coaches are attached to all the trains for the accommodation of the ti-aveling public. Tlie mails and express matter are also sent over this line, so that this enteii^rise has not only been the means of bringing the coal deposits to market, but has also given a considerable section of country through which it lies postal, commercial, telegraphic and traveling facilities. The road passes tln-ough the town of Preemption, and nearly througli that of Richland Grove, in this county, and is highly appre- ciated by the citizens of the northeastern part of the county. Tlie coal company, of which an extended notice is given in the his- tory of Richland township, mines and transports from 90,000 to 100,000 tons of coal yearly. 66 HISTORY OF MERCER AJSTD HENDERSON COUNTIES. MERCER COUNTY SCIENTIFIC AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY. Mr. Tyler McWhorter and James H. Connell, Esq. , ftirnish us data for the following : This society was organized in Aledo February 19, 1878, under the name of Mercer County Scientific Association. At this meeting were present Tyler McWhorter, W. J. Pepper, J. H. Connell, I. N. Bassett, J. V. Frazier and W. A. Marsh. Mr. McWhorter presided, and Mr. Connell served as secretary. A constitution and by-laws were adopted; a number of invitations issued to others to attend the next meeting, and adjourned to March 5, 1878, to which time election of officers was postponed. The objects and purposes of this organization may be briefly stated as follows : DiflPerent individuals of our county were more or less interested in scientific investigation, but were isolated from each other, and had few opportunities for interviews, or to profit by each other's study, or line of thought. The native flora and fauna of our county ; the carboniferous fossils, in connection with our seams of coal ; the implements and relics found in connection with the numerous ancient mounds in various parts of the county; these, and other kindred subjects had elicited the atten- tion of many of our citizens. Already many j^rivate collections of sci- entific interest had been made by difterent individuals of the county, and it was thought that persons whose minds are directed to scientific investigation should associate themselves together, so as to have an interchange of ideas, and enjoy the advantages of each other's re- search. It was believed that, with such an organization, a more gen eral interest might be elicited to investigate and attain to a higher com- prehension of nature. While we have social organizations, with large expenditures, in support of our various churches, it would seem that we should also have some organizations to encourage thought and stimulate investiga- tion in those important questions of science that are so directly related to the progress of the present age. It was for these reasons that many of our citizens felt that many advantages might be enjoyed by banding themselves together in such a society. Another purpose of the society was to make up a cabinet, or scientific collection, of such specimens relating to the natural sciences as might be contributed by its members, or others. The meetings of the society are held quarterly, on the first Tuesday of March, June, September and December of each year. On March 5, 1878, the adjourned meeting was held, and ten names MERCER COUNTi' SCIENTIFIC AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY. 67 were added to the roll of members. Orgaiiization was completed by the election of the following officers : president, Dr. J. V. Frazier, of Viola ; vice president, I. N. Bassett, Esq. , of Aledo ; secretary, J. H. Comiell, of Aledo ; treasurer, W. J. Pei)per, of Keithsburg ; trustees, six years, Tyler McWliorter, Aledo ; four years, W, J. Pepi)er, Keiths- burg ; two years, J. C. Pepper, Aledo. Tlie presidents of the society to date, each holding one year, are as follows : Dr. J . Y. Frazier, Yiola ; I. jS^. Bassett, Aledo ; E. L. Larkin, New Windsor ; Tyler McWlioiter, Aledo ; and John Geiger, now serv- ing in that capacity. James H. Connell was elected secretary at the tirst meeting, and was reelected annually until March, 1882, when Alex. McArthur was elected. The cabinet of the society is very interesting, and includes several hundred specimens — geological, fossil, mineral, etc. The largest do- nations were made by the following persons: geological, etc., by Tyler McWhorter; shells, by W. A. Marsh; mineral, etc., by J. IT. Connell; miscellaneous, by J. C. Pepi)er and W. J. Pepper ; birds, by W. B. Crapnell. The followiug papers have been read before the association : Cli- matic Changes and their Resultant Periods, Dr. J. Y. Frazier ; Metric System of Weights and Measures, J. R. Wylie ; The Domain of Sci- entific Investigation and Thought, I. N. Bassett ; The Mississippi River: Its Geological History, Tyler McWhorter; Future Punishment; from Etlmical Scripture, E. L. Larkin ; Probable Origin of Life on the Globe, John Geiger ; Shall we Impo^'erisll the Fertility of the Earth, T. McWliorter ; Utility of the Stars, W. J. Pepper ; Antiquity of Man, T. McWhorter ; Crystalography, J. R. W} lie ; Electricity, R. H. Spi- cer, Sr. ; Conchology, W. A. Marsh ; Inclination of the Earth's Axis, T. McWhorter ; Force, E. L. Larkin ; Flesh Eating. John Geiger ; Flesh Eating, Joseph McCoy ; Population and its Distribution, C. Y. Shove ; Motion, E. L. Larkin ; The Birds and Animals we are Losing and Gaining, W. B. Crapnell ; Hygiene of Soil Waters, Dr. J. Y. Fra- zier ; Embryology, J. R. Wylie ; Axial Rotation, John Geiger ; People of North America, E. L. Larkin ; Biology, T. McWhorter ; The Sur- face or Economic of our Prairies, Graham Lee ; Imj^erfections of Hu- man Knowledge, Tyler McWhorter ; The Planet Yenus, J. C. Pepper ; The Coming Man, Tyler McWhorter; Conscience Man's True Guide, J. Geiger ; Progress in Science, I. N. Bassett ; Some Observations on the Rocky Mountains, J. H. Connell; Silver Coinage, John Geiger; Protoplasm and Life, I. N. Bassett ; Scientific Instruments, E. L. Larkin ; 68 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. Improved Socialism, John Geiger ; Clianges of Organic Life with the Advance of Civilization, Tyler McWhorter. In December, 1879, the name was changed to the "Mercer County Scientific and Historical Society," the object being to gather up notes- on the liistory of Mercer county. John Geiger, I. N. Bassett, Graham Lee and C. S. Richey were appointed a committee to receive all that had been prepared. May 1, 1880, the committee reported that they had received a considerable amount of historic matter from diflferent sources, which was given into the custody of the society. In 1882 the society turned all papers in their hands over to Prof. H. H. Hill, to be embodied in this book. Tlie membership roll contained the following names: Tyler Mc- Whorter, Aledo ; J. V. Frazier, Viola ; W. A. Marsh, Millersburg tp. ; I. N. Bassett, Aledo ; W. J. Pepper, Millersburg tp. ; J. H. Connell, now of Pueblo, Col. ; J. C. Pepper. J, P. Wylie, Aledo ; E. L. Larkin, New Windsor ; W. B. Crapnell, New Boston t]>. (died 1881) ; C. A. Ballard, New Boston ; W. C. Galloway, Joseph McCoy, John Geiger, Aledo ; John B. Holland, Keithsburg ; Thos. Shaver, Tennessee Poll- ing Mills, Ky. ; Geo. P. Graham, Paola, Kan. ; F. D. Pathbun, New Windsor; K H. Spicer, Sr., Viola; C. F. Durston, J. M. Wilson, W. A. Lorimer, B. F. Brock, Alex. Stephens, D. T. Ilindman, Horace Bigelow, L. B. Morey, Alex. McArthur, Aledo ; C. S. Ortli, William Griftin (died 1882), E. L. Marshall, Keithsburg ; C. V. Shove, E. L. McKinnie, G. L. F. Pobinson, Viola ; L. C. Gilmore, E. B. Da\T.d, Miss A. E. Frazier, B. C. Taliaferro, D. P. Johnston, Aledo ; P. F. Warner, Havana, Pis.; Graham Lee, Hamlet; C. H. Gran, Alpha, Henry county ; J. F. McCutcheon, Norwood ; A. P. Willits, T. B. Cabeen, Keithsburg. Honorary member : Lieut. F. S. Bassett, U. S. Na\'y. Such is the history, objects and membership of this societ)% which has already accomplished a work of which its members may feel ]3roud, and has but laid the foundation of a grand and most commendable effort in the advancement of scientific research. And from the pro- gressive character of the men composing its membership we may safely predict for the society a glorious future, and a name that will be knoAvn wherever science is made a special study. NOTES ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES, ILLINOIS, BY WILLIAM A. MARSH. Paloiontology. — The ])rincipal geological formations that occur in Mercer and Henderson counties which contain fossils are, the coal measures and the St. Louis group, Keokuk limestone, Burlington lime- : ;, >:& W. •X ■/•?t JAMES M. EMERSON (OECE-ASEDJ 1 NOTES ON NATURAL HISTORY. 71 stone, and Kinderhook group, of tlie lower carboniferous system. Tlie number of s])ecies of fossil flora found within the limits of these two counties is very small compared with other sections, but our fossil fauna will compare favorably with any section of the state, at least as far as the number of species is concerned, although they are not found in as good a state of preservation as might be desired. The whole number of fossil species that have come under my observation, in collecting among the different fonnations of the two counties, is about 400 species, divided as follows : coal measure flora, twenty-five species ; coal meas- ure fauna, 250 species; lower carboniferous, 125 species. The most remarkable and interesting forms are the crinoiden of the lower car- boniferous, and the different fonns of the genus Productus, belonging to the Brachiopoda. Miirnmals. — The mammalian fauna of these two counties is almost the exact counterpart of all prairie sections. Tlie time was wlien the larger forms of life abounded ; when the deer, elk, bufi'alo, beaA'er, etc., made the prairies their home. The coming of the white man, attended by all the circumstances of progress, has driven these larger fonns fi-om the country, and now the smaller kinds alone retain a foot- ing. They are American buffalo, beaver, red deer, gray wolf, prairie wolf, gray fox, otter, mink, weasel, skunk, Nvild cat, opossum, raccoon, fox Squirrel, gray squirrel, black squirrel, flying squirrel, chipmunk, gray prairie squirrel, striped prairie squirrel, woodchuck, striped badger, rabbit, brown rat (introduced), white-footed wood mrmse, white- footed prairie mouse, long-tailed jumping mouse, prairie meadow mouse, wood meadow mouse, long-haii*ed meadow mouse, shrew mole, star nose mole, muskrat, house mouse (introduced), long-eared bat. The number of species of birds, as far as I have been able to iden- tify them, ^vill reach about 180 species, embracing forty-one families. This includes those that remain with us the year round, those that are known to visit us through the spring and summer season, and those that tariy with us a short time during tlieir migrations through the country from north to south. The number of fish species thus far identified as occurring in the Mississip])! river, its lakes and sloughs, and the small sti'eams flo\vnng into it, through the counties of Mercer and Henderson, is about seven- ty-seven species. Besides the fish used for food, this list includes the dog fish, the eel, the gar pike, the alligator gar, the spoon-bill, the spotted sturgeon, and the leech lamprey. The snakes are : blowing viper, hog-nosed snake, red-bellied water snake, Holbrookes water snake, ribbon snake, Faireye's garter snake, 5 72 HISTORY OF MERCER A>fD HENDERSON COUNTIES. racer, summer green snake, king snake, com snake, spotted adder, ground snake, timber rattlesnake (now extinct), prairie rattlesnake. Tlie Batrachians are : frogs, four species ; tree frogs, three species ; toads, one species ; salamanders, seven species ; lizards, four species ; turtles, ten s])ecies. The molluscan tauna of Mercer and Henderson numbers 137 acknowledged species. Seven years of careful studj and collecting in this particular branch leads me to believe that very few, if any, new forms will be likely to be found. They may be classed as follows: unionidae, sixty-eight species ; corbiculadae, twelve species ; ^'iviparida3, seven species ; vulvatidae, one species ; strepomatidse, one species ; rissoidae, six species ; helicidse, twenty-five species ; limnaeidre, four- teen species ; ancylinse, three species. It will be observed that the per cent of land shells is very small in comparison to the water shells. The absence of timber, the frequent overflowing of our water-courses, and the great number of swine running in the timbered sections, has had a tendency to nearl}^ destroy this interesting class of mollusks. The flora of Mercer and Henderson counties presents a study of very great interest to the botanist. Over 800 sj)ecies have been iden- tified, including indigenous and introduced species, as existing in the two counties. The woody plants, including the trees, shrubs and woody climbers, number about 120 species. The filices or ferns, twelve species. The grasses, including the juncacese or rush family, and the C}^erace8e or sedge grass family, number 180 species. Among the ti'ue grasses may be found some of the most valuable and interesting species found in the United States, and a few of the most obnoxious kinds. It would be a pleasant task to present lists of some of the most interesting orders of our plants, but as the number is so great, it would be almost imi)ossible to list them in a brief report like this. NEW BOSTON TOWNSHIP. Tlie township of New Boston embraces congressional to-^aiship 14 north, and ranges 5 and 6 west, extending to the Mississippi river. The eastern part is undulating and contains a depth and richness of soil unexcelled in the county. The westeiTi part of the township is level, containing a narrow strip of sandy soil, in some places almost destitute of vegetation ; between this strip and the undulating region of the east the bottom land is extremely fertile and })roduces heavy crops. The minerals, as far as knowai, are limited in kind and quantity, being wholly comprised in a stone quarry at the mouth of the Edwards NEW BOSTON TOWNSHIP. 73 river. The drainage is excellent. Tlie swamp lands so common to some localities are almost wholly wanting here. The Edwards river flows through the townshij), entering on section 1 and })assing out on section 33. In the western part are several small lakes, of which Bald Eagle, Eliza and ISwan lakes are the principal ones. The township is well supplied with timber in the eastern part and along the river bot- tom, the kinds being oak, maple, walnut, sycamore, and similar decid- uous trees. The township has a somewhat interesting railroad history, to which we shall refer more fully farther on. The Galva and Keithsburg branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy enters the township on section 2-i and takes a diagonal course to the to\vn of New Boston, a branch running to Keithsburg from a point on section 27, thereby giv- ing a southern outlet and southern connections. This, in brief, is a description of the tow^l today, ^vith its happy, independent, self-reliant people. Let us tuiTi back to earlier days and trace the work of the hardy pioneers, who bravely struggled to reclaim the land trom its native wikhiess, and plant here the institutions of the more favored east. To Mr. William Denison and his son John W. belong the honor of planting the first settlement in the township, as well as in the county. They were Pennsylvanians, and came directly fi-om Wa}Tie county, Indiana, ha%nng previously lived for a short time in Ohio. They set- tled near the site of the present town of New Boston in ] 827, and there lived in close and friendly relations with the Indians who at that time frequented the place. The \'icinity offered many attractions to the Indians in the shape of hunting and fishing ; and, indeed, at the pres- ent time it has more than a local celebrity in this respect. H. W. Denison, a son of John W. Denison, born in 1832, was the first white child born in Mercer county. He is still a resident of New Boston, as is also his mother. Let the reader pause here a moment and call to aid his imagination in picturing a settlement of this kind. On the one hand a boundless waste of prairie, covered with tall waving grass, which sinks and rises with a billow}- motion, as far as the eye can reach. On the other lumd the great Father of "Waters, spread out in silent majesty, or lashed to fiiry by the untrammeled winds which sometimes sweep over the ])lains from the west. Here was to be found the savage in his native wildness. Here he smoked his pipe of peace or hallooed his wnld war-dance. And here was started the first settlement of what was to be, at a tuture time, one of the myriads of fair towns that dot the broad State of Blinois. The elder Denison had several children besides John AV., mention- 74 HISTORY OF MERCER AXD HENDERSON COUNTIES. ed above. Among them were Erastns, James, Joseph, Ezra, Xewton and Ehner. . The family of Denisons, individually and collectively, (»ecn])ied the greater portion of the region bordering on the river, including what is now the to^^^l of Xew Boston. During the Black Hawk war of 1832, the Denisons left the county, but returned after the close of hostilities. Tlieir being enabled to leave the county iminjured was due wholly to the warning of friendly Indians. Tlie tirst of these warnings were not heeded, but at last those Indians with whom they were friendly came and told them that, as they seemed determined to stay and be killed, it was thought best to let the friendly Indians kill them decently. The ftimily concluded that they would take an excursion in preference to staying at home, even though the staying would secure "decent" killing by their friends. The story is told that, after they had left, their Indian friends gathered up all the articles that had been left in the hurrv and excitement of the occasion and placed them in the deserted cabin, marking the spot with such signs as would deter other marauding parties from committing any dep- redations. These articles were found on the return of tlie family, all in good order and nothing missing. A detailed account of the dangers and narrow escapes is given elsewhere. Mr. Denison's recollections of the manners, customs and traits of the Indians in tliis vicinity, are curious and interesting. Though exceedingly cruel after the actual commencement of hostilities, they invariablv abstained from anv preliminarv bloodsheddinff, Wlien • fit/ o Black llawk was passing his warriors up the Mississippi, previous to the last campaign of 1832, he came ashore, stopped at Mr. Denison's house, partook of tlieir hospitality, and guarded the house until the last canoe had passed up the river. They were capable of the strongest sentiments of friendship, and held in lasting remembrance any act of kindness, rewarding the same, sometimes, after the lapse of 3'ears. They were strictly honest with those whom they considered honest, and though the Denison family lived among them for years they never suifered a loss from theft or other depredation committed by them. Immediately after the death of an Indian, the family and friends went into mourning for a length of time proportioned to the dignity of the deceased, which continued day aud night until the appointed time had expired. When the sick became conscious of approaching death, they usually selected their own burial place, which was located gener- ally on some commanding eminence, thus enabling the spirit to have a commanding view of the surrounding country, with its more or less busy scenes of wartare or friendly intercourse. In burying the dead, a small amount of food was deposited with the body to last the spirit a NEW BOSTON TOWNSHIP. 75 year. This was repeated until the rehitioii oY body and spirit was 8ui>- posed to be tf)tally severed ; nsnally till about tlie third year. A stran- ger was disposed of by beinpc \n'aj)ped in bark and hoisted among the branches of some comnumding tree. From this fact doubtless arose the supposition that this style was a mode of burial among some of the tribes. Black IFawk is described as a short, thick-set indiWdual, wlio was the war chief, wliile his associate, Keokuk, was a peace chief Although knowing the su]>erior power of the whites, lie made war relying on the help of the Great Spirit to sustain the right. He was taught by bitter experience, as many another has been, the time when ''right shall trium])h over might '' is still in the future. From Mrs. Margaret Denison, widow of John W. Denison, who was one of the original settlers at the Upper Yellow Banks, we have derived the follo^ving information, here given almost in her own words: William Denison, and his son John W. Denison, with their tam- ilies, came from Conners^-ille, Ind., to Springfield. 111., in lS2plication for a dispensation. Tlie Grand Master, by authority of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge of Illinois, issued a charter dated October 12, a.d. 6 90 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HEXUERSON COUNTIES. 1855, granting tlie dispensation. Monday evening, November 20, A.I). 1855, a meeting was held with District Deputv Grand Master Kelley in the chair, Past Grand Sweeny acting as grand marshal. By order of Grand Master Kelley, the grand marshal presented Charles H. Bell, M. M, Prentiss, John L. Hartson, Mark J. O'Brien and W. T. Power, who were duly obligated, and the grand master declared the lodge duly instituted under the name and title of "JS^ew Boston Lodge, No. 188, I.O.O.F. After election and installment of officers. Brothers J. C. Bell and Daniel Ilines were admitted by card, H. W. Denison and B. Milliken were initiated, and J. S. Thompson petitioned for membership. The meeting was regularly held on Monday evening of each week. During the late rebellion the membership was reduced very nearly to the magic number, several brothers being enlisted as soldiers. The form of one now lies moldering away to kindred dust in southern soil — a tear to his memory. All credit is due to the few members who held their meetings, paid the capitation tax, and held their representa- tion in the Grand Lodge. Several lodges in the state became defunct during the war. After peace was again restored No. 188 increased in membership, and in October, 1865, the brothers were very arduous in their endeavors to secure a home for themselves. Clieerfully each brother donated to the building fund, and on the evening of May 21, 1866, the lodge met in their new hall, size 27x-iO feet, lodge room cai-peted and well fur- nished, and no one regrets the extra effort to secure a home, but with honest pride they can feel that they are beneath ''the shadow of their own vine." The membership enrolled from organization up to April 1, 1882, is 178. The number of brothers buried by the lodge has been nine. The amount of relief paid, $1,456.^0 (this amount was paid by the lodge and the members by individual donation). Charity abideth in the heart of every good and true Odd-Fellow. It is within tlie knowl- edge of members of our order that the relief extended by them, under their teachings, has been the means, under providence, of bringing within the church many who to-day would have been aliens from the household of faith. Many of the brothers cheerfully donated in honor to the "Wiley monumeut fund ; also to the Lincoln monument fund, not forgetting our worthy and honorable G.R.S. ; to his memory, we have a name in the Ridgley Monument Fund. Of the members at the organization of our lodge, only one. Brother Daniel Hiixes, now holds a membership. Connected with the order is the Rebekah Degree. This degree associates the wives of Odd-Fellows with them in the high and ^'E^V BOSTON TOAVNSHIP. 91 imiX)i'tant work of "\'isiting the sick, relieving the distressed, burying tlie dead, and educating the orphan." • ARCHER ENCAMPMENT No. 70, I.O.O.F. This is the liome of the patriarch, the evergreen retreat of Odd- Fellowship, supported bv the three ])iilars of Faith, Hope and Charity, and here we have the tables of law, likewise the lesson as taught in the golden rule. A weary pilgrim can here find rest, eat at our table and drink of our pure water. IIosj)itality to the stranger is a pure prin- ciple within the heart of every true patriarch encampment. No. 70 was instituted December, 1866. The number of patriarchs enrolled up to April 1, 1SS2, was eighty-two. Several of the patriarchs instituted a new encampment, others changed their residence, and like our subordinate lodge, the time came when there were but one or two more members than the original number ; but like the ancient Patriarch Abraham, the father of the faithful, our trust was in God, and to-day our tent is enlarged for the increase of membership. A^'CIENT FKEE AND ACCEPTED MASONS. A dispensation and charter were issued to New Boston Lodge No. 59, in the latter part of 1848. Tlie history from that time to 1853 is somewhat obscure, owing to the fact that in 1851 the records were burned ; also, all books, paj^ers, furniture, etc. In 1852 a new dispensation was granted, and the following officers duly installed : John E. AYillits, W.M.; George Ralston, S.W.; Wil- liam Wilson, Jr., J.W. ; Elias Willits, Treas. ; Daniel Winslow, Sec; E. J. Denison, S.D. ; M. Potfenbarger, J.D. ; Josiah Mai-field, Tyler. In October, 1853, a new charter was issued and the following named individuals duly elected and .installed as officers, viz : J. E. Denison, W.M.; E. Harrell, S.W.; A. Gingles, J.W.; R. Thomas, Treas.; G. W. Warner, Sec; Elias Willits, S.D. ; John Hoover, J.D. ; Josiah Maxfield, Tyler. The lodge has had a prosjjerous existence, and to-day is one of the strongest and most efficient in the state. The misfortune of losing the records by fii'e is more to be deplored, fi*om the fact that the Grand ' Lodge of the state has also lost the records covering about the same facts. The lodge has always been noted for its activity, and during the somewhat lengthy jjeriod of its existence has had no serious dissen- sions. Something over 200 members have been admitted since the re- organization, and at present the membership is sixty-seven, with the following corps of officers : George Lytle, W.M. ; Ed. L. Willits, 92 HISTORY OF >rERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. S.W. ; A. Iinber, J.W. ; John Fry, Treas. ; W. C. Austin, Sec. ; -J. J. Mason, S.D. ; N. W. Gibson, J.D. ; S. Swartwout, Tyler. BIOGRAPHICAL. Henry ^V. Dexisox was born in Mercer county, Illinois, IMarcli 16, 1832, being the first Avhite child bora in the county. His father, John AV., together with his grandfather, William, formed the first set- tlement in the county, which was in the year 1827. He is the youngest child of John AY, and Margaret (Swatford) Denison. His folks came overland with teams from AA^ayne county, Indiana, with Indians on all sides of them, reaching Mercer county without losing any of their family. They ever afterward lived on friendly terms with the Indians. One of the Indian warriors once remarked that if they killed them they would do it easy, which meant that they would never do anything more than whij) them. He has been mostly engaged in farmmg and stock- raising. His chances for obtaining an education were limited to what he could obtain from Simeon P. Smith, who taught his first school in Henry's father's kitchen. He has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd-Fellows since the first organization of that society in New Boston. He was either the first or second one taken into the lodge. He does not know whether he or B. Milliken, of A^iola, was first, as the}'' both came in at the first meeting. He has held all the oflices in Iiis lodge at various times. He was always a democrat until 1872. From that time to the present he has been a "greenbacker.''' He was married to Miss Turana C. Moore, daughter of John S. and Hannah Moore. Mrs. Denison was born February 17th, 1814. They have had six children, in the following order : Carrie (dead). Sail}' (married to Herbert Good), Alice (married to -John Fuller), Maggie (dead), "Willie (dead), and Freddie. Stanton V. Prentiss, farmer and stock raiser, was born in Meigs county, Ohio, May 10, 1826, and is the fifth child of Stanton and Susannah (Brookheart) Prentiss. His parents came west and settled at AVarsaw, in Hancock county, where they remained until 1833. AVhile living at that pr)int, they were often compelled to leave their farm, and flee to Fort Edwards for safety from the Indians, as this was at the time when Black Hawk was making his raids up and down the Missis- sippi. In 1833 they came to Mercer county, where they have lived ever since, with the exception of a short time in Rock Island county, and two years spent in California. He has always been engaged in farm- ing and raising stock, the latter very extensively. During the period between 1852 and 1857, he also ran a dry goods and grocery store. His means of attaining an education were very limited ; however, he NEW BOSTON TOWNSHIP. 93 managed to get a common school education between the intervals of farming. He owns l,l»orivations of pio- neer life as well as the alarms of savage warfare, and during the troubles in 1812 they often had to retreat to the block-houses for pro- tection. Mr. Drurv's education was limited to a common school, but he attained education enough to teach several terms of school before he came west. In 1833 Mr. Drury came to Illinois to look at the country, and for the tii'st time saw real prairie land — quite a curiosity to one who has been reared in a wooded country. Mr. Drury ed them to St. Louis. They did the first pork pack- ing in the county. They continued business until 1848, when they sold out to Courtney Drury and James S. Thompson, who formed a partner- ship under the name of Thompson tk Drury. Mr. Drury spent about a year, after the sale ttf liis interest, in settling up his business, when, in 1850, he started a small cash store, whicii he conducted until 1853, 94: HISTORY OF >rERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. when, on account of failing liealth, be sold out his interest, and has since given his attention to the management of his large estate, and to the importation and raising of fine stock, and the banking business. In 1871, in ])artnership with other wealthy men of the county, he assisted in organizing a Farmer's Xational Bank, at Keithsburg, of which he is a large stockholder and president. Mr. Drurj says he has made it a j)ractice all his life, that at the end of each year his income shall be greater than his expenses. He thinks this accounts for his large estate, and not to an}- mental gift. This he would recommend to all young men staiting in life. Mr.. Drury was among the first settlers of the county. lie was well acquainted with Black Hawk and Ivet)kuk, the two noted Indian chiefs. Courtney Druky was born in WajTie county, Indiana, November 23, 1820. He came to Mercer county, Illinois, with William Willits and family, in the fall of 1834. He remained witli them for some time, and then sold goods for the firm of Drury it Willits. In 1842 he returned to his old home in Indiana, and went to school that fall and winter. He was married April 12, 1842, to Ruth Willits, and removed to Mercer county, Illinois, in the fall of the same year. That winter he bought eighty acres of land, partly improved. He sold his farm in the winter of 1845, and the following spring moved to the village of Kew Boston. Mr. Drury lost his wife February, 1847. He then returned to the State of Indiana, and spent the most of that summer there ; then returned to Kew Boston, and, with James S. Thompson, purchased the mercantile establishment of Drury & AVillits. The new fii-m conducted the trade of this house for eight years, at the end of which time they sold out, and Mr. Drury benight land near the village of New Boston, which he improved, and has engaged in farming and stock raising ever since. Mr. Drury has made a specialty of breeding fine horses, and has had some of the best stock ever kept or owned in Mercer county. He has a passion for a fine horse, and gratifies it. William A. Wilson, farmer, was born in Shelby county, Indiana, August 18, 1831. Tlie family removed to Mercer county in the fall of 1834, and settled in Eliza to%ynship. Mr. W^ilson's education was limited to a common school, as in those early times the advantages ■ofiered were few and rude ; however, he acquired considerable of a business education, especially in arithmetic, as that was a favorite «tudy of his. When twenty-two years of age he commenced farming for himself on a small scale. His father wanted liim to take a horse when starting out, but he refused to do so ; but by persuasion he accepted a ten dollar biJ]. He rented three years, when he found he liad money enough to buy eighty acres of land lying in New Boston NEW BOSTON TOWNSHIP. 95 township. lie lived with his brother-in-law, Tiiehard Shields, and tilled his small farm until 1857, when he was married to Miss Kate "Woodward, daughter of Joel and Keziah Woodward. A year after his marriage he sold his farm for $2,5(>(J, and bought another in Mer- cer township for $3,500, wiiere he lived until 1S61. Mr. Wilson has always dealt considerably in live stock while farming. In 1861, in response to the country's call for troops, Mr. Wilson enlisted in the 102d Vol. Inf., and was elected second lieutenant of Company K, and before going into active service was promoted to tirst lieutenant. His first engagement ■with the enemy was at Gallatin, Tennessee, after which he was elected captain of his company by a unanimous vote. Returning home from the war in 1864, he sold his • farm in Mercer township for $7,000, and again bought a farm of 120 acres in New Boston township, which he has increased to 420 acres in New Boston township, and 402 acres in Eliza. They have had eleven children : Jay, Ed., Dick, Ressa, Gen. Phil. Sheridan, John S., Harvey, Louie, Grace, Bert. M. and Frank M. Grace and Louie are deceased. The rest are in good health and at home with their parents. Mr. Wilson's mother still sur^■ives at the age of eighty-seven, and is in good health. D. J. Noble is the ninth child of a family of twelve children. He was born May 1, 1818, in Fayette county, Indiana. His parents, Lewis and Elizabeth (Burgess) Xoble, came to Mercer county, lUinois, in 1835, and settled on Sec. 16, in New Boston townsldp, where they lived until their death. His father gave D. J. seventy acres of Sec. 16, and to this he added the N. W. i of Sec. 22 and the N. E. i of Sec. 21. He has a large and commodious residence and is comfort- ably situated. Besides making a competency for himself he has helped each of his sons to a good home. He has the benefits of only a common school education, owing to the many disadvantages aft'orded in youth. He has been engaged in farming from boyhood up. He has always taken an active part in temperance, and has been a mem- ber of the ]\Iethodist church since 1840. He has held all the offices in his church at various times. In politics he has always been a republi- can. He was married July 5, 1840, to Miss Sally liadei-, daughter of Abraham and Catharine Bader. She was born March 4, 1818. They have had ten children, nine of whom are living : Melissa, married to Frederick Fleming; John N., married to Mary Hill, and lives in Da- kota; Leroy, married to Miss Rachel Ilollingsworth ; David L., dead ; Harvey, married tlace in the list than that of Dr. Thomas- "WiLLrrs, of New Boston. He was a pioneer in his profession as well as a pioneer settler, and has been a practitioner fifty^six years. His nativitv was in Pickawav countv, Ohio, in 1S(I5. It was there 58 HISTORY OF FIERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. his parents, James and Amy (Allison) Willits, wlio had emigrated from Penns}-lvania, were married. At the age of twenty he started out from home with the design of going to St. Louis, but stopped at Montezuma, Parke county, Indiana, where lie began the practice of medicine. In three or four years he returned to his father's home, which had meantime been removed to Richmond, Indiana. He remained there till 1837, and then came west and settled in AVarren, now Hen- derson, county, this state, on the line between that and INIercer. There he entered 500 acres of land, which property is now known as the Mickey farm. Having enclosed a large tract, he gave his attention for a few years to raising stock for market ; but after hauling to Xew Boston he could obtain only $1-50 per hundred for the hind quarters of neat animals and $1 for fore quarters, while pork brought but $1.25, all in store pay, and corn could not be sold at any price. N^ot pleased with this state of things, in 184-0 he decided to quit farming, and moved ta New "Boston and continued his practice.^ In 1850 he was elected a representative to the legislature from Mercer county and served one term. While a member of that body the charter for the Illinois Central railroad was passed, and he made a strenuous but futile eifort to fix the percentage which the company should be obliged to pay into the state treasury at ten per cent of their gross earnings, instead of seven. The doctor \'oted first for president for John Quincy Adams, but fell into line with the opposite party in the Jackson cam- })aign of 1828, and since that time has been an old school democrat. In controversy he has upheld the principles of his party, but never with hope of office or aspiration for it. With the exception of a division of the Sons of Temperance, which he organized in Kew Boston, he has not been connected with any of the secret orders which are now so com- mon. To the extent that his example could give force to his convictions, he has encouraged the temperance cause, and under no circumstances could he ever have fallen to such depths of humiliation as to counte- nance or tolerate drunkenness or any patronage of the rum traffic. Dr. Willits was married in early life to Mrs. Catherine Libby, formerly Miss' Ainsworth, and five children were the fruits of this union. The eldest, Ehnira, died in infancy; Leroy lives in New Boston township; Viola, who was the wife of Russell Scudder, died over twenty years ago ; Celeste is now Mrs. William A. Anderson, of Chicago ; and Kate is the wife of Thomas Manning of the same city. We regret our ina- bility to give a more extendi^d notice of one who has figured so largely in the useful aft'airs of this locality, and who, by universal consent, has been of so much service and benefit to the public at large as Dr. Willits. A man of liberal education and correct understanding, whose NEW BOSTON ToWNSHII'. 99 Icnowledge covers a wide range, Mercer county has never liad a better tvpe of the old school practitioner and gentleman than he. As a con- versationalist he is fluent, entertaining and instructive, with ]>leasing powei's of description. Jacob II. Swoffokd was born in llenrv county, Indiana. A])ril 8, 1829. His ])arents were born in North Carf)lina. lie came to Mercer county, Illinois, August 10, 1837. He was a common laborer for a time, and then learned the ])rinting business, which he followed for ten years. Since leaving oft' the ])rinting business he has engaged in various avocations. He was married November 16, 1854, to Annie, daugliter of John and Mary Shuft". They are the parents of •eleven children, eight of whom are living. The family have resided in the villa":e of New Boston for manv vears. IIarley I^'ES, farmer, was born in Connecticut, January 15, 1803. He is the third child of Caleb and Sarah (Booth) Ives. He came over- land, and settled near Oquawka, in Henderson county, in 1836, where he lived two years, when he moved to Mercer county, and settled one mile east of New Boston, where he has lived ever since. During the early part of his life he was engaged in farming, and working at the cooper trade, being the first cooper in the county. In 1827 he was married to Miss Ruth Ives, daughter of Gideon and Charlotte (Hall) Ives. They have had five children born to them : Gilbert II., who is man-ied to Miss Mary A Scudder. a daugliter of Ennis Scudder ; Mar- tha AV., dead ; Gideon, at home with his parents; Emery K., married to Miss Marv E. Hartsock ; Caroline, married to John AV. Histed. Mrs. Ives has always been a member of the Baptist church. Mr. Ives has always been an active temperance man. In politics he is a demo- crat. At present, Mr. Ives is seventy-nine years of age and in splen- did health and ver}" active. Financially he is in good circumstances. Thomas Alyea, druggist, was born at Miamitown, Ohio, Se]>tem- ber 21, 1821. His fathei-, Joseph Alyea, from New Jersey, was tliree times married. By his first wife he had two children ; by his second, Margaret Love, mother of our subject, four were born ; and by the last, eight : three sons and five daughters. The family moved from Mr. Alyea's birthplace to Fairfield, Franklin county, Indiana, where his mother died when he was eight years old. In 1838 a second removal broujrht them to New Boston where Mr. Alvea has resided continuously until the present time. In 1845 he went to Mount Morris Seminary in Ogle county and attended school there one year. He was the second vender of drags in New Boston, and oj^ened in 1853 the first exclusive drug store, which he has conducted since. From 1847 lo 1853 he was selling dry goods, and from 1854 till now he has been 100 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. engaged in the ice business. On the 28tli of June, 1849, he was mar-^ ried to Miss Sarali A., daughter of John and Amelia C. Signor. The- same year he was elected county surveyor, and hekl that office one term of two years. He still devotes a little attention to surveying, and has in his possession the old field notes procured by Judge Gilmore nearly fifty years ago. He was the first town clerk after the adoption of town- ship organization, and has filled the same position in the town of New Boston. A leading member of the Methodist church for many years, he has held official connection in the responsible positions of trustee thirty years, class-leader twenty-five years, and sexton, recording steward and Sunday school superintendent, also, for long periods. He was the first treasurer of the American Bible Society in this county. He has shown himself active and useful in the temperance movement, and has belonged to about all the organizations in New Boston. He was bred politically in the whig party, and cast his first vote for Henry Clay in 1844. He has maintained his fidelity to the republican party since its organization. Mr. and Mrs. Alyea have been the parents of eleven children, seven of whom are dead. The survivors are : Thomas Edmund, a physician, living at Princeville ; Willard Henry, Florence Luella, and Lily Belle. Sidney Chidster, farmer, was born in Trumbull county, Oliio^ April 1, 1816. He is the fourtli child of Hezekiah and Lyda Chidster. He worked with his father at the carpenter's trade until twenty-two years of age, when he came west and settled in Mercer county, where he has lived ever since. Being one of the early settlers of the county, he had to endure all the hardships connected with pioneer life. His edu- cation was limited to a common school course. In politics Mr. •Chidster had always been a republican until 1875, when he joined the party known as the greenback party, of which he has since been a member. He was elected school trustee in 1845, and served twenty-five years consec- utively. In 1847 he was elected justice of the peace, and served three years. In 1840 he was elected county associate justice for the term of three years. He was the first supervisor of New Boston township, and served as chairman of that board. In later years, he has served ten years as township collector. He has always been an active temperance man. In Mai-ch, 1842, he was married to Miss Rachel Stewart, daugliter of William and Nancy Stewart. She was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, August 10, 1823. They have had three children : Wil- liam and Lyda, who are at home, and Bachel, who is married to Milton F. Weeden. August 10, 1853, Mr. Chidster was called to mourn the loss of his beloved wife. Henry H. Roberts, lumber merchant, was born in England,. NEW BOSTON TOWNSIIIl'. lUl August 11, 1819. He is nest to the youngest child of James and Elizabeth Roberts, who came to America in 1828, landing at Boston, ]\[assachusetts, where they lived until 1836. Mr. Roberts lived in Indiana two years before coming to Mercer county. He built a card- ing machine in New Boston township, which was the first in the county. This he ran for two years, M'hen he removed to P^liza townshi]), entered 120 acres of land and bought eighty acres more, and went to farming. He remained in this business until 185P), when he went to New Boston and built a large three-story brick carriage and wagon factory in part- nership \dth Joe Graham, forming the Unn of Graham & Roberts. They continued business until 1860, when Mr. Roberts bought Graham out. In 1S61 Mr. Roberts went back to his farm, and farmed until 1865, when he went to Monmouth. Illinois, and started a sash, door and blind factory and planing-mill, which he ran until 1869, when his mill was burned down. Returning to New Boston, he refitted the building he had formerly occupied as a factory, for a hotel, the Roberts House, wdiicli he ran until 1875, since which time he has been engaged in the lumber trade. On March 20, 1845, he was married to Miss Mary Baker, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Baker. She was born December 7, 1826, and died June 16, 1858. He was mari-ied again September 29, 1859, to Miss Maria J. Dunn, daughter of Thomas and Nancy Dunn. By his first marriage he had six children : Eliza- beth H. (married to Albert Denison), Marshall, Albert (dead), Harriet (dead), Clarence (dead). Charles S. (dead). By his last marriage he has two children : Richard II. and Ernest. Morally speaking, he has always been an active temperance man. Politically he was a republi- can until 1872, when he joined the greenback party, to which party he has ever since strictlv adhered. ^ Mary D. Willits was. born in Butler county, Ohio, May 31, 1823. She is the sixth child of Joseph and Margretta (Love) Alyea. She •came wdth her parents to Franklin county, Indiana, where they lived until 1838, when they came to Mercer county, settling in the town of New Boston. Her father was one of the first to start in business. She was married to William Danford September 13, 1845. i\Ir. Dan- ford was born March 21, 1807. He was the third child of Enoch and Mary Danford. They had four children : William B., married to Alice Kesler; Melville C, to Dora Noble; Joseph A., to Famiie Strong; Mozart, to Clara Mannon. William B. was born June 29, 1846 ; Mel- ville C, September 22, 1847; Joseph A., Decembers, 1848; Mozart, March 16, 1850. AVilliam Danford, Sr., died July 27, 1850. Mrs. Danford married again March 10, 1852, to William Willits, who was the seventh child of Jesse and Susannah Willits. He was bom 104 HISTORY OF iCERCER AKD HENDERSON COUNTIES. sionally as far as Preemption. He was always present at the annual cam|>meetings at Sugar Grove, where he worked incessantly, ardu- ously and willingly in the grand cause. He would frequently start from home early on the Sabbath, preach at 11 a.m. at one point, at 4 P.M. at another, and at early candle-light at a third, driWng home, twelve or fifteen miles, at the close of the latter serWce, and all from a love for the work, with no thought of reward in this life. He was very frequently called uj)on to perform the marriage ceremony and to preach funeral sermons, often riding fifteen to twenty miles in response to these calls, and recei\'ing only the thanks of interested parties as payment for liis serWces and loss of time. In the spring of 1850 his second wife went to her reward, closing a life of earnest, active and efficient christian work, loved and mourned by all who knew her, yet lea^dng the memory of her pm-e nature to be fondly cherished b}' all. In October, 1851, he was again married, his wife being Mrs. Rachael SahTU, of Warren county. On the night of his return to Isevf^ Boston with his bride liis residence was burned to the ground, and as it was bis all, he removed what little was saved fi*om the flames to the farm of his wife, lying in the northwest corner of Warren and the northeast comer of Henderson counties, adjoining the Mercer county line. Here he continued his pastoral labors, having regular aj^pointments at Sun- beam, Bald Bluff, Little York, Pleasant Green and other points. For three years he rode the Camden circuit. Rock Island county, as a "supply," and for one or more he supplied the Oquawka circuit, Hen- derson county. He organized what is now known as Belmont Church, in the latter county, and it was largely tlii'ough his influence that the church building was erected. In the winter of 1865, after a life of earnest work and usefulness, he passed ' ' over the river " to meet the Master whom he had so faithfully and conscientiously served, well assured of the welcome, "Well done, good and faithftil servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." His remains were interred at Bel- mont, but in 1872 were removed to the New Boston cemetery, where a small but appropriate stone marks his grave. His wife died in 1872. !Kot one of the early settlers of the county was more widely known, more highly respected, or more sincerely mourned than Father Doughty. Politically Father Doughty was identified with the demo- cratic party, particularly the Douglas wing, until the breaking out of the rebellion, after which he voted with the republicans. His sympa- thies were all with the Union, and the enlistment of his youngest son, Lucien B., and two stepsons, F. J. and Benjamin Sarvin, deepened his interest and solicitude in the movements of the Union army. In answer to a letter announcing the enlistment of his son, he wrote : V-- -1 ■■■■^.:i NEW BOSTON TOWNSHIP. lU7 " AVliile I sluill always feel an anxiety for your safety, and all the more keenly that I realize in part the dangers to which you will be exposed, I have no word of regret for your course. G, lie withdrew from that lodge in order to organize one in lluniphreysville, his place of residence, and accordingly was a charter member of Mechanics Lodge, No. 73, and was the second N.G. of that lodge. In 1848 he purchased an inter- est in the manufactory where he had been em])loyed since 1836. In 1850 he bought the whole establishment, which he carried on very suc- cessfully for a number of years. In 18.52 he was elected rejM-esenta- tive to the state legislature, which office he tilled with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. In lSo4, having met with a con- siderable loss by indorsing for others, he sold out and came west, landing in New Boston November 8th of that year, where he purchased the N. W. ^ of Sec. 29, T. 14, R. 5, which he commenced improving the following s])ring. Soon after his settlement in New Boston, J. L. Hartson, Mark J. O'Brien, J. C. Bell, C. H. Bell, D. Hines and others, became charter members of the New Boston Lodge, I.O.O.F., which was the tirst organized in the county. Mr. Llartson was the first N.G. and the first representative to the state Grand Lodge from this town and countv. He remained on his farm about four vears, when he bought a drug store in New Boston, which he carried on a little over two years ; during that time his wife Mary died. On Jan- uary 8", 1860, he was married to his present wife, who was Mrs. Fanny M. Campbell, nee Mead. In Ai)ril of 1863, having sold his town property, he returned to his farm, where he is still enjoying the quiet of rural life in his home, surrounded by a few congenial friends who know him best and love him most. WiLLiAJM Lewis was born in Wayne county, Indiana, April 25, 1832. His parents were formerly from Greene county, Virginia. He received a common school education, and in 1854 came to Mercer county and settled in New Boston township, where he has since resided. He was married October 30, 1856, to Sarah Jane, daughter of Pettis and Maria J. Finch. Thev have one child : Levd. Mr. Lewis is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has been since 1862. He is an extensive farmer, owning 620 acres of land. He has very fine buildings on his farm, and is engaged largely in stock raising and shipping. Politic- ally he is a republican. WiLLiA]^! T. Murray was born in Frederick county, ^larvland, April 16, 1820. He is the oldest son of William and Susan (Jackson) Murray. William T. left his native state in 1840, and after tra\'eling over the states of Indiana and Ohio, he settled in Wayne county, In- diana, where he lived several years. In 1856 he came to Mercer county, Illinois, where he has resided ever since. During his early life he was 110 HISTORY OF ilERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. engaged in tlie butchering business. Since coming to Mercer county he lias been cliiefly engaged in fanning and stock raisting. In 1877- he again engaged in the butcherhig bus-iness in New Boston. Pohtically he has been a republican since 1860, but previous to that time he was a democrat. He has been a member of the Methodist church since 1854, and has always advocated the temj^erance cause. In August, 1843, he was married to Miss Mary Jackson, daugliter of Amor and Debbv Jackson, of Wavne countv, Indiana. Althouii:h her maiden name is the same as his mother's, tliey are not related. They have reared three children: "William H., who is married to Miss Amna^ Essley ; Alice, married to Thomas Murphey ; and Gertrude, who remains at home with her parents. Jacob Loozer, farmer, was born March 10, 1834, in Switzerland, and emigrated to this country in 1854, and after working one year in Michigan came to Mercer county, where he has since resided. Mr. Loozer came, hearty and industrious, and with nothing to aid himself in this distant land but a willing pair of hands. Although he did not come until much later than some, he ranks among the wealthiest men in the county. After he came to the county he labored for four years on the farm for William Drury. Living very economically, at the end of four years he found he had money enough to purchase eighty acres of land, which he did. He has added to it at different times, until he has at present 640 acres. He was married March 10, 1859, to Miss Barbary Sloan. They have four children, all of whom are living. Mr. Loozer was the first man in the county to put up a wind pump. He is also agent for the Halladay's wind-mill, which is one of the best mills manu- factured. He has always been an active republican. Mr. Loozer farms on a very large scale. He generally puts in 250 acres of corn. John Seastone, wagomnaker and blacksmith, was born in Sweden, August 3, 1834. He came to this country in 1858, landing at Quebec August 21. From Quebec he went to Minnesota, where he stayed until 1859, when he came on to New Boston townshi}), where he has lived ever since. He worked at the blacksmith trade about four years at the "brick yard," which is five miles northeast of New Boston. From this point he removed to New Boston, where he has been largely engaged in wagonmaking, blacksmithing, and selling machinery of all kinds. He does a very large business, especially in the way of selling machinery. May 23, 1860, he was married to ]\Iiss Eva S. Hilmore. They have had seven children: Mary, Dora, Kate, JolmE., Charles V., Emma, Charlotte. They are all single, and live at home with their parents. Mr. Seastone is a member of the Swedish Lutheran church, at Swedona, Mercer county, Illinois. He is also a NEW BOSTON TOWNSHIP. Ill member of the order of ^lasoiis, at New Boston. Politically he is a republican. T. II. DouGHTi', police magistrate and book-keeper, was bom in Centerville, "Wayne county. Indiana, in 1831, and was the fourth child in a family of eleven children by Thomas L. and Mary J. (Kibbey) Doughty. In 1842 he emigrated to New Boston with his parents. He was a pu})il of Simeon P. Smith, and under his tuition obtained a useful education. When a boy he worked in his father's shop and learned the saddler's trade ; but most of the time since he became of age he has been a book-keeper. He was married in 1850 to ^liss Hattie M. Doughty, b}' whom he has had seven children : Willie (dead), Kate (now Mrs. P. E. Tovey), Harry (dead), Josie (dead), Jim E., Sue, and an unnamed infant. Mr. Doughty has been active among his townsmen in promoting temperance work, and the interests of the republican organization. He is a member of the Indei)endent Order of Mutual Aid, and has held several local ottices. He was the Urst mayor of New Boston, and is at present town clerk and police magistrate. Gideon Ivks, merchant, was born in Wallingford, Connecticut, in 1825, and was the youngest son of Gideon and Charlotte (Hall) Ives. He received an academic education in his native town, and in 1843 came west and settled in New Boston, where he at once began clerking for the tirm of Denison & Ives. As early as 1846 he embarked in general merchandising in partnership with Elmer J. Denison, and kept up this connection until about 1865. At that date Mr. Ives withdrew from the firm and was out of trade till 1881, when he formed a partnership with Frank Ives (his son) and C. II. Ballard (his son-in-law), under the style of Ives, Ballard tt Co. Mr. Ives was originally a whig, and voted first for president for Gen. Taylor in 1848. He has been a steadfast republican since his party came into existence. He has always been squarely identified with the tem})erance work. In 1853 he was united in marriage with ]\Iiss Rachel, daughter of John Dniry, by whom he has had seven children, as follows : Frank, who married Miss Lizzie Moll ; Jennie, wife of C. H. Ballard; Flora, Fred, Nellie (died in infancy), Hattie and Paul. CiiAKLEs W. Bras, lawyer and collector, was born in Lake county, Ohio, May 16, 1828, and is the fourth child of Thomas and Ann (Norton) Bras. He came west with his parents in 1S3T, settling in Louisa county, Iowa, wiiere he worked with his father until of age. He then learned the mason's trade and was engaged in this until l^.■)(^ when he went overland to California, enduring all the hardshij)s con- nected with an overland trip across hundreds of miles of a wilderness, 112 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. where rain never falls, and vegetation does not exist. After arriving irr. California lie clerked in a store one year, after which he was engaged in mining and running a pack-train. He returned to Louisa county, Iowa, in 1853, and was in business there until 1868, when he came to- New Boston, where he opened up a law office, and has been in business' ever since. During the late rebellion he enlisted in the '45th reg. Iowa Vol., and served six months, and was discharged. He received sl common school education, and being a close student he has acquired a good education. In September, 1853, he was married to Miss Hannah. M. Dennott. They have four children : Clarence C, Harry L., Ralph C, Charlotte E., all of whom are living. He has served eleven years- as justice of the peace, and has been a Mason over sixteen years. In pohtics he is a republican. R. S. Cramer, farmer, was born in Clermont county, Ohio, Se])- tember 5, 1825, being the first child of William and Sarah (Shute) Cramer. AYilliani was tlie first son of Adam Cramer, an early settler of Kentucky, being a near neighbor of the noted Daniel Boone of early Kentucky fame. R. S. was married to Mrs. Charlotte B. Hams in the fall of 1847 ; she was born in Miami countv, Ohio, in the vear of 1831. They emigrated to Knox county in the fall of 1855. His wife was feeble at the time, and died in Julv, 1856. Two children were born of this union, but they both died while quite young. Mr. Cramer came to this county in the fall of 1856 to make this his permanent home. He remembers of passing along the Air Line raih-oad (surveyed) over the site where now stands Aledo. It was tlien (1855) nothing but a bleak j^rairie, relieved only by the stakes for the raih-oad. He made his home with James M. Manon, of Eliza township (afterward elected sheriff and circuit clerk of this county, and who was, during the late war, colonel of the 102d 111. Vol.), until he married the Widow Cole in February, 1857. She was a sister of the colonel and daugher of Aaron Manon of the same township. The Widow Cole (his present wife) was born in Wayne county, Indiana, in 1820, and emigrated to this county with her father's family in 1836, and settled in Eliza township. There has been no children by this marriage. Immediately after his marriage he settled two and a half miles north of New Boston, where he has lived for more than twenty-five years. Mr. Ci'amer was brought up in ' a neighborhood where almost everybody belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church. He joined at fifteen years of' age and remained a member of the same some fifteen years. He always indulged in much reading and refiection. The result was he became heterodox in his theological opinions, and to-day is well known as a spiritualist. In politics he early became convinced of the great wrongs infiicted upon NEW BOSTON TOWNSHIP. 113 the slaves. He gave his lirst vote for Sahnon P. Chase for governor of Oliio, because of his anti-slavery proclivities. From that time till the formation of the republican party he gave his votes where he thought they would promote the anti-slavery interest. He voted for Fremont, in 1856 and continued to act with the republican party until Grant was- candidate for president the second time; and although he was a great admirer of Greeley he refrained fi'om voting at all until Peter Cooper run on the greenback ticket for president. From that time to the present he has been an ardent greenbacker and anti-mono}>olist. He is serving at this time (1882) as chairman of the central committee for the greenback labor party of this county. Mr, Cramer was a very enthusiastic supporter of the late war, having full coniidence that it would result in the fi'eedom of the slaves. He wrote the first articles (published in the "New Boston Herald" and the "Aledo Record") that were ever published in this county advocating the policy as well as the justice of giving the negro the right to vote. We think it proper to mention here the name of Stephen Randall as one of the well to do farmers of New Boston township. He came to the northeastern part of the township, where he has resided ever since, having accumulated considerable property. He was born in Rensselaer county, New York, November 8, 1813. He is the oldest child of Stephen and Nancy (Cutler) Randall. He came with his parents to Mercer county in the year 1843. He was married February 13, 1844, to Miss Rachel Trumbull of Rensselaer county, New York. She was born September 29th, 1827, and is the sixth child of William and Pauley Trumbull. They have had eleven children (three of whom are dead): Nancy A., married to Joseph Tomelson; William M., to Lueinda Uterback; Lucy M., to Calvin C. Wyatt; Pauley E., to John Fulerton; Celia M., to James AV. Scott; Stephen, Cilvia and Aaron are dead ; Minnie, Alonzo and Tlieron are at home with their parents. Rachel, his wife, died November 15, 1864. He was married again June 14, 1875, to Mrs. M. J. Jones. She was born June 29, 1833, in Rensselaer county. New York, and is a daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Brooks) Bradt. Mr. Randall received only a common school education. In politics he is a republican. He has at present 434 acres of land in section 10 of New Boston township, and also 160 acres in Iowa. Tlie subject of this sketch, O. C. Lutz, was born in Mercer county, Illinois, March 14, 1845, and is next to the youngest child of Isaac and Lydia (Light) Lutz. His father came to Mercer county in 1836 and settled in New Boston township, where he resided until his death, which took place in October, 1879. His mother died Sei>tember, 1879, 114 HISTORY OF IVIERCER AXD HENDERSON COUNTIES. at the age of seventy-four. His father was seventy-eight years of age at his death. O. C.'s father built the iirst grist mill in the county about 1838. In 1858 he built a large and commodious mill near the site of the old one. O. C. Lutz started out in life with limited means. He has gradually worked his way u]) until he now owns considerable property. The first real estate he owned was eighty acres in Eliza township. This he sold in 1873 and went to York county, Nebraska, "where he became the owner of 480 acres of land, which yields him an annual income of $700. In March, 1881, he bought the mill estate of his father's in Mercer county, Illinois, and returned in October of the same year, and has refitted the mill and is now prepared to compete with any other mill in the country. Xovember 1, 1871, he was married to Miss Permelia, daughter of Henry and Permelia Hempton. She was born October 12, 1854. They have had two children. In connection with his mill property he owns 167 acres of land. • Mr. Lutz is a republican and cast his first vote for Lincoln. Thomas Willitt, farmer, was born August 22, 1846, in Mercer county, Illinois. His parents were Kentuckians. He was married September 18, 1871. His wife was the daughter of David and Xancy Brought. She was born in Hancock county, Ohio, December 9, 1848. In 1862 Mr. Willitt enlisted in the 30th reg. 111. Yol. He served his country until the close of the war, and then returned to his home and engaged in agriculture. He received a common school education. He makes a living for himself and family by honest toil. LviiAN H. ScuDDER was born in Cattaraugus countv, Xew York, October 29, 1829. In the year 1847 he came to jS^ew Boston, where he resided until the spring of 1852, when he started with an ox team for California, and arrived in Placerville in September of that year. He was engaged in mining and farming until the summer of 1855, when he returned to iS^ew Boston. He then ene-a^ed in the liverv business, which he followed until the summer of 1862. In July of that year he enlisted, and on the tenth day of September he was mustered into the service of the United States as captain of company G, 124th reg. 111. Yol. Inf. His regiment became a part of the third Division of the 17th Ai'iny Corps, which was then engaged in pre})aring for the capture efYicksburg, Miss. He i)articipated in several skirmishes and battles, in one of which (Champion Hills, Miss.) he was wounded, and in July, 1864, owing to ill health, he resigned his commission and returned to his home. He has been a resident of New Boston ever since. The subject of this sketch has been twice married. May 13, 1861, he was nuirried to Miss Fanny E. Ives, of Oquawka, Illinois, who died in May, 1865, leaving one son. February 11. I>i66, he was NEW BOSTON TOWNSHIP. 115 inarried to !Miss Helen L. Moore, daughter of George and Jemima Moore, of New Boston. She was born in EHza township, four miles from her ])resent residence, on May 10, 1837. She has a just claim to be called one of the early settlers. In politics Captain Scudder is 'republican, having voted and advocated the principles of that party ever since its organization. For the past sixteen years he has resided on a farm three miles north of New Boston and has taken considerable interest in a])ianan pursuits. The subject of the following sketch is not identified with the his- tory of Mercer county for so long a period as some others, as he did not come until 1S48. Mr. Isom Jackson was born in Hancock county, Indiana, A})ril 4, 1839, and consequently was nine years of age when he came to this county with his parents. He is the youngest child of Dempsy and Mary Jackson. His parents are still living at the age of seventy-five" each. As a tiller of the soil Mr. Jackson has worked at it all his life. By grasping the few advantages afforded in early times he obtained a common school education. He was married May 29, 1864, to Miss Salinda, daughter of John and Rachel Fisher. Mr. Jackson was always a democrat nntil 1876, when he joined the green- back party, of which he has been a member ever since. They have had six children, all of whom are living: they are Ed., John, Homer, Thomas, Bert and Edney. Mr. Jackson has been very successful in accumulating property. At present he has 240 acres of land, 200 of which is in New Boston township and 40 in Eliza. In response to his country's call he enlisted in the 124tli regiment, and after serving eleven months, was wounded in the left hand and right arm, from which he has been a cripple ever since. Among the well-to-do farmers of New Boston townshi]) may be mentioned Thomas J. Jackson, who was born in Hancock county, Indiana, July 24, 1837. He is next to the youngest child of Demsy and Mary Jackson. When eleven years of age he came with his parents to Mercer county, Illinois, settling in New Boston township, where he has resided ever since. His parents are still living at the age of seventy-five each, and in good health. Mr. Jackson worked with his father until twenty-one years of age, when he commenced farming for himself, in which business he has been engaged ever since with the exception of two years spent in California, where he went in 1862, staying two years. He went by the way of New York, down the Atlantic, across the Isthmus of Panama, and up the Pacific ocean to San Francisco, and returned in 1864. Received a common school education. He was marrieurr came among the people soon after McMurtry. For a long wliile at first the inhabitants were mostly Universalists, and they were ministered to from about 1842 to 1850 by the Rev. 8 126 HISTOKT OF MERCER AJiTD HENDERSON COUNTIES. Gregg, who came fi-om Galesburg and occupied the church at the bluff in New Boston township, and whejti passing through Keithsburg to and from his charge, held services in the place. The outward evidence was that the Master's kingdom did not more than hold its own. B. L. Hardin, who came in the sprmg of 1841, was here three montlis, he says, before he discovered a professing cliristian, though like Diogenes he hunted the bailiwick over, but not with the same c^niical philosophy. The first meeting he attended was four miles north of his home, in New Boston township, at a Mr. Rader's, where the congregation numbered just six persons, including Mr. Rader's family. The Rev. Wiley was the itinerant. Preaching followed at that place every four weeks during the summer, and has been kept up in that neighborhood nearly ever since. In the autumn of the same year services were begun at Mr. Hardin's house, and the first sermon was by the Rev. Burr, who had a charge in New Boston township. When the appointment was given out Mr. Hardin set himself to making benches out of common slabs to seat the crowd that he could see with the eye of faith would come to the meeting. He labored with zeal and the pile of benches grew. Unwittingly though done, it was successful advertising, rivaling the subtlest conception of the down-east Yankee. Curiosity and inquiry were the result, and as Noah when building the ark was the butt of questioners and doubters, so Mr. Plardin was beset with questions and skeptical objections, and if he was ridiculed a little it was all the same ; the work went on. The preacher was early at hand, and as the hour for service approached, the door was thrown open to surjDrise the wait- ing minister with the inspiring sight of people swarming from every direction. He said the house would not hold the people, and it would not but for their standing up in a densely packed throng. The benches and the Christian perseverance of Brother Hardin had done holy work, iMit the former were now as useless as the open roof of the Arkansas traveler. However, they had subsequent use. This meeting showed that souls were hungry. Either an influx of orthodox Christians had come into the settlement between spring and fall, or the Universalists had turned out like boys to a circus. The appointment was regularly continued at this place, and in the autumn of 1843 the first class ever organized in the township was formed at Mr. Hardin's house. The original members were James Gibson and his wife Polly, John Nevius and his wife Hannah, B. L. Hardin and his wife Minerva, and James Nevius, Jr. Mr .Kel- logg joined at the next meeting. In the summer of 1846 preaching was begun at John McII. Wilson's by the Revs. Whitman and KEITHSBURG TOWNSinP. 127 Geddings, circuit riders, and services were kept up liere one year. In warai Aveatlicr day nieetinfi;s were held in tlie grove ; and at night in Mr. Wilson's cabinet shop. Other preaching points in the country were at John Nevius' and James Gibson's; and all four places were used until about 1850, when Keithsburg became the center where the people came together for worship. Tlie Vannattas made the beginning here. As early as 1834 Rousy Bowen was living in a little house on the bank of the river, and chop- ping wood for these men. By the next year Jesse Mount had come to the settlement, and the same season Robert Keith bought Benjamin Vannatta's claim, which embraced the site of the present town, and in the spring of 1836 took possession of his purchase. He continued keeping the wood-yard which his predecessors had started, and hence- forth the place was called Keith's Landing. It was in this same year that the insane policy of internal improvement inaugurated an era of the wildest speculation ever witnessed in this country. It is next to incredible that men could have been capable of so \asionary schemes. In the absence of epidemic excitement, half-grown boys would have shown more reason. But as it was, towns were planted everywhere by being laid off, as this was cheaply done ; for the pro])ne- tors imagined they saw in it the source of sudden wealth. Although Father Keith could not have escaped the ruling influence of the times, it is ])lain that he did not reckon without some judgment, and that he was not mistaken as to the right place for the town, but it was witli several years of patient suspense that he waited for the fruition of his. hopes and plans. The original survey was made by Hiram Hardie, deputy county surveyor, on July 29, 1837, and the plat was acknowledged before Abraham Miller, Jr., county clerk, by Mr. Keith, on November IS. The location is on Sec. 23, T. 13, R. 5. Two principal streets, Main and Washington, were laid out east and west, and these were crossed by seven others designated as First, Second, etc., beginning next the river. The plat com})rised thirteen blocks. The first sale of lots took place in July, the same year, and several of them were bought at prices varying fi*om $20 to $60. Subsequeiitly a few families came here to settle, and prominent among the number was Joseph J. Wordin, the first wheelwright, who still resides in the town. But the place lingered along in discouraging inactivity until 1845. We refrain from calling it a town at this date, for its actual towjihood has always- been reckoned by the citizens from 1847, when it succeeded to the dig- nity of county-town. When emigration had brought to the back country a moderate but sturdy population, a convenient ship]ting })oint. 128 HISTORY OF MERCER AJS'D HENDERSON COUNTIES. was of the first necessity. Even yet eai)ital was scarce, and the times had not ahogether abated their stringency, and business men did not stand ready then to invest in town })roperty in a new country, in advance of the real demands of trade. So an association of farmers, living mostly in Abington and Ohio Grove townships, undertook, in 1844, to erect a warehouse in Keithsburg for storing and handling then- grain. To encourage the project, Robert Keith gave lots six and iseven, in block three, on which the building was begun, facing north at the foot of Main street ; and when the fi'ame was up, title to the property passed to William Willett. The evident prospect of future business brought Col. J. B. Patterson, of Oquawka, here, and he secured an equal interest in the warehouse on condition of finishing it. Keith had put up a small building for a business stand, and he per- suaded Patterson to fill it with a stock of goods. "The Colonel put Spence Record into the new warehouse to receive grain, while he and Roothe Nettleton sold -dry goods and groceries over on Washington street." Writing afterward of the small beginnings of the place. Col. Pat- terson said: "At this time, 1845, we visited Keithsburg with a view of making it a trading point ; to sell goods and buy produce. The improvements consisted of one frame house (which we had fitted up for a store), one log house, and three cabins. The trade of that season amounted to 3,690 bushels of wheat, 512 barrels of flour and 2,250 bushels of corn. At the close of the season we retu*ed, leaving the work we had begun in the good hands and stout hearts of Messrs. Noble & Gayle; and Nohly have they kept the banner we entrusted to them waving in the Gayle until many a Doughty champion has risen up to proclaim the glories of a town which, though a wilderness a few years ago, is now Rife with business (the Spice or life we may say of prosperous progress), and ranks high among her sister towns. " Noble & Gayle, young and enterprising business men, erected a one-story frame store on lot 1, block 2, corner of Main and Second streets, and a warehouse on lot 10. In 1848, thev built a brick packing house, which stood on lot 0. In the same year that Noble & Gayle began business, McConaha & Rife started a saloon, called in those days a grocery. The next store was ojjened the following year by Jonathan Judah, a Jew, and occupied lot 7, block 4. The old building is still standing. In 1848 Wilford J. Ungles arrived with his family and began trading at the foot of Washington street, where, in 1855, he erected a large warehouse, which is yet in use. Wilson Redmon began the erection this year of the brick building on Main street now owned and occupied by Mrs. McManus. AVhile in process KEITIISBURG TOWNSHIP. , 120 of building lie sold it to Dr. A. ]]. Campbell, who finished it. In the spring of 1849, McConaha tfc Rife dissolved partnership, and the latter embarked in the grocery trade, afterward adding dry goods, first occu- pying the Camj)bell building until he erected, the same year, the brick house adjoining it on the west. The brick store on the northeast corner (»f ^fain and Second streets was built by T. B. Cabeen, in 1S48. On the second and third floors lie fitted up a suit of rooms which were occupied by his family, while the business part of the house was filled the next year with a stock of goods by Mrs, E. Smith. In 1851, R. H. Spicer *k Co., Mrs. Smith being the other member of the firm, started in trade in the same place. In 1847 a series of elections liaving taken place, the ultimate choice for the county seat fell to Keithsburg, Donations from the citizens in and around the place were nearly, if not fully, sufficient to build the court-house. Keith gave half of the fractional tract known as Keith's first addition, which was shortly after laid out (January 12, 1848), and then the division of blocks was made by alternate choice. Those fall- ing to the county were subdivided into lots, which were sold and the proceeds ajiplied to the erection of the court-house ; but Keith did not commence the sale of his for some years. The first term, and several subsequent ones of the circuit court, after the removal of the seat of justice, were held in AVillett's warehouse, which use in various ways became a public convenience. The coui't-house was built on the secluded campus covering four-fifths of block 7, and all that part lying within the addition. It was finished at the end of the summer of 1851, and was considered a building that the county might be proud of in its infancy, though its squat a])pearance called out the malicious remark that it might be mistaken for a church. It is a one-story brick, 40 X 50 feet on the foundation. Col. Patterson having wound up his business here in 1846, William Willett, who emigrated in 1838 and had just settled in the town this year, started up in the grain trade in the warehouse in which he and Patterson held joint ownership. When the latter transferred his interest to Burr P. McConaha, in 1849, the two formed a short-lived partnership, the last-named withdrawing early in 1850 and joining the emigration to California. Willett then leased the building foi- one year to Willits & Doughty and accepted a situation in their service. Next year Willits, who was tlie heavy member of the firm, and had stocked the house and sent Df)ughty down from New Boston, where both lived, to manage the business, sold out to A. B. Sherifi", William Willett and J. W. Doughty, and these men carried on business together a few years, Doughty fiiuilly selling to his partners. The 130 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. partnership of Sheiiff & "Willett lasted till 1864, when the latter retired just in time to save himself fi-om the prodigious decline in prices following the close of the war, which overtook his partner and swamped him, as had been the issue with nearly all of the tradesmen in the crisis of 1857. The building was used for grain storage till about 1875, and from that time as a liver j until January 20, 1879, at wdiich date it was burned down. Thus disappeared the original land- mark in which the real business history of Keithsburg had birth. Phelps tfe Brewer occuj^ied it, but the loss, reaching $1,000, fell upon Willett. Dropping back to 1850, we find trade and industry in lively growth and activity, and the other attributes of townhood multiplying in social, benevolent and literary organizations. Before railroads came into use produce was hauled to the Illinois and Mississippi rivers ; and prior to the construction of the Illinois & Michigan canal farmers went all the way to Chicago from this and adjoining counties with ox and horse teams to sell a little grain and pork, and to bring back a few store goods. Some of the pioneers who toiled in this manner are still living, and we have heard them say that the expenses of a trip were sometimes greater than the receipts. In point of business Oquawka was the senior of Keithsburg by a number of years, but now she had a spirited rival which was diverting a generous share of her hitherto large trade. October 16th Col. Patterson published in Oquawka the first num- ber of the ' ' Oquawka Spectator and Keithsburg Observer, " this title being confined to the inside of the sheet, and the ''Observer" depart- ment to the third page. The Keithsburg editor was James "W. Doughty, of the mercantile firm of Doughty & Willits. At this time there were two places of public entertainment : the Calhoun House, built by John Moore in 1850, and kept by H. G. •Calhoun ; and the Keithsburg House, with J. B. McConaha as land- lord. A division of the Sons of Temperance was in a fiourishing state, and in the early spring of 1852 "Star Union" of the Daughters of Temperance came to its support in the same beneficent work. Late in the season a debating society was formed by some of the leading men for mental culture and entertainment during the winter, the most active being Robert Keith, John C. Pepper, B. C. Taliaferro, N. C. Adams, R. C.^Cabeen, O. C. Allen and Dr. E. L. Marshall. At the opening of the packing season James A. ISToble put in oper- ation his large, new slaughter-house, and about the same time Gayle finished an additional warehouse. Next spring Noble began selling the first drugs. KEITIISBURG TOWXSIIII'. 131 A little later occurred the remarkable flood of 1851. Tlie water began rising near the end of May, and on the 2^th was encroaching upon the streets ; it continued to spread until it reached nearly to Fifth street, when it was standing over the lower part of the town from four to seven feet in depth, according to the inequalities of the surface. In the main quarter the ground has since been raised four feet by filling. The river kept u]i,at its highest stage until the 11th of June, when it commenced falling slowly. The "Observer" of that date said: "Our town is flooded. Goods and household furniture on platforms and second floors. We share the fate of our neighbors." It adds that the Mississippi covers the country from seven to ten miles in width 1,800 miles above its mouth. Rafts circulated in the streets in the course of business ; and the row and sail boats Kate and Fawn went about the town by moonlight, bearing ' ' lovely women and brave men," in pleasuring and serenading parties. The river was not within its banks again till after the 20th. This rise was compared to those of 1844 and 1828, and it is said sui-passed them. The high water of October, 1881, rose within a few inches of the same mark. Half a mile of the railroad track was submerged ; and skifl^'s tied up on Second street. There was a notable freshet the previ- ous June, and also one the preceding year. July 15, 1852, by a vote of the citizens, Keithsburg became a corporate town under the general incorporation law ; and on Monday, the 26th, the first board of trustees was elected, consisting of AVilliam Willett, J. J. Wordin, T. B. Cabeen, Alexander Davis and X. B. Partridge. The same year William Gayle built a steam saw mill on Pope •creek, where the railroad bridge crosses, and sold it to John H. Mar- shall & Co., by whom, in 1856, it was converted into a flouring mill. Subsequently it was known as the Ogden mill, and was burned after a few years. Tlie second saw mill was built by Ender & Eckly at the foot of Van Buren street. This was burned down, and they immedi- ately built another, which was run unsuccessfully some three years, when, being abandoned to creditors, it was bought b}' William D. Smith, who moved it to Jackson street, between Eighth and Ninth, where it was used for planing and sawing out dimension and hardwood lumber. Tlie next saw mill was removed in 1857, or the year after, to the foot of Jackson street, by Alexander Frick, it having been flrst put up on John E. Willit's land to saw ties and timbers for the Warsaw & Rockford railroad. It was leveled by fire in 1859. Tlie fourth saw mill is the one standing at the foot of Tan Buren street, on the site of the Ender 6c Eckly mill, and was built about 1865 132 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. by Smitli c% Hersey. It was the largest mill in the county when biiilty and was run with profit, employing some thirty-iive men, till 1872, since which time it has not been operated, except in a small way, James C. Stevens erected a grist mill on Eighth street, between Main and AVashington, about 1864. This was never a success, and was dis- mantled between 1877 and 1879. The Elevator Flour Mills were put into the Eife warehouse on Second street, at the foot of Washington, by W, D. Smith, in 1868. This building was consumed January 1, 1878. About 1855 a distillery was erected on the river, in Mechanics'^ addition, by W. L. Matthews and O. C. Richardson. After operating it a year they sold it to AVilliam Gayle. Through his failure it passed out of his hands in 1857, and was idle till Benjamin Phelps became the o-vvner. He ran it very successfully three years and sold it to Pickering. Stewart and Colvin each owned it afterward, a^id finally Mason & Crosby, of Chicago, who refitted it at large expense, when it was burned down in 1872, before they had put it in operation. It wa& insured for the sum of $10,000. This distillery was not exempt fi-om certain infirmities of transaction which was common to the distiller's business after the war had induced the high tax on spirits. In 1880 C. A. & L. L. Mertz erected a saw and planing mill at the base of the sand bluif in Keith's first addition, which they are now operating in conjunction with their lumber trade. In July, 1853, the ferry boat Dove, owned- by Seth H. Redmon, began making daily trips between Keithsburg and Huron and Prairie Point. The same proprietor was "running the swift, staunch and capacious steam ferry boat Iowa," three years later. Mr. Gayle erects a large two-story packing house in 1853. Keiths- burg is in the middle of the period of its greatest growth, which extended from 1850 to 1856, and two more additions are laid out: Keith's seconfl, April 1, and Sheriff & Cabeen's, June 3. The country for thirty-five miles back was tributary to this point, which was becoming, and soon became, the leading produce market above St. Louis. Trade got to be immense for a town of so moderate size. One "big day" in February, 1854, 250 teams were counted in the town, and it was believed that 300 had been in from the country. Of this number eighty remained over night. Gayle & Co. and Noble & Bro. were the packers at this date. In the following autumn the first- named firm erected a slaughter house near the steam mill. It might be well to say that the first packing done in the place was by Noble & Cxavle in the winter of 1846-7. Gore ife Gamble beffan business in the spring of 1854. The latter retired at the end of two years and Miv Gore remained in trade till after the war. KEITHSBURG TOWNSHIP. 133- Tlie storekeepers and produce dealers in 1855 were W. Gayle & Co., A. Rife, Sheritf & AVillett, B. P. Frick & Co., Gore & Gamble and P. T. Iluijlies. Three of these iirms were doing the i)aeking at the close of tlie year. At this period goods were sold on long credit, a year's time. After a day of large sales hardly money enough could be found in the drawer to take the salesmen to a show. At the end of the year debtors settled their accounts by note. Many of these ran one, two and three years, and some are running yet. For ten years from 1850, when the ])opu- lation of the county was 5,300, the country east of Keithsburg, like all parts of the west, settled up rapidly. The settlers were generally men of small means, who depended upon the heavy dealers for money to make payments on their land, expecting and engaging to discharge tliese second obligations with their crops. It was the custom of Messrs. Gayle and Rife to advance large sums in this way, and tliey oflen took* the risk of cri])])ling their own credit by these accommodations. Tlie necessities of trade also required that the more extensive tradesmen should buy their patrons' grain and hogs, and these two kinds of busi- ness, dissevered now, naturally iitted together then as parts of the same system. Accordingly the heavy merchants combined a warehouse and slaught.ering business with merchandising. A few statistics will show the gi'owth and amount of business better than any other form of statement. From the first of October, 1850, to the iirst of October, 1851, the shipments of grain purchased here amounted to 169,366 bushels of wheat, corn and oats, besides some meat and other products. In the same time tliere were received 407-|- tons of merchandise. Februaiy 24, 1852, 3,176 bushels of grain were taken in, "this being no inore than an average day for the last ten. The receipts for the week ending the 2Stli exceeded 20,000 bushels." During the packing season of 1854-5 there were slaughtered 6,852 hogs by the several packers, as follows : William Gayle & Co., 4,790 ;. A.^Rife, 1,064 : J. A. Noble, 853 ; and W. H. tingle's, 145. Between May 10 and June 14, 1856, there were shipped 48,231 pieces of bulk pork, 374 barrels of pork, 75 casks of hams, 344 sacks of hair and 250 sacks of potatoes. From May 10 to October 11 the aggregate amount of grain taken on board here (in addition to heavy shipments in April) reached 108,291 sacks, or 27tN727 bushels. During the two weeks ending October 11 the shipments by the various firms- were as follows: William Gayle & Co., 16.162 sacks; A. Rife, 10,284; B. P. Frick 6z Co., 3,536; W. II. Ungles, 7,018; and Slieriff & Willett, 2,054. 134 HISTORY OF MERCEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. Tlie largest single shipment ever made was 33,000 bushels of corn Id J William Orayle, in April of the present year (1882). The total receipts at this market between the opening of navigation in 1881 and the same time this rear were 550,000 bushels. The first shipment ever made from here was by Thomas B. Cabeen, March 25, 1842, and consisted of about 1,400 bushels of wheat in 437 barrels. The grain was raised by himself and his father in Ohio Grove township, and was transported by the steamer Hunts ville, which was a week making the passage to St. Louis. In 1855 Mr. Gayle erected the three-story brick structure, now the Larue House, on the corner of Main and Second streets, for a store, and the next year put up the addition on the west. The same year B. F. Gruwell built a three-story brick addition to his hotel on the •corner of Main and Third streets where Wliiting's store stands. The •main part was also brick, and from September, 1850, until it became the property of Mr. Gruwell in 1852,. it was conducted by H. G. Cal- houn. The entire establishment was destoyed by lire in February, 1860. Among the earlier and better residences we note as landmarks the first brick building in the place, the small house put up by Robert Keith in 1846, on Fourth street, adjoining the Commercial Hou§e ; the wing of C. S. Ortli's liouse by J. A. Noble in 1849, and the two-story front subsequently added by him ; Gayle's in 1850-51 ; EUett's in 1853 ; T. B. Cabeen's in 1854 ; Rife's in 1855, and Keith's new brick in 1856. The Central House was built for a residence by Oliver Ross, in 1856, and next year it was enlarged by G. J. Ross. At one time it Avas the Beasley House. The Commercial House was erected in 1849 by Matthew R. Patter- son, for a private residence. In 1850 he conveyed it to S. S. Phelps, ^nd then went to California, where he died. Seven years ago it was opened as a public house by the present proprietor, David N. "Wolfe. He was born in Wayne county, Indiana, February 27, 1833, and is the son of Jacob and Mary (Yount) Wolfe. In 1852 he came to Mercer county, looking for a place for settlement. He soon returned to Indiana and made arrangements to remove and permanently inhabit this county, and in 1855 carried out this plan. His first loca- tion was in New Boston township, where he engaged in farming. In September, 1861, he enlisted in company G, 30th 111. Inf , and carried a gun in his country's service nearly four years. After his ""veteran" re-enlistment he was appointed second sergeant, but very soon was commissioned captain of his company by Gov. Yates. He was hon- orably mustered out of the army at Louisville. On his return he KKITHSIURG TOWNSHIP. 135 began doing a mercantile business, but in a little while was compelled by loss of eyesight to abandon it. lie went t(t Chicago for treatment, which resulted in partial recovery. Since 1875 he has been keeping the Commercial. On March 4, 1857, he was married to Miss Mary J., daughter of John and Sarah (Campbell) Willits. She was born in the same county that he himself was, October 17, 1833, and was brought to Mercer county in her infancy. Gertrude, Josephine and Sarah E. are their children. The following list is believed to contain about all the tradesmen and mechanics whose length of residence or business importance enti- tles them to mention. The dates cover the term of their residence in the town ; while many of them are exact, some are only approxi- mately so, and a very few may be found wider still of the correct mark : 1838-82. J. J. Wordin. 1848-75. 1830-49. David Bowen. 1848-80. 1840-59. G. J. Ross. 1848-56. 1840-77. C. C. Wordin. 1848-56. 1842-56. James Garner. 1848-81. 1844-82. H. G. "Calhoun. 1848. 1845-6. J. B. Patterson. 1849-82. 1845-50. Matthew^ R. Patterson. 1849-82. 1845-82. T. B. Cabeen. 1849-73. 1846-57. James Patterson. 1849-58. 1846-82. William Gayle. 1849-82. 1846-62. James A. Noble. 1849-69. 1846-56. Jonathan Judah. 1849-82. 1846-82. II. G. Calhoun. 1850-56. 1846. Mrs. J. A. Hubbell. 1850-54. 1846-82. Abraham Rife. 1850-58. 1846-82. William Willett. 1850-67. 1846-79. Daniel Keith. 1850-82. 1846-82. A. F. Glover. 1850-82. 1846-65. I. J. Mitchell. 1850-72. 1846-51. Dr. S. S. Gruber. 1850-60. 1847-8. E. F. Barstow. 1850-56. 1847-8. Wm. R. Robinson. 1851-8. 1847-82. A. B. Sheriff. 1851-2. 1847-59. Levi Buttertield. 1852-3. 1847-51. Dr. David Camj-blell. 1852-4. 1847-60. Dr. A. B. Campbell. 1852-6. 1847-68. K. B. Partridge. 1852-82. Francis Stebinger. B. D. Ellett. L. W. Thompson. John S. Thomi)Son. , B. C. Taliaferro. Richard Rice. Mrs. E. Smith. William D. Smith. Wilford J. Ungles. R. C. Cabeen. Thomas Freeman. John C. Pepper. James C. Stevens. Jolm W. Xoble. James W. Doui^hty. Jolm H. ^larshall. J()sei)h Ilarvey. Dr. E. L. Marshall. Dr. A. P. Willits. John T. Calhoun. Truman Lord. Thomas Morehead. W. L. Matthews. R. H. Sjjicer. William Hawkins. John W. Ditto. J. C. Cabeen, J. A. Swezv. 136 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. 1S52-62. David Harvey. 1857-68. lbo2-68. J. S. Pinkerton. 1857-82. 1852-60. Argilleous Swindler. 1858. 1852-82. B. F. Gruwell. 1858-82. 1853-73. C. C. Matlock. 1858-82. l.s:..3-72. Philip Coonrod. 1858-66. 1853-71. S. H. Kedmon. 1858-63. 1853-82. Chas. J. Simpson. 1858-67. 1853-68. Joseplms Wade. 1858-65. 1853-78. R M. Eddington. 1858-82. 1853-82. Joim Thomson. 1858-82. 1853-82. R C. Hnmbert. 1859-64. 1854-72. Philip Gore. 1859-72. 1854-64. M. J. O'Brien. 1859-82. 1854-78. Dr. Joseph Ogden. 1859-82. 1S54-7. J. W. Elrick. 1859-82. 1854-82. G. W. Whiting. 1859-82. 1854-82. Thomas Sonster. 1860-65. 1854-80. Walter J. Pepper. 1860-56. 1854-67. E. D. W. Coville. 1860-82. 1854-82. Branson Brewer. 1860-82. 1855-63. P. T. Hughes. 1860-82. 1855-82. B. P. Frick. 1861-82. 1855-82. C. S. Frick. 1861-75. 1855-7. I. N. Bassett. 1862-6. 1855-9. Pdchard Keese. 1862-82. 1855-72. Joseph Thompson. 1862-4. 1855-71. C. Lellyenberg. 1863-82. 1856-80. Andrew Frazier. 1863-70. 1856-69. S. M. Evans. 1864-79. 1856-82. J. C. Humphreys. 1864-82. 1856-82. C. A. Frick. 1864-82. 1856-82. Pvobert McKnight. 1864-73. 1856-62. Luther T.BalL 1864-82. 1857-78. Dr. C. S. Hollingsworth. 1864-82. 1857-62. Thomas Hardin. 1865-82. 1857-70. L. A. Ender. 1865-82. 1857-60. Charles Eckly. 1865-82. 1857-82. Benijah Lloyd. 1865-82. 1857-60. Robert Gray. 1866-82. 1857-82. William L. Millman. 1866-82. 1857-82. William Deterline. ls«;7-76. John Beavens. Jacob Wolf. M. B. Cox. Dennis Murto. C. S. Orth. John P. Reed. C. P. Elder. T. L. Greenhow. Margaret Hughes. C. d'Leary. Jacob Wolf. Alexander Holland. O. Holland. Dr. Samuel Kelly. John Kaufman. E. Pritz. Jacob Abraham. Washington Wolf. John F. Gurley. W. L. Range. George F. Parsons. Hugh Campbell. William Kolkenbeck. J. H. T. Madden. C. W. Cilley. Mrs. Isaac Manus. Edwin S. Stockton. Joseph Venable. William Home. Gilbert Brewer. P. Buford. W. Mellinger. C. W. Talhiferro. Henry Mellinger. David H. AVolfe. AVilliam Dempster. Dr. E. Rathburn. C. A. Mertz. L. L. Mertz. W. H. Phares. A. H. Ebv. Merrick A. Weaver.. KEITHSBL'RG TOWNSHIP. 137 1867-82. F. p. Burgott. 1875-82. C. G. Slocumb. 1868-82. James D. Clark. 1875-82. John Ilehvig. 1869-82. S. L. Long. 1879-82. G. B. Sap]). 1869-82. H. L. Long. 1880-82. John Dunn. 1870-82. Milton Anderson. 82. Tom Marshall. The third addition to tlie town, called Mechanics addition was laid off June 10, 1854, by J. B. Stockton. A. B. Sheriff laid out another iN'ovember 5, 1855; Keith's third addition was i»latted May 21, 1861, and his fourth October 17, 1863 ; Ender and Stockton's October 26, 1863 ; and Ender's May 9, 1857. Upper Keithsburg, which is a mere hamlet, was surveyed on section 13 by C. S. Ricliey in the summer of 1857 for Johalon Tyler and T. B. Cabeen. A man named Larue was the first blacksmith. James Heaton, who came in 1848, was the second. He burned his charcoal in ]Main street opposite Dennis Murto's present residence. Thomas Hendricks, O. C. Allen, and another by the name of Pierce were early smiths. Wm. Brewer started the first cooper shop, and his place was taken by Phili]) Forward. Jacob Cooper had the next, and Kelson Green also worked some tim'e at the trade. The first barber was a man named Folder, who set up the strijied pole in 1854. ^'EWSPAPERS. Owing to the reason that, with a single exception, files of Keiths- "burg newspapers have not been presen^ed, we are obliged to confess our inability to give a full account of the publishing business. As stated on a former page. Col. Patterson of the '"Oquawka Spectator" introduced into his paper a Keithsburg department under the title of "Observer." Tliis was begun October 16, 1850, and continued till the spring of 1856, when he was persuaded by the very liberal and confident promises of Mr. Keith and others to found the ''Keithsburg Observer." He went to Kew York and purchased a press and office material at an outlay of $1,300, and on April 23 issued the first number of his paper. Some five hundred patrons were enrolled on the subscription list — not more than half the number anticipated by the too sanguine Ijromoters 'of the enterprise. Business men were liberal in advertising jjatronage, and after a useful existence of over a year under Col. Pat- terson, the pa})er, cleverly avoiding during that time partisan j)()litics and religious dogmatisms, was sold by him to William li. Calhoon, the last issue under the original proprietorship being August 15, 1857. In the summer of 1S5S Calhoon changed the title of the paper to ^'Mercer County Democrat," and at the same time changed it from an 138 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. independent to a democratic sheet. He was a good printer but bad financier, and tins transition was one ratlier of necessity than of in- clination, for he was from this time simply the publisher while the editorial columns were exclusively under the control of a committee. The paper now ceased measurably (and during the political canvass of that year, when the intellectual gladiators, "Honest Abe" and the "Little Giant," went up and down the state discussing momentous issues, absolutely), to be a medium for communicating local news and discussing home topics, and was an organ only for disseminating the doctrines of a party. Sometime in 1859 the paper suspended, and on December 28 Mr. Calhoon began the publication of the ' ' Northern Illinois Commer- cial " apparently, if not really, for a company which had furnished the funds for the establishment. This was short lived. In June, 1860, "The Democratic Press" was started by Y. B. Shouf, who continued the publication till he went to the army about the begin- ning pf August 1861. The office was the property of the Hon. Thomas B. Cabeen. Xear the close of the year J. A, J. Birdsall and George D. B. Birdsall came to Keithsburg, and in the tirst week in January, 1862, revived the ' ' Observer " without resurrecting the partisan features with which it went down. The former was the chief person, for we hear no more of his brother. Bating a constitutional want of steadi- ness and tenacity, Birdsall was above mediocrity in journalism, and he gave the new publication not only life and zest by infusing the spirit of his own energy and talent into it, but by his neutral course- commanded the support of all classes, and his subscription list is said to have reached 1,200, the largest ever obtained by any Keithsburg paper. Unfortunately for his interests he was seized with the delu- sive ambition for office and engaged with his paper on the side of the democrats. For this service it is understood that he received his subsequent but fruitless nomination for the legislature. This swap- ping of a bird in the hand for two in the bush i-uined his business, and he departed from the place poor. A. G. Lucas, a man of clerical antecedents, now took the vacant place at the beginning of Septem- ber, 1865, and the paper was under his management iintir the same month next year, and during that time was run as a republican organ. Col. Isaac McMjinus succeeded Lucas, and Ijiroughout the exciting congressional campaign of that year it was edited with refreshing spirit and logical power. McManus' energy no less than his industry was unbounded, and whatever he did was done with fervent might. From the knowledge this wi'iter had of his composition and character KEITHSBURG TOWNSHIP. 130 he is not surprised to learn that liis cohnnns were stamped with tlie rougli strength and active ability of his tireless brain. He was in control only six months when he sold his paper to Tlieodore Glancey, in whom there was a curious combination of youth and manhood, and who published what was regarded as a \'eiy s}»rightly ])aper. In March, 1870, he disposed of his office to an Iowa purchaser who moved it away ; but early in September, 1871, he resumed the busi- ness and issued the first number of the "West End Kerana," which was afterward called simply ''Kerana." He soon associated Henry Hurst wnth himself as })ai1:ner, but this not turning out to be a felici- tous arrangement. Hurst parted with his interest to Edward Thomas. In the spring of 1873 they sold the office and it was moved to other parts. Some allusion to Mr. Glancey's life and sad end cannot be omitted in this place. He was a native of Mercer county and reared in Abing- ton township, where the survivors of his father's family yet reside. On the breaking out of the war he enlisted as a private in company I, 17th 111. Vol., and served till the expiration of his three years' term, and was mustered out as first lieutenant. Soon afterward, as already observed, he engaged in the newspaper business ; and after its final relinquishment in Keithsburg, went to California where, in March, 1874, he became managing editor of the "Placer Argus." In 1880, he became editor-in-chief of the "Los Angeles Press," a republican organ, and in September of that year Clarence Gray, alias Maginiss, a man of dissolute reputation, republican candidate for district attorney, feel- ing himself aggrieved at Glancey's strictures upon his character, foully assassinated him when he was unarmed, without giving opportunity for defense. He lived nineteen hours, at times in great sufll'ring, but conscious to the last and full of courage. His last words just before he expired were: "Tell my friends that I die like a man — die for principle; and that I would not go back on it now if I could." He was high-tempered, self-willed, pugnacious ; but earnest, courteous and generous. Strong but honest in bias, he uttered his convictions with great boldness. Whatever opinions were ever formed of his methods, his sincerity was always unquestioned. He was a good speaker, and as a wi-iter is said to have been one of the best on the country press. About the first of Aj^i-il, 1874, W. C. Brown started the "Keithsburg Xews," but before the first year was up he sold to Taylor & Blackmail. The latter died in Sei)tember, 1876, and the folLnving spring William H. Heaton bought the office from the Hon. T. B. Cabeen and C. A. Frick, and issued his first number May 17. This is a live paper. 140 HISTORY OF MERCER A^D HENDERSON COUNTIES. abounding in reliable news, crisp and pungent paragraphs and edito- rials, temperate and wholesome in their tone, and it receives from the public solid support. It has been a greenback pa])er since Mr. Heatoii became proprietor; and it is worthy of remark that he has been longer in the publishing business in Keithsburg than any other man who has attempted to conduct a paper in the place. Mr. Ileaton is an easy, rapid, oif-hand writer who culls from the mass of daily hap})enings with true journalistic care and judgment, and who brings to his aid in the profession a thoroughly practical knowledge of men and aftairs. To be racy and entertaining he does not believe it necessary to be a scav- enger, nor to be always squinting at the immoral side of things which he has the sagacity to see is relished only by a loose and depraved sentiment. His taste is not in this direction, nor does it run toward public criticism of private character. But to uphold the welfare of the community according to his judgment, and to encourage and defend all that is worthy, engages on his part the closest interest. To do this work he does not want for spuit or independence. In May of this year (1882) his paper was enlarged from a seven to an eight-column sheet, which may be taken as evidence of its growing prosperity. He is efficiently assisted by his wife, who is a fine specimen of healthful womanhood and a lady of education and great good sense. Recently he has associated her name with his own as co-editor. Mr. Ileaton was born November 13, 1828, on a farm in Clark county, Ohio, about ten miles east of Springfield. He was the second son of a family of twelve children, six boys and six gu'ls. Of the boys John Ileaton, of Red Bluft', California, and the subject of this notice are the only ones now living. The daughters are all married and mothers of children. AVilliam came with his father, James Heaton, to Illinois in 1836. He was given a good English education ; he attended a high school in Paris, Illinois, two years, and though he was the youngest pupil enrolled he was too far advanced for the district school of that day. He learned with facility but always preferred hard work to hard study, which agreed better with his rather delicate constitution. He labored on a farm, taught school in the winter, clerked in dry goods and grocery stores ; but these were not congenial to his love of out-door work, sport and exercise. In 1852, he and his father and brother George engaged in farming and buying raw prairie land in Henderson county. He broke prairie four years for himsel/ and his neighbors ; the two last years he worked twenty-eight head, or fourteen yoke of oxen, and used plows which cut a furrow thirty inches wide. In this way he paid for and im})r()ved a half section of land. He was married February 17, 1803, to Miss Millecent E. Davis, of Abingdon, Knox county, and daNie^l MOv/f(y. KEITHSBURG TOWNSHIP. 143 lived on the tarin witli liis ycjuiig- wife five years. In 1868 he rented his farm and moved to Abingd(jn, and for two years was engaged in traveling for the Wier Plow Company, of Monmoutli. Getting tired of being away from his family, he was persuaded to buy a newspaper office, which he did in 1870, and started a democratic jtaper which he called the "Ivnox County Democrat." With this enteri)rise he was very successful, but at the end of six years sold the office at a large advance on the cost of the same when new. He made arrangements to go to his brother, who was then in Texas engaged on a large scale in tlie stock business, and by wliom he was advised that it was not safe to bring his chihh'en to that climate before the autumn season. He heeded this advice, and while waiting in the north was allui-ed into ])ur- chasing a half interest in the Hannibal, Missouri, " Clipper,''"' for which he paid $3,000 down. In this office he spent most of his money in trying to kee|) the business and his partner out of debt. In April, 1877, he and his wife visited his aged father and mother, at Keithsburg, and while here was induced to purchase the "Keithsburg Xews," which had been taken on a debt. He went fortlnvith to Hannibal and sold his interest in the ".Clipper" office to his partner, taking ])romissorv notes which he still holds. Under his management the "Xews" has been a successful venture; not a dollar is owing on the office, and the papcjr lias just been enlarged. Through the indefatigable energy of Mrs. Heaton, they have purchased a small farm a mile northeast of the town, on the Aledo road, and christened it "The Wilderness." Here they live in domestic enjoyment with then* six happy, sprightly and intelli- gent children, who read and work, and bless and enliven the lu^me of their parents. It gives us pleasure to say that no ha])])ier house- hold exists in all the land. Mrs. Heaton keeps her husband's books and wi'ites most of his correspondence, and he holds that her help is invaluable. In his judgment every newspaper man ought to maiTv an intelligent wife and give her his entire confidence — a sentiment which does honor to both head and heart of its author. The "Keithsburg Times," an independent weekly, was established by Eichard Wolfe and H. C. Cook, the first number being issued June 8, 1881. December 23d Mr. Cook withdrew, and the publication of the paper was continued by Mr. Wolfe until its suspension, April 12, 1882. The latter, son of Washington and Rebecca (Marlott) Wolfe, is a native of this county, was born in 1852, and reared a tiller of the soil. His parents emigrated from Wayne county, Indiana, to Mercer county subsequently to 1840. From 1801 to 1866 he lived in Keithsburg ; in 1872 he matriculated at Hedding College, where he was in attendance 144 HISTOKY OF MERCER AXD HENDERSON COUNTIES. one year, and since that time he has taught school irregularly. In 1875 he began reading law in the office of B. C. Taliaferro and studied tlie requu'ed time, but has never been admitted. R. S. Scudder brought the "Keithsburg Independent" here in March, 1880, and kept it alive about six months. It was printed by the • • Burlington Hawkeye. " SCHOOLS. It was many years fi-om the fii'st settlement before any educational progress had been made. Settlers were few, everything was in a rough state, all improvements had to be supplied by slow and hard toil ; ground broken up, timber felled, cabins built, fences made ; so that rigid muscle was the fii'st demand, while little use was found for books, and pictures, and teachers. But the schoolmaster came at last, and his dominion has grown more powei-ftil than church and more extensive than state. The begin- nings were of the feeblest character. One term in a year was thought to be a good achievement, and indeed it was for the frontier ; but who would think of calling this the frontier as late as 1847 or 1848? Fifteen years had elapsed since the Black Hawk war. Children had passed the school age in that time. Does it not seem to our young Iriends that it must have been a gloomy era ? We dare say that it was not less joyous than the present. Wants were fewer then than now, and the greater number of to-day are not more easily satisfied. Then they were supplied without vexation, because they were mostly natural ; but now they are gratified with sensible, if not painful, effort, for the reason that they are largely artificial. Intellectual attainments cost something ; physical power is the gift of natm*e. In the former time hewers of wood and drawers of water were of the first station, eco- nomically, for tliey accomplished that which was the chief necessity — material development. Education was less valued when bone and sinew held sway, but mind has taken the throne of power, and skilled labor and intelligent machinery, to use a figure, have driven blind force into the rayless gloom beneath the feet of the majority. Acquire- ments which mean cost to the possessor, the world demands of him with all ease. Hence the multiplication of wants and the shai'per struggle. At fii'st there was little public money, and schools were maintained by subscription. In this township the school section, number 16, was surveyed and classified with the swamp lands. It was but a fi'actional tract, and the trustees made a selection on section 9, but did not get the KEITlISBrRG TOWNSHIP. 145 * quota to which the township was entitled. It was all timber land and was sold in small lots vaiying in price from $2.60 to $10 per acre. " Deli<:htful task ! to rear the tender thought, To teach the younresident. C. S. Orth was the first cashier. In 1874 the capital was doubled, -and the same year Mr. Orth resigned and was succeeded by F. P. Burgett, who had been connected with the bank from the first opening, as assistant cashier. On January 1. IS'^O, the charter was surrendered, and the bank became a private corporation. It passed through the crisis of 1873 without shock, and its integrity and reputation rest upon a firm basis. Mr. Cabeen is of Irish lineage. His grandfather, Thomas Cabeen, had seven sons and two daughters bom and reared in Ireland, and who emigrated to this country at different times, and settled in various localities. His father, Samuel Cabeen, crossed the Atlantic in 1808 and had his home first in Pennsylvania, where he married Miss Eliza- beth P. "Wright. In 1815 he removed to Muskingum countv, Ohio. In 1836 these parents with their five sons, Thomas, Joshua, Samuel, Pobert, and Pichard, removed to Mercer county and improved a home in Oliio Grove township. The father died at his residence, May 1, 1856, when sixty-eight years of age. He was a man of good talents and natural Irish wit and versatility ; his conversation was intelligent and sparkling and always enlivened with appropriate quotations fi-om his favorite poet Bums. Mr. Thomas B. Cabeen was bora December 15, 1815 ; he learned the carpenter's trade, and for the fii'st dozen years that he lived in Mercer county was employed at that useful occupation. In conjunction with Abram B. Sherift' he built the first fi-ame house south of Pope creek; in 1845 he did some of the first cai-penter w^rk in Keithsburg, and the next year the joiner work on the first brick house in the place, which was owned by Robert Keith. He and Mr. Sherift" built under contract the first court-house in Mercer county, for wliich they received about Sl.-lOO. It was begun March 6, 1839, and was •finished the same vear. This was situated at Millers- burg: a two-story frame, still standing. During the time that Mr. Cabeen was chifiy engaged at his trade he also improved a farm of 160 acres in Ohio Grove to\^Tiship. He settled in Keithsburg in 1845, and from 1847 to 1848 he was a clerk for the firm of X-oble & Gavle ; in the latter year he gave up his position with that firm to accept the oftice of clerk of the circuit court, wliich he filled ^vith satisfaction until 1856. In 1862 he was elected by the democrats to the lower house of the general assembly to represent the counties of Mercer and Henderson. For over thirty years Mr. Cabeen has been a ]>rominent business man of his countv, and has been most of that time largelv interested in real 154 HISTORY OF MEKCER A^S'D HEXDEESON COUNTIES. estate transactions. He owns 2,000 acres of valuable land besides a. large amount of town property. He celebrated liis nuptials with Miss- Lucy, daughter of William and Sarah (McHerron) Wilson, on June 26, 1849. She was a native of Danville, Pennsylvania; and her father's family removed to Mercer county about 1837. Mr. Cabeen's children have been: AVilliam S., Sarah E., and Boyd "W. The last died in infancy. AVilliam was married in 1881 to Miss Lou Dempster, and Sarah is now the wife of Thomas A. Marshall. Mr. Cabeen's mother died December 6, 1874, ripe in years. Mr. Frederick P. Burgett, cashier, was born in Hartland, Windsor county, Vermont, April 24, 1839, and is the oldest child of Hiram and Charlotte (Willard) Burgett. In 1851 he emigrated with his parents to Ellisville, Fulton county, Illinois, and lived there till 1859; in that year he went to JSTashville, Tennessee, and remained there till 1864, clerking in the principal hotels. In 1867 he came to Keithsburg and at once engaged in selling dry goods ; after two years he changed to lumber and was in that business the same length of time ; then in 1871 he assisted in organizing the Farmers' National Bank and became assistant cashier. Since 1875 Mr. Burgett has owned a well improved farm of 800 acres ten miles southeast of Keithsburg, mostly in pasture ^ and meadow, and devoted to stock-raising. He regards ample and comfortable shelter as indispensable to the profitable rearing of domestic animals, and purposes to improve his place with barns and sheds to furnish sufficient housing for all the stock that his large farm can support. He is introducing improved sti*ains of blood into his cattle ; and as a favorite scheme of breeding he is giving special atten- tion to rearing a distinctive type of horses which shall combine the qualities of roadster and draft horse and produce a class useful, and even superior, for all purposes. Mr. Burgett is a Mason and a repub- lican. In 1880 he was a delegate to the republican state convention at Springheld, and was elected a delegate under the unit rule to the republican national convention at Chicago ; but he and his associate appointees were not seated by the latter body. December 20, 1867, he was married to Miss Mary J., daughter of the late B. D. Ellett, Esq. Her father was an early settler in Mercer county, having begun a home in New Boston township in 1839. Mr. and Mrs. Burgett have four children : Grace, Bessie, Louis ()., and Kate. Mr. Cornelius O'Leary, book-keeper and assistant cashier, was born in the city of Cork, Ireland, March 25, 1826. In 1848 he emigrated to this country, arriving in New York on the 19th of June. He came directly to Wisconsin and became employed in the pineries, transacting; business principally for Francis I>iron of Grand Rapids, Wisconsin^. KEITHSBURG TO^V^'SHIP. 155 until 1S5S, in which year hu arrived at Keithsburg with a rati: of lumber. Having disposed of that he associated himself '^'ith B. D. Ellett in the lumber trade ; and excepting the time that he was absent in the army, he was in company with Mr. Ellett until 1869. Imme- diately on the first call of President Lincoln for troops, in April, 1861, he enlisted in company I. 17th reg. 111. Yol., and was appointed first sergeant. He fought' at Fredericktown, Missouri, at Fort Donelson, and at Shiloh, and in the last engagement commanded his company ; he was in the siege of Corinth, and after that returned with his regi- ment to Bolivar, Tennessee, where he was discharged October 29, 1862. In 1869 he built a store and a residence in Keithsburg, and was in the grocery trade a year; ft-om 1871 to 1876 he made several changes in business : was first manufacturing plows with W. C. Taliaferro, then wagons with H. Campbell ; a part of the time was in Wisconsin, and the last year and a half was running a steamer on the Missouri river. In May, 1876, he came into the Farmers' Bank as hook-keeper and assistant cashier, and has been steadily engaged in this position since November, 1880. He was united in marriage with Miss Roxanna De Haven April 29, 1869, and by this union three children have been born : Margaret, Arthur, and Eichard. !Mr. O'Leary has been town trustee three terms, and is now treasurer. ORGANIZATIONS. Robert Burns Lodge, Xo. 113, A.F.AM., was organized mider dis- pensation in 1850, and the first meeting was held on the 19th of No- vember. Tliomas Freeman, was master ; A. C. Adams, senior warden ; W. J. Ungles, junior warden : James Gibson, senior deacon ; Wyman Parker, Daniel Winslow and Hiram Mills, from Kew Boston, completed the organization. Petitions were received from I. X. Anderson. H. (i. Calhoun, R. C, Cabeen, and Truman Lord. The charter was issued October 7, 1851, to Thomas Freeman, Alexander C. Adams. AVilford J. Ungles, and James Gibson. The lodge was constituted under the charter Xovember 21-, bv Gov. William McMurtrv, of Henderson, deputy grand master. In 1855 a two-story brick building, 20x50 feet, was erected by the lodge on Washington street at a cost of $1,9()0. The contractors and builders were John Dunn and Jahalon Tvler. The hall, which is-neatlv fimiished and decorated with emblematic charts, is one of the best in Mercer county. Communications are on Friday nights on or before the full moon of each month. The officers for the current vear (1882) are R. C. Humbert, W.M.; Ira Jay, S.W.; H. Pratt. J.AV.- W. H. Phares, T.-. A. F. Glover, S. ; Samuel Kelly, >C.; E. J. Glancv, S.D.; ^\. B. Phillips, J.D.; J. J. Hawkins, S.S.; 156 HISTORY OF IVrERCEB AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. W. H. Heaton, J.S.; Wm. P. Strong, M.; Ben. Lloyd, T. Tlie lodge- has enjoyed a liealtliy growth and useful and prosperous existence. The number of members at present is 44. Illinois Chapter ]S"o. 17, A.F.A.M., was chartered in 18.54, Robert. Keith, Thomas D. Cabeen, and R. Cyrus Cabeen being granted powers to organize. The first meeting took place August 9, 1853, and the chapter was instituted by Harmon G. Re\Tiolds, acting as grand high priest. A steady career of ]jrosperity marks the whole history of this organization. Meetings are held on Wednesday night before the full moon of each month in the Masonic building. This chapter owns a one-third interest in that property. Present officers : C. A. Mertz, H.P.; T. II. Freeman, K.; J. J. Hawkins, S.; A. F. Glover, S. W. H. Phares, T.; R. C. Humbert, C.H.; H. G. Calhonn, P.S. T. B. Cabeen, R.A.C.; L. L. Mertz, M.T.Y.; C. A. Frick, M.S.V. W. Hadley, M.F.V. ; Benjamin Lloyd, T. An efficient working membership of 37. Mercer Lodge, No. 210, LO.O.F., was instituted July 29, 1856, by W. B. Linel under dispensation issued by P. A. Armstrong, grand master. The first elective officers were M. J. CBrien, N.G. ; L. W. Thompson, Y.G.; J. Scott Pinkerton, R.S.; J. N. Shoe- maker, P. S. ; Thomas Stephenson, T. When the organization took place applications for membership:) were received from William M. Glover, John Weidner, Erastus Thompson, and O. C. Richardson ; aU these were favorably rej^orted upon and elected, and the first two were initiated at this meeting. . October 17, 1856, a charter was. granted to M. J. O'Brien, Thomas Stephenson, M. P. Rippy, L. W. Thompson, J. S. Pinkerton, J. N. Shoemaker, and Ferdinand Davis. The number of initiates is 201, and 44 have been admitted by card, making a total of 245, including a present membership of 6S. The amount paid out for charity is $1,136. Meetings of the lodge are on Tuesday evenings at their pleasant and well-furnished hall on Main street. This building was purchased about 1871 for $1,000, and rebuilt in 1873 at a cost of $700. The present officers are W. A. Willard, KG.; Lemon Dewitt, V.G.; P. Q. Nestle, Sec; Thomas Souster, Treas. H. H. Pratt is the representative to the grand lodge. Mercer Encampment No. 89, composed at present of 22 contributing members, was instituted by J. Ward Ellis, past grand master, of Chicago, April 26, 1875. The first officers were T. S. Cummins, C.P. ; W. II. Phares, H.P.; G. W. Whiting, S.W.; Paul Q. Nestle, J.W.^ J. H. T. Madden, Scribe; Edward Rathburn, Treas. A charter was issued to this encampment October 10, 1876, and the following brethren KEITHSBURG TOWNSHIP. 157 are named in it: T. S. Cummins, W. II. Pliares, G. W. "Wliiting, J. H. T. Madden, Paul Q. Nestle, E. Ratliburn, G. W. Ditto, D. M. Halsted, M. G. Rice, C. S. Frick, H. Stancer, G. K. Beard, Jacob Abrahams, Joseph Venable, Fred. Nagle, T. J. JVIoffatt. The last nine of these were the earliest initiates, and were admitted at the first meeting. Present officers: T. S. Cummins, C.P. ; John Ilel- wig; H.P.; J. S. Allen, S.W.; T. A. Marshall, J.W.; II. H. Pratt, Scribe : AY. II. Pliares, Treas. Both lodge and encampment are in a. highly satisfactory condition. Mary Burns Chapter, No. 24, Order of the Eastern Star, was organ- ized by D. AV. Thompson, and chartered July 31, 1872, with 30 mem- bers. Mrs. Pose A. Cumby was Worthy Matron ; W. P. Strong, Worthy Patron ; and F. B. Stout, Secretary. C. A. Mertz represented the chapter in the convention held in Chicago November 6, 1875, tcv institute a grand chapter of the order for Illinois, and he was elected deputy grand patron of the organization. The grand chapter having been formed, Mary Burns Chapter surrendered its original charter, number 118, and accepted the one under which it is now working. The organization has a healthy membership of nearly 60 persons, and holds its regular meetings in Masonic hall on every Thursday evening before the full moon. The present elective officers are C. A. Mertz, W.P.; Mrs. A. B. Mertz, W.M.; Mrs. Lillie Glancy, A.M.; Miss Sue Calhoun, C. ; Miss Hattie Jay, A.C. ; Mrs. Millecent Heaton, S., Miss Agnes Jay, T. The Keithsburg Thespian Club, a dramatic association, was organ- ized January 10, 1863, and has been in existence until the present time, though of late years it has not been before the public with regular performances. It has always been composed of some of the most respectable ladies and gentlemen of Keithsburg, and has given numerous entertainments abroad, consisting of both comedy and tragedy. The first president, or manager, was G. F. Gurley ; Will- iam H. Ungles was secretary at the same time, and C. S. Orth, treasurer. Besides these officers, the earlier members were : G. W. Whiting, M. J. O'Brien, C. O'Leary, J. O. Butler, C. C. Matlock, W. D. Smith and G. F. Parsons. The first ladies connected with the club were: Mrs. R. C. Cabeen, Mrs. Matlock, and the Misses Famiy M. Sheriff, Mary J. Holland, Rebecca Frick and Ivittie Ellett. Among those who came into the organization afterward were: J. B. Holland, Joshua Willits, R. C. Humbert, Henry Mellinger, G. K. Beard, T. S. Cummins, F. P. Burgett, Dr. A. P. Willits, Mrs. J. O. Butler, Misses Emma AVillits and Emma Swezey, C. A. Frick, 158 HISTORY OF IVIEKCER AJSTD HENDERSON COUNTIES. S. H. Meyer, Theodore Glancy, N. H. Manner, E. J. Goodlander, J. H. T. Madden, J. W. McCrary, W. W. Souster. After becoming thoroiiglilv organized, this troupe secured the assist- ance of four of the most popuhxr professionals on the boards. Melissa Breslau, Old Breslau, and Montgomery and Johnson made their resi- dence here two years and took the tragic parts in the plays. The tovra trustees granted the use of the old court-house to this company with permission to fit it up to suit their purpose, and the building has ever since been used for an opera house, and now goes by that name. It is proper to add that this house was purchased of the county several years ago for the sum of $500. The Keithsburg Reading and Conversational Club, having a mem- bership of forty, young and old, was formed Dec. 4, 1S80, with a general view to social improvement, but for the particular object of studying the lives and characters of noted authors, and of becoming familiar with their writings. This end is sought to be accomplished by assigning a selected author to one or two persons who come to the next meeting with papers embodjdng their study of the subject, while others, also appointed, read selections from the same author's works. Weekly meetings take place at the private residences of members, and the club is under the government of a set of officers elected in pursuance of its constitution and by-laws. Mrs. Yisa Griffin and Miss Marie Hebbard were respectivel}^ the first president and secretary. The officers are chosen bi-monthly. The club has a free library of 120 volumes. The Keithsburg Silver Band and Musical Association was chartered under the law of the state June 3, 1880, by Karl A. Range, G. C. Humbert, T. A. Marshall, II. P. Humbert, W. F. Kolkenbeck, Edward Ott and B. L. McKnight. W. B. Ellet, E. E. Humbert, W. S. Cabeen, Elmer Deterline, Fred Ellet, Louis Range, Charles Helwig, Robert Jackson and H. C. Cook complete the present membership. The first officers were George Beard, president ; W. S. Cabeen, vice-president ; G. C. Humbert, secretary; Dennis Merto, treasurer; and T. A. Mar- shall, contracting agent. Present officers : Edward Ott, ])resident ; W. S. Cabeen, vice-president ; K. A. Range, secretary ; II. P. Humbert, treasurer ; and T. A. Marshall, agent. This is one of the best instructed and most popular bands in this part of the west, and was engaged to accompany the Jim City on her first trip between St. Louis and St. Paul. It embraces a full orchestra. The Woman's Christian Temperance Union, auxilliary to the organ- ization of this name for the State of Illinois, was organized by the ladies of Keithsburg, January 31, 1880, under a call issued by Mrs. Kirkpat- rick, president of the imion for the tenth congressional district. Mrs. ^ ^m t:Vj \ 1 s: ^ QP(^-7^n^<^ 1866 186" 1868 1869 1870 William P. Litten J. H. T. Madden J.H. T. Madden J.H. T. Madden J. H. T. Madden J. II. T. Madden A. H. Frazier A. H. Frazier (ieorge Gore C. J. Simpson C. M. Wright J. A. Swezy J. A. Swezy J. A. Swezy Joseph Tlmmpson. Josej)!) Thompson. K. C. Humbert. K. r. Humbert. John Thomson, (ieorge F. Parsons. Thomas H. Freeman. 1871 1872 J. A. Swezy John Beavens A. F. (ilover 1873 T. S. Cummins T. S. Cummins T. S. Cummins T. S. Cummins J.X.McGee T. S. Cummins T. S. Cummins T. S. Cummins T. S. Cummins T. S. Cummins Thomas II Freeman. 1874 187.5 1876 1S77 1878 1879 1880 1881 Isaiah Willits Isaiali Willits Isaiah Willits Isaiah Willits Isaiah Willits Isaiah Willits Isaiah Willits .Joshua \\'illits Thomas H. Freeman. Thomas II. Freeman. Thomas H. Freeman. Thomas H. Freeman. Thomas II. Freeman. Thomas H. Freeman. Thomas H. Freeman. Thomas II Freeman. 1882 Joshua Willits Thomas H. Freeman. * These persons refused to qualify and serve, and the town board on the second of Jlay filled the vacancies with the following appointments : John Xevius for town clerk and Jacob Spangler for assessor. The following citizens of the township have been elected to the office of justice of the peace: 1840, J. McH. Wilson, resigned in 1841; 1843, B. D. Ellett, Nicholas Edwards, John W. Nevius; 1847, James Ganier, Xathaniel B. Partridge, B. D. Ellett, John AV. Xevius ; 1849, O. C. Allen, James Garner ; 1852, Peter Eckly, X. B. Partridge ; 1854, H. G. Calhoun, P. W. Kile; 1855, John Dunn, vice Kile, resigned; 1858, John Xevius, Mark J. O'Brien; 1860, H. G. Calhoun, ^^ce O'Brien, resigned ; 1862, John Xevius, resigned in 1865 ; M. J. O'Brien, resigned in 1864; 1864, J. A. J. Birdsall ; 1865, O. C. Pich- ardson; 1866, Matthias "Wickiser, O. C. Pichardson; 1868, Jacob B. Spangler; 1870, Matthias Wickiser, resigned same year and J. B. Sj>angler elected to vacancy; A. F. Glover, resigned in 1873; 1873, T. S. Cummins, II. S. Scott\ 1877, T. S. Cummins, II. S. Scott; 1881, T. S. Cummins, Pichard Wolf; 1882, II. S. Scott, Wee Wolf, resigned. 166 HISTORY OF MERCER ^\^'D HENDERSON COUNTIES. PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS. The first roads in this townsliip were opened by order of the county commissioners June 3, 1839. one havina; been surveyed from the bridsre on the Edwards river, on the New Boston and Knoxville state road, through Keithsburg to Gavitt's cabin (alias Cohimbia City) on to the county line, and the other from Keithsburg to Isaiah Willits', and from thence intersecting with the county road leading to the Ohio settlement on Pope' River. This is substantially the description given in the petitions which Robert Keith presented at the regular term, March 9, 1839. June 7, three dollars were deposited with each petition to pay the viewers, Lewis Xoble, Rezin Pratt and Joseph Leonard. For laying out these roads the follovtdng disbursements were made from the road fund: Lewis Noble, for three and a half days' viewing, $3.50; John Noble and Isaac Bates, for two days' chaining, $2 each ; and Paul Sheriff, for hauling stakes one and a half days, $3. A railroad fi'om "Warsaw to Rockford having been projected to run through Keithsburg, November -1, 1855, the town unanimously voted to subscribe $20,000 to the capital stock of the company. The work of grading was commenced in 1856, B. P. Frick and J. C. Cabeen having the contract from Warsaw to Keithsburg, the former taking charge of the construction at this end of the route and the latter at the other. To settle all doubt as to the legality of the subscription and to make it available, an act of the legislature chartering the town was procured, with a special provision legalizing the subscription and authorizing the issue of bonds. This was approved February 16, 1857, and on the 4th of May following an ordinance was passed directing the presi" dent of the board of trustees to subscribe to the stock of the Warsaw & Rockford Railroad Company in the above-mentioned sum, and em- powering that officer and the clerk to execute the bonds of the town, due in twenty years, with interest at the rate of ten per cent, payable semi-annually. They were to be delivered as work upon the road progressed, to pay the assessments upon the stock taken by the town, and on the 1st day of June eight bonds for $1,000 each were issued. On the 16tli four of them were passed over to B. P. Frick, and on the loth of July the remaining four were surrendered to the same person. In this last month the company failed, and work on the road was permanently suspended. No part of the route was finished. Below Sagetown some bridging was done, but as the contractors were never paid for the bridges these were afterward taken down. The corporation paid the interest on the indebtedness made in aid of this railroad uritil the hardship prompted the town to resist further collection, and in 1863 suit was brous^ht in the circuit court of Mercer KEITHSBIRG TOWNSHIP. 167 county and carried to the supreme court of tlie state, from which a writ of mandamus was procured, compelling the town to levy a tax to meet this obligation. In 1874 one of these bonds was paid and canceled, the second in 1876; and August 3, 1877, a corporation election was held to vote on the question of a new issue to retire the six then out- standing. A unanimous vote of forty-seven decided this in the affirma- tive, and on the lirst day of December the bonds were issued in denominations of $100. Next year ten of these were redeemed, leaving the presented bonded debt of the town So^OOO. Hiram W. Thornton, last i)resident of the Warsaw & Rockford railroad, brought suit against the company for services and obtained judgment ; and when the road was sold under execution he bought the grading and has since disposed of it piecemeal at private sale. The Kockford, Rock Island tfe St. Louis railroad having been projected with the intention of running the line through Keithsburg, a part of the road-bed of the Warsaw ife Rockford was purchased by this company. To preserve the continuitv of events it is necessarv to sav that in 1869, through the exertions of Col. Isaac McManus, state senator from the fourteenth district, a charter for the Dixon ife Quincy railroad was obtained, with the ulterior design, no doubt, of transferring it to the Chicago, Burlington 6z Quincy corporation. The Dixon & Quincy company was forthwith organized with Col. McManus as president, and on the 18th of May a special election was held in Keithsburg to decide whether the township should take $35,000 of stock in the road, the bonds covering the subscription not to be issued until thei'e should be a running connection by rail from Keithsburg to lines con- necting with Chicago. This was favorably determined by a vote of 229 against 11. Abington township also voted to subscribe $10,000 to the ca])ital stock of the company. Subsequent to these elections a meeting of the directors was held in Chicago, at which a very warm discussion took place regarding the transfer of the charter. A representative was present from each of the Chicago, Burlington with the capital and by the construction comjjany of the Chicago Burlington 6z Quincy Railroad Company, the deception being kept u}) meantime until the Dixon & Quincy corpo- ration could secure the township bonds, which were the great prize that at last fell into Harding's hands for disiJosal. It is alleged that all that was asked of the general by the Chicago Burlington ik: Quincy Railroad Company, was to obtain for that corporation the right of way, which he did for something less than $3,000. Trains ran into Keithsburg over this short line on January 1, 1871. At the annual towmship election, in April of this year, Benijah Lloyd was elected to succeed C. C.Matlock as supervisor; on the 11th he qualified, and the following day demanded the books and ])apers belonging to the office. A few hours previous to this demand Matlock certified to the auditor of state that the towniship bonds issued to the Dixon iS: Quincy Railroad Company w^ere entitled to registration. These bonds, seventy in number, were for $500 each, bearing ten per cent interest, dated November 1, 1870, and payable January 1, 1891. The township regularly paid, by taxation, the aimual interest on these bonds up to and including the year ISSO, when a suit in equity was brought by the township in the circuit court of Mercer county, to declare them void. Tliey were supposed to be payable at the will of the people after five years, as this was one of the conditions on which the subscription was voted ; but no knowledge of their pro\asions could be obtained, and to pay so high a rate of interest had become unneces- sary and impolitic. The people were willing to refimd at lower interest, but when no trace of the bonds could be discovered and the matter began to have the appearance of a design on the part of the liolders to thwart any endeavor to retire them, inquiry w^as excited and in^•esti- gation followed, when the numerous irregularities surrounding their issue and registration came to light, and it was decided to contest their validity. As a further defense of the people against the presumptions raised against them by the fact that for ten years they ])aid the interest without ])r()test, it is true that a lai-ge majority were not aware that a tax for this puri)ose was being levied and collected. Morgan G. Bulkley, of Connecticut, holder of $23,500 of this 170 HISTORY OF :SCERCER A^^) HEXDERSON COT:rN"nES. municipal indebtedness filed an answer to the complainant's bill ; and on his motion the case was removed to the district court of the United States for the northern disti-ict of Illinois, where it was heard bA' Judge Blodgett, who, on January 9, 1882, dismissed the suit. The case is now pending in the United States supreme court, where it has been taken on appeal. When Gen. Harding obtained possession of these bonds it only remained for him to transfer the road to the Chicago Burlington & Quincy Company, which he did ; and during several succeeding years Keithsburg was the terminus of the Galva branch, the depot being situated where it now is, close to the river. Finally, the main line and branches of the Rockford, Eock Island & St. Louis railroad were absorbed by this company, and in the latter part of July. 1S7T, the right of way through the town between the two depots was procured, and in August the extremities of the two lines were brought into con- nection by a half mile of new track. The Keithsburg, Lacon & Eastern Railroad Company was organized here, and a survey made for a standard gauge road from this point to Lacon in 1873, and a considerable amount of subscriptions was taken along the line, but the financial revulsion of that year caused the enterprise to be abandoned. The Keithsburg 6z Eastern Railroad Company was organized under the law of the state providing for a general system of railroad incorpo- rations, September 22, 1873, by the following incorporators : "W. D. Smith, T. B. Cabeen, C. A. Frick, E. L. Marshall, G. W. Whiting, B. C. Taliaferro, Harry Weaver, AVilliam Gayle, Theodore Glancy, J. P. Wycoft; A. B. Sheriff, R. J. Cabeen and'WiUiam Willett. The project was to construct a narrow gauge railroad from Keithsburg to the east line of the state in Kankakee or Iroquois county, with a branch to Chicago ; but it was never surveyed east beyond the Illinois river. Grading was begun at Keithsburg in the spring of 1874, and when the line had been extended eight miles it was decided to change the route either to Galesburg or Monmouth. Denny, in Warren county, distant twenty miles, being readied, work came to a standstill in 1875. Sub- 'sequently the road was sold in sections under execution, and finally the whole property was sold under mechanic's lien, but in each case it was purchased for D. M. Halstead and T. B. Cabeen. Halstead assigned his interest to George Seaton, R. J. Cabeen and T. B. Cabeen, who received a sherifi''s deed. Recently these owners have contracted with William Hanna and B. P. Phelps, of Monmouth, who represent the Peoria >k Farmington railroad, to convey to them for a consider- ation all their interest in the Keithsburg S: Eastern, if the former shall be completed to this point by February 22, 1884. KKITilSBrRir TfiWXSHIP. 171 BIOGRAPHICAL. The subject of this sketch, Isaiah Willits, was born in York county, Pennsylvania, November 2, IS 12, where his boyhood, days were spent in rambling over the rocky bluffs and' helping his father on a small farm. In 1826 the family removed to Wa\Tie county, Indiana, where he was engaged in farming near Centerville, ten miles west of Kiehmond. In 1835 he came to Mercer county, Illinois, where he took a claim near Pope Mills, now known as the old Frick farm. lie went back to Indiana several times for cattle, driving them through on horseback, until 1838, when he permanently settled at Bald Bluff", Henderson county, erected a rude log cabin and endured all the hard- ships and privations known to the earlier settlers. It was in this year that the famous Black Hawk chieftain visited the Bluff", together with four hundred of his warriors. Mr. AVillits says tliat his courage was never questioned, but when he saw them all approaching under full gallop, he is willing to acknowledge that he felt somewhat "shaky." Thev were tribes of Sacs and Foxes, who were on their wav to their reservations on the Des Moines river, Iowa. April 4, 1839, Mr. "Willits was united in marriage to Elizabeth Peynolds, daughter of Caleb Reynolds, of Ohio, she too being one of the pioneers, having come to Mercer county among the first who settled here. They lived on their Henderson county farm till the year 1857, when they removed to Keithsburg, where he went into the mercantile business, continued in this pursuit for four years, sold out and purchased a farm south of town half a mile, where he resided till the spring of 1873, when he became so afflicted as to unfit him for active duties, and he moved again to Keithsburg, where he still resides. Mr. and Mrs. Willits are parents of ten children, nine of whom are living. Joshua, the eldest, was born in Henderson county March 13, 1840, was raised on a farm with limited educational ad^■antages such as existed at the early settling of the country, yet by close ap]>lication and study at home he acquired a good practical education. He was married November 31, 1873, to Miss Clara Willits. They have two children : Norman, born Decem- ber 6, 1875 ; and Harry, born July 5, 1879. His vocation is farming. His farm joins the old homestead place. Emily, the eldest daughter, bom in Henderson county, November 11, 184], obtained the rudi- ments of learning in a little log school house, subsequently attended graded school in Oquawka and Keithsburg, was married to Mr. A. B. Childs November 10, 1880. They have one son, Benny, born Novem- ber 14, 1881. Leander, second son, born November 21, 1843, and Minerva, second daughter, born September 6, 1845, both unmarried, are living at home with their parents. Byron, born April 5, 1847, died 172 HISTORY OF FIERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. November 21, 1847, aged seven months. Jo. H. Wird, daughter, born August 26, 1848, received her education principally in the graded schools at Keithsburg, where she began teaching at the age of seven- teen years, and has been constantly engaged in the work in this place for sixteen years, attending normal schools during the vacations. Last year (1881) she was at State Normal, at Bloomington, Illinois. AzYO p., born July 19, 1850, was educated in Keithsburg; read medi- cine with Dr. E. L. Marshall and attended two courses of lectures in Rush Medical college, Chicago; was a member of the graduating -class of 1877 ; received his diploma on examination before the Illinois State Board of Health, and is now (1S82) a practicing physician ; January 19, 1880, he was united in marriage with Lizzie F. Wliiting, of Keiths- burg. "William A., born November 10, 1852; passed creditably through the high school at Keithsburg ; began his career as teacher in the State of Missouri, after which he came to his native county (Mercer) and taught three years in the district schools ; then took the principalship of the Keithsburg graded school, and is now (1882) occupying that position. Leone, fourth daughter, born August 11, 1855, is unmarried and living with her parents. Lydia A., youngest daughter, born January 12, 1859, was married to Heman N. Childs, November 16, 1881. They are living on their farm in Henderson county, live miles southeast of Keithsburg. Benjamin D. Ellett (deceased) was born near Richmond, Virginia, February 2, 1813. He was reared partly on a farm, but early in life turned his attention to merchandizing in the dry goods line. In the spring of 1836 he emigrated to Illinois and settled in Henderson county, where he however remained but a short time, and removed to Mercer county, April 19, 1838. He was united in marriage with Miss Grace E., a daughter of Mr. Charles Jack, an early settler of Mercer county. She died in October, 1850, leaving three children, but one of whom is now (1882) living: Mrs. Mary J., wife of F. P. Burgett, banker, of Keithsburg. Mr. Ellett's second marriage was on Septem- ber 8, 1851, with Miss Oq^ha B., daughter of Andrew and Mary (Lloyd) Myers. She was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, September 1, 1827, and came with her parents to Mercer county in 1836. Here she received such an education as was obtainable in the pioneer schools of this county's early history. At the time of his second marriage Mr. Ellett was filling the position of sherifl* of Mercer county. After the termination of his official term, he permanently located in Keiths- burg and engaged in the lumber business, which he followed till the time of his death, which occurred October 29, 1880. By his last marriage he had borne to him nine children, as follows : Frank A. ; KEITHSBURG TO^^'NSHIP. 173 Minnie, wife of Martin Rice; Nellie, wife of C. S. Frick ; AVilliam B., Harry B., Bettie, Ethvin M., Frederick D. and Thomas A. Mrs. Ellett and family are living in her comfortable home in Keithsburg. Benijah Lloyd was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania March IT, 1825, and is the second son of Benijah and Elizabeth (Dunn) Lloyd, who were among the early settlers of Mercer county, coming here in September 1835. Mr. Lloyd settled in Millersburg township where he lived till the time of his death (1864). He was the father of six children, one of whom was killed by falling out of the wagon near Keithsburg while on their way to their pioneer home. Benijah, the subject of this notice, thus early became identified with the count}" and enjoyed only the means of pioneer school education. December 9, 1847 he was united in marriage with Miss Arrelda J., daughter of Dr. Mark Willits, an early settler of Mercer county. Tliey have reared a family ol' nine children, A-iz: Omer H., Ella J., ISTettie, Charles M., William W., George W., Maurice E, and Maude. After his marriage Mr. Lloyd engaged in farming which he successfully followed till the fall of 1856, when he was elected Sherift' of Mercer. He then located at Keiths- burg, then county seat, where he remained till its removal to Aledo. At the expiration of his official term, in 1859, he returned to his farm but in 1860 came to Keithsburg where he has since resided enjoying the respect and esteem of his many friends who have almost continually kept him in some position of trust, as shown b}' the records of the township. As early as 1836 there came one to Mercer county with limited means but hearty and industrious, and with a strong resolution to pro^^de for the present and procure plenty for the future. Such a character was Paul Sheriff, who was born in Columbia county Pennsylvania, February 16, 1810. He was married December 23, 1832, to Miss Mary daughter of John and Margaret Doak. Four years after their marriage they left their native state and came to Mercer county where they have resided ever since. Mr. Sheriff has always taken a lively interest in public en- terprises and given largely to their benelit. He has been very suc- cessful in accumulating quite a large property. He has a large farm that comes to the corporation limits of Keithsburg, Politicaly Mr. Sheriff has always been a republican. Religiously he has been a member of the Presbyterian church for thirty years. In temperance movements he has always taken an active part and has tried to show men that liquor will ruin those who become its slaves. Mr. Sheriff' has always been engaged in farming. His father was born in Ireland, and emigrated to this country in the year 17!><> and settled in Pennsvlvania. 17-i HISTORY OF MEECER ^V^'D HENDERSO>r CO^^"rIES. Thomas and Marv (Woodhain) Bridger emigrated fi'om Sussex, Eng- land to America in 1826, landing at New York. They then went direct to Troy where they lived until 1836, when they came west to Mercer county, Illinois, and settled in what is now Suez township, where he and his wife lived but one year when they both took sick and died about ten days apart. Mrs. Emma Doak, daughter of the above, was born Feb- raary 4, 1819, in Sussex England, and crossed the Atlantic when seven years of age. She remembers the trip well and many facts connected therewith. In May, 18'42, she was married to Dajstel F. Doak, second child of John and Margaret Doak. He was born August 5, 1810. After their marriage they first lived in Green township two miles north of Viola until 1850, when they sold out and removed to Perryton town- ship where they li^'ed one year. They then removed to Keithsburg township where they have lived ever since. In 1864 they bought the S. W. J of Sec. 2, in Keithsburg township, whicli makes a very com- fortable home for them. They have about one hundred acres in cultivation, the balance in pasture. Tliere have been ten children from this luiion, eight living, two dead. James T., Martha J., Mary A., Sarah E., Nancy M. (married to T. J. Hayes), Anna, Daniel W., Ida M., John, Fannie A. Mary A. and Ida M. are dead. Daniel (their father) died in September, 1869. Mrs. Doak is still li\ang but in poor health. Benjamin F. Geuwell, was born in Greene count}', Ohio, Novem- ber 22, 1808. In 1825 he removed with his parents, Jacob and Prudence (Dill) Gruwell, to "Wayne county, Indiana, where he lived at farming until 1837. He was mamed in Miami county, Ohio, to Miss Lucy Hurst, December 18, 1829. In the autunm of 1837 Mr. Gruwell, taking his wife, their two children, and his wife's sister, emigrated to this township, he driving a six-ox team and hauling the family effects, while Mrs* . Gruwell and the others kept company in a one-horse car- riage. They arrived at the blufl:' on the 18th of October, and Mr. Gruwell bought out the claim of Jack Harris, a single man, to 80 acres on the N. AV. ^ of Sec. 1. Tlie time was short for making improve- ments before the biting blasts of winter, so a 10 X 12 foot cabin was hastily constructed from small ti-ees eight inches in diameter rived and stood upright, with one end in the ground. Sod fi-om the prairie formed a tight roof, and sticks and mud composed the chimney. The crevices were daubed in the usual way, and a quilt was hung up at the door to keep out snow and wind. The parents and two little children lived in this four months in great enjoyment. During the time many visitors came to their cabin. It was here that their .fourth child, Martha, was bom. Boxes in which they had brought their household KEITHSBURG TCAVNSIIIP. 175 goods were their bedstead that winter, and their "fall-leaf table was the only one that anybody had knowledij^e of in the country. There was just room enough for two to sit dowii to the table at once. They had hired help that winter, and when the hands had got their supper they went to their own homes to lodge. Tlie people then thought nothing of going ten miles to yisit ; all within a radius of that distance were neighbors ; and at that time most people knew everybody in the count}\ The family lived on this farm until they owned 300 acres of land. In 1850 Mr. Gruwell went across the plains to California, and returned by steamship the next year. In 1852 he disposed of his fai-m and moved to Keithsburg, where he bought the Calhoun House and kept hotel seven years. They have been the parents of seven children, as follows : Joseph, who died in infancy ; Melissa ; Francis Marion, who was killed in Keithsburg Xovember 24, 1859, by the bursting of a cannon while celebrating a victory at the polls ; Martha ; Erastus, who was killed at Fort Donelson February 13, 1862 ; Alice ; and Edna (dead). Martha was married February 21, 1856, to John Tliomson, a native of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, a carpenter by trade, who came to Keithsburg in 1853 and worked here till the summer of 1862. At that time he enlisted in company 11, 84th reg. 111. Vol., and served upward of a year in the field. The hardships of the service com- pletely shattered his health, and he has since been a confimied and helpless invalid. Of his eleven children eight are now living. One daughter, Miss Mary L., has lived with her grandmother Gruwell since the age of five. These two are commimicants in the Presbyterian church. Oliver P. E^ierson, retired farmer, is a son of Edward and Sarah (Swaford) Emerson, and was bom in Wayne county, Indiana, June 17, 1817. He was reared on the farm, where he helped to clear up and make a home among the tall Indiana timber. In 1839. he came to Mercer county, Illinois, but soon returned to his father's home in In- diana. In 1840 he again came to this county, where he worked till 1842, when he went back to Indiana, and on Febniar}- 15th of the same year was married to Miss Sarah Kelly, a native of that place. In about 1847, with his family, he came to this county and permanently located and engaged in fenning and stock raising, following the busi- ness for many years. Mr. Emerson begun for himself, with but very Httle except a pair of willing hands and an industrious disposition, but by dint of hard work and good management, has accumulated a large farm, comprising over 600 acres, the most of which he has recently divided among his children. Plimself and wife have been life-long members of the Christian church. She died August 29, 1881, and is 176 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. buried at the Xew Boston cemetery. His five li\-ing children are : Hester, wife of IMi-. Charles Dryden ; Monroe ; Elizabeth, wife of Mr. Alexander Calhoun ; George L. ; and Grind Y. , wife of Mr. William Prvne. David Pardee, farmer, was born in Xew Haven countv, Connec- ticut, June 26, 1809. Early in life he served an apprenticeship at carj^entering. In 1831 he went to Xew Grleans, where he worked at his trade till 1840, when he came to Illinois and bought land near Tiola, in Mercer county, where he lived three years. At the time he bought his land he paid down a large part of the purchase money, agreeing to pay the balance out of money then due him, but which he failed to get, and consequently lost his land. He then came to Keiths- burg and built a flat-boat in which to carry himself out of the country. After floating down the Father of Waters into Louisiana, he landed near Port Hudson, where he remained on his boat till by chance he met a friend of whom he borrowed a few dollars, went ashore and bought a suit of clothes, and then soon found work. In 1861: he again came to Mercer, purchased his present home in Sec. 14, T. 13, P. 5, Keithsburg townsliip, where he is now pleasantly located engaged in farming. Mr. Pardee has been twice married ; first, in Louisiana, to Miss Ellen Crenan, by whom he has three sons living in Kansas : Jf)hn, Thomas, and Josiah. His second marriage was with Miss Sophia Green, a native of Iowa, by whom he has three children living : Elbert F. , Stephen, and Ora May. M.VRTIN Wirt was born in Ohio in 18*20. He was educated in the ^ JAMES HEATON. KEITHSIU'K acres is located in Sees. 11 and 12, T. 13, R 5. Among the early settlers who came to Mercer county, Illinois, may be mentioned the name of William S. Emerson, who was 1)oi'n in AVayne county, Indiana, Jamuiry 15, 1822. He is the fourth child of Edward and Sarah (Swaford) Emerson, living with his parents until twenty-two years of age, when he commenced fai'iniug for himself on II 180 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. a small scale, in wliicli business he lias been engaged ever since, having accunuilated considerable property, lOo acres in section 11, ninetj- acres in section 10, and fortv-eight acres in section 10 of the neM^ survey. He came to Mercer county, Illinois, during the year of ISlrl, leaving his parents and his native state for the purpose of securing him a home in the valley of the Mississippi, where so many have accumulated wealth from its fertile soil. November 13, 1845, he was married to Delila Hurst, who was born in Wayne county, Indiana, February 15, 1828. They have had seven children, five of whom are living and two dead : Edward L. was born August 18, 1846 ; William E., February 10, 1850 ; Francis M., May 8, 1852 ; Lynden, August ly, 1857 ; Thomas H., April 16, 1861 ; Xettie F., October 22, 1865 ; Ida May, June 25, 1870. Edward L. is married to Miss Ella Gailey, and is at present practicing medicine in New AVindsor, Mercer county. Lynden is married to Miss Emma Wirt, and is engaged in farming. Francis M. and Nettie are dead. Thomas and Ida remain at home with their parents. In politics Mr. Emerson has always been a republican. He has been a member of the Christian church since twenty-two years of age. Henry G. Calhoun, fourth in a family of ten children, by Thomas and Jane (Gray) Calhoun, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, October 31, 1820. He was reared on his father's tarm, obtained a common school education, learned the cooper's trade, and after working at that three or four winters took up with carpentering. In 1844 he left the home of his childhood and embarking at Wheeling came by river to Keithsburg, landing here on the fifth of April. He worked three years at carpentry, and meantime, June 10, 1846, was married to Miss Sarah J. Brown, who died ten months afterward, leaving twin daughters, one of which lived a year, while the other, Sarah Jane, is yet living and is the wife of AVilliam S. McCormick, of Ohio Grove townshi}). From 1847 to 1849 Mr. Calhoun was clerking for Messrs. Noble tic Gayle. After that he was in the employ of Abrani liife for some time, and while engaged wath him was married again to Mrs. Julia A. Hubbell, November 29, 1849. In October of the same year he opened the Calhoun house and conducted it over two years, and in the same time he im})roved a farm of eighty acres near the town. In 1853 he was elected to the office of justice of the peace and was api)ointed deputy recorder, and also held tlie a])pointment of notary i)ublic. He was thus engaged in ]iublic l)usiuess foi- eight years. Septeml)er 30, 1861, he enHsted in coinpany (t, 30th 111. Vn]., and was elected and connnissioned first lieutenant of lii> (•()mi)any. lie was taken prisoner September 1, ls62, at Brittain's Lane, Tennessee, and having been kr:ithsbl'rg township. ISl paroled on the IHth he resigiK'8 and settled twelve miles south of Dayton, near Germantown. May Yount, his wife, was born in the State of North Carolina May 9, 1797, near the Shallow Ford on the Yadkin river. Her parents removed to ( )hio and settled in the same neighborhood. They were married in the State of Ohio in 1814, moved to Indiana in 1822, and raised a family of nine children. The mother died ( )ctober 19, 1838, and the father August 23, 1861. W. AVolfe, son of the above, was born in the State of Ohio, July 22, 1816, and his 'sdfe, Rebecca Marlatt, in the State of Yii-ginia, November 14, 1816. They were married in Wayne county October 19, 1839. In 1844 they moved t(» Mercer county, Illinois, landing here on the 23d of October. At that time there was but one house on what was called the Prairie road from Henderson Grove to the bluff", and that was a small frame. There was then only a track where the horses walked, and prairie grass was as high as the horses' backs. There were then only a few families in the bottom, and not a house could be seen from the bluft" to Keithsburg. At that time there was not what couhl be ])roperly called a house where Keiths])urg now is. He says the first time he was in town he «aw Bill Brewer shooting ducks where now stands the Birch building^ owned by T. B. Cabeen and occupied as a drug store. There was then only one small frame house ])artly tinished and sided half wav up. 182 HICTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. Tlie town iin}»roved, and built up smartly in a short time. He recollects being ]>resent at the tirst trial of any importance that was liad in the }»laee. The newly-elected justice, by the name of Garner, was the court. The parties to the suit were G. Mossman, plaintitt", and I. Lakey and I. Raynolds, defendants. Tlie attorneys were B. C. Taliaferro, for the plaintiff, and C. M. Harris, of Oquawka, for the defendants. In the course of the trial there was some trouble as to the admissibility of some evidence. The attorneys argued their points before the court. When one of them would get through, the court would admit the e\'idence. Then the other attorney would make a speech showing the case in a different light, when the court would exclude the evidence. It went on so for some time, when the attorneys as well as the court became much excited and one of the attorneys used some pretty short talk. The court then said ''he'd be d d, if be did not shut up, he'd tine him for contempt."' The legal man told the court to "•tine and be d d, for the court wouldn't have sense enough to collect the tine.'' He says New Boston was a town when he came here. He went over to see the town and the Mississippi. There was quite a crowd there, and every man carried a gun and was followed by one or more dogs. Most of the men wore the coon-skin, cap with the tail hanging down the back. After Mr. Wolfe had been here some time he thouglit he would look around some and see the country. He was anxious to see some timber. These bluffs were com- paratively bare of timber at that time. The first growtli had been cut off, and he was told of Sugar Grove, north of Aledo, which was repre- sented as nice timber as heart could wish, so he struck out for the gi'ove. On the road to this settlement were then the cabins of H. Biggs, Eb. CVesswell and N. Edwards. The last named is north of the road and is still standing. Another was unoccupied. At the grove he found the Millers, and they were anxious to sell out. They had the Oregon fever badly, but he did not like the location. Mr. Wolfe finally bought in the bottom where he now lives. l*rominent am<^)ng the young business men of this town, who have by industry and good management succeeded in making a pleasant home and building up a j)ros})erous business, may be mentioned Mr. Joseph Venabi.e. He was born in the county of Tyrone, Ireland, April 2, 1848. Ill ls.")<'). in com])any with his mother and her family, he em- barked on the sailing vessel New Australia for America. Soon after their arrival they settled in Mercer county, Illinois. At the age of twenty he commenced work as an apprentice with Mr. Charles Clark, in the shop he now owns, and in wliich he keeps six steady workmen and is turning out a su|)erior class of wagons, carriages and other farm KEITIISBrRrr TOWNiSlIIl'. 183 machinery. November !;s William went to Abingdon, 186 HISTORY OF MERCER AJCD HENDERSON COUNTIES. Knox county, and the next year (leorge went to Texas. It was then that he gave u\) the farm and nio\ed to Keithsburg, where he now has a pleasant home and varies his exercise e\ery day with a walk down town. He is perhaps the best known man in the count}'. He has always lived a quiet, unassuming life, has worked hard and aimed to deal fairlv with all who huve had intercourse with him. He is in religion a predestinarian Ba})tist, in politics a democrat, having cast his tirst vote for Andrew Jackson in 1828, and adhered to that school ever since. Like most of the early settlers, Mr. Heaton's home was tlie abode of hos|)itality, and friend or stranger who came his way was alike M-elcome to share its refreshments. In his old age he still retains his love of society, and enjoys recounting the incidents and adventures of the past. This worthy couple are never happier than when their house is full of their children and grandchildren, of whom they have a great number. From youth to age this wedded pair Have journeyed on together — Not alway.s gentle was the wind, Xor always bland the weather ; Yet few and light have Iteen their cares, And light and few their crosses, And God has shown his ])itying face Amid their griefs and losses. Oh, sore the travel and the toil To reach the roseate i)resent. Had no affection cheered the way And made the journey pleasant. What if the cheek has lost its bloom. The eye its olden lustre — What if the locks are thinned and blanched Which on the temples cluster — Still hope is fresh and hearts are young, And love is unabated, Aud men and angels hail to-duy The married and the mated. The loveliest thing on earth is love. The loveliest and the purest ; The dearest thing on earth is love, The dearest and the surest ; And not alone is heavenly sweet The honey nf its kisses : The very tears of love are sweet, Its very jnings are blisses ; And they who love witii lnvc tin- best. The fondest and the strongest — Love with the loveliest love of all — Are they wlio love the longest. KEITHSBriU. ToWNSHIl'. IS" Ah I I.Kve's dear veterans well deserve Our <_'reetiii;_'.s and our i)rai!vhere we l to Cali- fornia taking with him two four-horse teams and twelve men. He remained in California till the following December, when he started home via the Isthmus, on a passenger steamer. At Grenada. Centi-al America, he was taken down with a severe fever and remained there till the following June. When he reached his home he wa.s still in feeble health, and with a view to impro\ing it, went with his wife 188 HISTORY OF MERCER AJSTD HENDERSON COUNTIES. to his boyhood liome in jS^ew York. In 1852. hining regained his health, he returned and settled in Keithsburg. During his thirty years residence here, he was in business as book-keeper, shipper, lumber and real estate dealer. He died March 26, 1882. His wife and six children survive him. The latter are : Emma, \vife of C. T. Combs; Jessie C. ; Somerville E., wife of H. C. Cook, whose biography follows ; HattieE. ; Georgia A.; and Hub er. Henry Chalmers Cook was born in McConnellsburg, Pennsyh'ania, February 7, 1856, where he grew to manhood. He served an appren- ticeshi]) of three years in the office of the "Fulton Kepublican"" at McConnellsburg. In 1876 he came to Illinois and for three years worked dt his trade of printer at Princeton. In the spring of 1879 he came to Keithsburg, where he engaged as foreman in the ''News" office for W. H. Heaton. In June, 1881, he formed a partnership with R. Wolfe and started the ' ' Keithsburg Times. " In December follow- ing he sold his interest to his partner and returned to his former place in the "News'"' office. August 19, 1880, he was united in marriage w^th Miss Swezy. They have one child, Michael Jerome, born September 14, 1881. WiLLi.ui D. Reynolds, stock dealer, was born in Pennsylvania, September 14, 1841. His parents, William C. and Catharine A. (Tiger) Reynolds, removed to Mercer county in 1846. and settled in Ohio Grove township, where they early became identified with the affairs of the county. Mr. Reynolds, Sr., remained here till the spring of 1882, when he sold out and went to reside with his daughter in Iowa. Young William received his education at the pioneer schools of this county's early history, as well as a thorough knowledge of farm labor. In 1861 he responded to the President's call for men to pre- serve the honor of their country's flag and became a member of com- pany A, 30th reg. 111. Yol. Inf During the service he was twice wounded, first at Belmont, Missouri, and afterward at Fort Donelson, -and was soon after discharged on account of disability. He was married February 11, 1869, to Miss Sarah E., daughter of Lewis and Maria Sponsler, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Mercer county in 1860. They are the ])arents of six children living: Maud E., Clara A., Lora E. (died March 22, 1882), Lewis G., Guss, Glenn, and Lucv. Mr. Revnolds is now a resident of the town of Keithsburg, but expects to I'emove to his farm of 160 acres in Edwards county, Kansas. John J. Hawkins, retired farmer, was born in Bath county, Ken- tucky, September 7, 1 829, and is the sou of Thomas and Malinda Hawkins. In 1847 they came to Illinois and settled in Abington town- KKrrirsiui;(i tmwnshii'. 18f> islii]", Mercer county, wliere lie engaged in funning. December 1, iSoO. he was united in marriage with Miss Maria E., daughter of Russell Wordin. Esq., an early settler of Mercer county. She was born in the State of New York, June 7, 1831. They are the parents of tliree children, as follows : Lucy, wife of Mr. A. F. Winslow, who is a conductor on the Central Pacilic i-ailroad and resides at Ogden, Utah ; Alvis T., and Albert D., on the farm neai- Keithsburg. They are both members of the ]\Iasonic fraternity. Mr. Hawkins is a member of liobei-t Burns Lodge, JS'o. 113, Illinois Chapter, No. IT, and Gales- burg (V)mman(lerv, No. s. A few years after his marriage Mr. Hawkins removed to the north ])art of Henderson county, where he lived till 1878, when he took up his residence in Keithsburg. By hard work and honest industry he has accumulated, besides his town property, 466 acres of farming land. Edward Ott, blacksmith, was born in Henderson county, Hlinois,. March 23, 1848, and was left an orjthan when about eleven years old. Li December, 1862, when but a little over fourteen years of age, he^ enlisted in the war for the Union as a member of the 12tli Illinois cavalry and followed the fortunes oi' war till May, 1866. On returning home he engaged in the butcher business, but soon after turned his- attention to learning the trade of blacksmith and permanently located in Keithsburg. February 26, 1875, he was married to Miss Sarah E. Hall, of Henderson county, Illinois. They have two children : Mary C. and William C. Thomas Marlatt, retired farmer, was born in Wayne county, Indiana, September 12, 1824. His father was a farmer and reared his children to that hardy and honorable occupation. Mr. ]\Iarlatt obtained such an education as the common schools of his boyhood days afforded. At the age of twenty-one he began for himself at farming. In 1849 he caiiie to Mercer county, wliere he permanently located and engaged in farming and stock raising. February 2, 1854, he was united in marriage with Miss Caroline, daughter of James M. and Elizabeth (Ellis) Dryden. She was born in Highland county, Ohio, September 4, 1834, and came to Mercer county in 1853. Thej are the parents of xVlta I., Adella V., Jessie F.. and two children deceased. On August 17, 1870, Mr. Marlatt met with a painful mis- fortune, this being no less than the instant loss of his eyesight, caused by a kick in his face from a nnile. The following year he gave u]> farming and took up his residence in Keithsburg, where he is now (1882) enjoying the comforts of a very ])leasant home. Early in life he became a member of the United Brethren church ; in 1853 was. licensed to preach, and is now a member of Illinois annual conference,. 190 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. His parents are of English and German ancestry, and were born in Burkley county, Virginia. The father, Thomas Mariatt, was born in April, 1792, and the mother, Miss Elizabeth Bellar, in 1799. They reared a family of twelye children : seyen sons and fiye daughters. In 1823 they remoyed to AVayne county, Indiana, where they resided till the time of their death after a life of industry and usefulness. He died in March. 1877, and she in March, 1875. They were consistent mem- bers of the United Brethren church. Thomas S. Cl'mmins, justice of the peace, notary, and insurance agent. Keithsburg. was born February 23, 1836, in Xew Concord, Muskingum county, Ohio, and was the son of Dayid'R. and Sarah (Speer) Cummins. In 1851 the family sold their home and embarked at AVlieeling, Virginia, and came by riyer transportation to Keiths- burg. arriving in April. They liyed that summer in Ohio Groye township, where Mr. Cummins had an uncle, Richard Cummins, who had emigi'ated as early as 1836 and was one of the first settlers. Most of the family fell sick of the ague, and getting dissatisfied with the country, returned in the fall to Ohio. They remained there but two weeks, when they turned their faces again to the west and came to Granyille. Putnam county, Illinois. Xext summer their experience with ague was repeated, and when autumn came they were so much disheartened by the gloomy situation and prospect that they went back again to their old home in Ohio, where they I'emained till 1851. That year they came to Keithsburg, this time by team, and Mr. Cummins has liyed in Mercer county since. He was engaged from that time till 1866 as warehouseman and shipping clerk. From that year till 1873 he was constable ; he was then elected justice of the peace and has held the office continuously until this time. He has been notary public since 1871 ; township clerk since 1873, excepting in the year 1877, and yillage clerk the last two years. In 1871 he began doing an insurance business, and now represents the Home company of New York. His marriage with Miss Martha Knight was celebrated Sej^tember 3. 1857. Their two daughters are Mary Etta and Maggie Belle. The former is the wddow of John M. Wade, recently deceased ; she and her mother are communicants in the Methodist church. Mr. Cummins has always taken much interest in local politics and is a liberal-minded -democrat. Ai.yis Hardin was born in Mercer county, Illinois, September 20, 1852. He is the son of B. F. and Minerya Hardin. He was married to Miss Xettie Doak January 1, 1882. Mrs. Hardin is the daughter of Matthew and Sarah A. Doak. Mr. Hardin is a farmer. KKITHSIURG TOWNSHII'. 191 In tlie fall of 1853 Ciiarle-s J. Simpson came from Ohio and perma- nently located in the village of Keithsburg, where he now enjoys the comforts of a jDleasant home, lie was born in Preble county, Ohio, Feb. ruary 22, 1823. He is a son of Aaron and Hannah (Smith) Simpson, who were natives of Xew Jersey, and are of Scotch and English ances- try. He was bred a farmer. May 2, 1814, he married Barbara, daughter of John and Dorothea (Mowen) Beaver. She was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, April 19, 1827. In 180O Mr. Sim]>- son began the practice of veterinary surgery in which he has had good success. They have four children, Laura, Daniel A., who has a brilliant war record, William B., and Pauline G. wife of E. Loosley. Mr. Simp- son is a member of the I.O.O.F., lodge Xo. 210. John Dunn, butcher, was born in Pennsvlvania Februarv 1, 1814. and is a son of Amos and Catherine (Cameron) Dunn. In 1853 he with his parents embarked on the steamer New York at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for Keithsburg, Illinois, and made the entire trip without change. They at once went to Ohio Grove township where they pur- chased a farm and began to make a home for themselves. They lirst camped out till they could build a cabin. Here John grew up to man- hood with but little means of obtaining an education. In August, 18f)2, he enlisted in company G, 102d 111. Vol. Inf., and for the next three years devoted his time in the defense of his country's flag. At the battle of Resacca, Georgia, he was wounded in the hips and was placed in the hospital for treatment, from which he was discharged June 22, 1865, and returned to Keithsburg. March 21, 1867, he was united in mar- riage to Miss Maria McPherren, who was born in Suez township, Mercer county, March 1, 181-3. They are the parents of Catharine P., Amos D., and Thomas, and three deceased. After his marriage Mr. Dunn en- gaged in farming, but on account of his wound disabling him for farm labor he abandoned farming and bought an interest in a coal mine and .five years later sold out and came to Keithsburg, where he still resides engaged in the butcher business. He is a member of the I.O.O.F., lodge No. 210. PoBERT C. Humbert, merchant, is a son ol' Emanuel and Frances (McPeynolds) Humbert ; was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, Jan- uary 26, 1831 ; removed with his parents to Fountain county, Indiana, when about three years of age, where at the age of sixteen he became an apprentice as bricklayer and plasterer. In 1853 he came to Mercer county, Illinois, and engaged in working at his trade in Keithsburg till 1857, when he became a merchant in the dry goods line, following the business till 1864. At that time l\Ir. Humbert arranged to go west as far as Montana. His object was partly speculative but more particularly 1i)'2 HISTORY OF MEKCEK AXD HENDERSON COUNTIES. for tlie benefit of an invalid brotlier-in-law. George Gore, who was suf- fering with that dreaded disease consumption, who while there regained his health. On their way out they purchased a stock of goods which they afterward lost, being attacked by Indians and robbed. The next year Mr. Humbert returned to his home in Keithsburg where he has since had a continuous residence, except three years spent on his farm in Henderson county. November 26, 1857. Mr. Humbert was united in marriage with Miss Sarah, daughter of Pliilip Gore, Esq., an early settler of this county. She was born in Maryland, January 31, 1839. They are the parents of seven children: Harry P., George C, Edward E., James F., Fannie D., Bart G., and Robert R. Mr. Humbert is a mem- ber of Robert Burns Lodge, Xo. 113, Illinois Chapter, Xo. IT, imd Galesburg Commandary, Xo. 8. John C. Humphrey, harness maker, is a native of Columbiana .■county, Ohio, and was born February 12, 1827. He was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools of his native state. In 1854 he made a trip to California, where he remained nearly three years. Soon after his return home he came to Iveithsbura;, and in company with Mr. Samuel Evans, engaged in the business he now follows. September 2, 1858, he married Miss iVmanda, daughter of Jacob Wolf, a native of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, who with her ])arents came to Illinois in 1856. They are the parents of eight children: Mary, Harry W., Willis M., Ida, Ernest L., Mark J., Edward F., and Eva B. Clarence S. Frick, grain dealer, is a son of Benjamin P. and Annie E. (Stewart) Frick, who are well known and prominently con- nected in this county. He was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, •January 2, 1848, and came to Mercer county, Illinois, in 1855, with his parents. His education was principally obtained m Keithsburg, though he attended several terms of high school in M(jnmouth, Illinois. In 1872 he engaged in merchandising and grain buying in Keithsburg. under the firm name of C. A. Frick A: Bros. He was also for a time connected with the Farmers" Xational Bank, of this ]:>lace, as book- keeper. In 1881 he began his present business of buying and shipping o;rain. February 2, 1876, he was united in marriage with Miss Xellie EUett, a daughter of Benjamin D. and (JrjJia (Myers) Ellett, early settlers of Keithsburg. They have one child, George Henry, bom February 17, 1870. Mr. Frick is a member of Mercer Lodge, Xo. 210, I.O.O.F. Captain Wycofl^'s father was born in Allegheny county, Penns}'!- vania, in 1703, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. His wife was a Miss Susan Peairs. Soon after his marriage he removed to KEITHSBURO TOWNSHIP. 193 Muskingum county, Ohio, where he reared a family of nine children, two sons and seven daughters. lie died in 1857, and his old and hon- ored wife is still (1882) living at her old home in Ohio. Our subject, Captain J. P. Wyooff, is eldest son and second child. He was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, September 18, 1819, and was reared on the farm with but limited educational advantages. December 23. 1840, he was- united in marriage with Miss Matilda Davis, of the same county. Her parents were Samuel and Mai-y (Geyer) Davis, who were also natives of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. The year after his mar- riage Mr. Wycoif removed to Allen county, near Fort Wayne, Indiana, and settled in the tall timber, and there hewed out for himself a home on land previously entered by his father. In 1855 he bought a farm in Sec. 11, T. 13, R. 5, Keithsburg township, and in 1856 sold his home in Indiana and moved to his new home, which he has since built up to be one of the most pleasant in the county, and contains 2 HO acres. In August, 1862, he enlisted as a private in company G, 102d reg. 111. Vol. Inf., to which he was at once elected captain, but in December of the same year was forced to resign on account of sickness. Mr. Wycoif has been a member of the Presbyterian church since the age of seventeen and an elder for the past tliirt}' years. He has one son (an only child), Albeit P., born January 1, 1842. His means for ob- taining an education were quite limited, but by extensive reading, and being a close observer, he has gained a good business education. October 17, 1861, he was married to Miss Myra, daughter of George •and Xancy (Maxfield) Jay. She was born in Mercer county, Illinois, November 29, 1843, and is one of this county's literary ladies. They have a family of three interesting children: Earl J., Lura D.. and Ethlin Fern. They are membei's of the MethocUst Episcopal church and take an active part in its affairs. To the soldier who dared death that a great nation with all its legitimate institutions might live, not only belongs i)raise, but the gratitude of a whole people. The })ages of future history will not shine with examples of generalshij) alone, but the captain, his subordinates and privates, who fought in the thickest cai'nage, will lend their light to future heroes. Captain DA^■ID M. Holsted, son of David and Nancy (Allshaver) Hoisted, was born in Oneida county, New^ York, Julv 10, 1832. He resided on a farm till fifteen vears of age, receiving a common school education. He early engaged in the manufacture of brick. In 185U he became foreman of the Cleve- land cV: Ohio Pailroad Construction Comi)any, and soon after became a contractor. In 1856 he canu' to Illinois. In ISCI, when war's cruel tongue called for soldiery, he, in company with Col. R. G. l!»4 HISTORY *»F MERCEK .V^T) HEXDERSON COUNTIES. Ingersoll. recruited the lltli reg. 111. cavalry. Col. Ingersoll receiving the command. In 1882 Mr. Hoisted aided in raising the 85th reg. 111. Vol. Inf.. whose commander was Col. Moore. Mr. Hoisted volun- teered as 1st lieutenant. For heroic conduct at the battle of Stone river. Gov. Yates commissioned him captain. At the battle of Chick- amauga he was wounded, necessitating his resignation. For four months he w'as unable to feed himself; for one year he was unable to step up six inches high, and disabled for work a year longer. After regaining his health he resumed contracting, this time on the Toledo, Peoria 6z AVarsaw railroad. In ll^TS he came to Keith sburg, and, in company with J. K. Hornish, contracted to build the Keiths- burg t^ Eastern narrow-gauge railroad, which, on account of the financial crash of 1873, is yet unbuilt. In 1857 he became a member of the Independent Order of Odd-Fellows, and now holds liis mem- bership in Mason Lodge, 143. He is also a member of the encamp- ment at Keithsburg, and a member of the Order of the Red Cross organization of Faii'field. Iowa. Mr. Hoisted was married March 28, 1849, to Miss Eveline L., daughter of Ori-in Fenton, Esq., of Cleve- land, Ohio. They have one child living. Miss Lottie. Hugh Smith Scott, farmer, was born in Washington county, Vir- ginia, July 20, 1807, and is the son of Samuel and Jane (Hntton) Scott. He was reared a farmer. His education was received in the pioneer schools of Virginia. September 18, 1828, a few months after obtaining majority he was nnited in marriage with Sarah, daughter of James and Jane (Clark) Lion, also a native of the same county. Soon after marriage they emigrated to Indiana, and settled in Fountain county, remaining there until 1856. In that year they again removed, this time to find a linal resting place in Mercer connty, where he settled on a farm ])reviously purchased of Mr. Gayle. AVhile a resident of Indiana, in 1845, Mr. Scotfs friends put him forward as a candidate on the democratic ticket for representative in the state legislatnre, to which office he was elected by a large ma.iority. As an evidence of his popularity, the towniship in which he resided, that usually gave a democratic majority of about 80, gave him the compliment of 144 majority. He was also twice elected county assessor and once county collector of Fountain county. He has also held numerous other offices of honor and trust, among which have been that of supervisor of Keithsburg township, and also of* justice of the peace for eight years. He has been prominently identified with the Methodist church of Keithsburg since his residence here. Of his large family, Sanniel, .lane, wife of Ro])ert Campbell, of Fountain county, Indiana, Lilburn ^ii^^T^^ycyC^ /^; KEITHSBURG TOWNSHIP. 197 S., Angeline T., Julia C, wife of C. Dryden, Howard and Florilla, wife of William Stewart, are living. Susan is deceased. Samuel Scott, farmer and stock raiser, is a son of Hugh S. and Sarah (Lion) Scott. He was born in Fountain county, Indiana, Koyember 21, 1829, and was reared principally at farming. He received the best education obtainable in the early schools of his native state. Early in life he made clerking his business for five years, and spent two years in the state auditor's office at Indianapolis. In 1855 he came to Mercer county and engaged in farming, making that his pennanent business. October 1, 1857, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E., daughter of John McH. and Margaret (Cramer) Wilson, a native of Michigan, who came to Mercer county wdien about ■six months old. She was born August 26, 1836. They are the parents of live children, viz : Guy C. , Edgar S. , Carrie W. , John McH. , and Hugh M. Mr. Scott is a member of the masonic fraternit}', and holds his membership in Robert Burns Lodge, Ko. 113. He is a live, energetic business man, and one whom it would be well for om* young men to pattern after. Mr. C. S. Orth. who was born in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, in 1835, educated at Franklin and Marshall colleges, at Mercersburg, in the. same state, emigrated to Iowa City in 1857; came the next year to Keithsburg where he located in general merchandising in com- pany with N. B. Cox. In 1862 the latter was rei»laced by J. P. Reed, ^ho died in 1866 ; afterward Mr, Oith continued in the same line of trade with M. A. Weaver as partner, and in 1877 he closed up his business in the place. He is now in trade at Bedford and Clarinda, Iowa, but his family reside in Keithsburg. He has been closely iden- tified with the history and devotedly attached to the interests of this place since he settled here, and a public-spirited supporter of every worthy undertaking. He was president of the town board one year, and for seven years fi'om 1874 was a director of the public school, a position in which he won credit and popularity for very efticient and acknowledged valuable services. In the railroad questions which have agitated the people of this section, he has taken a full share of interest and exhibited his well-known vigilance and activity. He has some- times directed his infiuence and energies against these as well as other enterprises, and time has generally confirmed his judgment and fore- sight. His marriage with Miss Fanny M., daughter of Abram B. Sheriff, a pioneer settler of Mercer county, took place in 1863. They are the parents of eight living children. George W. WnrriNG, boot and shoe dealer, was born in Cam- bridgeshire, England, September 27, 1834, and was the eldest son of 12 198 HISTORY OF MERCER AXD HENDERSON COUNTIES. William and Sarah (Gothard) Whiting. His father was a native of Iladnam. England, where he was born June 12, l^il4, and his mother w-as born in the same place June 17, 1815. This couple was joined in marriage May 11, 1833. In 1837 the family emigrated to the United States, in the sailing vessel Neptune, and having settled at Lockport, uS^ew York, Mr. Whiting's father began manufacturing boots and shoes in a small way. By close attention to his trade his business grew into a large manufacturing house in which, after a few years, he employed from thirty to forty men. In 1854 he lost his property by fire, and in October of the same year he brought his family to Mercer county, where he arrived on the 23d of the month. He settled in Keithsburg and died in this place September 26, 1879. His wife preceded him to her final rest January 18, 1877. The subject of this notice remtiined at home with his father and learned the shoe- maker's trade. In March, 1855, he also came to Keithsburg w4th his newly-married wife, and at once engaged in the boot and shoe trade, which he has built up to its present prosperous condition. His marriage with Miss Sarah A. Wilson occurred in Lockport, Xew York, . September 7, 1854. She was born at Saratoga May 1, 1835. Mr. Whiting ranks with the foremost and most public spirited men of his township, and his family is justly esteemed for their social qualities and literary tastes. William L. Range is a son of Christian and Louisa (Block) Range, and was born and reared a Hessian, in -what is now a province of Prussia. His father was a baker by trade, and he was reared to that business. His education was principally obtained in the common schools. September 24, 1858, he was married to Miss Caroline Xagle, a native of the same place. On the 4th of October following they left their native home to seek one in America, and after a perilous voyage of three months on the sailing vessel Aristiezer, landed in New York January 4, 1859. During their last four weeks on the sea they were reduced almost to a point of starvation, the ship having gone out of her course during the terrible storms that prevailed in the early part of the voyage. After landing in Xew York they at once came on to Rock Island, Illinois, where they remained about one year, when they came to Mercer county, and soon after permanently located in Keithsburg and established a bakery and restaurant, making the same their business through life. They are the parents of five children : Karl A. W. C, Lewis W., Emnui A., Eda L., and William F. They are members of the Lutheran Church of Rock Island, where the older ones of the children ha\e been sent to be educated and confirmed. KEITIISRURr, TOWNSHIP. 199 Mr. Range was born N<^>venibcr 24, 1834, and Mrs Kange December 19, 1832. He is a member of Mercer Lodge, No. 210, I.O.O.F. Dr. Samuel Kkllkv, physician and surgeon, is a native of New Jersey, tlioiigh he was reared in Ohio, his parents moving to Cincinnati wlien he was quite young, lie was born February 17, 1812, and at the age of about twenty began the study of law at Lexington, Ken- tucky, and was admitted to tlie bar at Lafayette, Indiana, where he had read law for nine months with Hon. John Petit and Hon. Godlove Orth, in 1841. After practicing law a short time he turned his atten- tion to the study of medicine, which he successfully practiced in Oliio and Indiana, the last twelve years prior to 1859 being spent in tlie latter stiite. In Fountain county he was united in marriage with Miss Frances E., daughter of Mr. David Parrott, September 6, 1849. In 1859 Dr. Kelley came to Mercer county, Illinois, where he has con- tinued in the practice of his profession, and has been a citizen of Keithsburg, where he is enjoying the society of his many warm friends. He has one son, Wilber, born in Fountain county, Indiana, October 27, 1858. He is a graduate of the Physicians and Surgeons Medical College of Keokuk, Iowa, where he received his diploma February 28, 1882. According to well authenticated tradition the Campbells w^ere Scotch Highlanders connected with the House of Argyle. During the ]K'riod of religious persecution they fled to the north of Ireland where John Campbell was born, reared and married, and where to him his children were born. In the spring of 1849 he with his wife Catherine (McKee) emigrated to the L^nited States, sailing in the Gertrude. After landing on the American shores thev at once came on to Illinois, settlino; in Kock Island, where Mr. Campbell died from sun stroke in 1851. Mrs. Campbell died in 1857, lea\'ing a family of eight children. Hugli Campbell, the eldest son, was born in county Down, Ireland, April 7. 1831. Soon after settling in Rock Island he became an apprentice to a wagon and carriage •maker. After completing the trade in isOO he came to Keithsburg with a view of following his trade in this place, which, however, was abandoned at the outbreak of the rebellion in 1861, when he enlisted in company I, 17th 111. Vol. Inf. After following the fortunes of war three years and going safely through a number of hard fought battles he was honorably discharged and returned to Keithsburg, where he permanently settled and engaged in the manufacture of wagons and carriages. October 3, 1807, he was united in nuirriage with Mrs. Mary C. Ball, \\ndow of Lieut. L. T. Ball, of corn j. any II, 84th 111. Vol. Inf., killed in the late war December 31, 18<;2. Mr. Campbell has been for a number of years a member of the city council, and his 200 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. good judement and thorough business principles have won for him numj warm friends. Two other sons of John Campbell, John and Will- iam, are extensive farmers of Otoe county, Nebraska, the latter of whom was elected in 1881 state senator on the republican ticket. Samuel was killed at Atlanta, Georgia. Alexander's sketch appears elsewhere in this work. There were also three daughters : Mary, widow of "William Collins ; Elizabeth, widow of William Walker, who is now the mother of eight sons ; and Jane, wife of Samuel Wamock. The first two are now residents of Nebraska, the last of Kansas, Their father was born August 14, 1799, and their grandfather. Hugh Camp- bell, September 22, 1755. Charles A. Mertz, lumber dealer, was born in the kingdom of Bavaria, January 30, 1844. His father died when he was four years old, and in 1854 the widowed mother, taking her little family, came to America in the sailing vessel Magdalin. and settled in Rochester, New York. After a short residence there they went to Wisconsin. In 1861 our subject returned to New York, and in January. 1853, enlisted in company G, 159th N. Y. Yols., being a recruit in that regiment. The first considerable battle in which he was a partici- pant was that of the Wilderness ; then followed in rapid succession Spottsylvania, the North Anna, Paumunky River, Cold Harbor, and the battle in front of Petersburg, up to August 25th, in all of which he was engaged. On the last date he was captured at Reams' station on the Weldon railroad vntii 2,600 others. He was confined first at Petersburg, then removed to Libby prison, and from there to Belle Isle. Li the last two places he spent three months. He was taken next to Salisbury, where he remained till February, 1865, when there began a general perambulation of prisoners in that region of the Con- federacy on account of the movements of Gen. Sherman's army. From Salisbury he went to Columbia and stayed there two weeks ; then about as much time was passed in Charleston ; a stop of a few days was made in Raleigh ; and then the detatchment went on to Jamestown, North Carolina, where Mr. Mertz and eight others made their successful escape from a camp of 8,000 by wading neck deep in water past the rebel sentinel and swdmming the rest of the way for a mile. From thence his progress to the Union lines was a repetition of the experience of every escaped prisoner : he was fed and ])iloted by negroes, and he hid and wandered about in racking fear and anxiety for three long weeks, and traveled 240 miles when the squad struck the 16th N. Y. cavalry in the neighborhood of Burkesville Junction, Yirginia. When Mr. Mertz was captured he weighed 165 pounds ; when he got back into the Union camp his weight was 98 pounds. His prison life forms a chapter KEITIISBURG TfAVNSHIP. 201 of thrilling experiences and terrible suffering^*, while he was the helpless witness of the most atrocious diabolism in the treatment of Union prisoners that ever blackened the page of human history. AVlien the 159th was mustered out in May, 1865, Mr. Mertz was transferred to company H, lOth N. Y. Inf., in which he completed his tenn of service and was discharged at New York city in August following. ITe came directly to Mercer county, but shortly after went to the oil regions of Pennsylvania and stayed a little while, after which he went west in the employ of the Union Faciiic Railway Company. In 1871 he returned to this county and settled in Keithsburg, engaging in the furniture trade ^vith C. C. Wordin, the present gentlemanly clerk of the county court. In May, 1880, he embarked in the lumber business with his brother, their place of trade being on the corner Washington and Third streets. Besides a saw-mill here they have another on the Iowa side above New Boston. October 27, 1873, he celebrated his nuj)- tials with Augusta Belle, daughter of 11. G. Calhoun. She was born in Keithsburg, November 29, 1862. They have one child, Ora B., born September 13, 1874. Mr. Mertz is a member of Robert Burns Lodge, No. 113, Illinois Chapter, No. 17, and Galesburg Commandery, No, 8. Lewis L. Mertz, brother of the above, was born also in Bavaria, February 11, 1847, and emigrated to this country with the rest of the family. On February 1, 1864, he enlisted at Rochester, New York, in Battery L, 1st N. Y. Light Artillery, and served until mustered out at Elmira, June 19, 1865. Beginning with the battle of the Wilderness, he fought throughout the campaign following ui> to the surrender of Lee. At the age of twelve he entered the AVoodbury Engine Works, where he learned the trade of an engineer, which he has followed in different ])laces, but }>articularly in the oil regions of Pennsylvania. In December, 1865, he came to Keithsburg and sold furniture with his brother a short while ; in 1867 he engaged with a surveying party on the I'nion Pacitic railway ; in 1868 he went into the gold mines of Montana, where he remained nearly four years. He was married to Miss Janet, daughter of Daniel Keith, July 6, 1871. She was born in this place in September, 1849. They settled on a farm of 320 acres in Boone county, Iowa, and lived there six years. In May, 1880, Mr. Mertz removed with his family to Keithsburg, where he has since been engaged in the furniture and lumber business. He is a Roval Arch ^Mason. His four children are: Sibvl J., Jacob R., William B., Elizabeth M. The father of these brothers was named John J. Mertz, and was a native of Ijavaria, where he was born in the year 1800. In early life he learned the trade of a cooper, but later he became quite wealthy, and engaged 202 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. in farming. In the Ke volution of 1848, he lost his property by sign- ing with other men, and in the same year died. The mother, IMather Mina (Watchter), born in 1805, has her home with her children in this place. Dennis Murto, merchant, was born in Sligo county, Ireland, Jan- uary 1, 1882, and is the third son of a family of six children wliosa father died early in life, leaving them to tlie care of their widowed mother, who soon after sold out her interest there and went to England, where she remained till August 1860. She then came to America, bringing her three daughters. Dennis, the subject of this notice, left England in a full clipper American sailing vessel, the Martha Greenleaf, and after a voyage of nineteen weeks arrived in jSTew Orleans April 4-, 1858. He at onpe pushed on up the Missis- sippi river to Davenport, Iowa, but soon returned to Oquawka, Illinois, and hired out to work for Mr, C. W. Harris, beginning at $10 per month, and remained for three years. He was also for a short time engaged in driving stage and carrying the mail from Sage- town to Keithsburg. On August 14, 1862, being refused a place in the ranks of the army in the war for the Union, he started for California, from where he returned to Keithsburg in October, 1865, and at once engaged as a day laborer. In 1874, in company with his brother, he began the mercantile business in the grocery line, and in 1880 he become sole owner of his present prosperous business. Besides his town property he owns two good farms in Mercer county. December 6, 1865, he married Miss Bridget Gilrain, a native of Ire- land, by whom he has one child, Mary Rose. Alexander Campbell was born June 22, 1846, in county Down, Ireland, from whence three years later he came with his parents to America and settled in Rock Island, Illinois. In the early part of the late wai', though only sixteen years of age, he enlisted in company D, 11th Iowa Inf.^ and carried a gun three years. At the end of this time he re-enlisted and was chosen color-bearer, and carried the old flag to the end of the war, when he was honorably discharged, having served his country as a soldier four years before he was twenty-one. On the 23d of Jul}^ 1864, in front of Atlanta, his brother Samuel was killed while fighting by his side.. After his return from the war Mr. Campbell came to Keitlisburg and learned the trade of wagon and carriage making, which business he followed until 1878, when he was appointed mail agent on the Clalva and Keithsburg route of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad, which position he has since held. December 16, 1870, he was united in marriage with Sarah A., daughter of John and Hannah (Wilson) Nevius, early settlers KEITHSBL'RG TOWNSHIP. 203 of Mercer county. She was born in ( )liio, Febrmirv 19, lS-48, but was reared in Keitlisburg. Tliev have a family of live chihh'en : Daisy L., Walter C, Maud G., Mabel N. and Harry L. Dr. George B. Sapp, dentist, was ])oi'ii in Clermont county, Ohio, July '23, 1832. He received the greater |)art of his education in a log school-house in his native county. In 1854 he came to Illinois. In I860 he began studying in Decatur, where he comj)leted a course of study lie had previously begun. In 18(55 he came to Mercer county and began the practice <^f his profession. The doctor has been twice married. His lirst marriage was in 1860, but death soon deprived him of his partner. His second marriage was on June 22, 1871, to Miss Norah Plesants. They have three chihh'en, whose names in the order of their ages are : Ula, Rosa G., and George B. John Helwig, butcher, is a son of Christopher Helwig, and was born in Germany December 26, 1839. In 1856 he emigrated with his parents to America, and with them settled in Dunkirk, in the State of New- York, where the most of the family and his parents still reside. In 1868 he came to Illinois and settled in Hancock county, where he remained till 1875, when he came to Keitlisburg and engaged in his present business. Since his residence in Keitlisburg he has been three times elected as one of the town board, and is one of the school directors. He is a member of Mercer Lodge, ]^o. 210, I.O.O.F., and of Encampment No. 89. May 5, 1861, he was united in marriage to Miss Katharine Hacker, a native of Bavaria. They have four children : John L., Frank W., Lewis A., and Charles. Charles G. Slocumb, lumber dealer, was born at Albany, Wliite- side county, Illinois, January 1, 1843, and is a son of Mr. Alfred Slocumb, an old and well known settler of that county, who helped to lay out the town of Albany. He died there September 9, 1860, after a life of usefulness and industry. Charles, the subject of this sketch, was reared as most boys in a new country, at hard work, with but lim- ited means of obtaining an education, yet by industry and close ai)pli- cation to study he has acquired a good business education. In 1865 he went into the anny, and after his return home engaged in mer- chandising at Havana, Mason county, Illinois. This he followed but a short time wdien he sold out and went to Cliii)pewa Falls. Wisconsin, where he engaged in the manufacture of l)rick. wliich he followed about three years. After this he engaged in boating on the Mississii)i)i river. In 1876 he came to Keitlisburg, where he permanently located, and engaged in the lum})er Ijusiness. He also o^\nis a mill here for the manutacture of lumber. March 20, 1875, he was united in marriage 204 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. with Miss Maria E. Stephens, of Mount Yernon, Iowa. They have two children : Clyde E. and Maud S. Mr. Slocumb is a member ot*^ Eobert Burns Lodge, ITo. 113, A.F.A.M. In all professions and occupations there are those who are ' ' fussy, " nervous and bombastic, making great noise over small achievements, while others are quiet, unobtrusive, meritorious workers in whatever sphere they occupy in the world's great drama. Such an one is the subject of this sketch. Dr. John S. Ai.len. He is not old enough to be a pioneer of the country or in his profession, but is performing well the part which he has chosen in life's duties. Dr. Allen is comparatively a young man, having been born in Galesburg, Illinois, Xovember 23,, 1851. He is the seventh son of Sheldon W. and Fidelia (Leach) Allen. The doctor attended the common schools of the city f»f Galesburg, and also Knox College and Lombard University. He also took a coui'se in the Western Business College of the same city. At the age of twenty- two years he commenced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. J. B. Yi^don, of Galesburg, and after a due course of study he attended three terms at Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago, and graduated in 1877. He settled in Ivewanee, where he remained but a short time, and then removed to Keithsburg, where he has since remained, doing a line business in his profession. Dr. Allen was married June 20, 1877, to Miss Florence, daughter of H. M. and Jane Condie, of Chicago. They have two children : Harry S. and John L. Dr. Allen is a member of the Order of Odd-Fellows, and is quite an active worker in the interests, of the order. Politically he is a republican, but p^ys more attention to medicine than to politics, and it has been the good fortune of few young professional men to more quickly win the confidence of the majority of the people than Dr. Allen has. L^vnsing K. Jenne, veterinary surgeon, is a son of John and Sarah (Freeman) Jeime. He was born in Genesee county, jSTew York, June 15, 1820. Xovember 4, 18-10, he was married to Miss Submit Ashley, a native of Ontario county, New York. In about 1850 he removed to. Michigan, and settled near Grand Rapids, where he bought land and made a larni by chopping it out of the green woods. This tiirm he sold, and in 1872 removed to Muscatine, Iowa, where he remained till 1880, when he came to Keithsburg. Early in life he paid some atten- tion to the study of veterinary surgery, and by careful study and good luck has become master of his profession. He is the father of six chil- dren, living: jSTewton E., Edward S., Frank F., JolinW., Sarah S., and Lua M. MII-LERSBlKi; TO\VNSim>. 205- MILLERS13URG TUAV^XSHIP. As we begin the task of writing the first history of this township, knowing tliat ahnost a half centurv lias passed since the first settlement was made within its boundaries bv civilized men, without so much as a diary of incidents and dates being kept of what has transpired, we can but feel that the task is a ditticult one. The resources for data concerning the early settlement has been rapidly decreasing during the later years, till at present only a very small number of the pioneers remain to tell the story. AVere the memory so absolutely perfect that nothing once known could slip away, we could yet exj)ect to pen for the present all things of interest that have transpired in Millersburg township during the past fifty years. But notwithstanding all the imperfections of memory, enough of the history of Millersburg township remains to impress upon the minds of the rising generation the noble and resolute character of the pioneers who first planted civilization and civilized institutions within its boundaries. Those old pioneers, 'tis true, did not lead great armies like Genghis Khan, or a Napoleon, or Cajsar, devastating whole empires and kingdoms, but they did a noble work — a work that should cro^v^l their memories with the hon(5r of pushing out upon the frontier and lapng the foundations of happy and pleasant homes for those who should come after them, in a wilderness beset with the privations and toils inherent to early settlement of almost every country. Let us seat ourselves by the grassy mound that marks the resting place of their aged dust and study their characters and the part they played in the world's drama, and then ask ourselves these questions : Are they not deserving of all the honors we can heap upon them i Can the gay, festive boy aff<>rd to pass lightly by the character of his now sleeping ancestor, to study the character and lives of those wlio have become eminent in the world's history because of the cir- cumstances which made them? Is there not a lesson for the blithe and lively girl of to-day in the patience of that old grandmother now sweetly sleeping beneath the sod, after so many years of earnest toil, that her granddaughter might live the life of a queen instead of the life of a slave in a desert ■ There is a lesson for all in the character of these sturdy ])ioneers. whose toiling hands only rested when the angel said: "Kest; your work is done." That lesson can only be learned from the institution* they planted and nurtured till they were called away. Let us look o\er and locate the territory of the section whose 206 HISTORY OF MERCER A>'D HEXDERSON COUNTIES. history we are to write. It consists of thirty-six S(|uare miles, bounded ■on the noitli by Duncan township, on the east by Mercer, on the south by Abington, and on the west by Xew Boston. Let us iniayine ourselves near the center of this tract of country, looking around us from some high eminence, a half century ago. Almost at our feet is the Edwards riyer, quietly mo^-ing along to join the father of waters, flowing almost directly west across the to^ynship. On either side it is almost inyariably fringed with narrow, fiat bottoms overgrown with forest trees, and hedged in by abrupt bluffs reachingf to the height of sixty, and sometimes eie^htv. feet. Casting our eye to the northwest we can see the forest undulations, like the billows of an angry sea, where breaks of Camp creek and those of the Edwards river meet. This last-named stream flows southwest across sections 5 and 7. The Edwards makes a sharp curve on sections 8 and 9, approaching almost to within one mile of the north line of the township. Looking to the northeast of the township we see the undu- lations growing smaller and smaller, until they present almost a straight line on the horizon ; this is partly timber and the rest prairie. Turning to the south, a beautiful landscape meets the eye. The tall, waving grass marks the gentle undulations of the land on the south and southeast ; on the southwest the breaks of Pope creek extend north of the south' line about one mile. What were at first low sags, extending back from the streams, receiving quietly the water exuding from the upland and bearing it on without a ripple, have now grown in many places into deep gulches, growing deeper with each freshet. At the time of the first white settlement the Indians of this part of the state had been conquered and most of tliem were gone. Could we have stood here fifty years ago, looking down into the Edwards river as it rolled gently along, we would have realized that the red men who once in awhile come to "sdew the hunting-grounds of their fathers and visit the graves of their kindred are almost the only visitors to this locality. The deer, the wolf, the wild duck, the jn-airie chicken and the sand-hill ci-ane sport upon the banks, watching the fish as they play in its jdacid waters, without fear of being molested even by the skulk- ing red man whom they had been accustomed to see creeping down the ravine, through the tall grass, to surprise them in their haunts. These were balmy days for these inhabitants, of so many different species. The red man of the forest had taken up his march in the direction of the setting sun, to make room for the industrious settler who was soon to follow, taking nothing with him but his wigwam and weapons. As the red nuxn moved out to make room for the civilized settler. Mii.i.KKsnrKc; TiiwxsHii'. 207 so must these motley, but interesting- ami lia])py groups .of binls and ■quadrupeds move out and give place to the domesticated of their kind. . Of the man (»f the forest but few traces of his haunts or works remain, save a few mounds on section 4. The section is well timbered with oak, hickory, walnut and other kinds of forest trees. (.)f so great anti(|uity are these mounds that the forest trees nsing from their summits compare in size and age with those of the surrounding forest. These mounds are from three to six feet high. Froin some of them have been taken tomahawks of stone, arrow heads, human bones, which nature's forces had not yet reduced to common clay, and other trinkets. To us here is the history of a race unwritten so far as we can tell, save by the implements they buried with their dead. Of the lower orders of the early inhabitants few remain, and tliev ]ir)ke through hedge and wood to escape the hunter and his dog. The whole scene is now changed. The northwest quarter, which was originally all timber, is now partly cut oif, and herds of cattle and sheep dot its hills and sloi)es. Looking to the northeast quarter, beautiful farms of waving tields of wheat and growing corn, with here and there a forest grove, meet the eye. Turning to that part of the township south of the Edwards, the fields of tall and waving wild grass have disappeared, in lieu of which we now behold beautiful farms, with cozy dwellings, inhabited by a prosperous people. This section of the township for all agricultural purposes cannot be excelled in the county; nor can the part north of tlie Edwards be excelled for line stock farms. pioxep:r settlers and settlements. It will not be out of phlce to drop a few remarks as to the charac- ter of the pioneers, for the character of history rERCEK AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. before they . began to erect school-houses and churches, the same building being used for both purposes. Owing to their proximity to their neighbors on the Mississippi, they endured less privations and hardships than did the colonists who came over in the Mayflower ; but they were men and women who possessed no less courage and earnest- ness for the principles wliich had been taught them under the paternal roof. Had it been theirs to exercise that stubborness to the edicts of kings and priests in defense of human rights, as it was that of the pilgrim fathers, they would haye proved equally indomitable and immoyable. It has been remarked that men die, are buried, and even their graves are lost ; but their influence, like the stains of human gore, cannot be removed from the coummunity where they resided. This, we must admit, is true of Millersburg township ; ita society is pushing along in the direction laid out by its lirst settlers. The township is divided into two geographical divisions by the Edwards river. Between the early settlers of each there was but little- communication, because of there being no bridges across this stream. Settlements were made in the township both north and south of the river about the same time in the fall of 1834. The flrst families ta locate south of the river were Harrison Itiggs, Ebenezer Creswell and Edward Willitts. The flrst located on section 30, and erected the fii'st cabin in the township ; his wife, Mrs. Julette Riggs, still resides upon the same fann where she and her husband flrst located, and where she is patiently waiting the summons that shall call her to a world with less privations and cares. The second, Ebenezer Creswell, located on section 21, where he built a saw-mill in 1834 or 1835. This was on Camp creek and was the flrst mill in the township. The Willitts family located on the same section as did Creswell. Among others who came sliortly after were : Thomas Riggs in 1836, on sec- tion 25 ; Rice Peckingbaugh, on section 21, in 1840 ; Charles Griflith, on section 16, in 1839, where he yet resides ; Isaac Burson, on section 20, in 1837 ; W. Hubbard, on section 32, in 1836 ; Edward Brady, Sr., in 1842 ; John T. McGinnis, in 1846 ; Richard and John S. Kidoo- came in 1845 ; AVilliam Kidoo and his father came in 1847 ; John and Edward Brady came in 1842 ; Peter Spangler, Thomas Jackson and others came about 1840, and located south of the Edwards. Thus was civilized society planted in Millersburg on the south of the river. North of the Edwards the flrst settler located was Benijah Lloyd, on section 5, in 1834. Two years later the town of Millersburg was laid out by the Miller brothers, who had previously settled in another township, about 1834. Among those who located in and around the new town were : H. "W. Thornton, in 1836 ; James Thompson, in MILLERSBURG TOWNSHII'. 209 1838 ; Esq. Routzong, in 1838 ; Erastus, AVilliam :inresidcnts ; Recording Secretary, James Grady ; Corresjionding Secretary, ,Jane (Tihnore ; Treasurer, Miss Mattie Bay; Board of INIanagers, ]\lrs. Maggie Egbert, Ephraim (Gilmore and Annie Williams. The charter was given the society by John P. St. John, president, and J. E. Letton, 8ecretar\', of the national societv. Miij.i:i:suuK(i TDWNsiiip. 217 There is yet another society now in (i]»eration at Milk'rsl)urg, for the moral cultivation of its chihhvn. This is the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. It was organized in 1S80, at the Methodist church. The first mcndjers of the society deserve to be remembered by those who come after, as they embrace the ladies of most of the leading families in and about Millersljurg. They are as follows : Mrs. Eddy, Mrs. M. Bay, Miss S. E. Thornton, Miss A. Shafer, Mrs. Bur- gess*, Mrs. B. C. Greene, Mrs. M. Boyd. Mrs. M. E. Boyd, Mrs. T. Comell, Mrs. Boyles, Mrs. Vernon, Mrs. L. Thornton, Mrs. L. Landreth, Mrs. M. A. Lee, ]\Irs. M. E. Sivens, Mrs. Norbury, Mrs. T. Gilmore, Mrs. J. M. Gilmore, Mrs. Dr. Chowning, Mrs. Ellen Everett, Mrs. J. Morey, Miss J. Farran. The funds accumulating from initiation fees and term dues are used to procure reading matter that will interest the children, and direct them in a right direction as to 'other literature. The present number of members is eighteen. The tirst otiicers of the societv were: President, Mrs. E. Eddv : Vice- presidents, Mrs. E. Bay, Mrs. Burges and Mrs. E. Dunn ; Corresi)ond- ing Secretary, Mrs. R. Green; Recording Secretary, Miss S. E. Thornton ; Treasurer, Miss A. Shafer. The present officers are : Mrs. M. Merriman, president, with Mrs. Burges and M. Egbert, vice- presidents ; corresponding and recording secretaries same as the first. The Children's Temperance Society was organized in 1882, with twenty-two members. Its officers are : President, Mrs. Dr. Chown- ing; Vice-Presidents, Miss A. Shafer and Mrs. W. Egbert. This society is kept in the interest of the Woman's Christian Tem})erance Union. Credit must be given the ladies of Millersburg and the sur- rounding countrv for the active and energetic ijart thev have ever taken to build u}> a good class of society around them, and banish from their midst those evils and temptations which tend to destroy the harmonious progression of well regulated society. CHURCH HISTORY. This part of the history of Millersburg is no less interesting than her tem}»erance history. As we have before stated, in the cabin of the first settler in the town in 1836 begins this department of Millersburg's history. Until the court-lunise was c<>mpleted in 1839 the several denominations represented here held their meetings at the houses of their members and in the groves, when, in 18rl4, the first school- house was built, and meetings were held in it and at the court-house till churches were erected. The first orijanization of the Presbvterian faith in Mercer county was at what is now known as Pope's Civek, in 1837, with John Montgomery as pastor. TIk- adxocates o Presby- 218 HISTORY <:>F MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. terianism living at Millersbnrg and tlie sniTonnding conntrv attended cliurcli at that place and made up a }»art of the society. In 1839 they began to have regular services at ]\Iillersburg, which were held in the court-house till 1814. but had no organization of their o^vn till about the close of 1813 or the beginning of 1841. John Montgomerv was their first regular preacher in the court-house. In 1844, the time of tlie buililing of the tirst school-house in Millersburg, the house was made larger than was needed for school that it might serve for both school-house and church. At this time the following-named persons were dismissed fi-om the Pope Ci*eek church to organize a society at Millersburg : Messrs. E. Gilmore, J. M. Gilmore, Henry Lee, Edward and John Brady, J. T. McGinnis, J. G. Gilmore, A. A. Sherer, Samuel Guffy, John Kiddoo, Graham Lee, David Morrow and H. W. Thornton. The ladies were: Betsy King. Margaret S. Gilmore. Ann J. Taylor, Martha Lee, Mary Marsh, Mary E. Murphy, Sarah E. Lloyd, Sarah Clark. Elizabeth A. Edgar. Elizabeth Davis, Mary M. Steele. Mary Sherer, Eliza Brady, Catherine Gilmore, Tabitha W. Bay, Mary A. McGinnis, Mary Gutty, Eliza Kiddoo, Elizabeth Morrow, E. F. Thornton, Bachel T. AVillitts and Hannah Reed, making in all forty- four members to organize and establish the first church in ]\Iillersburg. The society held services in the above-mentioned school-house till 1854, when was erected the present church edifice, a frame building, at a cost of $1,600. Its size is 40x50, with a seating capacity for 300 persons. It has several times been refitted, and even now, as to outward appear- ances, is comparatively a new building. The ministers who have served this congregation since it began to have preaching are : Rev. John Montgomery, from 1839 to 1843 ; Thomas Tail, till 1848 or 1849 ; L. Y. CVittenden, 1854; A. Loomis, till 1858 ; J. N". Jamison, till 1861 ; William Dool, from 1865 to 1869 ; J. McBride, till 1872 ; Joel Kennedy, three years, and till 1879. The present pastor is W. B. Phelps. The first officers of the church were : Elders, Ephraim Gilmore, J. W. Ne\aus. Shortly after the organization J. T. McGinnis. J. M. Gilmore and Henry Lee were added to the eldership. The largest membership the society ever numbered at any one time was 140 members. It now numbers little more than one-fourth that number. This reduction has been owing to circumstances. The greatest drain upon the society has been the number that have been dis- missed to organize other societies. At one time there were dismissed forty-five members to organize a society s<^uth of the Edwards, at Avhat is now Peniel ch\u-ch ; at another, eighteen were dismissed to organize a society at Hamlet in Perryton townshi}) ; and several were dismissed to unite with the Perryton society in Pcn-yton township. This church MILI.ERSBURG TOWNSHIP. 210 society has ahvavs had SuiKhiy-school at its church-hoiist.', but nut ct>n- nectc'd with the churcli. Tlie SuiKUiv-school whieli it has always supported was (tri;anized at Millersburg, in the c<»urt-h()use in 1842, by the American Sundav-school Union. Anionii:: the members of this society since its organization are the names of many promirtent families, both of the past and present. The next church organization in age and extent is the Methodist Episco})al church. The people of this faith who located here at an early day, like the Presbyterians, held their meetings at }»rivate houses and in groves till the coui1:-h< »use was erected, when they used that till the school-house was built in 184-I-, when they held services there till they erected their first church building. The early pioneers of the Methodist Episcopal church worshiped at Camden Mills (now Milan, Rcjck Island county), and for several years only had preaching at Millersburg now and then. It remained a part of the Camden Mills circuit till 1865, when it became the Mil- lersburg circuit, then including Aledo, which was afterward detached fi'om the circuit. They began to have regular preaching about 1850, but no organization distinct from the Camden MiDs church till 1857, when the organization was eftected and included in the Peoria con- ference. P. X. More was the elder who presided here at the (organi- zation. J. ^y. Long was secretary of the meeting. D. M. Falkinbury was first pastor in charge. James Sheritf. Jacob A\1iarton and John Ashbaugh were the first class-leaders. The first stewards were: J. W. Lane, Ambrose Eddy, Jacob Colier, Peter Blue, E. C. Paitlet, William T. Shafer, and Joseph Richmond. Samuel Wliarton was appointed Sunday-school superintendent, and Samuel Ai*tz assistant superintendent. The Methodist Episco}tal society erected their first and |)resent church building, 40 X 60, seating room 40 X 50 feet, in 1857, at a cost of $4,(»00. Previous to erecting this present church a build- ing was begun on the same foundation, and when partly com})leted, w^as blown down by a storm. This was a sad thing for the churcli; it needed a place for worship, and tlie generosity of many had received considerable tension, and it seemed like raising mountains of granite from their foundations to arouse the people again to a necessity of beginning a second building, and to renew their subscriptions for that l>urpose. Citizens with money to loan were less common than now. But in the face of all this o})])Osition the Methodist Episcopal people Went to work with a will which meant to carry the point, and did so. The building is well furnished, and the best in the town. The chin-ch has enjoyed a good degree of prosperity since its organization. Like the Presbyterian church, it has come up from the jnoneer days, and 220 HISTORY OF MEKCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. among its members since the clmrcli was established here, and before,, are many of the prominent families, not only of Millersburg township,, but of the county. The ministers who haye labored here since 1857, are : F. A. Falkinbury, from 1857 to 1858, during which time Josepli Richmond was exhorter in the church ; L. D. Crouch, till 18«i( i ; Z. E. Kaufman,, till 1861; J. D. Taylor, till 1863; L. S. Ashbaugh, till 1864; J. D. Taylor again, till 1865 ; James Cowden, till 1866 ; M. P. Armstrong,, till 1868, who came here from Indiana, and as the conference year of the two conferences did not end at the same time, his place was tilled, till his time expired in Indiana, by J. H. Pay ton ; A. ^lorey, till 1870; A. Peeler, till 1871; Thomas Head, tilf 1874; J. J. Walter, till 1875; G. M. .Morey, till 1878. Present pastor in charge is G. W. Frizell. The present officers are : Ambrose Eddy, J. D. Strat- tan, J. H. Purdum and Dr. J. P. Chowning, church stewards; Jac<:>b Wliarton, William Dunn, Ambrose Eddy, J. D. Strattan and S. H. Eiddell, trustees ; Charles York, J. H. Purdum and William Robinson,, parsonage trustees. The Methodist Episcopal church has had connected with its organi- zation, since 1857, a liye and profitable Sunday-school. Previous to 1857 they labored in the capacity of a Sunday-school in the interest and under the auspices of the American Sunday School I'nion. The school is now kept in operation throughout the year, and is in a prosperous condition. LATTER-DAY SAINTS' CHURCH. Tlie third and last of the cliurches n<3w represented in Millersburg is the Latter-Day Saints' church, not unfrequently called Mormons, but the people of this faith here detest the yery idea of polygamy. This doctrine of the church was first preached in the county about 1840, by Elder G. M. Ilinkle. The first society in the county was. organized in 1861 in Duncan township. The members of this faith then at Millersburg worshiped with the congregation in Duncan town- ship till 1872, when they ^yere organized into a distinct societ}-, which met at priyate residences for worship for a short time after its organ- ization, and other buildings suitable, till 1876, when they built their present church-house .at a cost of 860<.>. The first members were as. follows : W. S. Morrison, Joseph Harris, James Vernon, Eliza Vernon, Viola Vernon, J. M. Terry, Mary Terry, Elizabeth, Emma, Stephen* Theresa, James and ]S^ancy Miller, Jasper, Mary, Mary E., Clara, Juliet, Adelaide and Edward Duncan. Hannah Terry, Margaret Brown, William Cardman, Sarah Cardinaii, Elizabeth Webb. The present members number forty-six. MILLERSBITRG TOWJS'SHIP. 221 A partial list (^f the ministers, as furnished us, is as follows: J. ]\r. Terry, J. AV. Terry, E. Bryant, J. L. Terry and J. B. Harris, present pastoi- in cluirge. The iirst officers were J. B. Harris and J. M. Terry. The i)resent officers are J. L. Terry, E. Bryant and J. W. Terry. The tirst death that occurred in the society was that of W. S. Morrison in 1873. The society is in a prosperous condition. It receives much uncalled-for censure because of the infamous docti-ine preached by the Utah church. While these three church societies compose those who have erected church buildings in Millersburg, they do not embrace all the creeds re})resented by her people. The earliest preaching at ^lillersburg was of the predestinarian Baptist faith, which at that time was rapidly losing its favor with the ])eople from whence came the greater part of the early settlers of Millersburg. In addition to these Ba;)tists were the Missionary Ba})tist, who have had at no time in the history of the settlement of the township a church building and a ivgular organized society, but have had, at irregular intervals, })reaching almost from the beginning of the settlement. The people a part of the time held their meetings in the Presbyterian church building, and the remainder in the school-house and at other places. In 1870 G. M. Zook preached here regularly for one year ; he was followed by A. F. Sharpner. Among others who have from time to time labored here in the ministerial capacity are M. I). Murdock and J. W. Washdale. Owing to the fact that no record of the early settlers who held to the Missionary Ba])tist faith has been kept of those who resided at and around Millersburg, we are not able to give a list of their names, and give only the names of this faith at tliis time residing here : A. P. Sharpner and fa)nily, Thomas Landreth and family, James Burges and wife, Herschel Felton and wife, and James Cash. These hold tlieir membership at Antioch. in Duncan township, or at Aledo. Such is the history of the religious sects of the town of Millersburg from its Iirst settlement. INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD-FELLOW>S. This society ranks high in this vicinity in morals, business ability and intelligence. The history of its organization and progress, as follows, has been pre]>ared by a committee a]>pointed for the purpose. Iris Lodge, No. 267, I.O.O.F., was organized December 13, 1858, by AVilliam L. Green, James McJenkins, -I. \V. Close, John S. Moore and (). C. Allen, over the old store of (). A. Ih-idgford. J. W. Close is the onlv livinsj; charter member, as known bv the » 222 HISTORY OF MERCER A>T) HE>rDERSON COUN'nE!^. lodge at the present time. The first oftieers of the lodge were as follows: X.G., AV. L. Green; V.G., J. W. Close; Sec, James Mclenkins; Treas., J. S. Moore. The first niemhers of Iris Lodge had a pretty hard struggle to keep life in the organization ; for, when the lodge was yet young, a number of the members were called away to the army, which left only about a quorum, and it was a hard matter to get all out at once. But by hard work they pulled through. The brethren never forgot those who were called awa}- to help in the su}> pression of rebellion, and showed their interest in the absent ones by paying all back dnes, and in gaining help. The first death in the lodge was that of Lewds Trimble, and the whole number of deaths since the lodge was organized is five. The progress of the lodge, since the close of the war, has been very rapid, increasing from the five charter members to an average of forty members in good standing, and from a state of bankruptcy to a suq^lus of $1,500. The society now owns their own hall, which is very neat and attractive, and claims as a mem- bership the best men that society aftbrds. The present ofiicers of the lodge are as follows : N.G., C. C. Brown; V.G., W. W. Wakeland ; Sec, J. U. Eoberts; Treas., J. jS^. Close. The number of members at present is forty-five. The society has occupied one building almost all the time, and it cost $500. The lodge is now in a prosperous condition, and is one of the ablest lodges in the county. Millersburg public schools is one of the institutions in which her people take great pride, and it is well that they should feel proud of an institution that can prepare her sons and daughters to become men and women among men and women. About the first, if not the very first, school taught in Millersburg, was kept in H. W. Thornton's law oflice by a man named Bell, in 1838. Aftei- this, school was held in the court-house till 1844, when the first house for school purposes was erected. Harry Scenter, David Felton, Hiram Hardie, Mrs. H. W. Thornton, Da^id Lloyd, Charles AVinchip and Joseph McChesney were pioneer teachers of Millersburg, some of whom taught both in the rural districts and in town. The first school building was used for school purposes till 1862, when the present spacious brick school-house was erected, with four de])artments. The present jn-incipal is Prof Daniel Farmer, of Normal, Illinois. A word complimenting the sys- tematic course of instruction is not out of place. Students are fitted here for teachers without further drill. The other xdllage in the township is Joy, located on the Keithsburg division of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railnvad. It was laid out in 1860 by L. W. Thompson and William Lngles, on section 19. The first business house in the j)lace was a store of general mer- ^tll.I.KlJSlURG TOWNSHIP. 223 tliandise, kej^t bv ('. S. Kiclioy. and the first drug store by John Moss. The tirst bhicksmith to locate here was Joseph Hughes. The first religious ineetiugs in tlie town were held by the Presbyterians, Metho- dists, and Later Day !>aints, in the school-house. The population of the town is about 150. It has two stores : one kept by J. H. Crane ; the other by J. T. C-ralloway ; both have a good trade. One wagon shop is run by Jose])h Hughes, and one bhiokstnith shop by G. W. Cook. The hotel is kept by J. W. Wood. The first hotel ever k5i)t in the village was by (). F. Green. The village is quite a shi})ping point. The railroad established a station here the same year the village was laid out. For some time the business of" the station was almost nothing; the people had become so accustomed to take their produce to the river that it seemed hard to get out of the old ruts. The first station agent was H. N. McNeil. The }>resent agent is Hiram Standish ; he came here in 1870, and took hold of the business for both the company and the farm^-s ; hi^ object was to bring to this point the ship])ing both of ;grain and live stock that properly belonged here. In 1881 there were loaded at this ])lace 196 cars of stock and 74 of grain ; the number of cattle ship])ed was 1,338; of hogs, 7,678. To bring the business of the surrounding country here the agent received the produce from the producer and shipped it. .Vt that time there were no buyers here. J. H. Crane is the present grain merchant. The post-office now at Joy was first established in 1847, and named High Point. George Scott was the first postmaster, and kept the * office at his home, where Edward Griffith now resides. Tlie next appointed postmaster was Samuel Eayle, who kej^t the office one year, when it was given again to George Scott. In 1865 Peter Si)angler was appointed jjostmaster and held the office till 1870, when it was moved to Joy, and the name changed from High Point to that of Joy, and the office given to O. F. Green. In 1871 J. T. McGinnis was made postmaster. The present postmaster is J. II. Crane, apjjointed in 1878, but has kept the office since 1873. Joy has one church, the Methodist Episcopal. It was organized in 1874 by liev. Head. Previous tc* this time they had irregular preaching at the scIkjoI-Iiousc at Joy and at the brick church two miles southeast of the village. The s'ociety was organized with the folhjw- ing named members : J. W. Wood and wife, W. P. Zentmire and wife, AVilliam Kiddoo and wife, Richard Edgar and wife, Eli/a Kiddoo, K. H. Day and wife, Frank ]\Iore and wife, and Augusta Mays. The society now numbers foity members. In ls77 it built its first and present church edifice, a frame, at an outlay of §1,8(>0, The trustees 224 .• HISTOEY OF MERCER A^D HENDERSON COUNTIES. at present are : William Kiddoo, P. P. Zentniire and J. M. Shingle- decker. The stewards are : J. M. Shingledecker and Mrs. Mays, The class-leader is W. P. Zentmire. The ministers who have- labored here' are : J. J. Walters, instrumental in bringing about the bnilding of the church ; M. Morej, and W. B. Frizell, present pastor in charge. The society has lost by removals several of- its valuable members. * A Sunday-school was organized shortly after the church organiza- tion was effected, whicli has since been in operation, and now numbers forty scholars. W. P. Zentmire is the present superintendent. Both the church and Sunday-school are in a prosperous condition. In addition to those church societies in the town of Millersburg- and 'the village of Joy,, there are the Seventh Day Adventists church at the Marsh school-house in the southeast part of the township ; the Peniel church, four miles south of Millersburg, and the free Presby- terian church, familiarly known as the old brick church a half mile south of the Peniel church. • The Seventh Day Adventists are of recent date in Millersburg township, being as late as 1871 ; though there was a society of this belief much earlier in Aledo, with Elder Andrews as pastor, who came to the Marsh school-house previous to 1871, and preached for the benefit of the members of the church living in that community, at irregular intervals. The society^ was organized with about thirty com- municants, and at this time numbers twenty members. The society has been very much affected by the unsettled condition of the popu- lation. The first officers were : J. R. Witham, elder ; C. Dreyden, deacon ; J. C. Middaugh, clerk. The present officers are : elder, same as the first ; clerk, Mary Miller. The society is flourishing, and proposes to erect a church-house for worship at the earliest possible period. The Presbyterian congregation, known as the Peniel class, was organized into a distinct society in 1871. From the early settlement of the township there were several of this faith in this comnninity, but not sufficient for sometime to support an independent society ;. hence they held their membership at Millersburg. For several years they had preaching at the Pleasant Hill school-house, two miles east of Joy, and occasionally held meetings in the brick church one mile south. In 1871 the organization was effected by forty-five members, who were dismissed from the Millersburg society for that purpose. They met at the brick church and proceeded to form themselves into a society, and forthwith adopted measures for the erection of a church edifice, which was completed in 1872, at an outlay of $4,500. This is millersburct township. '^r 2:25- by far tlie finest clmroh in the tcjwnship. It is a frame, "structure 40 X 60, witli a seating capac-ity for 3()() persons. J. Downing donated the ground for the cluirch and cemetery. Tn addition to tliis a par- sonage was built at an outlay of $1,600, Edwin Gilmore donating the ground on which it stands, one-fourth mile north of the church. This society and the one at Millersburg employ the same pastor ; hence it is not necessary to repeat the names of the ministers who have lab<^)red here since the organization was effected ; nor before, as they will be found in the list of ministers in connection with the society at Millers- burg. The first elders of the society were : J. Downing, William Miller, J. T. McGinnis and John Love. A few years after there were two more added to this number : Eichard Kiddoo (deceased) and Henry Dool. The present eldership is the same. Tlie largest mem- bership the society has had at any one time was 125 membei's, which has been reduced to S4 by removals. The society dedicated its building out of debt Many of the friends of the church came on dedication day with their pocketbooks, and went away surprised to think that no collection was taken. The Presbyterian element is largely predominant in the section surrounding this church. The society has kept, in connection with the church work, an interesting Sabbath-school. Until quite recently it was discontinued during the winter 'months, but now continues throughout the year. The i^resent superintendent is William Jewel. The average attendance is 100. Tlie brick church one and a half miles north of the south line of the township, and directly south of Millersburg, was the first church building erected in the towniship. It was built in 1847. It is in size 40 X 60, and is still standing. It was built not so much by subscription as by contributions in work. The society was that of the Free Presby- terian faith. The leading members, and those who were instrumental in building the church, were the Kiddoo brothers, James, Eichard, William and John, and others of the neighbors whose names we failed to get, as the records are either lost or have been carried away. The brick were bui'ned by Richard Kiddoo. The men who did the work were kept by the people who were interested in its erection. Pev. James Pogue was the first minister in charge. The first elder was James Kiddoo, who moved west a tW years since. This society was an advocate of freedom, not at that time inherent with the (jther branches of Presbyterianism. The organizati<^n was ke]jt up till sometime during the war, when the principles of the denomina- tion, whose mission it was to demonstrate, became impressed upon the connnunity ; and the society having become reduced in its mem- bership by frequent removals of its members, it united with the 226 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES, Methodist Episcopal church society now located at Joy. as the prin- ciples of freedom advocated by the two societies were one and the same. The society was reincorjtorated under the name of the Metho- dist Episco})al church, which held its meeting here regularly till the present church building wjis erected in Joy. Connected with the church is the first established cemetery in the township, south of the Edwards. Here reposes the dust of several of the early settlers of the surrounding country. The first Sunday-school in this part of the township was organized at this church, about the time of its dedication, under the auspices of the American Sunday School Union, which was kept u}) till the Methodist Episcopal society ceased to hold meetings here. The only use now made of the church building, is for funeral services at the cemetery. The erection of this church, at the time it was effected, if we consider the financial circumstances of the community, and the durability of the building itself, clearly illustrates the character of the people of the surrounding community. Among the societies of the township, held at Millersburg, which clearly illustrates the progress of agriculture and stock raising is the county fair. It was the first association of the kind in the county. The fair grounds were located southwest of Millersburg, adjoining the town, and originally consisted of three acres, and enlarged to nine, at the time of its removal to Aledo. The expenses were kept within the annual income. The labor necessary to make the needed improvements was donated by the members of the association. Any one could become a member of the society by })aying the fee of one dollar at eacli annual meeting. The sole interest of the society was manifested in behalf of the products of the county, and was con- ducted on strictly moral principles. Yery little racing was permitted, and no gambling witliin the enclosure. Those who attended its amiual show of stock, agricultural j^roducts and woman's wares, say that a marked ]H-ogress in each department was perceptible, and it is not unfre(piently the remark is made of the good social times eni(jyed at the Millersburg fair. The ladies of the county are equally entitled to their share of the praise for the success of the institution while at Millersburg. The officers of the association gave free of charge their services, without even charging up their expenses while conducting the business of the association. When the place of its annual meeting was moved to Aledo, the society was out of debt and had a surplus of twelve or fifteen hundred dollars in the bank. We now leave the history of the society to be continued in the history of Mercer township. MILLKKSIiL'K*; TOWNSIIII'. 227 TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. In 1854 the peo[)le of Millersburg township mot at tlie school-liouse near Edward Brady's corner, with Ephraini Gilmore, chairman, ap- pointed by L. B. Howe, and L. B. Howe, secretary. These temporary ofRcei-s became the permanent officers for the year. The townshijj was divided into three road districts : No. 1, north of the Edwards ; No. 2, embraced the east lialf of the township, south of the Edwards; No. 3, the west half of township, south of the Edwards. The following list of township officers, taken from the records, will prove of great interest as being a list of gentlemen, who at various times, were considered worthy of the votes of their constituents and well litted for the offices to which they elected them : 1=3 18o4 1855 18.'iG 1»7 18.58 1859 1860 1861 1862 1863 1864 1865 1866 1867 1868 1869 1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 Supervisors. I David Llovd , M. L. Marsh James Haverlield James Haverfield J. T. McGinnis..., J. T. McGinnis..., J. T. McGinnis. . . , Ephriiim (iilmore A. P. Tavlor A. P. Tavlor J. T. McGinnis..., J. T. McGinnis J. T. McGinnis..., J. T. McGinnis Thos. Merriman. , J. T. McGinnis... J. T. McGinnis..., R. H. Day R. H. Dav R. H. Dav J. T. McGinnis..., J. E. Bay J. E. Bav J. T. McGinnis.... J. T. McGinnis..., J. W. Close J. W. Close J. W. Close S. H. Riddell Clerks. J. E. Bav J. O. Allen J.O.Allen....... S. J. Strattun Wm. A. Crane . . Wm. Greene J. M. Xevius Wm. L. Greene,. J. E. Bav J. E. Bav J. E. Bav J. E. Bav J. E.Bay J. E. Bav J. E. Bay J. E.Bay J. E. Bav J. E. Bav J. E. Bav J. E. Bay John Brady John Brady John Brady John Brady John Brady John Brady John Brady John Brady J. G. Havertield. ASSE.SS()RS. Benijah Llovd, Jr. R. W. Bav J. T. McGinnis..., O. A. Bridgford . . , W. A. Bridgford.., James Kiddoo, Jr, James Haverfield , Wm. M. Brown Wm. M. Brown Wm. M. Brown..., L. B. Howe Johnson E. Beatv. J. E. Beaty ". . R. H. Day R. H. Dav O. A. Bridgford... E. L. Emerson E. L. Emerson Ed. (irittith Ed. (iriffilh J. (i. McCarnahan, J. A. Gilmore J. E. Bay J. E. Bav J. E. Bav J. E. Bav J. E. Bav J. E. Bav Collectors. J. R. Lemon W. A. Bridgford. W. A. Bridgford. W. L. Crane J. R. Lemon Wm. L. Greene.. Wm. L. Greene. Wm. L. Greene.. W. A. Bridgford. W. A. Bridgford. W. A. Bridgford . J. E. Bav M. L. Detuler . . . J. H. Gradv J. H. Gradv C'O.M.MISSIOXKRS OK HKiUWAYS. John Brady I A. W. McClain.. I W. A. Bridgford. j W. A. Bridgford. I John Love ! L. B. Childs John Bradv W. O. Dungau. /Ed. Brady, \ J. W. Close. W. A. Marsh. J. W. Close. Ed. Brady. Richard kiddoo. J. W. Close. Edward Brady. Jahn Bradv R. Kiddt)0. J. R. Wartwick.. J. R. Wartwick.. John Harvey W. R. Lemon... . W. R. Lemon J. W. (lose. Ed. Bra, A. Eddy, Charles Griffith and AVilliam Brown ; i860, AVilliam Brown, Ed. Brady and A. Eddy ; 1861 and 1862, same as in 1860; 1863, Ed. Brady, A. Eddy and J). Thatcher; 1864 and 1865, same as 1863 ; 1867, J. M. and R. II. Gilmore. 22>^ HISTORY OF itERCEK AXD HEXDERSOX COUNTIES. In 1S55 the vote as to whether or not the to'vniship organization should be ado])ted, the result was 21 votes for and 19 against the organization. The following is a list of the justices of the township since 1S35 : Ebenezer Creswell, apjiointed May 3, 1835 ; Abraham Miller, Octo- ber 5, 1835 ; Isaac Beson. April 30, 1838, refused to accept; Christian Routzong, 1838 ; Frank Miller, probate justice, 1838 ; Abraham Thorp, 1839 ; E. Gilmore, 1839 ; John Carnahan, 1839 ; Daniel Pink- ley, 184U; Joseph W. Lloyd, 1841; AVilliam J. Phelps, 1842; Isaac McDaniel, 1848 ; Daniel Pinkley, 1843 ; Hiram Hardy, 1843 ; Charks Sullivan, 1845 ; J. W. Wood, 1845 ; W. A. Bridgford, 1847 ; Charles Sullivan, 1847 ; J. W. Wood, 1847 ; W. A. Bridgford, 1847 ; Lucian B. Howe, 1849 ; W. A. Bridgford, 1849 ; Ephraim Gilmore, Jr., 1849 ; W. A. Bridgfcrd, 1851; W. A. Bridgford, 1858; W. L. Green, 1858 ; W. A." Bridgford, 1862 ; S. AV. Gailey, 1862 ; S. H. Ptiddell, 1866; B. F. Brock^ l.s66 ; Lucien B. How, 1869; W. A. Bridgford, 1870 ; O. F. Green, 1870 ; S. H. Ptiddell, 1870 ; Joseph Lyle, 1873 ; W. A. Bridgford, 1873 ; J. W. Wood, 1877 ; S. II. Riddell, 1877 ; W. A. Bridgford, 1881 ; I. W. Huckins, 1881. SCHOOLS. The free schools of MiUersburg have kept pace with the progress 'i>t' the township. In 1841 the money paid out for teaching was ^124.86. that being the available school fund. At that time there were C)nly three distiicts, one north of the Edwards and two south. The treasurers report in 1863 shows seven distiicts ; 503 persons of school age in the township, with an attendance of 320. The amount paid out for teaching, $1,134.42 ; highest wages paid per month was $30 ; lowest, $14. School fund, $1,600. The report of 1881 shows the same number of districts ; 580 children of school age, with an enrollment of 360 pupils ; total days' attendance, 33, 340 ; the school fund, $2,322.38 ; teachers' wages for the year, $2,259.80 ; incidental exj^enses of the schools, $382.82. Highest wages paid, $60 per month. The improvements in roads have been no less rapid since 1835. The amount of road in the township is sixty miles, with an average width of three rods. In 1854 the road tax was ten cents on the one hundred dollars of taxable property; in 1856, twenty cents ; from 1856 t(» 1865, ten cents ; from 1865 to 1877, the levy was twenty cents on the one hundred dollars, when the roads passed under the commis sioners' law. In ls81 the levy was twentv cents on the one hundred ns were first held at the school-house near Ed- ward Brady's corner, but continued to be chanii:ed from here to Millers- burg, and then from Millersburg back to Brady's corner, as it is called, till 1879, then by vote the place of holding elections was settled perma- nently at Brady's corner, and a town-hall built over the school-house for town and public purposes, excei)t for dances, shows and such things that are considered to be detrimental to morality. The cost of the hall • was $387, a part of which was made up by private subscription to secure the use of the building from entertainments of the character mentioned. The census report of 1880 gives the population as 1,071. The taxable property in the township in 1881 was valued at ^401,618. The real estate was valued at $328,410, town lots at $16,060, personal property at $117,148. The equalized value was $425,127. The tax money collected on the above assessment, for general state purposes and schools, $2,255.45 ; county pm^poses, $1,065.25 ; road tax $6«;i.35 ; district school tax, $2,391 ; dog tax, $166. The township has one railroad, the Keithsburg & Galva division of the Chicago Burlington & Quincy. For voting a tax of $13,400 to the American Railroad Company, which built the road, a meeting was called in 1868, which carried by 114 votes for, to 27 against such donations. The bonds were issued in 1869, on ten years time. They have all been paid, the last in 1881, and the townshij) feels wise enough not to vote any more such taxes, as the following call-meetings show. In 1870 a meeting was called with the expectations that the town- ship would vote an appropriation to the Rockford, Rock Island & St. Louis Railroad Company, and for the donation there were 107 votes against 126. A second attempt was made to get the township to vote the tax, but with no better result this time; the votes when counted showed 106 for taxation and 117 against. In conclusion let us add, the present population of the township are a thrifty, energetic, well-to-do, and hosjiitable people. In agriculture and stock raising they are up with the times, and few laggards exist among them. For a more extensive history of the prominent business men, farmers and stock raisers of the township, reference may be had to the biographical department of Millersburg township, where the i)ersonal and tamily history of almost all of them may be found. BIOGRAPHICAL. Among the pioneer settlers yet living is William H. RiuciS, a farmer and stock raiser, a native of Kentucky, born in l'^28, son of Thonuis M. and Rebecca B. (Jenkins) Riggs, both of Kentucky. The 230 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. Riggs family came from Virginia to Kentuckv, but are of Scotcli descent, as also is the Jenkins family. Both families emigrated to America at an early period in the history of the colonies. William II. Riggs' grandfather, Richard Jenkins, came to Mercer county in lS3f!, and was cr)nstable before the township organization. He died in Aledo, After his death his wife returned to Kentucky. William H. located in Mercer county, where he now resides, in 1836, where he has been engaged in farming and stock dealing. His early educa- tion was limited, as the advantages at that early period for education were few. When a young man he went one year to an academy at Galesburg. In 1851, he was married to Elizabeth Dungan, native of Indiana, born 1830, daughter of Benjamin and DeLabor Dungan, by occupation farmers. The former was a carpenter by trade. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and came to Mercer county with the early settlers. By this marriage AVilliam H. Riggs has one chihl, Thomas B., educated at Abingdon. He was married in 1872 to Loretta D. McClanahan, native of Mercer county, born in 1851, and daughter of James McClanahan, who came in 1837 and located in Mercer county, and now resides in Henderson. Thomas R. Riggs has, by this marriage, four children : Guy H., Robert A.^ Lillian (deceased), and James H. Thomas B. lives on the farm of his father, and helps to carry on the business. Among the tine stock men of Millersburg township William H. Riggs has been known for many years. He imports the best of cattle from the noted fine stock locali- ties. While he makes cattle a specialty, both as to fine stock and feed cattle, he by no means keeps a poor grade of hogs and horses. His farm of 330 acres of plow land and seventy acres of timber is second to none, as a stock farm, in the township. Mr. Riggs is a genius, doing almost all his own work whether it be smithing, car- penter work or otherwise. While he has raised but one child of his own, several orphans have found under his roof a pleasant home, where they were the recipients of motherly and tatherly kindness. Tlic subject of this sketch, J. F. Harvey, is a native of Indiana, born in 1833, son of Beauehamp and Margaret Harvey, both of Mary- land. They emigi-ated to Indiana and settled on White river about 1825. They were both members of the Christian church. The former died in 1874^ aged sixty-three years, the latter now makes her home with her childi-en. Mr. Harvey was married in 1866 to E. J. McClure, of Indiana, daughter of John and Sarah McClure. They came to Mercer county about 18-17, and now live in Abingdon town- ship. J. F, Harvey has, by this marriage, two children : Charley B. and George F. Mr. Harvey came to Illinois in 1838 and located in \ ip^ RICHARD KIDDOO MILLERSBURG TOWNSHIP. 233 Clianipaig'ii county. Jk- thoii cininTatcMl to Misi^ouri, and at'ter\vtir(.l came to Mercer county and located where lie now resides. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. He has a farm of 125 acres, fairly im})roved and stocked with good grades. lie served in the army, during the late war, from 1861 to 1865, a period of three years and ten months, in the 18th 111. \'ol. He was in the battles of Fort Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, Pritton's Lane; went down the Mississippi with Grant to Watervalley and back to Memphis ; was iu the siege of Yicksburg; was wnth Sherman on his march to the sea, then on the ocean, through the Carolinas, tlien to ItichnKjnd, Wash- ington and Louisville, where he was mustered out. During his term oi' sei'vice in the army he passed through ten of the southern states. Among the several old settlers and prominent gentlemen of Mercer county who have taken an active part in its development, we mention the name of Edward Griffith, who M-as bom November 13, 1834. in Hancock county, Indiana, and is the oldest child of Charles and Martha (Scott) Grithth. He came with his parents to Mercer county in 1839. As he was the oldest child he was so much needed at home that his education was limited to a common school. He remained at home until twenty-four years of age, when he started out in life 'for himself as a tiller of the soil. He purchased the S. -J of the X. "W. ^, Sec. 14, in Millersburg township. He remained on this place for seven years, when he sold out and bouglit the N. E. ^j of Sec. 12, where he remained for eight years, when he sold out and bought the S. AV. ^ of Sec. 18, Millersburg township, where he resides at present. He has been very successful in accumulating considerable property. March 24, 1859, he was married-to Miss Elizabeth Church, daughter of Thomas and Rachel Church. She was born March 25, 1838. Mr. Griffith has been a member of the order of Masons since 1869. William Kiddoo, farmer and stock raiser, is a native of Pennsylva- nia. His parents are Richard and Eliza Kiddoo. Lie came to Mercer county with his parents when a child, and was reared on the farm, re- ceiving only such educational training as the pioneer school of his neighborhood could furnish. He has always pursued the occupation of his father. Lie takes great pride in keei»ing a good grade of stock of all kinds. He is introducing on his farm shorthorn cattle. He was mamed in 1864 to Mary Edgar, daughter of R. S. and Elizabeth Edgar. She is a native of Pennsylvania and came with her parents to Mercer countv when a ccirl. Pv this union William Kiddoo has eie:ht children : Henry G., Harry (de), Francis (de), Maggie M., Alvin A., Nettie P., Kora P., Mary V. He and wife are members of the Metho- 14 234 HISTORY OF MERCER .VXD HENDERSON COUNTIES. dist Episcopal church at Jov. He has a farm of 330 acres of iine land, located in the south part of the townshijx Jefferson Fuller, farmer, now resident of Millersburg township, near Joy, is a native of Maine, born in 1839, and came with his parents in 1842 to Mercer county, where he has since resided ; here he was reared on the farm. He enlisted in company I, 17th 111. Vol., in 1861, in which regiment he served three years, and then veteranized and was transferred to the 8th 111. Vol., and continued in the service till June, 1866. He was in the battles of Frederickton, Sliiloh, Fort Donel- son ; in the siege of Vicksburg, Mobile, and numerous skirmishes in Texas. At Fort Donelson he received a slio;lit wound, the only one received during his term of service. He was married in 1866 to Josephine Awbery, native of Kentucky, and daughter of Gabriel "W. Awbery, of Kentucky, wdio served during the war in the federal arm}' as a volunteer from his native state. In 1865 the southern sentiment becoming too warm for a federal soldier in his own state he came north. Mr. Fuller has by this marriage two children: Mary O., and Dora E. His parents Jeiferson and Tabitha (Libby) Fuller, located in Xew Bos- ton township, where the former still lives, his wife having died when their son Jefferson was a child. Jefferson Fuller, Jr., raised four sons, three of whom were in the army. He and wife were members of the Baptist church. Jefferson Fuller, the subject of this sketch, began life for himself with such capital as nature supplied him, energy and muscle. He now owns a good farm of 100 acres, which he has well .stocked. Da^dd and Lucinda (Baldwin) Felton, the parents of our subject, Herchel Felton, came to Scott county, Illinois, in the latter part of 1840, where they remained till the following spring, when they came to Millersburg, Mercer county, where the former died in 1849, at the age of thirtv-six years. They were both natives of Vermont : he of Tunbi'idge, Orange county ; she of Sharon, Windsor county. The parents of David Felton were Amos and Sarah Felton, both of Massa- chusetts. The parents of Lucinda BaldM-in Felton were John and Lucinda (Clark) Baldwin. Tlie former was born in 1783, the latter 1785. David Felton was by profession a school teacher, which busi- ness he followed till his death, clerking during the intervals between his schools. He was a member of tlie Coni^reo-ational church. Mrs. Felton after the death of her husband returned to Vermont with her family, where she remained ten years. She now lives witli her son Herchel, one mile east of Millersburg. Flerchel was married in 1864 to Elizabeth Sliafer, born in 1842, daughter of Aaron P. Shafer, whose history will appear on another page. By this marriage he has five MII.LERSBUEG TOWNSHIP. 235 ■fhiMren : Milo P.. deceased, Anna E., Benjamin R., Lucinda B., and Hiram E. He and wife hold to the Missionary Baptist fjiith.. He was born in 18-H. in Millersburg township, where he now resides. His early education was that of the common school. He enlisted August, 1861, in company H, 3Tth 111. A'ol. He was wounded at Prairie Grove, Arkansas, December 8, 1862, and M'as discharo-ed the followinsi; Feb- ruary. Previous to his being wounded, he was in the battle of Pea Ridge. He held the office of sergeant in his comjjany. His brother, Aaron D.. enlisted in company C, 45th PJ. Vol., and died shortly after he was mustered into the service. His brother Hiram died in 1875, at the age of thirty-five, at home with his mother. One of the old settlers of Millersburg township that remains is Asa Knox, who came to Mercer county in 1842, and located where he now lives. In 1841 he took a claim in what is now Xew Boston township. Mr. Knox is a native of Maine, born in 1814, and reared in the town of Jay, New Hampshire. His parents were Moses and Susana Knox, natives of Dover, Kew Hampshire. They emigrated to Maine shortly after their marriage. He was by trade a shoemaker. About 1841 he and wife joined the Methodist Episcopal church. In 1841 he located in Millersburg township, where he died in 1858, at the age of seventy- live years ; his vnfe died in 1848, aged sixty-four years. Asa received no literarv training beyond the common school. Dislikino; the trade of his father he chose farming for a livelihood, which he has always fol- lowed. He was married in 1836 to Elmira Perkins, native of Fairfield, Maine, born in 1815, daughter of Daniel and Polly Perkins, both of whom resided in Maine till tlieir death. By this marriage Mr. Knox has eight children: David P., Sumner B., James T., Asa D., Margarette, Elzina, Ellen M. (deceased). Elmira (deceased). Sumner B. and James T. served in the army during the late war. The former en- ' listed March 14, 1865, in the 83d III. Vol., and was transferred to company E, 61st 111. Vol., and served eight months. The latter enlisted in company I, 17th 111. Vol.. and was in the battles of Fort Blakely, Spanish Fort, and Jackson, Mississij^pi, and served three years. They both now live in Millersburg township. Asa Knox and wife are members of the United Brethren church, at the Palestine con- gregation in Abington township. He has a farm of sixty acres, on which he keeps a good grade of farm stock. The subject of this sketch is a native of Bloomsburg, Pennsylva- nia ; was born October 16, 1812, and is the son of Eli and Rachel Thornton, both of whom were of English descent and natives of Penn- sylvania. H. W. Thornton's early e, now resides. Here they lived out theu' days in the faith of the Presbyterian church. Richard Kiddoo was married October 12, 1S37, to Eliza Yannatta, native of Pennsylvania, born in 1821, and daughter of James and Betsv Vannatta, both of Pennsvlvania, The former died in 1837, aged sixty-one years; the latter came in 1844 to Mercer county, where she remained four years ; went to Jasper county, this state, and there died at the ripe old age of seventy- two years. They were of good family, well-to-do farmers, and honored members of the Presbyterian church. By this marriage Richard Kiddoo raised a family of thirteen children : Mary (deceased), William, James. John (deceased), Xancy, Eliza, Martha (deceased), Thomas, Hannah, Amos F., Cjtus C, Adda, Caroline S. In 1845 with his family he came to Mercer county and located in Millersburg township, where he resided till his death, which occurred February 3, 1882. He came here with small means, which, combined judiciously with his good business judgment and industry, crowned his life with success. He never engaged in speculation but made his money by raising grain and feeding stock. He left his family a property valued at $.50,000. To use the words of his neighbors, he accumulated wealth rapidly and practiced strict economy. But his economy was not of a close and penurious kind ; his family lived comfortably and he gave generously to every public benefit. He was a man of warm impulses and strong convictions, and never inconsiderate of the convictions of others, a helper of the needy and a friend to all. His great simplicity of character and moral integrity won the esteem of many and coinmanded the respect of all. If many who are disposed to complain of their surroundings would adopt his rules of life they would move more smoothly over life's impediments. Xo man manifested greater interest in the upbuilding of Christianity and morality in the community than did Richard Kiddoo. "It will not be regarded a disparagement to others whr» were helpful in the same direction, to say the high morality and marked religious character of this comnnmity are largely due to the influence and efi:V)rts of Richard Kiddoo." The expression of all who knew him is that a good man has gone out from among us. He and his ancesters so far back as we are able to ascertain have been strict members of the Presbyterian church. His widow, who was a coworker in all his undertakings to build uj) society, the church, and to make home happy and pleasant for all, still resides on the farm where they have lived since they came to Illinois. 238 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. Among the tirst settlers of Millersburg township was M. IL Riggs^ and family. Thev located on section 30 as early as 1834. The sur- rounding country was then only a wilderness. He planted his first crop and fenced it afterward. Mr. Riggs is a natiye of Kentucky. lie married in 1S37 Julette Froman, daughter of Thomas and Dice, (Ilichison) Froman, both of Vii-ginia, but emigrated to Kentucky as ])ioneers, where their daughter Julette was born and reared. They both died in Kentucky, members of the Baptist church. The olfspring of tliis marriage is : Thomas, Isaac, AVilliam, James. Filman, Wash- ington, Marion, Jasper, Clay. Mrs. Riggs liyes on the old farm of 400 acres where they first located, and is the oldest settler liying in the township at this time. Her son Marion resides with her. He was born and reared where he now liyes. In 1862 he enlisted in the 124th reg. 111. A^ol. Inf., company G, and seiwed three years and a few days. He was in the siege of Yicksburg, with Smith at Mobile, the taking of the Sj^anish fort. He returned home and was married in 1865 to Sarah A. Hubbard, natiye of Illinois and daugliter of "Willard and Xancy Hubbard, the former of Massachusetts, the latter, Kentucky. By this union Marion Riggs has three children: Julette, Xancy and Adda. He is a farmer, and keeps a good grade of farm stock, grade cattle and hogs and Cotswold sheep. In politics he is a republican straight. AV, A. Bridgford, farmer, is by birth a Kentuckian, born in 1810, and the son of AY. J. and Elizabeth Bridgford, both of whom were natiyes of Virginia and emigrated to Scott county, Kentucky, where our subject was born. In 1813 they moyed to Ohio, where they bcttli died, the former aged eighty-four, the latter thirty-six years. Mr. Bridgford was reared and educated in Ohio, where he resided till 1832, when he emigrated to Indiana, near Indianapolis, where he remained, eight years, and then came to Illinois and located in Richland Groye township, where he remained till 1856, when he moyed to Millers- burg, where he has since liyed. He was married in 1839 to Nancy AVorkland, natiye of Kentucky and daughter of Charles and Permelia "Workland. They have ten children, fiye of whom are liying : ( )liyer A., Malinda, ^Mai-y E., Martha and Laura, two of whom live in this county and three in Kansas. He has held the office of justice of the peace for about forty years and is now acting in that capacity. He also holds the office of notary |>ublic. AVhen his ])resent term expires he will have served in that office sixteen years. He held the office of c< >llector eleven years. He belongs to both the secret orders, I.O.O.F and Masons. He sold goods in .Millersburg from 1850 to 1860. The last few years he has been engaged in farming. Previous to leaving Ohio- MILLERSBURG TOWI^SHIP. 239 he studied law and was admitted to tlie bar at Oxford in 1832. but never enublican. He has a 240 HISTORY OF MERCER AXU HEXDERSON COUNTIES. well-improved farm of sixty acres, where he has resided since he came to the county. He keei>s a good grade of tarm stock. LuciEX B. Howe is one of the early settlers of the township and county. He came here when the deer were yet plenty on the prairies of Mercer county. He was born in Vermont, shortly after which his parents. Ezekiel and Louisa, moved to Troy, Kew York, where he was reared and educated. His parents were natives of Massachusetts, and descendants of the pioneer families. The Howe family at first, in America, consisted of three brothers who came from England to Massachusetts. Among their descendants is the great inventor of the Howe sewing machine. Lucien's father was a carpenter and joiner. He died in 1837, aged sixty-two vears. His 2:randfather Howe fouo-ht at the battle of Bunker Hill. The subject of this sketch graduated at Union colleo-e, Schenectady, Xew York, in 1840, at the ao-e of twenty- six, in the classical course. Then read law 'udtli J. P. Abertson, at his home in New York; was admitted to the bar in 1841, and practiced in Troy two years, then he came to Mercer county and located at Millersburg, where he has since resided. He has held the office of justice of the peace two tenns. He is a charter member of the masonic lodge, at Aledo. and formerly a member at New Boston. He was married in 1846, to Martha King, a native of Massachusetts, and daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth King. They have six children, four .of whom are now living: Charlotte A., Otis M., Cahin K., and David T. He has a farm of seventy acres and pursues his ])rofession. In politics he is an old line democrat. Charles York emigrated with his lather to Illinois, in the tail of 1843, and located in Keithsburg township, where they remained a short time when they bought a farm in Abington to^^mship, which they sold and then went to Henderson county, where his mother died. His fiither died in October, 1874, aged eighty-two years. Charles York was born in Kentucky, in 1825, and is the eldest of a family of six children. His early educational training was limited. Fen- eighteen years after he came to Illinois he broke prairie. He was nuirried in 1855 to Mary J. Landreth, native of Mercer county, and dauo-hter of Zacharia and Elenor Landreth, both natives of Virginia and among the early settlers of Mercer county. By this union hv has seven children living: Nancy E., Nettie, Alice, Olive, Eva, AVilliam L., and Linie Mr. York and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, at Millersburg. He has given his entire attention to farming and stock raising, both of which Ik- has made successful. He now owns three farms in Mercer county, containing 432 acres. He brought with him and still ivtains the a}»]n'eciati()n of a good horse, for which MIM-KUsniMG ToWXSIiri'. 241 Kentucky is so noted. lie was assessor of Perrvton to^nishi]) two years. Few men luwe Ix-en more snccessful than Mr. York. Capt. Oliver A. Bkidgford is a native of Ohio, born in 1830, and is tlie son of AV. A. and Nancy ("Wakland) J>rido:f()rd. whose sketch will appear in the bioo:rai)hical department of this townshi]). Capt. Bridgford was educated in the ccanmon school, and ciime to Mercer county in 1843, one year after his father. Tlis early life, till he-was nineteen years old, was spent on the farm. At that age he went to California on a gold hunt; he went across the ]»lains with a team, remained in California two vears, when he returned bv wav of Cuba and New York, satisiled that gold was chea})er in Illinois than in the gold regions. In 1851 he settled in ^Sfillersburg, bought a half interest in his father's store, in which business he remained till istil. when he raised Company I. 45th 111. Vol., and entered the army, haWng been commissioned ca}>tain by Gov. Yates. He was in the battles of Fort Donelson, Fort Henry and Shiloh ; was wounded in the last named engagement. Having remained some time in the hospital at Savannah, he was furloughed home, and returned after forty days. At the end of twelve months after he entered the service, he resigned his commission because of disabilitv to discharo-e the duties of his office, caused by the wound received at Shiloh, and was discharged from the service and returned to his home in ^lillersburff. In the fall of 18(32 he was elected sheriif of Mercer county, and served the full term, and then he returned to his store in Millei'sburg. where he con- tinued till ]\Iarch, 1878. The following year he moved ujjon his farm near Joy, where he now resides, since which time he has given his farm his entire attention. Ca])t. Bridgford was married in February, 1852. to ]\Iiss Eliza A. McLain. native of Kentucky, born in 1833, and •daughter of Joseph and Susan McLain, now residents of Millersburg. They have ten children, five living: Medora E., Clayton AV., ]\rinnie L., Archie G., Miles E. He owns a farm of 1.720 acres of land, all of which except eighty acres is hi ]\Iercer county. He raises thorough- hred cattle. Poland china hogs and Leicester sheep. He keeps on his farm 100 head of stock cattle, 200 hogs. 150 sheep, and horses to carry on his farm work. He is among, if not the largest, tax payers in Millersburg tcnvnship. He is a charter member of the I.O.O.F. lodge at ]\rillersburg, only two of whom are now living. Notwithstanding his disal)ility from the wound received at Shiloh, he receives no pen- sion, neither has he made application for one. Politically he is a republican. The parents of Edwix Gilmoki:. Judge Ephrahn and Julia A. Oilmore, both of Ohio, came with the first settlers to ]\rillersburg 242 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. townshi}) and located near tlie Peniel clmrcli. He was the countj surveyor at the time the country was being settled, and held the office of judge. He raised his family in Millersburg township, and is now a resident of Aledo. Edwin Gilmore was reared and educated on the farm. Tlie advantages for obtaining an education at that early period in the settlement of this part of the ' county were few. He was born in 1844, on the farm where he now lives, on section 21. In 18<')2 he enlisted in the service in Company C. 102d 111. Yol., and served till the war closed. He was on the skirmish line till he left Chattanooga with Sherman's division on his march to the sea. He was married in 1870 to Miss Mary A. Morrow, native of Pennsylvania, daughter of David and Elizabeth (Kiddoo) Morrow. They have three children : Nellie, Burton, and Xewton R. Mr. Gilmore and wife are members of the Presbyterian church at Peniel. He has a fine stock farm of 320 acres, and raises a good grade of cattle, sheep and hogs. John T. McGinnis, came to Alercer county in 1846, and located in Millersburg township. At that time the country was sparsely settled. Like most of the pioneers, he came \\dth small pecuniary means, to seek a home. He is a native of Pemisylvania, born 1821. His parents are William and Elizabeth McGinnis, both natives of Pennsyl- vania, his father of Irish, and his mother of Scotch descent. They followed agriculture for a livelihood, and belonged to the United Presbyterian church. John T. received little literary training in his early life, but was well bred in the characteristics of the people of the Quaker state, namely, energetic industry and honesty. Two years, before his coming to Mercer county he was married to Margaret Kid- doo, of Pemisylvania, born in 1824, and daughter of James and Mary Kiddoo, both natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. McGinnis's chil- dren are Mary E., Sarah, Emily, William, Alice. Maggie, Charlie E., and C«:)ra S. He was justice of the peace before the township organiza- tion, and has held the (»ffice of supervisor fourteen years. He represented Mercer and Knox counties in the legislature during the sessions of 1874 and 1875. Apart fi'<»m the offices mentioned he has been chosen to till most of the offices of the township. Mr. McGinnis has a beautiful home of 100 acres, located on section 21. Here he lives a quiet farmer'^ life, while his accumulated capital is employed in other directions. He has never engaged in speculation, but kept his means em})loyed where reasonable returns were certain. He was at one time stock holder in a bank at Keithsburg, and at this time owns an interest in the Farmer's Bank in Aledo, and also in one in Kansas. He and wife are members, of the Peniel Presbvterian church. Politicallv he is a republican. John Brady, Jr., is the son of John and-Eliza Brady, whose history MlLLKKSUlRi; TMWXSHU'. 2iS will be fouiul in connection with the sketch written of E5, nuiking his term of service two years and eleven months. lie was with the army of the Cumberland, in the second battle fought at FortDonel- son, and at Franklin, and Lawrenceburg. The remainder of tlie time he was kept chasing gnerrillas. At Fort Donelson he was wounded. He was married in 1861 to Martha C. Gibson, daughter of George and Isreal Gibson, the former a native of Tennessee, the latter of Ohio. They were among the first to locate in AVarren county, Illinois, in 1832. The indians had not quit the country. Among the slain by the Indians of Warren countv was a brother to Georij;e Gibson. Thev were mem- bers of the Associate Presbyterian church. John Brady has four children: William, George P., Harry (deceased), and Mary. They hold letters of membership in the Presbyterian church. He has a well improved farm of 160 acres, and keeps a good grade of farm stock. He held the ottice of township clerk for several years, and is now com- missioner of public highways. In politics he is a republican. The subject of this sketch, William Kiddoo, is a native of Lawrence county (now Beaver county), Pennsylvania, where lie was bom in 1830 ; came to Mercer county in 1847, and located w^ith his parents, James and Margaret Kidchxj, where his widow, now Mrs. Bryant, resides. He and wife and jjarents were members of the Presbyterian .church. He married in 1853 Catharine Yance, native of Pennsylvania, b(jrn in 1834, and who came with her parents, AYilliam and Rachel (Vannatta) Vance, to Mercer county, and located in Keithsburg in 1836. They were members of the Presbyterian church. The former died in 1867, the latter now resides with her daughter Caroline, and is seventy-eight years old. William Kiddoo had by this marriage seven children: E. Vila, Xancv, Olive, Forbes M., Marv, William M., and Rachel E. He left his family in good circumstances. Like the rest of the Kiddoo family he was a man of exemplary habits, a gcxjd citizen, kind husl)and and lather. His widow married in 1871 Fi-ank I>. Bryant of Ohio, by whom she has three children: Laura B., Frank (deceased), and Archie H. John S. Ivil)I)<:»o, deceased, emigrated from his native state, Penn- sylvania, to Illinois, in 1847, and l()cated in Millersburg towiisliip, where he resided till his deatli in 1866, in the thirty-seventh year of" his age. His parents were James ami Maiy Kiddoo, who emigrated 244 HISTORY OF MERCKR -VXD HENDERSON COUNTIES. to Mercer coimtj at the sam^ time as tlieir son Jolm S. Their remains repose in the cemetery of the old brick church. John S. Kiddoo, was married in 1S50 to Eliza Day, of Pennsylvaina. born in 1821, and emi- grated with her parents, John and Mary Day, to Iowa, in 1S36, and then to Mercer county in 1S46, where they still reside. Her father, John Day, in early life was a boatman on the Mississippi riyer. He is n member of the United Brethren church, his wife of the Methodist Episcopal church. John S. Kiddoo had by this marriage six children: John, Kobert (deceased), Mary (deceased), Alonzo, William (deceased), and Lizzie. John S. Kiddoo and wife were members of the Free Presbyterian church, but both united with the Methodist Episcopal church a few years before his death. His wife still remains a member of the church. He began in this county with small means ; when he died left his family a property worth $8,000. Alonzo, son of John S. and Ehza Kiddoo, was born in 1860, near where he now resides, in Millersburg township. His early educational training was that of the common school of the neighborhood. He is by occupation a farmer. He was married in 1881, to Florence Shingledecker, born in 1858, and daughter of James and Caroline Shingledecker, both of Pennsylyania. They came to Mercer county in 1858, and located near Joy, where they haye since resided. Both are members of the Methodist Episco- pal church at Jo}'. Alonzo Kiddoo and wife are members of the same church. They haye a farm of 140 acres well stocked. In politics he yotes the republican ticket. Mr. J. II. Cr/Vne located in Millersburg township in 1849. His •early education was that of the commoi^ school. He began business for himself as a farmer, which he followed ten years, when he opened a store in Joy and engaged in shipping grain, both of which he still carries on. He is the son of Dr. John W. and Ruth Crane, of Ohio, early settlers of Fc)untain county, Indiana. J. H. Crane was born in 1837. His parents came to Mercer county in 1847, and located on the old Bassett farm, where they died, his father in 1850, aged forty years, his mother in 1841. His parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. His father by profession was a doctor, and practiced in Illinois till his death. Mr. Crane was married in 1861 to Sarah A. Griffith, a natiye of Indiana, and daughter of Charles and Martha Griffith. In 1861 he enlisted in the army of the late war, in company K, 10'2d 111. Vol. He was out twelye months, when he was discharged, because of ill health. He owns a line farm of 24< » acres, and is present postmaster at Joy. iVmong the oldest citizens now liying in Millersburg township is Mr. J. M. GiLMi^RE. In 1840 he located in the yillage of Millersburg itlLLERSnURG TOWNSHIP. 245 and kept liotel for two and a half years, then moved upon his farm east of the village, where he remained till seven years ago when he returned to take up his residence in Millersburg, where he now resides. He came to Mercer county ^vith small means which, com- bined with unabating energy, has made him a successful former. He owns a fine farm of 354 acres of plow land and 100 acres of timber. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Is 14: liis lather of Pennsyl- vania and his mother of i!^ew Jersey. In 1S47 they came and settled in Perryton township, Mercer county, where the former died in 1S57, aged seventy-tsvo. His wife, who is still living, is a devoted member of the Presbyterian church. They raised a family of nine children, all of whom grew up to adult age. Three yet remain in Mercer county. J. M.'s early educational trahiing was such as the common schools of his neighborhood could furnish. He served an apprenticeship to a tanner, and began immediately to raise the material for making leather instead of dressing it. He held the office of county assessor for six years, and also the office of county treasurer for the same time. He was married in 1838 to Margaret Taylor, of Pemisylvania. born in 1815, daughter of Jacob and E. (Hoover) Taylor, both of Pennsylva- nia. By this union Mr. Gilmore had eight children, five of whom are now living: George M. (deceased), Eva C, Catharine (deceased), Taylor, Mary, Richard (deceased), Jannett, and Fanny A. George M. served three years in company E, 9th 111. Inf.; was veteranized and promoted to steward. He was wounded at Fort Donelson, having his index finger on the left hand carried awav bv a ball. He was with Shennan on his' march to the sea, and died of disease in the ser^^ce two months before the war closed. Taylor served three years in the 14th 111. cavalry, and was commissioned hospital steward. He and wife are ardent supporters of Christianity and good morals, and belong to the Presbyterian church at Millersburg. In politics he has always been a democrat. J. D. Thornt;e to enlist in the service of his country. He seiwed in the army through the Mexican war. His soldierly qualities were soon recog- nized, and he was appointed to fill the first vacancy in Capt. Pember- ton's company, to which he belonged, which was the office of sergeant. He was with Scott when he made his campaign to the city of Mexico. Then he joined the U. S. marines and went to West Africa to suppress 246 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. f the slave trade. In 1862 he again enlisted in the 124th 111. Yol. Inf., company G, and served three years as sergeant. He was with Grant «nd in all the rear battles at Yicksburg, the siege of the Spanish Fort, and the taking of Mobile, making in all seven years he has served his country as a soldier. In 1S40 he came to Illinois and settled at Millersburg where he has since resided. J. D. Thornton was married in 1855 to Lucy AVharton, a native of Ohio, and daughter of Jacob and Martha Wharton. She died in 1871. He was married a second time to Letticia L. Carver, a native of Pennsylvania, and daughter of Jesse Carver, a descendant of Gov. Carver, first governor of Massachusetts. Mr. Thornton has been a republican since the organization of the party. J. AV. Wood is a native of Tennessee, born in 1810, and is the son of Isaac and Elenor Wood, both of whom were natives of Virginia. They located in Indiana in 1822, where they died, the former in 1839, aged sixty years ; the latter in 1852, aged eighty-two years. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and respected mem- bers of society. Isaac Wood by trade was a wheelwright, by profes- sion a local preacher. J. W. Wood emigrated to Indiana with his parents where he remained till 1842, when he came to Mercer countv where he has since lived. He is a caii3enter by trade, which he fol- k)wed till within the few j'ears past. He was lii'st married in 1832 to Frances Reed, native of Indiana, daughter of Jacob and Mary Reed, -of South Carolina. She died in 1869, aged fifty-eight years, leaving nine children, of whom the living are James R.., Enos A., and Samuel S. He was married a second time to Mrs. M. C. Robinson, native of England, born in 1830, and daughter of George and Cath- arine Staftbrd, natives of England. J. W. Wood has held the office of justice of the peace most of the time during his residence in Illinois, is now notary public, and served one term as constable. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Joy. In politics he votes the republican ticket. He keeps the only hotel in Joy. The subject of this sketch, David A. Steele, came to Mercer countv with his parents, James and Mary Steele, in 1860. They located on section 29 in Millersburg township, where they both died, the former in 1856. at the age of sixty-five years ; the latter in 1868, ■aged seventy-six years. They were natives of Pennsylvania, and successful farmers, and members of the Presbyterian church. David was born in 1832, and reared and educated on the farm of his father in the Quaker state. In 1859 he was nuirried to Matilda Denison, native of Illinois, and daughter of Joseph and Sarah Denison, both of whom were from Ohio. Bv this union he lias ten children, seven of whom MILLERSBURG TOWNSHIP. 247 are living: Elizabeth, William, Walter, Cora, Maud, Fred., and Asliel. He lias a farm of 130 acres, weir improved and faii-ly stocked with a good grade of farm stock. In ]>olitics he votes with the republican party. He is a man who takes great interest in sup})lying his children with literature to feed their minds. He has always lived a c^uiet life without seeking the notoriety of office. The subject of this sketch, James E. Bay, is the son of James and Hannah E. Bay, both of whom are natives of Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Oliio at an early period of its settlement. They were farmers. The former was a soldier in the war of 1812, and emigrated to Cedar Eai)ids, Iowa, where he died in 1843, aged fifty-tAvo years ; the latter died in 1856, aged fiftv-six years. J. E. Bav was born in 1829, in Guernsey county, and in 1851 came to Millersburg where he has since lived. He was married in 1860 to Mary Marsh, a native of •Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and daughter of John B. and Lydia (Porter) Marsh, the former of New Jersey, the latter of Pennsylvania. The f(^rmer was a soldier in the war of 1812. He and family moveublican. Jacob Braucht, son of David and Mary Braucht, was born in 1828 and is a native of Pennsylvania, as were his parents. They emigrated 24:8 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. to Ohio when their son Jacob was a mere child, where they resided the remainder of their lives. They were pioneer settlers of Ohio. Jacob remained in Ohio until he arrived at the age of twenty-three and then came to Mercer county and located on section 19, Millersburg townshi]), where he has since resided. He has pursued the occupation of farming, the vocation of his father. He married, in 1S51, Christina Eiter, a native of Germany and daughter of John F. and Machdalana Riter, who came to America in 1831 and located in Ohio, and after- ward to Mercer county, locating in Millersburg to'waiship. Th'e latter died in 1871, aged seventy years. The former, John F. Riter, resides with his daughter, Christina. He served as a soldier in his native country, Germany. Jacob Braucht has by this marriage six children : Jemima, David AV. , Lucinda, Sarah (deceased), George, and Catharine. He has a fine farm of 227 acres, well improved and well stocked with the best of farm stock. Xo better stock farm is to be found in this section. In politics he is a democrat. His parents and also his wife's parents were of the Lutheran faith. His wife's father, John F. Riter, still holds his membership in that church. Among the citizens and soldiers now resident of Millersburg town- ship is George Boone, native of Ohio, born in Medina county in 1837. His parents were Hezekiah and Sarah A. (Greene) Boone, the former of Pennsylvania, a great-nephew of Daniel Boone, the Kentucky hunter, the latter also of Pennsylvania. They emigrated to Medina county with its early settlers with their parents, and were married there. Thej came to Mercer county in 1851. The latter, George's mother, died in 1857, aged thirty-eight years. Her remains repose in the Millersburg cemetery. Tlie former is a tailor by trade and now lives at Fort Dodge, j^ebraska, and is a member of the Lutheran church. His wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. George Boone came to Mercer county with his parents and located in this township, then went to Perryton township, where he resided for a time, and also for a while in Aledo. His early education was that of the common school. He first enlisted in Company I, 17tli 111. Vol., served two years and was discharged because of ill health. Li 1864 he, in com- pany with R. S. Osborne, raised a company for the llOth 111. Vol. Osborne was captain of the company, and George held the office of first lieutenant. The company was out seven months. He was in the battle of Fort Donelson and a part of the two days' fight at Shiloh. During his second term of service the company was detailed to fight the guerrillas. He was married in 1865 to Mrs. Xancy J. Fullerton, daughter of Robert and Eliza Shearer. By this marriage George Boone has one child, Ella F. His wife bv her former husband has one JAMES VE RNON MILLERSKURG TOWNSHIP. 251 daughter, Marv A. Fullertoii. lie has a nicely improved t'arni of eighty acres, and a good grade of farm stock. James K. Morrow was born in 1852, on the farm wliere he now resides. His parents, David and Elizabeth (Kiddoo) Morrow, were both natives of Pennsylvania. The latter was the daugjiter of James Kiddoo. David Morrow came to Mercer county with his family in 1847 and located in Millersburg township, where he resided till his death, which occurred in 1854, in his thirty-seventh year. His wife, mother of James K., died in 1872. They were married in 1846 and raised a family of four children, two sons and two daughters. They were quiet farmers and good citizens and members of the Presbyterian church. They left their children in good circumstances. Their son, James K., occupies the old homestead of 120 acres. He pursues the vocation of his father. He keeps a good grade of farm stock. He has imbibed the republican spirit of his neighborhood. His early educational training was that of the common school. Dr. Joseph P. Boyd, deceased, was born inWa^oie county, Indiana, in 1826. His parents were James and Hester Boyd, both members of the Christian church. Dr. Boyd earlv exhibited a fondness for books, and at the age of sixteen entered the profession of school teaching, which he followed till he began reading medicine with Dr. James Ruby at Abington, Indiana. He began tlie practice of his chosen profession at Benton ville, Indiana, then went to Randolph county, wliere he remained two years, and then came to Millersburg in 1852, where he had a large practice. He began life for himself with limited means, but died in 1878, leaving his family in easy circumstances. He was man-ied to Ellen Commons, daughter of William and Sarah Commons, who emigrated ti'om England to America. The Commons family in England were members of the aristocracy. The offspring of this marriage were three children: William C, Sarah H., and Omer. He was a member of the masonic order at Aledo, and the Mercer County Medical Society. The community mourned his death as a great loss. He was a man respected for his ability and thorough going business ability. Thomas Landreth is a native of Owen county, Indiana, where he was born in 1842. His jjarents, Zacharia and Elonder (Fender), both natives of A'^irginia, settled in Owen county, Indiana, about 1825, where the subject of our sketch was reared and educated on the farm. In 1852 they came to Mercer county and located in Perryton township, where the former died in 1872, aged sixty years ; the latter in 1875,' aged sixty years. They were quiet, good farmers and earnest suj> porters of good societv, and were members of the Missionary Baptist 15 ■ ^ i I 252 HISTORY OF MERCER AND IIEXDERSOX COUXTIE.S. church. Our subject came to Mercer county when a small boy with his parents. He had two brothers, Crisby and Andrew, in the army in tlie late war. The former belonged to the 126tli 111. Vol., and died at La Grange, Temiessee, but a few montlis after his enlistment ; the latter died two days later at the same place. Mr. Landreth is a member of the I.O.O.F. at Millersburg. lie was married in 1865, to Rachael Reed, a native of Mercer county, born in 1843, and a daugh- ter of Harper and Louisa (Drury) Reed, early settlers in Mercer county. They have three children: Lillie M., William R., and Nola L. He has a farm of ninety acres well suited to stock raising. He keeps a good article of farm stock. He and wife are members of the Mission- ary Baptist church. In politics he is a Greenbacker. Caey Dryden is a native of Ohio, born in 1840, and is a son of J. M. and Elizabeth (Ellis) Dryden, the former of Ohio, the latter of Virginia. She came to Ohio with her j^arents when eleven years old. J. M. and Elizabeth Dryden came to Illinois in 1851, and located in Peoria county, where thej^ remained till 1853, when they came to Mer- cer county. In 1855 they went to Iowa, but returned to Mercer county in 1864, where the former died in 1872, aged sixty-eight years; the latter is living in Keithsburg, this county, and is seventy-four years old. Gary Dryden accompanied his parents, first to Peoria county, then t(^ Mercer county and to Iowa, and returned in 1858 to Mercer county, where he has since lived. He has pursued the occupation of farming aU his life, except three years and one month he served in the army. He enlisted in 1861 in company G. 27tli 111. Vol. He was a non-com- missioned officer all the time of his service, and was in the battle of Belmont, siege of Island No. 10, the numerous skirmishes around Cor- inth, battle of Stone River, Chickamauga, siege of Knoxville, Res- aca, Georgia, and Kenesaw Mountain, where he Was wounded and taken to the hospital, where he remained till after his term of enlist- ment expired. In 1867 he was married to Catharine Wolfe, native of Illinois and daughter of Solomon and Evaline (Marlatt) Wolfe, both of Indiana, and came to Mercer county with its early settlers. Mr. Dry- den by this marriage has four children: Eva (deceased), Mary, Fred- erick, Xellie L. He and his wife are members of the Seventh Day Advent church, at the Marsh school-house. He has a farm of KiO acres of fine land, well improved, located near the south line of the township, upon which he keo]~»s a good grade of all kinds of farm stock. John Bell is a son of John and Mary (Cliftbrd) Bell, both of Ire- hmd. He was born in Ohio in 1848, and came with his parents to Illinois in 1862. He was reared on the farm. His early education MILLERSBURG TOWNSHIP. 253 was such as he couhl ijet in the district schooL He was married in 18S1 to Fh)rence S. Adams, native of Illinois, born in 1858, and daugh- ter of Samuel and Mary Adams, of Kentucky. They came to Rock Island county, Illinois, with its early settlers, and now reside in Eliza township, Mercer county. The former is a member of the Latter Day Saints church. Mr. Bell has by this marriage one child, Harry Earl. He is a member of the Masonic lodge at Aledo ; his wife is a member of the Latter Day Saints church. He has a farm of 160 acres of tine land fairly stocked. Politically he is a democrat. The subject of this sketch, William A. Marsh, is by birth a native •of New York, bom in 1833, son of M. L. and Eliza Marsh, both of New York. They came to Mercer county in 1853, and are now resi- dents of Aledo, where the former is justice of the peace. M. L, INIarsh is by vocation a farmer. He first settled in Illinois, in Millersburg township, where he now owns a farm of 150 acres. He and wife first moved to New York city, where their son, William A., was born ; then to Buft'alo, New York ; from there to Licking county, Ohio ; then to Illinois, where they have since resided. William A.'s early education was that of the common school and two years as a student in a graded school. He accompanied his parents in all their removals till they located in Mercer county, and then he located on the farm where he has since resided. While he has pursued the vocation of farming for a livelihood, he has by no means given all his time and thought to making the farm pay, but is one of the most active members of the Mercer County Historical and Scientific Society, the truth of which his lai'ge collection of well-arranged specimens of shells, woods, grasses and Indian implements demonstrate without further question. No one, we have good reason to believe, has added more to the conchology and botany of Mercer county than Mr. Marsh. So large is his collection in ^ these two sciences, and that of Indian implements, that one who has any taste in either of these directions could spend months in his cabinet with both pleasure and profit. The proficiency Mr. Marsh has .acquired in these branches of science clearly shows that success de}»ends U])on the amount of labor we give to one thing, and not to the num- ber of branches we take up. Mr. Marsh was married in 1855 to Mary J. Patterson, of Licking county, Ohio, born in 1837, daughter of AVilson and Isa Patterson, both of Pennsylvania. They emigrated in 1835 to Mercer county, where they are both living. They are members of the predestinarian Baptist church, and farmei'S by occu- pation. Mr. Marsh has nine children: Philip, Eliza, Francis L. (deceased), Mary J., Isa E., William A., Frederick A.. AVilson, and Estella E. Mr. Marsh has a good farm of 24o acres, well im})roved 254 HISTORY OF MEKCER AXD HENDERSON COUNTIES. and fairly stocked with a good grade of farm stock. In politics he votes for the man, not for the party. A. A. Sherer, the subject of this history, is a native of Pennsyl- vania, Lawi-ence coimty, born in 1839. His parents were Robert and Eliza Sherer, both of Pennsylvania. The latter died in 1841 ; the former was married a second time in 1843, and came to Mercer coimty in 1853, where he died in 1861, aged lifty-six years. His business was that of stock dealing. At the time of his death he owned 600 acres of land. He was a devoted Cliristian and member of the Presbyterian church, as was also both his wives. His second wife now lives in Joy. Robert Sherer did much to improve the stock of horses in the county. No one carried off more first premiums from the county fairs than he. A. A. Sherer came to Mercer county with his father. His early educa- tion was limited to the district school. He was reared to the business of the farm, which he has alwavs followed. He was married in 1861 to Hannah Church, native of Illinois, born in 1841, daughter of Thomas and Racliel Church, both of Indiana, and early settlers of Xew Boston township. They were prominent farmers and respected citizens, of the community where they resided. The former died, 1859, aged forty-eight years ; the latter in 1871, aged seventy-three years. Mr. Sherer has by this marriage seven children: Ella M., Willie T. (deceased), Robert C, Jane E., Adda P. (deceased), Rachel C, and Frank E. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian faith and hold their membership with the congregation at the Peniel church ; and also his two eldest children have embraced Christianity in the same church. Mr. Sherer has a tine stock farm three miles south of Millers- burg, which consists of 420 acres. He deals in both stock and fat cattle. His herd of sheep is of the Leicester stock ; hogs, Poland China. He follows in the footsteps of his father as to class of stock he keeps. Tlie Wilitts familv came from Pennsvlvania to Mercer coimty among its early settlers ; but at the present writing but few of the once large family resident remain. Thomas Wilitts was born in Columbia county, Tennessee, in 1804. His parents, Nathaniel and Sarah AVilitts, were natives of Pennsylvania, where they lived out their lives. His. mother lived to the ripe old age of 60 ; his father died ten years younger. His vocation was that of a shoemaker. Thomas came to Mercer county in 1854 and settled in Duncan township, where he now owns a farm, and lived there till the winter of 1881-2, Avhen he retired from active farm life and took up his abode in Millersburg. In 1828 he was married to Margaret Taylor, of his native state. She was boi-n in 1810, and is a daughter of Christopher Kahler, a native of Germany. MILLERSBURG TOWNSHII'. 255 Tliey had twelve children, eight of whom are now living: William, To^^^lsend, practicing i»hysician in Philadelphia ; Horace, Charles, Korman, Thomas, Maggie, and Chester. His four sons, Xorman, Ohester, Charles, and Horace, were soldiers in the late war. The first served as quartermaster; the second, in the 102d reg. 111. Vol. Inf., was out three years, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea ; the third served eight months in the IHh 111. cavalry ; the fourth served six months in the 27tli reff. 111. Yol. Inf. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church in Millersburg. In politics he i& a straight out republican. S. H. KiDDELL is a native of Clinton county, Ohio, born in IS-tO, and came to Mercer county with his parents, Humjdirey and Mary (Mori) Riddell, in 1855. His father was a native of Maryland, his mother of Pennsylvania. The former emigrated from his native state to Pennsylvania, where he was married, and emigrated to Ohio in 1836, where he remained till he came to Mercer county. He died in 1871, at the ripe age of seventy years. His wife now resides in Aledo and is sixty-four vears old. He was bv trade a slioemaker, bv vocation a farmer, and superintended the county farm for ten years. He and wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. The early literary training of S. H. Riddell was that of the common school. He began a collegiate course at Delaware, Ohio, but owing to his ill health it had to be abandoned. From the age of twelve he was reared on the farm, which business he fdlowed for himself only three years. In 1861 he was married to Sarah F. Yernon, boi-n in 181:3, daughter of James and Eliza Yernon, whose history will appear elsewhere. Mr. Riddell by this union has five children : Jennett, James (deceased), Frank A., Milo A., and Thomas Y. In 1865 he engaged in the mercantile business in Millersburo;, which he carried on till 1871. Since that time he has been employed as clerk, and is now engaged by W. W. Egbert. He now holds the offices of notary public and super- visor, and has filled most of the township offices. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a member of the I.O.O.F. lodge. John Farax came to Millersburg in 1855, where he has since resided. He is by trade a plasterer, which trade he followed till 1879, when he engaged in the grocery business. In 1882 he bought the store of J. D. Strattan, and now is engaged in general merchandise. In connection with his store he keeps the postoffice. Mr. Faran is a native of Dearborn county, Indiana, born in 1832, sou of John and Stinche Faran. The former was a native of Ireland. He first located in Cincinnati, where he was married, and then came to Indiana and 256 HISTORY OF MERCER ^NJN'D HENDERSON COUNTIES. • settled in Dearb(5rn county, where his son John was born. The wife of the Latter was a native of Ohio. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal chnrch. The former died in 1835, at the age of thiity-eight years. The latter tlien moved to Topeka, Kansas, where slie died in ISfiJ. Mr. Faran was married in 1857 to Harriet Riddell, dangliter of Humphrey and Mary Riddell, whose history will appear in the sketch of S. II. Riddell. By this marriage he has three children : Jeneva J., Ida, and Howard. Mr. Faran is one of the men now living in Millers- burg who was instrumental in driving the saloons from the village and stopping the whisky traffic. He now has a good business, with an increasing trade. Henry Huttman, farmer and stock-raiser, Aledo, was born in Pennsylvania in 1824, and is the son of Henry and Charity (Feazel) Huffman, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, and resided in Washington county. Tlie former died in 1827, aged forty-iive years^ and the latter in 1845, aged fifty -two years. They were farmers and members of the Methodist Episcopal churcli, and were quiet, well-to-do and highly-respected people in their community. Henry Huffman came to Mercer County in the fjill of 1854, and located in Keithsburg, where he resided till the following spring, when he located on section 25, Millersburg township, where he has since lived. He was married in J.854 to Mary Witherspoon, a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1S31, daughter of John and Margaret (Kennedy) Witherspoon. They were- members of the Presbyterian church, kno^vn as Seceders. They were peaceable farmers and highly respected citizens. Mr. Huffman has six children : John (deceased), Maison B., Samuel I., Willie E. and Dora A. (twins), and George AY. He and wife are members of the United Pres- byterian churcli. He has a farm of 2<)8 acres of fine farming land, located one-half mile from the east line of Millersburg townsliip and four miles from the county seat. He keeps a good grade of all kinds of farm stock. Among the business men of Millersburg is J. D. Strattan, native of Clinton county, Ohio, bc)rn in 1839. His parents were Da\ad and Harriet (Ilinman) Strattan ; the former of Lynchburg county, Virginia, the latter of Connecticut, near Xew Salem. Thev came to Mercer countv and located at Millersburg in 1855, then emigrated to West Liberty, Iowa, where the former died in 1807, aged seventy-four years. The latter then moved to Mt. Vernon. Illinois, where she died in 1880, at the age of seventy -three years. David Strattan was by profession a merchant and did business in Cincinnati as early as 1812-13. He sold goods both at Millersburg and West Liberty, Iowa, where he resided at the time of his death. David Strattan and wife were members of the MILLERSIJURG TOWNSHIP. 257 Ilic'ksite Friends. J. D.'a literary education was that' of tlie common school. lie learned the business of merchandise with his father. He began business for himself as a merchant in 1803, in Millersburg,. at which he continued till 1882, with the exception of one and a half years, during which time he engaged in farming. In 1881 he and Lunn established in Millersburg a creamery, to which he now giyes all his time and attention. He was married in 1862 to Fanny E. Merrimar, native of Maine, born in 1843, daughter of Thomas and Mary E. Merri- man. who came to Illinois about 1844. ]>v this marrias:e he had six children, three of whom ^ire liying: Ora A., Frank P., and George C. The mother of these died in 188(7. He was married a second time to Adella V. Turner, natiye of Illinois, daughter of John H. and Mary J. Turner. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a member of the I.O.O.F. lodge at Millersburg. William Valentdve is the son of Absalom and Susan Valentine, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio when a child, with his parents. The latter is a native of Ohio. Tliey emigrated to Mercer county in 1855, having spent the winter of 1854-5 in Lawrence county, Illinois. Tliey located in Mercer county, where Absalom Valentine died, in 1864, aged sixty-two years. His wife is now living w4th her son William, and is seventy-four years old. She is an old sol- dier of the cross in the Methodist Episcopal church, and holds her membership at Joy. William Valentine received but a meager literary education such as he was able to obtain during the winter months, in the district school of his neighborhood. He was reared to the vocation of farming, which he has followed. He was born in Ohio in 1837, and came with his parents to Mercer county in 1855, where he has since resided. He enlisted in the seiwice of his country in I8(i2, in company K, 102d 111. Vol., and served till the close of the war, and was mustered out June 6, 1865. He was in the battles of Resaca, Georgia, at the siege of Atlanta, and with Slierman, on his march to the sea, at Goldsborough, and Savannah, and from there to Richmond, and Washington. He was married in 1869 to Easter Bell, daughter of John and Margaret Bell. By this marriage he has one child, Ben- jamin II. He has a fai-m of 120 acres of tine land, and keeps a good grade of farm stock. Wilson P. Zentaore's parents, David and Dianna (Minick) Zent- mire, emigrated fi-om their native state, Ohio, where their son, Wilson P., was born, to Illinois, in 1855, and located in .Vbington township, Mer- cer county, where they resided nine years. They then moved to Millersburg township, where the former died in 187<>, aged sixty years, the latter in 18(U), aged forty-nine years. He was a carpenter and 258 HISTORY OF MERCEE AXD HENDERSON COUXTIES. iaiTiier. The Zentmires family emigrated to America from GeiTuanv at an early time. Wilson P. came to Mercer county with his parents, when eight years old. His early education was such as the common schools of that time could fin-nish. He has given his entii'e time to farming. He was married in 1S6S. to Miss Xancv Kiddoo, daughter of Richard and Eliza (Tannatta ) Kiddoo. whose sketch will appear in the work. They have live chikb'en ; Harry, Hattie, Ray (^deceased), Tellv (deceased), and Tuse. He owns a tine stock farm of 160 acres, and keeps a good grade of fai-m stock. In 1881 he had his house on section 33. burned, loss $2,20Cr, $1,300 of which was covered by insm- ance. Politically he is a republican. William M. Miller, tanner and teacher, is one of the early teachers in Millersburg. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born in 182V>. His earlv educational ti-ainins: was that of the common school of his home, and ten months at an academy. Five years pre^'ious to his coming to Illinois, which was in 1855, he began teaching in his native state, when he was in his nineteenth year, and has taught school eighteen years in ]Millersburg township, lodging at the same house all this time, making twenty-tlu-ee years he has spent in tlie profession. His parents, James and Mary (McCreary ) Miller, were natives of the Quaker state. The former died in 1881, aged seventy-seven years, the latter is yet living and is in her seventy-third year. His parents were well-to-do fanners, and members of the "VVestiield Presb"\'terian church. His father came from Ireland; his mother's family, the McCrearvs. em- igi-ated to Pennsylvania in its early settlement. Mr. Miller was mar- ried in 1856 to ^liss Elizabeth Galaway. native of Ohio. She came with her parents to Mercer county in 1854 and located in Millersburg township. Her parents were natives of Ohio. They had pre%-iou8ly emigrated to Kansas. There the fathft- died in 18 Ti, aged sixty-three years. Tlie mother is still living:. Mr. Miller bv this marriao'e has a family of eight children : Mary J.. Laura B.. Eva S., Granville S., Jessie S., Jolm G.. Mattie R.. and Lizzie L. He and family, except the three youngest, are members of the Presb}i:erian faith. His present occupation is that of farming. He has a line farm of eighty acres, on which he keeps a good gi-ade of fann stock. In politics he is a republican. A-VRox P. Shafer is a native of Xew York state, born in 1811, son of Adam and Hellena Shafer, both of Xew York. He was by occupa- tion a farmer. For a number of years he held the office of colonel of the state militia. Both were members of the Baptist church. They were reared, educated and spent their lives witliout emigrating from their native state. Then* son, Aaron P., was reared on the farm with MILLERSBIRG TOWNSHIP. 259 such educational advantages as the pioneer scliouls of his boyhood •couhi furnish, which were limited. He lived on the farm till he arrived at the age of twenty-three. He was then engaged for a time as clerk in a store, then began in the mercantile business in Xew York for himself, which he followed for a time when he sold out his business and bouirht a farm which he sold and came to Illinois in 1S56. and located in Millersburg. where he has since resided. Here he learned the wagonmaker's trade and has earned on a shop since 1856. He was mari-ied in 1S41 to Eliza Da^-ls, of Xew York, born in 1818, daughter •of John S. and Elizabeth Davis, both of Xew York. They were well- to-do tanners. Mr. Sliafer has by this mai-riage two children : Elizabeth, now ]\L'S. Felton. and Annie A. Their mother died in 18J:6. He has since remained unmarried. He is a member of the Baptist church, and a republican in politics. William C. Buyd, farmer and stock raiser, was born in Indiana in 1847, and is the son of Dr. Joseph P. and Ellen (Commons) Boyd, whose history ^^'ill appear in the sketches of Millersburg township. "William C. came to Mercer county with his father when a mere boy. His educational training was that of the -s-illage school at Millersburg. During his boyhood his father was engaged more or less in stock raising, for which AVilliam C. formed a liking and has chosen for a livelihood. He lives one mile west of Millersburg. near the line between Millersburg and Duncan townships, on a j^art of the farm owned by his father, which consists of 64<> acres, and is yet undivided between his thi-ee children. "U^illiam C. Boyd was married in 1873 to Emma Longshore, native of Indiana, born in 1853. and came to Mercer ■county with her parents. J. H. and Sally ( Hadley ) Longshore. Mr. Boyd has bv this marriaare two children : Archie L. and Edna. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Millersburg. La politics he is a republican. Joseph A. Downey is 'the son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Wilson) Downey, both of whom are natives of Ireland. He first located in Pennsylvania where he worked uj^on the railroad for several years, then came to Mercer count}- where he rented land for a while, and now o^vns a fine farm of 419 acres in Millersburg townshiji, where he resides. He was married in Philadelphia and has a family of eleven children: Joseph A.. John, Mary (deceased), William. Wilson, Andrew, Martha, Annie (deceased). Moses, George (deceased), and Harry. Josej)h. the eldest of his father's family, is a native of Mercer county, born in 1858. He M-as nuirried in l>>sl to Mary ]\Ic(Tinnis. of Mercer county, daughter of John J. McCiinnis now a resident of Duncan township. Mercer county. Joseph A. lives (^n the farm of his father 260 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. and keeps a good grade of farm stock. His early educational training was tTiat of tlie common school. He was reared on the farm and thia business he has always followed. James H. Longshore was formerly from Bucks county, Pennsyl- vania. He first emigrated from his native state to Ohio, Clinton county, where he remained till 1852, then he moved to Indiana, where he remained seven years, when he came to Mercer county and located in Millersburg, where he has since remained, pursuing the trade of his choosing for a livelihood. He was born in 1823. His parents, James and Sarah Longshore, remained in their native state all their lives. His father was a wagon builder by trade. The religion of his parents was that of the Hicksite Quakers. Mr. J. H. Longshore's earlv educational trainino; was such as the common schools of his time could fin-nish. When a boy he learned his trade with his father. In 1849 he was married to Sally Hadley, of Clinton county, Ohio, whose- birth dates to 1842. She is the daughter of William and Susanna Hadley, both of whom are natives of Virginia. They came to Ohio quite early, where they both departed this life, the former at the age of tifty years, the latter at eighty-seven years. Both were members of the orthodox Friend's church. By this marriage Mr. Longshore has four children: Alvin E., now in California, Emma B., Carrie, and Howard. In politics his principles are those advocated by the republi- can party. He was one of those men who came to Millersburg in tha zenith of its prospects of prosperity and yet remains, having secured a good run of trade in his line. D. A. Davison was born in 1833, in the State of Pennsylvania. His parents were Moses and Elizabeth Davison, both of Pennsylvania. They emigrated to Wells county, in 1843. There they died, the former in 1880, aged seventy-seven years ; the latter in 1864, aged iifty-seven years. The former was a farmer, miller and millwright. D. A. came fi'om Pennsylvania to Mercer county in 1859, and located in New Bos- ton township, where he remained two years, then moved to Keithsburg two years. In 1866 he located in Millersburg township, where he now resides, near the south line. He was married in 1860 to E valine Wolfe, a native of Indiana, born in 1842, and daughter of Solomon and Evaline (Marlatt) Wolfe. They came to Illinois in 1846. They are both natives of Indiana, and are now" citizens of Abington township, Mercer county, and members of the Methodist Episcopal cluirch. Mr.. Davison has by this marriage twelve children : Ida (deceased). May, Cora, Ealpli, Walter, Edward (deceased). Albert, Clarence, Morgan, Grace, Rose, and Maud. Mi-. Davison enlisted in 1862 in the late war, in company G, 124th III. Vol. Inf, served three years, and was. MILLERSBURG TOWNSHIP. 2<'tl in the following encrag-ements: Fort Gibson, Brownsville, Jackson^ Champion Hills, Black river, siege of Yicksburg, nnmerons skirmishes, and at Spanish Fort. lie lives on a tine farm of 320 acres. W. AV. Egijkrt is a native of Stark county, Illinois. His parents, James C. and Catharine (Swank) Egbert, the former a native of New Jersey, the latter of Pennsylvania, came with the early settlers to Stark county, where our subject was born in 1854. There his tatlier depai'ted this life in lSf>3, aged thirty-six years. W. W. Egbert recei\'ed a fair common school education and five tenns at Iledding college. He first began business for himself as druggist in j)artnership with Dr. D. J. Perry at AVest Jersey, Illinois. In 1870 he brought a stock of drugs to Millersburg and opened a store. In 1878 he engaged in general merchandise in which business he is at present. He has a good trade. In 1878 his store was burned; loss S2,00U, $1,000 of which was paid by the insurance company. He was married in 1877 to Miss Margaret M. Green, native of Illinois, daughter of AY. L. and Rebecca E. Green, both of Pennsylvania, and came to Alercer county in 185-I. The former was by ti'ade a carver and gilder. He held the office of justice of the peace for several years, was in the mercantile business with H. AY. Thornton, and was for a time postmaster at Millersburg. He enlisted in the army in 1861 in the 45th 111. A^ol. Inf., in company I, as second lieutenant. He was in the battle of Sliiloh, and died of wounds in 1862, while in the service. He was a member of the I.O.O.F. His widow now receives a pension and resides in Millersburg. She was at one time postmistress at Alillers- burg for about fifteen years. AY. AV. Egbert has by this marriage two children : AYilliam C. and Frederick AV". He is a member of the I.O.O.F. lodge at Millersburg. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Among the well-to-do citizens and farmers of Millersburg township is John Pubert, born in New York in 1838, and son of John and Magdalena (Chat) Pubert, the former a native of France, the latter of New York, and of German descent. John Jr.'s father died when he was an infant ; his mother died when he was fourteen years old, aged thirty-seven years. She came to Chicago in 1843, where she resided for a time, when she removed to Peoria county. John's parents were members of the Christian church. Mr. Pubert's early education was limited. He came tell, both of whom were Presbyterians. Mr. Bell first landed at Philadelphia, and proceeded to Ohio, where he remained till 1S63, when he came and settled in Millersburg township, on the 264 HISTORY OF MERCER A^'D HENDERSON COUNTIES. • farm of 360 acres where lie now resides. He was married to Margaret Gilford, native of L'eland, and daugliter of John and Mary Clifford, of Ireland, both of whom came to America in 1841. They were farmers and members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Bell by this marriage has six children: Mary. John C, Easter, George, Aiui, and Jane. His wife is of the Presbyterian faith. In politics he is strictly a democrat. He keeps on his farm a good grade of farm stock. His farm is the result of his own labor, economy and business ability. Zachariah Jewel, the subject of this sketch, is a native of Harrison countv. Ohio, born in 1824. He was reared on the farm in his native state, where he resided till 1873 when he came to Mercer county where he now resides. During the late war he was a member of the Harrison Countv Home Guards, and was called out to drive Morgan from the state. He was married in 1847 to Mary Dool, native of Ohio, daughter of Pobert and Margaret Dool. By this marriage he has seven chil- dren: Margaret A., Nancy E., James W., Rebecca J., Hannah L., Mary O., John W. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church at Peniel. Mr. Jewel's parents were James and Xancy (Spring) Jewel, both of whom came to Harrison county, Ohio, from their native state, Virginia. They were pioneer settlers of Harrison county, and still reside in Ohio. They are farmers and members of the Baptist church. Dr. JdHN P. Chowning, Millersburg, was born January 21, 1843, in the town of Payson, Adams count}', Illinois. His parents, Thomas J. and Louisa (Holman) Chowning, -were nati^'es of Tennessee, of Scotch descent. They emigrated to Adams county in 1840, and located on a farm near Payson. In 1850 they removed to Adair county, Mis- souri, Jjut returned to Adams county, after an absence of tlu-ee years, where they remained till the close of the rebellion. They are at present living in Fort Worth, Texas. Dr. Chowning was the oldest of nine chiklren, eight of whom are still living. After completing the common school studies he spent two years in the academy of his native town. The rebellion having broken out he enlisted August 7, 1862, iu Company E, 84th 111. Vol., in which he served till the close of the second days' fight at Chickamauga, when lie was taken prisoner. He was taken to Kichmond, Virginia, and confined in what was known as ''Castle Pemberton." for one and one-half montlis, after which he was removed to Danville, A^irginia, where he remained four and one- half months, from thence to Andersonville, Georgia, where for seven montlis he was subjected to scenes of cruelty and suffering that beggar description. On the night of October 1, 1864, while being transferred from Andersonville to Charleston, South Carolina, he escaped with one >[ILLERSBURG TOWNSHIP. 265 of his fellow prisoners, by jumping from the train while in motion. Keduced by starvation and disease to a mere skeleton, the tendons of of his limbs contracted till he was literally compelled to walk on ti}) toe by the aid of a "walking stick.'' After a perilous journey of eighteen days, through an enemy's country, subsisting on sweet pota- toes and such other edibles as were obtainable, he at last reached the Union lines, then at Atlanta, Georgia. Through the kindness of Cien. Stanley he was at once detailed as a clerk in the di\ision hospital, where he remained till the close of the war. In the fall of 1S64 he entered tjie Iowa Wesley an University, from which he graduated in 1869, defraying his expenses by teaching during the mnter months and working at the car})enter's trade during the summer vacations. In the spring of 1870 he commenced the study of medicine, with Dr. E. L. Marshall, of Keithsburg, Illinois, as preceptor, lie con- tinued his medical studies, teaching in the meantime ; was principal of the schools in Keithsburg and Barry, Illinois, respectively. During the winter of 1872-3 he attended lectures at Rush medical college. Locating at Millersburg, he practiced two j-ears and six months, when he again attended lectures at Bellvue hospital medical college. New York, from which he received the degree of ^M.D. Dr. Chowning was married to Florence, daughter of A. B. and Anna Sheriff, in 1871; her father a native of Pennsylvania, her mother of Ohio. By this marriage they have four children : Florence M., "William M., Josephine, and Eva. They are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church. The doctor is a member of the masonic fraternity ; is also a member of military tract medical society. John Downing, Aledo, is a native of Belmont county, Ohio, born in 181:0, son of John and Ellen Downing; former, native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Ohio. They came to Mercai- county in 1864, and located one and a half miles east of where their son John now resides, and where they both died ; the former in 1873, at the age of seventy-two ; the latter in 1874, at the age of sixty-eight years. They were members of the Presbyterian church, and their remains repose in the cemetery of the Peniel church. John Downing came to Mercer county with his ])arents. He was married in 1863 to Rachel J. Cami)bell, native of Belmont county, Ohio, daughter of John and Jane Cani})bell, both of Ohio, and are now residents of their native state." Mr. Downing has by this union iive children: Jane E., Maggie L., Robert L.. Birdie S., and John 0. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. He served in company K, 102d 111. Vol., was mustered into the service in 1862, served six months, and was discharged because of ill health. He moved upon the farm where he now lives in 1877. His farm con- 266 HISTORY OF FIERCER A^■D HENDERSON COUNTIES. tains 150 acres, which cost $50 pp ■ acre. It is fairly improved and stocked witli a good grade of cattie, liogs and horses. W. E. Lemon, Aledo, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1837, son of John and Eliza Lemon, both of Pennsylvania. They came to Mercer county in 1867, and located in Aledo, where they resided till 1871, when they moved upon a farm, where the latter died in 1874, at the age ol' fifty-seven years, when the foi-mer returned to Aledo, where he now resides. Having sold his farm he now lives a retired life. He and wife were Presbyterians. W. P. was reared on the farm. His educational training was such as he could get in the district school. During the war he was a member of the home guards in his native state, and was ordered out once. He was married in 1868 to Alice Lair, native of Indiana, and came to Mercer when she was a girl with her parents. She died in 1870, at the age of thirty years. He was married a second time to Julia A. Barcroft, of Ohio, daughter of AVilliam and Anna Barcroft, both of Ohio. By this last marriage he has three children : Frank, Lena, and Earl. Mr. Lemon has a fine stock farm of 120 acres, lying upon both sides of the railroad, three and a half miles west of Aledo. He keeps a high grade of cattle, sheep, hogs and horses, the latter of the Clidesdale and Norman stock. His sheep are of the Merino breed. He is a member of the Presby- terian church at Aledo. S. A. Oliver was born in 1855 in Henry county, Illinois, and is the son of Pobert P. and Mary E. Oliver, both of Ohio, now citizens of Henry county. By vocation they are farmers. S. A. was reared and educated to the farm, which pursuit he has always followed. His early educational training was such as the common schools of his neighborhood could ftirnish. He was married in 1874 to Maggie Lyle, native of Henry county, Dlinois^ born in 1855, daughter of William and Margaret Lyle, both of Scotland. They came to Henry county with its early settlers. By this nuirriage Mr. Oliver has two children, twins : Marian and Mary. He came to Mercer county and located in 1879, where he now resides. He has a fjirm of eighty acres, fairly improved and stocked with a good grade of cattle, sheep, hogs and horses. G. W. PrcKUP, the subject of this sketch, is a native of Iowa, born in 1848, and came with his parents, John and Mary E. Pickup, to Burlington, Iowa. -They were natives of England, and emigrated to America in 1838. They both died during the cholera scourge of 1840, tlie former before (t. AV. was born. G. W.'s mother was a member of the Episcopal churcli. In isc.l he enlisted in company D, 7th 111. Vol., ninety days* men, tlieii le-enlisted in com]>any G, l(»th 111. Vol., and served till July 4, 1865. He was in tlie siege of New Madrid ; then •1',. . ^''y'-'^-t- ..^ JOHN GLAUCEY. KIJZA TOWNSHIP. 2^9 went to Mempliis ; was in tlie ))attles of Shiloli and Corinth ; with (tgh. E. A. Payne, wlio was sent to reinforce Xasliville; in ls<;8 was phiced in Rosecrans' division; was in the battles of Stone nver, Chickamaui^a, and was witli Sherman's division in his marcli to the sea, at (toMs- boroiigli, and tlien went to Richmond, Washiiifi^ton and Louisville, where he was mnstered out of the service July 4, 1S65. He was married in 1S71 to ]\[ary E. Grithth, of Mercer county, born in 1853, and daughter of Charles and !^^artha (ii-iffith; the former of Indiana, the latter of Ireland. They came with the early settlers to Mercer county, and located in ]\[illersburg township, where the former now resides, his wife having died in 1879, aged sixty-seven years. Mr. Pickup by this marriage has one child, George A. He resides two miles south of Millersburg, on a farm of eighty acres, which is nicelv improved and well stocked. In politics lie is a republican. ELIZA TOWNSHIP. This is No. 15, in range 5, of the fourth principal meridian. Rock Island county bounds it on the north, and the Mississi}»])i river on the west. A chain of irregular and abrupt bluffs extends from north to south, through the center of the township, from the south line of section 32 to the northern boundary line between Eliza townshij) and Rock Island connty, at the northwest corner of section 0. Three creeks run in a southwesterly direction through the town, the princii)al one of which is Eliza creek, whose source is in the N. E. J of Sec. 12, of Duncan township. Fed by small tributaries on botli sides, it runs southwest through that township, crossing the eastern boundary line between the two townships in the N. E. ^ of Sec. 24 ; runs southwest to the center of section 23; thence northwest to the north section line between sections 15 and 22 ; thence southwest, crossing the west section line between sections 21 and 22, through sections 21, 29, 30, 25, and 36, and em])tying into the head of lower Eliza lake. Winters- creek enters the township in the N. E. J of Sec. 25 ; flows southwest through sections 25 and 35. Glancy branch enters the townishi]) at the north- ern boundary line between Eliza township and Rock Island county, in section 5, and runs southwest through sections 5 and 7. These streams and theii- tributaries furnish am]de sui)plies of water for stock at all seasons of the year. In the western part of the townslii]i, below the bluffs and between the river, are nestled numerous small lakes and ]>onds. The most ]>i-oininent of the lakes are U])])er Eliza, (Tlancv, and Swan, the largest 10 270 HISTORY OF MERCER A>,'D HENDERSON COUNTIES. being Swan, part of wliich extends south into Xew Boston township ; this lake is two and a half miles long and a half mile wide, and, like all the rest, the water in this lake is clear and from four to five feet in depth. Upper Eliza is one mile long and a quarter mile vnde, and from three to eight feet deep. Glancy extends north into Rock Island county, and is about two miles long, one-eighth mile in width, and i'rom five to twenty feet in depth. These lakes and tlieir tributaries are mostly skirted with timber and a species of willow commonly called buck brush. The timber consists of the various oaks, hickory, maple, sycamore, hockberry, buckeye, wild honey-locust, ash, walnut, and pecan, of which a fine young growth is now growing. Grape and other wild climbers also abound along the banks of creeks and lakes. These lakes and tributaries abound in game and fish of fine flavor, and the business of fishing is carried on to some extent by parties who lease the grounds for that purpose. Wild ducks and geese are also plentiful in seasons when they migrate Irom north to south, and vice versa. The soil of Eliza township is admirably adapted to agricultural purposes. The land lying on the southeast side of Eliza creek is mostly prairie, and is composed of rich black loam, with yellow and brown clay subsoil in places, which produces heavy crops of corn and other agricultural staples. The land lying north of the creek is undu- lating, and, near the bluft', quite hilly ; is mostly covered with timber, and is used for pasture, for which it supplies a fine growth of blue grass. The land on the bluft' and in the vicinity of the river seems to have been the favorite abode of the ancient mound builders, of which race of people we know but little at the present day. All along below and on the summit of these bluft's can be seen these mounds, the most noted of which are on sections 28 and 29, north of Jay Wilson's farm, Martin Bear place, on section 16, now occupied by Edwin Bishop's house, and on the east part of sections 1 9 and 30, the most prominent of which are (tn sections 19 and 3,0. All through the timber on these lands can be seen what appears to have been at one time a line of earth-works, thrown up for a defense, inside of which are hundreds of these mounds. Some of them measure fortv feet at the base, and on top large oak trees, four feet in diameter, have grown. Many of these mounds have been o])ened by scientific men and curiosity seekers. In some of them have been found S])ecimens of several grades of pottery, from the common clay to some artistically decorated and a]»])arcntly glazed. Some curiously shaped pi])es and axes have also been found, among which was a double edged one, having a round hole in the ELIZA TOWNSHIP. 271 center for an eve. The most important thing found in these mounds was a skeleton measuring nine feet in lengtli. Tlie bones taken fi'om the mounds are all well preserved. All that portion of land extending westward and nearest the river is of the finest quality, but owing to tlie exjiosure to ovei'ilow and the damp nature of the soil in seasons for y)lanting, is not farmed. It is covered with a heavy growth of tall coarse grass which makes line l>asture for cattle, hundreds of which are grazed upon it annuall}' and hundreds of tons of hay are made and stacked for winter use. The land nearer the bluff is of the finest grade, the soil being from five to ten feet deep, and susceptible of the highest state of cultivation, and in favorable seasons unaccom])anied by overfiow, has produced more corn })er acre than any other land in the country; but in seasons of extreme rtiiny weather in the northern states, it is subject to ovei-fiow, as was too truly the experience in that locality in the sj^ring and fall of 1881. After the farmers had planted their corn and it had grown a foot or more the land began to overfiow, and in the course of a few days crops were completely submerged in a vast sea of water extending from the blufi' to the Mississippi. Crops of all kinds were completely destroyed. Many cattle, horses and hogs were drowned and those only were saved that could be brought out on fiat-boats. The sudden and unexpected appearance of this fiood was without a parallel Xo the oldest inhabitants. The water reached a height equal to that of 1851, soon subsided and disappeared. The inhabitants were at first discour- aged at the pros})ect for a crop that season, but they went to work re})laiiting their corn hoping to be favored by a long season to mature the second crop ; the second planting germinated and grew and so. The place is now owned by Martin Bear, and occupied by his son Madrew. The first log cabin built upon the place is still standing in a good state of preservation. Morgan was buried in Eliza cemetery. Samuel Elliott bought the Mark Mullen ])lace in 1836, in section 7. George Moore came in the spring and settled on the S. W. ^ of Sec. 30, which he sold in the spnng to his brother John Moore, who came" ELIZA TOAVXSHIP, 275 during the j^revions winter, Moore started early in tlie winter to make the jonrney by boat, accompanied by liis wife and a small cliild. AVhen boarding the boat at Cincinnati he fell througli u liatchvvay and was severely injured. On arriving at Fort Madison they found that they could not proceed farther by boat, owing to the river being frozen over at that point. They left the river at that place and began the balance of the journey on foot, through a wilderness of prairie grass and howling wolves. The sufferings they endured on account of cold and hunger was intense, but after several days ])ainful travel, tired and foot sore they finally arrived at the house of Joseph Glancey, where they staved during the winter, and in the s[)ring settled in EHza on land bought of his brother George. John Moore seems to have been exceedingly unlucky, for in the s])ring of 1839, while in the timber s])litting rails, a tree fell u[)on him crippling him for life. But notwithstanding all the sufferings he had previously endured, he went to work and built a saw-mill on Eliza creek, the first of the kind in the triwnship, Martin and Jacob Bear came next. They started from Indiana about April 16, in company with John Thompson, and Abraham Piatt. Thomjoson and T^iatt were from Ohio, and settled in AYalnut Grove, in Knox county, Illinois. The Bears' outfit consisted of four yoke of oxen hitched to an old fashioned Virginia road wagon, heavily loaded, in consequence of which the journey was a slow and tedious one. Often the drivers had to unhitch their teams and carry their loads out of a slough on their backs, and often tills interesting performance was re])eated several times during each days' jarations for su])])ei-. A heavy storm that had been threatening for a few hours before suddenly broke with great violence upon the i>arty, ])utting out their fires and carrying away their tents, leaving them to sit all night in a drenching rain. As soon as daylight came, they moved foi-ward to 276 HISTORY OF FIERCER A^"D HENDERSON COUNTIES. Mrs. William "Will its', where a breakfast was prepared for them, after which the}' continued their journey, reaching the place where they settled and still own. George and Isaac Dawson, learning of their arrival in the neighborhood, concluded to frighten them, and accord- ingly prepared their toilets in true Indian style, jjainted their faces with blood root, and, to give them a more hideous look, they bedaubed their hair with yellow clay, in which style they suddenly rushed upon the emigrant party. It is hardly necessary to add that the scheme had the desired effect upon the party. Martin Bear bought his land of Thomas Morgan, on section 22, upon which he lived until a few years since when he moved to Aledo. Jacob Bear still lives where he first settled, and has at different times since bought other lands adjoinmg. For the first few years after coming to the country, he lived with his brother Martin. He first broke ten acres the first season, and built a cabin near the site of which he has since built a large frame house. John Glancy settled in Eliza in 1837. He still lives where he first settled, on section 7. He bought the land of Samuel Elliott, and from time to time bouglit lands adjoining it, and now owns one of the largest farms in the county. The Indians were plentiful here in the days of the first early settlers. They were peaceful, however, and disposed to ti'ade honorably with the whites. They belonged mostly to Black Hawk's tribe. Black Hawk himself was a frequent visitor to Mr. Silas Drury's cabin, where he was accustomed to stop to enjoy a night's rest on his cabin floor. , Among Black Hawk's tribe was one familiarily known to the old settlers as Slim Jim, who was noted for his cunning, and of whom many good stories are still told by the surviving settlers. Jim lived in the bottoms below the bluff', but was quite fond of lounging about the settlers' cabins, and especially at Mark Mullen's. One day Jim came up out of the bottom and reported to Mullen that he had found a bee tree in the timber below, which, after considerable bartering, he succeeded in buying Jim's right in the tree for one dollar in silver. Then Mullen and Jim started to hunt for the tree, which they found as Jim had stated. Mullen then set to work chopping the tree, which was a large one. Mr. D. F. Noble and John Pratt, being in the neighborhood, on hearing the noise went to where the parties were at work, and offered their assistance for a i)art of the honey. Thus reinforced the tree soon began to fall, and on its downward course fell against another near by, breaking off' a large limb, from the opening of which there fell out upon the snow a comb of honey, about the size of Jim's fist, which he quickly picked up and ate. Upon furtlier examination it was soon found that Jim had got all the honey the tree contained, besides a good ELIZA TOWNSmi'. 277 joke on the parties present and a dollar in silver. Mullen concluded to keep cool about the matter and revenue himself in some other way. lie used to keej) li(|uor for sale at his cabin, an article that Jim had a ])cculiar liking for. One day, not long after the bee-tree transaction, Jim's thirst ibr fire water became so great as to force him to ])awn a line new blanket to him for a quart of the ardent, which, if he failed to redeem in a specitied time, was to be the i)roperty of ^lulleii. When redemi)tion day came around, Jim's cash account being short, he forfeited his right to the blanket. Jim took in the situation at once, but said nothing, and quietly walking away was not seen about the place for many days after, and wdiile the settlers were feeling alarmed lest some evil had befallen him he one day suddenly made his aj»])ear- ance. with a large powder horn filled with lead ore, which he took into ^Mullen's cabin and began to mold bullets from. This excited Mullen's curiosity greatly to know where Jim had found the ore. Upon inquiry Jim pointed across the ri^■er, and by signs and gestures conveyed the impression that the place was quite a distance away. Mullen began at once to enter into negotiations with Jim to be conducted to the El Dorado. Mullen wished to start immediately for the place, but Jim, pointing to the ground, told Mullen that the place could not be reached in the winter season, but that they must wait until the grass grew in the spring, so the oxen could graze. This philoso])hical state- ment satisfied Mullen, and he took Jim and his squaw in the cabin with him, where they both enjoyed Mullen's hospitalities during the winter, but when spring came, and they were nearly ready to start for the promised land, Jim suddenly disappeared, and was not seen again for many years. MILLS. The first mill built in the township was by Rezin Pratt and John IL Mannon, about 1837. It was situated just above Daniel Noble's, and was built about 184-1-, or 1845. This was a grist mill, and disai)peared years ago. No other mill has since taken its jjlace, owing to an insuffi- cient body of water of late years to run one. A saw mill, built by Rezin Pratt and E. Esley, stood on the same stream, a little below ^Ir. Koble's, and was built somewhat later; no remains of it can be seen there now. The mill was a large one and was well patronizetl at tlie time. For a long time after this mill ceased running there was no other mill in the township, until about 1864, when a steam saw mill was erected by Jesse Bogart. which, for the want of jtatronage, did not do much business. A steam grist mill for grinding feed was started on section IT. bv J. C Achisoii. Before the establishment of the first 278 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. mill in the township, the inhabitants, having then to go as far as J^ortli Henderson and Monmouth, one man would generally do the business for several of his neighbors ; he was usually detained fi'oni six to ten days, according to the stage of water and the number of jjersons ahead awaiting their turn. They usually started with a supply of rations and feed for an emergency. The teams quartered about these mills gave the place the appearance of a camp-meeting ground. The only town of importance in the township was started by Edwin Bishop, who settled there in 1S50. Being a blacksmith by trade, he there started a shop on the corners, and the place was then called Bishop's Corners until Mr. Bishop's appointment as postmaster ; the office having formerly been called Eliza, that name was substituted. The place is located near the center of section 16. On or about the year 1876 Dr. Thomas L. Edwards bought a house and moved to the place, where he followed his profession until a few years since, when he retired from practice on account of advanced age, and was succeeded by Dr. Reynolds, who is the only physician in the place. Harrison, son of Edward Bishop, built a large house in the place a few years ago, on the opposite corner from his father's, where he resides and follows the carpenter trade. The next, a building sixteen feet square, was built for a store by Isaiah Bishop in 1876, which was stocked and opened up for the first time on the morning of the annual town meet- ing of that year. His stock consisted of a barrel of kerosene and a few other light goods which he had carried on his back from Muscatine the day before. Not having a large stock, his business at first was slow and perplexing ; some of his customers greatly annoyed him by calling for such goods as they knew he did not have on hand. After a careful survey of his stock, one of his customers remarked that his was the only store he ever saw which he felt able to buy out. Bemem- bering the old adage, that from small acorns large trees grow, he continued in business, and by carefiil watching of the wants of his customers, has built up a large trade, and added an addition to his store-room, which is now well stocked with such merchandise as is usually needed by farmers. Before the establishment of this store, the trade of the township was divided between New Boston and Musca- tine, Iowa. The place also contains a jeweler shop and the business is carried on by Mr. Taylor. Soon after the organization of, and at the September term of the board of supervisors of ISo-l, on order was made by that body author- izing the issuing of a bond of $100,000 to the capital stock of the Warsaw & Rockford Railroad Company, to be paid in county bonds to nm twenty years with interest at six per cent, providing that the bonds ELIZA TOWNSHIP. 279 should not be issued until a sufficient amount of available capital stock was subscribed to build the road ; and providing tliat the monev from the sale of the bonds should be expended within the limits of the county. In 1S55 Mr. Iliram Thornton, agent for said company, filed a petition asking a modilication of the terms of the bonds, and asking that the bonds be made unconditional and payable on demand of the company or its agents. The question of rescinding the former action was submitted to the voters of the several townships in the spring of 1856. Eliza township cast eight votes for rescinding the former vote, and twenty-eight against. SPECULATORS. For a few years after the first settlement here the settlers were greatly annoyed by speculators and land grabbers, in consequence of which they were ever upon the lookout for intruders, who usually appeared in the guise of emigrants seeking homes, therefore all new comers were eyed with suspicion. Upon one occasi(m three strangers were noticed in the neighborhood whose actions aroused the 8usj)icions of Mr. Silas Drury, then sheriff of the county, as to the real nature of their business. After carefully examining several of the best pieces of land in that vicinity, they came to Drury and requested him to show them such lands as had not already been taken, saying that they were seeking places upon which to settle. Supposing that they were land sharks, he took them up on tojD of the bluff in a thickly timbered place where left them, knowing that they would get lost. Then returning to his cabin he mounted a swift horse and notified his neighbors of the threatening danger. They all met that night at a cabin at the foot of the bluff to determine the best course to pursue in the mat- ter. Believing the parties to be sj)eculators, they began to realize the importance of quick action, and accordingly concluded to gather all the money in the neighborhood and start Mr. Drury to the land office to buy in their lands for them. Drury left that night in com[)any with a neighbor who was going a part of the way. They took a trail leading through Eock Island county, at which place it was their intention to have staid for the night, at a cabin owned by one Dunlap. On arriving they rode up to the cabin, and looking through a partly open door, saw the same parties whom Mr. Drury had left in the timber but a few hours before. Mr. Drury at oitce came to the conclusion that the parties were head- ing for the land office, and determined to get ahead of them if possible. Not wishing to proceed farther that night, the man accompanying Drury rode forward to the cabin and called Mr. Dunlap, who, being in sympathy witli the settlers, was confidentially told their business. A 280 HISTORY OF AMERCER ASH HENDERSON COUNTIES. cabin a short distance away was pointed, out to tliem, where they were assured they could find quarters. Drurj started from that phice early the next morning, and reaching Andalusia just at sun up in the morn- ing, was directed to cross the river at that point and take a trail made the day before, from Rock Island down the river by drawing a log through the snow, to allow the Indians to go there to trade. Arriving at Rock Island about noon, he stopped at a tavern kept by a man named Dixon, who was county clerk of the county. He was instructed by him as to the route to take, and also informed him that he should stop at Port Byron for the night, which if he passed he would not find another stopping place within forty miles. Soon after leaving Rock Island Mr. Drury looked back and saw a man on horseback, appar- ently in pursuit, which he supposed to be the speculator. On arriving at Fort Byron the man o^'ertook liim and remarked that Drury must have a fine horse as he had tried all the afternoon but had failed to overtake him. They left in the morning in company, but had not gone far until Drury noticed that the stranger's horse was a superior animal, which, not agreeing with the statement he had made the day before, caused Driu-y to fear that the man was fol- lowing him for the purpose of waylaying him at the first opportunity. After a few hours' ride together he told Drury that he had just come from Eliza township, where the day before he had beaten a citizen doctor in a horse race and taken $500 from him. Drury also noticed by the actions of the man that he likewise -suspicioned him, and thus the two men rode along together in silence, the one watching the movements of the other. Presently the stranger asked Drury if he had any money about him. He replied that he had $2.50 and was hurry- ing to get to Galena to find work, and asked if he was acquainted there. The man said that he was, but that work was scarce. He ofiered to bet Drury that his money was counterfeit, and demanded an examina- tion, after which he passed it back, and producing some of the same kind fi'om his own pocket, said that he was well acquainted with the parties in Galena, who made it. This statement aroused Drury's fears more than ever, and as it was now growing dark both parties watched closer than ever. They however reached Dubuque in safety, and Drury going straight to the land office was there informed that they were three weeks behind with their books and that he would have to await his turn to make the entries. Not satisfied he went Ijack and enlisted the co-operation of a friend and the tw(^ succeeded in making the entries that same night. The next morning just as Drury was prepar- ing to start back the speculators made their appearance, and going to the office were told that the lands had all been entered the day before, ELIZA TOWNSHIP. 281 at wliicli tliev broke out in a fit of rao;e and said the trick liad been played by that little sheriff of Mercer county, and if he conld be found they Avould cowhide him within an inch of his life. Instead of being settlers looking for homes, they turned out to be Virginia land agents. ROADS. The first road laid out in the township was one leading from the bluff to Rezin Pratt's mill, on Eliza creek. This road was located in 1850. In the same year a road was laid out from the blufi" to the old Bloomington road, at Bear's. Another road, commencing where the Millersburg and Muscatine road crossed the county line, running west in Mercer county, through II. Mardock's land, intersecting the county line at John Boruff's, then west into Rock Island county, was laid out in 1851. A road leading from George Scott's house in New Boston township to D. F. Noble's, was laid out in 1851. A portion of an old Indian trail, leading from New Boston to Bock Island, is still yisible in the southeastern part of the township. " ORGANIZATION. The first town meeting was held at the house of Daniel Noble A])ril 2, 1854. J. P. Mannon was chosen moderator and Joseph Leonard clerk. The first election resulted in the choice of John Glancy, for supervisor ; L. AV. Noble, town clerk ; James M. Mannon, assessor ; AYilliam Irvin, M. A. Cook and D. W. Noble, commis- sioners of highways ; H. H. Randolph and G. W. Black, overseers of highways; Dudley AVillits, overseer of the poor; and Eli Mills, pound- master. The whole number of votes cast was thirty. At an annual town meeting held at the school-house in district No. 2, twenty-five votes were cast for supervisor ; twenty for town clerk ; twenty-five for assessor ; twenty-three for commissioner of highways ; twenty-four for overseer of the poor, and five for pound-master. A vote was taken to decide the question of township organization, which received eight votes in favor, and twenty-three against it. D. F. Noble has served as su])er\'isor nine years ; Martin Bear, six ; and A. B. Swisher, eight years. J II. Nolan, J. Y. Merritt and J. H. Leech have each served one year. The Nobles at times held nearly all the ]3rincipal ofiices in the township. The Bishops have also held numerous ofiices, notably that of town clerk, which was filled by one or the other for ten consecutive years. 282 HISTORY OF IVIERCER AIs'D HENDERSON COUNTIES. SOLDIERS. At the first breaking out of tlie late civil -svar, the question as to "my duty to go," was responded to affirmatively by many of Eliza's truest patriots, and from the beginning to the termination of the great struggle, they bravely answered ever}- call for troops ; father and son left the farm to offer their lives, if need be, that the nation might be perpetuated. And it was not until the town liad almost exhausted her resources that men were hired to fill the quota. Many from Eliza enlisted in Iowa regiments, among whom were P. Whaley, B. R. Whaley, Jasper Eeed, David j^oble, Mom-oe Leech, Eli Mills, Pyrhus Glancy, Isaiah Bishop, E. A. "Wood, S. S. Wood, Walter Keneday, John I. Reed, Alexander Irwin, Harrison Bishop, wounded. Those who enlisted in the 102d reg. III. Yol. Inf. were : J. G. Merritt (who entered company K as a private and was promoted to captain, and was wounded at Averysborough, North Carolina), Maclison Reth- erford, Jacob A. Reed, Thomas Beverlin, James A. Barlett, William Carr, Ezra Fuller, H. J. Frazier, Josiah Spicher, James R. Wood, Abram Fuller (died of disease February 8, 1862), James Collier (died of disease December 4, 1862), George Barlett (died May 18, 1864, of wounds received at Resaca), Noah Spicher (died of disease October IT, 1863), Otis Albee (discharged on account of wounds), Peter O. Pierce (died May IT, 1864), M. Biverlin, John H. Murfin, Franklin Ferguson, Daniel Knapp, Walter Smithers, Henry Smithers, Harvey J. Fisher (wounded at Averysborough, North Carolina), J. F. Essly (enlisted in company outside of the county), II. C. Esley, W. D. Maladay (who was killed at Stone River), and Van A. Noble (wounded at Chickamauga). BURIAL PLACES. There are several burial places in the township, the most noted of which are Eliza and Leech's. Eliza cemetery is situated just east of Mr. D. F. Noble's house, on top of the bluff, on a beautiful site over- looking the Mississippi. More than a hundred have been buried here. The first person buried in this cemetery was Miss Elizabeth Pratt, who was also the first person to die in the township. Leech's cemetery is located in the northeast part of the township, just south of William Leech's house, and contains some fifty graves. There is also a burial ])lace on the old Miller farm, and one at John Clancy's. The first child born in the township was Mrs. John Shaunce. TIMBER. At the time of the first settlement of the township, old timber, such as the various oaks and hickory, ash and elm, was found in abundance on the upper lands along the edge and on top of the bluffs and in the ELIZA TOWNSHIP. 283 bottoms near the lakes, but young timber could not be found, having been destroyed by prairie fires started by the Indians to drive out the deer and other game to points where they could the more easily cap- ture them. Noticing the destruction of the young timber by these fires, many of the settlers began plowing around the edges of the timber to protect it, which had the desired effect, and in a few years young saplings sprang uj), and where once only large trees could be seen the ground is now thickly dotted with a fine new growth of oaks and hickory large enough to convert into rails. Many of the large oaks now standing were here when the early settlers first came. On the land of Harrison Bishop, pc large white oak is standing, as straight as an arrow, three feet through at the base, and sixty feet to the first limb, xbiother, the largest tree in the county, is standing in tlie door- yard of J. Y. Merritt. It is an elm measuring 37^ feet in circum- ference at the ground, and 34 feet three feet fi-om the ground. It is 108 feet high and has a spread of top of 104 feet. Much notice has been taken of this tree by the j^ress throughout the country, and having several times been measured by competent surveyors is pronounced the largest in the county. It is said that Black Hawk used to hold council under the shade of its branches. LAKES. In the bottom lands west of the bluff and near the Mississippi river is nestled numerous small lakes, all linked together by a chain of tributaries extending from one to another from north to south, the currents in these outlets being strong in places. The lakes are all fed by the under drainage of the river and from numerous springs along the summit of the blufts, in consequence of which the water is fresh and clear. In many places the lakes are shaded by large trees, and the sun's silvery rays shining through the tree-tops on the face of the water gives it a picturesque beauty. Fish and wild game are plentiful, and the angler and hunter find enough to occupy them pleasantly for a short stay. Late in the summer season these lakes become thickly matted along the edges with a tall green moss growing from the bottom to the surface of the water. At the time of the first settlement here, these lakes, with the exception of Glancy lake, were much wider and deeper than at the present time, owing to the accumulation of decayed vegetation and continual washing from the blufi". Glancy, however, still maintains its usual depth, owing to a swift current passing through it from the river in seasons of high water. At the present time the depth of Glancy lake is from twenty to twenty -five feet in places; Eliza, three to five ; Swan, four to six. All along these lakes was the favorite hunting ground of the Indians. 284 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. SCHOOLS. Tlie first school-house in the township was built on top of the bluff, a short distance from where D. F. Noble now lives. The house was built of logs, and the first school tauglit in it was presided over by ]\Iiss Mary Ann Delabar, and afterward by Miss Emily Cawkins. The school was kept up for many years by subscription, until tlie legislature passed a law authorizing such townships as desired to levy a tax for the maintenance of schools, soon after which a meeting was called to discuss the merits and demerits of changing to that system. It being determined at that meeting to accept the provisions of that act, the schools have thus been kept u]) ever since. Before the change was made the township had but one district, whicli was com- posed of what is knowTi now as districts 1, 2, and 3, since whicli the town has been divided into six school districts, as follows : Center, No. 1; Boruff", No. 2; Glancy, No. 3; AVhite Eagle, No. 4; Eliza Creek, No. 5 ; Winter Creek, No. 6. The following, as shown by Mr. A. B. Swisher, present school treasurer, are the amounts received and disbursed by him for school purposes for the year 1880 : Amount levied for 1881 §1,000 00 State funds received 364 62 Interest received from town fund 161 65 $2,126 27 RELIGIOUS MEETINGS. Many of the early settlers here were church members, and re- ligious meetings date from 1836. At the request of Mr. Daniel Noble, the first was held at his son's (D. F. Noble) house which, at the time, was the largest house in the neighborhood ; and afterward at David Shaunce's and other places in the township, until the first log cabin was built on the blufi', which was then used for all meetings, public and religious. The Methodists were the most numerous at that time, but the meetings were of a union character, and were partici- pated in by members of all other religious sects. The Metliodists afterward became a regular organized body here, which has since been broken up owing to many of its members having joined churches located elsewhere outside of the townsliip. They, however, as well as the Baptists and Cln-istians, still continue to hold meetings at the several school-houses in various ])arts of the town. Neither denomina- tion being strong enough to support a regular minister, the services are conducted 'by transient preachers. Asa McMerter and Samuel l^inkly were the first preachers, who were at tliat time termed ex- horters. Soon after the first log cabin on the blufi* was built, a regular MARTIN BEAR ELIZA TOA\TSrSHIP. 287 camp-Ill ooting ground m\is cstal)lislied near the site of it, wliere the peo])le of the whole neighbor! lood congregated to worship and talk to familiar friends and acquaintances. In 1S42 a kiln of brick was burned in the township, on the premises of Samuel Strauss, from which several houses in the neighborhood were built the same season. Eliza township has never yet sent a man to state j)rison for crime. BIOGRAPHICAL. Maktin Be.ve, a retired farmer, now residing in Aledo, was born in Northumberland county, Catawissa township, Pennsylvania, April 6, 180S, and moved with his father at an early date, to Pickaway county, Ohio, where he was raised and educated at a common school, and resided till his marriage with Miss Catherine Dodson, September 8, 1831. In the same month thev were married thev emigrated to Cov- ino-ton, Fountain countv, Indiana, and after a residence of four years there thev came to Mercer countv in 1836, arrivino; May 10th and settling near Eliza creek, in what is now Eliza tcnraship. Jacob Bear, his brother, then a single man, accompanied and settled near him. In 1835 Mr. Bear first came out to look at some land, and traveled pretty much all over northern and central Illinois, and bought a claim from Thomas Morgan. In 1836 he went to Galena and entered the tract, with some other pieces to which he had obtained the choice number. When Mr. Bear came out here in 1835, somewhere about the head of the Edwards river, night overtook him, and the darkness was not relieved by moon or stars. Xo house could be seen, so without anything to eat, he slipped the reins over his horse's head and sat down in the tall grass to hold his horse while he M-as grazing. He fell asleep, and in the morning when he awoke found that his horse had gotten away from him. After iinding his horse he journeyed on and the following night reached Major Lloyd's at Camp creek a little below Millersburii:. That was the onlv house around. ]\Ir. Bear felt at home here. The major was bragging about the fat of the land, which the good housewife illustrated with a very fat coon for supper, the first Mr. Bear had ever tasted. In early times Mr. Bear used to go to Spoon river to get his milling done, and to Knoxville to get his plows sharpened and general smithing done. When Mr. Bear first came here he found the following persons living in the neighborhood : Isaac Dawson, Esq., John Drury. Daniel Xoble, D. F, Noble, Aaron Mannon, Elisha Essley, John Shaunce, Isaac Drury, William Fisher, Jesse L. Adams, all from Indiana ; David Shaunce, from Carolina ; Abijah Wilson, from Connecticut ; John Shaunce and Thomas Morgan, from Ohio ; 17 288 HISTORY OF MERCEK AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. Martin Fislier (father of "William Fislier), Jacob Bear and John Pratt, all from Indiana, in 1836. Thomas Miller came about 1837 ; William Eetherford, in 1840 ; James Larue, about 1812 ; J. J. Huston arrived about 1847 ; Edwin Bishop, in 1850 ; William Irvin, about 1849. A. B. Cliilas, still residing in the township, settled here June, 1838, at which time there were residing in the northern part of the township, John Glancey, William and John Fisher, Valentine Boruif (and his sons, Felty and John), Miles Boyd, and Martin Bear. In the northern part of the township was Daniel Strauss, who fell from a tree while gath- ering hickorj-nuts, and was partly devoured by hogs before found. John Shaunce lived near Boruif 's. Mr. Chilas was a blacksmith, and worked at his trade there ; was a smith in New Boston ; he sharpened plows and shod horses for twenty miles around. Francis Laivibert was born in the southern part of Ireland, in 1816, and moved to America with his father's family in 1840, landing first at St. Johns, New Brunswick, where he resided for two ^^ears, and then went to New York, in which city he resided for ten years. Being of a roving dis^^osition, he next went to Pennsylvania, where he staid one year ; then went to Tazewell county, Illinois, where alter a short stay he started back to New York, but changed his mind when arriving at St. Louis, and started north for Galena, at which place he resided ten months. He then came to Pock Island, and from there to Buffalo, Iowa, and from there to Eliza, settling on section 10, where he made a farm and now resides. He was married in Iowa in 1844 to Miss Nancy Moore, who was a native of Ohio. Mr. Lambert was educated in this country, and has followed farming as an occupation. He began life poor, but by industry and close attention to business has attained an easier position in life. In politics Mr. Lambert is a democrat. George Moore, of New Boston township, was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, October 5, 1807. He moved with his parents while young, from that state to Wayne county, Indiana, in 1814, where he was educated at a common school and afterward worked at the car- penter and wheelwi'ight trades until his marriage, when he moved to Mercer county, settling in Eliza, near where D. F. Noble now lives. Since his residence in the county he has followed farming. In April, 1852, Mr. Moore crossed the plains to Oregon, and was five months making the journey, in company with other parties. They sto])ped first at Yam Hill county, Oregon, and went from there to the southern part, where they stayed until February 20, then went back to Yam Hill county, where tliey stayed until October 7, and then started for home. Leaving Port Louis, Oregon, on board a steamer they went by way of San Francisco and the Isthmus of Daricn to New York, then KLIZA TOWNSHIP. 289 lip the Iliidsoii to ButJhlo, and froin thence to Chicago, reacliing home December 8, 1853. Geoi-fi^e Moore's great-grandfather was born on December 19, 1732. His grandmother was born February 24, 1706. Mrs. George Moore, wife of the subject of this sketch, was born in Ohio September 27, 1813. They have seven children, one of whom, Leslie G., died a soldier, at St. Louis, January 14, 1862. lie was a member of the 2d Iowa cavalry. Sarah Jane, Helen L., Araminta E., Cara, Robert C, are living. Ella Clarissa is deceased. In religion Mr. Moore is a Universalist, and in i^olitics a republican. Edwin Bishop was born in New Jersey October 29, 1815. and moved with his parents to this state November 13, 1850. They made the journey through by canal and steamboat up the Mississippi river, landing first at Muscatine, Iowa, where he stayed until December 2, 1850, when he settled in Eliza. He received a common school educa- tion in the former state, and learned the blacksmith trade, which he has followed during his residence in Eliza. Lie was married in Penn- sylvania August 31, 1837, to Miss Sallie Meeker, who was born in Crawford county, that state, in 1819. Mr. Bishop's father was an American and his mother Scotch. They left New Jersey in January, 1816, and moved to Pennsylvania. Mr. Bishop has from time to time filled all the various oftices in this town, and has served as justice of the peace for twenty-four years, and is at present postmaster. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His family of children consists of Delilah, Isaiah, Harrison, Barbara A., Levi A., and Sarah (deceased). Silas Drury was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, in 1808, and moved with his parents to Wayne county, Indiana, in 1811, and from Wayne county to Morgan county in 1820, where he received a common school education and was brought up to farming. His father was English and his mother AVelch. His grandfather was also English, and was born in London (Drury Lane, which bears the name of the familv), where he was educated for a lawver. After this he turned Quaker and moved to America, settling in Baltimore, Mary- land, where he followed legal writing as a profession. Silas Drury, the subject of the sketch, came from Indiana to Mercer county in the spring of 1834, just after serving as a soldier in the Black Hawk war, which service he entered in 1832. He first settled in Eliza township, and was the first sheriff" elected in the county, April 6, 1836, after which he moved to Rock Island county, Illinois, where he now resides. He has, since his residence in that county, held the office of justice of he peace, assessor, and several minor oftices, for twenty-six consccu- ive vears. ^Ir. Drurv is a member of the masonic fraternitv, and a 290 HISTORY OF aiERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. member of the Illinois Citj Lodge ; also a member of the Old Settlers' Association, of Eock Island county. In i)olitics he is a national. His business is farming and trading along the river. He was married in Ivock Island countv in 1843 to Miss Malinda Bentley, by which marriage they had four children : Silas, Sarah, Oscar, and Byron. J. y. MERirr, the subject of this sketch, was boi-n in AVayne ■county, Indiana, January 5, 1828, and is the third child of a family of eight, all of whom are liying except Aaron J., who died a soldier at Bardstown, Kentucky. He was a member of the 36th reg. 111. Vol. Inf. Moses, a merchant, resides in Appanoose county, Iowa. Eliza, wife of A. C. Reynolds, whose husband is a farmer, also resides in that county. Mary, wife of Samuel Spangler, a farmer, resides in Whitesides county, Illinois, near Port Byron. Sarah Free also lives in that county. Mary M. Kirlin lives in Mercer county, Illinois. John, a farmer, lives in Wayne county, Indiana. J. Y. Meritt's mother's maiden name was Margaret Trindall, and of Scotch-Irish descent ; was raised in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. His father, E. J. Meritt, was born and raised in Belmont county, Ohio, and served as a soldier in the war of 1812. J. Y. Meritt received a common school education in Indiana, and was there raised to farming. He came to Mercer county, Illinois, in 1848, and for the first few years worked at the carpenters' trade, which he picked up after coming to the state. He bought the land where he now resides in 1856, and on December 25 of that year was married to Miss Mary Prine, and in 1858 moved upon the place. His residence is marked by a large elm tree, the largest tree in Mercer county. J. Y. Meritt enlisted in the three gears' service in the late war in 1862, as a private in company Iv., 102d 111. Vol. Inf., and was afterward jDromoted to the captaincy of the company, and participated in all the battles in which his regiment was engaged. He was wounded at Avery sborough, North Carolina, in March 1865. Unlike many who enlisted at that time, he served until the close of the war, in 1865, when he was mustered out of service after participating in the grand review at Washington, U.C. In politics Capt. Meritt is a republican. D. F. Noble was born in Fayette county, Indiana, February 9, 1813, and is the son of Daniel and Sarah Xoble. His father is Scotch-English, and was born in !North Carolina, August 22, 1787 ; his mother is Crerman, and was born in Pennsylvania, January 20, 1788. His father left Xorth Carolina with his })arents at the age of six years, and went to Tennessee, where he remained until he was twenty-one years of age, at which time he moved to Oliio, where he was married in 1810 to Miss Barbara Fruit, soon after which he went ELIZA TttWXSIIII'. 291 to Indiana, where he resided until 1836 ; he then moved to ^Mercer county, Illinois. Jle was drafted for a sohlier in tlie war of 1812, but did not serve, owing to the termination of the war soon after his enrolhnent. Ilis father was a soldier in the revolutionary wai*. On comin*!; to this county Daniel Xoble tirst settled in Eliza township, where he remained until the time of his death in 1880, his wife having preceded him in 1875. They were buried side by side in Eliza ceme- tery, which place is marked by an appro])riate monument. They had lived together sixty-five years. D. F. Xoble, the subject of this sketch, is widely and favorably known, ha\ing from time to time served in all the various offices in this township. Soon after township organization he was elected supervisor of his town, which office he held for several years in succession ; he also served as justice of the peace, and was postmaster for twenty consecutive years when the salary of the office amounted to one dollar per year. After serving in that office for twenty years he received his twenty years' salary, amounting to $20 and a few cents. During the late war of the re- bellion he was appointed enrolling officer for Eliza and Millersburg townships. lie has also served as school director for thirty-six con- secutive years. Mr. Xoble received a common school education in Indiana, and moved with his parents to Eliza in 1836, since which he has been engaged in farming and stock raising. Pie was married in Union county, Indiana. January 26, 1836, to Miss Sarah Pratt, who died in 1881 and was buried in Eliza cemetery. Eight children have been born to them, six of whom are living. Miss Avarilla married Elisha L. Essley, to whom four children were born ; Essley having died, Mrs. Essley married Michael Shannahan. Ira Xoble married Miss (Airoline Reed, who also died. The result of that marriage was ten children, two of whom died in infancy. Ira lives just a mile north of his father's place. David Xoble married Eliza Hampton, of Kock Island county, and they had five children, one of whom died while young. Miss Barbara E. lives with her father on the home place. J. F. Xoble also lives at home. Edward II. was married to Miss C. A. Bean in 1881, and lives with his father and farms the place. William Shields was born in AVayne county, Indiana, January 9, 1819. He there received a common school education, and was also raised to fanning. His father was a native of Westmoreland county, A'irginia; and his mother, of Kentucky. They moved to Hamilton county, Ohio, wdiere they were married. William Shields came to Mercer county in the spring of 1840, and first settled in Xew Boston township, after which he moved to Eliza and settled on section 33, which land was then owned by Abijah Wilson, whose daughter Lucy 292 HISTORY OF MERCER A^TD HENDERSON COUNTIES. he married April 12, 1849. His father and motlier foUowing in the same fall, settled in ISTew Boston township, in sight of their son's resi- dence. William Shields has long been a member of the Methodist Episcoj^al church, and also a Mason for thirty-two years ; he is a mem- ber of Xew Boston Lodge, I^o. 59. Out of a family of eight children only three are living: Mariah AYillits, Ira, and Jo. The two last named are living with their parents. John Glancey, a farmer and stock raiser, was born in York county, Pennsylvania, January 11, 1800. He moved with his brother from that state to Indiana in 1820, where he received a common school education, and for a while after followed wool carding and cloth dressing. Joseph Glancey, his father, was Irish ; and his mother, whose maiden name was Maith Willits, was English and the second wife, his father having been twice married. Mr. Glancey was the sixth child of that family. His father's third wife was Lura Chambers. Mrs. John Glancey ""s father's name was Robert Moore, Scotch-Irish ; his mother's maiden name was Deborah Willitts, of English descent, and having formerly li^-ed in York county, Pennsylvania, moved from that state to Ohio, and then to Indiana in 1812. Mrs. Glancey's father was married twice, and Mrs. Glancey is the seventh child of the second family. John Glancey, the subject of the sketch, came to Illinois and settled in Eliza in 1837, and still resides where he first settled. Mr. Glancey's name has been familiar to the public for many years. The most striking points in his character are his disposition to help others in their life struggles ; his generosity ; his animated and kind nature ; his earnestness in his neighbors' success ; and these have made for him friends everywhere, and he lives to see his bright dreams realized at the golden age of eighty-two. Mr. Glance}' was elected first super- visor of his township; he was also one of the first county commis- sioners. John Mason was born in Switzerland, December 8, 1812. Casper Mason, his father, was born in the same parish in 1787, as was also his grandfather, Casper, July 11, 1762. Jacob John Mason, son of Casper, was born in the same parish, October 28, 1722. Susana, wife of John Mason, was also born in the same parish, May 3, 1816. They were married January 10, 1834, by which marriage they had eight children : Jacob, Henry, Albert, August, Jacob John, and John. Two not named died in inlancy. Jolm Mason received a liigli school educa- tion in the parish, which school was controlled by the family. He. also served as a soldier in the Zurich war before coming to this country. He left his native country for America June 20, 1847, and arrived at New York city July 21. After his arrival in this countiy he sj)ent ELIZA TOWNSHIP. 293 several years traveling from place to place, finally settling in Berks county, Pennsylvania, where be remained six years, from which place he moved to "Wayne county, Indiana, where he stayed ten months. He then came to Illinois, settling on the Essley place. After a resi- dence of five years he moved where he now resides. Like many others of the first settlers, ]\Ir. Mason's circumstances in life were exceedingly limited, but by industry and economy in his business he has managed to acquire a good farm, with plenty around him. Thomas Beverlin was born in Wayne county, Indiana, I^overaber 10, 18Jr3. His father was born in Hamilton county, Indiana, and his mother in Virginia. They were married in Indiana, and. moved to this state in IS-iO. Thomas Beverlin received a common school educa- tion in this state, having come with his parents while young. His occupation is that of farming. He enlisted in the three years' service in the late war in lS*i2, in company K, 102d 111. A"ol. Inf , commanded by Capt. J. Y. Meritt, and after serving for nearly three years was mustered out of the service in 1865, having been engaged in all the battles with his regiment. On arriving in Illinois Mr. Beverlin's father first settled in Bock Island county and afterward in Eliza, Mercer county, on the place where Henry Brockett now lives, at which place he died August 8, 1878. His family consisted of eight children, of whom only tAvo are now li^'ing. Thomas Beverlin was married July 16, 1866, to Miss Mary L. Denison. Four children born to them are all living: Emaranda, Fannie E., Estel, and Carrie. Mr. Beverlin is a memWr of the republican party, and also a member of the Masonic fraternity, Illinois City Lodge, I'l(jck Island county. August Schrader, a native of Germany, was born in King county, Hanover, December 27, 1830. He was educated at a common school, and afterward learned the wheelwright trade, which he followed until he came with his parents to America. The family first landed in iVew Orleans, where they remained a short time, and then moved to Mercer county, settling at Xew Boston, where August followed his trade for a while. After a residence of twelve years at Xew Boston he moved to Eliza, settling on the old Martin A. Cook farm, which he imju-oved and still resides upon. Mr. Schrader was married in ^S'ew Boston in 1851. He is a member of the Methodist E]>iscopal church and also of the masonic lodge of that city. In })olitics he is a re}»ublican. Jacob Bear was born in Pickawav countv, Ohio, November 29, 1812. Peter Bear, his father, was a German, a native of Hamburg, who on fii'st coming to America settled in Pennsylvania, after which he moved to Pickaway county, Ohio, about the year 1811. Catharine, his mother, was a native of Pennsvlvania also. Jacob Bear is the third 294 HISTOET OF MEKCEE A2s'D IIEXDEKSON COUKTIES. child of a fiimily of eight, six of whom are still living. lie came to Mercer county in company with his brother Martin in 1836, and immediately began improving a farm, upon which he broke ten acres the fii-st year. He was married in 1844 to Miss Jemima Carson, of Morgan county, Ohio. His family are Clinton, Carlton, and Holland. Clinton is at home. Carlton is at present absent from home. Holland is deceased. Mr. Bear received a common school education in Indiana and was brought up to farming. He is now engaged in farming and stock i-aising. JoHX HoiPHEiES Leech was born April 8, 1811, -in Monroe county, now West Virginia. His parents were Chichester and Margaret Leech. His mother's maiden name was Humphries. Chichester Leech was born in Culpepper, Yirginia. His parents were Andrew and Elizabeth Leech. Chichester Leech was of English origin, his grandparents being among the first early settlers of America. Losing his father very vouno;, his mother married one Burns and moved west to Monroe countv. He had two uncles in the revolution, George and Valentine Leech, who . entered that service at the age of sixteen and eighteen. They went to Georgia and were never after heard of. Margaret Humphries was the daughter of John and Catharine Hum- phries, whose name before marriage was Dickison. Her parents were from Ireland, but raised in America, near the Cow Pasture river in Virginia. John Humphries was raised in Ireland, near Dublin. His mother was the only daughter of Sir Toby Butler, lord mayor of Dublin. Young Humphries lirst landed in Pennsylvania, and from thence went to Virginia, where he became acquainted with and married Catharine Dickison, after which he moved to AVest Vu-ginia. He there laid a warrant on 1,0U0 acres of land, had the same surveyed and recorded at Pichmond. He there made his home, and raised a family of ten children, six boys and four girls, namely : John, James, William, Samuel, Pichard, Pobert, Elizabeth, Isabel, Margaret, and Martha. John was a miller by trade, Pobert a shoe- maker; the rest were all farmers. Samuel and Pobert were in the war of 1812. Pobert was present at the surrender of Hull in Canada. After the war he moved to Calloway county in 1818. Pichard, follow- ing in 1820, settled in the same county where, after a short time, they were followed by their grandparents, accompanied by Isabel Carlton and husband, the rest of the familv remaininc; in A^irs-inia, where thev died. William was elected high sheriff of tlie county where he was raised. Pichard was elected county judge in jNIissouri, and was also there elected to the legislature of that state. In 1832 Chichester Leech and a family of nine children, all single but Samuel, started for ]\Luli- ELIZA TOWNSHIP. 295 son county, Indiana, on which journey tliey lost one of the fjunily. On the fourth morning of their journey they met tliirty-fiye droyes of hogs being driyen from Kentucky to the markets of Phihi(k'l]^liia, Baltimore, and Richmon(h The journey was an exceedingly hazardous one, it haying rained almost incessantly and the muddy roads were almost impassable. ( )n the lirst day of Deceudjer the party arriyed at Henry Warner's, in AVayne county, where they went into a log cabin for the winter. Here they i'ound times good; wheat 50 cents per bushel; corn, 374^; ])ork, 83 per hundred; day's wages, 37^ cents; rail-making, 37^ cents per hundred. When the spring opened up the ])arty started for Madison county, forty miles distant, which place they reached in a week's trayel. J. 1 1. Leech at this time was twenty-two years old, and he concluded to begin life for himself, and accordingly api)renticed himself to C. T. Ilooyer, a cabinet maker of Pendleton. At this jilace in 1.S42 malarial feyer was prevalent and the family suli'ered terribly from its rayaji:es, their father falling a yictim to the malady in the s[)ring of 1835. The family still stayed at Madison, where they experienced the financial crash of 1837. This caused a reverse in tlie family affairs, ending in great financial ditliculty to them. At tliis time J. II. Leech wt'iit into partnership witli Samuel Dale, his old employer, bought his uncle's interest, and they carried on the Ijusiness until 1830, when Leech entered tlie carpenter trade Ayitli Isaac Williams. In the fall of that year, money being scarce, they wound up that business, and from that time till 1842 they were en- gaged in fixing u|) their business preparatory to moving farther west, and in that tall they came to Illinois, first landing in Mercer county near where J. Y. Merritt now lives, on section 31. In the early i)art of 1839 Mr. Leech was married to Eiener R. Sibley, by which mar- riage they have had eight children, as foHows: James W., Marianna II., Leander M. (who was a member (jf the 9th Iowa cavalry), Corydon, Adolphus M., Sarah E., A'irginia C. and Mary B. The Leeches are widely and finorably known throughout Mercer county. They came to Mercer county in an early day, with but little means with which to begin life in the new country, but by energy and honest diligence have attained an enviable position in the comnuniity in wliich they live. The three brothers, William, Andrew, and J. II., live but a few miles a})art in Eliza township. William Leech was born in Monroe county, Virginia, in 1821, and came to this state at the age of twenty-one. He was married in Eliza township to Miss Eliza Spirling. Viewing his fine residence now one would hardly suppose that lie came to this country with but .half a dollar in his 296 HISTORY OF MERCER A^T) HEXDERSON COUNTIES. pocket, ret such was the case. Andrew Leech was born in Virginia, in 1S19, and when he left that state for Indiana was but twelve rears old. After his arrival in Mercer county he first bought eighty acres before he was married to Miss Matilda Spirling. His wife was bom December 25, 1830. From this union they had born to them : Daniel, AVilliam, Eliza J.. Delphia A., George R., Mary E., Ulysses G., Susan F., and D. A. Leech. His daughter, Eliza J., married S. W. Anderson, who died October 22, 1873. George married Maggie Sloan December 26, 1878. Delphia died June 27, 1867. Mrs. Hariet Xoble, widow of Jonathan Xoble, formerly a native of Indiana, was born in that state in 1821. He spent his youth in that state where he also received a part of his education, finishing in Illinois after his removal here with his parents. He was married in 1861 to Miss Harriet Irvin, a native of Pennsylvania. Eight children resulted in this union : Peter, George, Cora, Omar, Charles, Jennie, Beecher, and Henry, named in order. Mr. Xoble first began business with his father which he continued for some length of time, when he removed to Iowa where he purchased 160 acres of land near Iowa City. Then returning he was married and soon after bought a farm of 280 acres on sections 17 and 18, upon which Mrs. Koble is now living, and which is sujDcrintended by the oldest son. Mr. Xoble was a hard- working, thorough business man, and highly esteemed by all who knew him. He was a member of the masonic fraternity. Ira Noble, son of D. F. Xoble, was born in Mercer county in 1839, and was married in 1860 to Miss Caroline Reed, of the same county. She died December 28, 1878, leaving a large family of children, all of whom are residing at home with their father: Sarah, Eva, Blanch, Clarinda, Gertie, Avarilla, Tom, and Caroline. The two oldest, Fred and Flora, were t^vins and died while young. Mr. Xoble is a repub- lican in politics, and a member of the masonic order of Xew Boston. Mrs. Eliza Martin, wife of the late sergeant J. Martin, was born in Franklin county, Ohio, and went from there to Burlington, Iowa, in company with her sister in 1859. Mrs. Martin has been twice married, first to Charles Sabin, after whose death, July 19, 1865, she married a second time to J. Martin, who was well and favorably known, especially among his army associates, whose friendship and esteem he merited. He was chosen first sergeant of his com})any, 124th Vol. Inf., and credibly distinguished himself in the battles of Raymond, Jackson, Fort Gibson, Champion Hill, Fort Hill, Siege of A'icksburg, Browns- ville, Spanish Fort, Yazoo City, Benton, and was present with his regiment during th« ^Nft-ridian cam]iaign. He served from the com- ELIZA TuWXsIIir. 207 menccment of tlie o;reat struggle to its close in 1S65. He died in 1S70, leaving four cliildri'ii to lament his deatli : Albert J., Laura, Grant, and Jenny. Grant is superinten whigs ; two were pro-slavery and two anti-slavery ; two were Methodists and two old school predestinarian Ba])tists. The children followed their fathers in both politics and religion. Coming from 302 HISTORY OF MERCEE AXD IIEXDERSOX COUNTIES. Tennessee and pioneering in Indiana these early settlers were indepen- dent of most of the aids of civilized society ; their clothing was mostly home-made, from wool and flax ; a spring pole mortar pounded their meal ; their axes built houses, fences and implements ; their rifles repleted emjDty larders. Those who were the earliest settlers of the ridge south of Camp creek were from Pennsylvania and other eastern states, and being less practiced in the art of pioneering were subject to more privations and experienced more difficulties in supplies of meat and bread. Mr. Peny says that they were obliged to go to Kickapoo, in Peoria county, for their milling in 1836, and to Henderson for black- smithing ; yet there must have been mills near Henderson, for "William Doak relates an experience in going there to mill in the winter of 1837-8, when with two neighbors he made the trip with a wagon and three yoke of oxen. In order to pass two farms before a supply of corn for a grist could be obtained they were obliged to make a wide detour to the east, became lost in the night upon the trackless ])rairie, were obliged to break ice and ford streams, and only near morning, wet and frozen, they reached the second place, where they bought and shelled the last of their grist. Soon after the Millers settled at the Grove they made of a boulder a small grist mill, and upon it they and their neighbors ground their grain. About 1839 they built a saw mill on Edwards river, and the year after a grist mill, and shortly after this a flour mill was built on the "slough," where Milan now stands. The following description of the first grist mill ever erected in Mercer county ^will no doubt prove interesting to the readers of this history. It was built by the Millers at Suo;ar Grove, and was used for several vears. Thev sawed ofl' an oak log about three feet long, stood it on end and placed coals of fire in the center of the top, burning out a hole in the shape of a basin, which they dressed out nicely to receive the corn. They then took a long pole and fastened the butt in or on the ground, set a forked stick in the ground and laid the pole in it, about the middle, something after the style of an old-fashioned well sweep. They then took another pole and fastened to the top of this, like a rope to the top of a well sweep. In the lower end of this j^ole was inserted an iron wedge, with the butt down. Then a hole was bored through this pole, about eighteen inches above the wedge, and a pm pu through it, which pin was seized with both hands and the pole worked up and down. Afterward the Millers found a stone of suitable grain, which they split open and made two good mill stones, twenty-two inches in diameter, which was an improve- ment on the first mill. Three of the Millers were blacksmiths and they made all their own mill irons when later they built a better grist mill and also a saw mill. I -4 yf^r^- -■-r " ■' . '" X - . W '" ■t.^ %' i4...:.*^v.- "?', V-"^,^.": '^V ^^ MRS MARTIN BEAR . I'KRRYITIX TOWNSHIP. 305 Previous to the settlement of Perryton there was a road hiid out by Warren county, of which Mercer was then a part, from IMonmontli to Chirk's Ferry, now Andahisia, on the Mississippi, which, like all tlie earlier roads, was laid with reference to fords and ridges, regardless of section lines. Probably but little of the original road is now a high- way, excepting that from the bluffs of Camp creek to section 9. Although this was the only laid out road, yet the nature of the prairie turf and the opportunity of selection of route in an open country made the trav^eliiig very good. Even the most spongy slouglis were covered with a soil firm enough to bear a loaded wagon. In a community where all were dependent upon labor that brought food in abundance but no monev, all were equallv rich, or rather equally poor. Fashion in fabric or style was unknown. Those who were able to work their own wool and flax into garments were the most independent, and the tow-cloth kersey and jeans of the house- wives' loom sufficed for nearly all their wants. Dejjendent upon each other, a warm heart and a ready hand were of vastly moitj value in a neighbor than worldly possessions. Every liouse was a tavern where the traveler found hospitality, and the rude log cabin never was so full as to sliut out the belated wanderer. No caste of wealth or birth interfered with the social relations of those who made up a community. Illustration of the plainness of dress: A young man of this primitive period, courting the daughter of one of our earliest settlers, proposed to his sweetheart and her friend a walk of two miles across the prairie to a neighbor's, and, like all young men in like circumstances, affected as much style as possible. The neighbor described the girls as clad in linsey dresses and sun-bonnets, each one hanging on the arm of the young man. He was clad in very short tow pants, a white sliirt, with a high and stiff collar, and a home-made straw hat, holding an umbrella over his head, his big feet, brown and bare, a very \-isible means of support. With the pioneer settler comes the ])ioneer preacher, usually a farmer. Knowing more of his Bible than any other book, he made up in spirit and earnestness what he lacked in education. Preaching in log cabins or groves, where the school-houses had not yet arisen, he always found an audience in the entire community. Denominational preferences, how^ever strong, never prevented the attendance of all, no matter who preached. To show the plain style of one, a good old man, who most frequently preached in this neighborhood, in illustrating the doctrine of perseverance he said : " It is like the man who took a coon skin to the store, ah, and says he you may have this coon skin for fifty cents, ah, and the merchant said he did not want it for fifty cents, ah : 18 306 HISTORY OF MERCER AXD HENDERSON COVXTIES. then, says he, you may have it tor twenty-tive cents, ah, and the mer- chant said he did not want it for twenty-live cents, ah ; then the man says, you may have it for a bit, ah, and the merchant said he did not want it for a bit, ah ; then the man goes away and leaves it on the counter, ah, and the merchant runs after him with the coon skin, ah. So it is with religion ; when you have got it you can't sell it, nor give it away, nor lose it, ah ! '' The first religious services held in Sugar Grove was by a branch of the old-school Baptist church, of Henderson Grove, extended to Sugar Grove, and held once each month, lasting- two days. This denomination was more commonly known by the name of hard-shell Baptists. Shortly afterward a church was regularly constituted at Sugar Grove, called the Edwards river church, m corres- pondence with the Spoon river association of old-school predestinarian Baptists. Elder Joseph Jones was pastor of that church, and Abraham Miller, Jr. , was ordained to a deaconship. There was no church build- ing, and the meetings were generally held at private houses, or in a log school-house, when one had been erected. At a more recent date the Methodists established a class at the house of John Miller, in Sugar Grove. They finally had a camp ground in the Grove, with yearly attendance. One of the original settlers says that there never was a temperance lecture delivered at the Grove from 1S34 to 1846 ; and says further, that they had no habitual drunkards, idlers, fanatics or unneces- sary babblers, and no earthly use for temperance lecturers. In regard to postoflices I have not been able to ascertain, with any certainty, what were the earlier mail facilities. Previous to 1845 a post route had been established through this town, mth an office at Millersburg. Letter postage cost twenty-five cents, just the price of a bushel of wheat. But little corresiDondence was carried on. In 1847 our peojJe succeeded in getting an office at James Gingles', it being the only office until the establishment of a route from Millersburg to Eock Island, when, in 1854, an office was created at Hamlet, at the house of Graham Lee, and removed in 1857 to its present locality, the business place of Josiah Candor. Lentil 1839 there had "been no school. In that year Miss Farwell (afterward married to William Doak) taught a school in a little 10x14 house, built by Jackson Woods,- on the northwest of section 26. The first school-house was obtained by moving an old frame tenement house of J. Gingles, from near the center of section 27 to the center of section 28, in the year 1849, and it was not until some years later a school- house was built on the north side of the town. Abraham Miller, Jr., claims to have taught the first school at the Grove, but is not positive. He did, however, teach the first school ever had in Mercer county, at or near New Bostoi^ PERRYTOX TOWNSHIP. 307 Reciimng to the scarcitj of money, which retarded the growth of society and deprived the early settlers of many things, afterward con- sidered necessities, I will explain that it took all that was" held, and all that could be borrowed, to enter the land which they desired for homes. While the absolute necessaries of living, not obtainable from the farm, could be got from the few traders by barter, yet the prices paid previous to 1840 were not such as to induce the farmer to indulge in luxurious habits. Wheat at twenty-live cents ; corn, ten cents ; pork, dressed, one and a, half to two cents ; good three year old stears and cows, from six to ten dollars. As near as can be ascertained, the first produce sent to market from our town was shipped by Abel Thompson, in a flat-boat from Kew Boston, in the fall of 1840, our respected fellow-townsman, AYilliam Doak, being one of the crew. Without serious dithculty they reached Xew Orleans in three months, and dis- posed of the cargo, consisting of wheat, potatoes, beans, sauer-kraut, cabbage, etc., etc., to such good advantage that William Doak and Paul Sherifl', in the fall of 1841, built at Keithsburg a flat-boat, on the bank where Keithsburg now stands, and loading it mostly with their o\fa produce, made a successftil and profltable trip to St. Louis. Their suc- cess in this venture so encouraged them and others, that the next fall they repeated the experiment, only to end disastrously, for being caught by the very early winter of 1842-3, they, mth four other flat- boats, and three steamboats, were frozen up at a ixAnt called Quiver Island, fifteen miles above the mouth of the Illinois river. In order to relieve themselves they were obliged to cut a channel through fifteen miles of ice, in very cold weather, and such were the hardships endured, that of the forty stalwart men who began this task, but three were left to cut the last gorge and free the boats. The writer and the reader of this chapter can but regret that our indomitable neighbor Doak, one of the three iron-hearted men mentioned, should, even in front of St. Louis, his destination, have been wrecked in a dense fog to lose nearly all for which he had risked and endured so much. S])eaking of the departure of the first flat-boat from Kew Boston, Mr. Doak relates that it was watched with intense interest by the large crowd that lined the shore, aild when the boat cut loose and swung out into the stream, three rousing cheers were given in honor of the event, which was such an important era in the history of Xew Boston. In the fall of 1842, George and Isaac Miller, of Sugar Grove, built a boat at Keithsburg, and loaded it with j)roduce with destination for New Orleans. Before tlie time of the introduction of flat-boats as a means of civil- ization, the first settlers depended upon their own resources for many of the articles of food which we at this day regard as among the necesities. 308 HISTORY OF MERCER AND IIEXDERSOX COUNTIES. The crops raised by the pioneers of Perryton were mainl}' corn, oats, flax, and tlie most useful vegetables. Melons were raised in abundance. Flour could be bought from off the boats, at Denison's landing in 1S34 at four dollars per barrel. But corn was principally used for bread, and for meat they raised a feyv hogs, killed deer, turkeys, prairie chickens, and caught fish. One of the early settlers says that what gro- ceries they used were mostly obtained in exchange for deer and coon skins, beesewax, etc. Coffee was made from parched corn, peas and wheat. Red root leaves, swetted under a dutch oven, dried, and when dra^vn and sweetened with honey, was called "Grub Hyson," and was considered a fine substitute for tea. Pork and corn dodg'ers was the princi])al food. From the flat-boat to the steamboat the ti-ansition was rapid, so that but few were built after the period mentioned here, and the increase in steamboats, keeping pace with the increase of commerce, markets were opened, and by 1845 business had its regular channels, and settlers were able to sell ]:)roduce, although at the low price of: wheat, forty cents ; corn, pure white for southern bread, ten to twelve and a half cents ; pork, one and a half to two cents. The trade of Perryton was almost exclusively with New Boston, until the building of the Chicago & Rock Island railroad, when the superior inducements offered gradu- ally withdrew the trade to Rock Island . Previous to 1845, I can learn of no attempt to organize a church within our limits, nor of public worship by regular appointment, excepting that previously mentioned in tliis record, and pertaining to the early settlement of Sugar Grove. The earliest carpentering was done in building houses and barns for McIIard, Gingles and Burrall, by Andrew Gingles, a son of Robert Gingles and nephew of James Gingles. Philip Miller occasionally cut grindstones and gravestones, to add to a living obtained by his rifle and the rental of a small juece of land. The flrst blacksmith shop in town was kept by a man named Jones, on section 25, in 1846-7, and perhaps a little later, but between 1850 and 1860 there was no shop in town of any kind. About the latter date, a blacksmith shop was started on the northeast corner of section 11. George J. Miller, son of Abraham Miller, Jr., should prop- erly be entitled to the credit of first birth in this town, but shortly before his birth, Mr. Miller had moved his family temporarily to New Boston, where he was then teaching school. This was August 31, 1834. But the first birth at Sugar Grove was that of Eliza Miller, daughter of George Miller, Sr., in 1835. Eliza Miller is now living at Miller's Station, Linn county, Oregon, with her second husband, Philij) V. Morris, and she is the mother of a large family of children. I'KRU'i'KiX 'R>AVN.Sim'. . 'Sod William Mitore was \he first man married ; he married Miss Mary Miller, dauuhter of Isaac Miller, at Sugar Grove in 1835. The first death was a child about one year old, named Philip Farlow, son of John and Sarah Farlow ; died of croup. The earliest settlers on the ridge all ]>lanted such trees as they could get or raise, mostly seedlings. The first grafted fruit brought to the town was peddled out by a Mr. Robinson, a nurseryman of Fulton county, but there was no general planting of good fruit until Mr. McWhorter established a nursery near Millersburg in 1S46. The sauce depended upon by early settlers was mainly. obtained from the crab-apple and plum thickets, which abounded in the vicinity of timber. These tailing, the dish of ''those" or "them molasses,'' was the ever present and onl}^ substitute foi> sauce. As common as the molasses dish, was the custom of making it a plural. In one instance this custom was broken by an uncourteous guest rei)lying to his landlady's question: ''Will you have some of these?" by saying, "I will take a few of her." One of our earlier settlers relates an account of the manner then in vogue of acquiring seedlings. On the occasion of a public parade, or muster day at Millersburg, at a time in the liistory of that village when it had assumed metropolitan airs, a peddler brought to town a lot of small and half green peaches, which he retailed out at a bit a dozen. The boys eagerly demolished the fruit and threw the seeds on the ground, while a certain economical settler gathered them up for seed. Fearing that he would not obtain enough, our thrifty farmer borrowed a bit for the purpose of investing in peaches, with the view of obtaining the seed. Several years afterward he returned the money thus borrowed. Wild grapes, blackberries and strawberries were used by the settlers for nniking pies and preserves, and wild hops answered the purpose of cultivated ones. The first fence in the town was built in 1835, on the piece of land broken by Abraham Miller, on the south side of section 33. This was done by piling sod, previously turned by a plow, and making a small ditch on the outside, the dirt from which was thrown inside the i)ile of sod. In 1837 Mr. Burrall, and ]>erliaps Perry, made more sod fence, and began the making of rails, which afterward constituted the sole fencing material, until the unentered land was stripi)ed of everything which would make a rail or jjole. About ls50 the building of board fences commenced. The first ett'ort at hedging was made by planting seed in 1848-9, and I -think the oldest hedge is that of James Gingles, which was "set in" about 1S52, when the date of hedge fencing first commenced. The Millers invented and nuuiufactured a machine for fence ditchinu'. This was the first machine of the kind ever used in 310 HISTORY OF BUERGER ^\:XD HEXDERSON COUNTIES. Mercer county. It was an improvement made o^i the original ditching plow, and was done by adding a bar with a tlat underground lining or share that cut off the tier of sod from the bottom. They used three or four yoke of oxen, and thus a string of sod fence one hundred rods long was cut in a very short time. A few abortive efforts at draining by a machine cutting an open ditch, was made as early as 184S. Mole ditching began in 1860, and was prosecuted for many years with varying success, but was iirially abandoned. The aggregate result of mole ditching has been advantageous. "With the exception of a few rods to obtain water, and drain cellars, no tile has yet been laid. With regard to agricultural implements so much has been said and wi'itten that will go into history, that I forbear saying much more than that steel plows appeared in the Diamond plow in 1844, followed ra}> idly by the plow of the present model. Plows antedating the Diamond were but little better in their working than though of unhewn wood, our fi'iable soil never leaving a mold-board until removed by hand. In 1850 the first reaper was introduced by Levi Cooper, and shortly before the separating thresher appeared. The first plow used for breaking prairie in Mercer county, was the old bar-share with a wooden mold. The Miller's invented a lever power and hung the plow on wheels, which they used at Sugar Grove. It could be set to any depth, and be thrown out at will, and it would run without a holder. This simple invention was almost universally adopted throughout the county for breaking prairie. In this arrangement the driver was also the plowman, thereby saving one hand, besides doing much better work. For ground once broken, the early settlers had what was called the Bull plow, with a short iron mold in front, a few inches high, with the balance of the mold made of wood. Xext was the Carey plow, an improvement on the Bull plow. For tending corn when up, shovel plows, hoe harrows and one horse harrows were used. The Bull tongue was simply a narrow shovel, resembling the pattern after which it was named. The hoe-harrows were a number of small shovels set in a forked stick, in the shape of the letter ''A." The one-horse harrows were made in the same way, generally with wooden teeth, and made narrow, so as to run between corn rows. Xext followed the Scott Diamond plo\v. In early times it was peddled through Mercer county. The Diamond plow was sim})ly a diamond square, cut out of a steel or iron mold the required size ; the lower square was sharpened out and served as the edge or share, and was set up in the required ])itch, and served as share and mold-board, all solid. It was bent hollowing without any t^dst, and then bolted fast to a wooden upright, set in a beam like a shovel \>\o\\\ but the mold PERRYTON TOWNSHIP. 311 did not set square like tlie shovel, but was set quartering so as to throw the dirt to the side of the furrow. This plow would scour completely. In the fall of 1835 John Black and taniily settled on section 30, and so far as ascertained was actually the first settler within the limits of the townshi]) proper. In ]\[arch, 1836, a child was born to Black, which died at the age of five years. Perry says in 1830 Maj. Edward Biirrall had twenty acres broken on the S.W. ^ of Sec. 28, now the property of David Bhie, and that William Moore broke some land on southwest of 30, and put uj) the body of a log house. Philip Miller also built a log cabin and lived on the same section. In 1837 Ed. Bur- rail. Jr., and Alfred Perry, living on the west side 6f Sugar Grove, broke prairie for Maj. Burrall on S.W. ^^ 38, and for Dr. Perry on E. ^ of 28. Linus and A. Wood came upon the northeast of 20 and built a loo; house durins: the vear. A. Perry and E. Burrall did tlie first farming on the ridge in Perryton, and during this year Dr. Perry came" west and in the w^inter of 1837-8 built a log house near the timber on the northeast of 28. The cro])s raised this year were sold to the Geneso colony, at the price of one dollar for wheat and seventy-five cents for corn and potatoes. In 1838 xVustin AVood moved his family to the house built bv his son. Burrall built the first frame house on south- west of 28, for Sheldon Wooden as tenent. Dr. Perry died this year. There were no markets during this year, and the settlers went all the way to KickajDOo for milling. In 1839 James Gingles and AVilliam McIIard, with their families, moved to Perryton, buying for 8500 the claim of Dr. Perry to the west half of section 28. In this year Louisa Wood was married to Lyman Tenney. During this year the land sale occurred, and those who could raise the money entered a part or all of their claims. John Harris and J. Gingles moved into the township, as did also William Doak with his father and family. In 181:0 William McIIard and James Gingles divided the Perry claim and each built a one and a half story frame house, about 16x24 feet, with two rooms below. These were regarded at the time as not only handsome and commodious but luxuri- ous. Previous to this time there had been but a home market for produce, which was conducted mainly by barter. Drury and Willetts, of Xew Boston, traded for some wheat allowing twenty-five cents ]ier bushel in store goods. In 1844 Ilandet Cooper stopped at Burrall's with his wife and seven children, a voke of oxen and cart and cow and a calf Out of mrmey, he was induced to look at the prairie on the north side of Camp creek. It being a very bad season, with the streams high, he camped on the banks of Camp creek, and swinnning the creek, he examined the land and determined to make a claim 312 HISTORY OP^ MERCER AND HEXDERSON COUNTIES, on section 0. Waiting two weeks for the water to fall so that he could cross the creek, he in the last of June moved up and made the first settlement on the north side of Camp creek. At that time there were living on the south side of Cam]) creek the following families, viz : John Black and Mr. Burroughs on section 36 ; Austin Wood and W. A. Wood on section 26 ; Daniel Ebner and AVilliam Doak on section 27; William McPIard and James Gingles on section 28 ; Edward Burrall and Robert Gingles on section 29 ; Philip Miller and John Crooks on section 30 ; and Isaiah Lockhard on section 33. In the fall of 1845 Graham Lee and Henry Lee settled on the east side of section *J. Up to this time the settlements had been begun bv claims, and but few had been able to enter the whole amount of their claims, Edward Burrall and Philip Miller being the only known excep- tions. From this to 1850. excepting the lands held by military title, the best lands were taken up and entered, or bought at the land office, and by 1855 no lands were held by claims. The dates of settlements subsequent to 181:5 will be shown by the records, and therefore are omitted from this history which is only intended to cover ground that records will not reach. By general consent the year 181:5 is considered by the present inhabitants to terminate the years of pioneer settlement. The climate in the early history of Perryton was subject to very severe changes from one extreme to another, with such suddenness as to surprise every one, and thus often causing suffering, and even death, when the settlers were caught unpi-epared away from home on the boundless prairie. An early settler relates of a phenomenon in 1834, in the fall from the clouds of a heavy body of frost, in veins and in all manner of strange shapes. There would be a solid body of several rods in extent that killed all kinds of vegetation, and leading out of this body, in a zig-zag course, a narrow stri]) of the frost that left its mark like the course of a prairie fire. The wind, in the fall season of the year especially, would veer about from the south to the northwest, piercing with the most intense cold, and the fine, dry snow almost blindiiig and cutting like needles those exposed to its fury. A storm of this kind is remembered by one of the earliest settlers at the Grove, in which some persons were caught away from home and i)ei'ished by being fro^zen. Abraham Miller, Jr., was once caught away from home on the ])rairio in a stinging nor'wester, and so badly frozen that for a time his life was despaired of. He was utterly hel|)less when found by his neighbors, who had become alarmed for his safety and organized a ]tart3' of rescue; the skin all peeled off from his face and hands, and the evil effects of this freezing followed him to the declining years of a renuirkably vigorous manhood. An old settler, describing from niem- I'EKRVTON TOWXSHIl'. 313 ory some of the disastrous effects of a tierce liurricane wliicli he wit- nessed in the north end of Mercer county in ls44, says that the whole neighborhood had scarcely a house left standing for several miles. The main body of the hurricane was not more than three to live miles wide ; it took Mercer in 15 north, and in range 1 or 2, where it did the greatest damage. It came up hurriedly with a dark thunder cloud, accomj)anied with a lierce dash of rain, with a dense fog or smoke. Two deaths and a large number slightly injured were tlie results so far as lieard in Mercer county. One Howard Trego was killed l)y his house falling on hiii;. Ijut liis wife aiul children escaped with only slight injuries. Among our first settlers there was scarcely ever any thought of going to law with each other. A certain code of honor reigned supreme. If a neighbor did not pay his just debts as socm as able, his neighbors shamed him into paying, and if that failed the case was arbitrated, settled, and all hands went iKnne satisfied and jovial over the result. If a man inclined to act dislionorable, social ostracism brought him around to a sense of the magnitude of his offense, and he was generally made to feel that the community would not receive on an ecpiality any one tainted with the suspicion of dishonorable conduct. In the settlement of personal difficulties, growing out of insults and other indignities offered by one to another, a resort was generally had to a test of prowess in a fair stand-u]) and knock-down fight, the respective friends of the combatants seeing that fair ])lay was had until one of the warriors cried, "Hold I enough I" If one of the })arties was not considered able to combat a larger and more muscular opponent, sometimes a friend and sometimes an entire stranger would take his place in the i-ino;. In those davs a coward was reckoned among the contemjitible things of earth, and if a man exhibited cowardice by drawing a wea})on and threatening another, he was lucky to escape the indignation of the bystanders with a whole body. Although the standard of honor adopted by our early settlers would hardly be regarded as just the thing at the present day, there was that about it which challenges our admiration in sjjite of the condemnation l)Ut u])on it by modern civilization. The first justice of the ])eace in the Sugar (^rove jjrecincts was Aljraham Miller, Jr. The first suit at law ever had was instituted by a man named B. Lloyd. An excuse for a lawsuit was a sufficient ])rovo- cation generally for a free ''pitch in." At the time of this first suit there was but one copy of the Illinois statutes in Mercer county, and that was in the hands of the county clerk at New Boston. William Drury, and it could not be loaned. The justice begged time for 314 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. preparation, but the plaintitF was rampant for litigation and would not listen to a proposition for postponement. So the justice was compelled to ride some twelve miles to Rock Island county, where he borrowed a statute of Daniel Edgington, Esq., which copy was reluctantl_y loaned with the solemn stipulation that it was to be returned in three days. During the time allowed him our justice pored over this book to ascertain the statutory duties enjoined upon his office, and in taking notes for future reference. The notes thus taken from the statutes constituted the edition from which our justice dispensed the law, and were used for a number of years by him, until he^ was fortunate enough to secure a printed edition. AVhon copying from the borrowed book, one night he went to sleep over his labor and upset the inkstand over the sacred volume, which so terrified him that he licked away with his tongue until he had saved the blotted pages from entire obliter- ation. Recurring once more to the wild animals and game found by the earlier settlers of this region, as bearing upon the question of food, I will enumerate such as are suggested to my memory and spoken of by the pioneers. Deer were in great abundance, wild turkeys, prairie chickens, squirrels (the gray and the large fox), pheasants, partridges or quails, and the curlew and plover. There were plenty of wild geese and ducks, pellicans, swans, coons, rabbits, large wolves, and the prairie wolf or cayota. Tlie large wolf and the small frequently crossed and the half breed made a very troublesome animal. AVildcats or catamounts, a chance panther, mostly in the heavily timbered bottoms, bears, though not plenty, raccoons, badgers, and opossums. There were ground squirrels, owls, hawks, eagles, turkey buzzards, parokeets, and large snow-white owls. Of fish there was an abundance of all fresh-water varieties, such as the catfish, pike, pickerel, bass, l^ercli, drum, buftalo, red-horse, sucker, dog-fish, flying fish, sunfish, and salmon. Abraham Miller, Jr., says that he has killed with the gig in the Edwards river pike weighing fifty pounds, and that he built a fish-trap in the same river by which he secured barrels and barrels of fish, some of which he took to Knoxville ibr sale. One method adopted by the settlers for trap])ing deer was by what was called fire-liunting, in a canoe. Of the domestic animals raised by the first settlers, it is a difficult matter to give anything like a pedigree. They were of various kinds and grades, such as the old pioneers happened to have on hand when they landed and settled down in tlieir Ijackwoods homes. At that early date but very little attention had been paid to blooded stock, and hogs and cattle were selected more on account of their qualities for PERKYTttX TOWNSHIP. 315 ])ickino; their own living in the woods and on the prairies. George Miller, Sr., brought some fine brood mares with him to Sugar Grove, from Montgomery countv, Indiana, in the fall of 1834. They were originally the foal of a Goliah dam, by a McKinney roan sire, crossed by a Smiling Call horse, then by a cross from a Koanoke sire, and then next crossed with the Copper Bottom and the Flag. This stock was large, wx'll i:)roportioned, docile, and of line spirit, and well suited for the early settlers. One Joseph Tichnor, a young man from Ohio, brought the lirst Berkshire hogs to Mercer county, and made quite a speculation out of them in the Sugar Grove settlements. George Miller, Sr., brought from Indiana with liim a lot of hogs that were a cross between the large China and the large white Shaker hog; they were long, large, heavy-boned, and thought to be as easily fattened as the China. Abraham Miller killed one of this breed in the early history C)f the Sugar Grove settlemicnt that weighed over live hundred pounds, and thinks he could have been made to weigh seven hundred. Later, a few pigs were introduced of the Byefield and Bedford stock. The Berkshire was regarded as a failure. Tlie stock of cattle were a mixed breed, between the old scrub and the Durham, Patton. etc. They made tine, large work oxen, good milkers, and excellent beef. The sheep were of the commonest stock, and no more were kept than answered the purpose of making the necessary clothing. The little flocks of sheep were highly esteemed by the pioneers, because of tlieir usefulness in furnishing clothing, and they were carefully protected from the depredations of the wolves, as they seemed to have a strong hankering after mutton. This appetite resulted in the destruction of the entire race of the large wolves, and almost all of the prairie wolves, by the writer, whose serious loss in sheep compelled him to resort to an extensive use of strychnine, used in bait to accomplish their destruc- tion. After 1845 the wolves had become so thoroughly extinguislied as to occasion no more losses or annoyance to owners of sheep. Deer were quite plentiful in tlie early history of Perryton, so much so as to furnish a large portion of the meat required for the table. Of the deer and their habits, much could be wTitten which wouUl no doubt prove an interesting part of this record, but I will desist with the sim- ple rehititjn a tight between two buck deer, witnessed by a pioneer near where the town of Millersburg now stands. When tirst noticed, they were plunging and pushing at each other, with horns interlocked and in a manner peculiar to these animals. Their horns could be heard rat- tling against each other quite distinctly for a distance of three hundred yardeld most bountifully of the products which make nations prosperous, thus con- tributing to their happiness. Many of those who are now enjopng the fruits of the labors of the early pioneers have but little conception of what it cost in hardships and ])rivations to open up the wilderness, and when they read of the trials encountered, the adventures endured, to accomplish this result, they can only realize it in the light of a pleasant romance. While the rising generation are amassing wealth in a life of comparative luxury, we, the earlier settlers yet living, experierice a lively sense of gratitude in the thought that our hands contributed so materially to the building up of the j^resent condition of prosperity and ha])])iness of those who are now occupying the beautiful homes and magniflcent farms to be found in Perryton. [To the foregoing, contributed by Mr. Lee, we append a few notes relative to the organizations of the township. — En.] HAMLET. The village of Hamlet, located one mile south of the north line and three miles west of the east line of the township, was laid out on the land of Josiah and Capt. D. M. Candor, in 1S08, and was christened Hamlet, in honor of Hamlet Cooper, now deceased, one of the very first of the pioneers to locate in this section of the country. The prog- ress of the village has been slow, owing to its proximity to Peynolds, the nearest railroad town, but it is one of those quiet country villages where the farmers in the community go for their mail and spend a short time in social converse. The first store erected in the ])lace was that of Josiah and Ca]jt. D. M. Candor, who dealt in general merchan- 318 HISTORY OF IVIEECEE AJSTD HENDERSON COUNTIES. clise. The latter of the Candor brothers has at this writing withdrawn from the firm ; the former yet continues in the business. Lloyd Girton opened the second store. The first blacksmitli shop was opened here by Thomas Lewis. The business houses of the village are one harness shop, one store of general merchandise, by Josiah Candor, one drug store, by Dr. Criswell, one wagon and blacksmith shop, by A. T. Hooples and D. M. Dumbell and son. The village has a good local trade, and has a population of about 125 persons. The postoffice now kept at Hamlet was first established in this neighborhood in 1851-. The oftice was first kept by Graham Lee, who held it till 1869, when it was moved to Hamlet, and Josiah Condor appointed postmaster. He has since continued to hold the ofiice without cessation. The Presbyterian church of Hamlet was organized in 1870. Pre- vious to the organization here the members of this faith held their membership in the societies of the surrounding country, the greater part at Millersburg. The first members that constituted the church were thirty-two in number. The society was organized by Thomas M. Wilson, W. S. Dool, and T. R. Johnson. Previous to the organization they had preaching in the school-house one mile west of the village, but not regularly. Those present at the organization were : F. A. Sherer, moderator; William S. Dool, C. B. Bristol, Daniel Kelly, T. R. Johnson, and William W. Morehead. The elders were : Thomas Candor and J. M. Gilmore. Of the thirty-two members who consti- tuted the organization in the beginning, fifteen were dismissed from the society at Edgington Mills, Rock Island county ; thirteen from the Millersburg society; the remaining four were not members of any particular society here at that time. The first elders appointed were : Cornelius Swartwout, J. S. Gilmore, and John Montgomery. The present elders are : William H. Wlieaton, D. M. Candor, and John Montgomery. The ])resent membership is eighty-five. The society has a very neat frame church, 36x50, erected at a cost of $3,000. Since its organization it has supported and kept in operation a live Sunday school. The ministers who have labored here are T. M.Wilson and H. W. Fisk, since the organization ; the former from 1870 to 1872; the latter from 1873, and is at this time pastor of this charge. The membership of this society represents most of the first families in this community. This is the only church organization in the village. There is another Presbyterian society in the township, south of Camp creek, known as the Perryton Presbyterian church s(X'iety. This society was organized in 1871. The first meethig preliminary to the organization was held February 18 of the same year. It is connected I'EKRYTON TOWNSHIP. 319 with the society at Hamlet. At the above meeting a committee was ai)itointed, consisting of J. Harris, "William Doak, and Cruser Gray, for the puiix)se of erecting a church-house. This committee located the church at Gingles' Corner, in conformity with the will of the mem- bers. The church is a neat, frame edifice, erected at a cost of $2, 100, It was dedicated in 1872, out of debt. The society at its organization numbered thirty communicants ; but from •various causes, over which the church has no control, it now numbers only twelve active members. Its pastors are the same as those of the Hamlet society. Previous to effecting the organization, the people of this faith held their meetings at the school-house near bv, but like the members of the societv at Hamlet, were members of the societies of the same faith at other })laces. The first members who constituted the society were Samuel and Frank McIIard, Mrs. Jane Martha McHard, Martha Blue, Sarah Doak, Mary J. and J. Harris, Mary Guffy, Mary A. Bristow, and AVilliam McIIard, Sr. The society supports a very good Sunday school. The only Baptist church in the township was located in 1871, near where tlie Methodist Episcopal church now stands. It was organized in 18()9. Almost fi'om the first settlement of the township the Baptist people were represented, but built no church-house ; they held their meetings in private houses and school-houses, and held their member- ship principally at Edgington, in Bock Island county. Their first and only church building in the township was a frame, erected in 1869, two and a half miles east of Hamlet, wdiere it held its meetings till 1879, when the society moved its building to Reynolds, Rock Island county, where the members of the society now hold their membershi}). The first minister of the society in Perryton township was John Tittering- ton. The cost of the church as erected in Perryton township) was 83,000; size, 30x38. It always supported a live Sunday school in connection with the church. The Methodist Episcopal church, like the Presbyterian, came with the first settlers. They held their meetings in the pioneer days at private houses, and later at the school-house till 1869, when they built their present church-house twx) miles east of Ilandet. It cost §2, 100, and in size is 30x44. At the time it was erected the society numbered thii'ty-six communicants, now numbers twelve. It has at various times lost many valuable members by removals, but the greatest loss was caused by the organizati(jn of a like society at Reynolds. The building committee were H. Ketzel, S. Iloneycut and ILiliday. The l»resent i>astor is Rev. J. Small ; class leader, Albion Nichols ; trustees, 320 mSTOEY OF SIERCER A^T) HEXDEESOX COUNTIES. n. Ketzel, George Hauck. and Thomas Tannatta. Among its mem- bers have been and are many influential and prosperous citi2ens (^f Perr^'ton. Among the organizations of Perrvton township, none are more deserving of mention than the Librarv Association of Hamlet. It was established in 1879, with a view of tiirnisliing reading matter at a small cost to those who wished to invest in the enterprise. The lirst officers were : President. Graham Lee ; Secret arv, Edward Hollister. Mr. Lee still holds the office of president. AV. C. Tandalsem is present active secretai-y. The first dii'ectors were : D. 31. Candor. H. "W. Fisk. and P. ^'. Dumbell. The present directors are : P. W. Dumbell. H. W. Pisk, Elisha Lee. D. M. Candor. Libranan. Dr. AT. Criswell. The association reqnu-es an admission fee of one dollar to become a member of the society, and alter that each member pays an annual fee of fiftv cents, and has the use of anv book in the librarv without further charge. The income, up to the present time, has been about $205. much of which has been raised by entertainments. The library now contains 213 volumes, all of which have been selected with great care. It requires three of the directoi*s to place a volume on its shelves. The association is in a prosperous condition. The Mutual Fu-e and Lightning Insm-ance Company was organized at Hamlet in 1878, under the insurance laws of Plinois. Josiah Can- dor and Graham Lee were the principal leaders in efl:ecting the organ- ization. The fii'st officers of the company were : Graham Lee. president, and Josiah Candor, treasurer. The subscribed capital was $62,016.65. The present board of directors is: Graham Lee (presi- dent), H. Ketzel (secretaiy). W. TVilmerton, J. I. Everett, G. D. Miller, David Mavhew. R. S. Montcfomerv. WilKam Wait, J. B. McConnell, and G. Peate. The number of policies now out is 146. with an aggre- gate capital of $3(>4,720. Tlie company, dui-ing its organization has not met with a single loss, hence their insurance dining the time has cost them nothing. This has proved the best system of insurance to the farmer of Hamlet and vicinity ever adopted by them. Townsliip organization was effected in 1855. Tlie first town-meet- ing was held in 1S55. at Gingles' comers. Graham Lee was appointed moderator, and S. D. Trego made clerk. In 1856 "Wm. McHard was made moderator, and S. D. Trego clerk of the meeting. At this meeting townshij) organization was adopted and officers elected. Tlie following is a list of all the oflicers elected to the present. The justices of the peace of Perr\'ton township, so far as we were able to make up the list from the count}' records, are as follows : Edward Burrall, elected April 30, 183S. and resigned April 6, 1839: ^ JACOB BEAR I'EKK VTON TOWXSI 1 1 P. 323 AVilHiun ]\[oore, elected June, 1842 ; Joseph G. Gilmorc, 1847 ; Edwanl Bunall, 1847 ; (\ G. Tjulor, ls40 ; J. G. Gilmore, 1858; Lee Jlolister, 1858; Lee llolistcr, 18«;2 ; J. G. Gilmore, 1862; J. G. Gilmore, 1870; Lee Holister, 1870; J. G. Gilmore, 1874; Lee Ilolister, l.s74; John Ginijles, 1877; J. G. Gilmore, 1881, c .- 1»J6 1&57 1858 ]8;">9 IStlO I8t;i mv> IS*;:! INVt isr.7 18«18 18C)'J IKTfl 1S71 1872 187:; 1871 187.'i 1870 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 Supervisor. Graham Lee... Graham Lee... J. C. (iilinore . . ,1. G. Gilmore .. .1. C. (iilmure .. .(. (t. (iihnore . . .1. G. (iihnore . . William Doak. William Doak. William Doak. L. V. Willitts .. Thomas Love . Th(ima.s Love . (i. 1). ('ral)S William Doak. William Doak. William Doak. William Doak. (;.]). Miller ... G. D. Miller ... D. M. Candor. . William Doak. William Doak. William Doak. G. 1). >riller ... G. D. Miller ... G. D. MiUer ... Clerk. S. D. Trejjo S. D. Tref-'o S. D. Treijo S. D. Trejro S. D. Trego .'<. D. Treiio L. W. Haiies L. W. Haiies L. W. Hanes n.. I. Walter Theodf)re GuttV .. J. M. Gaily ...'.... Frank Me Hard... .John (iinples John Gin} on the south half of section 24, and flows west across and out (tf the town- ship on section 19. The country for some distance on either side of this creek is very broken ; but both north and south Perryton is a tine farming country, hi the neighborhood of Hamlet, the country can- not, for farming purjioses, be excelled by any locality in the county. It is peopled by a well-t(j-<.lo class of farmers, who ])ride themselves in having good improvements, and many of them have their fjirms so 19 324 HISTORY OF JSIERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. beautified by fine buildings, groves and lawns, as to attract the atten- tion of lovers of the beautiful. The farm of Graham Lee is the most beautiful farm in the township, and justly merits the title, ' ' The Ever- gi-een Home." There are a number of farms both north and south of Camp creek that need to be mentioned, but the owners names of most of them will be found in the biographical department of the township. Tlie stock of the township in every particular will compare with tliat of everv other section of the countv. BIOGRAPHICAL. Meigs Wait is a native of Switzerland county, Indiana, born in 1826. His parents were Hemy and Sophia (Wells) Wait, the former a native of Grand Isle county, Vermont, and served as a soldier in the war of 1812 at the battle of Plattsburg, and died February 9, 1882, at the age of eighty-nine years. His father, Gardiner Wait, grandfather of Meigs, was a native of Wales, and came to America at an early date and settled in Grand Isle county, Vermont, and served in the Contuiental army as a soldier, and died about the year 1788. Henry Wait, by this marriage with Sophia AYells, raised a family of eight children : William, Sarah, Ruth, Rhoda, Harriet, Jacob, Lucretia, Lavina (deceased). Meigs Wait was married in Switzerland county, Indiana, in 1856, to Caroline Robinson, of Indiana, daughter of Thomas and Mary Robinson, and emigrated to Eflingham county, Illinois, in 1864, where they both died. Mr. Wait has by this mar- riage two children : Frank G. and Katie, whose mother died in 1862. In 1863 Mr. Wait was married a second time, to Miss Edith Clark, ( )f Pennsylvania, born in 1842, and daughter of William and Mary Clark, both of Pennsylvania. They came to Mercer county in 1853, and located near Kew Boston, where they remained oidy a few months, when they moved to Perry ton township. There they both died, the former in 1882, aged seventy-seven years ; the later in 1875, aged sixty-sLx years, both members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was a local preacher. By this marriage Mr. Wait has seven children : Harry, Ernest, Daisy, Bertie, Marion, Guy, and ]\[ark. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has a beautiful and well improved fiirin of 400 acres, located at the north line of Mercer county, one mile west of Reynolds. He raises on his farm thorough- bred cattle, and feeds cattle for the market. His hogs are of the best breeds. He does the largest business in buying and shi])piiig stock, es]>ecially cattle, of any man in Perryton townshij). The Wait family came here as early settlers. They are all well-to-do and highly respected citizens. PERRYTOX TOWNSHIP. 325 Lee Holister is a native of Connecticut, born in Litchfield C(junty in 1822, son of Horace and Sarali (Lee) Holister, both nati\'es of Con- necticut. Ilis mother died in Connecticut in 1830, aged thirty-nine years. His lather came to Macoupin county, Illinois, in 1864, where he died in 1860, aged seventy-five j'ears. lie was by vocation a farmer. He and M'ife were members of the Comj-reo-ational church. Mr. Lee Holister was reared in Connecticut where he remained till he was twenty -four years old. He then came to Illinois and located in Peoria county where he remained till 1856, when he came to Mercer county and located where he now resides. He was married in 1^47 to Esther Barker, of Greene county, New York, daughter of Charles and Anniiui (Smith) Barker, both of New York. They came to Peoria county, Illinois, in 1846, where the}' are yet residing; the former is now seventy-eight years old, the latter seventy-seven. Mr. Holister has by this nuirriage four children : Minnie, Edward, Clara, and Alice. He and wife and three children are members of the Presbyterian church at Hamlet. He has a well impro\ed farm of eighty acres, one-fourth of a mile west of the village of Ilandet, and keeps a good grade of farm stock. He has held the otfice of justice for the past eighteen years. George D. CrxVbs is a native of Jefi'erson county, Ohio, born Decembei" 11, 1824, and is a son of Philip and Sarah (Dutfield) Crabs, both of Pennsylvania ; his father of Westmoreland county, and mother of Cumberland county. They emigrated to Ohio with their parents, where they were married. The latter, Philip Crab's wife, died in Ohio in 1836, at the age of fifty-five years ; the former came to Rock Island county in 1858, and died there in 1878, at the age of seventy-five years. He served as a soldier in the war of 1812, was wounded by the enemy in an engagement near Lake Erie ; at another time by one of the guards who accidentally hit him w hile shooting at a pig a negro was trying to force across his beat. By trade he was a carpenter and joiner. His lather was Abraham, born in 1767, and died February, 1836; his mother, Thankful Crabs, was born in August, 1775, and died in Se})- tember, 1814. G. D. Crabs received a fair educational training in his boyhood. He was reared to the trade of carpenter and joiner, which he followed for a livelihood till 1859 when he locatetl in Mercer county where he now resides, and engaged in farming. He emigrated with his family in 1844, from Ohio to liock Island county, where he resided till he located in Perryton township. He was married July, 1850, to Sarah B. Hazlitt, of Xew York, who was born in 1827, and is the daughter of Alexander and Sarah (McKay) ILulitt, both of Xew Jersey. Thev emii::rated to Illinois in 1838, and located iu Ilock Ishmd county in 1839, where the father died in 1849, at the age of eighty-two ; t!ie 326 HISTORY OF ^rERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. mother in 1842, at the age of fifty-seven. Both were members of the Presbyterian clmrch. Mr. and Mrs. Crabs have a family of seven chikh-en: Armenia, Ichx, Ekla, Sarah J., Emerson, Amy T., and Fay. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. He lias a well improved farm of 120 acres, located one mile west of the village of Hamlet. His stock, consisting of Norman and Morgan horses and short horn cattle, is of the best grades. AViLLiAM Brain, the subject of this life sketch, is a native of Eng- land, born in 1807, son of John and Sarah Brain, who were born and reared in their native country and there died. Our subject's father was a boatman. William Brain came to America in 1832, stopped for a time in Connecticut, then went to New York where he remained till 1834, when he returned to his native home. In 1843 he returned to New York, remained five years, came to Illinois and located where he now resides. By trade he is both wagonmaker and carpenter. He has been married twice, first to Elizabeth Sproson, of England, in 1832, by whom he has three children: Sarah A., Anna, and Elizabeth. The mother of these died in 1861. He was married ae:ain in 1862 to Mrs. Mary Hal stead, formerly Miss Mary Cooper, and daualiter of Thomas and Ann Cooper. She is a native of England. Mr. Brain has a fine farm of 240 acres, well improved and well stocked. J. Ct. Gilmore's parents, Robert and Elizabeth Gilmore, came to Illinois with the pioneers and located in Warren county, eight miles northeast of Monmouth. The former was born in Chester county, the latter in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. They emigrated to Jefierson county, Ohio, with their parents, where they were married. He was a tanner by trade, but followed farming exclusively in Illinois. In 1820 he was a member of the Ohio legislature, and at one time was colonel of the state militia, and held the office of captain in the war of 1812. He and wife were members of the Presbyterian church. J. G. was born in 1819, in Jefierson county, Ohio, and came to Illinois with his parents when two years old. His early educational training was only such as the common schools of the pioneer districts of Illinois could furnish. He was reared on the farm. In 1839 he moved from Warren county to Mercer, where he has aince resided, with the excep- tion of two years. In 1840 he moved to Iowa, where he remained one year, when he moved to Missouri, and stayed one year and returned in 1842 to Mercer county. He was married in December, 1843, to Alletta A. Brady, native of Ohio, born in 1822, daughter of John and Elizabeth Brady. By this marriage he has nine children : Elenor (deceased), Mary, Elizabeth, Lydia, Ann E., Robert J^., Arabella, Ephraim C, and Albert N. (deceased), lie held the otKce of justice PKRRYTON TOWNSHIP. 327 for iiinc'teon years without ccssatioii, and was re-elected in IbSl for another term, lie also tilled the otlice of supervisor for two 3'^ears, the office of collector two years, and assessor in 1S80. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church at Hamlet. He has a farm of eighty-one acres, well improved and fairly stocked. Daviu Bopes is a native of Columbia county, Pennsylvania, born in 1825, son of Gert time when he moved to Hartford, Connecticut, where he married and became one of the per- manent men of the settlement. Graham Lee was born on the same farm as was his lather, and in the same house, where he was reared to the age oi twelve, when his father moved to town and engaged in the mercantile bushiess. Here Graham received a tair education and but for indisix»sition of his eves would have beirun a collei^iate course. But notwithstanding his failure to enter college, a loiig life of continuous reading and careful observation has made him a well-posted man as to 332 HISTOKV OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. practical knowledge concerning business and national needs. At tlie age of nineteen he went to ISTew York to suj^erintend the dairy farm of his father where he remained till he arrived at the age of twenty-one. In 1842 he went on a wlfaling voyage on the Pacific Coast with a view to improve his health, and spent two years on the coast of Alaska. In 18-1:5 he, in company with his brother Henry, went to Ohio, purchased a flock of sheep, which they drove to Mercer county, Illinois, the same year, to what is now Perryton township. They laid a claim on section 9, which is now owned by him. He has made one of the most beautiful farms in Mercer county. In 1853 he was m'arried to Mary A. Candor, born 1834, and a native of Union county, Pennsylvania. She came with her parents, Thomas and Margaret (Montgomery) Candor, to Mercer county, Illinois, in 1837. They had nine children, two of whom are living: Elisha, born in 1856, and Fanny, born September, 1865. Elisha was married December 18, 1881, to Lena Bopes, daughter of David Bopes. He carries on the business of the farm for his father. Mr. Lee was elected vice-president of the state board of agriculture in 1864, which position he held till 1870. At the organization of the institute for the feeble-minded of Illinois, he was appointed a member of the board, and with the exception of two years has held the position of president of the board since its organization. His wife, Mary A., died January 30, 1874. He was married a second time, to Anna S. Fisher, a native of Greene county, Pennsylvania, born March 1, 1847. They have one child, Graham, born February 24, 1880. Mr. Lee was raised a Congregationalist, but is now a member of the Presbyterian church at Hamlet. Among the many successful farmers of Mercer county whose first capital to begin business with was muscle and will power is the subject of our sketcli, Jouathan Gaunt. He is a native of Lancashire county, England, and a son of James and Ann Gaunt. His father was a manu- facturer of cotton, and died in 1845, at the age of fifty-six years. His mother came to America with Jonathan in 1851, and settled in Rock Island county, wliere she lived for ten years, when she moved to Mercer county, where she died in 1879, at the age of eighty years. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, her husband of tlie E])isco})al church. Jonathan partly learned the trade of his father. He lived with his mother till lie arrived at the age of twenty, when he went to work for himself He was married in 1862 to Emily Damp, a native of New York, born in 1841, daughter of Michael and Eliza Damp. They have five children : Fernando, Cicero, Lorenzo, Eliza, and Albert. He lias a fine stock farm of 520 acres, well imj^roved and well stocked PEREYTON TOWNSIirP. 333 with tlie best grades. lie makes a specialty of raising horses to sell. In 1881 his sales of horses amounted to 81,912. John Moxtgomeky is a descendant of one of the earliest i)ioneer families to locate in this part of the state. Among the pioneer preachers of northwestern Illinois is llev. John M(Hitgomery, his uncle. John Montgomery, our subject, is a native of Rock Island county, born in 1838. His parents were Daniel and Margaret S. Montgomery, both of Montour county, Pennsylvania. They emigrated from their native state to Edgington, Rock Island county, in 1830. They were of that class of Pennsylvania people who carried their morals with them. Both were devoted members of the Presbyterian church, and did much to establish a high degree of morality in the community where they resided. The father died in 18-1:9, when he was fifty years old. The mother is now living in Milan, Pock Island county, and is in her seventy-third year. John Montgomery received a fair common school education, in addition to which he attended school at Dixon, Illinois, for some time. He was reared on the farm, which business he lias always followed. He was married September, 1868, to Sarah J. Morris, native of Ohio, and daughter of William and Sarah Morris, both of Ohio, and members of the Methodist Episcopal church. By this marriage he has two children living: Maud M., born January 4, 1870, and Fanny L., • September 6, 1871. His w^ife, Sarah J., died in is 74. He married again in 1876, Elizabeth Swartwout, born in 1842, a native of Xew York and a daughter of Cornelius and Lucinda Swartwout. Bv this second marriage he has three children : Lucinda, bcfrn March 6, 1877 ; James S., Mav 17. 1878 : and William H., May 30, 1880. He and wife are mem- bers of the Presbyterian church at Hamlet. He first came to Perrvton township in 1868, then returned to his native county and remained till 1 882, when he again came to Perryton township, and located on the old David Blue farm, where he owns 360 acres. He makes a specialty of fat cattle, in addition to which he does a good business in buying and shipping stock. He enlisted March, 1S6.5, in company K, 68th 111. Yol., and served one year. The present practicing physician and druggist of Hamlet is Dr. M. Criswell, a native of Pennsylvania; was born in 1847, and is a son of Matliew and Sarah M. (Whitehill) Criswell, both of Pennsylvania. They emigrated to Rock Island county, Illinois, in 1855, where they remained till 1878, when they came to ]\Iercer county, where she died in 1864, aged fifty-one years. The father and his son Mathew now reside in the village of Hamlet. Dr. Criswell received a good common school education. In the study of medicine he graduated at Jefferson medical college, Philadel})hia, with the class of 1876. The same year 334 HISTOKY OF MERCER ^SJS'l) IIEXDEKSOX COUNTIES. he located in Pre-emption township, where he remained till 1ST7, when he came to Hamlet. He was married in 1870 to Anna C. Huvett, o Illinois, native of Eock Island connty, daughter of Dr. Joseph and Harriette L. Huvett, of Pennsvlvania. Thev located in Milan, Eock Island county, about 1850, where he has since been engaged in the practice of medicine. Dr. Criswell has by this marriage one child, Edith. He has a paying practice. The subject of this sketch Josiaii Candor is a native of Columbia counts', Pennsvlvania, born in 1830, and is the son of Thomas and Margaret (Montgomery) Candor. He came to Mercer county with his parents. He was reared and educated on his father''s farm in Oliio Grove township. In 1852 he went to Oregon and California, returned in 1854 and engaged in the mercantile business in Edgington, Eock Island county, where he remained till 1867, when he, in company with his brother, Capt. D. M. Candor, opened a store of general mer- chandise in Hamlet, in which business he continues. He has held the office of postmaster in Hamlet since 1868. He was married in 1857 to Mary E. Xichols, a native of Searsport, Maine. She was born in 1838 and is a daughter of Woodburn and Olive (Sleeper) JS^ichols, both of Maine, who came to Mercer county in 1859 and located in Perryton township. The mother now lives ■s\'itli her son Albion, one mile south of Hamlet. Mr. and Mrs. Candor have six children: Marv C, Mav, Eobeit A., Edwin H., Yessie O., and Herbert J. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. He has a farm of 175 acres well improved, and adjoining Handet, on which he keeps a good grade c^f stock. He and his brother formerly dealt in stock buying and ship- ping. Previous to the building of the town of Eeynolds, in Eock Island county, they carried on a trade in coal at Hamlet. He has been the school treasurer of the township for the past six years. Capt. Daniel M. Candor was born in Columbia county, Pennsyl- vania, in 1836, and came with his parents, Thomas and Margaret (Muntgomery) Candor, to Mercer county when he was one year old. His early education was such as he could get in the pioneer schools ( )f his neighborhood, with a two vears' course in the academv at Macomb, Illinois. He remained on the farm with his parents till of age. He went to Pike's Peak in 185I>, stayed two years, returned in 1860, and enlisted in 1861, in company A, 30th 111, Vol., and served a few days over four years. He lirst enlisted for three years, or during the war, and afterward veteranized at Yicksburg. He was in the following engagements: Belmont, Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, the skirmishes around Shiloli, Brittin's Lane, Port Gibson, Eayniond, Jackson, Mis- sissippi, Champion Hills, siege of Yicksburg, Kennesaw Mountain, sieges PERRYTON TOWNSHIP. 335 of Atlanta, Savannah, Charleston, Raleigh, Bentonville. and Golds- borough, and then went to AVashington by way of Itichmond. He was commissioned captain of his company October 27, ls«U, which commission he held till the com])any was mustered out of the service. Following the siege of Yicksburg he was promoted to the otKce of orderly sergeant from the office of commissary sergeant. At the battle of Atlanta he received a wound in the head. His parents located in Ohio Grove township when they came to Mercer county, and continued to reside there till 1850. His mother died in 1871, at the age of seventy-five years. His father, Thomas Candor, was married a second time, to Mary L. Boardman, and died in 187-1, aged seventy-five years. Capt. Candor's parents, Margaret and Thomas, were both natives of Pennsylvania. Capt. Candor was married in 1868 to Emma J. Girton, a native of Pennsylvania, born in 18-12, and daughter of Baltis and Anna E. Girton, both of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. They came to Blinois in 1872, and now live in Hamlet. Mr. and Mrs. Candor have three children: Graham L., born in 1868, Thomas G., 1870, and Edna, in 1879. He has a well improved farm of 175 acres, adjoining Hamlet. He keeps a good grade of all kinds of stock. He and his brother Josiah were partners in the mercantile business in Hamlet from 1867 to 1881. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church at Hamlet. Of those who look to Mercer county as their birth place and home is the subject of this sketch, W. C. Yandalsem. He was born in 1850. His parents were John and Hannah M. Vandalsem, both of Ohio, and came to Mercer county with the early settlers with their parents. They were married here. His mother's family located as early as 1832 in Warren county, and afterward came to Mercer county and settled near Pope creek. AV. C.'s parents emigrated to Kansas in 1879, where they yet remain. His father is now fifty-nine years old, his mother fifty-seven years. They are both members of the Presbyterian church. His father served in the army in company B, 83d 111. Vol., and was out three years, lacking one month. He was in the second battle fought at Fort Donelson. after which his com])anf was detailed to fight bushwhackers and guerillas. AV. C. was educated in the common school and reared on the farm. He was married in 1876 to Deborah Dunn, native of Illinois, born in 1852, and daughter of John G. and Lydia (AVinans) Dunn, the former of Ohio, the latter of Kentucky. Her father died in 1857, at the age of thirty-five, her mother in 1S64. aged about forty-four years, a devoted christian and member of the Methodist Episcopal church. AV. C. has by this marriage three chil- dren : Glenn, Charley, and Bessie. His wife's people came to Mercer 336 HISTORY OF JSIERCEK AKD IIENDEESOX COUNTIES. county in 1S51, where tliej lived till tlieir deaths. Mr. Yandalsem owns a fine farm of 128 acres, on which he keeps a high grade of stock. George Gray is a native of Switzerland county, Indiana, born in 1851, and is a son of Eobeit and Mary Gray, both of Indiana. His father came to Illinois in 1867, then went to Iowa, and now resides in Barton county, Missouri. His mother died in Indiana. George came first to Eock Island county, Illinois, and lived with his uncle for some time. His educational training was such as he could get in the common school. He began life for himself with nature's capital, energy and muscle. He now has a fann of 120 acres, located two miles southeast of Hamlet, in Perryton township. He keeps a good m-ade of stock. In 1879 he came to Mercer county and located. The same year he was married to Arabella Yandalsem, daughter of John and Hannah M. Yandalsem. They have one child, Grace. Of those whom we may term old resident settlers of Perryton town- ship is Mr. J. M. Dunn. He located here as early as 1851. He was born in the state of Kentucky in 1824. His parents were James and Sai-ah Dunn, both of whom were natives of the '"corn cracker state." His father died in his native state in 1823, his mother emigrated with her family in 1831, to Clermont county, Ohio, where she died in 1852, at the age of sixty-two years. She was a member of the Wesleyan Methodist church. J. M. received only a meager education, such as the pioneer schools could give. He was reared a farmer, which busi- ness he has always followed. He returned to Ohio in 1855, where he was married to Elizabeth Huntington, born in 1826, and daughter of Abner and Pebecca Huntington, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. The former died in 1877 at the good old age of seventy- seven years, the latter in 1876, aged seventy-one ; both were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Dunn has by this marriage seven children: James A., John IL, Benjamin F., George W., Emma C, Thomas IL, Sarah (deceased), and Rebecca (deceased). He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has a farm of 200 acres located ene mile southeast of Hamlet, fairly improved. "VV. W. Bradford, the subject of this life sketch is a native of Swit- zerland county, Indiana, born in 1830. His parents were Eli and Mary A. Bradford ; the former of Canada, died March, 1876, at the age of seventy years ; the latter of Pennsylvania, died in 1872, at the age of sixty-two years and ten months. They were i)ioneer settlers of Indi- ana, having located in Switzerland county while the Indians were yet ])lenty. They were people of high moral integrity and members of the Baptist church. W. W. came to Mercer county in 1855, and located PERRYTON TOWNSHIP. 337 east of Ilamlc't, where A. Kindall now resides. He returned t«j Indi- ana the following year and was married, and again came to Illinois where he lived till ISOO, when he went to Henry county, and there remained till 1S77, when he came to Mercer where he yet resides. Ilis wife was Miss Maria P. Stephens, a native of Indiana and daughter of Reuben and Mary Stephens, both of whom are nati\es of Xew Yoi-k. They were early settlers of Switzerland county, Indiana. Her mer. The Fisk family is of Saxon descent. They came to America •soon after the MayHower brought the jnlgrims to the rockV coast of Massachusetts. II. W. Fisk graduated at Waveland, Indiai\a.; in the class of 1859. He then took up the profession of teacUilig,' which he followed till 18(54, when he was licensed to preachy h}f the"- Vincennes presbytery. In 1866 he was ordained a mini^t^i* of the" gospel by the same presbytery. lie was appointed home iili^si^ary, « in which position he labored till 1870, when he was called to the Eiicf- lah charge in Rock Island county where he remained two years. In 1872 he was called to the Hamlet charge, where he has since labored, j)reaching both at Hamlet and at the Perryton church four miles soutti. lie was married in 1862 to Miss Marv Stevenson, a native of Pennsvl- vania, who was born in 1834, and is a daughter of John and Susan (J. ■ (Myres) Stevenson. Iler father was a native of Ireland and her" mother of Pennsylvania. Her mother died in 1857 at the agofvf torty-- seven. Her father is now liviiiii: and is in his seventv-second year- Both were devoted members of the Presbyterian church. Pev. Fisk has by this marriage three children : Charles E., Susan, and Emma. Michael Damp, deceased, and subject of this sketch, was bom in 1814, in New York, and was a son of Philip and Susan Damp, both of Germany. He came to Illinois about 1852, and first located at ]\rilan, where he engaged in the milling business. In 1854 he went to Moline, where he run a mill, and paid the farmers of Pock Island county the first cash for wheat received in that section. Previous to his locating there they received their pay in goods. In 1858 he sold his mill at Moline and moved to Pope creek, where he again engaged in running a mill for about four years, when he quit the milling business and came to Perryton township and engaged in farming. This he followed till his death, which occurred in 1865. He was married to Eliza Kemp, of New York, who was born in 1818, and was a daughter of Michael and Sarah Kemp. Her parents were reared, educated, married, raised a family and died without emigi-ating from their native state. The Kemp family came to America from (irermany, and located in New York in the early settlement of the state. By this marriage he had eight chil- dren : Edward C, Emily, Amos (deceased), Julia (deceased), Melonia (deceased), Charlotta (deceased), and Cicero R. Of the three living cliildren two are at home. Emily, now Islrs. (iaunt, lives in the east part of Perryton township. Edward C. was married in 1875 to Eliza Johnson, who died in 1879, leaving three children: Arthur, Elmer, 20 842 HISTORY OF SfERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. and Isaac F. Cicero R. was born in 1860, and was married in Decem- ber, 1881, to Julia A. Howard, of Illinois, born in 1858, and daughter •of John and Mary Howard. Mr. Damp left his family in good circum- stances. His widow now resides about two miles south of Hamlet. Few, if any farms in Perryton are better improved. jAiiEs GiNGLES, dcccascd, is justly entitled to the honor of being one of the pioneers of Perryton townshiji. He came at the same time as did the McHards, in 1838, and settled south of Camp creek. He was a native of Pennsylvania, born in the year 1801, in Columbia county, where he was reared and educated to the business of farming. He remained in his native state till 1838, the time of his emigration to Perryton township. He resided here till his death, which occurred when he was in his seventy-second year. He was married in 1822 to Elizabeth Lackard, of Pennsylvania, born in 1805, and daughter of Pobert and Jane Lackard, both of Pennsylvania. James Gingles, by this marriage, raised a family of eight children : Martha, Jane, Eliza- beth, AVashington, Margaret, Harriet (deceased), John, and Clinda, all of whom are married except Washington, and he remains at home with his mother, caring for her in her old age. She still resides on the old homestead, where they located when they lii"st came to Perryton township. To use the language of a friend of the family: "Mr. Gin- gles was energetic and industrious. His character for sobriety, honesty, and integrity, was above reproach. Coming to this country when it was in its infancy, he endured every privation and hardship incident to a new country in its early settlement ; these he bore with manly forti- tude and Christian resignation. His well matured opinions and advice were sought for and readily given to the more recent settler. In times when money was scarce he often lent a helping hand to those who were in need or distress, thus fuMlling the Christian maxim of doing good while we have time. His door was ever open to the wayfarer and traveler. N^o one in need was turned away without being recipients of his hospitality. During the last hours of his earthly existence he •had the sweetest solace and consolation of human existence by being surrounded by the children of his love, whom he had nurtured in the way of religion and truth, thus depriving death of more than half its terror, and illustrating the truth of that beautiful stanza : " Jesus can make a dying bed As soft as downy i)illows are." His preference in religion was that of the Presbyterian teaching. He and his wife so impressed their earnestness and faith in Christianity u]>()n tlieir children, that they are all following in the footsteps of their parents. PERRYTON TOWNSHIP. 343 Of the citizen soldiers now residents of Mercer county, whom the county chiinis as her own by birth and education, is J. B. Felton. He was born in Millersburg township, in 1842, and is a son of David and Lucinda Felton. He has lived in Mercer county all his life except ten years. He received most of his education in the schools of Mercer county. In 1866 he was married to Charlotte A. Howe, daughter of L. B. Howe. She was born in 1847 in Mercer county. They have two children : Jenney F. and Clara E. He enlisted in the army in 1862, in Company g"^ 102d 111. Yol., and served till June, 1865. He was in the battle at Resacca, where he was wounded. He was in the hospital at Nashville from May, 1863, till November, 1864. During the remainder of his term of service he was in numerous skirmishes. He has not yet recovered from his wound and draws a pension. He has a nicely improved farm of eighty acres. Robert Dool, a native of Ohio, was born in 1850, and is the son of Henry and Mary Dool, Ireland, who came to Ohio, where they remained for some time, when they came to Mercer county and located in Perryton township in 1853, where they resided till 1881, when they moved to Aledo to live a retired life and enjoy their declin- ing years. Both are members of the Presbyterian church. Robert was reared on the farm and educated in the district school. He was married in 1873 to Therssa Hayes, daughter of Henderson and Olive Hayes, both of Pennsylvania, but afterward of Ohio, settling in that state in 1848. His mother died in 1852. His father is now living and a resident of Belmont county, Ohio. Mr. Dool has two children : Gertrude B. and Henry C. H. His wife's parents were members ot the Presbyterian church, as are he and wife, and hold their member- shi}) at Millersburg. He has a fine farm of 234 acres, well improved, and keeps a good class of farm stock, and feeds cattle for the market. George Walter, the subject of this sketch, was a native of Penn- sylvania and was born in 1812. He was a son of Henry and Elizabeth Walter, both of Northampton county, Pennsylvania, who emigrated to Columbia county, Pennsylvania, where they died. George was married in his native state in 1836, where he remained till he emi- gi'ated to Illinois and located in Perryton township in 1859, where he died in 1872 on his farm, at the age of sixty-one. His widow now resides on the old place. She is a member of the Presbyterian church. They had ten children: Charles C, Henry J., David M., George D., Sarah E. (deceased), Mary E. (deceased), Martha R., ^Villiani A., Hannah J., and Samuel W. (deceased). The homestead farm consists of a quarter section, which is undivided between the heirs. Henry J. was born in Montour county, Pennsylvania, in 1841, 344 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. and came to Illinois with liis parents and now lives with his mother on the old homestead. lie enlisted in the army in 1801 and served till November, 1862, when he was wounded at Brittin's Lane, and dis- charged from the service. He belonged to company C, 30th 111. Vol. Inf. He was in the battles of Belmont (Missoiu-i), Fort Henrv, and Fort Donelson, the siege of Corinth and . Brittin's Lane. William A. was born in 1852 and resides on the old homestead with his mother. David M. enlisted in 1862 in company II, 84th 111. Yol. Inf , and was transferred to the marine brigade, served three years, and now lives in Ringgold county, Iowa. George D. enlisted in company H, 84tli 111. Yol. Inf, and was transferred to the 21st 111. Yol. Inf. He now lives in Burlington, Iowa. Warner Corns, a native of Ohio, born 1821, is the son of Henry and Mary Corns, the former of Pennsylvania, the latter of Yirginia. They emigrated to Ohio where they were married, and afterward came to Illinois in 1842, located in Rock Island county, where they remained one year. They came to Mercer county in 1843, and located where their son Warner now resides. The ftither died in 1880, aged eighty- three. The mother lives on the old homestead with her son Warner, and is now in her eighty-seventh year. Warner came to Illinois with his parents with whom he has always lived. He and his father together laid a claim on the ftirm where he now resides, and both improved the same. He enlisted in 1862 in company D, 33d 111. Yol. Inf., and served three years. He was iu the second battle of Fort Donelson and at Resacca. The remainder of his term of service the company was detailed to fight bush-whackers and guerillas. He was married in 1854 to Amelia Gingles, daughter of Robert and Catharine (xingles. They came to Mercer county in 1839 and located in Perry- ton township. The former died in 1875, at the age of seventy-six years; the latter in 1880, aged seventy-nine years. Mr. Corns has four children : Mary C. (now the widow of James Huffman), Ellen M. and Thirza C. (twins). ' Ellen married Charles Fencedemancher and Thirza married Charles Snow, and Amanda is at home with her parents. Mr. C. has a farm of 120 acres and keeps a good grade of stock. Among the prominent farmers and stock-raisers of Perryton town- ship is G. D. Miller. He was born in 1824 and is a native of Kentucky, and son of William and Elizabeth Miller, of Kentucky. His father died in his native state in 1832, at the ao-e of thirtv-two years. In 1833 his mother emigrated to Crawford county, Ohio (now Wyandot county), where G. D. was reared on the farm, receiving such educational instruction as the ])ioneer schools could furnish. His I'ERRYTOX TOWNSHIP. 345 mother died in 1870, at the age of sixty-five, on tlie old homestead in Ohio. II is great-grandparents on his father's side came to America from across the sea : one from Germany, the other from Ireland. Mr. Miller came and located in Perry ton township in 1852 where he now resides. Previous to his locating here he herded and fed cattle in the neighborhood of DeWitt c<^inity, this state, for several years. In 1852 he returned to Oliio where he was mari-ied to Sophia Brady, born in 1827, and daughter of Samuel and Sarah Brady, the foi-mer of whom died in Ohio in 1842, at the age of fifty-six years, and the latter in 1870, at the age of seventy years. Mr. Miller has ten children : Helen S., Minor D., Dow (deceased), Olive L., Calista, Sue, Emma, Iva M. (deceased). Clay, and Lonie. He has a fine stock farm of 700 acres located in the southeast quarter of Perryton township. lie feeds and ships cattle and hogs. He raises shorthorns, draft horses, and the best grades of hogs and sheep. He is a member of the masonic lodge at Aledo. Among the early settlers of Perryton township was Austin A\"ot)d, the father of our subject (W. A. Wood) and his family. He located in Perryton township as early as 1837, ha\ing come to Peoria county in 1836. AV. A. Wood was born in 1820, in the state of New York. His parents, Austin and Louisa Wood, were natives of Connecticut. His father died in 18(34, at the age of seventy-seven yeai's; his mother in 1874, aged seventy-three years. They were both members of the IMethodist Episcopal church, and highly respected by those who knew them. W. A. was reared on the farm. His earlv education was received at the common school. He has pursued the business of his father all his life. He owns a fine stock farm of 290 acres, fairly improved and well stocked. He was married in 1843 to Harriet S. Smith, of Xew York, daughter of Jesse Smith, who came to Mercer county in 1840. Mr. Wood has eight children: Saphrona, AValter, Louis, Burdick, Emerson, Charles, Bell, and Lena. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He lives in the south half of Perryton township, four and a half miles southeast of Hamlet. The veteran pioneer, Wilijam Doak, of Mercer county, was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, October 15, 1816, and was brought up on a farm. His education was received in the pioneer log cabin school- house, with its slab seats and desks. In the fall of 1837 he emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, first settting in Greene township, where he remained till the fall of 1839, when he removed to Perryton, where he permanently located on section 27, and actively engaged in farming and stock-raising, following the business successfully till the spring of 1882, when he gave up active labor and removed to Aledo, with a view 346 HISTORY OF :MERCER and HENDERSON COUNTIES. of spending his declining years in quiet rest. He was married May 19, 1S46, to Sarali P., daughter of Dr. M. Farwelh She is a native of !Xew Hampshire, and came with her parents to Mercer county in 1S42 and settled in Pre-emption township. They are the parents of three childi'en : Kancy J., now Mrs. William McHard, "William E., now a resident of Keithsburg township, and Alvah J., who now lives on the old homestead farm in Perrji;on township. For many of the incidents related of the earlv settlement of Perrvton township reference may be had to the Perrvton township history. He and wife are pioneer mem- bers of the Presbyterian church as well as pioneer settlers. His son, Alvah A., was born in Perrvton township in 1S54. He was reared on the farm. His educational training was that of the district school and a few tenns in the academy at Aledo. He was married in ISSO to Agnes Wallace, a native of Ohio, born in 1857, and a daughter of Joseph and Mary Wallace, both of Ohio, and came to Mercer county about 1860. A. J. Doak carries on the business of his father's farm. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. T. GuFFY is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in 1829. He is the son of Alexander and Catharine Gufty, both of Penn- sylvania. His father went to California in 1848. where he died in 1857, at the ao-e of fiftv-six years. His mother now lives in Pennsylvania and is in her seventy-ninth year. Both were members of the Lutheran church, but his mother is at the present a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Guffv was reared a mechanic, and came to Mercer county in 1855, where he engaged in farming, in which pursuit he is still occupied. He was married in 1857 to Margaret Gingles, daughter of James and Elizabeth Gingles. Mr. Guffy has by this marriaace one child. Harriet C, who was married in 1881 to John C. Lanon, a native of Pennsylvania, and son of Daniel and Sarah Lanon. He came to Mercer county from Michigan. !Mr. Guffy has a well-improved farm of sixty acres. His son-in-law lives with him and carries on the farm. He and vdfe are members of the Presbyterian church. The McHard family located in Perrvton township in 1839. At that time there were but few settlers in this part of the country. "\iMiere AVilliam McIIard located at the above-named date is now the finest part of Perrvton township. In 1839 the surrounding country was a wild wilderness, over whicli the deer and wolves gamboled ; the coo of the prairie chicken and the quack of the vnM duck made the music in the balmy spring morning air. Among the names of the pioneers of Perrvton. townshi]> belongs the name of William McH.\JiD. He was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1810, son of Joseph and PERRYTON TOWNSHIP. 347 Sarah (Adams) McIIard, the former of Ireland, the latter of Scotland, botli of whom died in Pennsylvania. William was brought up a wagonmaker. lie was mariied in his native state in 1S32, and came to Illinois seven years later, and located in Perry ton toAvnship, where he engaged in farming, which pursuit he followed till his death, which occurred in 1870, at the age of sixty-three years. His wife died in 1867, at the age of fifty-six years. They were both persons of high moral integrity and members of the Presbyterian church. Ilis son, "William McIIard, Jr., was born in 1842, and reared on the farm, receiving such educational instruction as the schools of his neighbor- hood could give. He was married in 1873 to Miss Xancy J. Doak, a native of Perryton township, born in 1845, and a daughter of William and Sarah P. Doak. By this marriage he has two children : Mary E., and Sarah. He has a fine stock farm of 330 acres, located in the south half of the township, a part of which belonged to the old homestead of his father. He keeps a good grade of stock, and makes a specialty of feeding cattle. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. Samuel McIIard, son of William McIIard, was born in 1833, is a natiye of Pennsylvania, and came to Perryton township with his father when six vears old. He was reared on the farm and inured to all the privations of pioneer life. In 1862 he enlisted in the army, in com- pany G, 102d 111. Vol., served two years and nine months, one year of which time he held the office of corporal. He was in the following engagements : Pesacca, Burnt Hickory, Marietta, Peach Tree creek, Atlanta, Savannah, and Raleigh, and numerous skirmishes. He was married in 1866 to Mary Eiclunond, native of Ohio, and daughter of Joseph and Susan Pichmond. They came to Mercer county in 1853, and were members of the Methodist Episc()])al church. Samuel McIIard has by this marriage six children: Franklin P., Susan L., Gertrude and Grace (twins). May, and William S. He and wife are members of the Perryton Presbyterian church. He has a farm of 200 acres, well imjjroved and well stocked. He resides on the old home- stead where his father settled in 1839. EDUCATION. Contributed by Miss Amanda Frazier. The subject of education is so interwoven with the growth and progress of all enlightened comiinmities that a full history of any people at the present day would be incomplete which omitted some mention of their public schools and other institutions of learning. It is a matter of regret that many of the records of the earlier schools of Mercer county have been lost by the carelessness or recklessness of a 348 HISTORY OF MERCEK A^T> HENDERSON COUNTIES. former county superintendent, as we are tlius compelled to depend upon tradition, or the memories of the older settlers, for material from which to comjiile a sketch of our first school teachers and school- houses. The original settlers of Mercer county were men of sterling worth, intelligent and enterprising, and when planting their homes on these wild prairies more than fifty years ago were not unmindful of the needs of their children ; and we find that as soon as three or four cabins were erected in any given locality, some provision w^as at once made to fur- nish the young people with some sort of school privileges. Sometimes it was a small log cabin which furnished teacher and scholar shelter, and sometimes a small room or addition to one of the prairie cabins was all the room obtainable for school purposes. It is no disparagement to the peoj^le of those early days to say that in some instances the teachers were of an order quite in keeping with the school-room, cheap and unsatisfactory. There were no profes- sional teachers among the early pioneers ; but now and then a young settler, or the older son in some famil}^, would undertake for small pay to ''keep" school during the winter, while some pioneer's daughter would fill the same otfice for the summer to half a dozen or half a score of })upils. We have in mind the case of one young lady, a settler's daughter, who taught one summer for fifty cents per week and boarded around among the patrons. There wei-e but four families in the dis- trict, and but eight pupils enrolled. The education of the young lady spoken of was not at all complete, but then the requirements of that school were limited as to qualifications and advancement. The first school taught in Mercer county was held in a small log cabin erected on the claim of Erastus Dennison, about two miles east of the town of ISTew Boston, near the present home of Mr. C. E.ader. The teacher was Abram Miller, and the time the summer of 1833. Mrs. Ephraim Gilmore, now of Aledo, was one of the pupils in this pioneer school for a few weeks. Mr. Miller was a prominent character in the early settlement of the county, having been one of the principal actors in the organization of the county and the first county clerk. Abe, as he was familiarly called, had a strong dislike for the restraints of close-fitting garments, and it was no unct)mmon thing to see him marcliing to and from school in M'arm. weather barefoot, with loose shirt and flowing pantaloons. This first school was attended by an average of about ten scholars, the total enrollment for the season reaching only about a dozen. The next year (1834), as near as we can learn, the first regular school-house was erected in New Boston town- ship, near the blufi', about three miles east of the present A-illage of PKRRYTOX T<.)\\ NSIIII'. 310 Kew Boston, on tlie farm of William Willits. Abram Miller or Joshua Willits tauulit here in the winter of 188-1-5. About the year 1835-6 George W. Julian, since a distinguished politician and member of congress from Indiana, wielded the birch in this, Mercer county's first regular school-house. The territory now constituting the county (^f Mercer was stricken oft" from Warren and organized into a separate county in 1835, and soon after the organization was eft'ected we tind that John Long was appointed, April 13, 1835, by the county commissioners' court to the oftice of school commissioner. AVhile the county thus early in its history proyided herself with tlie [)roper ofticial machinery for the organization of a more perfect school system, yet we find but very indift'erent progress in the character of teachers or the modes of instruction for a number of years. It appears that the school commissioner was also agent of the school lands, and the most of the reports from several of the earlier school commissioners pertained to the care and dis})Osal of the school lands, and little or nothing relating to teachers or schools. For nearly iifteen years after the a])pointment of Mr. Long, the school commissioner did not assume the duties of examiner of teach- ers. During these years the school board, consisting of the school trustees of the various precincts, were the board of examiners. These school trustees were not always elected on account of their educational cjualifi cations, but rather for their sturdy business qualities, and for the further ])urpose of having them properly distributed over the precinct. As a matter of course the examination day, under such circum- stances, was an event in the career of the board which exhibited its digniiied and ludicrous character, according to the particular cjualiiica- tions of the members of the given board. An incident connected with one of these examinations is related by a gentleman now living in the eastern portion of the county. Some thirty-fiye years ago, this gentleman, then a young man, just home from a medical college, was requested to be i)resent on a certain day to hear the examination of a small class of teachers, and to assist in the exercises. He attended punctually at the time and ])lace appointed, and found three candidates for certificates, one young lady and two young gentlemen. The three trustees, the regular school board, were also present, but not in a well organized condition for the duties before them. After some preliminary conversations of a general character with the candidates, the board retired to organize for the ccmtest, and after a short caucus among themselves, they deputised erne of their numbei- 350 HISTORY OF :MERCER Ami HENDERSON COUNTIES. to request the young doctor to join the caucus, which he readily con- sented to do. The young gentleman found the board to be composed of three sturdy and intelligent farmers, good, honest, capable men for all ordinary transactions, but honestly confessing their inability to per- form the duties required of them as examiners. They could "read, write, and cipher," but then the law required the teacher to pass exam- ination in geography and grammar, and these last branches of study were as Choctaw to them. At the request of the board the young doctor con- sented to conduct the examination, the board to hear the class and decide upon their qualifications. Hastily arranging a set of questions he began the examination, which was oral, except a few examples in written arithmetic. The board listened carefully to all the exercises, and when it was finished they again retired for consultation. After a short secret session the young doctor was again summoned in counsel, when one of the board acting as spokesman, said : "See here, we want you to go right straight through with this here thing. They all show a nice hand writin', and spell well enough and read and cipher fustrate, but then that gography and grammar is all Injun to us. You see we dont't pretend to know anything about it, so you jist give us your hon- est opinion about the whole thing, and if you say they pass muster, why we will give them all their papers and let them bang away." To return to the main narrative, John Long ser\ed as school com- missioner until December 5, 1835, when William I. Xevius was appointed as his successor. Mr. Nevius was reappointed in 1837, and again in 1838 and 1839, serving until June 6, 1840, when Ephraim Gilmore received the appointment. In 1841 the office became elective, and Ephraim Gilmore, was again selected to fill the position at an election held in August, 1841, and was re-elected annually for five years, his last election occurring on August 3, 1845. The next to till the office was Thomas Candor, who was chosen at the annual election on August 3, 1846. Mr. Candor served but one year when Benjamin D. Ellett was chosen his successor, August 5, 1847. From 1847 to 1865 the election for school commissioner was held bi-ennially, thereby giving the office a more permanent character. Mr. Ellett was suc- ceeded by Tyler McAVliorter, who was elected November 6, 1849, and again on jSTovember 4, 1851. Mr. McAVhorter was the first school commissioner who undertook the examination of teachers in this county, and to his administration, extending over a period of four years, is due the first real advancement in the character of teachers, as regards qualifications and modes of instruction. lie was careful and l)ains-taking in all his official acts and was especially watchful and thorough in his inquiries as to the fitness of candidates for certificates. PERRYTON TOWNSHIP. 351 The scarcity of well-qualitied teachers at that time forced him to grant certificates, in some instances, where the candidate got the benefit of a "reasonable doubt" as to their entire fitness for the high office of teacher, but many able educators were placed in charge of schools dur- ing his term of office. Among these we will mention the names of Simeon Smith, David Felton, liesin Kile and Harvey S. Senter, After Mr. McWhorter comes Jolin Ramsey, who was elected IS^ovember 8, 1853, followed by Xorman P. Bro\\Ti, who w^as elected on Xovember 6, 1855. Mr. Brown was a practical and competent teacher, but so far as we can learn, neitlier he nor Mr. Ramsey suc- ceeded in advancing the character of the schools of the county beyond the point attained by Mr. McAVhorter at the time of his retirement from the office in 1853. The successor of N. P. Brown was J. E. Ilarroun, who was elected Novembcn* 6, 1857. The law had now clothed the commissioner with the full powers of superintendent and given liini authority to visit schools. The personal visitation of schools gave to the new superintendent great advantages over his predecessors, as it enabled him to witness the everyday work of the teacher in the school- room. It is not unfi'equently the case that a candidate for teacher will pass with a high grade after a most thorough examination, and yet prove unable to impart instruction, or unfit to govern in the school- room. These faults or failures the visiting su])erintendent could detect and remedy, provided the visitations were made in the right spirit and conducted with })roper care for the good of the people. The truth of history constrains us to say that the greatest good possible under the new order of things was not attained during the administration of sev- eral of the successors of Mr. Harroun. Too little practical instruction was imparted by the superintendent in these visitations, too much time was spent in the exhibitions of the proficiency of certain advanced classes, and in the making of fine speeches by the visiting official. The ^^sitations, instead of securing the good to teachers and people as designed by the law nuikers, degenerated in some instances into the veriest routine, measured, we fear, more by the per diem allowed than bv the benefits which should have accrued. ]\[r. Harroun filled the office for two years, and, by constant visita- tions and courteous treatment of the teachers of the county, inspired them, not only with the desire to excel in their calling, but with that esprit de corps which should ever prevail among jirofessional educators in our common scliools. It was during ]\[r. Harroun's administration tliat teacher's institutes were organized, and the central or county institute was first attempted. He was also the first to attempt the introduction of any form of school 352 HISTORY OF FIERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. apparatus in the common schools of our county, and although not always successful in convincing the patrons of their utility, he was enabled to scatter here and there a goodly number of these helps to stud}', giving an impulse to their use by explaining to teacher and pupil, in the school-room, the manner in which they sliould be employed. Mr. Harroun was succeeded by Eev. James S. Poage, a prominent and deservedly poj^ular Presbyterian minister, who was elected Novem- ber 8, 1S59, and who served for two years. Mr. Poage was a highly educated gentleman, a fluent speaker and a most exemplary gentleman, but he was not a practical teacher, and while he made a creditable superintendent he did not succeed in advancing the character of the schools to that extent for which his learning and high character gave promise at the time he was elected. Amos T, Waterman was elected November 5, 1861, as the suc- cessor of Mr. Poage, and served for two years. Mr. Waterman had formerly been engaged in teaching, but was at the time of his service a young practicing attorney of more than ordinary brilliancy. His administration of the office was creditable to himself and serviceable to the educational interests of the people. Ills examinations were conducted with more than ordinary care, thus securing a better grade of teachers, and giving a new impetus toward a higher excellence in teaching. Washington L. Campbell, the successor of Mr. Waterman, was elected November 6, 1 863, and served for one term of two years, and was followed by Sylvenus B. Atwater, who was chosen at the election held November 7, 1865, being one of the first of a long line of county officials who have claimed the suffrages of the people of Mercer on account of their services in the late war. Mr. Atwater was a practical teacher of fair reputation before he entered the military service, and returning a few months before the election from his three years^ service in the 2Tth reg. 111. Vol. Inf , after participating in all the battles, marches and victories in which that gallant regiment was engaged, he was promptly elected as county superintendent of schools for the term of four years, the term of the office having just been extended from two to four years. To Mr. Atwater the people of Mercer county owe a debt of gratitude for his heroic, but then most unpopular treatment of all school matters. He introduced a strict and searching sj'Stem of examination of teachers, and insisted so strongly that his standard of fitness should be met that a large number of lialf-qualified teachers were either driven from the schools, or induced to re-enter school as students themselves inv the purjiose of improving their education, and PKRRYTOX TOWNSHIP. 353 their places were filled by a higher and better grade of teachers. He was the first to attempt the task of expurging from the school-room tlie antiquated text-books of the grandfathers, and introducing in their stead a uniform system of books so graded as to meet the wants of the several pupils, thus enabling the teacher to separate his pu])ils into classes by grades of proficiency ; in fact, establishing grades in many district schools, going so far in this direction that in several instances where the patrons refused to buy or order the purchase of new books, he furnished them out of his own private funds. Altliough partially successful in his eff(jrts to secure a uniformity of text-books, there remained much to be done in this direction after his four years' struorgcle was ended by the expiration of his ofiice. Ho labored assiduously to secure a black-board in every school-house, going so far as to carry his brush and slating into the remoter districts and painting the desired board with his own hands where the directors could not, or would not, get it done themselves. While Mr. Atwater won the hearty ill will of some would-be teachers and their friends by refusing certifi- cates to persons who had tauglit under other superintendents, and refusing like favors to new candidates who ftiiled to pass his examina- tion, and while much discontent was engendered among the people in some localities on account of the increased expenses caused by his unceasing efforts to secure new books and apparatus, and advancement of wages consequent upon the weeding out of poor and cheap teachers, yet impartial history will compel the admission that Mr. Atwater did more to advance the educational interest, and to place the common schools upon a higher plane of excellence than any person who had ]ireceded him in that office. The successor of Mr. Atwater was Frederick Livingston, a graduate of Lombard college, of Galesburg, Illinois, and a teacher of some years' experience, who was elected November 2, 1869, and served for four years. His acknowledged learning, with a fair experience as a teacher, and courteous address, gave promise that in Ids election the schools of the county would be greatly benefited ; but his four years' service was a great disappointment to Ids friends and a nusfortune to himself Lacking in administrative ability, he soon lost his hold upon the affections of the older teachers of the county, and the freedom with which he granted certificates to any and all api)licants soon flooded the county with a new croj) of teachers, many of whom were in no wise qualified for tlie duties of the school-room, thereby greatly imi»aring the standard of the schools generally throughout the county. During his administration many of the books and vouchers belonging to the office were lost or destroyed, including all the records of the school 354 HISTORY OF FLEECER AXD HENDERSON COUNTIES. lands, and nearly all books and papers pertaining to county school funds. His bondsmen made good such loss of the public funds as was proven to have been lost or misused while in his charge. Mr. Living- ston was the first and only defaulter in this ofiice in the history of the county. Mr. LiHngston was the possessor of many qualities and graces calculated to win the confidence of the people and endear him to his friends, and we do not jjen this sketch without a regret that one so liberally educated, so courteous and kind, and withal so well quali- ' fied for a useful life, should exhibit that lack of balance which caused the unfortunate miscarriage in his official acts. [The following sketch of Miss Frazier's career as a teacher and county superintendent, is furnished us by a gentleman who is interested in education, and who has been long familar with her work. — Ed.] During the administration of Mr. Livingston, our legislature en- acted a law making women eligible for all school offices, and at the first election held after the passage of this law, to-wit, in November, 1873, Miss Amanda E. Frazier, of Mercer county, was one of the eleven ladies who were elected to the position of county superintendent of schools in Illinois. Miss Frazier was re-elected in November, 1877, and at the expiration of her second term of office, was unanimously appointed by the board of supervisors in December, 1881, to fill the vacancy then existing by reason of the recent amendment to the stat- utes changing the time of election for this and certain other county offices, from 1881 to 1882, and quadrenially thereafter. She is there- . fore filling the ninth year of her incumbency of tliat office, a fact which speaks in no uncertain terms of the confidence and trust which the people of the county continue to repose in her capacity and official intem-itv. Miss Frazier has long been identified with the schools and school work of Mercer county, and deserves no small measure of praise for the earnest and well directed eftbrts she has expended to elevate the standard of public instruction in the county. Entering upon her career as a teacher, in 1862, after completing the academic course in Mon- mouth college, and while yet a mere girl, she developed a remarkable capacity for the government of pupils and for imparting instruction, and so complete* was her success as teacher thus early in life, that dur- ing all the after years she gave to teaching she never was under the necessity of applying for a })Osition, inasmuch as applications for her services came to her unsought. After teaching a few terms Miss Frazier concluded to more fully (juality herself for the profession which she had determined to follow, and with this view spent two years at the State Normal University at Bloomington, Illinois, and another PERRYTON TOWNSHIP. 355 year at Lombard University, Galesburg, Illinois, when she resumed her professional career as teacher in the capacity of assistant to the principal of the graded schools of Aledo, where she remained four years, and was tendered the position ibr another year, but an unsolic- ited call from a lai-ger constituency constrained her to decline the posi- tion of teacher for that of county superintendent, to which she was chosen, as before stated, in November, 1873. Miss Frazier entered upon her new work with a determination to labor for the interest and advancement of the schools thus placed under her charge, and her first steps in this direction consisted in the ado]> tion of a rigid svstem of examination of her teachers. It at once became ai)parent that to obtain a certificate to teach it was necessary for the candidate to be well qualified in all the branches which the law requires to be taught. Iso half-way work would fill the standard she had fixed upon, and as a consequence many incompetent teachers were droj)ped off the roll. To show something of her work in this department, the records show that in a single year out of 388 applicants examined for certificates, 219 were rejected, and but 151: accepted. To assist such as were willing to work for the position of teacher, she re-organized the Teachers' Institute of the county, whose sessions were held during the school year at various points in the county, and earlv in her official career organized a normal drill, holding the sessions annually during the summer vacation and continuing four weeks. Securing two or three prominent educators from abroad to co-operate with her in these nor- mal schools, the large classes annually in attendance were submitted to a thorough drill in all the branches required to be taught, and the best modes of teaching and government, with pronounced advantages to both the teachers and the schools. These teachers' meetings and drills have been marked features in her administration, and of their utility there can be no question. Miss Frazier is a woman possessed of many qualities which are peculiarly fitting for one in the position she occupied. Thoroughly qualified for her duties by a liberal education and experience in teach- ing, earnest, conscientious, and careful in her work, courteous and patient in her intercourse with the young and inexperienced candidates for teachers, though firm and unyielding when occasion required, and withal possessed with a strong personal magnetism which attracts while it does not repel, she has succeeded in impressing upon the schools of the county during these eight and a half years of her official life, much of her strong indi\iduality of character, and secured many changes in the manner of examining and employing teachers, in the methods of teaching and governing schools, and, in genei'al, a marked 356 HISTORY OF MERCER AXD HENDERSON COUNTIES. ' advancement toward a liiglier standard of education and instruction throughout the county. The school lands of Mercer county came through two general acts of congress ; the first setting aside section 16 for school purposes in each congi'essional township in all the states and territories containing ])ublic lands, and the second turning oyer certain low, wet, and par- tially submerged lands for a like purpose. By the original act there were tifteen sections, being one section in each of the fifteen townships, in all about 10,600 acres of very good lands available for school pur- poses. Some of these lands were among the best in the county for agricultural purposes, and the entire body of them were equal in native richness and availability for all agricultural and grazing purposes with the average lands in the county ; and if it had been kept out of the market and held a few years longer, until the ' ' congress lands "" were disposed of, when the price of all wild lands advanced from $5 to $10 an acre, the several townships in the county might have realized suffi- cient from the sales of their several school sections to have assured them each a large and remunerative permanent fund. This, however, was not done, and the consequence is that these township funds are a mere skeleton of what they should and might have been, had a more far- seeing 23olicy been adopted by the people and those having charge of these trusts. In those days the people were poor ; there was then no adequate state fund as now ; railroads, with their vitalizing influence, had not yet approached our borders ; new settlers were dropping in but slowly, thus leaving the country but thinly populated, and making it a difficult matter, with the low price of all farm j^roducts, for those scattered neighbors to raise the means (as they were then compelled to do mainly from their own pockets) to defray the expense of a three- months' school in winter and two or three months in summer. To lighten their school expenses, and to secure for themselves some of the benefits from the lands donated by congress, the settlers of thirty years ago determined to dispose of these lands, and, in order to succeed, they were compelled to fix the schedule of prices at, or below, the price of congress land, and in some instances the price was very much below that of the government land. At these give-away prices, about twelve sections of this magnificent donation were disposed of during Mr. McAVhorter's administration of the office of school commissioner from 1849 to 1851. To us of the present day the policy then pursued regarding the scIdoI lands aj)pears short-sighted and wasteful, and while no school officer is justly chargeable with blame for the part he took in disposing of these lands at such low prices, it is a matter of sincere regret that the public sentiment of that day compelled the GEORGE Mc PH ERRE N PERRYTOX TOWNSHIP. 359 sacrilice of siicli a magnificent ])uljlic' trust, in order to secure for them- selves tlie small proceeds obtained for that immediate present, when we realize that the paltrv sums were obtained at the expense of a magnificent fund for their descendants in all time to come, had they but waited in patience a few years longer. The swam]) lands belonging to ]\rercer county are situated in the immediate vicinity of the Mississippi river, and embrace several thou- sand acres. This land is loaded with great abundance in all the elements of plant food, but being subject to overfiow, is valuable mainly for grazing and meadows, and in seasons of very high waters much of it is not even valuable for these purposes. We have been unable to ascertain, even approximately, the acreage of these lands, as the reports of surveys were not in the proper oflice when we were there, but we find the people were in some hurry to get rid of these lands also, and that as early as 1S5T the swamp land commissioner reported sales to the amount of $8,194.75, and that up to 1865 the sum total of $9,098.65 had been realized from the sales of these lands, and properly distributed to the several townships of the county, since which time there have been no further sales. There i-emain of these swamp lands 480 acres, situated in Eliza township, M-hich have not been sold, and which are not situated for enough above low-water mark to make a promising investment. The township funds vary in amount in the different towTishi})s, the maximum being §2,910.90 in Keithsburg, and the minimum $1,186.26 in Green.- The total permanent township funds for the fifteen town- ships is $29,918.70. The interest of these funds only is to be used for the annual expenditure for schools in the t()wnshi})S where the- funds belong. The permanent county fund is $2,168, which can never be diminished, the interest being annually distributed to the township treasurers together with the state fimd. From the one small pioneer log cabin of 1833, with its ten or twelve pupils and barefooted teacher, the school system of Mercer county has grown until the last log cabin has been abandoned, and four brick and 115 frame buildings, many of them stately and imposing structures, are required to accommodate the wants of our schools. During the last year 2,795 males and 2,587 females, in all 5,382' pu])ils, were enrolled, while 71 males and 161 females, a total of 232, were employed as teachers. Of the 119 school-houses nine are graded schools, wdtli a total r)f thirty-five teachers. When all the schools of the county are in session the least number of teachers recpiired to carry on the work is 145 ; but the system, still too much in vogue in the country, of employing one teacher for the ■<360 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES, winter and another for the summer, increases the number of teachers from 145 actually required to 232 actually employed. Dm-ing the past fiscal year there was collected fi-om all sources for school puq30ses in the county, $53,698.43, and during the same period there was ex- pended in payment of teachers $34,219.11. Three new school-houses were erected during the past year, at a total cost for buildings and grounds of $5,179.04. In point of excellence the schools of Mercer county will compare favorably with those of the most favored counties in the state. In a large number of the ungraded schools all the branches required for a first grade certificate are taught with such a degree of thoroughness as to enable many of our young men and women to step at once from the condition of pupil to the position of teacher. Our graded schools are in a prosperous condition, and are gradually, but surely, improving in all that pertains to a thorough instruction in the common school branches, while a few of these schools give instruction in some of the higher branches belonging to an academical course. At the graded schools of Aledo and Yiola, a well-chosen cCurse of study has been adopted, and upon the completion of this course a certificate or diploma is conferred upon such pupils as pass examination with sufiiciently high grade in all the studies prescribed. At the recent close of these schools, Aledo and Yiola each conferred diplomas upon eight gradu- ates. In addition to our public schools the people of Mercer county have not been unmindful of a higher order of educational advantages, and hence from time to time during the earlier portion of our history attempts were made, most unsuccessful, to establish within our boi'ders a collegiate institute. We find that as early as the year 1839 a charter was procured from the legislature for the "Millersburg Seminary of Learning." Millersburg was at that time the county seat, and we pre- sume that the attempt to secure a college at that point was intended to be a means of retaining the seat of justice at that place. Adequate means for so large an undertaking were not within the reach of the ' projectors of this enterprize at so early a day, and the undertaking was a failure.. Later, in 1857, coincident with the establishment of Aledo as the county seat, two colleges were projected, and a charter for the ■ "Aledo Collegiate Institute" was procured February 16, 1857. One of these colleges never rose above the foundation of the proposed build- ing. Tlie other, acting under its charter, erected a rather imposing building which, though enclosed, was never finished throughout. Rev. Mr. AVilliams opened the fii'st high school in the old court-house build- ing in 1802, and after rooms were finished in the new college he trans- PERRYTON TOWNSHIP, 361 ferred his classes to tliat buildin<;- in the fall of 1863. After a struggle for existence against many dithculties he was succeeded by Prof. McKee in 1868. Prof. Mclvee after continuing the school for a couple of years abandoned tlie undertaking, as the building was at that time considered unsafe, and the Aledo collegiate building was torn down and the building material sold. After Prof McKee left. Prof Henderson took up the work for some years, occupying the second story of the building known as Richey's store, and in this building Prof. Henderson was succeeded, in 1873, by Prof. J. R. Wylie, assisted by his brother, J. M. Wylie. After teach- ing one year in this building the Wylie brothers determined to procure better accommodations, and by the sale of scholarshijDS they were ena- bled to purchase block 132 on Maple street, where they erected a two- story academy building, 22x44 feet, exclusive of hall and staii*way. This beautiful site and neat little building with the two young ener- getic teachers, attracted 102 students the first year. In 1879, J. R. Wylie became sole proprietor, J. M. Wylie having gone into the ministry of the R. G. church. At the present time, June, 1882, the academy under J. R. Wylie is quite prosperous. It contains a valu- able cabinet of geological and mineralogical specimens, many of which would do honor to any college, besides a good library and an abund- ance of school apparatus. The course of study in this academy embraces all the mathematics, including arithmetic, through plain and spherical trigonometry ; an English course of one and a half years ; drawing, book-keeping, physical geography. United States and ancient history, physiology ; two terms in zoology, natural philosophy and astronomy ; two years in latin or two years in German, elective. The above course requires three years for its completion. Over 500 students, mostly from Mercer county, have received more or less instruction in this institution. Some seventy teachers have been sent out, and twenty diplomas have been granted since 1877. In closing this sketch it seems aj^projjriate to make mention of a lew of the old and tried teachers of the county, and such others as have, after teaching for a time, been elevated to positions of honor, profit or trust. Geo. W. Julian, who taught here in 1835-6, has since served long and faithfully as a member of congress. Harvey S. Sen- ter, who was a teacher as far back as 1843, was afterward successively clerk of the circuit court, member of the state board of equalization and state senator. WaiTen Shed was a colonel commanding the 30th reg. Geo. P. Graham was a member of the legislature after serving suc- cessfully as teacher. Prof. Joseph McChesncy, a teacher thirty-five years ago, was for some time assistant state geologist, and was twice 362 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. appointed, under Abraham Lincoln, as consul to Glasgow, Scotland, and was afterward chosen professor of national sciences in the Chicago university. B. F. Brock, subsequently district attorney, is now one of the leading lawyers of the county. J. K. Herbert, a teacher over twenty-five years ago, is a prominent lawyer in Washington, District of Columbia. N. P. Brown, J. E. Ilarroun, S. B, Atwater, and F. W. Livingston, were each chosen to the office of county superintendent of schools. C. S. Richey was for many years, and is at present, county surveyor. Rev. Mr, Jamieson, long a teacher, was afterward mis- sionary to Lidia. T. C. Swaford, a teacher of great success, was after- ward elected city superintendent of the schools of Monmouth. A. U. Barler, E. H. Jamieson, J. A. Goding, J. T. Johnston, and Alex. Stevens were old and successful principals of graded schools. Besides these, Simeon Smith, David Felton, Resin Kile, Cyrus A. Ballard, William IST. Graham, G. L. F. Robinson, William Miller, and Warren Biggart may be mentioned as old and successful teachers of a long and continued service in the county. From the long list of lady teachers who have served in tlie county, it is a task of no small difficulty to select names for honorable mention without making the list too long for the purpose of this history. There are, however, a few who are pre-eminent, by reason of their long ser- vice, excellent methods of instruction, and unquestioned fitness and success. Among those we will name Miss Hattie and Miss Emma Hunting- ton, Miss Libbie Perkins, Miss Parney Harroun, Miss Mollie Walker, Miss Emma Stevens, Mrs. A. M. B. Young, Mrs. Melissa Flemming, Miss M. Jennie Marquis, Miss M. M. Burbank, Miss Maggie Clarke, Miss Tillie S. Frazier, Miss Mantie Henry, Miss Mary E. Wolfe, Miss Jo. H. Willits, Miss Abbie M. Burr, Miss Mattie M. Sloan, Miss Jen- nie Henderson, and Mrs. Irene Willits. Besides these there are a host of lady teachers of shorter experience, but abitndantly qualified for their work and deserving the warmest commendation were this chapter not already extended beyond the limits at first designed by the author. Simeon P. Smith. — Politically Mr. Smith was identified with the old whig party, but was a radical abolitionist in sentiment. When Fremont and Buchanan were the opposing candidates he was asked on election day "to go and vote for Fremont electors," but declined, saying, "No; I think I shall not vote to-day, but if I do it will be for Buchanan, " giving as a reason that he was ' ' opposed to any compro- mise with slavery," a thing the republican party seemed at that time PKRRYTOX TOWNSHIP. 363 willing to do, and lie thought ' ' the people of this coimtiy need four years more of democratic rule before they get their eyes opened." Mr. S. was exceedingly diffident in public, and never knowingly placed liimself where there was the remotest chance of his being called upon for a speech. Happening in Chicago one time when there was a meeting of the leading teachers of the state, he attended, but knowing no one there he took a seat as far back as possible, "to see and not be seen." Some one, however, seemed not only to know him, but to know he was there, for upon the election of officers he was chosen as one of the vice-presidents, all of whom were requested to "come forward and take, a seat on the rostrum. " Mr. S. did not respond, and it was found that he had quietly slipped out of the hall. The honors were too much for him. AVhile none present were more interested in the cause of education he could not bear the unsought honors thrust upon him, and in self-defense was forced to retire. EIGHTY-FOURTH REGIMENT ILLINOIS INFANTRY. This S})lendid regiment was raised in the summer of 1862. Louis H. Waters, of Macomb, formei'ly lieutenant colonel of the 28th Illinois, was asked by Gov. Yates to enlist one of four regiments required of Illinois under the president's call for 50,000 for a reserve force, and he promptly responded, addressing public meetings in Mercer, Henderson, Hancock, McDonough, Fulton, Schuyler, Brown and Adams counties, and enrolling volunteers. Beginning about the middle of June recruits were first sent to Camp Butler, Springfield, but in the latter part of July the rendezvous was transferred to Quincy. In Mercer county John C. Pepper and Luther T. Ball, of Keiths- burg, began late in July to raise a company. They employed a band, and in a short while had the men ready. On August 13th a mass meeting was held at Sugar Grove and company H was organized, Pepper being elected captain and Ball first lieutenant. The following day the company, ha-^ang 105 men enrolled, assembled at Keithsburg, where it embarked on a steamer for Quincy. When the organization was completed Henry E. Abercrombie was chosen second lieutenant. The company was mustered into the service with ninety-three enlisted men. Frederick Garternicht, of Oquawka, a German martinet, formerly lieutenant in the 28th Illinois, raised company G for this regiment. He began recruiting about the middle of June and was cordially assisted by his townsmen generally and by the following persons par- ticularly : AVilliam II. Fuller and liussell W. Caswell, of Oquawka, the Rev. Dr. David McDill, of Biggsville, and Edward Ray, of Young 364 HISTORY OF SEERCEB AJS'D HENDERSON COUNTIES. America (Kirk wood). As soon as enough were em-olled sqiiad drilling was commenced at Oquawka. On Monday evening, July 28, the com- pany was mustered in the court-house yard and briefly addressed by the Kevs. Hanson, Eutledge, and McDill, the latter, after his remarks, presenting each volunteer a copy of the New Testament. Capt. Garter- nicht shortly after, having about fifty men, marched them to Sagetown, and there taking the Cliicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad went to Quincy, where he went into camp, and continued recruiting until he brought the number of his company up to ninety. As long as the command was at that city Capt. Garternicht was regimental drill- master. He was commissioned captain of his company, and his associate officers were W. H. Fuller, first lieutenant, and R. AY. Caswell, second lieutenant. Lieut. Fuller was early detailed into the signal corps, and honorably discharged in May, 186-i. Lieut. Caswell was promoted to adjutant. AYlien the first lieutenancy became vacant by the retirement of Fuller, in 1864. Charles Kaiser, who had been pro- moted after the organization of the company to corporal and then ser- geant, was commissioned to take that place. Company K was raised at Biggsville with unusual despatch, only a few days in the first part of August being required to secure over one hundred men. J. B. McGaw left his harvest in the field un stacked, and addressed himself with vigor to the work of raising the company, when the urgent necessities of the government were made known by the second call within little more than a month for 300,000 volunteers. His example of personal sacrifice and instant aid was followed in numerous cases. He was assisted at Biggsville by Dr. Alexander P. Nelson and Joseph Brown, and at Stringtown by Myron ]Mills, who brought from that place a squad of about twenty. On Tuesday, August 12, he started to Quincy with 104 men. The first three nights after their arrival they slept under a tree in their summer clothing. At this place the men balloted for officers, and elected McGaw captain, Nelson, first lieutenant, and Mills, second lieutenant. The company was mus- tered in with ninety enlisted soldiers. About the middle of August the organization of the regiment was completed. Thomas Ilamer was appointed lieutenant colonel, and Charles II. Morton, major. It was mustered into the L^nited States service on the first of September, and at this rendezvous was uni- formed and armed with Enfield rifled muskets. One month's pay was advanced and one-fourth of the §100 bounty paid. On September 23d the regiment was put aboard the cars for Louisville, Kentuck}-, where it arrived the 26th, and was assigned to the tentli brigade, fourth division, the former commanded by Col. William Grose, and the lattei- PERRYTON TOWNSHIP.* 365 by Gen. Nelson. The other regiments composing tlie brigade were "old regiments," 36tli Indiana, 23d Kentucky, 6th and 24th Ohio. Starting with the rest of the army in pursuit of Bragg, on October 1st, it did vigorous service and suffered bitter hardships on that disheart- ening campaign. It lay in hearing of the battle of Perrysville and chafed under a criminal restraint while struggling comrades were being slain in that unequal contest. Company G was detached at the time and took part in the engagement. The regiment went to Danville aud Ci'ab Orchard, and marched and counter-marched in that section, enduring what were great trials to fresh soldiers, for lack of food and I'est and protection fi'om snow and frosty and stormy weather. All the time they were near the enemy (Buell), doing him the favor to follow close enough to oblige his army to keep up in compact order while retiring leisurely from the state with the immense stores he had gathered. The 84th went to Mount Vernon and from there to Somer- set. The marching was again hard and privation and suffering were great ; cold rains and heavy snows occurred ; men almost barefoot left bloody footprints; and scores went to the hospital. From Somerset the march was continued to Columbia, thence to Glasgow, and crossing into Tennessee moved to Gallatin and Silver Sp]"ings, and halted, at last, for rest and recuperation, at the close of the month, three miles southeast of Nashville. This campaign wrecked many a strong soldier. The historian of the regiment, in depicting its severities, says: "It deprived us of more men than any battle in which we were engaged, it swept many into an early grave, it ruined the health of hundreds, but those who did endure its hardships w^ere inured to the rough life of a soldier, and were seldom afterward sick or sore from hard marching. " The regiment now had 400 in line out of 951 sworn in at Quincy three months before. Gen. Rosecrans had relieved Buell of the command of the army, and at once undertook the reorganization of the shattered forces. The bi-igade with which the 84th was connected became the third brigade, second division, twenty-first corps. The division was commanded by Sooy Smith (who was relieved about the first of December by Gen. John M. Palmer), and the corps by Gen. Thomas L. Crittenden. On the 26th of December tlie army was put in motion, and soon struck the enemy, who was gradually pushed back on Murfreesboro. Having reached Stewart's creek on the 29th the command advanced in order of battle with light skirmishing, and at night had borne down within two miles of tlie town. The left of the 84th was on the pike. In front was a cotton-field, at the southeast corner of which was the Cowan "Burnt house." Next day there was nothing but skirmishing, and the front 366 HISTORY OF RiERCEK AifD HENDERSON COUNTIES. line was occupied by other troops. Being relieved on Wednesday morning, 31st, the brigade went a short distance to the rear. During the night the rebels had outflanked the right of the army, and at day- light they commenced a furious attack and drove the union troops in great disorder down upon the center. About nine o'clock the fugitives began straggling back to the turnpike with alarming stories of the disaster to the right wing. The third brigade was promptly formed, facing west, and one hundred yards in fi-ont of the pike. The 6th and 24tli Ohio were disposed on the first line in the thick cedar woods. The roar of the nearing conflict grew louder. Stragglers, panic- stricken, rushed back till their numbers swelled into a tide of retreat that defied all efibrts to stop it. Nearer comes the sound, and all know that the victorious foe is pushing his advantage with all his strength. The storm is imminent ; then it bursts upon the first line, and its fury is withstood briefly ; the men break in confusion, and the entreaties and im^^recations of officers are unavailing to check the retreat. Over the second line they pour and are formed again about forty rods in the rear. Now comes the test of the S4th, the 23d Kentuck}^, and the 36th Indiana. A ledge of rock behind which they lie gives them partial protection. Parson's and CockerelFs batteries are thun- dering behind them, throwing shell and grape shot over the men directly into the cedars in front, which are swarming with the exidtant enemy. Soon the rebels come out of the cedars in full view and in point blank range, and instantly the line springs up with a wild shout and pours a deadly volley into them. For an hour each side faces a shower of bullets, and the air throbs with the detonations of the union artillery. The rebels, repulsed, finally take cover in the woods. Dur- ing the time a regiment came up the pike from the south and directed a cross-fire upon the federal troops. Being temporarily relieved from pressure the brigade changed front forward by a left half wheel, and opened on some rebels lying in the cotton-field, probably those who had been cross-firing, and on a heavy force approaching at this time from the right. The regiments on the right of the 84th receive the enemy's enfilading fire with surprising fortitude, but at length, unable longer to endure it, fall back and leave this regiment exposed to the raking volleys from the rebels in the woods, who promptly envelop its flank. A desperate resistance was kept up in this place for an hour, and the foe had crept up within sixty yards. The right was now retired so as to face him squarely, but his steady advance in a semi- circle beginning soon to timi the left, the regiment had to be with- drawn to the ledge. Here the 84th maintained its ground ^vith the utmost gallantry another hour, after all the other troops had retired PERRYTON TOWNSHIP. 367 beyond the pike. At last the order was given and the left fell back ; the right, not having hoard the command, remained, and some confu- sion was the result. While in this last position, and during the time it was falling back across the railroad, the regiment suffered heavy loss, twenty-live being shot dead, besides a proportionately large num- ber wounded. The rebels advanced, but were met by the troops holding the line of the railroad, and their movement was checked. The S4th then formed in front of the track, but were exposed in this place to a rebel battery, and so the men were marched fi'om the tield into the woods a mile away, and there stacked arms to give rest to tliis bleeding battalion, after six long hours of heroic fighting and sacrifice. New Year witnessed a comparative cessation of hostilities. On the 2d, Van Cleve's division was thrown across the river, and the third brigade went over as a support. A slight breastwork of logs was nuide. A^an Cleve received a sudden and vehement attack from Breck- enridge, and his division was driven back pell-mell. The rebels fol- lowed in splendid style, confident of easy victory ; but the 84th and the 6tli Ohio, together w4th other troops, held their tii-c till they were within three hundred yards, then rising with a deafening yell, poured into them a destructive volley, after which each soldier loaded and fired at will, kee})ing up a murderous fire which tliiimed their crowded col- umns. The designs of the enemy had been antici})ated, and Oen. Rosecrans had massed fifty-eight guns on the opposite side of the river, and when the rebels reached the i-ight place these opened with a salvo as if the universe had s])lit, shaking the troubled hills and devouring the enemy with sickening destruction. The rebels faltered, and before they could break into full retreat the S4th and the Oth Ohio were over their works, charging with a slogan upon the reeling assailants. The rest of the brigade. Van Cleve's division, and some other troops which had been hurrying over, now came up in the same gallant fashion, retaking all the artillery that liad been lost and one gun of the famous Washington battery belonging to the enemy. Kosecrans reported: "The firing was terrific and the havoc terrible." Bickham wrote: " The commander-in-chief hurled his batteries and his battalions together at the monstrous machines of Breckenridge, and destroyed them in forty minutes. Two thousand men or more, who had marched upon that field in haughty defiance, at tliree o'clock and forty minutes, were dead f>r manoled at four o'clock and thirtv minutes." This engagement was decisive of the protracted contest and gave the union army Murfreesboro. Nothing could excel the patient fortitude and heroic conduct of the 84th throughout this memoi-able struggle, and it won merited encomiums from oliicers of high rank who were witnesses 368 HISTORY OF :MERCER AKD HENDERSON COUNTIES. of -its splendid courage. Its whole loss was as follows : Killed, 33 ; severely wounded, 114 ; prisoners, 8. Thirtv-one of the wounded died. Many not counted were slightly wounded. The regiment suffered thus terribly on that dreadful "Wednesday. The loss of the whole army of 43,400 was 12,378. After the battle the 84th lay in the \icinity of Murfreesboro, changing place occasionally, and doing the ordinary duty of scouting, foraging, guarding pro\asion trains, and working on fortifications. Early in February elections were held in the regiment to fill vacan- cies caused by casualties and resignations. Lieuts. Ball and Aber- crombie, of company H, had been slain in the forefront of the battle, December 31, and now Private Peter McLain was voted first lieuten- ant, and Corporal J. iST. "White, second lieutenant. May 12 the brigade moved to Cripple creek and lay there till June 24, when the forward movement was taken up for the possession of Tullahoma. ' ' Upon the morning of the advance the rain commenced, and continued as if the very windows of heaven had been opened. For seventeen consecutive days the rain fell in remarkable quantity. No such stormy period had visited that countrv for twentv-six vears past." So said the annalist of the army of the Cumberland. Critten- den " had seventeen miles to march, over a road that had no bottom, and it took him four days to get over it. The infantry waded through mud for miles, that was from one to three feet in depth. They had to dismount their pieces and take their batteries forward from higliland to highland." So said Eosecrans recently (1882). The rebel army having retreated to Chattanooga, on July 8 this command went into regular camp near Manchester. Fatiguing work, toilsome marching, a scalding sun, and short rations were other features of this brief, but brilliant campaign, which might have been more complete in its results but for unfavorable weather and roads. The advance on Chattanooga began on the IGtli, and Crittenden's corps took the route across the mountains direct for that place. On the 2.5tli the brigade (Grose's) reached the Sequatchie valley and camped near Dunlap, beneath the tall cliffs which look down from the west, and remained there till September 1. The march was then resumed down the valley, and during the evening and night of the 3d the divi- sion effected the passage of the Tennessee, and encamped at Shell- mound. On the 6th it had entered Lookout valley. On tlie 9th, Gen. Wood having made a reconnoisance in force in the direction of Chattanooga and reported the enemy giving up the gateway between the river and Point Lookout, Grose's brigade climbed the mountain, drove oft' the rebel outposts, moved forward to Summerville, thence ^ PERRYTON TOWNSHIP. 369 down the moiiritain on the other side, rejoining the division below, whicli had now passed around the point, and moved out across Chatta- nooga vallev toward Rossville, under orders to follow the enemy closely and watch his movements. Let us return to trace those maneuvers which secured the entrance through this gateway and led to the battle in Chickamauga valley. Having reached the foot of the Cumberland mountains, various causes induced Gen. Rosecrans to delay a few days ; but when ready to con- tinue the advance by a ruse cle guerre he caused Bragg to suppose that he intended to make the passage of the Tennessee above Chattanooga, and suddenly on the 29th began crossing the bulk of his army at Bridgeport, Caperton's ferry ten miles below, and Shellmound eight miles above. Thomas, w'ith his corps, marched across the mountain- ous country, entering Lookout (^or Wills") valley, and proceeded up to Cooper's and Stevens' gaps, occupied them on the 8th and 9th, and passed over Lookout mountain. McCook's corps moved on a parallel route to the right, going over Sand mountain, through Valleys"' Head, and ascending Lookout at Winston's gap. All the cavalry, except what was employed in the feint above Chattanooga, was sent to the liead of the valley, with instructions to cross over to Alpine and make a show of strong force in that neighborhood. McCook was to follow it to the summit, display his troops to the best advantage, send a brigade or division down the mountain to back up the cavalry while threatening Rome, so as to give the appearance of a large force. Crit- tenden had been reserved to cross the base of Lookout immediately under the Point and next the river, as already described. The demon- sti-ation on Bragg's rear forced him into the open field to fight the decisive battle which Rosecrans and his lieutenants knew would inevit- ably take place for the possession of Chattanooga. Discovering the flank movement the rebel general hastily evacuated the city on the 9th, and retreated to Lafayette, twenty-two miles south, covering his base, and holding a position near enough to his antagonist to take any sud- den advantage. On the 11th Crittenden was ordered to Ringgold to feel forward for the enemy as far as Gordon's Mills. His report, as well as other information, left no doubt of the concentration of the rebel armv at Lafavette to await re-inforcements, and Rosecrans learned with deep concern of Bragg's present attitude ; especially now that he himself must despair of help from Burnside, who had been sent on a cooperative expedition from Kentucky into East Tennessee wdth instructicms to join him, Init who at this crises "was hunting with 22,000 men at his back for Gen. Sam Jones who. with less than 6,000, was toling him ofl' up into western Virginia." Rosecrans' main army 370 HISTORY OF FIERCER AXD HENDERSON COUNTIES. was dispersed from Einggold to Alpine, a distance of fifty-eight miles by practicable wagon route, and sixty-five by that subsequently taken by McCook (certainly a precarious situation), and the supreme en- deavor should be to concentrate and cover Chattanooga. The isolation of each corps was so perfect that the movement must necessarily be from the south, keeping in view the hold on the city. Ci'ittenden could not move up the valley to Thomas ^vith()ut exposing Chattanooga and jeo])ardizing the army ; the latter could not march to the assist- ance of McCook without leaving Crittenden at the mercy of Bragg ; therefore all hope lay in the celerity of McCook, and the tardiness of Bragg. Recently (1882), Gen. Bosecrans said ''this was the most anx- ious period of the whole campaign. " He had indeed risked a staggering responsibility. Crittenden was immediately ordered to march without delay to Gordon's Mills and to communicate with Gen. Thomas. His troops were there the next day. Bressing orders were dispatched to McCook to come by the road along the top of the mountain with all possible haste and join Thomas; but acting on what he believed was reliable informatirevented by Ci'ittenden, who had returned the same day from the foot of the ridge, McCook having just arrived PEKRYTON TO%VNSHIP. 371 on tlie right. At evening on the 18th mutterings of conflict on the left foretokl battle on the morrow. The rebel general was detected in massing overwhelming numbers on that flank to turn or crush it, and then to interpose his armv between Rosecrans and Chattanooga. To check this maneuver the union general advanced his line t(j tlie left during the night by moving Thomas' corps from the center, leaving its place to be filled by McCook's. The alignment from left to right by divisions was covered by Brannan, Baird, and Reynolds, of Thomas' corps ; Palmer, Van Cleve, and Wood, of Crittenden's corps ; and Davis and Sheridan, of McCook's corps, not yet established in position when the battle began on Saturday morning, the 19th. Xegley's division, belonging to Thomas's corps, formed a defensive crochet at Owen's ford, farther to the right, and the cavalry was thrown forward on this flank to defend ^lissionarj' ridge. Johnson's division of McCook's corps was in reserve in rear of Thomas, and Crittenden's right held Gordon's mills. The reserve corps under Gordon Granger was lying at Bossville, four miles to the left and rear. Bosecrans' front was parallel to Chickamauga creek, extending from northeast to southwast, and lying diagonally across the Lafayette road leading to Chattanooga, with the left reaching nearly to the Binggold road. The night had been one of acti\"ity in the federal army in changing positions and forming lines. About ten o'clock the dropping fire of the skirmishers and the deep bass of the artillery announced the open- ing of the battle. Gen. Thomas had ordered a recounoissance on the exti'eme left by Brannan's division, and Ci'oxton's brigade encountered a strong detachment of th-e iH?bel Gen. AValker's c*orps in front and flank, and drove it in confusion over half a mile to a massed body conceale^l in the forest. The rebels fjuglit savagely, and being reinforced by Cheatham's division, fell on the union troops with heatl- long weight. The whole division was at once engaged ; its double Knes struggled heroically to keep their places, but finally crumbled into disorder. The enemy, still advamiiig in deep columns, rolled u]» against Baird like a huge wave ; and his deadly fire, though shattering their front lines, had no visible eflect in checking the foe. Swept by the remorseless tempest, this division was unable to stem its wrathful course, and gave way. Johnson, advancing now from his reserve position, struck the enemy in flank. Palmer's division came about this time to succor the struggling left, and Brannan's and Baird's divisions having been reformed, Gen. Thomas ordered the line to advance. The movement was as unexpected to the rebels as it was irresistible. They tried in vain to stand ; they poured desolating showers of bullets, grape-shot, and canister into the daring columns, 372 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. but onward those invincible divisions went like a billow of the ocean. With frantic exertions officers tried to restore order and establish new lines, but as 'often as that was done the torrent of union victory swept them away like driftwood. Thomas' battalions stopped only when satisfied -with having driven the exultant and confident foe nearly a mile over the ground they had lost, and taken cannons, caissons, and eveiything else that the enemy in his flight had left. The account of a rebel writer says this "fight was one of great desperation," that the rebels "experienced fearful sacrifices," and that the union soldiers "pushed close upon the battery of the gallant Capt. Carnes and slew most of its horses and men," and the pieces "were therefore aban- doned to the enemy." Opportunely for the rebels, Cleburn dashed up to the rescue of their endangered right and engaged Palmer's division with his usual impetuosity. Now the tumult drifts along the quaking earth. Heavy flanking columns crowd the right ; Palmer is overlapped, and his line is in danger of being doubled up, when Yan Cleve marches in to arrest the peril, but the dense battalions with which he grapples overcome him. Bragg is practicing his favorite plan of attack in commencing on one flank and hurling for- ward his divisions successively in search for a weak point, until the whole line is engaged. The tide of battle rolled heavily to the right, taking in Reynolds, who divided the pressure wdth Van Cleve, and covered his fron' with a terrific lead-storm ; but his division was shortly sundered in twain as if a hurricane had torn through his ranks. Davis was ordered up at the critical moment; and though his men struggled with raging energy, he could not long withstand the rebel momentum of increasing numbers. He gave back slowly till Wood arrived to swell the furious combat, when the enemy recoiled with heavy loss. At three o'clock Sheridan was ordered to leave Lytle's brigade to hold Gordon's mills, and with the rest of his division to move to the assistance of Wood and Davis. He was on the ground not too soon to save the former from disaster. The heavy sound which moves toward the right, shaking the deep woods, tells that the center has caught the storm. Gen. Negley, who has been lying at Owen's ford all day, is ordered to march down to the Widow Glenn's to be in momentary readiness for action. He reported with his division at half-past four ; and as soon as it became certain that the battle was going against the union arms in that quarter, his fresh veterans rushed upon the foe with ardor and drove him back steadily till dark- ness put an end to the fighting. Erannan had also been sent from the left, and at night took a position t(^ the right of Reynolds. The results of the day were substantial success. The federal armv PERRYTON TOWNSUIP. 373 had held its ground, and the rebel general was foiled. The union troops, outnumbered, luid all bci'n called into action except two brig- ades. The rebel army was reinforced bv Ihickner, recently from Knoxville; by a detachment from Johnson's army in Mississi])])i ; and by another from Lee's army in Virginia. The battle-ground was heavy timber, so undergrown as to be an immense cop])ice. This was of great advantage to the rebels in nuissing and attacking, and of proportionate disadvantage to the federal side, allowing but small op})ortunity for the use of artillery. Everj^ incli of ground was con- tested with obstinate valor. As often as one rebel line melted out of sight a fresh one took its place ; but the union soldiers Ibught without respite, without hope of aid, aware of the momentous character of the struggle, and that if they won the stake it must be with a costly libation of blood. So they received the surge of rebel strength and fury with surly front, and when overwhelmed and forced to give ground did so with dogged reluctance. By midnight the ])lans of the union commander for the morrow had been communicated to his corps commanders in a counsel at the Widow Glenn's house. Thomas was to maintain his present line, assisted by the divisions of Palmer and Johnson, with which he had been reinforced, and to hold Brannan in reserve. McCook, with the two divisions left him, was to close up to Thomas, with his right turned back to a strong position on Missionary ridge ; while Crittenden, with his remaining divisions, was to be posted in reserve at the junction of Thomas and McCook. On the rebel side the army was divided into two wings ; the right was given to Gen. Polk and the left to Gen. Longstreet, who had arrived with the rest of his corps at eleven o'clock that niglit. Polk was ordered to renew the battle at daylight, but owing to a dis- arrangement of his line he was prevented from making the attack until nearly nine o'clock. The morning opened sultry and oppressive. The fiery sky, as if it might reflect the bloody field below, was seen through a hazy, sulphurous canopy of battle-smoke, which enveloped hill, forest and glen, and the giants of war that lay among them. The union troops reposed on their anus, waiting for the first rude sound of con- flict to disturb the glory of the Sabbath day. Between sun and sun what onsets shall rock the earth I what valor amaze the world and mark the bounds of human courage and endurance ! Every man in those worn and battle-begrimed legions says nuitely with his chieftain, this "day must be for the safety of the army and the possession of Chattanooga." The first move of the enemy was to turn the left fiank to secure Rosecrans' line of retreat. Palmer was in the front, near the center, and Grose's brigade was ordered to the left to meet the enemy, 374 HISTORY OF mp:rcer axd iienderson counties. who was crawling around on the flank. The S4th retired from their barricade of logs and rails with a feeling of reluctance. Col. Waters had been the first to recommend the building of such a protection, and this regiment the first to begin the parapet. In moving to its new position it was first apprized of the presence of the enemy bv a sharp volley from an ambuscade, which killed and wounded several. This was followed by rapid discharges, but in spite of the severe fire the brigade formed in line. But being at once charged upon by a greatly superior force, it was driven in such confusion that detachments were separated and did not find their proper places during the day. Soon a deafening shout rises along the rebel front, and the line dashes forward in a thundering charge that envelopes Tliomas' position. The con- tending sides grapple in the herculean energies of despairing battle. An aid leaves Thomas' side and hurries off" to Gen. Rosecrans, to ask that Xeglay may be sent speedily. Thomas had been promised the return of this division early in the morning, and the order had been given for its transfer, but from some cause had but just started to move when the stafi" ofiicer galloped up. '• There it goes," said Eosecrans, as at that instant it was seen in motion. In a few minutes another aid came fi,)Tng from' the left, saying that Gen. Thomas was hotly pressed and needed Brannan. '"Tell Gen. Thomas our line is closing toward him, and to hold his ground at all hazards, and I will reinforce him, if necessary, with the entire army. Tell Gen. Brannan to obey Gen. Thomas' orders. " Gen. Yan Cleve, who has been lying behind AVood, is despatched in the same direction. The battle is increasmg in fury. jSTegley, with his veterans at a swinging pace, is hurrying to the relief of the suffering left. Yan Qeve follows rapidly. A cloud of smoke and perpetual fire roll from Thomas' solid front. lioaring batteries, double-shotted, pour the desolating iron into the frenzied foe, who is constantly re])laeing his dissolving ranks with fresh troops. Closer and more stubbornly they press, and deadlier grows the union fire. The line of conflict extends to the center. It is now eleven o'clock, and Longstreet assails the right fiercely. The rebels on Thomas' front, exhausted by their own tremendous exertions and frightful losses, fall back, at length, demoralized, out of the reach of the field guns. Smart- ing under this bloody and signal repulse, they close up their bleeding, ghastly ranks, revise their lines, strengthen them with reinforcements, and then the massive column is launched once more against the weakened line. In the meantime Gen. Thomas has ridden along the ranks, so that if it were necessary his presence should infuse new con- fidence, and his troops catch some of his own steadiness of character and loftv heroism. Maddened bv the memory of their defeat, and / l^»^ THOMAS CANDOR foECBASED] EiGHTv-Fouirnr kkgiment. 377 thirsting to avenge it, tliey advance witli remorseless vigor under cover of a terrific cannonade from tlieir batteries. Tliev meet ag-ain the same stern resistance and devouring fire whicli before .strewed tlie ground with tlieir dead. Tiight up they come till foeman looks foeman in eye, and the stormy lines interlock and and writhe in mortal embrace. The union troops, according to rebel authority, "withstood as long as human powers of endurance could bear up against such a pressure, then yielded and fell back." But not till two hours of raging slaughter told the story of their heroism. Ketiring a little way a stand would be made till the courageous foe came and received full in his face that relentless fire whicli shriveled his wasting ranks. Tlie batteries, changing from place to place, were served with great animation and accuracy. The enemy paused finally, and Gen. Thomas rested his right on Missionary ridge, covering the gap, his left on the Lafayette road, his center advanced, the line describing an arc of a circle, AVliile tliis had been occurring, terrible work had been done on the right. The commanding general had guarded carefully against a gap in his front, but was notified that Brannan was out of line, leaving Reynolds' right exposed. Tlie situation was not comprehended by Gen. Thomas' aid who brought the information. Brannan was in echelon, that is, in rear, with his right extending beyond Reynolds' right. Gen. Rose- crans promptly sent an order to Wood to close up on Reynolds. As Wood's left connected with Brannan he understood the order was for him to support Reynolds by withdrawing from the line and marching by the flank to liis rear. Acting on this fatal mistake, without report- ing to the commanding general for further instructions, he moved to the left, and so opened a wide breach. lie was savagely attacked while executing this disastrous change, and his right brigade was severely handled. It is like a break in a levee. There is a wild rush of rebels into this gap. Then twelve cannon enter. Brannan's right is hurled back. Van (yleve, at this juncture, marching to the left, i» struck full and fair in flank ; two batteries at the same time moving the same wav are driven throuo;h two of his brigades. Half of the division instantly crumbles to atoms and goes like chaff to Rossville. On the right of the gap are Davis and Sheridan. The division of the former, taken in front, flank and rear, completely disintegrates. The latter is overlapped on the right by Longstreet's mammoth line, now sweeping forward in a grand onslaught. Laibold's brigade is carried awa}^ with Davis. Scorning to fly, Sheridan, with his two remaining brigades moving toward Reynolds, hurls a forlorn column with con- vulsive desperation against the massive front of the shouting foe. One trial is enough ; he is caught in flank ; then his troops hurry past 22 •B78 HISTORY OF MERCER A]SD HENDERSON COUNTfES, the Dry vallej, and by a circuit arrive at Eossville, from whence, at night, he leads them to the support of Thomas. Between the wreck- ing of Davis' and Sheridan's divisions, Lytle's brigade was shivered ; the brave leader fell dead in the arms of an aid, and his horse dashed away with the straggling, panic-stricken throng. Generals McCook and Ci'ittenden search in vain for the remnants of their commands, which are scattered in twos and threes, scarcely the semblance of a formation anywhere. Guns, caissons, horses, wagons, and a bewil- dered, cursing multitude of fugitives obstruct the j^ass through Mission- ary ridge. These brave officers sicken at the tumult, but cannot stay the refluent tide, and are borne along by it till they arrive in Chatta- nooga. The commanding general, ignorant of the extent of the dis- aster, issued a few necessary orders, and despatched his chief-of-stafi, Gen. Garfield, to Gen. Thomas, to ascertain the situation of his com- mand, and to communicate with him by telegraph at Chattanooga. Garfield performed the perilous journey over hills, through valleys and wild forests, heedless of lurking dangers, reached Thomas, and sent the grateful intelligence to his chief that the left wing was holding its ground, and would do so to the last. Rosecrans in the meantime returned to Chattanooga, ''to give orders for the security of the ])ontoon-brigade at Battle creek and Bridgeport, and to make prelimin- ary dispositions either to foi-ward ammunition and supplies, should we hold our ground, or to withdraw the troops into good position." Having routed the right of the union army, the eager foe, elated with that success, and confident of dashing the remainder in pieces, about one o'clock fell upon Thomas with remarkable force. The divi- sions of Baird, Johnson, Palmer, Reynolds, Brannan, and Wood, two brigades oi Negley's division, and one of Van Cleve's were the troops left to hold the rebel army in check. The devoted union army was now assailed by more than three times its numbers. Kershaw assaulted Missionary Bidge in front and was fearfully repulsed. Finding this part of the line impregnable, heavy columns were projected against the flanks. The fierceness of the onsets, combined with the overwhelming weight of numbers, carried them back. Thomas' lines after that described nearly a complete circle, and Longstreet was in control of the main road to Chattanooga. An immense toil was closing around the stalwart hero. A sheet of deadly flame and fiery sleet encircled this last stronghold, while his own lines blazed with withering volleys that bespoke, under the circumstances, the loftiest moral defiance and grandeur. Undaunted, the union troops received the repeated and staggerhig assaults of the exasperated foe. It was not dismay that lilhMl their hearts, but calm desperation. They stood witli their backs EIGHTY-FOURTH REGEMENT. 379 to the wall, and that wall was "the Rock of Chickamaiiga." The enemy, determined upon destroying the army, at lialf-past three found a low gap in the ridge, flanking Thomas' right and directly in his rear. Sanguine of a swift and crushing factory, they hurried into it in great numbers. "The moment was critical,'"' says Rosecrans. Twenty minutes more, ^nd our right would have been turned, our position taken in reverse, and, i)robably, the army routed. Struggling with grim valor at all points to beat back the rami)ant foe, Thomas could spare no troops for this new and appalling danger. For the first time in his life his countenance and manner betray emotions of distressing anxiety. lie knows that Granger is at Rossville, three miles away ; no time to send word ; at best, three miles against twenty minutes. Xothing but the providence of God can save the army. Nervously, painfully liis eye sweeps the horizon. A cloud of dust is rising. Doubtfiil whether it can be fiiend or foe, he exclains to Capt. Johnson, of Negley's staff: "Find out what troops those are, moving upon me.'' Bringing his glass to his eye, he watches intently the approach- ing column. On that hangs the fate of the army. Who can tell how hope and fear fluctuate in that heart that is almost still ( The seconds throb with conscious importance. A small object comes into view. His lips almost break out with thanksgiving; it is the battle-flag of Granger. One more chance for hope. All day long Granger had listened to the thunder on the left, and had marked its ebb and flow as it grew "Nearer, clearer, deadlier than before"; had paced up and down uneasily, wondering why orders to march did not come, every minute straining his eye for the sight of a stafi" oflicer. It was an heroic occasion, and a hero was there. Something said : push for the front. ' ' The God of batttles held that forlorn hope of the union army in his hand." "With the instinct of a true soldier and general," he ordered his trained but mostly new soldiers to move instantly. Two miles down the road he came upon a small body of the enemy, but he "well knew that at that stage of the conflict the battle was not there." Leaving Col. Dan. C. McCook's brigade to take care of any force in that vicinity, he urged forward with i)ressing earn- estness and reported to Gen. Thomas. ' ' The Rock of Chickamauga " sim})ly pointed out the right. The soldierly eye of Granger took in the i)erilous and astounding situation at a glance, "and quick as thought he directed his advance brigade upon the enemy." Gen. Steadman. inspired no less than Gi-anger, with an enthusiastic coy/p d"* a'/7, and M-orth at that moment a thousand men, 'seized a regimental color, and dashing to the head of the colunm, shouted the charge. 380 HISTORY OF HrERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. Language fails to describe the onslaught. As well as the leaders, every man is a giant. ' ' Right on into the desolating fire they pressed, reckless of numbers and of death, with a loud and thrilling shout. Over the batteries, over the astounded battalions of Hindman they went in a wild wave. It was marvelous, the charge of those two immortal brigades," and not less glorious than the charge of the light brigade at Bahiklava. The trampled earth is strewed with the harvest of war ; the enemy is routed with great slaughter, and the stars and stripes are on the ridge. Renowned victory was wrung from the hands of the rebels, and, stung with disappointment, Longstreefs veterans returned in successive charges riglit up to the six guns planted in the gorge, fighting with the ferocity of desjjair. This was borne with firm courage by Granger's shouting soldiers, who sent them reeling back each time, torn and bleeding, with a wild slogan that vied with the sanguinary uproar. It was madness to lavish their superb battalions in hopeless frenzy and onset, and in vain the rebel generals broke col- umn after column to pieces on this granite front. As the sun went down the last attempt was made on the invincible band. They had exhausted all their ammunition, even all that could be gathered from their fallen comrades, and it was with much solicitude that the prepara- tions for the last vigorous assault were watched by these fearless men who had stood in the deadly breach for hours. Should the triumphant reward for all their bloody sacrifice be torn away at the last moment? They are coming now, and are so near that their muffled tread is plainly heard. The ringing command comes : ' ' Give them the cold steel!" Springing forward "with fixed bayonets and a piercing yell, they rush upon the heels of the foe, who, struck with conster- nation, has broken and is fleeing in the wildest disorder. Weak- ened by their desperate endeavors, the rebels give up this hope- less point after frightful carnage, and thankful relief comes to Granger's men, of whom a thousand, nearly a third of the number that went into the fight, either dead or wounded, lie stretched upon the field. Believing that the left had been weakened to reinforce the right, Bragg sent a column to attack in that quarter. Being informed of its approach. Gen. Thomas ordered Reynolds to move with his division to meet it, and pointing out the rebels, bade him "go in there." Facing about to save time, and moving by the rear rank, the battle-smoked and blood-stained warriors were given the order to charge. With bayonets lowered, they struck the double-quick, while a wild battle- shout sprang from their hoarse throats, and they pushed on over the enemy, taking more than a regiment prisoners. During the progress of all these exciting and decisive struggles a continuous battle had EIGHTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 381 raged from Hank to flank, the enemy crowding with billowy front against the union line, assailing Wood and-Breiman with scarcely less vehemence than Granger, but remitting his fury somewhat toward the left. Tlie pc^sition was girdled by two lines ; as often as one delivered its Are it would step back a few paces, lie down and load, then rising, step again to the front and Are. So ended the battle of Chickamauga. The 20th of September had.given us a Wellington in Gen. Thomas. In gratitude the people with one voice said of the modest warrior : "This is the rock of Chickamauga.'' Henceforth he ranked among the greatest generals of the war. It had been a day, too, when heroes sprang from the ground. Let it ever be heroes' dreviously mentioned. When the brigade was sent out to reconnoiter on the flank and ran ujjon the enemy in ambush, the 81th, being driven into a heavy thicket, was separated into three pieces which were lost from one another until night. Capt. Ervin commanded one detachment and succeeded in joining the brigade ; Capt. lliggins had another, and Col. AVaters the third. Each bore its full share of the hard fighting. The loss was 11 killed, 77 severely wounded, and 12 missing. About fifty were slightly wounded and remained with the regiment. Company G lost fourteen out of thirty that went to battle. The 81th continued its career of valiant service till the close of the 382 HISTORY OF FIERCER AKD HENDERSON COUNTIES. war, but space will not permit more tlian a cm*sorj relation of its subsequently brilliant record. The reigment was shut up with the rest of the army in Chattanooga during the investment by Bragg. When the army was re-organized there, the third brigade, second division, twenty-first army corps, to which the 84th belonged, became the third brigade, first division, fourth corps, and so con- tinued during the remainder of its active service. Gen. Palmer was soon called to the command of the 14th' corps, and was succeeded by Gen. Cruft in command of the division. On October 25th, just prior to the change of commanders, the division was ordered to cross the Tennessee, and moving over the mountains to Shellmound, re-ci'ossed the river, when the third brigade was sent to "Wliiteside. On ISTovember 24th this division, with Geary's, of the 12th corps, fresh fi-om the Army of the Potomac, and Oster- hous', from the Army of the Tennessee, assaulted Lookout Mountain and drove the enemy in handsome style from that eternal stronghold. The 84th was on the extreme left of the line, and it was due to this fact that its loss was only three wounded, all of whom recovered. When the enemy's main line gave way the regiment swung rapidly foi*ward, and in twenty minutes took more prisoners than there were men in its ranks, and for this success received the thanks of Gen. Hooker on the spot. Next day the stars and stripes floated from the summit of the mountain which had been a blazing citadel for weeks. The same day Hooker pushed across Chattanooga valley and ascended Missionary ridge at Poss^nlle, striking the rebel left and rear, while Sherman was battering their right, and at the same hour that Thomas made the splendid assault on the center, and the entire rebel army was routed with immense loss of men and munitions of war. Having pursued to Pinggold, on the 29th the regiment, on its way back to camp at Wliiteside, stopped on the battle-ground of Chickamauga and assisted in the sad but christian work of burrying the remains of the union dead, which the rebels, with characteristic inhumanity, had left in large numbers to decompose above the soil. A period of ordinary service followed until the Atlanta campaign. On May 4, 1864, the 4th corps concentrated at Catoosa Springs and awaited the arrival of the 23d corps, which formed on its left. On the Tth the two marched south, when the right of the 4th connected with the left of the 14th at Tunnell hill, from which the rebels had been dislodged that morning. From this time till the 13th the regiment was before Eocky Face ridge, an impregnable natural stronghold, skirmishing most of the while, and once making a charge and driving the rebels out of their rifle pits. The loss on the 9th was eleven killed EIGHTY-FOURTH REGIlVrENT. 383 and woimded. The flank movement tlirougli Snake Creek gap, a pass tlirongli tliis ridge fifteen miles south, compelled the rebel anny to fall back. The 84th advanced through Buzzard Roost gap, and passing Dalton, skirmished forward to Resacca, where it took part in the fighting on the 14th and loth. On the 16tli, the rebel army having retreated, the command went forward, skirmishing desultorily, some- times severely, down as far as Cassville, which was reached on the 19th. The army rested till. the 23d, then moved on Dallas. On the 25th Thomas' army found the enemy in strong force at New Hope Church ; the following day it was arrayed for steady work, and fi-om this time the regiment was in constant fighting for ten days. From the 7th to the 10th, the 84th was encamped three miles south of Ack- worth ; on the latter date the army moved forward to confront Johnson's intrenched line from Pine mountain to.Kenesaw, and until the 18th the men were working their way up close to the enemy's breastworks by building successive lines of their own, under heavy fire, which did not relax day or night. After the 15th the contending sides were so close that all the firing was done from the main parapets. On the night of the 18th Johnson retired the fianks of his army, and next day the brigade was in advance feeling for the enemy. A part of the 84th was on the skirmish line and suffered severely, especially company G, which had two men killed and seven wounded. On the 21st the regiment had another killed and several more wounded. The rebel army retreated to the Chattahoocliee on the night of July 2d, and the 84th followed in pursuit on the 3d, overtaking the enemy in the neighborhood of Smyrna camp-ground, when ' ' they celebrated their fourth of July by a noisy but not desperate battle." On the 10th the 4th corps crossed the Chattahoochee, and after throwing up breastworks for use in case of need, rested till the 18th. Crossing Peach Tree creek on the 20th, the regiment advanced on the skirmish line, charged the rebel skirmishers and took all in their front pris- oners. They moved their line forward 200 yards on the 21st, and were engaged nearly all day in sharp fighting. On the 22d, while the battle of Atlanta was in progress on the left, the 4th, 20th and 14tli corps swung in upon Atlanta, closely investing the city on the north and northwest. On August 3d Capt. Dilworth, of company F, with sixty-five men from the regiment, one-third belonging to com- pany K, made a brilliant sortie and captured all the skirmish posts in front of the brigade, including twenty-six prisoners, witliout the loss of a man. On tlie 5th a simihir affair was planned by the brigade com- mander, and the skirmish line made an attempt to advance, but with ill success, and the 84th lost one killed and two severely wounded. 384 HISTOKY OF FIERCER AJND HENDERSON COUNTIES. ' On tlie niglit of the 25tli Gen. Sheraian began his movement with the bulk of the army to strike and sever the West Point raih-oad south of Athmta. This was reached on the 28th, and the next day was spent in destroying several miles of it ; then on the 31st the Macon railroad was seized all the way from Rough and Ready to Jonesboro. At the last place Hardee's corps was fortified and made a sally against the loth corps which was easily repulsed. The following day the destruction of the railroad was continued, and in the afternoon the 14th corps stormed Hardee's defenses and carried them with slight resistance, capturing a brigade and ten pieces. The setting in of night prevented the 4th corps from reaching the enemy's reai-, which would have compelled his surrender. As it was he escaped that night, simultaneously with the evacuation of Atlanta by Hood. The 84th had one man killed and five wounded on this expedition ; and from the beginning of the campaign twelve were killed and seventy wounded. Six of the latter died in hospital. It was estimated that the regiment built, ii'om the time it encountered the enemy at Tunnel Hill, ten miles of breastworks. The 84th encamped at the close of the campaign witli the rest of the corps three miles southeast of Atlanta. When Hood started north to invade Tennessee, all the army except the 20tli corps which was left to garrison the city and guard the bridges on the Chattahoochee, started in pursuit in the first week of October. The 4tli corps marched to Chattanooga; from there it Was transported by raib'oad to Athens, Alabama, where it awaited orders two days, and then marched north to Pulaski, Tennnessee. Gen. Sherman, about this time, turned from the pursuit of Hood back to Atlanta to set out on the march to the sea coast, and Gen. Thomas was left to watch and oppose his old antagonist. In the latter ])art of November the rebel army was in motion directly for Kashville, and the" 4tli and 23d coq^s began immediately to fall back, either not able or not designing to keep much in advance of the enemy. On the 29tli Columbia was abandoned, and while three divis- ions were moving toward Spring Hill, the rebels, by a forced march to cut them off", attacked the place which was defended by one division, but were repulsed. The heavy supply trains narrowly escaped capture. On the 30th tlie retiring army was concentrated at Franklin, ])osted behind hastily constructed breastworks on the south side of the town, the line in the form of a crescent, the flanks resting on the Ilarpeth river. About four o'clock in the afternoon Hood threw his army u})on this position, the chief weight against the center, with terrific energy. His men went over the first line of works in a furious charge, and EIGHTY-FOURTH REGEVIKXT, 385 • pausing under a destructive fire long enough to organize for an assault on the second line, they advanced with blind impetuosity; but the reserves having been brought up they tailed to make a lodgment. At ' five o'clock the union troops advanced to retake the works, and now occurred one of the most desperate encounters of the war. The soldiers stood up within arm's length of one another and fought like nuidnien with bayonets and clubbed muskets. This was continued till darkness ended the frightful combat, when Hood, having failed of his purpose to break the center, which would have been fatal to the whole, withdrew. Union loss, 1,500; rebel loss, 6,250. The first division was in a comparatively unexposed position, and not till the end of the fighting was the 84th on the front line, then it was deployed as skirmish- ers. Col. Waters and Adjutant Caswell were severely wounded, but afterward recovered ; these were the only ])ersons serving with the regiment who were injured. At night the march was continued toward xsashville, and early next morning the head of the weary, bloody column reached that city. After two weeks of preparation Gen. Thomas was ready for the ofiensive, and on December 15th, moved as^ainst the enemv, turn- ing his left and forcing back his whole line. The battle was continued next day, and the rebel army disastrously routed. Pursuit was made by Wilson's cavalry and the 4th corps. The 23d corps also went as far as Columbia. When the shattered and demoralized army was across the Tennessee, the end of the campaign was announced, and the troops went into winter quarters. This was the completest union vic- tory of the war, not involving a surrender, for it practically destroyed the rebel army. In all these O])erations the 84th was with the fore- most actors, and sliared the honors of the striking achievements. The 4th corps was cantoned near Iluntsville, and this regiment was put on provost duty in the city. In March the corps was ordered to Knoxville, and on the 13th the first division was transferred by rail, the others following soon after. From there the command marched to Bull's gap, and was stationed six miles beyond, lying there till April 18th. On that day the troops were put on board the cars and sent to Nashville, where, on June 8, 1865, this war-worn regiment was mus- tered out of the service with 346 men out of 932 who had gone to the "greedy front of war" only thirty-two months before. Company G had thirty men ; all but five of these had been wounded. On the Uth the regiment started for Illinois, and arrived at Camp Butler, on the 12th. On the 16th it was paid oft' and disbanded. 386 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. THE ONE HUNDRED AND SECOND REGIMENT ILLINOIS INFANTRY. " 'Tis midnight in the camp, The tired soldiers sleep, and dream, perchance Of home, perchance of conflicts past, and others Coming on the morrow. Braves, sleep on ! Let the cool night winds soothe yoiir slumbers deej). That you may rise refreshed. Your country looks To you, and such as you, to guard her honor From traitors' foul contaminating touch. Yet, one is vigilant ; With measured tread he paces on his beat — The midnight sentinel. The moonbeams play Upon his burnished bayonet, and its rays Fall gently on a calm, sweet, upturned face. That smiles upon the soldier from its frame." E. H. N. Patterson, 1862. The war of the rebellion had been in progress something over a year when recruiting for the 102d regiment began ; but as more men enlisted from Mercer county in that organization than in any other, we assign it the largest space. Company C. — Frank Shedd commenced enlisting men on August 5, 1862, and on the 21st had eighty-nine enrolled. The company assembled at Berlin (Swedona) on the 26th, and taking wagons, went by the way of Oxford and Galesburg to Knoxville, and were assigned quarters in Camp McMurtry on tlie fair grounds. Ninety-six men went into camp, but ninety-two, including officers, were all that were mustered in. Shedd was elected captain, Almond Shaw, first lieu- tenant, and Watson C. Trego, second lieutenant. Alfred H. Trego was appointed first or orderly sergeant, Byron Jordan, second sergeant, George "W. Gregg, third sergeant, George W. Allen, fourth sergeant, and Sampson M. Tenny, fifth sergeant. The corporals were Isaac N. Roberts, S. F. Fleharty, Rodney C. Manning, Henry Bridgford, Jacob Clause, Brainard Vance, Phoenix R. Briggs, and John Lippincott. Company E. — On August 7 a meeting was held at Brown's school- house in North Henderson township, at which Dan. W. Sedwick en- listed eighteen men. Thomas Likely, of the same township (now of Norwood), was present and stated that he had enrolled eight men, and proposed to unite with Sedwick, which was done. By the 14th they had eighty-four. On that day the men met at the same place and organized by electing Likely captain, Sedwick, first lieutenant, and T. G. Brown, second lieutenant. The following were the non-com- missioned officers appointed : Sam])le B. Moore, first or orderly ser- geant; John Allison, William J. Abdill, Jonathan E. Lafferty, and ONE HUNDRED AND SECOND REGIMENT. 387 Albert Bridger, sergeants; Thomas Simpson, Henry M. Carmicliael, Jolm Tidball, Lyman Bryant, Allen Dunn, Henry W. Maiick, Robert Godfrey, and John T. Morford, corporals. Some time in the last week of August Lieut. Sedwick started from Bridger's corners (now Suez) with thii'ty-two men, and going through Scott's grove, met Capt. Likely one mile south of that place with about the same number, from whence they proceeded in wagons through Galesburg to Knoxville, arriving there in the evening, where the rest of the company joined them. Company G. — This company was raised by Joseph P. Wycoff, assisted by Isaac McManus. David Lloyd had begun a com])any, but as he did not make it up his i*ecruits, eight or ten in number, came into Wycoffs. Enlistments for this company were commenced in Keithsburg on the 6th of August; on the 15th over one hundred were enrolled, and runners were sent out to notify the men to meet on the ITth to organize. One hundred and twenty assembled at the 0])era house and AYycoff was elected captain. On the 19tli the comi)any embarked on a steamer for Burlington, where it arrived at midnight. The hotels were full and the men slept that night in a livery stable. Next day they took the cars and reached Knoxville, going into bar- racks on the north side of the fair ground. The organization of the company was next completed, the choice for first lieutenant falling on Isaac McManus, and that of second lieutenant on William II. Bridg- ford. The non-commissioned officers were also elected by the com- pany, Caj^t. AVycotf promising to appoint whomsoever the men should declare were their preference. They were Luke P. Blackburn, Aaron G. Henry, John C. Reynolds, John McIIard, and Robert B. Seaton, sergeants ; and Wesley Hunt, Lemuel S. Gruffy, Elislia J. Grandstaff, Andrew J. Douglas, Richard H. Cabeen, Jolm G. Poague; George W. Thomas, and Andrew J. Campbell, corporals. Company G went into camp with 120, rank and file; but 101 was the maximum number allowed, and the excess were distributed among other companies. Company K. — James M. Mannon, Sanderson H. Rodgers, and William A. Wilson raised this company in the month of August, and it was composed of men from the north part of the county, and chiefly from those residing in Eliza and Millersburg townships. It was oi-ganizfed in Aledo by the election of Mannon, captain, Rodgers, first lieutenant, and Wilson, second lieutenant. Late in the month the company went across the country by private conveyances to Knoxville, where the regiment was assembled and about ready to be organized. The original non-commissioned officers were : James Y. Merritt, orderly sergeant ; L. Volney Willits, second sergeant (names of the 388 HISTORY OF IMERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. other sergeants unknown) ; and the following coi'porals : Peter Griffith, B. F. H. Reynolds, William Winders, J. E. Huston, Leander Officer, Eli Gook, AValter Smethers, and Allen Wilson. Other Companies. — The foregoing companies belonged exclusively to Mercer county, if we except a very few in company C from Kock Island county. Company A was enlisted in the corners of Knox, Mer- cer, and Warren, and was credited to Knox, although of the eighty- eight enlisted soldiers forty-three were ft'om j^orth Henderson and six from Rivoli townships in this county. Capt. Roderick R. Harding, of Galesburg, who had served in the 17th 111. reg. from Ma}', 1861, to May, 1862, associated Levi F. Gentry, of Kortli Henderson, with himself, and the two together raised the company. Harding became captain on the organization of the company. Gentry, first lieutenant, and Charles M. Barnett, of Korth Henderson, second lieutenant. The non-commissioned officers were : Robert W. Callaghan, Theodore H. Andrews, John Morrison, AVilliam Brown, and Adam jST. Tate, ser- geants; and William H. Black, Hugh French, Daniel B. Randall, Fielding E. Scott, John R. Holmes, Albert Talbot, Xealy Daggett, and George W. Miller, corj^orals. Company B was raised in Knox and Warren; two enlistments were from Mercer. Company D was raised and organized in Knox county, to which one-half of the men belonged. Sixteen were from Fulton county, fourteen from Warren, seven from Henry, six from Mercer, and a few from other places. Company F was made up of Knox county men, with two from Mercer. Companies H and I belonged to the same county, but the latter had eight men from Henry. The Beyiinent. — The 102d regiment was raised by Col. William McMurtry, of Knox county, and the companies, as fast as they arrived at Knoxville, were rendezvoused on the fair grounds, where there were ample and convenient barracks. This camp of organization was named McMurtry in honor of the venerable and enthusiastic colonel. The several companies assembled between the 20th of August and the close of the month, and when the organization took place Franklin C. Smith, captain of company I, was elected lieutenant-colonel, and James M. Mannon, captain of company K, major. On the 2d of September the regiment was mustered into the service of the United States 931 strong. The men were uniformed, furnished with blankets, and regularly drilled ; and the transition to camp life had all the features of novelty until the rudiments of soldierly training were in coin"se of easy mastery. ONE IIUNDEED AND SECOND REGIMENT. 389 . On the 22d tlie riii;lit wing was tr move to the seat of war in Kentucky. Buell's army was intrenched around Louisville and Bragg was knock- ing at the gates of the city. Public apprehension was high, and the raw levies from Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, were poured upon the "Kentucky shore" in immense numbers. The 30th of September dawned gloomily, but it found the regiment lively with hope and ardor, and before the morning was hardly passed it was in motion through the streets in a drizzling rain toward the depot of the Logansport, Peoria A: Burlington railroad. AVindows and balconies were ci'owded with old and young to get a view of the troops. Matronly women, total strangers, wiped their dimmed eyes as they watched the flower of the country's youth going to fields of blood and death. Next morning the regiment was in Logansport ; in the course of the day it passed through Lafayette, and toward evening reached Indianap tive of the style of fighting, he continues : " All this time a continual battle was in })rogress by strong skirmish-lines, taking advantage of every species of cover, and both parties fortifying each night by rifie- trenches, with head-logs, many of which grew to be as formidable as first-class works of defense. Occasionally one party or the other would make a dash in the nature of a sally, but usually it sustained a repulse with great loss of life. I visited personally all parts of our lines nearly every day, was constantly within musket-range, and though the fire of musketry and cannon resounded day and night along the whole line, varying from six to ten miles, I rarely saw a dozen of the enemy at any one time, and these were always skirmishers, dodging from tree to tree, or behind logs on the ground, or who occasionally showed their heads above the. hastily-constructed, but remarkably strong, rifle- trenches." Companies A and F were detailed to build breastworks, and before daylight the regiment was brought to the line and engaged with a will in the same task. A thick fog obscured everything; still the enemy's sharp-shooters were able to annoy severely the working parties, and Capt. D. W. Sedwick was ordered forward with company E to drive them away. He advanced to within a few yards- of the rebel breast- works before discovering his proximity to them, and before he could withdraw had several men wounded. Posting his company behind trees and logs the rebel marksmen could not long endure the intense and accurate fire of the Spencer rifles. Company E was relieved early by company C, and this at one in the afternoon by company K. Capt. Sedwick had seven men wounded that morning. Battery M, 1st New York artillery, had been brought up to our line and kept in constant activity two or three hours, and the rebels, to silence or check its fii-ing, planted guns nearly opposite in their intrenchments. Information of this, coming to Col. Smith, he strengthened the skirmish-line with eight picked men, who were instructed to cover the guns, which could be seen through the foliage, with a torrent of lead, to prevent their use or removal. Gen. Hooker approved this and ordered that it be continued 404 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. with vigor, and at five o'clock tlie skirmisliers were reinforced by twenty more marksmen* At eleven o'clock at night the rebels attempted to remove them, but were frustrated by the terrible fire con- centrated on them from the Spencer rifles. The guns were held by occasional reliefs until the afternoon of the 2Tth, when the regiment was relieved by the 111th Pennsylvania. When the Spencers were gone the enemy got his battery off. Moving to the right half a mile and joining the brigade on the right of the coi-jjs, we waited till after dark for orders, and then were placed behind breastworks, where we lay till the next morning, and were relieved by the 73d Ohio. Company F had one man wounded here just as the relief was taking place. The rebels opened on us warmly as we retired, and we had not more than reached a location 300 yards in rear, for rest, when they showed awakened activity, and ' ' several rounds of grape shot were fired by them, and the little iron crab apples barked the trees and rattled around so thickly it was mar- velous no one was hurt. " Finally, dropping a little farther to the rear, we camped for the night. Loss during the four days, 4 killed and 14 wounded. At ten at niffht on the 29th the 102d was ordered half a mile to the right to close a gap between the 15th and 20th corps, and on the morn- ing of the 31st was relieved by the 129th Illinois, Cob Case. At noon of the 1st of June, being relieved by troops from the 15th corps, we moved with the brigade three miles to the left. Thus had passed a week in the " Hell-Hole, " and thus ended our share in "the di*awn battle of New Hope church," so-called by Gen. Sherman. ' At noon on the 2d a rainy period, which extended to the last days of the month, began with a descending torrent. An hour later the brigade again took up the movement to the left, and proceeding two and a half miles was formed in order of battle in support of the 2d brigade, before which the enemy fell back stubbornly. The other regiments were more exposed and their loss was considerable. Brigade Surgeon Potter, of the 105th Illinois, was killed by a shell. The 3d was rainy ; the troops were out of rations ; another move was taken three miles to the left. Next day another short move was made. Then on the 6th a march of five miles brought us to the Wet Tortugas^ where we raised a breastwork and lay in the rain till the 15th. Rations were short, and ox-tail soup and damaged " hard tack" in request. At one in the afternoon the brigade was thrown forward, with the 102d on the skirmish-line, companies E, F, G and I deployed, the rest in reserve. Crossing an ample field the rebel skirmishers were driven fi*om their outposts in the edge of the woods. Retreating to strong posts on ONE HUNDRED AND SECOND REGIMENT. 405 higher ground thev hekl out a stubborn resistance, but our men pressed up under a brisk fire to within fifty yards, and at tlie next advance they drew off. The most important casualty was tlie wound received by Capt. Isaac McManus. This phice was known as Golgotha cliurch, and it was here that Col. Smith received a flesh wound on the lOtli, which sent him to the rear till the 10th of August, when he rejoined the regiment before Atlanta. The loss in the 102d during the two days' operations was thirteen wounded, including the officers named. Alluding to these operations Gen. Sherman says : ' ' On the 1 5th we advanced our gen- eral lines, intending to attack at any weak point discovered between Kenesaw and Pine Mountain ; but Pine Mountain was found to be abandoned, and Johnston had contracted his front somewhat, on a direct line, connecting Kenesaw with Lost Mountain. ... On the 16th the general movement was continued, when Lost Mountain was abandoned by the enemy."" We pause to give the general's description of how breastworks were built: "The enemy and ourselves used the same form of rifle-trench, varied according to the nature of the ground, viz : the trees and bushes were cut away for a hundred yards or more in front, serving as an abatis or entanglement ; the parapets varied from four to six feet high, the dirt taken from a ditch outside and from a covered way inside, and this parapet was surmounted by a ' head-log, ' composed of the trunk of a tree from twelve to twenty inches at the butt, lying along the interior crest of the parapet and resting in notches cut in other trunks, which extended back, forming an inclined plane, in case the head-log should be knocked inward by a cannon-shot. The men of both armies became extremely skillful in the construction of these works, because each man realized their value and importance to himself, so that it required no orders for their construction. As soon as a regiment or brigade gained a position within easy distance of a sally, it would set to work with a will, and would construct such a parapet in a single night. " On the 17th the right of the army, composed of the 20tli and 23d corps, the latter slightly refused on the flank, swung forward in a kind of grand left wheel in the direction of Marietta. It will not be for- gotten how Butterfield's division hunted its way through the low bushes and tangled timber to conceal its .own movement; for, as Gen. Sherman explains, the enemy's "position gave him a perfect view over our field, and we had to proceed with due caution." On reaching open ground we formed our camp, and lay here till'the morning of the 10th, when the bugle sounded the "general," to "pack up our kna])sacks and get ready to go. " It was here that we witnessed the shelling of a deep 406 HISTORY OF IVfERCEK AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. forest by a number of onr batteries occupying two tiers npon a lofty and extensive range, one holding the crest, the other halfway down the side on a ledge or shelf For adaptability to the purpose and the occa- sion the position was all that nature could have made it, and with so many guns in oi^eration, all in fiill view, the effect heightened by the exhibition beyond, the sharp explosions of shells, and the white puffs of lurid smoke rising above the trees, whose tops were lower than our feet, as we stood on the summit, was such an incident in war's realities as is not often seen. The enemy was sullen, responding only occa- sionally with his field-pieces, but his sharp-shooters were active and did some execution. On the 19th the enemy, holding on to Kenesaw mountain, con- ti'acted his flanks to cover more completely Marietta and the railroad ; and the right wing moved foi-ward in another grand swing eastwardly, our own division, and perhaps others, executing a variety of pei'plex- ing maneuvers through the dense pines, and under conflicting orders. The 102d was refused on the extreme right of the coii^s, and company C held the skirmish line this and the following day. The men worked till midnight building breastworks. To work the whole night was a common occurrence. Rains continued frequent and excessive. On the night of the 20th the men had scarcely fallen to sleep when they were roused up and ordered to move. This time it was but a short distance and only to straighten the line. Again were the soldiers building breastworks until midnight ; before they were finished orders came to cease using the axes and to be ready to march at six in the morning. The forenoon of the 21st was spent waiting in the rain for the order to move ; finally Gen, Hooker directed that the men be set to strengthening the works. From eleven o'clock of the 22d the day was full of surprises and lively operations, and tremulous throughout with impending battle, which fell just at evening upon the first division (Williams'). At the former hour tlie brigade was formed for the support of the third brigade, Col. Wood, and we were under a chafing fire for several hours ; and in the meantime double-quicking across a plowed field to the timber, where we threw up a parapet of rails just behind Wood's men. The afternoon was passed in moving short intervals to the right and making barricades .and traverses each time. The last one was finished at one o'clock next morning ; at four the command was relieved and soon moved a mile to the right ; at noon it moved still farther to the immediatevicinity of the Kulp house, some three miles due west from Marietta. Casualties in the 102 on the 20th and the 22d were one killed and four wounded. ONE HUNDRED AND SECOND REGIlvrENT. 407 We lay here a little retired from the main line until nightfall of the 26th. At that time the brigade relieved the front line and held it till the evening of the 29th, when it M^ithdrew to the third line for rest, and its place was taken by Wood's brigade. Gen. Butterfield was relieved this day and Gen. Ward succeeded to the command of the division. Col. Harrison assumed command of the brigade. We have reached the end of the month during which copious rains have scarcely intermitted for twenty-four hours at a time. At dark on the first of July we exchanged places with the second brigade, which was on the second line. The rebel chieftain having detected Gen. Sherman in the first stage of a movement for the possession of Kenesaw mountain and Marietta, similar to the one which gave him Atlanta, fell back sud- denly during the night of the 2d of July within his defenses on the north bank of the Chattahoochee. The commanding general had so well calculated the effect of his strategy that he was expecting the retreat and had issued orders, which were received that night, for the troops to be ready to march at daylight. Starting out in the morning, Capt. Sedwick in advance with companies E, F, G and B, as skirm- ishers, we took the road leading to Marietta, and struck the enemy's rear-guard of cavalry a mile from the town. Capt. S. directed the movements of his command with his accustomed prudence, and kept up a running attack until he had driven them through the town, which he occupied an hour in advance of any other troops. From this time till the 6th we moved leisurly toward the Chattahoochee. We stopped that day within two miles of the river, and on the Sth began policing our camp under orders from brigade headquarters. At this place we • got first sight of the church spires in Atlanta. By climbing trees we could see them plainly in the distance, and we strained our eyes for the largest view. The last of the enemy's forces crossed in the night of the 9th, and thenceforward the contending pickets were on opposite banks of the river. In front of our division the murderous fire between them ceased by mutual agreement. The foes basked within a stone's throw of one another ; occasionally they talked across, and always mani- fested the best of feeling. Swimming across from one to the other got to be a practice ; papers were exchanged, and traffic in coffee and tobacco was carried on. The- "Yanks" had the coft'ee and the "rebs" the "weed."" Gen. Ward, distrustful of this tamiliarity, forbade it in a special order. But the boys, tired of the constant strain, did not renew tlie firing. On the evening of the ITtli we crossed the river at Paice's ferry 408 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. and camped three miles on the other side. Next day we went two and a half miles farther south, and at three on the morning of the 19th threw up breastworks. Having orders to occupy the range of hills south of Peach Tree creek, the brigade moved on the 20th, and a little after noon it tiled along the northern base, the line of march for some distance being swept by the severe fire of the rebel skir- mishers. At length a halt was made, and the men threw themselves on the side of the hill under the scorching sun for a rest, and the cooks engaged in making colfee on the creek bottom. This was our situation when, at half-past three, the order was given to fall in. In a few minutes word came from those at the top of the hill that the rebels were coming. At that instant a rider was seen coming down from the right, in rear of the line, at full speed,' brandishing his sword. It was discovered to be Col. Harrison, and in a moment more was caught the command, "Forw'ard!" It was a magnificent sight to those who saw the "Old Iron Brigade" go up the hill that day in a counter onset. The engagement was fought mainly by the 20th corps. The forma- tion of the line on which the shock fell was in the following order beginning on the left : Newton's division, 4-th corps ; Ward's, Geary's, and Williams' divisions, 20tli coi-ps \ and one brigade of Johnson's division, 14th corps. The 20th coi-jds met the enemy without protec- tion of any kind ; the other commands fought behind light parapets. The former also had not established its line, and was caught without a premonition while in the act of change ; tlie second (Geary's) division was but partly deployed, some of the regiments were closed cm masse, drawing rations and cooking. The first (Harrison's) brigade was en- tirely on open ground, the right and left flanks resting against wooded eminences. It was on the right of the divison and was arranged with the 102d on the right, and the 79th Ohio and the 129th Illinois in suc- cession toward the left. The 105th Illinois and the 70th Indiana were in the rear, but when the left of the brigade was hotly engaged they advanced and took part in the hand-to-hand combat. On the right of the 102d was a battery which opened the battle in our front as soon as the enemy debouched from the woods, and before the main line reached the summit. When the column halted on the ridge there was a sudden and tumultuous roar as if it had been the crack of doom. The open vista was swarming with the enemy advancing steadily with- out skirmishers, in the Russian style, in deej) masses, and in easy musket range. In front of the 102d was a clump of trees and a stream ; the latter bent north across our line, forming a ravine having long slop- ing sides. The brigade lay across this ravine with its flanks resting ONE HUNDRED AND SECOND KEGIMENT. 409 above and overlooking the center. The stream turned the rebels oif from the immediate front of the 102d, and this regiment was free to take an oblique and enfilading fire which was directed to the left u})on the crowded columns pressing the brigade in that opuhir hinguage of the day, they were "ducked," and some one of the party believing in names, christened the stream Duck creek. The party continued their exploration, and when the country was spied out returned to their families and cabin homes. The soil of this part of Mercer county is a rich, black loam of an average depth of- about one foot. Coal and stone are present in small (piantities, the former of which is inferior in quality and quantity. The soil in early days was very abundant in its ]>roduction of wheat. William I. Xevius bought a piece of land, and in one crop ]>aid for the land, all expenses connected with its cropping, and had a surplus fund besides. But when we mention this fact it should be remembered that land in those days did not command fifty dollars per acre, as it does to-day, hence that fact does not indicate failure in the ability of the soil still to ])roduce abundant harvests. Says William I. Nevius: "corn is the chief product, which, in a good season, 3uelds seventy bushels to the acre.'' He further says, "wheat is raised, but, from some indefinite cause, the quantity and qualit}- is inferior to that of early years." Grains, cereals, vegetables and fruits of great variety have long been produced from this fertile soil, and for pasturage it is second to none. Water of a superior, cold, jnire quality is secured b}^ digging from twelve to forty feet. With all these attractions and promises wisely did the early seeker for such advantages and fortunes accept the proffered gifts of nature and settle upon this spot. No iron ribs had yet been supplied for this part of the old lady "Earth." No great massive ir<^n UKjnster came puffing and rumbling and rushing, hurrying land seekers over l)lain, among the hills, over stream, or through tunnel at the rate of thirty or fifty miles an hour. Not so came the sturdy, slow plodding, sure ])ioneer ; but with ox team or horse team, big wagon filled witli his family and a very few pieces of furniture, home-made products of genius and a jack knife or an ax, he started to wend his way across endless |)rairie, through trackless forest, over unbridged stream, through almost bottomless swamp towards the setting sun, leaving here and there a camp fire burning or its ashes, and ni'ter a journey of four to sev^en weeks halting on this spot for a permanent home in the ''great West." Instead of this journey many "drifted" down the Muskingum and Ohio rivers on fiat boats, and slowly urged their way up the Miss- issippi river to Oquawka, and later to Keithsburg where they landed their families and goods, then walked or were hauled to their wild homes. 428 HISTORY OF aCERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. The first comers were from Ohio. They settled near Pope creek, in the northern part of the township, giving to tlie grove of that sec- tion tlie name of their native state, Ohio. In after years the township was voted the combined appellation, "Ohio Grove." There were ex- plorations made by different ones prior to any settlement. Prior to 1835, a cabin had been thrown together on the northwest corner of Sec. 3, T. 13 K, R 3 W. of the 1th P. M., but its builder is unknown. This rude hut gave sheher to those wlio had come to stay. It also be- came the seat of merchandise where William Mackey sold a few sim- ])le goods sudi as a pioneer could buy. This was the first "store.*' September 21, 1835, there started from Muskingum county, Ohio, George McPherren, who had buried his wife in Ohio, In his family were : Mary, James, Susanna, Easter, Daniel, Nancy, Fannie, Sarah and George ; Benjamin Decker, the prospective husband of Miss Fannie McPherren; John Walker, husband of Easter McPherren. Some of the family taking sick, a short stay was made at Washington, Illinois. George McPhen-en, Sr., accompanied by George Long and Matthew Finley pushed on to find a satisfactory location. Mr. Long afterward located in Ivnox county, and Finley in Henderson. The family made another stay at Little York, where just previous Hughy Martin liad been killed by the Indians. Leaving some of the party at the fort, Mr. McPherren, John Walker, Benjamin Decker, and Daniel McPher- ren came to Mercer county and built a log house on the northeast quarter of section 4, in what is now Ohio Grove township. This "lone mansion " of the country was about 16 X 18, one story, one room. Some rough boards were hauled fi-om Ebenezer Crisweirs saw mill, on Eliza creek, at least fifteen miles distant. This was used for floor. The roof was of clapboards, the window of greased paper. Nails had been brought with them, but were used as sparsely as possible. When ready for ' ' dobbing " the weather was so cold that water had to be boiled for mixing the "mud." The following summer the mortar peeled oft' on account of its having frozen when put on. The new log "castle" was occupied by the family of eight on Christmas day, 1835. This house was furnished with the old "continental bedstead" of two poles, one leg and two sides of the house and clapboards, etc. Stools served as chairs for a number of years. The other furniture, if it ex- isted, was fashioned to correspond. The house stood close to the sec- tion line, one fourth of a mile from the township line. The small log cabin before mentioned, abc)ut a mile to the east, was occupied by part of the family in order to hold the claim to the (quarter on which it stO(Kl. Thus were the first permanent Settlers located after a journey of six weeks overland, with all the obstacles and hindrances incident ^SS*; i V.I S-t^^^t^ ff/ OHIO GROVE TOWNSHIP. 431 to the times, and their waitings at different places ere a home was found. Where are the McPherrens now ? The father sleeps beneath the sod where all nnist lie. Benjamin Decker is dead, but his wife^ Fannie, owns a farm in Ohio Grove. James is near Reynolds, Sarah is in Iowa, Susanna died in Iowa, John AValker is dead, and his wife is Mrs. Bover, near Viola. George, son of George, owns over 400 acres of land in Ohio Grove. In the same year, 1835, it is thought George Smith, Richard Rice, James Moore, and William Moore made their advent. John Moore- head, a native of Pennsylvania, but at that time resident of Muskingum county, Ohio, also settled in the McPherren neighborhood in 1835. He died in August, 1836, the first instance of mortality in this new settlement. He had lived on section 2. His wife survived him till 1862 or 1863. In their family were seven children, one of whom was buried in Warren county. The six were pioneers here. But two are living at this writing (May 12, 1882): Mrs. Ashford Hardy and Mrs. George Smith. Both are venerable ladies, examples of women of busy lives from the beginning to the present of this township's history. There may have been one or two otliers who came in this yeai", but if so they are unfortunately unknown to the writer. The year 1836 witnessed several additicms to the little group of Ohio Grove. Ashford Hardy, born in Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1802, moved to AVarren county, Illinois, in 1835, and in the following year bought the N. W. I of Sec. 1, T. 13, Mercer county. He married Sophia Moorehead in an early day. He also early purchased a quarter section in what is now Mercer township. He lived on his first purchase till his death, July 18, 1871. His children were: George, Sarah, Elizabeth, Noah, and Delilah. James McBride, having heard of the exceeding rich land and the immense quantities of it in Illinois, left Muskingum county, Ohio, early in April, 1836, embarking at Wheeling. He was attracted to Rock Island by reports of the sarties, sacred meetings, as well as burdens and disappointments, and pain and death, followed by tears of bereavement and loss. Mrs. Candor succumbed to the toils of frontier life, dying September 30, 1841, aged forty-two years. Thomas Candor, after a busy life devoted to the good of others as well as himself, died March 13, 1871. The old homestead, owned by Robert Candor, wears a far different aspect from that of forty years ago. In 1832 William I. Nevius emigrated to Warren county, Illinois, 434 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. via the rivers from Oliio. He brought a wife and joung children, also some goods with about ten barrels of flour. Flour was a scarce article on the way, and many applications to buy were made but refused. For some reason the party was landed on the Iowa side of the river, near where Keokuk is, by reason of the rapids being so shal- low, being told they would be transferred by a special craft. No craft appeared. Finally leaving the family in the wilderness alone, Mr. Nevius secured passage in a skiff" and started in search of some one to haul the family and goods to Monmouth, where his brothers-in-law resided, expecting that by his return all would be conveyed over the river. Finding no settlers he gave word to a man, owner of an infe- rior river craft, that he would push on to Monmouth if necessary to get conveyances. This man delivered the word to Mrs. Nevius, who had taken shelter in a shanty with her four sick children. Imagine yourself, good woman of this decade, in such circumstances ! The only cabin within miles. All weird and wild without, and lonely and desolate within, the shadow of night falling as a cloak over all. The real or fancied noise of the approach of wild and savage beasts, or more savage men ! The voice at the door calling for admittance and lodging, but sternly and resolutely refused by the heroine within. Anxious to cross the river Mrs. Nevius secured transportation of her goods. She first sent the flour over by the craftsman, who, going home for the night, refused to convey more that day. Next day another load of goods was taken across with the oldest child, small indeed then, to stay with the goods, and a similar postponement of the bal- ance of the work. The mother could see her goods and her child across the water, and must the child remain alone through night in such a place ? So said the craftsman. Finally the woman prevailed and the family united on this side the river. In time Mr. Nevius returned with ox teams and all were taken to Monmouth. Settlement was first made near Atchison's church, on Cedar creek, in Warren county. In 1835 removal near New Boston was had in time to vote for the organization of Mercer county. In 1837 Mr. Nevius secured the W. ^ of N. E. i, and the E. i of N. W. ^ of Sec. 16, T. 3, and permanently located it. This he improved. lie also bought land north of where Sunbeam is now. Here Mr. Nevius became identified with all the interests of Ohio Grove township. He was very handy with tools. Did general repairing for self and neighbors, whether carpentry, blacksmithing, or other repairing. He was a harness and shoemaker also. Mr. Nevius hauled the first apple trees of Mercer county from Hennepin, Bureau county, Illinois, with an ox team. He divided with the Cabeens and McPherrens. This OHIO OKOVE TOWNSHIP. 435 was in 1837. Mr. Kevins' liouse was the first on the prairie. Mrs. Nevius still lives, tlie heroine of many a pioneer's struggle and a faith- ful helper in woman's work in Mercer countv. Immigration continued steadily year by year. In 1838 William C. Brownlee came from New York, settling near Viola, Mercer county, and in the following year located in Ohio Grove township, buying 240 acres on North Henderson creek. Here he still lives, one of the few survivors of those early pioneers. The Burnets must have arrived about this time or little later ; they owned land in the southern part of the township. In this year also came John Stephens, wife and six children: Edward, now of Keithsburg; Peter, in Ohio Grove; Han- nah, then Mrs. James Trusler, now of Iowa ; James W. (died about 1840); William J., of Iowa; Catharine (Mrs. James Walters). Mr. Stephens purchased the Vernon interest in the mill ; also 160 acres of land. He sold and in 1846 settled on the prairie, where his death occurred. His wife survived him, but is now dead. 1839 seems to have been a blank year. 1840, more fortunate, brought William T. Patterson. He had purchased a few simple goods, as linen shirt- bosoms, jewelry, etc., which he sold as he traveled to such as would buy, or would pay his lodging and board with his wares. He worked awhile for Capt. Bain in the distillery. The captain failing, he received nothing for his work. Before doing this he dug a cellar for Henry Kimel. Thus "he worked around." He soon purchased eighty acres of land, for which he largely paid by building a sod fence. He farmed four or five years where Norwood is. It was not till 1847 that he bought and located permanently in Ohio Grove township, where he became owner of the E. ^ of Sec. 24. In 1842 Joseph Robinson came from Quincy, Illinois, and is yet a resident. In 1843 Hammond Webster settled the S. E. ^ of Sec. 28. He died in 1845. In this year (1843) James Calhoun emigrated from Ohio. He brought his wife and nine children: David, William, John K,, James H., Joseph C, Samuel C, Elizabeth, Franklin, and Alexander T. The family came via the river to Oquawka. Mr. Calhoun died July 15, 1847. James Emery and sons, James and Robert, must have come about this time. In 1845 came Nathaniel Partridge, a carpenter, and probably Levi Butterfield. James Graham had settled in Warren county in 1842, but in 1845 he located on N. W. ^ of Sec. 35, T. 13, Mercer county. This place he improved, and here he was identified with township affairs till his death, November 25, 1879. In 1848 John Seaton laid claim to the N. W. -J- of Sec. 19, first " squatting on it,'' and then pre-empting and finally buying it. He had lived the two years previous in Warren county. Mr. Seaton improved 436 HISTOKY OF MERCER A^T) HENDERSON COUN^TIES. his farm building, the present residence, in 1861. He died Julv 21, 1881. The farm is now the property of George Seaton. 1849 brought William Pepper and Samuel Lafterty. The latter came to Mercer county in 1842, but returned to Ohio till 1846, when he settled in !N^orth Henderson, then in Suez, and finally Ohio Grove township, Mercer county, Illinois. He is now old and feeble; he, too, looks back to the time when he shot deer, and wolves howled about the place. In 1850, Thomas, Francis, and John McClellan made their advent. Thomas and John bought the Butterfield place, which afterward became the property of John alone. Jesse Mounts and family, John Smith and family, and others were early settlers ; all cannot be found. Settlement became more rapid. The advent of another ceased to be a noveltv. Some began to feel crowded and moved awav. Several went to Oregon ; some to California. In 1851 James Robb, Jacob and Barnet Unangst became residents. Barnet Unangst moved his familv of wife and eight children from Xew Jersey, a distance of 1,100 or 1,200 miles, over the country, one team doing the work. They arrived after a journey of fifty-two days. They settled the jS". E. ^ of Sec. 13, entered for them a little before by Jacob Unangst, who had preceded them. A shanty, 12x16, rough fencing lumber, one story, which was occupied January 2, 1852. The frame-work of this residence con- sisted of poles sunk in the ground in shed style. The furniture was : bedsteads of home make, blocks of saw-logs for stools, dry-goods box for table, and soon a table made of rough boards. Thus, even in 1851, did emigrants live and endure. The country at that time was thinly settled, there being but one house between Ohio Grove township and Keithsburg. It must have been about this time that John Cameron settled in the southwest of section 19, where he improved a farm. He died about 1858. His daughter, Mrs. Mary Seaton, now occupies the place. James Cameron is in DeKalb county ; John died about 1865 ; Sarah became Mrs. Samuel Criswell : Peter is in Mercer countv. In this year also came William R. McCreight. He purchased a farm of six acres of William M. Hayes. AVilliam M. Hayes became a resident here prior to this time, but the exact date cannot now be given. A biography of him may be found in the appropriate place. In 1852 came Thomas S. Robb and others. In 1853 Samuel M. Creighton, Joseph Lafterty, Col. Jonathan Duncan, the Kelloggs and Torbets arrived. Others, as the Findleys, Gilmores, Mclntires, McCutchans, Sprowls, Garrets, Shrulls, Chandlers, Shoemakers, Dittos, Nolands, Gustin, M. M. Cross, the Browns, Milligans, and a few others, may be considered as having become tolerably old settlers. It is impossible to find every one. Space will not admit of extended OHIO GROVE TOWNSHIP. 437 notices of later settlers. Could those of to-day see those of fifty years ago at their work the fact of progress would be more evident to them by far than these lines can show. Tlie ox-teams, slow but sure, were the stand-bys. The people of this section did their milling at Jack's mills, or Criswell's mills, or sometimes hauled their grain above Moline or to Rockweirs mills. George McPherren and James McBride made the trip, twenty-one miles above Moline, to Cox's mills. Their load was thirty bushels of grain. Each furnished a horse. Arrived at Eock river, McPherren proposed to take the ferry. McBride, a jolly young fellow of high life, jocosely replied, " No ; let's ford the stream and save our money for whisky." McPherren then proposed that James should ride the off horse, to which the latter assented, and with which he immediately complied. In the bed of the stream lay the rocks, covered with their slippery film, which McPherren feared, but which McBride dared. Amved in deep water the "oft"' horse slipped, lost his balance, his foot over the tongue of the wagon, horse and rider down in the water. It required lively work for a few moments to right rider and horse, both of whom were in a dangerous position. The day was cold and freezing, and gladly would James McBride have warmed by a big fire place, with a bowl of bread and milk, instead of traveling in a robe of ice. After that he preferred the ferry. The distance was not often considered in a journey. George McPherren and Ephraim Johnson had made the trip to Oquawka. They were on their return with their ox-team. The winter storm began. The earth was soon mantled in her nightlv gown. The air was full of the downv snow. Iri^ense cold obtained. The party reached Bald bluft'. Still the team pushed on as oxen did push, and hour after hour was traveled. Home surely could not be far, when, to their surprise and disappointment and danger, they found themselves agaip at Bald bluft'. By this time McPherren's feet had somewhat frozen. Johnson opened the bosom of his shirt, and McPherren, placing one foot on each breast, gradually abstracted heat sufticient to warm the frozen members. Again the route homeward was resumed. They arrived after much suffering. These incidents but illustrate the journeys and experiences of manv others. The elder George McPherren and AVilliam Diliev visited their old home in Ohio. They returned by way of the lakes to Chicago, from which place they walked a distance of 180 miles home. In six days the feat was accomplished. Similar trips have been made to Galena to the land sales. "Occasionally a farmer hauled his wheat to Qiicago," says William I. Nevius, "bringing back a load of salt and other articles needed by 438 HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES. tlic families. Thej plodded on and on day after day tlirougli the prairie grass, fording creeks, some ha*ang their clothes so badly cut to pieces by the grass that they were compelled to change their iininen- tionahles 'hind-side before to appear decent in their own crowd, not caring for the outside world, as the face of a human save one of their own crowd was seldom seen on the way." Some of the present might say the expenses of those trips must have equaled the profits, but not so. Food was carried from home for the journey. It was that or starve, for there was only here and there a house (or one here and none there). But little chance offered for expenditure of money. Their wheat was sold for forty-five or fifty cents per bushel, then all returned as happy as lords. Long trips to mill soon became unnecessary. In the fall and winter of 1836 James McBride and Joseph Vernon built a saw-mill on Pope creek. This did the sawing for many years, but not the grinding. Vernon sold his share to John Stephens, who in turn sold it to Van- scook. The site finally became the property of Henry Kimel, who erected a good flouring-mill. This has given place to a far inore exten- sive building and apparatus, now owned by James Kimel, although not on the same site as the old mill. The trades were represented by the elder George McPherren as cooper. His work was scattered far and near, and many pieces still remain in use to testify to the workmanship. William Nevius was carpenter, shoemaker, and blacksmith. His work, too, was made to last and not for repairs. The works of these two men live after them. Since the war George Werts has been the village blacksmith. William Mackey kept the first store in 1836. John Stephens became the merchant in 1839. Since that day C. S. Richey and James Feather have sold goods, while the present firm is JVIcCreight & Co. The first postmaster at Sunbeam was Samuel M. Dihel. Mary J. Williams, afterward Mrs. George McPherren, kept the postoffice for many years. Moses Mclntyre has been postmaster of Duck Creek since its estab- lishment. The first secular school kept in the township was taught in a barn belonging to Capt. Pichard Rice. The teacher to whom this honor is due was Miss Ruth Conner. The time was 1839, hence it is evi- dent the early pioneers understood the necessity of education even for frontier life. It is said Miss Conner used to punish the children by putting them in the mangers of the stable when they desired other treatment than whipping. The first school-house was built on the S. W. \ of Sec. 4, in 1841. This was built by subscription and so sup- ported. It was not long before Thomas Candor and Samuel Cabeen OHIO GROVE TOWNSHIP. 439 erected a log school edifice on the S. W. J of Sec. 7. As the popula- tion increased other schools were established. As circumstances im- ]iroved the log building with its slab benches, etc., gave place to frame buildings. To-daj nine good edifices give shelter to the bodies of many children, while their minds are instructed by as many able teachers. The enumeration of 1881 showed 447 persons under twenty- one years of age. Besides the nine districts there are some partial dis- tricts. Emily Paine, now the widow of Nathaniel Brownlee, was the first teacher at the Candor school. S. llogan was a very early teacher. Perhaps no man has taught so long as E. Forsyth, who has been a teacher for over twenty years. He also taught for twenty years before coming to Illinois. ELECTIONS. The first election was held at the house of George McPherren, in the fall of 1836. For several years afterward voting was done at William I. Nevius' residence. The following is a list of the princi- pal officers of the township since its organization : So 1855 1&^.6 18.^7 18.='>S 1860 18«)1 1862 1863 1864 1865 18r>6 1867 1868 1869 1870 1871 1872 1S7S 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878 1879 ]880 1881 1882 Supervisor. James Burnet Samuel Cabeen Ashford Hardy William M. Hayes William M. Hayes William M. Haves William M. Hayes William M. Hayes William M. Hayes William M. Hayes William M. Hayes William M. Hayes William M. Hayes William M. Hayes Horace N. < 'handler. . . . Horaee N. Chandler Robert Candor Horace N. Chandler T. S. Robb Horace N. Chandler T. S. Robb Horace N. Chandler Horace N. Chaudler Horace N. Chandler Horace X. Chandler Horace N. Chandler Horace N. Chandler T.S.Robb Clerk. T. S. Robb Samuel Mi Samuel Mi E. Forsyth E. Forsyth E. Foi-syth E. Forsvth E. Forsyth E. Forsvth E. Forsvth E. Forsvth E. Forsvth E. Forsyth E. Forsyth E. Forsyth E. Forsyth E. Forsyth E. Forsyth E. Forsvth J. W. Sidw .1. W. Sidw E. Forsyth E. Forsvth E. Forsvtli E. Forsyth E. Forsvth E. Forsvth E. Forsyth Her. Her. ASSE-SSOR. ell ell John W.Dihel J. W. Cabeen Horace Williams J. P. Gilmore J. P. Gilmore J. P. Gilmore J. B. (Jilmore William I Xevius J. N. Mark4e J. P. Gilmore William I. Xevius E. Forsvth E. Forsyth E. Forsyth Alexander Pollock . . . E. Forsyth E. Forsvth E. ForsVth T. R. Gourley E. Forsvth M. M. ('ross J. W. Dillev J. W. Dillev J. W. Dillev J. S. Hamilton J. S. Hamilton D.J. B. Ross N. H. Guthrie Collector. Horace Williams. John H. McBridc. Horace Williams. A. P. Brown. A. P. Brown. John H.McBride. John H. McBride. J. B. Gilmore. J. 1'. Gilmore. J. M. Hamilton. J. S. McCreight. J. S. McCreight. S. D. Pax ton. S. D. Paxton. S. D. Paxton. S. D. Paxton. Joseph Cams. Josefih Cams. Joseph Cams. Jeseph Cams. .Joseph Cams. Josrph Cams. J. S. Hamilton. J. S. McCreiKht. J. S. McCreight. J. S. McCreight. J. S. McCreight. J. S. McCreight. The justices of the peace have been T. S. Robb, Levi Butterfield, John W. Dihel, Andrew Cams, C. S. Ilichey, E. Forsyth, James Gra- ham, H. M. Chandler, AVilliain S. McCormick. The present are E. Forsyth, and William S. McCormick. 440 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. The population of Ohio Grove township, according to the census of 1880, is : Male, 562 ; female, 494 ; total, 1,056. Assessed valua- tion of property, 1881, $442,275 ; real estate, $337,085 ; personal, $95,190. Equalized by state board : Keal estate, $335,691 ; personal, $94,883 ; total, $430,57-1. The taxes for 1881 were : State, $2,284.23 ; county, $1,078.26; town, $260.13; road and bridge, $798.37; road, $617.93; bond, $2,004.01; coupon, $231.55; district school, $1,956.89; district road, $245.42 ; dog, $157.00. It must be remembsred that tax valuation is far below real valuation of property. Although Ohio Grove has no railroad, she has aided the county in securing such a valuable convenience. In 1870 the township voted $7,000 toward building the American Central, since a branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy. Bonds were issued at ten per cent, payable in three payments. About 1880 the bonds were refunded at eight per cent. In 1881 one-third the debt was paid. At present writing there is in the hands of supervisor Robb sufficient to meet the second payment. This indicates the early liquidation of the whole debt. "Away back in bygone times, Buried mid the rubbish of forgotten things," are many incidents which cannot be recorded. Some are not forgot- ten. In those days, as to-day, there was marriage and giving in mar- riage. No bell sounded the hour, no wedding march pealed from a hundred pipes ; but nature was full of music everywhere with cupid as chorister. Benjamin Decker was born in Muskingum county, Ohio. There he was raised to the «toil of a farm and scenes rustic as himself. Fannie McPherren also grew to blooming and blushing womanhood under similar circumstances. That sprite, ever casting glances from one to another, sought to do his wiley work as usual. When the removal was talked of the maid wondered how it would be with Ben- jamin. Benjamin decided to accompany, instead of follow, his be- trothed ; hence we find him assisting in building the first permanent house in Ohio Grove. He made his home with the McPherrens. Spring of 1837 came, with its verdure and flowers and music from a thousand throats. As cooed the doves, so wooed Benjamin and Fannie. No nuptial knot had yet been tied in Ohio Grove. Such was actually to take place June 15, 1837, about 11 a.m., at the residence of the bride's father, George McPlierren. Invitations were extended and answered by Ashford Hardy and wife, James Moorehead and wife Matilda, James McBride and wife Polly, Kichard Pice and wife Jane, Eliza Moorehead, aftei"ward wife of William Dilley, John H. OHIO GROVE TOWNSHIP. -iril McBride and his sister Almeda (Jolin isn't married yet), Thomas B. Cabeen, George and Sarah McPherren, and perliaps a few others. Rev. John Porter, of the United Presbyterian church, was present. The bride was dressed in white. No orange blossoms decked her hair ; slie needed none. The groom was chad in brown. Eev. Porter pronounced the service that made these two hearts beat in unison, and the chords of whose lives vibrated harmony for so many years. The service over, some of the guests retired to their homes, while others remained to partake of the wedding dinner prepared by the bride's own labor. The patron had prepared a long, narrow table made of slabs. The table was spread with the best the country would afford. White bread and butter, pork, pickles from New York, fumislied by a neighbor, fish caught in Pope creek, dried apples and peaches brought from Ohio, dried apple pie and dried peach pie, home-made maple syrup and coffee ; no cakes and custards were indulged in. The style was simple, the couple were happy, and the guests retired to their homes to reflect and talk of the wedding, the "match" and the pros- pects. The paternal roof ga\'e shelter till the following fall, when housekeeping was begun at Bridgers corner. The log cabin stood in the brush, was very small, meagerly furnished with home-made furni- ture. The nearest neighbors were Indians, who numbered from three to five hundred. For two years this brave couple lived in such a wilderness, when they erected a log cabin of their own. In four years more they removed to their parent's home to keep house for him. Mr. Decker became an independent farmer. Death ended his career March 20, 1875. His faithful bride and wife survives him. She is the mother of ten children. James lived to manhood, then died ; Mary, Ester, Lucinda, Silas, Sarah A., Eva M., William L., George (dead). Spring seems to have been a favorable time for beginning a new life ; appropriately so, too. It was an April evening of 1840, when William C. Brownlee dropped into esquire Nevius' house and inquired for the squire. The squire was away, but would be back at dusk ; so, also, would this young man. A short journey was made by the young man. When he returned the squire was at su])per. The young man was accompanied by a young lady. Miss Mary A. Brownlee, a very distant relative. Conversation of a liv^ely style was indulged in. As the squire finished his meal, young Brownlee i)roduced a suspicious looking document, whicli soon explained itself. Ceremony was actu- ally called for. The comi)any was then gathered in the squire's sraoke-houite. The squire, with all the dignity of his office, adminis- tered the service. It was dark. The squire suggested the couple 442 HISTOKY OF FIERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. remain till the mormng. The good wife of the squire then performed her part of the ceremony, and the twain were safely couched for the night. Thus occurred the smoke-house services, which have ever been a reminiscence of merriment to old and young. RELIGIOUS. Says William I. Ne^'ius in his notes: "The first public worship in Ohio Grove was enjoyed in the cabin of the elder George McPherren, and conducted by Rev. John Wallace, an Associate Reformed Presby- terian. The McPherrens were Methodists, but his door was open to all religious teachers. In 1837 Rev. John Montgomery, a mission- ary of the Old School Presbyterian denomination, visited the settle- ment, and held public worship at Mr. McPherren's for some time, then at the house of William I. Nevius, and little later at Thomas Candor's. The congregation in 1837 numbered about twenty persons. There were the McPherrens, George Smith and family, Ashford Hardy and family, Richard Rice and family, in 1836 ; William Moore and family, the Candors, Cabeens, McBrides, and Neviuses, in 1837. Rev. Wal- lace preached till as late as 1841."" According to the researches of Elijah Forsyth, an Associate Re- formed (now U. P.) congregation was organized in 1842, consisting of Jane Rice, Elenor Moorehead, Phebe Smith, Sophia Hardy, William Moore, William McMichael, Ella McMichael, Josiah Moor, Samuel Moor, of Ohio Grove ; George Jay and Agnes Jay, of Keithsburg ; John, Elizabeth, Ann, Jane and Elenor Collins, of Twin grove. Ser- vices were held in the groves, at school-houses or in the barn of Wm. I. Nevius. For some time immediately previous to 1852, J. C. Porter ministered to this congregation one-fourth of the time. D. C. Cochran and Revs. Fulton, Morrow and Finley also labored here. May 5, 1852, the congregation was reorganized. Robert Miller and William M. Hayes were elected ruling elders ; Rev. J. C. Porter officiating. William M. Hayes, Robert M. Miller and George Smith, trustees. At a meeting of the session, William M. Hayes was elected clerk, which office he held till 1869. At that time the membership was forty- five. In 1853 sixteen joined by certificate and two on examination. From 1853 to 1859, Rev. M. Bigger labored as stated supply. In 1854 twenty-two joined on certificate and fourteen on examination ; in 1855, thirty-seven by certificate and eight on examination. In 1853 to 1855 a house of worship was erected at Sunbeam, 40x60 and twenty feet from floor to ceiling. This was largely the result of the liberality, untiring energy and perseverance of William M. Hayes, an honored member. In 1860 Rev. J. H. Nash became pastor. In 1877 Rev. OHIO GROVE TOWNSHIP. 443 D. F. Mustard began his labors. The church numbered at one time 163 persons. Its present membership is about 100. The ruling elders have been, besides those named, J. II. McCreight, Elijah Forsyth, Samuel Wright, John Torbit, M. M. Cross, Alex Pollock, David Milligan, N. Reasoner, J. P. Finley, and K. 11. Giiilinger. David Milligan, Elijah Forsyth and J. P. Finley are now in the congregation of Sunbeam. In 1848-9, Thomas Candor built the Candor Presbyter- ian church. Rev. Montgomery remained its minister till his death. This church is further noticed in the history of Abingtcm township. The iirst Methodist serv^ices were held at McBride's by Rev. Burr. The school-house was next used as a church. In 1844 a great revival was conducted in George McPherren's barn. People came thirty miles, camping out. The McPherrens, McBrides, Browns, Mo(jre- heads and others were members of the church. Horace Williams was class-leader, and able in his duty. George Williams also occupied the position early. An effort was made to build a church, but failed. Finally George McPherren proposed to advance the money and build the church. His offer was accepted and the church, 35x45, built about 18G0, at a cost of $1,400, without much of the labor reckoned. The house was dedicated by Elder Frank Smith, for years a laborer in the neighborhood. Other early preachers were William Ilanly, Elder Cullis and others. Other early class-leaders were Peter Stephens and Abraham Crabtree. Just after the dedication the church enjoyed a great revival, receiving about sixty additions. The present board of stewards consists of George McPherren, Peter Stephens, George Wil- liams, Solomon Guthrie, William Frankleberry. Rev. Ayers is in charge. CEMETERIES. Three spots are especially dear to the early settlers of Ohio Grove. When the toils and hardships were over the pioneer was at rest. There was no "Cavendish Duke <->f Devonshire" with his five thousand ten- ants to follow a son to the grave. But family and neighbors equally royal followed their loved and respected to burial. The plat known as McClure's Cemetery, formerly McPherren's, was donated for the purpose by the elder George McPherren. How sad and tearful were they who followed the remains of John ^loorehead, deceased August 8, 1836, to the dedication of that sacred spot. This was the first funeral service in Ohio Grove. The first death of a pioneer; the beginning of that funeral march that has so oft been resumed in subse- quent years. The yard is dotted with graves. Here lie Ashford Hardy, George McPherren, George W. Ste})hens, John M. Walker, 444 HISTORY OF MERCER AKD HENDERSON COUNTIES. Tliomas Moorehead, Dorcas Mooreliead, Barnet Unangst and wife, AYm. Smith, Mrs. Win. Dillev ; the Browns, Calhoims, Benjamin Decker, Bentleys, McKees, Guthries and others. The Candor grave- yard was dedicated by the burial of Mrs. Thomas Candor. The ground was set apart for a cemetery by Thomas Candor. He now rests near his loved companion. Here too lie Samuel, and Joshua TV., and Samuel P. Cabeen, and others of the families of tliat name. Judge TYm. G. Hayes, so long an honor to himself and his people, 'found a resting place here. Wm. I. Nevius, Henry Kimel, Capt. James Bur- net, John Seaton and wife, Wm. R. McCreight, James H. McCi'eight, James McBride, Dennis Conner and wife Mary, Dr. A. B. Campbell, John Cameron ; the W^bsters, Williamses, Dittos, Joneses and others. The United Presbyterian cemetery was so called fi'om the donor of the ground, William Miller, a prominent member of the United Presbyterian church. Its sod covers the bodies of Eobert and Samuel Miller, Nancy Miller, T. E. Home and Wm. G. Paxton. Thomas B. More of company A, 30th 111. Vols., to whose memory is inscribed: " Death has been here, and borne away, A brother from our side, Just in the memory of his day A brave young soldier died." Here too rest J. P. Paxton, James L. Paxton, Catharine Paxton, Wm, H. Pyan, Dorcas, wife of M. M. Cross, James G. Walker and others. Many a grave is unmarked by marble, therefore ye visitors Tread lightly, this is hallowed ground ; Tread reverently here ; Beneath this sod in silence sleeps the brave old pioneer: Who never quailed in darkest hour, "Whose heart ne'er felt a fear. Tread lightly then, and now bestow a tribute of a tear. Forever in the fiercest and the thickest of the fight The dusk and swarthy foeman felt the terror of his might. Bidding good-bye to the honored dead, we introduce the reader to the living, whose brief sketches following will grow of more importance as the years shall hnish their probation. BIOGRAPHICAL. Sa^iuel p. Caijeen (deceased), was among the old settlers of Mer- cer county, and among those men who have developed its -resources and })ropagated within its boundaries pn^gressive institutions. He came when the country was new ; when patience, industry and energy were required as (pialities of the man whose life should eventually be OHIO GROVE TOWNSHIP. 4:45 marked a "success." That Mr. Cabeen was successful iiuiiiy yet live to testify. Mr. Cabeen was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, Jan- uary 18, 1820. lie came to Mercer county, Illinois, with his parents, Samuel and Elizabeth (Wright) Cabeen. He was a young man fitted for his future by former training. He j)urchased land from time to time till he owned about 600 acres, the most of which he im})roved. In politics Mr. Cabeen was always strongly democratic, yet lie never craved office. His religion was of the Universalist doctrine. He was a good citizen, a kind father and a faithful husband. Mr. Cabeen died February 10, 1880, and is buried at the Candor graveyard. Mr. Cabeen was first married to Catherine Spencer, who died, leaving one child, Sarah E. He was next married August 17, 1854, to Catharine J. Thomas, daughter of Solomon and Matilda (Gabrel) Thomas. Mrs. Cabeen was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, February 13, 1827. Three children have been bora to tliem : Emma J., now Mrs. Jerred Irwin; Arthur, and Samuel G. Joshua W, Cabeen (deceased), son of Samuel and Elizabeth Cabeen, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, January 4, 1818, and emigrated west with his people. He was married February 8, 1872, to liebecca N. Frick, daughter of Frederick and Xancy (Wilson) Frick, who have figured prominently in Abington townshi}) and in county affairs. Both were natives of Danville, Columbia (now Montour) county, Pennsyl- vania. They are fully noticed elsewhere. Mrs. Cabeen was born in Pennsylvania January 2, 1833, and came west with her parents. Mr. Cabeen settled where Mrs. Cabeen now lives. He secured a fine farm, and in 1873 erected a good, substantial dwelling. He died June 1, 1878, leaving wife and two children (Fred E. and Joshua D.) to mourn his loss. He is buried at Candor graveyard. Samuel Cabeen (deceased), another of Mercer county's very early settlers. He was born in county Antrim, Ireland, 1788. He emi- grated to Philadelphia in 1808. His people were farmers and weavers. He was a general workman. He clerked in Bristol, Pennsylvania, for liis brother. He was married to Elizabeth P. Wright, a native of Bucks county, Pennsylvania. In that year (1815) Mr. and Mrs. Cabeen moved to Muskingum county, Ohio. In 1836 he emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, His subsequent history is in the general history of Ohio Grove township. He died May 1, 1856, leaving liis wife to survive him till December 6, 1874. He was a democrat, and loved to argue politics. He was county school commissioner several years ; was justice of the peace in Ohio. He served in the war of 1812, in Gen. Izzard's division. Si.x children were born in Ohio : Thomas B., J. AV., S. P., R. J., 11. B., and Sarah C. Sarah C. died, aged fourteen 446 HISTORY OF atERCER AJS'D HENDERSON COUNTIES. years. Ricliard B. Cabeen was born May 31, 1826, in Muskingum county, Ohio. His educational advantages were limited. His life lias been one of farm toil. When twenty-four years of age he visited Cali- fornia two years and four months. He returned to the farm. He was married December 29, 1853, to Miss Jane G. Pinkerton, daughter of Joseph and Yiolet Pinkerton, jof Green township. Mrs. Cabeen was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, October 22, 1835. They settled on their present farm. In 1878 he built the present handsome dwelling. Childi'en number nine : Joshua, Ella V., Alice J., Margaret P., Scott, Sarah E., and Richard F. Mr. Cabeen is democratic in politics. He is a successful farmer. Thomas Candor (deceased) was a type of the men who braved so much that this western wild might grow to usefulness. He was plain, honest, and progressive, looking not only to the rescue of the soil from its wild state, but also the upbuilding of the minds and souls of the rising generation, wlio now follow his teachings, both precept and example. He was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, February 29, 1796. His father was a Scotchman, and his mother Irish. Farming was their occupation. Thomas was meagerly educated. In his youth he learned the tanning trade, which he afterward followed for some time. He was married to Margaret Montgomery, daughter of John Montgomery, whose brother was proprietor of Danville, Pennsylvania. Her brother. Rev. John Montgomery, was the first preacher in Mercer county, and Hopkins Boone, an old settler here, was a brother-in-law. Tlie fall of 1836 Thomas and Robert Candor (brothers) made the trip from Pennsylvania to Mercer county on horseback. Having secured a land claim for the K. W. J Sec. 6, also S. W. J Sec. 7, he, in company with his brother Robert, sold their horses and returned to Pennsyl- vania by river. He sold his tannery, and in the fall of 1837 moved westward overland, bringing family of wife and five children : John M., Robert, Josiali, Mary H., and Daniel M., and leaving one (Elizabeth) buried in Pennsylvania. Having arrived in Mercer county, after a short stay in Keithsburg the family moved into the little log house on their farm formerly entered. " The house was partly built by William Sheriff, by order of Mr. Candor. Ere few years had passed Mrs. Candor died (September 30, 1841), leaving a family and friends to mourn their loss. Her burial was a dedication of the Candor graveyard. Mr. Candor was next married to Mary L. Boardman, who died May 27, 1874. Mr. Candor died March 13, 1871, and was buried near his partner. From the laying out of Aledo he lived in town. He was a man fore- most in good works, yet a quiet, careful, non-speculative man. He never liad a lawsuit with any man. He was an elder in the Presby- ^■ >;•-•-• ^**^ /' ^f^^ rm^ •«^ ■ H ■< 450 HISTORY OF MERCER AXD HEXDERSON COU>mES. His life since his fifteenth year has been synchronous with the pulse of the country. His hand has done its share toward making the county what it is, but will soon leaye his children to carry on the work he has so well impelled thus far. Mr. McPherren has 460 acres of land, well improved, and has given farms to his sons. He was first mamed October 1, 1844. to Harriet O. Williams, who died February 11, 1870, leaving seven children : Oliver, Xancy J., Hem-y, Sophia, Emma, Hannah, and Anna. He was next married April 5, 1871, to Mary J. Williams, a sister to his former wife. She was the first postmistress of Sunbeam, and held the position many years, thus supporting her invalid parents. She died March 31, 1882. Both she and her sister, together with ]VIi'. McPherren, have been for many years members of the Methodist climx-h, uniting with that church about 1844. George H., son of George and Harriet McPheiTen, was born in Mercer county, Illinois, June 19. 18.53. His life has been spent in Mercer county, mostly on the farm. He received a common school education. In 1877 he became a resident of Aledo. In 1882 he engaged in the meat * business. May 1st of same year he associated himself with Samuel Brown, but has since sold to his partner. Mr. McPherren also has a fai*m of 160 acres of land, which he oversees. He was married December 24, 1871. to Miss Eliza A., daughter of Samuel Price. She was born in Pennsylvania, September 9, 1851. Her mother is now Mrs. E. J. Moore, but whose maiden name was Emily Klinefelter. Mr. McPheiTen has four children livino- : Emily O., William H., > Maggie M., Frank and Freddie E. (twins), Freddie E. having diect at the age of seventeen months. James McBride (deceased) was one of the earliest and most honored of Mercer county's pioneers. His ancestry was Scotch, Irish, AVelch and German. He was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and was there raised. The war of 1812 found him a member of the light horse company. He was engaged at Fort Meigs. There was a ditch before the fort, and into this bombs were rolled for the puqDOse of blowing up the fort. Mr. McBride accidently fell into the ditch, and a bomb was precipitated on him. Fortunately the captain rescued him just previous to the explosion, but he suffered afterward from the accident. He returned to Pennsylvania and married Mary Houseman, then sixteen years of age, also a native of Pennsylvania and of Dutch descent. In 1816 they settled in Muskingum county, Ohio, ten miles east of Zanesville. His chief business was flat-boating, and he made six trips to New Orleans. He was captain for some time. In 1836 he emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, coming from Wlieeling, Yu-ginia, to Bock Island, via Ohio and Mississippi rivers, on flat-boats. He OHIO GEOVE TOWNSHIP. 451 arrived in Mercer countv May 10th, and camped on the X. "W. ^ of Sec. 4, T. 13 X., R. 3. He bought two claims. $175 being the price paid for lialf a section with a little log house on it. His family con- sisted of wife and live children : John H., Almeda, James C, Elvira J., and Sarah E. He died November 14, 1847. leaving his wife to survive him till March 17. 1879. Both were members of the Methodist church. In Illinois he confined himself to milling and fanning. His life was quiet and unostentatious, loved by those who knew him. little educa- tion, but with a wonderftil memory, careftil and successful in business, democratic in politics. Of his children, James C. is in Colorado, but has his home in Aledo. John H., bom April 8, 1821, has spent his life on the farm, mostlv in Mercer countv. He owns the old home- stead of 486 acres, on which he erected a handsome residence, and is a thrifty farmer. He is democratic and a single man. Ehira J. was born September 20, 1828. She was married June 27, 1850, to Dr. A. B. Campbell, a native of Ohio and a graduate of Columbia Medical College, where his brother was" professor of surgery. He settled in Keithsburg, being the second doctor of that place. He practiced fifteen years, and died June 4, 1860, leaving wife and two children : Maud, and Jake H., who live with her brother, John H. JoHX H. Bro\\'x (deceased) was one of the most sturdy pioneers of Mercer countv. He was born in Seneca countv, Xew York. Januarv 3, 1797. He is said to have aided in tlie battle of Xiagara in the war of 1812, assisting in guarding the bridge over Xiagara river. He received a recompense for these services. His father was a revolu- tionary soldier, receiving a land warrant for liis services. The Browns were early settlers of Oliio. John H. was raised on the farm, but for some time was a brick moulder with his brothers. In 1815 he was married to Mary McPherren. In 1836 he moved to Mercer county, Illinois, where he became well known before his death, which occurred August 11, 1871. He was warm in the advocacy of his p>litical doc- trine, always ready to talk whig and, later, republican principles. He came to Mercer county a poor man, but before liis death he owned at one time a thousand acres of land. His wife Mary (McPherren) was bom in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and lives with her daughter, Mrs. McCaw. Mr. and ^Ii'S. Brown were long members of the Metho- dist Episcopal church. Mrs. Brown is now connected with the Chris- tain church. In their family are thirteen children : Alexander, George, John, Sarah J., James M., "William, Daniel, all born in Muskingum county, Ohio ; and, born in Mercer ci^»unty, Illin<^is, viz : Huijh, Benjamin L., Josoas P., Prancis ^I., Mtu-v, Johannah. "William Brown was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, May 6, 1832. He has i52 HISTORY OF MERCER ^V2v'D HENDERSON COUNTIES. spent liis life on the farm, having risen from poverty in a log cabin to a farmer and owner of 265 acres of land. He was married June 29, 1854, to Drusilla Libbv, daughter of Rev. Thomas Libby, of Maine. She was born in Maine, June 3, 1832,- and came to Mercer countv, Illinois, about 18-43. Her parents died here, and are buried in Suez township. Her fatlier was a Baptist minister. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Brown settled on forty acres in section 1, Ohio Grove town- shi]). This Mr. Brown sold, then bought 200 acres in Suez township, which he also sold, and bought his ]3resent farm. They have had ten children, nine of whom are living : Warren, George, Hiram L. (dead), Alva C, AVilliam F., Joseph F. S., Marion W., Josiah F., Freddie M., and Thomas J. Alexander Brown, one of the wealthiest farmers of Ohio Grove township and the oldest son of John H. and Mary Brown, was born in Muskingum countv, Ohio, June 23, 1821. AYhen a youth of lifteen he came to Mercer countv. His labor was such as general farm work, but especially in driving ox-team, hauling saw logs in an early dav, etc. That hard toil has proven a success is evident from the fact that he now owns 591 acres of Mercer countv land, well improved. In 181:7 he visited his native place, and later Indiana, returning in 181:9. For many years he kept bachelor's hall, not marrying till 1855, when Lucinda Saunders became his wife. She is a daughter of George Saunders, of Knox county, Illinois, and a native of Ohio. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Brown lived in a hewn log cabin on the eighty acres on which his present house stands. They have ten children, living. AVilliam I. Nevius (deceased) was so identitied with the history of Mercer county and is so often mentioned in connection with its history that.it is necessary to give but few facts in a special sketch. His father, John AV., and his mother, Mary (Roland) Xevius, were natives of Xew Brunswick, I^ew Jersey, and were there married. They made their homes in Mercer county, Illinois, in 1837, living with their son AVilliam I. till the following year. In 1838 Mr. Xevius bought prop- erty in Millersburg, where he buried his wife, her death occurring April 14, 1847. He then made his home with his son til! his death, October 12, 1854. Both rest in Millersburg cemetery. Mr. ISTevius was for several years probate judge. His daughter, Mrs. Eliza Brady, resides in Millersburg. His son A/Villiam I. was born August 9, 1801, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. AA'licn young his i)arents moved to Greene county, Ohio, 1818. December 12, 1822, he was married to Miss Mary A. Currie, who died, leaving four daughters and one son. He was next married March 1, 1830, to Mary A. Pierce. She was born i!i (rreene county, Ohio, April 25, 1807. AA^illiam I. Nevius was but OHIO GROVE TOWNSIIII'. 453 meagerly educated in books, but his hands were tauglit to do what mind might dictate. With tools he was lumdy. lie learned the car- ])enter's trade, and this furnished him em])lovment when not otherwise engaged. In 1832 he moved to Warren county, Illinois. In 1S35 he settled in New Boston township, Mercer county, Illinois. In 1S37 he changed his location to Ohio Grove township, where he improved land and lived till his death, June 10, 1877. "Peace hath her victories no less than war." In the conflict of life, as a man, as a pioneer, Mr. Nevius closed his life in victory. He was active in the welfara of his county. During the war he was deputy provost marshal. In politics he was whig and repul)lican. He was a member of the United Presby- terian church at his death, but in earlier years was connected with the old school Presbyterian church. His sons Henry, John, and David M. served their country in the civil war, and William D. gave his life at Shiloh that his country might live, while David was drowned while crossing the Cumberland river at Clarksville, Tennessee. ]\lr. Xevius was the father of five children in his first family and nine children in his second famil}'. Mrs. ]S^e^'ius lives, an active, strong-minded woman, and interesting to all around her. William T. Patterson, fiirmer, was born April 13, 1808, in parish of Pay, county Donegal, Ireland, nine miles from Londonderry. His father, Joseph Patterson, was owner of some of the Glebe land. He died there, aged eighty-seven years. Mr. Patterson's mother, Eleanor (Teas), was a native of parish of Teboyne, county Donegal, and her father, William Teas, was a tenant of ]\Iarquis of Ebercorn. William Teas Patterson left Ireland March 8, 1840, via London and Liverpool to New York, in the Robert Fulton steamboat and vessel Sheridan. He was four weeks on the journey. He came to Chicago, there hired a teamster for Henry county, Illinois, and then went to Nauvoo, where he staid over Sunday. He visited Joseph Smith, the Mormon, at his home, and heard Sydney Rigdon ])reach, and saw the sacrament administered. He peddled some time through this section. After remaining about two years in this section, he bought eighty acres of land, which he paid for largely in building sod fences. He subsequently sold and bought and improved a number of forms. July 19, 1846, he was married to Mrs. Sarah M. PrOwnlee, widow of Samuel L. Brownlee. Mrs. Brownlee had a family of four children by her first husband : Lemon, dead ; Oliver F., in Iowa ; Samantha, now !Mrs. J. L. Henderson, of Kansas ; and Agnes M., now Mrs. John Lawton, of Pennsylvania. Since her last marriage three child- ren have been born : Jose])h IL, dead ; David B., in Iowa ; Mary M., now Mrs. William Maxwell, of Kansas; Letitia E., now Mrs. James 454 HISTORY OF MERCER AjS'D HENDERSOX COUXTIES. C. Spicer, of Mercer county. Mr. Patterson lias given each cliild of age, eighty acres of land, or its equivalent, and owns 150 acres well improved himself. He is a republican, and was first a freesoiler. He and wife are connected with the United Presbyterian church. Jonathan Duncan (deceased) was born near Baltimore, Maryland, November 19, 1791, and was a son of Andrew and Ann (Smith) Dun- can. He received a liberal education for his time, supplemented by healthy toil of the farm. He thus became vigorous in both mind and body. He became a carpenter by trade, and was the builder of the large hotel of fifty rooms at Mineral Springs, Pennsylvania. He also became extensively engaged in the wool business. He was at one time a large stockholder in a number of stage lines in Pennsylvania, owning a large farm where he fed his horses for the line. It was in 1815 when he moved to "Washington county, Pennsylvania. He is familiarly known as Col. Duncan, ha\"ing enlisted in the war of 1812, as lieutenant, and later, being promoted colonel. Very many of the colonel's best years were actively spent in Pennsylvania. There he lived till the year 1854. He had made a trip to Illinois in 1853, purchasing 260 acres in sections 26 and 27, Ohio Grove township, Mercer county, Illinois. In 1854 he moved his family via the river to Keithsburg and thence to his farm. Here he lived till 1874. He improved his farm and became a factor in the county\s progress. He was on intimate terms watli the lamented Judge William M. Hayes, and made many friends by his good nature and industry. In politics he w^as always democratic, but sought no political emolument. In religion he was of the United Presbyterian faith. He aided in build- ing Sunbeam church. Mr. Duncan moved to Monmouth in 1874, to live in retirement. On September 10, 1876, while visiting his son, Dr. J. K. Duncan, at Des Moines, Iowa, death claimed him. He w^as buried at Monmouth, Illinois. Mr. Duncan was first married to Miss Letha Swearengen. She died, leaving four children. He was next married June 29, 1835, to Miss Agnes Leeper, daughter of Robert and Xancy Leeper, both of whom were born in York county, and died in Washington county, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Duncan was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, June 10, 1815. She now resides with her son in Mercer county. Mr. Duncan's first family are : Wil- liam Duncan, of Mercer county ; Thomas, of Des Moines, Iowa ; Sarah, now Mrs. William McCanless, of Crescent, Iowa. Mr. McCan- less was a prominent man of Mercer county, having owned the land on which Aledo is built ; also, laid out the town. He was lieutenant in company A, 84th 111. Vol., and was killed at the battle of Chattanooga. Dr. Bazil Duncan was army surgeon one year. He OHIO GROVE TOWNSHIP. 455 is now dead. In the second family are : Robert, who served in the civil war in company F, 17th 111. Vol., and was promoted second lieu- tenant ; Dr. J. K. Duncan, who was in the naval service ; he was cap- tain of a gun on the gunboat ' ' Fort Ilyman ;" seizing an enemy's hot shell, thrown on board and endangering the lives of his men, he threw it into the river, suffering his hands and arms to be severely burned by the operation. For this feat he was promoted captain of the gun-boat. He took sick and was sent to Pensacola hospital, Florida. Being there at the time of the yellow fever scourge, and having studied medicine, he was retained as surgeon and physician three years, on a salary of $2,000. He is now of IS^ebraska. The other children are : Isophena, James, Andrew (dead), Nettie, Arnett, Charles, Frank and Ida. Arnett was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, January 28, 1850. He was married to Carrie, daughter of J. B. Gilmore. She was born near Oxford, Ohio. Arnett now owns 100 acres of the old homestead ; also, 160 acres besides, well improved. Thomas S. Robb, farmer, is a son of William and Mary (Livingston) Robb, the former of whom was born in county Tyrone, Ireland, 1775, and emigrated to America when a young man ; and the latter a native of Pennsylvania, and whose parents were Scotch. Both died in Penn- sylvania in 1845. In their family were nine children, who are now widely scattered. James and Thomas became identified with Mercer county, Illinois, interests in 1851 and 1852 respectively, and are to-day among the well to do. Thomas S. was born in Pennsylvania, August 16, 1825, and there married Martha A. Campbell, daughter of James Campbell. She is also a native of Pennsylvania, the date of her birth being May 10, 1830. In 1851 Mr. Robb was appointed by Gov. Johnson, of Pennsylvania, as commissioner to the World's Fair, held in London, England, in the year 1851. Besides performing his duties in London, Mr. Robb visited the principal cities of England, Scotland and France, before returning to his own country. Mr. Robb has served Ohio Grove township, as supervisor, for four different terms. John McClellan was born December 20, 1826, in Washington county, Pennsylvania. His father was Francis McClellan, also a native of Washington county, but whose father came from Donegal county, L-eland, about 1813, and died in Pennsylvania at the age of ninety- eight years. Margaret Brownlee, the mother of John, was also a native of Pennsylvania, but her parents were from Scotland. In the family of Francis and Margaret McClellan were eight children, all Pennsylvanians, of whom but three are living in Mercer county, viz. : Thomas, Francis and John. John emigrated to Illinois in 1850, 456 HISTOKT OF MERGER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. bnving 100 acres of the land on which he now Kves, being in sections 33 and 34, Ohio Grove township, Mercer connty, Illinois. Mr. McClel- lan has improved the farm mostly himself, and owns 150 acres of land. He was married Januarv 12, 1854, to Miss Elizabeth Brownlee, daughter of AYilliam and Catharine (Hntchison) Brownlee, both Penn- sylvanians, but of Scotch descent. The BrowTilees came to Mercer connty in 1852. Mrs. McClellan was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, December 15, 1831. They have had five children : Francis, died August 22, 1866 ; Margaret, Renorick, Clara and Lawrence. ' WiLLiAii McCreight (deceased) was born IN^ovember 27, 1818, in Adams county, Ohio, and was a son of Ephraim and Sarah (Cummins) McCreight, both from South Carolina. Mr. McCreight was raised on the farm. He acquired a very good education for his time and taught to some extent. He was somewhat a genius, able to use many tools and execute. In Ohio he was captain of a company of state militia. He drilled for the JVIexican war, but was not called out. In the spring of 1851 he emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, landing at Keiths- burg, April 1. Ho first rented from his brother-in4aw, Judge William M. Hayes. About 1856 he purchased sixty acres of land which he improved. He afterward added another eighty acres. Mr. McCreight died July 11, 1869, and is buried in Candor graveyard. He had taught school here. He was a leading member of the United Presby- terian church from youth. In politics he was whig, abolitionist, and republican. He cast the only abolition vote cast in Ohio Grove town- ship at one election. He was honest, straightforward and of strong convictions. This made him perhaps second to none in influence among men. Mr. McCreight was married in 1843 to Polly Hayes, daughter of John and Martha Hayes, both natives of South Caro- lina. Mrs. McCreight was born in Adams county, Ohio, March 2, 1822. Three children were born in Ohio : Ira S., Leslie D., and Sel- don J. The family own the old homestead. Mr. McCreight's broth- ers, E. P. and Samuel, served in the civil war in company A, 30th 111. Vol. John S. in company G, 30th 111. Yol., and A. O. in company D, 83d 111. Vol. WiLLi^vjvi Pepper is a son of Charles and Susan Pepper ; was born in Cambridgeshire, England, IVIay 2, 1822. His grandfather was butler to Pembrook College, Cambridge, and his father was also en- gaged in the same institution, and William Pepper spent many days with his father at the college. In 1832 the family set sail from St. Catharine docks, London, in the ship Thames, and after five weeks and three days, arrived in New York. They spent six weeks in New OHIO GROVE T0^VNS1IIP. 457 York city and six weeks in Utica, New York, then settled in Oswego county, New York, where they resided eighteen or nineteen years and cleared a farm of fortv acres from the bier timber. In IS-il) William Pepper came West to Mercer county, Illinois, but sj^ent the following year in AVisconsin. He then retui-ned to«Mercer county and worked for Samuel Cabeen. March 3, 1852, he was married to Jane Martin, daughter of William and Susan (McClellan) Martin. The ]\rartins were very early settlers and are noticed elsewhere. Mrs. Pepper was born in Ohio, near Goshen, Indiana. After marriage Mr. Pepper lived one year in Keithsburg, then settled his present home farm of eighty-nine acres, March 1, 1853. He has improved his place, ])uild- ing and re-building till he owns a pleasant i)lace. ^Ir. and Mrs. Pep- per are members of the Presbyterian church, lie is a free voter, voting for Lincoln's second term. William Henderson (deceased) was born in Greene count}'', Penn- sylvania, April IS, 1811. His parents, John and Margaret (^[oore) Henderson, were natives of Pennsylvania. They moved to Guernsey county, Ohio, in the fall of 1811. John Henderson died about 18-45, and his wife in 1859. They are buried in Pleasant Hill cemetery. Mr. H. was justice of the peace for twenty-one years, witli the excej)- tion of two odd years. He was in the war of 1812. William Hen- derson, the subject of tliese memoirs, was the third child in a family of seven. He was but a few months old when his parents settled in Ohio. He was educated in the common schools of his time, but the farm occupied largely his life. As* an additional means for gaining an honest and competent livelihood, he learned the shoemakers trade, which busied him when other labor was wanting. In 183-1 he was married to Amelia M. Henderson. His wife died in 1810, leaving two children : Susannah C. and Margaret A. He was next married December 29, 1842, to Rose A. Dool, daughter of Robert and Mar- garet Dool. Her parents were natives of county Antrim, Ireland. Mrs. Henderson's birth occurred on board vessel in Belfast Bay May 3, 1819, before the vessel set sail that was to bring the family to America. Robert Dool died in Ilari-ison county, Ohio. His wife lives at the age of ninety years. ^Ir. Plenderson emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, in 1860, renting a farm between ISTew Boston and Aledo. In ]\Iarch, 1862, he ])urchased the farm in Ohio Grove town- ship of 160 acres, being the S. W. I of Sec. 10. This he improved somewhat. He died March 20, 1877. He was buried in the United Presbyterian graveyard. Mr. Henderson was a man of life and good will to men. In politics he was whig, in whig times, then became a northern democrat. In Ohio he was several vears deacon in the 458 HISTORY OF ArERCER AJsT) HENDERSON COUNTIES. United Presbyterian churcli. In his second family are nine children : Robert enlisted in company A., 30tli reg. 111. Yol. Inf., and was trans- ferred to the engineer corps. He served the last sixteen months of the war. He was not nineteen years old when he enlisted. John and Jane received their educations at Monmonth Academy, and hold first grade ceitificates and command highest wages in teaching. William R. owns forty acres of the home farm. The other children are : Mattie, Bell (dead), Elizabeth, Henry and Mary. William Dilley, farmer, is one of the very few pioneers left to tell the story of the county's young days. Mr. Dilley was born October 4, 1801, in Sussex county. New Jersey. He is the third in a family of nine children. His father and mother, Aaron and Jane (Storey) Dilley, were natives of New Jersey, and resided there till about 1818, when they removed to Trumbull county, Ohio, where they died. William Dilley worked on the farm till grown. He then worked in a woolen factory, carding, spinning, fulling, etc. May, of 1836, a desire for the west attracted him hither, and in that vear he arrived in Mercer county, Illinois. He had shipped a carding machine to Oquawka via the river for his future use. He lived in Green town- ship till 1848, when he removed to his present home in Ohio Grove. Mr. Dilley was married in 1837 to Eliza Moorehead, daughter of John and Elenor Moorehead, early settlers of Mercer county. She was born November 24, 1816. Mr. Dilley owned 120 acres in Green township, which he sold. He bought 320 acres in Ohio Grove. He now owns 165 acres. Mrs. Dilley died April 18, 1877. She was the mother of nine children: Aaron S., John W. (dead), Celesia, Mary, Samtha, Cyrus, Setli, Nellie, (infant dead). Cyrus left home several years ago and has not been heard of since. Aaron S. enlisted in the 9th 111. Vol., and John W. enlisted in the 84th 111. Yol. Each served about three years in the civil war. Mr. Dilley has been whig, abolitionist, and republican in politics. Hamisiont) Webster (deceased) was born, raised and married in Massachusetts. Both he and his wife, Louisa Richardson, also a native of Massachusetts, were engaged in the famous Girard factories of Massachusetts. They moved to New York state. In 1843 they emigrated to Ohio Grove township, Mercer county, Illinois, and pur- chased the S. E. ^ Sec. 28, and afterward added N. E. I Sec. 28. Mr. Webster died in 1845 and is buried in the Candor graveyard. His wife, at present writing (1882), survives him. He was justice of the peace several years. He was an old line whig. The children were : Albert, Theodore L., William, and Mariah (now Mrs. Robert Parkison). William Webster was born in New York, Alleghany county, June 1, OHIO GROVE TOWNSHIP. 459 1831, and came west with his people. His father dying, left William to work and do for himself at fourteen years of age. lie spent till twenty-five years of age working round and renting a farm. lie was married in 1858 to Julia A. Wing, daughter of Oliver and Julina (Harrington) Wing, both natives of Massachusetts but who died in Ohio. Mrs. Webster was born in Springfield, Pennsylvania, Novem- ber 29, 1821. When twelve years old moved to Ohio, then came west to Mercer county. After marriage Mr. Webster ])urchased his present farm, S. E. j^ Sec. 80, which he has earned with toil and so well im- proved. He has two children : Edith and Harriet L. In })<)litics he is democratic. He has been ten years a school director. James Graham (deceased), was born in Washington county, Penn- sylvania, June 26, 1809, and was a son of John and Martha (Hutchi- son) Oraham, both natives of Chester county, Pennsylvania. The Grahams were Pennsylvania fi-ontier pioneers. James Graham was married Merch 4, 1835, to Mary Stewart, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Welsh) Stewart. She was born in Washington county, Penn- sylvania, May 10, 1814. Her father was born in county Armagh, Ireland, and emigrated when nine years old. He died in Virginia and is buried in Elizabethtown. He was an elder in the Presbyterian church. His wife died in Mercer county, and lies in Norwood ceme- tery, James Graham moved to Illinois in 1842, spending two years in Warren county. In 1845 he settled in Ohio Grove township, Mer- cer county, where he bought the N. W. ^ of Sec. 35. This he improved. He died November 25, 1879. He was an elder in the United Presby- terian church. In politics he had been free-soiler, whig and republi- can. He at one time cast the only free-soil vote cast in Ohio Grove township. He was foremost in temperance work. His education was good, having taught in Pennsylvania and in Mercer county. He left a wife and six children to mourn his loss. Mrs. Graham resides at Alexis. Her children are: Calvin W., of Kansas; Lenora J., now Mrs. A. L. Brownlee, of Iowa; Mary M. E., now Mrs. J. C. Graham, of Monmouth ; R. M., of Nebraska ; Emmet S., at home ; and Eva A., with her mother. Emmet S. was married October 19, 1876, to Miss Ella C. Boggs ; she was born in Warren county, Illinois, April 25, 1856. John Seaton (deceased) was born in Perthshire, Scotland, March 15, 1795, and was a son of Duncan and Margaret (Cameron) Seaton. His birthplace is the country village of Killiekrankie, famous as a field of battle in times gone by, and made immortal by the lines of Walter Scott. Mr. Seaton's grandfather and his wife's grandfather fought in the battle of Culloden. IVIr. Seaton spent about forty-five years in 460 HISTORY OF MEECER A>'D HENDERSON COUNTIES. Scotland. He was educated in tlie common schools of his conntry. He learned the trade of carpentry and masonry, which he followed somewhat, as well as farming. He became anxious to try a new country; hence in 1843 he left the land of Scott and Burns for Amer- ica. He sailed from Livei-pool May 21 and landed in New York July 14. He settled first in Mifllin countv, Pennsylvania, where he farmed two years. In 1845 he determined to emigrate still westward; accord- ingly he started for Galena, Illinois, via the river, but being taken sick he concluded to hind at Oquawka, which he did in November of • 1845. He spent the first winter in Mercer county ; then two years he farmed in Warren county. In 1848 he " squatted " on the N. W. J of Sec. 19, T. 13 N., E. 3 W., Mercer county, which he bought when it came into market. This he improved, and here he lived till his death, July 21, 1881. Mr. Seaton was a quiet, honest, plodding farmer, friendly to all and esteemed by all. He was a Presbyterian in reli- gious faith. In politics he cast his first vote for Henry Clay, and later was a strong republican. The country needs more such men. Mr. Seaton was first married in 1821 to Isabell McDonald, who died in 1824, leaving two children : Margaret, born June 22, 1822 ; and Duncan, born October 27i 1823. Mr. Seaton next married (1826) Miss Christian Seaton, probably a very distant relative. She was born January 10, 1800. She shared the toils of emigration and life in the new country, dying in Mercer county, Illinois, December 20, 1878. She was a consistent Christian, and a queen in her own house. She was the mother of six children : Eliza, born October 4, 1828, died July, 1847; John, born February 6, 1831; Robert, born March 25, 1834, enlisted in company G, 102d reg. 111. Vol. Inf , was second lieutenant, and died at Nashville, October 10, 1864, from a wound received July 22, 1864, at Atlanta ; he was a brave boy ; Daniel, born February 3, 1836, died May 14, 1866 ;' George ; Susan, died in infancy. George Seaton, son of John Seaton, was born February 14, 1839, on the same farm as his father. He grew to be his father's constant help, as he took charge of his father's business for about twenty years. Pie was married February 26, 1874, to Miss Mary J. Brown, daughter of James Brown, of Warren county. She was born in Ireland, county Antrim, July 26, 1851, and is lineally descended from the Campbells, of Argyleshire, Scotland. They have four children. ^Ir. Seaton owns the old homestead and other land to the amount of about 500 acres. The new town of Seaton is laid out on his land, and he has built the first store. Samuel M. Ckeighton, farmer, was born January 18, 1831, in Ohio county. West Virginia. His father, John Creigliton, was born in OHIO GROVK TOWNSHIP. 401 17i)7, ill Lancaster, Pennsylvania. While yet a boy he was a teamster in the revolution, and was drilled for a soldier. He was present at the battle of the Brandvwine. lie died in 1849, having buried his wife (Samuers mother) in 1830. Both are buried at the church at the Forks of Wheeling. She was born about 1780. In the family were eleven children, of whom Samuel is the youngest. He, in company with his sister Elizabeth, emigrated to Brown county, Ohio ; then to Warren county, Illinois ; and in the fall of 1853 settled on section 35, Ohio Grove township, Mercer county, Illinois, on the James Graham place, one year; then in 1854 he bought the ^N". W. ^ of Sec. 33. This he has iini)roved. In 1875 he built his present house at an expense of $2,100. Mr. Creighton is a radical republican; he cast his first vote for John P. Hale. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church. William C. Brownlee, farmer, is the namesake of his father, the Eev. W. C. Brownlee, D.D., of New York city. Dr. W. C. Brownlee was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland. He was educated at the universitv of Glasgow, and was licensed to preach in Scotland in the faith of the covenanters. He was married in Scotland to Mariah McDougall, a native of Glasgow. He emigrated to America about 1804, and became a minister to a Seceder congregation in Washington county, Pennsyl- vania. He soon received a call to a Philadelphia Scotch-Presbyterian congregation, which he accepted about 1812. He afterward became Professor of Languages and Mathematics in Rutgers College, Xew Brunswick, jSTew Jersey. Later he became collegiate pastor of the Dutch Reformed church, at the corner of Kassau and Liberty streets, JSTew York city. He died in 1860, in his eighty-second year, having suffered many years from a stroke of the palsy. His wife died about 1850. In the fsimily were nine children: Dr. J. J. Brownlee (dead) was surgeon in the late war; John A. (dead) was of the firm of Brownlee, Homer tt Co., St. Louis; David, a merchant of St. Louis; the girls, Mariah, Margaret, Jane, and Catharine, married jM'ominent merchants in the east. William (\ was born in Lancaster, Pennsyl- vania, September 3, 1815, and is the third child in the family. He was educated in the common schools of Pennsvlvania and hie-li school of jS^ew York city. In the spring of 1838 he left home and stayed with his relatives in Ohio a time, emigrating with them still westwanl. He came to Mercer county, Illinois, and settled near Viola, taking a claim of 160 acres. In 1840 he bought 240 acres in Ohio Grove town- shij), which he has improved. In that year he was married to Mary A. Brownlee. She was born in Richland county, Ohio. She died A]ii-il 3, 1876. and is buried at Norwood. She was the mother of six chil- 462 HISTORY OF MERCER AiTD HENDERSON COUNTIES. dren : William C, Jr., Francis, Mariali, Samuel, Alexander, and Harriet N. Mr. Brownlee was a whig, voted awhile for the democ- racy, but the war made him a republican. James Calhoun (deceased) was a native of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. He made a trip to Muskingum county about 1814, pur- chasing, and in part clearing, a farm. About 1816 he settled with his wife, Elizabeth (Carnahan) on his Ohio farm. His father haWng been in the revolutionary war, he was not afraid of the frontier. There nine chidren were born to them : David, William, John K., James H., Joseph C, Samuel C, Elizabeth, Franklin, and Alexander T. Mr. Calhoun, besides farming in Ohio, was proprietor of a store and a steam mill. In 1843 the family emigrated via the Muskingum, Ohio and Mississippi rivers to Oquawka and thence to Mercer county, where he farmed a short time in Suez township, then removed to Xew Boston, where he kept hotel for a number of years. He died July 15, 1847. His wife lived till Xovember 22, 1878. Both were mem- bers of the United Presbyterian church. Mr. Calhoun is a distant relative of the great John C. Calhoun. The children are scattered. David and William moved to Kansas ; the latter is dead. Josej^h and Alexander live in Taylor county, Iowa ; James K. , is of Aledo ; Sam- uel and James H., in Ohio Grove township. Samuel and Alexander served three years in company H., 84tli 111. Vol.. in the civil war. James H. was born August 5, 1826 ; has spent a life on the farm, owning 80 acres in Ohio Grove township. The family are, and have been, warm republicans. John K. was born February 24, 1824 ; was raised on the farm and educated in the common schools of his day. He came to Mercer county in 1843, with the family. In 1846 he returned to Ohio, where he lived till the fall of 1854, when he was married to Miss McClelland, native of Ohio ; and on the fol- lowing day started for his home in Mercer county, Illinois. He set- tled in section 5, Suez township, where he lived, raised his family and buried his wife, her death occurring in 1872. In spring of 1882 he retired from active labor and moved to Aledo, Illinois. He is owner of 500 acres of good land. His children are: Elizabeth J., Martha A. (now Mrs. Robert Hudleston), Mary B., William (deceased). Barnet Un ANGST (dcccascd) was born in Warren county, Xew Jersey, March 28, 1810. His father, Jacob Fnangst, was a native of Northampton county, Pennsylvania, and his mother, Elizabeth (Wil- son), was born in New Jersey. The family is of German descent. June 15, 1833, Barnet Unganst was married to Charity Smith, daugh- ter of Isaac and Jemima (Wheaton) Smith. She was born in Hunt- ington county, New Jersey, ■ August 30, 1815. An extract from a OHIO GROVE TOWNSHIP. 463 New Jersey paper is as follows: "The annual re-union of the great Smith family of Kew Jersey, held on Wednesday, in a beautiful grove of appletrees on the site of the old homestead of Zachariah Smith, of Peapack, was, perliaps, the biggest family gathering that has ever yet taken place. There were fully 3,000 persons present, all supposed to be lineally descended from, or connected with, the original flohn Schmidt, of Holland, who settled in Stanton, Huntington county, New Jersey, over 125 years ago, and changed his name to Smith, after he understood the ways of the country. He was a genial Dutch- man ; slow plodding, industrious, honest ; and the impress of his character is left on a good portion of his vast progeny to this day." After marriage Barnet and Charity Unangst lived in New Jersey till 1851, having eight children born to them : Pheby, born May 12, 1834, died April 19, 1836 ; John S., born September 12, 1836, died August 20, 1838 ; Godfrey H., born January 12, 1839 ; Ann E., born Novem- ber 21, 1840 ; Mary J., born November 30, 1842 ; Margaret, born July 13, 1845; Christiana, born September 3, 1847; Sarah C, born March 26, 1850. Two were bom in Illinois : Jacob, born February 16, 1852, died December 14, 1854; and William H., born July 27, 1854. In 1851 the family sought a home in Illinois, and bought land in Ohio Grove township, Mercer county, coming overland 1,200 or 1,300 miles, occupying about seven weeks in the journey. Here the Unangsts made their farm. Mr. Unangst was a quiet, congenial citi- zen. He died November 23, 1876, leaving his wife to survive him till August 12, 1881. Both were members of the Presbyterian church, and are buried at Norwood. Godfrey H., the third child, enlisted in company E, 102d 111., Yol., August 18, 1862. He was detached at Gallatin, Tennessee, for pioneer ser\ace, December 1, 1862, and trans- ferred to company Iv, 1st Reg. U. S. Vet. Eng, Vol., about Sej)tem- ber 1, 1864. He was through the campaign from Nashville to Mur- freesboro, Chickamauga, Missionary Pidge, and in front of Nashville. He was discharged June 30, 1865, and returned to his home, where he resumed farm labor. He became manager of the farm on his father's disability, and now owns the old homestead in section 13. Ebp:^'kzer Graham, farmer, was born May 12, 1816, in Washing- ton county, Pennsylvania. His parents, John and ]\Iartha (Hutchi- son) Graham, were natives of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, but died in Washington count}'. John Graham emigrated from Ireland when a young man. He lived on the frontier of Pennsylvania, at night resting in a fort. He was in the Indian wars. Ebenezer, the tenth and youngest child, lived in Pennsylvania till 1857. He was raised on a farm. His schooling is limited, yet such as was common to his 464 HISTORY OF aiERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. da}-. He was married to Sarah A. McDowell, wlio was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, December 21, 1837. In 1857 Mr. Graham sold his farm and moved west, settling in Ohio Grove town- ship, Mercer county, where he has improved a good farm. He and wife have been members of the United Presbyterian church over forty-five years. He is a strong republican. In the family are two children: J. L., born in Pennsylvania; and Martha J. S., now Mrs. Dr. J. T. JVlcCutchan, of Norwood. M. M. Cross, farmer, was born in Adams county, Ohio, November 16, 1820, and is a son of AVilliam and Ann (Morrow) Cross. William Morrow was a native of Pennsylvania. He became a soldier in the war of 1812. In 1811 he moved to Adams county, Ohio. He was a farmer and miller and had learned the tanning business in his yoimg days. He died in Ohio in 1848. His wife was a native of county Do^YH, Ireland, and came when young to America; she died in Ohio in 1856. In the family were three girls and three boys. M. M. Cross was reared on the farm. He was married to Dorcas Finley, daughter of William Finley, in 1856. In that same year Mr. Cross came to Mercer county, Illinois, and settled in Ohio Grove township. He bought eighty acres of land ; to this he added more, then sold, but now owns 160 acres of fine land, with good improvements. Mr. Cross was raised a democrat but has long been a good republican. He was assessor some time and was road commissioner about fifteen years. His wife died March 2, 1856, leaving a family of five children : Lewis A., McDill L, Emma A., Craton P., and Stewart E. Mr. Cross was next married to Paulina J. Walker, a native of Adams county, Ohio, and who came with her parents to Peoria county, Illinois, in an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Cross are connected with the United Presbyterian church. McDill P., son of M. M. Cross, was born in Adams county, Ohio, February 25, 1856. He lived with his parents till marriage ; he was married March 8, 1882, to Miss Abbie M. Kimel, daughter of J. W. and Mary (Burnet) Kimel. She was born in Mercer county, Ohio Grove township, March 12, 1863. Horace Nye Chandler is a son of Zachariah and Fannie (Bingham) Chandler. The Chandlers have been prominent figures in America for several generations. Benjamin C-handler was killed in the battle of Bennington in the revolution, as a "Green Mountain boy," and his sons, John, Joseph, Jesse, Benjamin, and Setli were in the same battte. Joseph was in the regular army under Gates, and afterward settled in Morgan county, Ohio. Dr. Jesse Chandler settled in Putnam county, Ohio, and his son, Dr. Ero Chandlei', is now of Hancock county, Illinois. Benjamin died in PhiladeliJiia. John raised six sons; he died and is . ;€v-^ f^ P/'x^^^-^' ■^*■ OHIO GROVE TOWNSHIK 467 buried at Cluindlersville, Oliio. His sons were: Zacliariah, Martin, John, Samuel, Guv, and Steplien. Zachariali was born in Rutland county, A^ermont ; lie died in INfuskingum county, Ohio, and is buried by his father. His wife, Fannie Bingham, was a native of New Hamp- shire ; she rests near her husband in Ohio. She was related to con- gressman Bingham, so long an Ohio statesman. She was a descendant of Miles Standish of the May Flower fame. She was a very intel- ligent woman, not only understanding, but able to teach. Her children received the larger part of their education from her wonderful fund of knowledge. Her children are : Seth, who died in California ; Horace N., of Mercer county; Mary (dead), Harriott (dead), Abigail (dead), Abigail (living), Fannie (dead), Eliza, and Nira. Horace N. Chandler was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, November 8, 1817. He was was raised to the toil of the farm. He attended the common schools, but received the larger part of his knowledge of government and public men from his mother. Being the only son at home, the duties of the house fell somewhat upon him, so that he lived with his parents and they with him till they died. He became the proprietor of the Ohio homestead. Mr. Chandler was married June 1, 1843, to Miss Anne E. Bevan, daughter of John and Mary (Blackburn) Bevan. ,Her father was a native of Monroe county, Ohio, and her mother ot Mai-yland. Mrs. Chandler was born in Monroe county, Ohio, October 8, 1822. After marriage Mr. Chandler resided in Ohio till 1865, when he came west, arriving at Monmouth on the day on which the news ot Lincoln's assassination stung the heart of every true American. He bought, June 12, 1865, the James Kellogg farm, the S. W. ^ of Sec. 27 and W. ^ of S. E. ^ Sec. 27, Ohio Grove township, Mercer county, Illinois, Avhere he has since lived. He has improved the farm very materially. He has been supervisor for many terms. In politics he has been whig and republican, being a charter member of the latter party. The children of this union are: Darwin, Mary, Seth, John B., Harriott, and Homer. Darwin enlisted in the naval service under Com. Leroy Fisk, serving one year, till the war closed. Mary is now Mrs. J. K. Porter. Dr. C. C. Smith, son of Andrew and Jane (Craig) Smith, was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, April 1, 1825. Jane Craig was born in county Monohon, Ireland, in 1790, and emigrated with her parents in 1704 to Pennsylvania. She died in Ohio, July 12, 1864. Andrew Smith was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and died in Ohio, August 31, 1875. His grandfather Smith was from Germany. Andrew Smith and wife were many years in the Associate Presbyterian church. In their family were six children: Anne, Lydia, C. C, Sarah J. (dead), 468 HISTORY OF AIEECEE AJSD HEXDEESON COrJsTIES. John, and "Walter. The life of Dr. C. C. Smith has been one of unusual activitT, from the fact that he has been obliged to light his own battles in life. His education, liberal as it is, he acquired bj his own eiforts. His early years were spent in country air and his hands were inured to farm labor. He desired a professional life, and to fit him for this he was resolved fii'st to be well read in general knowledge. He accordingly attended the common schools. He began teaching, which he followed at different times for a number of years. He attended Madison College at Antrim, Ohio, where he completed the course in mathematics, except sm'veying. He also pursued the Latin language to some extent. In 1848 he began to read medicine with a Dr. Davis. His preceptor dying he then read with Dr. R. G. Stephen- son. After reading more or less for four years he attended medical lectures at Cleveland, Ohio, in 1852. He began the practice of medi- cine in Antrim, his home, first in partnership with his preceptor, but Dr. Stephenson dying Dr. Smith continued his profession alone. In 1856 he located at Viola, Mercer county, Illinois, remaining two years or little more. He then practiced as long in Preemption. In the fall of 1861 he bought out Dr. Gilmore, of Sunbeam, and has since prac- ticed here. That he has been a successful practitioner is evident from the fact that he now owns seventy-two acres, with good house, etc., a§ his home place, eighty acres in section 10, and 160 acres in Iowa, aU the reward of his practice. During the war the doctor was busy, doing much for the families of soldiers. The wounds he dressed without charge, and thus he did his duty at home. Late years he has circum- scribed his practice, on account of overwork. He has been an active worker in temperance work, also a member and an oflicer in the L^nited Presbyterian church. He is a very strong republican. His first vote was for John P. Hale. Dr. Smith was married Februarv 22, 1855, to Cordelia, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Work) Downerd. She was born in Guernsey county, Ohio. Her fether was a German, her mother from county Donegal, Ireland. Dr. Smith has a family of six children li\'ing and two dead. Cheistiax Siiaree (deceased) was born on ]^ew Year day about 1800, in Herkimer county, Xew York. His people were of Dutch descent. His father was killed in the revolutionary war. Mr. Sharer was raised on a farm, but became interested in dairying, merchandis- ing, distilling and banking business, becoming quite wealthy. The panic of 183Y crippled him financially. He was married in Xew York to Catharine Rasbach, by whom he had three children : John, George, and Edward M. In 1844 they moved to Licking county, Ohio. In 1854 they located in Moultrie county, Illinois, and a year afterward in OHIO GROVE TOWNSHIP. 469 Stark county. In 1858 tliev moved to Mercer county, Illinois, where Mr. Sharer bought land in Suez township, and lived till his death, in June, 18(51. His wife lives on the homestead. Edward M., the third child, was born May 3, 1841, remained with his parents, and moved with them. He enlisted August 26, 1862, in company E, 102d El. Vol., and served in service of his country nearly three years, enduring all the hardships and enjoying the few pleasures incident to the career of his regiment. In the fall of 1868 he purchased 100 acres of land in the northeast part of section 24, Ohio Grove township. In 1876 or 1877 he built his present commodious house. He now has 180 acres in his farm, well improved. He was married February 23, 1869, to Martha Simpson, daughter of James and Anna (Goodman) Simpson, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Pennsvlvania. Mrs. Shai-er was born in Pennsylvania. Three of her brothers were in the civil war, David K. being in company E, 102d Illinois, the others in Pennsylvania regiments. Mr. and Mrs. Sharer have live children : Alva, Willie, Edward, Charlie, and the babe. George W. Werts, blacksmith, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, April 4, 1841, and is a son of George and Margaret (Maple) Werts. His father was a native of Loudoun county, Virginia, and his mother of Ohio. Mr. Werts was raised on a farm, and when sixteen years old learned the blacksmith's trade, so that when Sumpter's cry of distress belched from mouths of cannon and called for America's yeomanry to relieve her he was used to toil and prepared to do his country's service. He enlisted August 22, 1862, in company I, 122d Ohio Vol., under Capt. Gary. He was mustered in at Zanesville, Ohio, as a private. For two years, more or less constantly, he bugled for his company. He became engaged in battle at Winchester ; Millroy, where his company became surrounded by the enemy ; Harper's Ferry; went into line at Williamsport, near Gettysburg, where he assisted in taking 1,500 prisoners. He was then in the effort to cut through Manassas gap to intercept Lee ; was then sent to New York to aid in quelling the riot. He fought at Locust Grove, then started with Grant for Pichmond. May 4, 1864, he went into the battle of the Wilderness, where his company lost heavily ; took part at Spottsyl- vania Court-house, Cold Harbor, where his division received a compli- mentary order for taking the works of the enemy. He was then sent to the south side of Richmond to Butler's department, and was drawn in line to make a charge, but word came countermanding the order. He then united with the main army at Petersburg, and fought on the south side of the river. He accompanied Sheridan in the Shenandoah valley to protect Washington ; went through that campaign, and was 470 HISTORY OF FIERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. with Sheridan in his famous ride, and aided in "licking them out of their boots"' at Cedar creek, where victory depended hirgely on the corps of which he was a member, the army liaving been generally routed by Early's forces when Sheridan arrived from Winchester. This corps was called by the rebels the Catholic cross corps. Mr. Werts assisted in the charge and taking of the works at Kichmond ; followed the enemy to Sailors' run, taking 1,100 wagons and many jjrisoners ; then on to Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court-house. Mr. Werts' army career was one of unusual activity. He was mustered out at Washington. But twelve of his company remained able for duty. In 1865 he located at Sunbeam, Mercer county, Illinois, where he has since been the " village blacksmith."" He was married October »^, 1865, to Miss Mary Decker, daughter of Benjamin Decker, and a native of Mercer county. He has six children: Alpha M., Susie E., Clarence B., George W., Jr.; xilonzo E., and Everet L. Pktek Peterson, farmer, was born in Sweden June 27, 1826. In June, 1865, Mr. Peterson sailed for America, landing at Kew York city. He soon arrived at Kock Island. He spent eighteen months with the Bishop Hill colony in Henry county, Illinois, working at his trade of carpentering. He continued his trade in Fulton county, then one vear at Galva. Beina; out of work, he overheard some persons talking of moving to Mercer county, Illinois, and he proposed to accompany them, which he did in 1859. Here he lived vdth the Sharers for four years, working at his trade. August 18, 1862, he enlisted in company E., 102d reg. 111. A^oL, under Capt. Likely and Col. McMurtrie. He served sixteen months. He was on detached duty mostly. At Chattanooga he stood in the river up to his ears in cold water for thirty-six hours continuously, which disabled him for duty and has crippled him for life. He returned to Mercer county, not being able to walk for some time. He managed to buy a small farm, and now has 140 acres and a good liouse. He was married first to Betsy Johnson, who died in Henry county, Illinois, leaving one child, Cathrina, now Mrs. Henry Crosby, of Viola. He was next married to Catharine Johnson, January 26, 1869, and by her he has five children : Eddie, Maggie, John, Julia A., and Charlie. Mr. Peter- son is a thrifty farmer. Robert Hamilton, farmer, was born in Kentucky, October 8, 1811. His parents, Samuel and Jane (Smith) Hamilton, were natives of South Carolina. They moved to Kentucky early, and thence to Preble county, Ohio, where Samuel Hamilton died. His wife died in Indiana. Robert was raised in the stern schools of toil. When twenty years of age he learned the carpenter trade, which he has followed more or less OHIO GROVK TOWNSHIP. 471 since. He also worked as a millwriglit for some years. In the fall of 1830 he located in Clinton county, Indiana, near Madison. He was tliere married to Miss Deborah Talbort. In 1855 he moved to Mercer county, Illinois. Here he bought 150 acres? of land, his present farm. This he has improved. In politics Mr. Hamilton was whig, in the days of that party. He is a strong republican. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church. He has a family of four children living and one dead: William H., when under age, went to the war, and was out about two months ; Perry S., Mary E., and Rose E. Moses PArrERSox, farmer, was born in Knox county, Illinois, June 13, 181-1. His father, John M. Patterson, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, November 22, 1799, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. His mother, Sarah A. (Bell), was born in Delaware, Kent county, January 15, 1818. The grandfather of Moses was Col. Patterson of Pennsylvania militia, and the father was in both the Pennsylvania and Ohio militia. John M. Patterson became a resident of Ohio about 1815, and there married Margaret Stephens, who died leaving three children. He next married Sarah A. Bell, In 1836 he settled in Knox county, Illinois. He lived two years near Viola, Mercer county, then went to Rock Island county, thence to Henry county, where he buried his wife. She died March 25, 1865. He died in "Warren county, June IS, 1873. He was a strictly moral man ; swearing was extremely odious to him. His religion was as he called it, "homespun." His wife was a Methodist. Moses Patterson left home at the age of seven- teen years, going to Pike's Peak, Colorado, in 1857. He returned to Illinois and joined some of his schoolmates for the civil war. He enlisted at Rock Island March 12, 1862, in company B. 65th 111. Vol; Capt. R. S. Montgomery and Col. Daniel Cameron, knt)wn as the "Montgomery guards." In March, 1864, he was transferred to engi- neer bat. 23d army corps, army of Ohio, in which he served till A])ril 5, 1865. He took part in the battles on the Potomac the iirst summer and was taken prisoner at Harper's Ferry together with the whole command of 1,100 men; was paroled and sent to Chicago. In March, 1863, he was sent to Lexington, Kentucky, and over to West Virginia. There he took part in the battles of that campaign, and assisted in tak- ing Ben. Coddle, the famous guei*illa, and in breaking u]> his band, capturing 400 of his men. He tlien crossed the Cumberland moun- tains with Burnside, and experienced the twenty -two daj's' siege of Knoxville ; was twice at Zollicoffer, then with Sherman at Chattanoogo and through to Atlanta. He returned with Thomas in pursuit of Hood; was at Nashville and from there followed Hood to Corinth. He was engaged at Fort Fisher, Fort Anderson, and Wilmington, Xorth 472 HISTORY OF MERCER AJSTD HENDERSON COUNTIES. Carolina, and was there relieved and sent home. He returned to Knox county, Illinois. September 7, 1869, he located where he lives, in Mercer county. lie owns 240 acres of land well improved. Mr. Pat- terson was married December 26, 1869, to Alice Hawkins, daughter of Augustus Hawkins, of Cameron, Warren county, Illinois. She was born April 19, 1851. They have three children: Edwin A., Mary, and a babe. Nicholas Shearer, farmer, was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, March 29, 1881. His parents, John and Mary Ann (Walters) Shearer were natives of Ohio. They moved to Indiana, and about 1855 came to Mercer county, Illinois. They subsequently moved to Madison county, Iowa, where they died. Their family numbered thirteen chil- dren: James (dead), Mcholas, Jeremiah, Francis M., William D., JIugh P., Lucinda, Mary E., Martha, Melissa, John, Noah. Francis M. served in the late war in the 102d 111. Vol., and died of measles at Fort Donelson. Hugh P. and William D. enlisted in the 36th 111. Vol., and died of measles at Raleigh, Missouri. Nicholas was raised on the farm; in 1851 he came to Illinois ; here he worked for Wm. Stephens and esquire Nevius. In 1852 he returned to Indiana, and September 7, 1852, was married to Elizabeth McPherren, daughter of James and Jane (Shaw) McPherren. She was born in Muskingum county, Ohio. Her father and five brothers served in the civil war. One, George, was killed at Stone river. After marriage Mr. Shearer returned to Mercer county. For three or four years he rented a farm ; he then bought forty acres and began farming his own land. He now has 160 acres free from debt, and has made it all himself. He paid for the first forty acres by woi;king by the month. He has four children living : Sarah J., Margaret A., Mary C, and Fannie. John is dead. Beard Church, farmer and stock raiser, was born in Mercer county, Illinois, December 20, 1812. His father, Thomas Church, was a native of Virginia. He moved to Wayne county, Indiana, in an early day. He married Rachel A. Beard, a relative of the Hon. John Beard, of Indiana. About 1835, or a little later, Mr. Church moved to Mercer county, Illinois, and lived a short time in Duncan township. He then moved to Eliza township, and finally to New Boston, where he died about 1857. He was well known and highly regarded. He owned, at his death, about 400 acres of land, indicative of his success as a farmer. His wife survived till 1881, when she joined the departed. Six children were born to them : John L., born in Indiana, and died in Mercer county. Those born here are : Elizabeth, Hannah, Heard, Thomas, William AV., and Rachel A. Beard is one of Mercer couiity's own chiklren raised together" with his home. A farmer, yet he spent OraO GROVE TOWNSHIP. 473 one year in Aledo as a grocery merchant. After this Ije bought a farm west of Aledo, but soon sold this and in 1877 bought in Ohio Grove to-svnship, where he owns 200 acres well im])roved ; his farm being the S. E. 1 and N. E. } of S. W. i Sec. 11. He was married October 20, 1864, to Miss Mary E. McGinnis, daughter of the Hon. John T. McGinnis, of Mercer county. She was born October 25, 1846. They have two children: Everett W., born September 24, 1865; and Frank M., born May 10, 1868. Mr. Church is republican in politics. Moses McIntire was born in county Donegal, parish of Kay, seven miles southwest of Londondei-ry, Ireland, in 1830. His lather, Jere- miah McIntire, was born in Ireland, and died about 1839 ; and his mother, Sarah (Ross), also a native of Ireland, died (1841) in Ireland. They were of the Protestant faith, belonging to the Seceder church. Jeremiah was a millwright by trade, but followed farming mostly. They were parents of nine children : James sailed for (Quebec and probably died there from ship fever ; Mathew died in Ireland ; John B. died in Warren coiinty, Illinois ; William is in Iowa ; Jeremiah died in Abington township, Mercer county ; Sarah (now Mrs. James Friell), and Moses. William was here about 1835, while the Indians were bad. Moses McIntire emigrated from Ireland in 1848. He came to New York, where he became porter in Brooks' dry goods establishment ; then was engaged in a white-lead factory. In 1852 he came to AVarren county, Illinois. Here he followed carpentering several years in part, ai^d ran a threshing machine in thresliing season. He bought 160 acres of land in Warren county. This he sold, and purchased in 1862 eighty acres, the S. ^ of N. E. ^ of Sec. 32, Ohio Grove townsnip. This farm he has well improved. He also has some timber. Mr. McIntire was married, September 3, 1863, to Miss Matilda Watt, daughter of John and Jane Watt, of Pennsylvania. She was born in ^litHin county, Pennsylvania, January 11, 1842. They have eight children living and two dead. Mr. and Mrs. McIntire are connected with the United Presbyterian church. Mr. McIntire is a republican. He has been postmaster of Duck Creek othce since 1862. He takes an inter- est in school affairs and all ijrosrressive movements for the countv's good. Jonx B. McIntire was born in county Donegal, Ireland, Mannor- Cunningham parish, twelve miles from Londonderry, in 1816. He is one of the progressive Protestants of Irish blood. He was married to Eleanor McElheney, also a native of the same place. They sailed for America in 1847, settling on a farm near Brighton, Canada. In 1851 they moved to Warren county, Illinois, Sumner to\vnship, where they became land owners and are thrifty farmers. Both are members of the 474 HISTORY OF AEEROER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. United Presbyterian cliurdi. In the family are six children living and live dead: Sarah and Bessie, born in Ireland; Bessie died on the ocean, and Sarah died in Canada ; Moses died in Warren county, Illinois ; Margaret, also ; Ellen, Minnie, and William J. William J. Mclntire was born July 30, 1848, near Brighton, Canada. He lived at home till about twenty-five years of age. When twenty-iive years old, his father gave him eighty acres of land in Ohio Grove township. He sold his eighty and bought 110 acres of the S. W. ^ of Sec. 28, paying $4,500. He has improved his place very much. He is naturally handy with tools, doing his own carpenter work, blacksmithing, etc. Mr. Mclntire was married, February 26, 1874, to Miss Bellzora Bullock, daughter of William Bullock. She was born in Mercer county, October 28, 1853. The children are : Guy, and Glenn. Yida is dead. Jacob Guthrie (deceased) was a native of Greene county, Penns^'l- vania. He came to Warren county, Illinois, in 1863, and the following year bought a farm of eighty acres in section 10, Ohio Grove township, Mercer county. He died October 7, 1871. He was justice of the peace and held other offices in Pennsylvania. Plis politics were demo- cratic. His wife died April 17, 1875, In the family were eleven children. jSToah H. Guthrie, the fifth child of the above, was born in Pennsylvania, March 6, 1842. His life was spent on the farm till the war. September, 1861, he enlisted in his country's service, in company F, 7th reg. West Yirginia Vol. Inf , under Lieut. -Col. Kelley and Capjt. Ben. Morris. Mr. Guthrie fought in eleven battles, the chief of which were Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Bull Kun, The Wilderness, and Spotsylvania Court-House. At the last- named battle he was shot in the right leg, necessitating the removal of eight inches of the tibia. He was six months at Chester (Pa.) hospital. He was discharged December 17, 1864. Leaving the hospital, he came direct to Sunbeam, Mercer county, Blinois, to his parents. He subse- quently spent three years at the Soldiers' College, at Fulton, Illinois. In 1870 he took the census of eight townships of Mercer county. In the fall of 1870 he was elected sheriff of Mercer county, which office he filled two terms. In 1880 he took the census of Ohio Grove town- ship. He is a re})ublican. Mr. Guthrie was married July 4, 1870, to Miss Delila Hardy, daughter of Ashford and Sophia Hardy. She was born in Mercer county, February 11, 1848. They have three children : Freddie, Edmund, and Grace. Mr. Guthrie owns a beauti- ful farm of 240 acres, well improved. William R. Yance, farmer, is a son of James and Sarah (Pearson) Yance, of Abington township, elsewhere noticed. William P. was OHIO GROVK TOWNSHIP, 4(0 born in New Boston township, Mercer county, Illinois, September 20, 1847. He has spent all his time in Mercer county, except a short time in Iowa. He remained at home until twenty-two years of age, when he bought a farm in Abington township. In 1876 he moved to Ohio Grove townshij), where he bought 160 acres of the N. W. ^ of section 27. He was married January 7, 1875, to Jennie Brown, daughter of John Brown, of Mercer county, Illinois. She is a native of this county. They have one child, Olive B. Samuel Sprowl, farmer, was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, June 29, 1822, and is a son of William and Rebecca (Baker) Sprowl, both natives of Virginia, and of Scotch descent. Rebecca Baker's grandfather was a wealthy Londoner. William and Rebecca Sprowl moved to Fayette county, Ohio, about 1842, where she died about 1845. She was born March 17, 1782. William was born January 8, 1775, and died November 17, 1872. He spent his aged years with his son Samuel. He was for many years a member of the United Presbyterian church. In the fomily were: William, born June 11, 1801 ; Elizabeth, born March 14, 1803 ; Polly, born March 7, 1805, died January 27, 1869 ; Rebecca, born October 21, 1807 ; John, born May 15, isio ; Martha, born May 27, 1812, died November 17, 1873 ; Anna P., born January 11, 1817 ; Sarah, born December 2,. 1819, died January 4, 1874 ; Samuel ; Christiana, born February 8, 1825. Sam- uel Sprowl was raised on the farm in Ohio, in the log fcabin, the forest and the tield. ]\Iany a day has he worked with ax to clear the land for crops. The school was three miles away, so that his advantages were very limited. In 1855 he emigrated to Illinois. He farmed a rented place one year. In 1856 he bought the S. E. J of section 22, at $12.50 per acre. This he has improved into a good farm. He now has 172 acres and house, and three lots in Aledo, where he lived for three years. He was married September 14, 1869, to Maggie Dixon, daughter of Samuel and Hannah (Shaw) Dixon, both natives of Vir- ginia. Her father died May 29, 1879.* Mrs. Sprowl was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, September 9, 1848. She was in Vir- ginia during the late war, and witnessed both northern and southern armies frequently, and heard the roar of battle. Two brothers were in the battle of Gettysburg, and her youngest brother was a guard at Libby i)rison. Mr. Sprowl has three children : John W., Samuel B. and Olive L. John Parks (deceased) was born in county Armagh, Ireland. He owned a small piece of land there, which he farmed. He was an Orangeman, and was engaged in the war of the Protestants against the Catholics. He was then married to Jane Brown, also a native of 476 HISTORY OF HEERCER AJSTD HENDERSON COUNTIES. that green isle. About 1848 they sailed for America, and made their home in Adams county, Ohio. In 1855 thev moved to Warren county, Illinois, and fiye years later to Mercer county, and settled the place now owned by Alexander Parks. He was a republican, casting his lirst vote for John C. Fremont. lie died December 11, 1873, leaving a wife who survives him. His children are six : John, James, Saniudl (dead), Alexander, Lizzie and Sarah. Samuel was a member of company G., J02d 111. Vol., under Capt. Wycoff; contracted con- sumption in the army, and died after his discharge. Alexander was born in Ireland, March 17, 1842. He has spent his life on the farm, and owns the old homestead, which he has improved. He was married to Miss Jane Murphy, also a native of Ireland. Their farm is the S. \ of S. W. \ of Sec. 32, T. 13 K, E. 3. He and. all his brothers are republicans. David Milligan was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, December 7, 1806. His father, John Milligan, was born in county Donegal, Ireland, in 1754, and his mother, Jane (Kincaid), in Ches- ter county, Pennsylvania, in 1764. John Milligan left Ireland August 6, 1790, and after thirteen weeks' voyage landed at Newcastle. So nearly did the provisions give out that each man's allowance was but one pint of water and two 'tablespoonfuls of oat meal every twenty-four hours. When they landed all were like skeletons and some ate till they died. John died August 2, 1839. His wife died in 1850. One son (Kobert) served in the war of 1812. David Milligan was raised on the farm in Pennsylvania. He was married December 1, 1836, to Miss Rebecca Rollstin. She was born in Washington county, Pennsylyania, IN'ovember 18, 1818. Her father, James Rollstin, was from Ireland. Mr. Milligan remained in Pennsylvania till 1866, when he emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, arriving October 19th. He had learned to farm among the rocks, so found land here easy to cultivate. He became the owner of 479 acres of land in sections 28, 13, and 3, Ohio Grove township. He built three diflterent hT)uses. Thus he has aided in adding wealth to Mercer county. His wife died .October 19, 1880, leaving him to mourn the loss of a dear companion. She was a mem- ber of the United Presbyterian church for forty-four years. She was the mother of eight children : Nancy, Jane (dead), John F., James P., Warren (dead), Rebecca M., Rachel M. (dead), tmd Elizabeth E. Mr. Milligan is a republican. He used to be democrat, whig and anti- mason. He has been connected with the United Presbyterian church since 1836. He sent one son to the civil war when the boy was nine- teen years old, viz., John F., who enlisted August 18, 1862, in com- pany i\ 22d Penn. Cav., under Oapt. G. T. Work and Col. Higgins. OHIO GROVE TOWNSHIP. 4 ( « He fought at Moorefield, Virginia, Fredericksburg-, second battle of "Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Laurel Hill, Cedar Creek, and many skir- mishes. He was discliarged June 1, 1865. Alexander McBriue. farmer, was born near Belfast, Ireland, May 28, 1831. His parents, AVilliam and Margery (McXeil), were natives of county Down, Ireland. They owned a piece of the land known as the "land forever.'' Failure on account of beinff surety for his brother caused William McBride to emigrate to America, which he did about 1850, sailing from Belfast May 1st, and landing in New York June 1st ; soon settled in Muskingum county, Ohio. He died there June 11, 1861. In Ireland he was grand master of the Orange society many years. He was a quiet, inoifensive man, minding his own business, and respected by the community. He is buried at Bloomlield, Ohio. There were eight children : Jane, born in Ireland, Sarah (dead), Mary, Eliza A.. Margery, Rachel, Xancy, and Alexander. They were of the United Presbyterian faith. Alexander (the fourth child) was general manager of home affairs. He was married December 25, 1857, to Sarah J. "VYilson, daughter of Hugh Wilson. She was born in Alle- gheny county, Pennsylvania, September 10, 1830. Alexander McBride was a hundred-day man in the late war ; was in sevei"al skirmishes and at the battle of Harper's Ferry, in com})any B, 160th Ohio home guards. February 4, 1867, he left Ohio for Mercer county, Illinois. He lived a while in Suez township. In 1871 he bought 160 acres, the N, AV, ^ of Sec. 36, in. Ohio Grove township, on which he lives. He was pathmaster five years. He has a family of five children : Hugh W., Mary L., William T., Samuel H., and David L. He always votes for republican ])rinci})les. He and wife are members of the United Pres- byterian church. James A. Kelloog was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, November 23, 1848, He emigrated with his people to Bureau county, Illinois, in 1852, and in the following year his father purchased 160 acres of land now owned by H. X. Chandler. Here James was raised. His people moved to Abington township, where they now i-eside. James is fairly educated, having lived handy to the school and enjoyed its advantasces. He was married in 1873 to Miss Mary A. Vance, daughter of James and Sarah Vance, now of Abington township. Mrs. Kellogg is a native of Mercer county. Mr. Kellogg farmed some time in Abington township. In 1874 he occupied his present farm of eighty acres, being the E. ^ of N. W. J, Sec. 28, Ohio Grove township. Mr. and Mrs. Kellogg are members of the Presbyterian church. They have three children: Arthur L., Frank P., and Inis L. Wm. II. II. Smith, farmer, a son of William Smith, noticed in the 478 HISTORY OF irEKCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. history of Ohio Grove township, was bom July 2, 1840, in Muskingum county, Oliio. He came with his people to Mercer county, Illinois, in 1847. His father dying William went to live with his cousin, George A. Smith, till ten years of age. He was then bound out to W. M. Miller, with whom he staid till the war broke out. He enlisted August 9, 1861, in company E, 9th 111. Yol. Inf , and took part in the battles of Fort Donelson, Sliiloh, Corinth, Atlanta ; was taken sick and sent to Marietta, Georgia, and thence to Nashville, where he remained till the spring of 1865. He tlien rejoined his command at Pocataligo, iS^orth Carolina. He then followed Johnston till the latter surrendered. Mr. Smith then went to "Washington, and thence to Louisville, Kentucky, and was mustered out at Springfield, Illinois, July 25, 1865. He has since spent five years in the west. In 1870 he made his home in Mercer county. In 1881 he bought forty -eight acres of land, and is now settled on it. Mr. Smith was considerably injured in health in the war service. He was married November 30, 1878, to Nancy E., daughter of Stephen Noland. They have two children: Stephen A., and Lura M. Mr. Smith is entirely republican. John McGee was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania. When five years old he accompanied his parents to Muskingum county, Ohio. He was there raised and educated. He married Miss Margaret Irwin. In 1852 he emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, settling for a time in Suez township. In 1869 he went to Iowa, then to Oregon, in the 3'ears 1874 and 1875. He returned to Iowa, and in the spring of 1881 he made his home in Kansas, with his son, David C. His wife died August 20, 1858, and is buried in the Candor graveyard. She was a member of the United Presbyterian church. In the family are seven children: Richard H., D. C, B. W., Martha J. (died in Ohio), Harriet, Mary Ann, and Sarah E. Richard H. was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, July 12, 1834. He enlisted August 13, 1862, in company E, 102d 111. Yol. He was sergeant for ten months. He was mostly detailed at headquarters. He was at the battle of Nashville. His time was largely occupied in looking after the trains in the rear. He was discharged June 15, 1865, when he returned to Mercer county. His brother, D. C. McGee, was a member of company C, 50th 111. Yol., and was wounded severel}' at Altoona Pass. Also B. W. McGee spent a year in the service. Richard II. was married February 14, 1860, to Jessie C Spence, of Howard county, Missouri. They have four children : ' Frank, Lizzie, John, and Clara. Robert C. Parkinson, farmer, was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, November 16, 1837, and is the son of Edward and Margaret (Clements) Parkinson, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Ohio. OlHl) GROVE TC)W>;S1III'. 479 Mr. Parkinson''s parents moved to Warren county, Illinois, in 1856, and in 1859 settled in Mercer county. Edward Parkinson died Febru- ary 13, 1860. He was born April 1, 1791. His wife was born March 5, 1796, and died September 9, 1866. Tie was in the war of 1812. His father was an Englishman and his mother of Germany. Her father was a native of Ireland and her mother of America. Both are buried at the Porter graveyard in AA'^arren county, Illinois. Robert C. remained with his parents till they died. He received but little educa- tion except that afforded by the farm. He was married June 25, 1868, to Mariah Webster, daughter of Hammond and Louisa Webster. She was born in New York state February 28, 1840. After marriage Mr. Parkinson secured 100 acres of section 28, which he now owns, together with the N. E. j^ of Sec. 28. He was for three years road commis- sioner. They have had seven children, six of whom are living. Mrs. AVebster's parents are noticed in connection with the sketch of Ham- mond AVebster. Her mother, Mrs. Louisa AA^ebster, after the death of her husband, was married (Jctober 12, 1845, to Joseph Robinson. Mr. Robinson was born in Alleghany county, New York, April 7, 1812. He left home when twenty-two years old, going to Weaver county, Pennsylvania, in 1834, and the same year to Quincy, Illinois. In 1842 he came to Mercer county. He has improved a good farm, and is now one of the county's oldest citizens. He has been school trustee and road commissioner. Lemuel Gitstin, farmer, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Diltz) Gus- tin, was born July 29, 1823. His parents settled in Madison couhty, Indiana, about 1845, and there died. Lemuel was raised on the farm and inured to all the toils and pleasures incident thereto. He is the oldest of eight children. In 1847 he was married to Catharine Noland, daughter of Stephen Noland. Her father, Stephen Noland, was born in 1801, and raised in Kentucky near Cumberland mountain. He moved in a very early day to AA^ayne county, Indiana, where he lived on the twelve mile purchase when the Indians were bad. He was on the frontier in the war of 1812, and lived partly in a fort or block- house, traded with the Indians, etc. There is a stream in Indiana called Noland's fork, the name deriving from the Nolands. Mr. Noland and wife, Nancy E. (Adams), a native of Ohio, lived in Madi- son county, Indiana, from 1823 to 1856, wdien they settled in Mercer county, Illinois. Mrs. Noland died July 20, 1877. In 1856 Mr. and Mrs. Gustin came with the Nolands to Mercer county, Illinois, settling for a time in Eliza township. In 1868 they purchased sixty acres in section 2, Ohio (rrove township, and have lived on it since. Mr. Gustin 480 HISTORY OF MERCER AXD HENDERSON COUNTIES. lias been justice of the peace ; he has been school director six years. He has six children living and two dead. James Feather, farmer and stock raiser, is a son of Jacob and Mary (Siggens) Feather. Jacob Feather spoke the German tongue, his father beine; a native of Germanv, who emii^jrated earlv and foiio-ht in the revolution ; his wife receiving a pension for his services. Jacob died about 1851 in West Virginia. His wife is living at an advanced age. The family are : Susan, Mary (dead), Ezekiel (dead), Jane, James, Sarah E., Sophia (dead). James, the subject of these notes, was born in West Virginia, October 17, 1839. There he was reared in the country and educated in the schools of his day. In 1856, he made his home in Iowa ; remaining there three years. He worked around by the month in Warren county, Illinois ; was in the mercan- tile business in Monmouth four years. In 1868 he went to Missouri. In the meantime he owned the store at Sunbeam for two years. In 1869 he located permanently in Mercer county. Mr. Feather was first married, December 7, 1865, to Miss Martha C. Hayes, daughter of the late Judge Wm. M. Hayes. She died in 187-1. Mr. Feather was next married December 26, 1878, to Katy M. Gourley, daughter of Robert Gourley. She is a native of Pennsylvania. Mr. Feather has one child by his first wife, Aurie L. Elijah Forsyth, son of William and Eleanor Forsj'th, was born August 6, 1810, in Indiana coimty, Pennsylvania. When he was four years of age his parents settled in Ohio. There Elijah was educated in the common schools and became a schoolmaster at the age of nineteen years, teaching twenty-two years in Ohio. He was married in Mus- kingum county, to Ann Dawson, daughter of Thomas and Catharine Dawson, and a native of Ohio. In 1855, Mr. Forsyth emigi-ated over- land to Mercer county, bringing his family of seven children : John, William, Elijah Jr., David, Mary, Eleanor, and Nancy J. He settled on the S. 4^ of S. E. ^ Sec. 7, Ohio Grove township, which he purchased. He has since added some timber. For eighteen years he has taught, part of each year, in Mercer county. Reference to the official table will show his interest in public affairs and the trust placed in him by the people. He has been an elder in the United Presbyterian church for over twenty years. His father was a native of Rockbridge county, Virginia; was in the war of 1812 ; died in Ohio in 1827. His mother died in 1835. Mr. Forsyth's son, John, was a member of the 102d reg. 111. Vol. in the civil war, and was promoted captain of a colored company. He served two years when he was discharged on account of sickness. MERCER COUNTY IH)()R FARM AXD IXFIRMARY. 481 MERCER COUNTY POOR FARM AND INFIRMARY. CONTRIBUTED 15Y L. B. DOUGHTY. Among the public institutions of the county, tlie Poor Farm and Intirmarv are specially worthy of mention, for they are a standing monument, evincing the practical generosity of our citizens. But in our search for material for this chapter, we have found the records so vague, incomplete and unsatisfactory, that we almost despaired of finding suthcient data to make our history of this institution complete or interesting. From William Wilmerton, Esq., of Preemption township, and Tyler McA\^iorter, of Mercer, we have obtained some interesting facts, which will help us to, in some measure, fill the gaps we find in the public records. For years after the organization of our county, those unable to support themselves, and whose families or friends were unable to sup- port them, were cared for by the overseers of the poor of the several townships, who were appointed by the county commissioners. Some- times they were kept hj contract ; sometimes they did what they could for themselves, and were partially provided for by the overseers. In many cases merchants provided them with the necessaries of life, taking their chances of having the bills allowed by the board. In all cases the county was expected to pay the bills for their maintenance, whether kept on contract, furnished by order of the overseer, or through pity (or cupidity) of the merchant. At each recurring session of the commissioners' court, pauper bills inci'eased in number and grew in magnitude, and more and more care was necessary, and was exercised, to sift out and pay only those which were for the necessaries of life, cutting ofi" and rejecting any and all which bear the least taint of suspicion. For instance, some bills pre- sented would, perlia})S, show that sugar enough had been furnished to a pauper in three months' time, to have lasted him or his family, for a year, and this would raise a suspicion in the minds of the commis- sioners, that perhaps something else than sugar had been furnished — an article for wliich it was known payment would be refused. Investi- gation would follow, which would generally result in the rejection of a part of the bill. We do not wish to make any invidious references, but esquire Wilmerton related a story to us, the other day, which comes to our mind in recording the above. Some years ago he received a large number of bills from a house in Rock Island, for collection, upon 482 HISTOKY OF MERCEK AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. parties living in Pre-emption and adjoining townships. One of these particularly attracted his attention, owing to the frequent charges for ''headache medicine" by the quart, half gallon and gallon ; this item occurring with alarming regularity, showing each and every visit to the city of the good old farmer against whom it was made. The 'squire was well acquainted with him, and had never known of his being subject to severe attacks of this disease, and his curiosity was aroused to know what this remedy was, and on his first visit to Rock Island he asked the maker of the bill to enlighten him. The dealer laughed, and for answer beckoned him into a back room and silently pointed to a barrel labeled "whisky." "Headache medicine " looked better on the bills ; but like the " sugar" on the pauj)er bills, it looked suspicious. Again, most of the adjoining counties had provided poor-houses, and refused longer to support indigent persons unless they would become inmates thereof; and while there were many who were not too proud to receive their entire subsistence from the county, there were few who would willingly "go to the poor-house," as they had a false idea that this course was degrading. Rather than go where they could not only be better cared for, but would have an opportunity to do what they could for their own maintenance, they prepared to emigrate to some county not possessed of this bugbear, and not a few crossed the borders into our county and soon became a county charge. Under these circumstances, the commissioners in 1853 (E. Gilmore, Jr., county judge, and William Wilmerton and John Glancey, asso- ciate county justices of the peace), after much deliberation, decided to purchase a farm for the county, upon which might be erected suitable buildings for an infirmary. Mr. Wilmerton soon found what he thought would be a suitable farm, and a special meeting of the com- missioners was held at the court-house in Keithsburg, September 20, 1853, which is the first record we can find relating to the subject of a poor-house. At this meeting they ratified a provisional contract made by Mr. AVilmerton with John I. Clark and Gersham Yannatta, whereby the latter sold to the county 110 acres of land lying in the S. ^ of Sec. 33, T. 15, and in the N. i of Sec. 4, T. 14, both in Range 3, W. of the 4tli P.M., the latter being timber land. The consideration w^as $1,400, and two orders were drawn at this meeting, for $700 each, in favor of Clark and Vannatta. The deed was made September 23, 1853, and acknowledged before W. A. Bridgford,*J.P,, of Millersburg, and was recorded January 12, 1854, by T. B. Cabeen, Recorder, in Book M of Deeds, pages 307 and 308. March 8, 1854, the county farm was leased to Joseph G. Gilmore MKUCEK COUNTY VOVli KAUM AND IMTKMARY. 485 lor one year, but the terms of the lease are not given in tlie record. A part of the contract, liowever, was that lie should keej) a paujjcr and his wife, named Golden ; and we*lind that at the March session (1855) o+' the board of supervisors he was allowed $8.50 as balance due him on the contract. From the minutes of the June session of the board of supervisors (1854), the first session after the ado})tion of township organization, we cop3' the following order : "It is ordered by the board, that Graham Lee, Elisha ]\Iiles, and Tyler McWhoiter be and are appointed a ccnnmittee to examine the condition of the county farm and its requirements, with ]-espect to accommodating all the paupers of the county." In September of the same year, Graham Lee was appointed agent for the county to lease the farm, etc. In March, 1856, Mr. Gilmore was ])aid $58.50 as balance due him on contract or lease. At the same term the board unanimously })ass a resolution recommending to their successors the urgent necessity of improving the farm, so that it would "accommodate all the paujjers in the county," this action being suggested by the large number of pauper claims presented at that session. At a special tenn in June, 1856, Graham Lee, Thomas Likely, and Tyler McAVhorter were apjjointed a committee to i)repare and report a ])lan for a poor-house, and as nearly as possible the cost of the same. They made their report at the same session, which was accepted, and McAVhorter, Lee, and N. P. Partridge were ap])ointed to make a design, advertise for and receive bids, and contract for the erection of the house. Said commissioners reported at the September meeting that they had received, oii the 28th of August, live bids : two for brick and three for stone buildings; that four of the bids had ranged from $4,200, to $4,600; that the lifth was for $3,400 for a stone building; that this latter figure was deemed reasonable, but the bidder, Mr. Ralph Growe, required ])artial payment in advance, and it was necessary to provide funds before closing the contract. Accordingly an arrangement was made with the drainage commissioner to borrow money from the swamp land fund. That the lirst payment had been made, and the work of excavating the cellar commenced ; that owing to the failure of the drainage commissioner to iruike collections, they were unable to get money for the second i)ayment, whereby the work had been greatly hindered and delaye tions has had something left after so doing and meeting current expenses. The three acres soon became, too small, and two more acres were l)urchased of Mr. Howe ; and when it was decided to add trotting to the 490 HISTOKY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. exliibition, eight acres were leased from H. W. Thornton, upon which a one-fourth mile track was prepared. Two features of our early fairs will bear mention, although both have long since lost a place on the programme. An agricultural address, often delivered by a professional politician, who perhaps knew no more about raising corn and potatoes than he did of Greek, was for awhile considered the main attraction; and the equestrienne exhibi- tion was also relied upon as a drawing feature. It is needless to say that the latter was of the two the most popular, and drew by far the largest and most enthusiastic crowd. Owing to the excitement consequent to the breaking out of the war of the rebellion in 1861, no fair was held that year, but they were resumed in 186::^, and have been held regularly ever since. When the railroad was completed to Aledo, in 1869, the society decided to remove to that point, owing to the increased facilities for getting to and from the fair, and twenty-seven acres of ground were purchased of D. V. Reed, situated about one mile southwest of the business center of town, and the fair of 1869 was held on the new grounds. During the first years of the society, membership tickets were sold at $1 each, and the purchaser was presented with a badge which not only entitled him to admission during the fair, but also admitted all members of his family, except children, who were "of age." Under this plan gate receipts were always small in proportion to the number in attendance, and it was finally displaced by the regular ticket system, tlie purchaser of four twenty-five cent tickets being enti- tled to a certificate of membership, which latter gives him a vote in society, but will not admit him to the grounds. When the law was passed creating the state board of agriculture, our society reorganized under its provisions, under the name of the "Mercer County Agricultural Board," a name it still bears. Substan- tial buildings, stalls, pens, etc., have been erected as the finances would warrant. The board during the past year paid the last of its indebtedness for land, and has kept other bills paid up. A fine exhi- bition hall is now in course of erection, in the sha})e of a Greek cross, which will cost about $2,000. On the grounds is a splendid one-third mile track, and fronting it a commodious amphitheater, built, how- ever, more for use than ornament. A sufficient number of wells supply all the water required, and more hay is raised on the ground enclosing the track than is required to feed the stock brought for exhibition. Gambling and the sale of intoxicants have ever been rigidlv MERCER COUNTY AGRICULTURAL BOARD. 491 excluded, and many have favored the abolition of trotting or racing of anv kind from the grounds. There was a time when this feature threatened to overshadow all else, and our fair became what so many others in the state had merged into — a three-days' horse-race, with a few implements and farm products as a kind of side-show. Taking warning, however, by the bankruptcy of neigliboring societies, resulting largely from this course, our board adopted a happy medium, which has so far resulted to the best interests of the board, financially, while satisfying all but the ultra advocates of either side. Trials of speed are reduced in number and almost entirely confined to horses owned within the county, and the premiums are liberal without being excessive. Pre- miums on stock and farm products, together with manufactured articles of all kinds of home production have been advanced ; while machinery, farm implements, etc., from foreign manufactories, are simply awarded a diploma. The ladies' department, including needle work, embroideries, samples of culinary skill and dairy work, have ever been an inter- esting, attractive and important feature of the exhibitions, and too much praise cannot be accorded to the ladies for their interest and unremitting efforts to make these de})artments attractive, and we can say of them what can be said of no other department : the display has always been full and large. In the exhibition of fine horses, cattle, hogs, and sheep, our fairs have never been surpassed in quality by the state fair, and some years scarcely equaled in quantity ; while in fruits, farm })roducts, and vege- tables, our average disi)lav would be creditable at any stjite exhibition, and in exceptional years is never surpassed anywhere. The board offer from §12,00() to $2,500 annually as premiums. All articles and animals are admitted free, except horses, entries for speed, and sweepstakes on all other stock. These pay an entrance fee of ten per cent on first premium, except entries for speed, which pay ten per cent on purses offered. Sheep, however, pay no entrance fee on sweei> stakes, as only a diploma is awarded in that class. We cannot give a list of the ofticers of the societ}' from its organiza- tion, and must content ourselves with a mention of a few whom we know to have been prominently connected with it, while others who have perhaps been more prominent are necessarily omitted. In addition to those first mentioned are J. E. Ilarroun, A. J. Streeter, Henry Lee, David Calhoun, D. W. Sedwick, E. B. David, Joseph B. Lair, Samuel Wharton, C. F. Durston, J. V. David, A. P. Petrie, A. B. Swisher, James Feather, AVilliam I. Nevius, Robert Candor, 492 HISTORY OF MERCER Ai«) HE^^)ERSON C0U]S;TIES. John Brady, O. A. Bridgford, Walter Lloyd, L. B. Lloyd, J. M. Maniion, AVilliam Doak, G. D. Miller, John Whitsett, John A. Gilmore, D. T. Hindman, ^Y. K. Fulton, D. H. Hayes, J. M. Warwick, M. L. Marsh, J. Taylor Gilmore, L. V. Willits, j'. H. Purdnm, R. J. Cabeen, L. B. Ho^ye, J. J. Huston ; and right here we will stop, for their name is legion, Robert Holloway has added much interest to the liorse show for the past few years, by an exhibition of his fine imported horses, while William Drury is entitled to the same credit for a much longer period. As a fact worthy of record the fail's of the Mercer county agricul- tural boards have been more uniformly successful in every way than any other fair in the state, and our exhibitions deservedly stand at the head, taking them as a whole, and have so stood for a number of years. For this proud position credit is due to the citizens of the county generally, who have ever shown their interest in its success by attending its exhibitions and contributing in every possible way toward its advancement. Wise selection of officers and careful management on their part has insured a sound financial basis upon which future im- provements may be safely inaugurated. The twenty-ninth annual fair of the board will be held on Septem- ber 19, 20, 21 and 22, 1882, at their grounds near Aledo. The fol- lowing are the ofiicers for the current year : president, A. B. Swisher, Eliza ; vice-president, R. J. Cabeen, Keithsburg ; treasurer, E. B. David, Aledo ; secretary, J. F. Henderson, Aledo ; executive com- mittee. David Calhovm, Keithsburg; J. B. Lair, Aledo; G. D. Mil- ler, Aledo ; D. W. Sedwick, Suez ; J. IT. David, Xew Windsor ; J. B. Chandler, Sunbeam ; Mrs. AV. D. Fleharty, New Windsor ; Mrs. H. B. Frazier, Yiola ; Mrs. W. A. Lorimer, Aledo ; Mrs. J. M. Man- non, New Boston ; general superintendent, Robert Candor, Aledo ; marshal, Samuel Wharton, Aledo ; marshal of the ring, John F. Harvey, Aledo. Capt. E. B. David, present treasurer, was for five years secretary of the board, and is now vice-president of the state board of agriculture for this district. DUNCAN TOAYNSHIP. This township was named by the first settlers in honor of Buford Duncan, who was himself the first of all. The soil in this township is susceptible of a high grade of cultivation, being composed of rich, black loam. Camp creek, the i3rinciple stream, runs through the southeast portion, and Eliza creek forms in the northwest part of the township. DUNCAN TOWNSIIIl'. 493 and runs in a soutliwest course through Duncan and Eliza to\vn.shij)s, emptying into Bald Eagle lake, five miles from New Boston. In places Camp creek is skirted with heavy timber along its banks, to which the various wild climbers cling for suj)port. All along the banks of Camp, from Bald Eagle lake to its source, wherever shaded bv tim- ber, was once the fjivorite camping ground of the red man, and hence the creek derives its name ; but they have long since disapj)eared w4th the advent of the few first white settlers. They have gone, but have not forgotten the place they once controlled, and those of them who still survive in lamentable tones j^ortray their recollections of the home of their childhood ; that once delightful hunting ground. But time has wTOught numy changes since then ; where once was the site of tlie wigwam are now fields of waving corn. The old mill once in active operation upon its banks just west of Millersburg, has also disappeared, giving way to more powerful modern improvements, and not a vestige of it remains except the recollections of its former usefulness in grinding out its allowance to hungry settlers. Around it was a pleasant spot in summer time, when the woods were green around and the pond like a shield of polished silver, with the water flying in showers of spray over the huge, slowly turning wheel. But in winter, when the trees were bare and the snow lay piled in drifts upon the ground, a weary, desolate place was the mill of Camp creek. Where once could be seen one vast sea of unbroken prairie, well cultivated farms and handsome farm houses now meet the eye ; and dotted here and there with churches and school-houses on every hand, which note the progress that intellect and industry have made. This townsjiip is comprised of No. 15, R. 4 west of the -ith P. M., and is well supplied with coal ranging from two and a half to five feet in thickness. FIRST SETTLERS. The first settler in what is now Duncan townshij) was Buford Duncan, as early as 1834 or 183(). The township took its name from this man. The next family to come was Duncan's son-in-law, James Vernon. AVilliam Epperly came also about the same time. These settled in the same neighborhood, on secticm 16, school land. The first school-house was built on some of this land, of which Duncan donated one acre. It was called the Duncan school-house then. Joseph King was another of the early comers. He settled farther south toward the line between Duncan and JMiilersburg, on section 23, now owned by J. C. Staley. From about 1837 arrivals were numer- ous. Among these later settlers were Ebenezer Bunting, Joseph N., 494 HISTOKV OF MERGER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. Elbridge G., and Lucian B. Howe (brothers), Tyler McAVliorter, and his brother-in-law, William S. Roe. They settled together. McWhorter started a nursery, made a handsome place, and finally removed his nursery to his present location south of Aledo. [The following from an early resident of Duncan township (Tyler McA\niorter, Esq.) will be read with interest. — Ed.] The first settler of this township was Buford Duncan, who located on section 16 in the year 1838. Buford Duncan came fi-om Indiana. He was a man characterized for plainness of manners and the strictest honesty. He was already somewluxt advanced in life and was the father of a considerable family of children, most of whom settled in the same neighborhood. Soon after Buford Duncan had located in the townsliip, his brother, Braxton Duncan, located on section 17. Brax- ton Duncan was of a slender constitution and only survived a few years. Subsequently several persons connnected with the Duncan family located in the same neighborhood and formed a nucleus of what became known as ' ' Duncan settlement. " Among the early settlers of that neighborhood should be mentioned William Epperly and James Vernon. Buford Duncan has been dead many years. Among the early settlers of the township of Duncan was also Luman Castle, who located on the south boundary of the township (section 36) near the town of Millersburg. It was also at an early date that Joseph King located on the south side of section 33. It was near the same time that Robert Morris located on section 25. Robert Morris was from Scotland. He was a man of some mathematical education. In 1 844 he was elected county surveyor. He also served as the first township treasurer of Duncan township, and held that position till the spring of 1846, when, being attracted to an overland adventure to California, he resigned his charge as townsliip treasurer, and the writer of this sketch became his suc- cessor. Mr. Morris died in California. About the spring of 1844 Elbridge G. Howe and Lucian B. Howe made a location on the north part of section 33. It was in the summer of 1845 that the writer of this sketch, accompanied by a brother-in-law (William S. Rowe), located on section 31. It was then the sole purpose of the writer, with the limited means at his command, to start a large experimental orchard in con- nection witli the nursery business. The name chosen for the nursery was ^'Pome-Roy (Royal Fruit) Nursery"; and by that name the neigh- borhood is still known. It is scarcely necessary to add that "Pome-Roy Nursery" subsequently produced the trees for most of the oldest bearing orchards of this county, and for some of the adjoining counties. At this early date very few public roads were yet laid out in the townshijD. DUNCAN TOWNSHIP. 495 Tlie few traveled roads wound their way over tlie prairies, following the most favorable make of ground. The small number of domestic animals had very little effect in sujv pressing the free growth of the wild })rairie grass which on all sides grew up and waved to the summer winds. For many years the early settlers could mow a full su])ply of hay on the open prairies, and when the frosts of autumn had killed the prairie grass it was with watchful care that the early settlers felt the necessity of protecting their pro]> erty ft'om the sweeping destruction of ])rairie fires. These fires were often started ten or fifteen miles distant; how or by whom started could seldom be ascertained. On many occasions both men and women were rallied out through the hours of night to defend fields and fences against the approaching prairie fires. Some very serious losses occurred in the early settlement of the country. It Was the prac- tice to plow ^''fire guards" around exposed sides of farms. At the time the writer of this sketch first settled no school-house was built in the township, and the only religious services that had yet been held were conducted by a branch of the Mormons. It was under a preacher by the name of Hinckle that these exercises were mainly conducted, but a more noted revivalist, by the name of Ringer, came to his assistance. Considerable zeal and earnestness were awakened. But subsequently this movement met with some unfortunate disasters. The first school-house was built in the Duncan settlement, the whole township being taxed as one district. Subsequently another dis- trict was set off on the south side of the townshi]), called the Pome-Roy district. Several other divisions of school districts have since taken ]3lace. It now has nine school-houses and three churches. It has become a prosperous agricultural township, and sustains an able and industrious population. But this township is so peculiarly situated that it is not crossed by any of the leading lines of travel. Tylkr McWhorter. CHURCHES. There are four churches in the town. The "Wesleyan Methodist was the first to organize, December 7, 1855. In the spring of 1833, E. R. Powers and George Keneday moved with their families from Ohio to Illinois. Being members of that church in the former state, they brought their letters of recommendation with them. They jnirchased land in Perryton township. There was no religious organization near where they settled, and they were anxious to promote the cause of Christianity, and had a ])reference for a church that did not recognize slave-holders and which did exert its influence against intemperance, 496 HISTORY OF ]SrERCEK A^'D HENDERSON COUNTIES. war, and secret oath-bound societies. They had been in Illinois nearly a year before they found a member of that order. Finally learning that there were Wesleyans at Millersburg, they went there to obtain a preacher, and after a short time the Rev. Mr. Mekpam came to their place and preached the first sermon listened to in Perryton, and preached by a Wesleyan. About two weeks after this, a young man named B. F. Haskins preached at the same place. These ser- mons were delivered some time in April, 1854. In the month of July following, the Rev. J. M. Snyder visited the neighborhood, and preached by appointment. His field of labor included Perryton, and here he made appointments to preach once in four weeks on Sabbath. These exercises were held, alternately, at the houses of Mr. Powers and Keneday. At the beginning of the next conference year the citizens of Perryton erected a school house near the Hamlet postofiice, where the services were then held. Tlie Rev. Mr. Snyder having dispensed with his former field of labor, he was now able to preach to them once in two weeks, on Sundav. Durino- this time a revival was held and twenty-seven members were added to the church. Mr. Powers and Keneday, with their families had, a year previously, joined the church at Millersbusg, but by request changed and joined the church in their own neighborhood. The first ofiicers of the church were : J. M. Sny- der, ofticiating elder ; Levi Cooper, clerk. The first members were : Ebenezer R. Powers, Cornelia Powers, George Keneday and his wife, Celestia Keneday, Levi Cooper and his wife, Lucy Cooper, Jonas Fender, John Cooper, M. Welch. On the 16th of December of that year, were added to the church : Daniel Bopes, Henry Freeman, Joseph F. Cooper, D. H. Cooper, Sarah Cooper, Sarah Mclntyre, Ann Asquith. Up to 1856 they had thirty-one regular members and twenty- one probationers. This church was prosperous from the first; but having no place in the township large enough to accommodate all who thronged to the place of worship, they accordingly built a church of their own on the center of section 24. Antioch Baptist church was organized July 22, 1866. This church owes its existence to George Miller, who, living at Sugar Grove, was a prominent member of that denomination, and church services were held at his house at an early period. When Mr. Miller left this county for Oregon, the place of holding meetings was changed to Lunn's school-house. This was called the Sugar Grove church. It increased in membership until finally they were joined by a few from Edgington, and a new church formed at the above place. The mem- bers most prominent in the movement were : John Young, James Young, L. II. Castor, B. F. Miller, and Frederick Yolkel, At the school- DUXCAN TOWXSIIII'. 497 house preaching was held until 1870, at which time a new church was erected on section 1. This edifice was built bj subscription at a cost of S2,300. Among the first early preachers were: Henry D. Kline, John Young and Alexander Sutton. A revival took place in 1807, under the preaching of one Pickert, an e\'angelist, which was the first revival after occupying the new church. The next was under the super- vision of James Young, in 1803. The next, conducted by J. E. R. Young, added fifty-three new members to the strength of the church. Among the early membership of the church were : Lewis Landreth and wife, John Downing and wife, IVEilton Elliott and wife, James Elliott and wife, L. C. Elliott and family, E. W, Miller and wife, B. F. Miller and wife, John McLaughlin and wife, T, C. Lewis and wife. Among the first organizers of the Buftalo Prairie church, of Dun- can, Jesse L. Adams took an active interest. He was born in Bucks count}', Ohio, March 23, 1808. He subsequently moved from that state to Madison county, Indiana, and settled in the wilderness. In 1822 he went to visit his older brother, who was then living on the Wabash river. Wliile sojourning he united with the Church of Jesus Christ, and was called to the oflice of elder in 1835. In 1835 he moved to Mercer county, settling near Glancey's lake, in Eliza town- ship. He being enthusiastic in the faith, immediately began the agi- tation of establishing a church, and accordingly in 1802, the church was organized with eleven members. AVinthrop Holmes was called to the eldership. The first meetings were held at the houses of the different members. The services were conducted by Elder J. W. Gillon, J. H. Gurley, and AY. Holmes. The* latter named dying in 1865, his place was filled by J. F. Adams. Up to 1805 the church had a membership of twenty-seven. In 1808 a revival took place, at which time 103 were added«to the church, making in all 130 members, and they immediately set about building a church by subscription. This was dedicated September 5, 1808. In the fall of 1873 J. F. Adams resigned the eldersliij) of the church, and David S. Holmes was called ; he resigned in 1875, and E. F. Bryant was called. Lender his administration the church reached 250 members. ORGANIZATION. Pursuant to notice given for townshij) organization, an election was held on April 4, 1854, at the school-house in district Xo. 1. The meeting was called to order by choosing George W. Bennett clerk, AYilliam E]>perly, moderator, and Tyler McAVhorter, clerk, pro tern. At this meeting it was decided to elect four poundmasters, and the j:98 HISTORY OF ifERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. ones chosen were : W. S. Roe, Michael Miller, Biiford Duncan and Samuel Herson. Tyler McWhorter was chosen supervisor, receiving thirty-two votes ; Alvah Sutton, town clerk ; Caleb Yernon, collector ; William S. Roe, assessor ; Samuel Ilerson, G. W. Bennett, John Page, Buford Duncan, and James Vernon, overseers of poor ; AVil- liam Summers and James Lloyd, commissioners of highways ; Wil- liam Ducan, constable ; James Vernon, justice of the peace. At this election thirty votes were cast. A resolution restraining swine, sheep, and cattle from running at large was adopted. One mile north of Millersburg, on a high ridge of ground covered with oaks, is located the Millersburg cemetery. This ridge of ground extends toward the north and slopes gently to the east and west. The lettering on many of the old head-stones still standing has been obliter- ated by the elements, showing that the place has been in use for that purpose for many years. It is perhaps the first burial place in the county. Over two hundred are reposing beneath the shades of the surrounding oaks. Until 1881 Duncan township was without a postolRce. At that time Mr. Leonard Gorber built a store-house on section 2, and John Ball was appointed postmaster. He was also the first merchant in the township. In the spring of 1882 he sold his stock to John Bolting- house, who was appointed in his stead. April 17, 1882, a second post- office was established in Duncan township, and Edward Cornell was appointed postmaster. This is situated in the extreme southwestern corner of the township. A mill was built on Camp creek in 1835, on the line between Dun- can and Millersburg townships. Tliis was a grist and saw-mill. It has long since been numbered with the things of the past, and only a few of the old timbers remain to mark the spot where the early pioneer patiently awaited his turn to be accommodated. Luman Castle was the first discoverer of coal in Duncan township. This was about 1845 or 1846. One McDonald was the first to mine coal. Until he commenced, people who wished dug what they wanted out of the side of the ravine. There being plenty of timber then there was not much demand for coal, but as the population of the township increased they began using coal in order to save the timber for making rails and other purposes. BIOGRAPHICAL. Henry Dunn, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Brown county, Ohio, in 1831, where he received the advantages of a common school education, and began to assist about the farm at the age of sixteen. DUNCAN TOWNSHIP. 499 On coming to this county lie first stopped at New Boston, and after a six months' stay he removed to Eliza township, where he remained ten years. He afterward resided a year each in Mercer an^ Millersburg, and in 1863 bought land of James Yernon in section 21, near Dunn's school-house, .which took its name from him. He was married to Miss A. "Waters, formerly of Ohio. Her parents came out soon after, and being dissatisfied with the country he took them back and returned with his own parents. Mr. Dunn possesses a rare combination of good qualities, which fit him for the business in which he is engaged. He is a man of independent ideas, indomitable energy and fine business tact, all of which has been the secret of his success in life. David H. Livingston was born in 1827 in Columbiana county, Ohio, where he received a common school education, and after learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked until 1851. At that time he came to Rock Island, where for the first year he followed the business. He then moved to Mercer county, settling first at Millersburg, still con- tinuing the business there. Here he lived for ten years. In 1861 he bouglit his first land, on the S. E. ^ of Sec. 6, in Duncan township, and in 1863 bought on the S. W. ^ of Sec. T, and other lands adjoining, until at the present time he owns 225 acres of choice land, which is the result of hard labor and careful management. He returned to Ohio in the spring of 1852, and was married to Miss Nancy McDevitt, of his native county. Four children were the result of this union, as follows : Jo. W., Minnie A., J. G., and Lizzie. William Epperly, Sr., (deceased) was born in Montgomery county, Virginia, August 12, 1796, and was married in 1819 to Miss Alley Wade, of the same county. Somewhere between the years 1831 and 1833 they removed from Virginia to the State of Indiana, at which time the family consisted of seven children. After a residence of thirteen years in Indiana, they removed to Mercer county, Illinois, where he spent the remainder of his life. Soon after his arrival here he pur- chased 320 acres of choice farming land, and by industry, economy, and the assistance of his faithful wife, succeeded in obtaining a title to the same, besides saving considerable money. While residing in Indiana three children were added to the family, and six in Illinois. Mr. Eppeily was one of the early settlers of Duncan township, and was widely and favorably 'known. After having spent a long and useful life, he passed away, August 10, 1879, at the good old age of eighty-three. He was a member of the reorganized chui'ch of Jesus Christ, of Latter Day Saints, having been identified therewith for ten years prior. He died in full faith of the doctrine of the church. Afler his decease his property was divided among his children, he having 500 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSOX COUNTIES. made the arrangements before his death concerning the same. Amj^le provisions were made for his wife, who still survives him, and for his daughter, who will receive a dividend of the remaining portion of the estate. Samuel Sheese, though not an early settler of Duncan township, is nevertheless a good illustration of a limited class of citizens who came early to this township and learned to adapt themselves to the anoma- lous and changing circumstances of early settler life, and who wrung success from hardship and privations of an age when financial derange- ments were common. He was born in the State of Ohio in 1834. At the age of twelve he went with his parents from his native state to Indiana, where he spent his youth in working on a farm. His financial condition of life at that time was a barrier against an educa- tion, there being no fi'ee schools. From Indiana, at the age of twenty, he came to Clay county, Illinois, whither he was followed a short time after by his mother and two sisters. In 1857 he came to Mercer county, planted a crop and built a house. He was married to Miss Mary Fender about twenty -eight yeai's ago. By this marriage they have twelve children born to them. Barehanded and without even the advantages of an education, Mr. Sheese began life for himself ; but his 550 acres of well-improved land and fine buildings are a proof of his ability to gain wealth. Charles Elsworth Lunx, son of John and Mildred Lunn, was born in Mercer county in 1861. His father was among the oldest settlers of the county. He died while our subject was quite young, and his mother married a second time and moved to Port Roval, where he received a part of his education. On their return he was married, in September, 1881, to Miss Eva, daughter of Charles York, after which he moved up5n his father's farm which he had made in 1853. Jonas Fender, son of Lewis and Jane Fender, was born in North Carolina, May 16, 1834. His parents and grandparents were also born in that state. His grandfather, Andrew Fender, is now living with him at the golden age of 100, and up to the winter of 1882 was active and worked about the farm. He has been four times married. His last wife is still living at an advanced age. Mr. Fender is the parent of three generations of children, sixteen in numbei". He was twice en- rolled for the draft of 1812 but was not chosen. He first moved from North Carolina to Indiana, and to Illinois in 1856. Jonas Fender, the subject of this sketch, moved with his parents from their native state to Indiana, and thence to Illinois in 1853, in which year his father's death occurred. Soon after his arrival in the county he pur- chased a farm containing 302 acres in section 24, which he has ^^ ^s *-. .^ %%«^-^?^' ■^1 WILLIAM RETHERFORD. ( DECEASED ) DUNCAN TOWNSHIP. 503 improved, and erected upon the same a handsome dwelHng-house with all the modern imi)royements. Ever since he began the improvement of his farm he has been engaged in the coal business, of which his farm contains a fine supply. Mr. Fender is a member of the Wesleyan church, and was one of the founders. It stands just a few rods from his house. He is also an enthusiastic temj)erance worker. The esteem here placed upon his character is the willing testimony of many who have knowni him for years. Among the men of progress in Duncan township there will be found no name more distinctly representative than that of George Vater (deceased). From early childliood his life had been an active one. To him many owe the advantages of improvement in their stock. This was his study and delight ajid the principal part of his business. He came to America in company with his brother in an earh^ day, and for the first few years rented land, until 180.5, when he bought John MitchePs interest in 260 acres of land, and subsequently added to it 150 acres in section 13. To this he added substantial improvements, notwithstanding the fact that when he arrived here he had nothing but his hands to assure this success in life. At the time of his death, in 1879, he left his widowed wife with this estate unincumbered. Mr. Vater was born in Germany in 1836. His father having died while he was young left our subject to his own resources. He was married in 1863 to Miss Winegard, of Rock Island county. The result of the marriage was seven children, five girls and two boys. The subject of this sketch, John Braucht, who is now passing his declining years on his farm in Duncan township, with all the comforts of life around him, was one among the enterprising first settlers of that township, at a time when industry and energy were requisites to success in life. Mr. Bi-aught was born in Dauphin county, Pennsyl- vania, in 1821, his parents ha\^ng also been born in Lancaster county in that state. From there they moved to Dauphin county, and thence to Ohio. In the fall of 1852 Mr. Braucht came with his parents to Mercer county, first settling a few miles south of Aledo, where our sub- ject resided one year, or until 1853, when they bought in Duncan town- ship of James Hartman. On this place he still resides. He has devoted all his energies to improvement, until he has now one of the best improved farms in the township. He was married in Ohio. His wife died in 1881. The family of James Lloyd originated in Wales, but his more recent ancestors were raised in this country. His parents were Benijah and Elizabeth Lloyd, who moved to Erie county in an early day, where James was born September 3, 1827, and moved with his parents to 29 504 HISTORY OF arERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. Mercer county in 1834. His father hired a man and team to bring them to Mercer county, but on arriving at the river jSTile he became dis- couraged and woukl go no farther. Here they took passage on board of a schooner for Chicago, where they happened to meet with some farmers who had brought wlieat from Putnam county. With some of these teams they were bi'ought as far as Monmouth, where, after a few days' stay, they engaged a man and team to bring them to Millersburg. Tliis was an eventful trip for the whole family. Sliortly after leaving Monmouth their younger brother fell from the wagon in which they were riding and was instantly killed. On arriving at Millersburg they found an Indian camp all along Camp creek, which sight did not add much pleasure to their mother's anticipations of the new country. The Indians would come to their house in sauads of twenty or more in quest of potatoes and such other pro\isions as they had to spare, never taking anything, however, without paying for it. They were treated kindly by the Lloyds, whom they duly appreciated. Mr. Lloyd's mother had been in Mercer county for nearly a year before she saw the face of a white woman. In 1860 Mr. Lloyd made a trip to Pike's Peak, and on this trip he met an old Indian who had many times been at his father's house while they were encamped at Millersburg. They both recognized each other at once. He was quite aged, but still remembered all that had transpired during their encampment at Camp creek, at which time Mr. Lloyd was but a small boy. Mr. Lloyd bought his lirst land on S. AV. Sec. 32, in 1849, of Dr. Samuel West, who had bought the tax title. He did not settle until 1857. He remembers Capt. Kinkade and a party of twelve stoppirg at his father's house while on their way to Rock Island to make a treaty with Black Hawk. James Lloyd's ancestors on his mother's side were German. His mother died in 1879, at the age of eighty-one years. She will always be remembered by those who knew her on account of her generous hospitality. Edward M. Castle was born in Tazewell county, Illinois, July T, 1838. His grandparents were born in America. Luman Castle, his lather, was born in Ontario county, Kew York, and his mother in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania. His father came to Illinois in 1832, where he was married to Miss Catharine Murry, in Tazewell county, about 1837, and moved to Mercer county in 1842. He first settled one mile east of Millersburg, which place he sold to James Wluirton, and moved to Nebraska, where his wife died in 1861. The subject of this sketch entered the service of the war of the rebellion as a private in company G., 27th 111. Inf., and during the time which he served participated in all the battles in which his regiment was DUNCAN TOWNSHIP. 505 engaged, Belmont being the iirst. He returned home after the war and bought hind in section 5, which liad been owned by one Hatch, of Ohio, and who had traded a hotel property for it. He also bought in section 8, which was formerly owned by Kendall, Specker, and Almcn- dinger, who had bought it of I. N. Bassett. Mr. Castle is well and favorably known throughout the section of country in which he lives, having taken an active part .in the affairs of the townshij). He was several times chosen supervisor, assessor and collector. He is a prominent member of the Presbyterian church and a deacon of the same. Caleb Yp:rxon was born thirty miles from Cincinnati, Warren county, Ohio, in 1817, and when fourteen years of age moved with the family to Indiana, where he received a common school education and learned to farm. Plis father was born in England, and, while young, was left at home with his motlier, while his father came to America, but after a few years took shi}) to return home. The vessel was wrecked • and he was never after heard from. For the first few years after Mr. Yernon's arrival in Illinois he followed mining in the lead mines of Galena. He was married in St. Louis, July 6, 1847, to Miss ]S[ancy AValston, whose motlier was a native of Kentucky. Vernon's parents came to Illinois w^hen he was but a small child, but he distinctly remembers the wilderness-like appearance of the country at that time. There were but a few houses then in the county. He once left Rock Island for Millersburg, at which time Daniel Mont- gomery's house w^as the only one between the two places. There he took dinner and started on his journey. Darkness overtook him, and when near Millersburg he lost himself on the hills of Camp creek. He became bewildered, and made several trips back and forth from Camp creek to Eliza. Wolves were plentiful at that time, and he remembers of them following him while plowing in the fields. He is engaged in farming a small fruit culture. His handsome residence is shaded by large trees of his own planting, consisting of chestnut, maple, elm, ash and beech. Joseph Anderson was born September 13, 1845, his parents being William and Achsah Anderson. His grandparents, on his father's side, were Americans, and on his mother's side, German. The sub- ject of the sketch is the youngest child of a family of four children, and the only son of the family. His oldest sister, Louvenia, married Wal- ter Balfour, and resides in Pocahontas county, Iowa. Annie married Samuel Powell, a resident of Rock Island county. Emmaranda resides in that county, also. Joseph Anderson came with his parents to this county in 1857. Here he received the benefits of a common school 506 HISTOEY OF MERCER AIs^D HENDERSON COUNTIES. education, and was raised to farming, at which he was engaged until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted as a private in the Otli Iowa cavalry. He served only a few months with his regiment and was detached for special duty as a scout and dispatch carrier, at wliich duty he served three years, and was mustered out at Little Rock, Arkansas, after which he immediately returned home to resume farm- ing and stock raising. He has never sought office, but has been several times elected to fill the various offices in his town, and in 1882 was choSen supervisor. When he tirst settled in the township he bought his tirst land of Jacob Almendinger, on the X. ^ of Sec. 9. He resides, however, on section 4, land owned by his father-in-law, Mr. Isaac Rob- bins, whose daughter, Carrie, he married. Mr. Anderson is a repub- can, and a member of the iVledo masonic lodge. Milton B( )RrFr, son of Yalentine and Louvina Boruff, was born in Eliza township in 1843. His father was born in Clay county, Tennes- see, and moved from there to Monroe county, Indiana, and to Mercer <;'Ounty, Illinois, in 1846, settling first on Pope creek, and later moved to Eliza township, where he was married to Miss Louvina Epperl}'. Milton Boruff was educated at a common school in the townshi]) in wliich he was born, where he was also married in 1865 to Miss Emaline, daughter of Martin Bear. By this marriage, Mr. Boruff and wife have had six children born to them, all of whom are now living at home. Mr. Boruff bought his first land in section 31, in 1865, which he has largely improved by commodious residences and other fine buildings. Michael MjVeuock was born in Tennessee in 1813, and at the age of eight years moved with his parents to the state of Ohio, and from that state to Indiana. Here he received a liberal education and learned the carpenter trade, which he followed until his removal to this state. His first settlement was in Eliza township where he improved a farm and resided until his removal to section 6, Duncan township. He was joined in marriage in 1839 to Miss Xancy Miller, which happy union was blessed by the birth of five children. From humble beginnings, by industry and good management, Mr. Mardock has acquired a hand- some estate which he lives to enjoy, as well as the respect of his friends about him. He is a democrat in politics, and an honored member of the masonic order. Michael Mader, son of Adam, and Barbara Mader, was born in Cermany in 1832. In his father's family were four boys, among whom Michael was the youngest. He came to America in 1859, in company with Michael Vater's family and sister. At this time our subject had barely enough money to pay his passage to New York and Chicago, where he borrowed six dollars of his friend Vater, to bring him to DUNCAN TOWNSHIP. 507 Rock Island. Irnmedijitely cal'ter his arrival lie soui^dit and obtained employment as a farm hand, at which he worked taithfnlly for eight years, at' which time he invested the money that he had saved in 160 acres of land in the northeast of section 11. He snbsequently bought eighty acres more just across tlie road in section 2. lie has made some handsome buihlings upon his place, all of which he has done by hard labor and good cultivation. Mr. Mader is a social gentleman, free in his Iiabits and opinions, and liberally su[)ports the cause of education, good morals and })ublic progress. Leoxaki) Garber was born in Baden, Germany, in 1832, a country which has furnished many of our most prosperous emigrants, as may be seen by viewing their handsome improved farms throughout the township and elsewhere within the borders of Mercer county. Mr. Garber came with his ])arents to this country at the age of fourteen. The family landed in Xew York, from wliich place they immediately proceeded to St. Louis, where for two years our subject worked by days' wages in a brick-yard. He managed to lay up some money in the hands of the conn)any, but the fii*m failing he lost all. Tliey then moved westward, locating in Rock Island count}', near Illinois city, where his father bought a farm and where Mr. Garber spent his youth at work. He here received a liberal education. In 1856 he was married in Rock Island county to Miss Mai'garet Bower, of tlie same county. Soon after his marriage he began business for himself. He first bought land in Rock Island county, M-hich in 1862 he sold to George Wise and moved to Mercer county, where he bought 120 acres of partly improved land in section 1. He next bought eighty acres adjoining, of Nicholas Leuze. He next bought eighty acres adjoining, of Owens Tolbert. This he afterward sold. He then bought eightv acres of Mr. Cline, and next 160 acres of William Xeff, in section 14, and besides another thirty acres, making in all 470 acres. His farm is well improved and contains more barns and outbuildings than any other farm in the township. His farm is also well adapted to stock-raising, which business occupies his attention. His pleasant home is shaded by large trees of his own planting, and he lives in ease and ])leasure among his family of five children : Barbara, ]\Iaggie, Emma, Sadie, and John. G?:oRGE Leuze was born in Baden, Germany, December 26, 1813. His parents were Peter and ]\Iargaret Leuze. His father was born on the river Rhine in the year the Russians crossed the river during the Napoleon war. In his father's family there were nine children, live boys and four girls. His father lived to the age of eighty-two and his mother eighty-iive. Our subject was married in Germany, in 1841, to Miss Mary Ghist, by which marriage they had four cliildren born to 508 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COtTNTIES. til em, two of whom are dead. John is superintending his father's farm and Nicholas resides in Rock Island county. In Germany our subject followed weaving in the winter and farming in the summer. He came to this country May 10, 1857, on board the Palestina, which took tire twice while on the way. During the voyage the provisions ran short, and they were three days without a morsel to eat. They landed in New York, and went direct from there to Rock Island, where he obtained work at fifty cents per day. He soon after bought 150 acres of land, where he now resides at an advanced age. Mr, Leuze stands high among the people of the neighborhood in which he lives as an honest, upright and free-spirited gentleman. D. S. Mayhew was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1834. He devoted the first years of his life after obtaining his majority to working on a farm. After leaving his father's house he moved to Washington county, where his parents had formerly resided. There he worked ten months on a farm. In 1856 he came to Mercer county, where he worked by the month, and afterward rented land for two years, after which he was married to Miss Betsie E. Cooper, daughter of Levi Cooper. They have had ten children born to them : Emma (who is now married to George Close, a farmer, residing near his father-in-law's place), Levi, Lester, George, Effie, Tunis, John, Alex- ander, Bertie, Ira, and Eddie. Mr. Mayhew began life empty handed, but by industry and good management had accumulated a capital of $300, with which he made the first payment on 160 acres of choice land in section 15, which he bought in 1866. This he has improved with good fences and a commodious house and barn. His door-yard is shaded by large trees planted by his own hands. Mr. Mayhew's beginning in life, contrasted with the condition of liis affairs twenty years later, when living in affluence and comfort, with a well stocked farm, is a striking illustration of the results of well directed energy. Fred Yolkel emigrated from Germany with his parents to America at the age of seven. The family first landed in New York, and after a short stay, they went to Ohio, and thence to Springfield, Illi- nois, in 18-12, where he remained with his j^arents until 1845, when he moved to Mercer county. His father died at Johnstown, Ohio, in 1879, and his mother in 1842. Life had been a struggle with him from the first, and his only hoi^es of a more successful ending lay in his energy, and with this sole assurance he started out in life, after receiving his education in Ohio. Soon after his arrival in the county he purchased land in section 10 of James Hains, and in 1855 was married to Miss Nancy Jane Davis, of Rock Island county, by which union they had five children born to them. His wife died in 1864, and Mr. Yolkel was DUlSrCAN TOWNSHIP. 509 again married in 1867 to Mrs. Bett}- McDowell, and by this marriage tliey had five children. Mr. Volkel now owns an improved farm in Dimcan townshijD, and is in such circumstances as to enjoy life. He is a member of the Baptist church, and was among the first to organize that church at Antioch. Among the many old settlers and prominent gentlemen of Mercer county, who have taken an active part in its development, we mention the name of William Eetherford (deceased), who was born in the Mo- nongahela river valley, in Pennsylvania. Ilis estimable wife, a native of Botetourt county, Virginia, was born in 1813. Her parents moved to Indiana when she was fifteen years old. Here they were married in 1836 and came to Mercer county in 1838. They first rented land of William Drury for five yeat-s, when, by industry and economy, they managed to lay up some money with which they purchased land in section Itt, M'hich they improved and added to until the time of Mr. Eetherford's death in 1881. He owned 960 acres, all well improved and under the highest state of cultivation. When he first arrived in the county his whole stock in trade consisted of a wagon, a team of horses and harness. Some of the land which he first bought at fifty cents per acre is now worth $50. Mr. Retheribrd's family consisted of six children: Madison, Patrick, Sarah E., Delilah, Jane, and James Franklin, with John C, whom Mr. Retherford adopted. At the time of his death it was his request that John C. be an equal heir with his own children. Mr. Retherford was never a politician, but always held decided views upon the leading questions of the day. He was not a republican ; but when the question of supporting the government came up as against the other issues of the rebellion, Mr. Retherford was on the side of the union with his money and influence to assist in filling up the quota of his town. His personal integrity and worth were always recognized by those who lived near and dealt with him. James Retherford, son of the subject, was married to Miss Sarah Collins, soon after which he bought land of his father's estate, upon which he now resides. Lewis Landreth was born in the State of Indiana in 1844. His father, Zachariah Landreth, was a native of Virginia, and his mother was born in North Carolina. They moved from that state to Indiana in an early day, where they were married and where our subject was born. Lewis came with his parents to Mercer county, Illinois, about 1832 and with his father first settled in Perrj'ton township. His father and mother died there and were buried side by side at Millersburg. For many years previous to their death they had been devoted members of the Baptist church, and succeeded in raising their children to lives 510 HISTORY OF ISEERCER AKD HENDERSON COUNTIES. of honest}^ industry, and service for the Creator. Soon after our sub- ject was first married lie began farming on section 9, which was partly given to him by his father. This he sold, and bought the Martin Boyd place on section 16, which is finely improved, and where he now resides in peace and comfort. Nicholas Addig, was born in Germany, in 1848, and is the young- est child of a family of five children. In 185-1 he came to America with his parents, he being then five years old. The family landed in New York, and proceeded thence to Rock Island county, settling in the southwestern part of the county, in what is known as the German settlement. There his father bought and improved a farm, and our subject worked for his father until 1869, when he was joined in mar- riage to Miss Margaret Leonard. Soon ^ter the union he moved on section 1 in Duncan township, where he remained for two years. Being ambitious to obtain more land he moved to Iowa, but not liking the country where he had settled, he returned after an absence of two years to Mercer county. Immediatelv after his arrival he purchased 160 acres of land of Mr. Conrad Leonard, in section 1, where has since resided. In 1874 he bought eighty acres of James A. Harris, and in 1881 bought an addtional eighty acres of John Boltinghouse. All this he has highly im]:ft-oved, and at present writing is engaged in building one of the largest barns in the county. This barn is designed to contain all the modern improvements, and will be supplied with water by a hydraulic ram. From early childhood his life has been an active one, given almost wholly to the advancement of his business. One would scarcely believe, after admiring his fine farm, that he began empty-handed, yet such is his history. His happy home has been blessed with five girls, all of whom are living. His father was born in Germany in 1811, and his mother in 1812. Her maiden name was Mary Elizabeth Spangler. They are both living and quite active at the time we write. J. H. Collins, farmer and fine stock raiser, was born in 1819, in Washington county, Oliio. There he received his education at Mon- roe academy after which he read law and was admitted to the bar, and for a short time practiced in that county. In 1849 he went to Texas, with a power of attorney by a decree of court, to sell some property which a party there was occupying and falsely owning. He had some ditficulty in applying the law, and fell back upon his physi- cal ability, and thus succeeded in accomplishing his object. After this he returned home, and in 1856 came to Illinois, where he staid one year. Coming again next year he began to improve his farm of one- half section of land. In 1858 he was married to Miss Emily Robin- DUNCAN TOWNSHIP. 511 son, of Edgington, Eock Island county. When he first came to tliis county there were but few houses in the neigliborliood, and until the ftill of 1858, at the time the Antioch church was built, there had not been a school within five miles, and the country was all unimproyed. In 1875 he built one of the finest houses in Duncan township. His father, a native of Pennsylvania, was of English descent, and his mother was born in Ireland. Mr. Collins possesses great determina- tion of character, and indomitable energy and acute ideas. lie is of ready and pleasing address, making the humblest feel at home in his house. He is a man who has never sought office, but served his town for twelve consecutive years as justice of the peace, the only office which he would accept. Joseph C. Gilmore came to Mercer county in 18-17, and with the exception of a few years spent in the lumber districts of the north, has resided in the county ever since. On his first arrival he made liis residence in Perryton township, where he became acquainted with Miss Pebecca Blue, formerly of Columbia county, Pennsylvania, and they were married in 1855. His ancestors originated in Wales. ]\Ir. Gilmore is the son of Ephraim and Catharine Gilmore. His great- grandparents, on coming to this country in a very early day, settled on a farm in Chester county, Pennsylvania, where our subject was born and educated. In 1851 he bought his first land in section 35, Duncan township, principally for pasture, and did not improve it until 1857, since which he has built a large, commodious house and barn, and has turned his attention to the fine stock and cattle business. His home has been blessed by four cliildren, of whom one is deceased. He has lived to see the country improved from its wild condition to its present high state of civilization. He has led a quiet and peaceful life of irreproachable honesty, and has never sought office, though often importuned. Politically he is a democrat, with which party he has always acted. Of Mr. Gilmore's father's family eleven children con- stituted the family circle, of whom nine are living. From the time of his removal to Duncan township, he has bought several tracts of land bordering on his original farm, until he now has 455 acres. Himself and family are members of the Presbyterian church of Millersburg. 612 HISTORY OF irEKCER AND HEXDERSON COUNTIES. ABINGTON TO^VNSIIIP. It would be difficult, indeed, to find a spot of earth where human feet have trod for nearly a half century, that has not been the scene of events worthy a place in history ; but it is often a difficult matter to glean such facts as are necessary to a correct record, from the filth and rubbish of tradition. The lack of correct data, owing to the treachery of human memory and a failure to make a correct record of the events as they transpired, make the accurate compilation of them a per- plexing task. A few well substantiated facts are of more value in his- tory than many pages of matter where a large draw on the imagination is indulged in and a mountain of fiction built on a mole-hill of fact. Desiring to be accurate we shall refrain from all superfluities and be brief, for this " soul of wit" is a jewel even in a historian. Abington township is devoted almost wholly to grain production, though a number of persons residing in tlie township are extensive stock raisers. The soil is usually very fertile, and the industrious tillers of the soil reap where they sow ; and the vast fields are filled with an abundance that makes glad the heart of the husbandman. The first settlement in the township was made in about 1S32 or 1833, and among the first settlers were Joseph Glancey, William T. Jackson, John W. Ditto, Frederick Frick, and Thomas Greer. All these lived to' a ripe age, and Mr. Ditto still survives. Joseph Glancey settled in Abington township in July, 1831:. He broke the first land in the township on the place now known as the Gates farm. The first school-house was built in the township about 1839, near the farm of William T. Jackson, and the first teacher was Miss Harriet Wilson, who afterward married Mr. Brooks Beeson. The school- house was a small structure, built of round logs and covered with clap- boards, and contained a puncheon floor. Among the ffi'st school teachers who taught in the township were, Warren Shedd (afterward county treasurer of Mercer count}', and but recently deceased) ; John Kevins, and Miss Lucy Wilson, now Mrs. T. B. Cabeen ; but the exact date when these different pedagogues wielded the birch and taught the y(ning frontiersmen the art of orthography and penmanship, and the science of mathematics, is a matter involved in a little doubt ; but the ])eriod when each of these educators plied their vocation in Abington township, was remote enough for them to enjoy the musical voice of the prowling wolf as he figured and schemed for a raid on the pigs and sheep of the farmers, on which to satiate his keen ap])etite. As "re- lentless time" has moved on, the fierce beasts of prey have fled before ABINGTON TOWNSHIP. 513 the vast tide of emigration, and the painted savage has given up liis cherished liunting grounds to the pale fuces who have caused the wild prairies to bloom as an Eden; and we stop long enough in the rapid whirl of events to ask where those earlv school teachers and the chil- dren thej taught are, as we make a record of those early events ; and the answer is the only one we could expect. Some are resting in the quiet embrace of the tomb, while others are yet alive with the marks of time visibly and indelibly carved in every feature and movement. Mr. John W. Ditto informs us that the first marriage of white people in Abington township was that of a couple on their way from Indiana to Iowa. The bride was a widowed daughter of a man who was moving with his family to the young hawkeye state; and the groom was a teamster of the father of the bride. The i)arty halted for a few days in the timber that fringes Pope creek, and the lovers stood on the ice, while a justice of the peace, whose name is forgotten, legalized the contract, and for once, at least, there was love "on ice." The second marriage was probably that of Robert Pence and Eliza Glancey. In every state of society there seems to be a commingling of joy and sor- row ; of pleasure and pain ; of hoi)es realized and anticipations blasted. Wliile singing and dancing speak the happiness of one, mourning tells of the sorrow of another. Mrs. Mahala Willits and Mrs. Evaline C. Swafford, relate the fol- lowing sad story : In 1835 Mr. William Jack and his wife and a son and daughter were moving from Fayette county, Indiana, to Mercer county, Illinois, by boat. When between Oquawka and iSTew Boston, Mrs. Jack died of cholera. The stricken husband and children landed at New Boston, and the remains of Mrs. Jack were taken to the resi- dence of John Denison (the only family living there at that time, we believe), and were buried where the Xew Boston cemetery now is; Mrs. Erastus Denison being the only person buried at the place pre- vious to the interment of Mrs. Jack. The bereaved husband and two children went to the residence of Joseph Glancey, who then resided on what is known as the Davis farm, in New Boston township. At ten o'clock on the day following the burial of Mrs. Jack, the son (Samuel), took the cholera and died at four o'clock in the afternoon of the same day, and was buried on the blutf where the Davis gi-aveyard now is ; he was the tirst person buried there. There were none to assist in the interment but Joseph Glancey, Achillis and Miles Drury. There was no coffin to be had nearer than from Monmouth, and ]\Ir. (ilancey and the Messrs. Drury nuule a rough box out of the wagon box in which Mr. Glancey and his family came to Illinois, and in that they put the remains and buried them. At this time, Mr. Glancey and the few 514 HISTORY OF ]VIERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. other persons in the neighborhood had to get their mail at Monmouth, and tliere were but one or two houses between Mr. Glancey's residence and Monmouth. It was one unbroken stretcli of prairie for twenty- one miles on a "bee line." The lirst bridge built across Pope creek was in 1837, a few rods below where Pope mill now stands. Mr. John Pumley had the con- tract, and Hon. Thomas B. Cabeen was the boss carpenter and builder. The hands at work on the bridge boarded at Mr. Kumley's, and Mrs. E. C. Swatford, then a girl of fifteen years, was one of the cooks. The first saw mill in Abhigton township was built in 1838 or 1839, by Mr. Isaiah Brown, one mile and a half east of the Pope mill. Will- iam AVillit, now of Keitlisburg, ran the mill for a time and then pur- chased it. Mrs. E valine C. Swafford owned the first sewing machine that was in Mercer county. It was a Wheeler & Wilson, and was bought in Chicago in 1858, by Theodore Glancey, when he was on his way east to attend school in Jamestown, New York. The machine was a great curiosity in the community, and persons came for miles to see the wonder. Mrs. Swafford says the many questions asked about the machine were really amusing. The first postofhce was at the residence of Frederick Frick. The following is a list of the citizens of Abington township elected to the office of justice of the peace, according to the record in the office of the county clerk at Aledo and the advice of old and well-informed residents: Frederick Frick, elected August 5, 1839, August 7, 18-I3, August 2, 1847 ; Orla C. Richardson, November 6, 1849 ; George Jay, November 6, 1849; S. G. Wright, April 6, 1858; Frederick Frick, April 6, 1858, April 1, 1862, April 3, 1S6H ; William P. Strong, April 2, 1867; M. R. Gushee, April 5, 1870; William Willitt, April 7, 1874; Ernest J. Glancey, April 4, 1876; Lewis Sponsler, April 3, 1877; E. J. Glancey, April 3, 1877, April 5, 1881 ; John W. Landers, April 5, 1881. Palestine church in Abington township was built in 1866 by the United Brethren denomination. Its original cost was about $2,000. It was dedicated August 12, 1866, Rev. L. S. Chittenden preaching the dedicatory sermon. The building will seat about 300 persons. It is a substantial frame. The society lias no great strength in the way of membership, but they maintain a Sunday-school, are out of debt, and have preaching every alternate Sunday. The clergymen who have served the society as pastors are : Revs. Elisha Godfrey, Benjamin Wagoner, O. F. Smith, John Wagoner, A. G. Smith, (). O. Smith, A. Worman, Adam Wolff, and the Revs. Davis, Pease, and Chelser, the given ABINGTON TOWNSlIir. 515 names of the latter three gentlemen being forgotten. Some of the gentlemen named served the society only one year, while others remained on the charge two years in succession. BIOGRAPHICAL. Joseph Glaxoey was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, May 27, 1794. He learned the trade of carding machine building, and followed the trade for many years. He removed to "Wayne county, Indiana, in 1820, and i)urchased a quai-ter section of heavy timber land an[ M. WiLLrrs, farmer, son of John and Sarah (Campbell) Willits, was born December 4, 1835, in New Boston township, Mercer county, Illinois. "When he was two years old his father's family settled in Abington township, where the subject of our sketch has since resided. Mr, Willits has a good farm of eighty acres in a good state of cultivation. He served as a union soldier in the 30th Keg. 111. Inf., as a coi-j^oral. Indorsed on his discharge is the following splendid record as a soldier : " Said soldier was engaged in the follow- ing battles : Fort Donelson, Tennessee, February 15, 1S62 ; Britton's Lane, Tennessee, September 1, 18132 ; Raymond, Mississippi, May 12, 1863 ; Champion Hill, Mississippi, May 16, 1863 ; took an active part in the siege of Vicksburg ; was in the battle of Ivenesaw moun- tain, June 27, 1864 ; battle near Atlanta, Georgia, July 22, 1864, and took an active part in the Georgia campaigns, resulting in the ca])ture of Savannah, and has done duty up to the present time ; and he is highly esteemed in his company and regiment as a gentleman and soldier. John P. Davis, capt. commanding 30th 111. Inf." Mr. Wil- lits was married February 12, 1872, to Frances J. daughter of James and Martha (McEachron) Gilchrist. They have three children : Mary E., John E., and Lena M. Mr. Willits was formerly a democrat, but of late years has acted with the greenback part3^ Milton M. Jones is the son of Franklin and Elizabeth (Farwell) Jones. He was born in Preemption township, Mercer county, Illi- nois, September 27, 1844. When he was ten years of age his father's family removed to Abington township. Milton spent his boyhood days on the farm and in the country school-house. In the winter of 1868-9 he graduated at the Western Business College, of Galesburg, Illinois. Soon after his college course he was engaged as a salesman in a large retail grocery store, but at the end of a year he went to farming and stock-raising. He has a good farm of 120 acres, and has paid special attention to the breeding of high-class hogs, in which business he has been very successful. He was married September 22, 1870, to Miss Sarah E. daughter of John and Sarah (Campbell) Wil- lits. They have one child, Milton Willits. Mr. Jones has held the office of town clerk two terms. He is a member of the Christian (Campbellite) church. Politically he is a republican. He served six months as a soldier, in the 140tli reg. 111. Vol. He received three wounds in engagements ; one severe one in the shoulder, for which he gets a small pension. DuNc.vN Seaton was born in Perthshire, Scotland, October, 1823. 524 HISTORY OF AIERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. He is the son of John and Isabel (McDonaki) Seaton. He received a common school education, and came to the United States of America in 1843. He sailed on the sliip Lnconia, and on reaching America settled in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, wliere he remained about two years. From there he came to Mercer county, Illinois, and remained three years, when he took a trip to California by over- land with an ox-team. After an absence of about two years he returned to Illinois, and settled in Abington township, Mercer county, where he now resides on a beautiful farm of 230 acres. Mr. Seaton was married in 1860 to Miss Martha E., daughter of Sanniel and Eebecca (Bogle) Criswell. They have had twelve children, live of whom are deceased. The living are : Mary, David, Margaret E., Ann, Martha L., Harry, and Angus. Mr. Seaton is a member of the old school Presbyterian church. He is a greenbacker politically. Ja>ies Vance, farmer, son of William and Rachel Vance, was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, February 15, 1825. He removed with his father's family to Mercer county, Illinois, in 1833, and settled in Keithsburg township, where the village of Keithsburg now stands. After remaining here one year the family removed to Rock Island county, Illinois, and at the end of a twelve-month returned to Keiths- burg township, where they made farming their business. In 1847 the subject of this sketch was married to Sarah, daughter of Mark L. and Mary (Steward) Pearson. Mr. Vance removed with his wife soon after their marriage to Davis count}^, Iowa, where they remained six years. They then removed to New Boston township, Mercer county, Illinois, where they resided three years. From there they went to Abington township, where Mr. Vance bought the farm on which they now live. The farm contains 170 acres of excellent land, and Mr. Vance and his family of boys have devoted most of their time to tilling the soil. Mr. and Mrs. Vance have had born to them twelve children : William R., Robert L., Josiah W., Elijah A., Nerva A., John W., Marion E., Gershan H., James B., Forbes N., Mary V., and Martha E. ; the lat- ter deceased. Politically Mr. Vance is a greenbacker, and religiously he is a moralist. Of late years he has had rather poor health, and took a trip last summer to California, ( )regon and some of the western territories, from which he received much benefit. Mr. Vance can relate many incidents in the early settlement of the country of much interest. He saw the distinguished Indian chief, Black Hawk, and six hundred of his dusky warriors. John J. Seaton was bom in Perthshire, Scotland, February 6, 1831. He is the son of John and Christian Seaton. He came to the United States of America in 1843, going by steamship from Glasgow ABINGTON TOWNSHIP. 525 to Liverpool, and sailed from the latter ])lace to New Yoi-k in the shij) Luconia. lie settled in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, and remained there mitil 1845, when he removed to Mercer county, Illinois, and has lived here most of the time since. He received a common school edu- cation in Scotland and America. In 1854 he located in .V])ingt(jn township, where he now owns 350 acres of excellent agricultural land under a good state of cultivation, with good buildings and all necessary appurtenances to a com})lete rural home. He was married November, 1855, to Elizabeth, daughter of Robert and May (Douglass) Seaton. They have had nine children, live of whom are dead. The living are : Margery, John H., George D., and Lizzie. Their daughter, Christie Ann, who is among the deceased, was married to Mr. George Sponsler, and died at the age of about twenty-three years, leaving one child. Mr. Seaton is a republican, and a member of the old school Presbyte- rian church. John Henry, fai-mer, was born in Hunterdon county, New Jersey, May 3, 1840. He is the son of Henry A. and Catherine A. (Shurtz) Henry. His father^s family refnoved from Hunterdon county to War- ren county. New Jersey, when John was a small boy, and in 1851 the family came to Mercer county, Illinois, and settled in Ohio Grove township where they i-emained four years, and then removed to Abing- ton townshi]). In October, 1870, John was married to Martha E., daughter of John B. and Mary (May) Jameson. They have six chil- dren: Mina, Charles, Frank B., Bessie, Lois, and Byrtel Eugene. Mr. Henry has a well cultivated farm of ninety acres, and confines himself almost exclusively to grain raising. He has just entered on his fourth term as road commissioner, and has held other township offices. Mr. Henry enlisted in the union ai-my as a private soldier, August, 1862, and served in company G, 102d 111. Vol., until the following January, when he was discharo;ed because of disabilitv. ^Fr. Henry is a democrat. Hon. IloHERT J. Cabeen, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Wright) Cabeen, was born in IMuskingum county, Ohio, April 25, 1822. He removed with his father's family from Ohio to Mercer county, Illinois, in 1836. The family settled in Ohio Grove township, and in 1850 Robert went to California, where he remained two years and then returned to Mercer county. He was married A})ril 22, 185!>, to Miss Mary E., daughter of Joseph and Violet (Scott) Pinkerton. After his nuirriage, Mr. Cabeen settled in Abington townshi}), where he now resides. He has a farm of 575 acres of magnificent land in one body and ninety- five acres in another piece. His home place is under a high state of cul- tivation and his residence is one of the largest and most costly in the 526 HISTORY OF ]SrERCEE AKD HENDERSON COUNTIES. county, which is fornished in a complete style, making a country home of a most charming character. Mr. Cabeen is an extensive stock raiser, and ships a great many cattle to Chicago. He held the office of town- ship supervisor for ten years and served as a member of the State Board of eqalization one term. Mr. and Mrs. Cabeen have had eight children. Samuel (deceased), Joseph, McClellan, Mary, Violet, Hattie E., Eobert J. (centennial son), and Edith May. Politically Mr. Cabeen was formerly a democrat, but for a good many years he has been an active member of the greenback party. Eeligiously he is a liberal or freethinker. "W. A. Winchester, farmer, was born in Genesee county, New York, January 2, 1S2-1:. His father's family removed to Geauga county, Ohio, when the subject of our sketch was seven years old. In 18^9, Mr. Winchester settled in Adams county, Illinois, where he followed teaching school and farming for fourteen years, when he removed to Mercer county, Illinois, and settled in Abington township, on the farm where he now resides, which embraces 300 acres of excellent land. Mr. Winchester has fine buildings on his farm, and raises a great deal of stock. He is a model farmer, and while he is very retiring in his nature, his popularity among his neighbors has forced him to serve them in the capacity of supervisor for four terms in succession. May 29, 1866, he was married to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of William and Eliza Musser, of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. They have no children. Religiously Mr. Winchester is a freethinker. Politically he is a greenbacker. Thomas Whitehall was born in North Carolina, July 31, 1828. He is the son of A. X. and Elizabeth Whitehall. His father removed with his family to Fountain county, Indiana, in 1832. In 1850 Mr. AYhitehall was married to Nancy, daughter of William and Sarah Stephens. He removed to Mercer county, Illinois, in 1856, and set- tled in Abington township. In 1865 he removed with his family to Fountain county, Indiana, and remained there until 1871, when they returned to Illinois and located in Mercer county again. Their home is now in Abington township and consists Of .a pretty farm of 1H(I acres, with most all the ap])urtances necessary to a desirable country home. Mr. and Mrs. Whitehall have had nine children, all living but Alice ()., their youngest, who departed this life when quite young. Their living are : Alva A., Pliebe E., William L., Mary E. and Sarah E. (twins), James M., Newton, Fruzy IT,, and Martha A. Mr. A\^liite- hall is a greenbacher politically, and is what might be termed an inde- pendent thinker t)n almost every subject. He has his own peculiar notions on the subjects of medicine, religion, science, etc. ABINGTON TOWNSHn\ 527 Lewis F. Ogle is the son of James C. and Elizabeth (Smith) Oi>-le. He was born in Fountain eoimtv, Indiana, in 1849. His father's family removed from Indiana to Illinois about 1853. They settled in Mercer county, and i^-ave their attention to farming. When Lewis F., or "Frank," as he is familiarly called, grew to manhood, he continued to make agricultural pursuits his chief business, and he now owns a good farm of 182 acres within four miles of Keithsburg, He was married November 2, 1879, to Miss Izziedora, daughter of Levi and Mary J. (James) Hall. They have had but one child, Eddie, whom they had the misfortune to lose by death while he was yet a babe. Mr. Ogle is rejDublican, politically, and is independent in his religious views. Lewis Waldo Brewer, is the son of Gilbert and Elizabeth (Mills) Brewer. He was born August 28, 1834, in Wayne county, Indiana. When our subject was two years old his father moved with his family to Mercer county, Illinois. He received a common school education, and then learned the milling business, and has been engaged in the work for twenty-eight years. He owns a half interest in Pope mill, situated on Pope creek, live miles northeast of Keithsburg, where he resides and conducts the business of custom milling almost exclusively. Mr. Brewer was married in 1857 to Miss Mary Huff. One child was born to them. Mrs. Brewer died in 1860. The child is also deceased. Mr. Brewer was again married May 23, 1866, to liosetta, daughter of Homer and Lucia Beenier. They have had seven children, three of whom are deceased. The living are : Amanda, Fred and Ida (twins), and Walter. Mr. Brewer belongs to the masonic order, and he and his wife both belong to the Eastern Star chaptef. Politically Mr. Brewer is a republican. His views on religious matters are of the liberal type. It would make no difference what views he might enter- tain ; all who know him would be quick to admit the fact that "Wall " Brewer is strictly conscientious, both in his religion and his ])()litic8. Mrs. Sarah G. Willits, generally known as "Aunt Sally AVillits," was born in Pennsylvania, in September, 1810. She is the daughter of John and Polly (Blue) Campbell. Her parents died when she was quite young, and she went with a sister to Wayne county, Indiana, from Lebanon, Ohio, about 1825, having gone to the latter place when six years of age. She was married in 1830 to John AVillits, and they removed to Mercer county, Illinois, about 1834, and settled in Abing- ton towhsliip. Mrs. Willits received but a limited education, and when she went to school the i)rincipal text-books were the s})elling-book and the New Testament. Her husband was quite an extensive land- owner and stock-breeder and dealer. He died in 18r»4. Thev had 528 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. nine cliildren : Josiah G., Eliza E,, James W., and Martha G., are deceased. The living are : Marj J., William N., Linnaeus H., Thomas W. and Sarah E. Thomas W., who occupies the mother's part of the estate, and with whom she makes her home a majority of the time, was born in Abington township, April 7, 1847, where he still resides. His youth was spent on the farm with his parents, and he could only avail himself of a common school education. Like the sons and daughters of most pioneers, he learned more of hard, physical toil than of science and art ; he was more familiar with the Held and the wild j)rairies than with school-houses and art galleries. Mr. AYil- lits was united in marriage February 13, 1873, to Miss Alice Main. They had one child, Carrie E. Mr. W. is a greenbacker, politically. Jasper Ogle was born in Adams county, Ohio, January 12, 1834. He is a son of James C. and Elizabeth Ogle. The family removed from Ohio to Fountain county, Indiana, when Jasper was six months old. In 1853 the family removed to Mercer county, Illinois. Our subject was married February 22, 1855, to Miss Angeline, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Allison. Tliey had seven children, all of whom are living. They are : Lena L. , James E. , Yan, Mary E. , Allie, Emma E. and Clarence E. Mr. Ogle removed to California in 1860, and remained there until 1870. While in the "golden state" he followed farming. He returned to Illinois only to continue his chosen occupation. He owns nearly 500 acres of land and has a very tine rural home. Mr. Ogle had the misfortune to lose his wife January 31, 1879. Politically Mr. Ogle is a republican, and religiously he is an Adventist or Sabbatarian. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd-Fellows. He has traveled over the entire length of the great Union Pacific railroad live times. Joseph D. Ogle, farmer, is the son of James C. and Elizabeth Ogle, and was born in Fountain county, Indiana, November 28, 1850. When Joseph was but three years old the family came to Mercer county, Illinois. He was married December 23, 1875, to Miss Kate C, daughter of Jacob and Catharine Elrick. They have two children: Yan L. and Lela Fay. Mr. Ogle devotes his time wholly to agricul- ture. He owns a beautiful farm of 216 acres, on which are good buildings. Politically he is a pronounced republican, and thinks some remarkable change will have to come over the spirit of his dream if he is ever anything else in the way of politics. Warren B. McClure was born in Meigs county, Ohio, November 5, 1848. He is the son of James and Jane (Ogle) McClure. He received a common school education, and on March 27, 1864, enlisted as a private soldier in the 13th Ohio cavalry, and served until the close ABINGTON T0^VN6HIP. 529 of the war. He was in several engagements and came out of tliem all unscathed. At the close of the war he returned to his home in Ohio where he remained until 1S68, when he went to Clarke county, Missouri. He came from Missouri to Mercer county, Illinois, in 1871, and settled in Abington township, where he now lives, in 1876. He was married Sej)tember 29, 1875, to Miss Leanna, daughter of Solomon and Evaline (Marlatt) Wolfe. Mr. and Mrs. McClure have three chil- dren : Clyde, Lula B., and Rose. Mr. McClure was formerly a re])ub- lican, but has been for a number of years an aggressive greenbacker. He is at present townshi]) assessor, being on his second term, and has served one tei*m as township collector. He has an excellent farm and gives most of his attention to agriculture, just mixing enough in politics to give farm life a respectable seasoning. The life of John V. Bullock reminds us that people are prone to look upon stately mansions as the abodes of happiness because such homes indicate wealth and luxury. But alas ! how often is contention, discontent and unhappiness found within those stately walls. On the other hand happiness supreme often reigns* in the cabin and in the cottage. A snug cottage, nestled among evergreens, maples and beau- tiful flowers is an inviting rural retreat, where the happy birds make melody sweet, and the new-made hay perfumes the air like an incense ; where the green corn rustles in the breeze like the whisper of fairies, and the crystal dewdrops glisten in the sun like costly pearls, is a home to be envied by the tired, over-tiisked millionaire. Such an inviting place as this is the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Y. Bullock. Mr. Bul- lock was born in Crawford county, Indiana, November 17, 1840, and came to Mercer county, Illinois, as early as 1852, with his father's family. He was married December 29, 18H8. Mr. and Mrs. Bullock have three children. Their names are: William C, Guy B., and Earl K. This makes a complete picture in the mind of every one who, in the great race of life believes in the pursuit of legitimate happiness. A lovely country home, a devoted wife, and three promising children ! What more could be desired. Dr. Jacob Russell Baker, of Keithsburg, to whom we are indebted for notes on Abington township, and other valuable information, was born in Hancock county, Ohio, March 19, 18-10, and is the son of Henry D. and Eve(Switzer) Baker. He removed to Kosciusko county, Indiana, in 1857, and studied medicine with Dr. T. Davenport, of AVarsaw, Indiana. He practiced ten years, but, disliking the profess- ion, and the exposure necessary in its practice disagreeing with his health, he abandoned it. He was born and reared a Methodist and for several years was a member of that denomination and was a class- 530 HISTORY OF MERCER A^T) HEXDERSON COUNTIES. leader of the society. He contemplated entering the ministry of that denomination ; but some of the tenets of orthodoxy seeming imreason- able, after careful thought and study on the question, he became a Universalist and entered the ministry of that denomination. He preached one year at Kirks ville, Missouri, and two years in Clarinda, Iowa. The more he investigated the subject the more skeptical he became, and, at the end of his three years as a Universalist preacher, became a pronounced freethinker and left the pulpit forever. He believes all religions man-made, and that of humanity the only true religion. Since leaving the pulpit he has often lectured on the free- thought platform. He was married March 26, 1865, to Barbara JS^olin, of Leesburg, Indiana. His wife died September 24, 1872. He had no children by his first wife. He was married again January, 1874, to Ella L. Lawton, of South Whitley, Indiana. They have three chil- dren : Bessie S., Estelle R., and Kalph Ingersoll. He is an enthusiastic apiarist, and devotes much of his time to agriculture. He writes regu- larly for several papers and magazines on d liferent rural topics, es- pecially on bees and fine poultry, and pet stock fancy ; also on religious topics. He is a political stump speaker; in politics a greenbacker, and takes active part on the ''stump" in every political campaign. Dr. Baker has gained considerable reputation as an orator in this county where he has resided for the past six years. From an oration delivered at Keithsburg on the death of General Garfield, we have room for but a few extracts. He s&id : " The humblest individual in our country has the same indisputable right to call to account a public servant, or a candidate for the post of duty and hon(n', or to apply a critical test to questions of right and wrong, as has the most favored and exalted citizen of our republic. The American people well under- stand that a liberty less great than this would be an infringement upon a fundamental principle of popular government. Our motto is : Let truth and falsehood grapple ; let error and right contend, for we do injustice to right and truth if we doubt their ability to cope with their enemies." In closing lie said: "To say that Gen. Garfield possessed no faults, that he committed no errors, would be to say that he was more than human. But whatever his faults may have been in life, we will bury them with his body in death. Whatever errors he may have committed in his busy life, as a citizen, a soldier and a statesman, we freel}^ tbrgive and forget ; and with bowed head and aching hearts, consign his mortal remains to their narrow house in the city of the dead. And whiU^ all that is mortal of the distinguished soldier and statesman will crumble back to dust, his noble deeds as a son, a hus- band, a father, a teacher, a warrior and a statesman will live forever. arERCER TOWNSHIP. 531 And now, tliat life's flitting dream is gone forever from onr honored president, we will write his name in golden characters, as indelible as the fixed stars in the blue canop}^ above us, bv the side of that of the immortal Washington, the great Jefferson, the hero Jackson, the martyr Lincoln, the patriot Douglass, the j^hilanthropist Greeley, and the noble, scholarly Sumner. And when the people of the American republic shall so far forget the principles of justice and republican gov- ernment as to cease to love and reverence these illustrious dead, let the sun hide his burning face; the pale moon cease to kiss the earth with her soft, golden beams ; the stars fall from their places, and all the elements clash to cme common center." MERCER TOWNSHIP. Mercer township includes all the congressional township known as 14 N., R. 3 west of the 4th P. M. The soil is generally black and rich, with some clay along the brakes and water courses. It is well watered, Edwards river traversing the north tier of sections, from east to west, and Pope creek crossing the southeast corner and follow- ing west near the south line, in Ohio Grove township. These, with their numerous runs, as feeders, furnish an ample supply of water for stock and irrigation. Along the creeks the land is broken, but there is very little so steep that it cannot be cultivated. On the "divide," as it is called, between Pope and Edwards, the land is level, and until brought under cultivation, much of it was of a swamp}- nature. Over this prairie in early times there was scarcely a track that rose to the dignity of a road, as travel was not frequent enough to keep down the luxui-iant growth of grass, which often grew so high that a man on horseback could see but a short distance. Woe then to the luckless traveler who undertook to cross the prairie in a wet time with wagon and team. Suddenly his oxen would sink in the mud, knee deep, the wagon go down to the hub, and there was nothing to do but to unload, and then perhaps "-double teams," if perchance tliei-e was some one to double with, or if not, go two or three miles to secure assistance. But cultivation and judicious draining have so changed the nature of the soil in this respect that it is difficult to convince our farmer boys of to-day that the most productive parts of their farms were at one time little better than impassable swampr-i. Much of the township is underlaid with coal of a good quality, but there have, as yet, been but few banks opened, as it generally lies too deep to work with profit. Banks in the northeast part of the township 532 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. have been run for many years, but seldom at a great profit. Within a few years mines have been opened near Aledo and are still run on a small scale. The water courses are lined witli timber, oak, hickory, elm, maple, and linn predominating, while hazel covers the hill sides, and willows are plenty near the water. There are a few walnut trees, of good size and quality, and also some ash and hackberry, with })erliaps a few other kinds. Wild plums, wild cherries, crab-apples and blackberries formerly grew in abundance, but with the exception of the two latter, they are now rare. Strawberi-ies were also plenty on the uplands. In the days of the first settlers deer were plenty on these prairies, as were also the prairie wolf, whose wild bowlings are still among the most vivid, if not the most pleasing, recollections of the pioneers. Game of other kinds also abounded, and the early settlers dined sump- tuously on wild turkey, prairie chicken, venison, rabbit, duck or goose, according to the season. Prairie fires were of yearly occurrence. The luxuriant growth of grass, scorched by the summer's heat, by early fall was as dry as tin- der, and a spark from a careless hunter's pipe, or sometimes the wad from his gun would start a conflagration which soon became at once grand and terrible. IS^one who have once seen it can ever forget the majestic sweep of the wall of fire as it sped before the ever increasing wind, stretching out its arms farthei" and farther on either side, rivaling in speed the horse or deer, and gathering up and devouring all within its reach. Such was the prairie fire of early days, and fortunate was it for him who, caught in the track of the fast-coming Hames, understood the pioneer's way of fighting fire with fire. Without this knowledge a severe scorching, if nothing worse, most surely awaited him. The first entry of land made in the township was on August 21, 1837, when John and Abraham Miller entered the northeast quarter of section 4. In this and the two following years, the Miller family entered over 800 acres of land in sections 3, 4, and 16. They were the first settlers in the township ; but as a full historj^ of the family, and their coming to, and r>Taking a home in, Sugar Grove is given in connection with the history of Perryton township, we will not rejjeat it here, merely noting that they Uiilt the first mill and the first school- house in this township. Most of the land in this township lies in what is known as the ''military tract," and was patented in 1818. A por- tion of the lands entered by the Miller-* were school lands, and were patented to them by the governor of Illinois, who also issued a patent to Benjamin Clark, to the W. ^ of the 8. E. ^ of Sec. 16, on Sep- tember 4, 1837. MERCKR TOWNSHIP. 533 Sugar Grove is situated on tlie north of Edwards river, including in its limits parts of sections 3, 4, i>, and 10. It received its name from the large number of sugar maple trees there growing, from which, until very recently, large quantities of nui])le sugar were manu- factui'ed yearly ; but at ])resent the quantity is very small. It obtained a wide celebrity in early times as the place for holding the yearly camp-meetings of the Methodist church for the district then known as the Kock Kiver district, embracing, we believe, full half the state. Here gathered, each succeeding fall, the hardy pioneers, coming fifty, and even one hundred, miles to spend a week or more in their chosen mode of worship. Here they would listen to the soul-stirring appeals of Giddings, Cartwright, Haney, Morey, Doughty, and the many others whose memory is revered by hundreds still living. When the first cam]>meeting was held here we cannot definitely state ; certainly as early as 1845, and we think before that, and they were only discon- tinued in 1873, when the district, now less than one-fourth as large as then, purchased grounds of its own in Rock Island county. The grounds, however, are still occasionally used, the primitive Method- ists and the Seventh Day Baptists having each held one or more meetings there within the past few years ; but as a ' ' permanent camp- ground," their glory has departed. Early in 1837 Messrs. Benj. Clark, John J. Charles, Timothy Con- dit, and William Mackey conceived the idea that a town should be built near the centre of the county, and they accordingly employed Judge E. Gilmore, then county surveyor, to make the plat. The judge left l^ew Boston, with his instruments and assistants, and on foot they wended their way for fifteen long miles eastward, the day being bright and warm. Unfortunately a storm came up in the night, the thermometer rapidly fell, and the next morning broke clear and cold, with the ground covered with snow. The chain-bearers refused to work, and the judge, facing a cold west wind, made his way back to New Boston, arriving worn out and chilled to the bone, the trip resulting in a serious illness. A second attempt was more success- ful, and on March 30, 1837, the lines were run and the stakes driven that marked the town of Mercer, situated on the N. E. ^ of Sec. 21, T. 14 N., R 3 W. of the 4th P. M. But the expectations of the proprietors were never realized. But one house was erected, and the only inhabitant of this, so far as known, was a large white owl, who held for years undisputed ])osses- sion of the lonely tenement. The house rotted down, and in 1S51 we crossed the town site, the only remaining mark of the existence of the town being a portion of the roof of this lonely cabin, which had not 534 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. as vet quite rotted and blown away. The town site lias long been under cultivation, and few of the residents of the township remember that it was ever laid out ; indeed, many of them will perhaps first learn this fact from a perusal of these pages. Incidents of importance are of rare occurrence for a series of years, or if they occurred, are now unattainable. In 1842 or 1843 Samuel McKee, John H. McBnde; and William Carnahan, all young men of this vicinity, each took a load of wheat to Chicago, with ox teams, with three or four yoke of oxen to the wagon. They sold their wheat for forty-two cents per bushel, and brought back salt, and other necessaries. Samuel McKee gave one barrel of salt from his load for the use of a wagon for the trip. The party were gone three weeks, and they wasted no time, either in Chicago or on the road. Among the early settlers of the township but few are now li^^ng, and still fewer are those who yet reside within its limits. Among them we may mention Mr. N. Edwards, who opened a farm on section 18, in 1849 ; Mr. L. F. Jobusch, who settled here in 1851, and Mr. E. C. Bartlitt, who opened a farm the same year ; Henry Lee, William McKee, Isaac Aitz, and R. H. Wirger, still residing here, came about, or j^rior to, the latter date. Joseph, William and Mary Ann McKee, all children of John McKee, are the only persons now living in the township who were here in 1841. Township organization was adopted in this county in 1853, and the first election of township oflicers, of which a record is found in the town records, was held at the house of John McKee, April 4, 1854. John McKee served as chairman, Isaac Jones as moderator, and E. C. Bartlitt as clerk. At this election twenty-seven votes were cast, and the following is a list of officers elected : supervisor, David Braucht ; town clerk, E. C. Bartlitt ; assessor, John S. Moore ; collector, John Ashbaugh ; overseer of poor, John Artz ; commissioners of highways, L. F. Jobusch, Jacob Sprecher, R. H. Winger; justices of the peace, John McKee, John L. Candor; constables, William McKee, Israel Artz ; overseers of highways, Edward Cliflbrd, George Smith. At the general election in the fall of the same year but sixteen votes were cast. At this time a vote was taken "for or against the county of Mercer taking one hundred thousand dollars stock in the Warsaw & Rockford Railroad," resulting nine for and five against. James E. Willett, John McKee, and Henry Lee were judges at this election, and E. C. Bartlitt and R. H. Winger clerks. In November, 1855, a vote was taken for or against levying a tax MERCER TOWNSHIP. 535 to build a poor-house for the county, when sixteen of the seventeen votes polled were against the levy- In 1855 the Great Western Air Line railway was laid out, and the line divided Mercer county almost in the center from east to west, and a town laid out in the following spring on the S. E. ^ of Sec. 17, and named Aledo, a history of which will be found elsewhere. August 8, 1857, an election was held ''for or against the removal of the county seat from Keithsburg to Aledo,'' at which 231 votes were polled, each and all of which were very naturally "for" removal. May 5, 1859, a special town meeting was held to vote for or against the township subscribing for stock of the American Central Railway Company (the Air Line under a new name), resulting for subscription, 132 ; against, 50 votes. Although this vote appears decidedly in favor of the subscription, w^e can lind no record of the issue of any bonds to the company at this time ; but on May 29, 1868, Elisha Miles, Matthew Maffitt, C. S. Richey, Hiram Parkman, James M. Macy, and J. F. Woods filed a petition with the town clerk, asking that "an election be called for the purpose of voting for or against the subscription by said township to the capital stock of the American Central railway to the amount of li?13,-100," etc., and on the 9th of June said election was held, resulting 142 votes for subscription, four votes against it, and eleven votes "no tax." In pursuance of the authority granted by this vote, bonds were issued for the above amount, March 23, 1869, in sums of $100 each, payable ten years after date, and bearing ten per cent interest, payable annually ; the bonds "to be delivered to the company wlien the iron was laid from Galva to Aledo, provided said iron was laid on or before July 1, 1869." Some of these bonds were paid otf by the township before they became due, and at the April meeting in 1879 the su])ervisor and town clerk were instructed to issue new bonds to the amount of those yet outstanding, at as low a rate of interest as possible, not to exceed the legal rate of eight per cent, and with the proceeds pay off the old bonds. The expense, however, of issuing the new bonds was avoided by an agreement with the holders to extend the time of payment at eight per cent. There are yet outstanding $4,800, due as follows: $2,000, May 12, 1883; $1,000, March 23, 1884; and $1,800, May 23, 1884. Ample provision has been made for paying them when due, and they would be i)aid oft' at once if the holders would give them up, which they decline to do. There are now in the township nine school districts, with fair build- ings, in which school is held from six to nine months each year, and 536 HISTORY OF iMERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. the education is progressive and keeping fidl pace with the demands of the times. Care is exercised in the selection of school officers, and they in turn look well into the merits and qualifications of the teachers they employ. As a rule the wages paid are above the average in the state, although seldom equal to what the same talent would command in other professions. There is little or no vacant land in the township. "What can not be tilled with profit is utilized as stock pasture, or for the growth of young timber, the latter an industry that does not receive the attention its im- portance demands. Our farmers are^for the most part in comfortable circumstances, and what little land is leased out commands from two- fifths to one-half the crop, or a rental of $4 to $.5 per acre per annum, in advance. Corn and stock-raising are the leading agricultural inter- ests, although grain of all kinds is raised and commands good prices in our market. While comparativeh" little fruit is raised for market, each farm has an orchard of well selected trees, from which the family is expected to be supplied, with perhaps a small surplus to sell. Apples and cherries generally do well, but peaches and pears seldom bear a fair crop, or come to maturity. Most of the orchards are supplied with home-grown trees from the extensive nursery of Mr. Tyler McWhorter, one-half mile south of Aledo. Grapes and berries are grown largely, anji in a fair season our markets are overstocked. Our population is at present about 2,550; our people are industri- ous, energetic, wealthy and well educated. Our farmers have good, and many of them very fine residences, with large and well filled barns and granaries ; implements and machinery of the best and most labor- saving kinds ; horses, cattle and hogs of the finest breeds. Roads and bridges are generally ke])t in good repair, but such a thing as a good road at all seasons is impracticable with our soil and will never be attained here without large expense for gravel, or some substitute of the same nature. The present town officers, elected April -i, 18S2, are as follows: supervisor, II. R. Morrison (who was elected in 1878 and has held the position ever since, and who is now chairman of the county board) ; town clerk, L. B. Doughty, elected first in 1879; assessor, J. A. Mar- quis, second year ; collector, F. T. Owen, second year ; commissioners of highways, R. -C. Morrison, W. K. Fulton, John C. Dool ; justices of the peace, M. L. Marsh, elected first in 1862, and has held continually ever since, and M. S. Boice, elected in 1882, to fill vacancy ; consta- bles, Joseph McDougal, elected in 1870, and held ever since, and Geo. A. Smith, elected in 1881 ; school trustees, W. C. Galloway, Henry Lee and W. J. Brown ; school treasurer, Joseph McCoy. MERCER TO^\^SfSHIP. 539 The equalized valuation of real estate, personal, and railroad })ro|> erty in Mercer township in 1881, as sliown on assessor's book, was $979,837. These tigures, however, rejjresent less than one-third of the actual wealth of the township, which, at a fair cash rating, must consid- erably exceed $3,000,000. The census report of 1880 showed a population of 2,454 ; a gain of 507 over the report of 1870. The same average increase, which we think has been fully maintained during the i)ast two years, would make our population now about 2,550, as given above. In noting the products of the townshi]), we made no mention of the hay crop, which is one of present and constantly growing importance ; nor of sorghum, which is grown and nuinufactured in (puintities to meet the home demand. Vegetables of all kinds are raised in abund- ance and sold in large quantities to dealers and shippers. Potatoes are generally a good crop, 1881 being an exce])tionally poor year for them, and one of the verv few in which our "-rowers have failed to raise enough to supply the home demand. ALEDO. The survey and location of the Great "Western Air Line railroad through the county, opened a wide field for s})eculation in the estab- lishment of new towTis ; and the result of one of these was the location and platting of a town on section 17, in Mercer township, in the fall of 1855, which was christened De Soto by its founders, Messrs. Willits and Thompson, Finding that there was already a village bearing that name in this state, a new one was deemed necessary, and from a num- ber suggested, the choice fell upon Aledo. On March 20, 1856, a public sale of lots was held on the site of the proposed town. This sale was attended by what was then considered a large crowd, and the bidding was spirited and at times exciting, when what was considered a choice location was offered. 112 lots were sold at a fraction over $103 each, aggregating $11,580. The first two lots offered brought $240 each; the highest price ])aid for any lot was $255, while two went as low as $35 each. Among the purchasers were Judge E. Gilni<^re and M. L. Marsh, Esq., who still reside in Aledo. The proprietors had decided to donate the proceeds of the sale of the first fifty lots to the establishment of a college or seminary, and the amount realized for that purpose was $5,780. The first building erected was put up by the proprietors of the town, on the north side of Seventh street, near INIaple, during the early summer of 1856 ; and as soon as it could be occupied, a hotel was opened, with J. E. Ilarroun as landlord. The carpenters, while building it, boarded with a farmer living neai' the 31 540 HISTORY OF jVIERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. town site. The building is still standing, and is used as a business house below and residence above. The business rooms are occupied by M. S. Boice, with, a china store, and W. J. Stuart with a barber shop, while a recent addition is used as a cigar manufactory by C. L. Brankamp. The building is now owned by Capt. L. B. Morey. The first business house erected was on College avenue, south of the railroad, and was occupied bv John S. Moore and O. C. Allen, under name of Moore & Allen, with a general stock of dry goods, gro- ceries, hardware, etc. Dr. S. Macy started the first drug store, and was the first dentist in the new village. Thomas Maddox opened the first hardware store and tin shop. He is still a resident, although long since retired from business. J. E. Harroun was the first postmaster, and it is said he carried the mail in his hat, and delivered it whenever or wherever he should happen to meet the fortunate recipient of a letter or newspaper. Judge John S. Thompson built what was then consid- ered a very fine residence, and moved into it in the fall of 1857 ; and right here we will say something of the proprietors of the town. Judge T. was one of the early lawyers of the county, and had attained a fair prominence ,in his profession in the district. He was subse- quently elected circuit judge and filled the position acceptably. During what was termed the ''Johnson campaign," he was a candidate for congress on the Johnson, or fusion, ticket, but was defeated. He was, moreover, a man of energy and push, and whatever he understood he generally pushed to completion. Failing in his })olitical aspirations, he turned his attention to securing the completion of the railroad so long promised, but as yet without prospect of completion. Largely through his eftbrts the company was reorganized under the name of the American Central ; new subscriptions were secured from towaiships, villages, and private individuals. He was indefatigable in his efibrts, and would doubtless have pushed the road through to completion under the organization of which he was president, had he not secured an advantageous arrangement with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Kailroad Company, whereby the lattei* was to complete the road from Galva to Keithsburg for the consideration of a lease thereof for ninet}^- nine years. .Under this arrangement the road was completed in 1869, and has since been operated under the charter of the American Cen- tral, but is known as the Galva and Keithsburg branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad. This lease, however, was distasteful to the people, who, while paying their subscriptions to the railroad, did not relish the idea that the funds went into the pockets of the judge and his associates, and many were the anathemas showered upon his head. This, we believe, was all wrong ; the judge had secured the MERCER TOWNSHIP. 541 completion of the road, which litis proven worth more to one and all than was ever ho])ed for, and it matters little wliether it was built and operated by the Amercan Central or the Chicago, Burlington tfc Quincy. It may have been to a certain extent a "sell out" on the subscrib- ers, but it was much better to be ''sold out'' with the road than without it. The advantages conferred and secured by the road cer- tainly far outweigh the disadvantages under which we miglit still be laboring but for the energy and tact of Judge John S. Thompson. Shortly after the comjJetion of the road, Judge T. removed to San Jose, California, where he followed his profession of the law, and entered into politics to some extent ; but having had some experience in railroad building, he has again entered into that pursuit, and is at present president of a new company known as the Rock Island & Southwestern, which proposes to build a road from Rock Island to Xew Boston, where it will cross the river and connect with ex-senator Harlan's road to Kansas City. Surveys have been made, and etlbrts are now in progress for securing the right of way and the estalJish- ment of the line. The surveys run through I^uncan, Eliza, and New Boston townships, and if built will open u[> a rich section now having poor facilities for reaching market. The headquarters of the company are in (^hicago, where the judge at present resides. Levi Willits, his partner, was one of the early settlers of Xew Boston, and he and AVilliam Drury were among the first business men of that place, where for many years they conducted a general store, and by judicious investments in real estate, both laid the foundaton for wealth. Mr. Willits was a thorough and far-seeing business man, and so open-handed and liberal in his dealing that he won the regard of all with whom he came in contact, and at his death in ISoS, he was truly mourned by all who knew him. In 1857 the Barton house, on the corner of College avenue and Seventh street, was erected and opened by D. N. Barton. It was a large four-story brick building, one of the largest at that time in the military tract, and has ever since ranked as a leading hotel of the place. It changed hands a number of times, until the ownership fell to Mr. Schuyler Button ; but a short time after he took ])Ossessioii it caught tire and was destroyed, the walls being so badly damaged that they were taken down. The fire occurred on November 10, 1867, and the loss was $10,000, the heaviest ever experienced before or since wnthin the village. The building was at once rebuilt, and is at present occupied by John S. Button, a son of the gentlennm last mentioned. We cannot name all of the first business men, but will trv and note those who are still residing here, who came in 1850 or 1857. 542 HISTORY OF IVfERCER AND HENTDERSON COUNTIES. James M. Wilson, lawyer, established a furniture store in 1857 ; was subsequently elected circuit clerk ; read law, and lias for years been a member of tlie firm of Pepper & Wilson. I. K. Bassett, of the law firm of Bassett & Wharton, has practiced here continuously since 1857. C. F. Cunningham has been in business here since the spring of the same year, first as a painter, and afterwjfi'd starting and still running a carriage shop. His brother, Frank C, learned the j^ainting trade with him, and is still following it. M. L. Marsh opened an ofiice as notary public in 1857 ; was afterward elected justice of the peace, in which office he is now serving his fifth consecutive term. Horace Bigelow, one of the founders of the " Eecord," in June of 1857, is still one of its publishers, having now been connected with it for a quarter of a century. ]!s^. Edwards came here in 1857 or 1858, and has been in business of some kind ever since. George McEowen started a wagon-shop in 1857, and still does a little repairing at the old stand. John Kainey has resided in the same house twenty-five years. Joseph McCoy, T. H. Day, J. H. Abercrombie, H. R. Morri- son, C. S. Richey, and J. M.Warwick were among the first residents, and are •still here. D. Y. Reed, now deceased, -was another, and his wife lives adjoining town. Capt. J. Y. Merritt, now of Eliza town- ship, came to the town site with the first load of lumber. The great event, however, of 1857, was the removal of the county seat from Keithsburg to Aledo, which was decided by a vote of the people on August 3d of that year. The result was a majority in favor of removal, of 930 out of a total vote of 2,028. Below we give the figures from ofticial returns : Township. For removal. Against. Total vote. North Henderson 89 2-") 114 North Pope (now RivoU) 74 1 75 Richland Grove 104 . . 104 Suez 60 18 78 Greene 62 40 102 Machira (now Preemption) . 183 1 134 Ohio Grove 121 9 130 ]\Iercer 231 . . 231 Perryton 126 3 129 Abington 34 67 101 Millersburg 84 82 166 Duncan 36 23 59 Keithsburg 26 228 254 New Boston 233 45 278 Eliza 66 7 73 Totals 1,479 549 2,028 MERCER TOM'NSHIP. 543 The majority was of a decisive character as an expression of the will of the people, and we remember of a sort of a jollification in xiledo after the returns were received, but we can find no account of it in the "Record''' of that week ; whether the editor tliouresident; Joseph Harvey, J, II. Aber- crombie, John Geiger, IL P. Graham, John McKinney, Jr., trustees ; C, S. Richey, treasurer ; L, D, Holmes, clerk. MERCER TOWNSHIP. 547 1874-5.— E. Giliiiorc, president ; Geo. L. Bitts, C. S. Pticlie.v, II. S. Senter, J. C. Thomson, Geo. Irwin, trustees; L. D. Ilohnes, clerk; H. L. Thomson, treasurer. 1875-6. — S. M. Evans, ])resident ; II. S. Dunhi]), J, M. Smith, AVm. AVinders, John Geiifer. J. O. Lundhid, trustees; Joseph Harvey, treasurer; A. D. MeCandless, ck*rk. 1876-7. — James M. Wilson, president ; C. F. Durston, James Eakin, E. B. David, J. B. Moore, W. C. Galloway, trustees; J. F. Henderson, clerk; C. S. Harvey, treasurer; Wm. ]\[clv. Young, police mauistrate. 1S77-8. — James M. Wilson, [)resident ; C. F. Durston, E. B. David, J. B. Moore, James M. Smith, flames Eakin, trustees ; J. F. Henderson, clerk ; Wm. N. Graham, treasurer. 1878-9.— E. B. David, president ; James M. Wilson, C. F. Dur- ston, J. B. 'Moore, W. A. Lorimer, A. II. Law, trustees ; J, F. Henderson, clerk ; Wm. N. Graham, treasurer. 1870-80.— E. B. David, i)resident; James M. Wilson, C. F. Durs- ton, J. B. Moore, W. A. Lorimer, M. F. Felix, ti-ustees ; J. F. Hen- derson, clerk ; Wm. N. Graham, treasurer. 1880-81.— J. B. Moore, president; C. F. Durston, M. F. Felix, W. A. Lorimer, Martin Boyd, J. R. McCrea, trustees; J. F. Hender- son, clerk ; W. N. Graham, treasurer ; W. McK. Young, ])olice magistrate. Under the law now in force one half of the above were to hold two years and one half but one. It was decided by lot, and the three trustees last mentioned drew the long term. 1881-2.— M. F. Felix, ])resident; W. A. Lorimer, Martin Boyd, J. R. McCrea, H. Parkman, L. D. Holmes, trustees ; J. W. Dilley, clerk; Wm. N. Graiiam, treasurer. Present Officers. — M. F. Felix, president; II. Parkman, L. D. Holmes, J. B. Moore, Martin Boyd, II. Prentice, trustees; fl. F. Hen- derson, clerk ; Wm. N. Graham, treasurer ; AV. j\IcK. Young, police magistrate. Aledo has ever been noted for the strong temperance views of its citizens, and since the spring of 1876 no saloon has been allowed within its limits. There is now in force an ordinance which prohibits the sale of spirituous liquors, even \)\ druggists, for any purpose what- soever, except under restricticuis so severe that none of tlie druggists have asked for a permit. It makes it a misdemeanor for a ])hysician to prescribe liquor "except where good j)ractice demands it," but fails to detine what "good ]jractice'" is. As a consequence, physicians ]M-escrip- tions must be taken to other towns if licjuor is one of the ingredients. 5J:8 HISTOEY OF IMEECEE ANT) HEJsTJERSON COUISTTES. The Aledo cemetery is beantifullv located, adjoining the town on the southeast. A part of it was donated, and the ^-ilhige has witliin a few years purchased a large addition. It is kept in fair condition and is partially set to evergreens. Some very fine monuments mark the resting place of departed friends. BUSINESS. L. F. Jobusch has occupied the same stand in the grocery business for over twenty years. J. H. Abercrombie has carried on the harness business most of the time since the town was started. H. E. Morrison has been continually in the furniture trade for twenty years or more. Sam- uel Marquis started the livery business at his present stand during the war. James Galloway urlington and Quincy railroad, twenty-five miles east of (:^uincy. This they con- ducted profitably until 18H9, when they opened the Aledo bank, but 80(m dissolved partnership, Mr. Bailey taking the Camp Point bank, and Mr. Byers remaining here and entering into partnership with E. Gilmore. Mr. Byers has been uniformly successful in his business enter- prises and has found his ventures in Aledo highly satisfactorj', so nuich so that when he sold out his interest in the Aledo bank, he decided to continue in the business here, after spending some months in search of a more promising location. lie thoroughly understands his business, and has the entire confidence of the business community and of his associate stockholders in the bank. He owns a commodious and hand- some residence, the interior of which is a model of neatness and com- fort, a home in every sense of the word. His family consists of himself, wife, daughter Olive and sf)n Edward. To the daughter he has given every educational advantage, and she is a graduate of Monticello seminary. Her musical talent is of a su|)erior order and she ranks among tlie best in Aledo as a ])ianist and vocalist. Upon the organization of tlie Farmers' Bank, ('a])t. L. B. Morey was associated with ]\lr. Byers in its management for the first two years, when, finding the business too confining, lie retired. Capt. Morey was almost raised in Mercer countv. He served with distinction during the w^ar as a lieutenant in company A, 37th reg. IlL A'ol. Inf., rising to the rank of ca})tain. He was for a long time on the staff of Gen. F. .1. Ilerron, during his ojjerations in Arkansas and 550 HISTORY OF MERCEK AJ^D HENDERSON COUNTIES. Louisiana. He is still a resident of Aledo, and, in company with Martin Boyd, is engaged extensively in farming and stock raising. On the retirement of Ca])t. Morey from the bank, Mr. William N. Graham was engaged as cashier, a position in which he is now serving his fifth year, during all of which time he has faithfully discharged his duties. Mr. Graham came to Aledo over twenty years ago, engaged in the plastering business for awhile witli his brother H. P., taught school, clerked for Poage & Senter and Harvey Senter, was in the dry goods business with his brother George P. for awhile, with J. S. Pax- ton in the grocery business, and served one term as county treasurer, prior to entering the bank. He has always proven himself a good business man. Such is a brief history of the banking business in Aledo, so far as Mr. Byers has been connected with it. The Farmers^ Bank is on a sound iinancial basis, has an ample capital, and is backed by men of wealtli and inliuence. It is an institution tluit has added largely to the growth and prosperity of Aledo, and deserves what it has ever re- ceived, the support and patronage of the citizens of our county. The Aledo Bank is also one of the stjlid institutions of the county. Mr. John McKinney, Sr., bought the interest of A. M. Byers in Ajjril of 1874, and the lirm name became McKinney, Gil more & Co., the "Co.'^ being L. C. Gilmore, son of the judge. This iirm continued until April of the present year, when Mr. McKinney purchased the interest of the Gilmores, and associated with himself liis son James, under the name of McKinney & Co. Mr. John E. Gilmore, who was for some years in the employ of the old iirm, still occupies the teller's desk. The bank has an ample capital to meet all demands of its patrons. Mr. John McKinney, Sr., was one of the early business men of Oquawka, where he for many years conducted a large and eminently successful dry goods business. Tiring of this he retired, and for a number of years did a large business in loaning money in that place and vicinity. "When he entered the Aledo Bank he purchased the fine residence of Judge John S. Thompson, and has transacted an extensive business in the way of loans, in addition to the regular banking busi- ness, having much more capital at his command than could be profit- ably used in tlie latter. In 1881 he erected a large brick building adjoining the bank proi> erty and known as McKinney block. It is one of the best arranged and most commodious business blocks in town, and the only one hav- ing a phite-glass front. One room is occupied by J. H. Pamsey with his fine jewelry stock, and O. A. Wallen with boots and shoes. The MERCER TOWNSHIP. 551 other is used for the postoffice, having been built and arranged for that special purpose. The boxes, general deli\'ery, etc., are equal to those found in large cities, and wh-en fully com])leted the Aledo post- office will be one of the best and most conveniently arranged of any in "Western Illinois. John McKinney, Jr., is postmaster, and John, senior, takes a pardonable ])ride in making the room a credit to the owner and to the village. The upper floor of the building is divided into commodious and well arranged office rooms. Mr. Mclvinney has recently })urchased the property adjoining the bank building on the south, and contem])lates building a substantial brick building thereon at an early day. The Aledo Bank enjoys the confidence and receives the patronage of the community at large, and is known to stand A 1 in the large commercial centers. Its business is large and renumerative, and it reflects credit and adds dignity and standing to the town whose name it bears. James McKinney, the junior member of the fii-m, has for a number of years assisted his father in his loan and real estate business, and is well qualified, by education and training, for the position of cashier, which he now fills. Archie McKinney, a younger brother, has taken his place in the loan department. The latter is a young man of fine attainments, having received a thorough college training, and graduated with honor, lie read law with the firm of Pepper ct A¥il- son, and was last year admitted to the bar. He has spent several months in Chicago where he expected to remain until recalled to take his present ]K)sition. John E. Gilmore is a grandson of Judge E. Gil- more, and since the death of his father, some years ago, made his home with his grandparents. He has received a liberal education, and has a thorough business training in the bank in which he is now engaged, and his connection therewith cannot fail t(j prove advantage- ous to the business. The safe used is one of the best manufactured ; is made of five plates of solid steel, with solid corners, built from the outside inward, and is fire as well as burglar ])roof. It is provided with the Yale time lock, and the most approved combination locks on inner and outer doors. It weiglis three tons, and stands in a fire proof vault of rock and brick. With its large capital, and such perfect vault and safe, unlimited security is offered to depositors. The safe is as good as any in the state, and its equal cannot perhaps be found outside of Chicago. L. C. Gilmore is also still connected with the bank. Few towns in our state can boast of two such banks, and the fact that there is business enough for both speaks well for the wealth and business enterprise of Aledo and Mercer county. Summing all u]), Aledo well deserves the good name it bears among 552 HISTORY OF JklERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES, all who know of the business enterprise of her citizens. The latter are enterprising, progressive and public spirited in an unusual degree. Her business houses are mostly of brick ; large and well filled with inviting and salable goods. She can boast of more and better side- walks than any village of the same size in the state ; indeed, some of the cities will not compare favorably with her in this regard. Her churches are numerous, large and well attended. Her public schools are amono; the best in the state. Her streets are well lighted and well kept. There are an unusually large number of tine residences and comfortable homes. She is surrounded by a wealthy and prosperous farming community, and lies in the center of as rich and productive a section as can anywhere be found. While her past has been one o steady advancement, her future is promising ; there is scarcely a possi- bility, and no probability of a loss of prestige, or a declilie in wealth, prosperity or business enterprise. [For the compilation of the above sketch of Mercer township we are indebted to L. B. Doughty, Esq. — Ed.] THE ALEDO WEEKLY RECORD. Intimately associated with the history of Aledo is that of the "Record," established in 1857, the initial number appearing on July 14 of that year, by James H. Reed and Horace Bigelow, under the firm name of Reed & Bigelow. These gentlemen had been publishing the Oquawka "Plain Dealer," but had sold the office in May, 1857, to Magie & Mitchell. The material for the " Record " office was pur- chased in Chicago, shipped to Rock Island by rail, and thence trans- ported to Aledo on wagons. Established during the heat of the canvass for the removal of the county seat from Keithsburgto Aledo, the " Record " heartily espoused the cause of its native town, and though the time was short, contrib- uted much toward insuring the success which in August crowned the efforts of those interested in the removal. J. II. Reed was a man of good education, a vigorous and aggres- sive writer, quick and keen at repartee, and an editor of rare ability ; a good friend, but an untiring and relentless enemy in political con- tests. He was a man of fair business qualilications, but was not a practical printer. He died in Monmouth, Illinois. Horace Bigelow served an apprenticeship at the printer's trade in the office of the Oquawka " Spectator,"' under Col. J. B. Patterson. In March, 1855, he purchased a one-half interest in the Oquawka "Plain Dealer," of F. A. Dallam, and was probably at that time the youngest publisher in the state, being but twenty years of age. Dal- ^[ERCER TOWNSHIP. 553 liiiii subsequently sold to Reed, and when the firm sold the office Mr. B. spent some time in the large job ])rinting establishment of S. P. Rounds, in Chicago, increasing his knowledge of that brancli of the art. lie has the reputation of being a lirst-class business man, and has by honest industry and energy, and careful and judicious manage- ment, secured for himself and family a good home and a fair compe- tence, owning a tine farm of 150 acres north of Aledo, adjoining tlie corporation, upon wdiich he resides and which he works to advantage and prolit, independent of his interest in the "Record " office. In June, 1857, tlie material arrived and the office was opened in a large double building on College avenue, almost directly opposite the building now occupied. The other half of the building was occupied by Dr. S. Macy, as a dental room and drug-store, who afterward pur- chased and remodeled the building only to lose it by lire. A much better building now stands on the old site. Se]jtember 1, 1S62, Mr. Reed retired from the firm, Mr. Bigelow purchasing his interest. He conducted the business alone for four years, employing Mr. John Porter as both typo and editor. Septem- ber 1, 1S66, Mr. Porter purchased a one-half interest, and the firm has since been known as Porter ifc Bigelow\ John Porter, who has been political editor of the "Record" for twenty years, is perhaps one of the best read men, so far as the political history of our nation is concerned, to be found in w^estern Illinois. His life has been almost passed in a printing office, he commencing to learn the trade January 4, 1834, in the office of the Richmond "Ex- aminer,'' in Jefferson county, Ohio, and he has stood at the case during all of these forty-eight years. He has always been a close student of political history, and possessing a memory which is almost phenome- nal, he can readily call to mind men, measures and dates of the long ago"^vliich to others are but dim scraps of forgotten history. A forci- ble w^-iter. a wary, but not aggressive antagonist, he seeks no (puirrel, but when assailed he patientl}^ awaits his opportunity and then deals a strong and generally successful blow. Established as a republican paper, when the republican party was in its infancy, the "Record" has remained ever loyal to the principles of the party, and has taken an active part in every campaign, whether national, state or count}^ and its utterences have been of no unceitain sound. It was one of the first newspapers to suggest the name of Abraham Lincoln as a candidate for the presidency, and one of his most earnest supporters, not only during the canvass, but throughout his administration, and also for his re-election. During the war it was loyal to the core, and its colunms were the popular medium of 554 HISTORY OF MERCER AXD HENDERSON COUNTIES. coiiiinunication between the Mercer bovs in the army and their friends at home, it having a correspondent in nearly every regiment in which the coimty was represented. But while striking valiant blows for the union and for tlie cause of its party, it has kept itself singularly clear of what is termed "mud slinging ;" the rule having ever been to make no charges against opposing candidates that were not easily susceptible of proof, or at least believed to be so at the time of ^publication. Another rule of the office, and one strictly adhered to, is that no foreign advertising will be received for less than home patrons are charged for same time and space. Consequently but few "patent medicine '^ advertisements, and others of like nature have ever appeared in its columns. In 1 873, L. B. Doughty was employed in the office as foreman and job printer, but having had considerable exjDerience as a local wi'iter, he was soon relieved of most of the work in the composing room, and for the past eight years has had charge of the local department of the paper, which has constantly gi'own in popularity, and has been one cause of a steady increase on the subscription list, which has reached the comfortable ligure of 1,300 weekly, and is still growing. The job department of the office is deservedly popular, and is lib- erally pao'onized, especially in the line of commercial work. The cir- culation ha^-ing grown beyond the capacity of the press which has done faithful duty for the past twenty-five years, a new Cottrell press has recently been purchased. And now, after a quarter of a century the proprietors can boast that in all that time they have never missed an issue, have never used a "patent inside," and have never failed to ap- pear promptly on time on publication day, except in a few instances when the paper was purposely held back for important news. As a prominent factor in the growth of village and county, as a popular means of promoting the educational interests, as well as a dis- seminater of reliable news, the "Kecord" has proven itself worthy of the high esteem in which it is held by those familiar with its pages ; and it has accomplished much for the moral as well as the temporal interests of the county. THE DEMOCRATIC PRESS IN ALEDO. Mercer county has been politically a republican county ever since the organization of that party. Issues have occcasionally been made on men or measures by means of which republicans have been de- feated, and democrats or other opponents have been elected by the people ; but these instances, however frequent, were still only excep- ^^^i^^■c£^ ^^0-2i^ MERCER TOWNSHIP. 557 tional, and the continued ascendency of the republican party has been maintained and augmented greatly by the fact that as soon as the county seat was settled at Aledo, a party organ was promptly pro- vided, the official i)atronage of the county bestowed on it, and the people, especially of the dominant party, slowly but surely educated to contribute to the material support of their newspaper. The democratic party, in the minority numerically and without men of capital, or hopes of othcial patronage, and destitute of am- bitious leaders, made no attempt to establish a party organ for nearly a dozen years after. In the summer of 1866, circumstances conspired to make the time favorable for starting a democratic newsi)aper in Aledo, something to be made a rallving center for the democrats of the countv and those displeased with the action of the majority in congress at that time. President Lincoln had been assasinated the year before, and vice- president Johnson, becoming acting president, projected an adminis- trative policy to which a majority of his i)arty in congress was op- posed. Hostile feeling and action arose between the acting president and the congress, and many removals and appointments to office were being made, favorable to the policy of the administration and gener- ally favorable to the democrats. Appearances were that a change might be made in the political complexion of the whole country, and that, with the aid of what were called the liberal republicans, Mercer county even might be revolutionized. The reconstruction measures were then being enacted. Many of the republicans thought these measures too radical, if not wholly unauthorized by the organic law, while the democrats, in addition, felt exasperated at the political dis- advantage at which the party was placed by the disfranchisement of so manv southern states. One of these disart'ected republicans, Judge John S. Thompson, of Aledo, an able lawyer and shrewd organizer, was put up for congress against the republican candidate. Gen. Harding. The district was then perhaps 200 miles long, extending from Port Byron to Keokuk along the Mississippi river, and Charles Harris, of Oquawka, a straight democrat, had been able to be elected to congress not many years l>ri<)r to this election. Hope was entertained of success under the leadership of Judge Thompson, and the democrats, in this sanguine mood of mind, some time in the month of August had an informal assembly of some of its more prominent members at the Barton house in Aledo, now the Button house. At this meeting it was determined to raise funds and start a demo- cratic newspaper. The plan adopted was a stock company, bound by 32 558 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. a simple personal agreement without articles of incorporation. Tlie shares were $10, and each member of the company was entitled to as man}' votes for officers as he held shares. A considerrble amount was subscribed at this meeting, and three or four papers were prepared and put into the hands of canvassers, by means of which about $1,400 was in a short time pledged. Before the Barton house meeting closed its sittings and put its papers in hand, it was necessary to name the paper. Several titles were proposed, of more or less partisan import ; but that fatal timidity and spirit of boundless concession that has so long been an element of weakness in the democratic party, prevailed on this occasion, and the proposed paper took the neutral meaningless title of "The Mercer County Press." J. A. J. Birdsall, a piquant, versatile writer, and good collector of local news, who had had some experience in publishing a democratic paper in Keithsburg, was chosen as editor and publisher ; and with $1:75, advanced by Hon. T. B. Cabeen, Birdsall went to Chicago and laid in a press and materials for printing the paper, taking some credit ; and some time in the month of September the first number of the "Press" was issued. The pledge for the payment of stock subscriptions ran in this way: "We, the undersigned, agree to pay to the publishers of 'The Mercer County Press' the sums set opposite our names, for the purpose of publishing a democratic paper in the county of Mercer and state of Illinois, whenever called for, or in a reasonable time." The ' ' Press " was duly issued. The campaign was a spirited one, but lost to the democracy, and their earnest colleagues. After this collapse the spirit and enthusiasm of the Press company were rapidly cooled. The fatal clause in the compact giving "a reasonable" but indefinite time for payment of stock now began to show its turpitude ; not more than two-thirds of the stock was ever collected. T. B. Cabeen lost about $250 in money advanced to the ' ' Press " ; and T. S. Robb and I. C. Gilmore, and other liberal men who made advances from time to time to keej) down expenses, had more or less of final loss. The stock subscribers were nearly all amply able to pay ; but from some defect in the organization or energy in the conduct of afiairs, no forci- ble means were ever employed to make collections. The subscriptions to the paper were taken up in the same hasty, loose manner that characterized the stock subscriptions. But few were pressed to pay on sight, and all were freely trusted; besides, many wei'e scored down on the list without having been consulted or seen ; and as a natural and inevitable result, the establishment was soon ilERCER TOWNSHIP. 559 carrying an immense delin(]uent list, and suftering a large accumula- tion of unpaid bills for labor, materials, rent, and contingent expenses. Added to these untoward circumstances was the damai>;ini>: knowl- edge that the Johnsonian policy was not to succeed. The reconstruction measures went on without interru])tion. Tlie acting president was hemmed in on all sides by what was known as the "radicals."" The tenure-of-office act virtually took away from him the a})pointing i)Ower by denying him the right to make arbitrary removals. When the president's patronage was thus shorn otf, his influence and prestige fell with it, and he was shortly after put on the defensive by articles of impeachment. It was only natural that many of the liberals should quietly slide back to a more solid base ; and that the democracy, hopelessly defeated^ w^ould experience more or less demoralization in their ranks. Mr. Birdsall, tinding the pecuniary results of his labors unsatisfactory, after the first year, gave way to a young man named Wilson, of whom little seems to be known, and who occupied the editorial chair but a short time, and with not very satisfactory results. Some time later in the year 186T David R. Waters, a former citizen of Williamsport, Penn- sylvania, but then a resident of Aledo, and a law partner of Hon. Charles M. Harris, of Oquawka, took the management of the "Press."' He was a man of fine abilities in many directions. In temperament he was nervous, and possibly a little too sanguine for a safe business man ; and a little too radical for the political success of a minority party. He was, however, a fully reliable democrat, an able political writer and speaker, and a faithful worker for the cause he had espoused. His zeal for his own cause, and Jiis abhorence of the sup- posed eiTors of his opponents, seemed to lead him sometimes into business and even social discriminations among those he came in contact with. The business up to about the beginning of the year 1868 had been done in a low, but roomy building that had been occu])ied during and before the war by Mr. Edwards as a dry goods merchant. It stood n(jrth of the Aledo house and on nearlj^ the site now occupied by I. N. Edwards' ice-house ; it was afterward removed to Fifth street, on the south side, between Walnut street and College avenue, on the second floor of a frame building owned and then occupied by A. M. Byers with the first bank in Aledo. Here Mr. Waters completed his labors not long after April 1, 1869, when it was sold by the com- pany to John Geiger, of Aledo, for $800 ; who immediately added to the materials, which were barely sufficient to issue the newspaper, a careiiilly-selected little job office, at a cost of about $500. This outlay, timely made, would have avoided one great source of financial Weak- 560 HISTORY OF MERCEK A:SrD HEXDERSON COUKTIES. ness in the "Press,"' and with all its reverses might have kept it at least self-sustaining, as its successors have been ever since. The new projirietor, recognizing the fact that the "Press," not- withstanding its able editorial management, had closed out a financial faihire, and was virtually a pauper, believed that public conlidence could sooner be secured by starting a new paper, with a title more expressive of its character and objects ; and with this view he made no attempt to resurrect the shattered fortunes of the "Press,*' but April 13, 1869, issued the first number of "The Democratic Banner." The few years that had now passed since the war, had begun to temper its ascerbities, and with the better feelings and better facilities the new venture received a fair share of remunerative business. It was con- ducted a while longer in Byers building, and afterward a small frame building on College avenue, 18x36 feet in size, was purchased of Jacob Cool, the same that, -vvitli its open, red-trimmed front, is now used for a piimary school ; to this place the office was removed, where it remained until some time in the autumn of 1872. The "Banner"' during this time held the leading principles and sentiments of the old school democracy ; and frequently found occasion to dissent from the new methods and policies propounded by platforms and leaders of the times. The editor had, in 1872, voted alone in the state convention, against a resolution favoring the nomination of Horace Greeley. And when afterward the nomination was made by the national convention, he denounced both the nomination and the nominee, without reserve, as being unfit, whether viewed in the light of principle or of policy. The nomination was, however, accepted all over the Union. Here in Mercer count}', besides the remnant of liberal republicans that had not returned to their old home, there was an informal, unorganized, intangible, but omnipresent little party, then sometimes known as grangers. This fugitive gypsy body, as well as the liberals, were enthusiastic adherents to Horace Greeley. [Mistake : grangers didn't spring up till spring of 1873. — Ricker]. And by their ardent proffers of material, as well as moral support, O. P. Arthur was induced to make purchase of the "Banner" office, and he took possession early in July 1872. He was a young man but lately from the Monmouth College, and at this time was a law student in the office of Bassett & Connell. He had energy and learning, and a good order of talent ; and withal could give to the "great commoner" a consciencious sup- port. The "Banner" was still conducted as a democratic organ, and supported democratic men and measures. The business was for awhile conducted at the little red front building, but was shortly after removed MERCER TOWXSHIP. 561 to Seventh street, and afterward to liicliey Brotlier's old brick build- ing on Fifth street, east of the Aledo house. Some time after the defeat of Greelev at the approach of the depres- sion of 1873, the greenback party began to materialize ; and besides the political gypsies of the country, many from each of the established parties, from one cause and another, arising mostly out of the pressure of the times, gave adherence and active sup])ort to the new party. The "Banner" supported the movement with such N-igor that the party promised at one time to become at least second in the county in ]»oint of numbers. Arthur was a leader of acknowledged influence. About this time he changed slightly the name of the paper. Dropping the word "Democratic,"' the title thereafter was "The Aledo Banner.'' By trenchant articles on the linancial abuses of both parties, by public speeches and ingenuous enterprises for increasing his circulation, he brought its reading patronage at one time nearly, if not quite, 'up to that of the old established "Aledo Record." But reverses came, or rather culminated. Arthur was young and without experience or capital. His dash and talent brought him admir- ers and even friends ; but only feeble and dilatory material suppoi-t. Had he known the hollowness of proffered patronage he would never have been tempted into the uncertain field of party politics. He had not then read, with ])roper interpretation, the history and achievements of Col. Mulberry Sellers, or he would not have leaned on the broken reeds that failed him when the hour of need came. The net earnings of the "Banner" office were, however, considerable, and from his surplus Arthur added largely to the material of the estab- lishment. But in his coniidence he had married a wife ; and amono; the unseen calamities of all lives, it happened that his young wife shortly after took sick of a lingering and incurable disease. Personal distrac- tion from business, and large continued expenses, deprived him of the means of a thorough prosecution of his work ; and on his invitation, about June 1, 1877, John Geiger was associated with him, and as an ecjual partner and editor-in-chief changed the paper once more to a straight democratic organ. Arthur's wife died in the ensuing winter; and about May 1, 1878, he sold his remaining half of the office to John Geiger, who again became sole owner of the paper he had established nine years before. Arthur, after settling up his accounts and arrang- ing his iinancial affairs, went to Colorado, where he has since held several important trusts and established himself in a very respectable and fairly lucrative law practice. AVhen the "Banner" returned to its original owner, a commodious building was purchased for it on College avenue, where the jiaper was 562 HISTORY OF aiERCEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. conducted to tlie end of its checkered life, which the reader will be pleased to listen briellj to. During the heated campaign of 1878 for some cause, never fiilly declared, but generally understood here. Rev. P. F. Warner, who had formerly made some favorable acquaintances here as a preacher of the Congregational church, came on several occasions and olfered to buy out the " Banner " office and run it as an independent paper. Geiger having bought the office only with a %dew of closing up its affairs honorably, now sold to Mr. Warner, reserving one column for the use of the democratic cainpaign not yet closed ; and on September 20, 1878, the new proprietor took the chair. He was a graduate of Yale Col- lege. He had considerable literary ability; wrote fine essays on theological and moral subjects for the pulpit, and wrote with some force and elegance on political topics so far as he had made acquaint- ance with them. But he was unacquainted with the details of news- paper making, and was obliged to trust much to employes. He was a good collector and financial manager, and while he held the demo- cratic support turned over to him, the business was prosperous. But some time in the next year, either with a view of supplanting the " Record " office as an organ, or from some abnormal working of a political conscience, he gave up the independent position, and came out a full fledged republican. While this movement gave pleasure to some republicans that were not wholly satisfied with the "Record," it gave displeasure to a great number of democratic supporters, who did not think themselves dealt with in entirely good faith. Slowly many of these dropped out, while no material strength was drawn from the other political party. After the presidential campaign of 1880 had so far developed as to give the democrats hopes of carrying the national election, John Gei- ger was again solicited to give the party a campaign newspaper. To this he assented, but the season was already advanced, and the enter- prise would not admit of delay, nor of an expensive outfit. R. Russell had a neat little job office over W. H. Holmes' hardware store on the avenue. To this was added the old press of the Woodhull enter])rise, and a snudl collection of good material bought of one Remington, who had some time before conducted a little "snide*" paper in the professed interest of the local republicans, but really for his bread ; and a few more were obtained from L. F. Jobusch, Jr., who, then only a lad, after experimenting a while with a toy press, started a sheet called the "Democratic Press," which, however, deserves only to be mentioned as the visionary scheme of a boy, abandoned for want of MERCER TOWNSHIP. 603 means to sustain, or ability to conduct it. He has, liowever, since occu])ied an advantageous jjosition of society editor on Carl Pretzel's paper in Chicago. He is a plausible and genial young man. "With these fi-agments added to Ilussell's job materials, the paper was started about the second week in July ; a seven-column folio, to run six months, for $1 per copy. A circulation of about 500 was gathered up, and the enterprise about ])aid the expenses, as expected. As the first of January drew near, a strong wish from different parts of the county was expressed that the pajier now so nearly established and the party so finely organized should not be separated ; but that with the ])resent basis we should go on and establish a permanent organ for the party in Mercer county. Other new materials were promptly purchased, and the paper which was called '' The Aledo Democrat,'' was enlarged to an eight-column, and the first number issued in Janu- ary, at the close of the campaign edition. About or near June 1, 1881, the proprietor of the "Democrat" associated with himself R. Russell and George M. Eames, two sober, industrious young men of Aledo, well skilled in newspaper and jt)b printing ; and tlie new firm of Geiger, Russell & Eames bought out the old "Banner" materials from Mr. Warner, and adding them to the other materials of the "Democrat,"' moved all into the "Banner'"' building, and the '' Banner" then ended its singular career and disa]> peared, Mr. Warner, its last owner, nuiking another venture in Ha- vanna, Illinois. Few newspapers in the world have had so singlar a history as the "Banner." It is doubtful whether ever before any political paper has gone the rounds, and alternately advocated the tenets of all parties and factions, and rej^eated its original position, and made the entire cycle in twelve years, and yet received liberal support in nearh' all its tortuous course. It proves that our people's minds are flexible ; and further, that a newspaper .is valued more for its news and intelligence and advertising facilities than for its political platform. In the month of August, 1881, Mr. Russell, of the "Democrat,'' being oflered an advantageous ])osition at Kansas City, sold his inter- est to the senior partner ; and on the first of October so much was transferred to Mr. Eames as to make him an equal partner, and the firm name became Geiger & Eames. The paper is in a fairly prosper- ous condition ; is still democratic, but, as heretofore, liberal, and not trammeled by platforms or the opinions of leaders, and generally finds sufiicient scope and liberty within the expansive and elastic folds of its alma mater. 564 HISTORY OF SIERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. ALEDO PUBLIC SCHOOLS. The first school taught in Aledo was by J. E. Ilarroun, but in what building: we cannot learn. This was during the winter of 1856-7. In the following winter Rev. Bigger opened a school in his residence, at the then south end of College avenue, and known as the Dr. Woods house. It is now the property of E. L. Wolff, and has been thor- oughly overhauled and refitted, and is occupied as a parsonage by Eev. Thomas Stephenson of the first Presbyterian church. In the spring of 1857, the new school-building, now the court-house, was occupied, and Frank Herdman was employed in the capacity of assistant. Mr. H. had no de})artment under his charge, as in the graded system of the present day, but occupied a recitation room, the classes leaving Mr. Bigger''s room at stated hours for recitation. We remember Frank as a fine elocutionist, and that his methal, assisted by Mrs. Porter, Miss M. M. Bnrbank, now Mrs. AVilson, of Keene, New Hampshire, and Miss Emma Stevens, now Mrs. J. H. Aberorombie, ofAledo. J. E. Ilarroun was principal the following year. Mr. H. was one of the leading educators of our county, and as such, we give elsewhere a brief sketch of his life, so far as it pertains to this history. Mrs. Mary Walker, Mra. Porter, Mrs. A. M. Young, Misses M. M. Burbank, Emma Stevens, and Anna IMaury, were teachers in 1868-!). The hitter is now Mrs. Wm. Bunting, of David City, Nebraska. In 1860-70, Sylvanus B. Atwater, now of Greene township, presided, assisted by Miss A. E. Frazier, now county superintendent of schools, Mrs. Porter, ]\Irs. Young, Misses Eva and Jennie Marquis, and Ella Gailey. C. W. Sherman was princi})al in 1870, 1871-2, two terms, assisted by Mrs. "i'oung, and Misses Amanda and Tilla Frazier, Miss Burbank, and Miss Belle McCoy, now Mrs. W. L. Duncan, both terms, and Miss Thornton the tirst term, or a j^art of it. Mr. Sherman was at that time a local preacher in the Methodist church, but after his work as a teacher ended here, he entered the itineracy, but has since severed his connecticfn with the church and is now a traveling evangelist. A. U. Barler (now deceased), w^as principal for three terms, begin- ning in the fall of 1872 and ending in the spring of 1875. Assistants same as the last year except that Miss Barcroft succeeded Miss Bur- bank. Second term Misses Mollie Walker, Ella Gailey, Edith Pruyn, N. A. Campbell, Louisa Merryman and Mrs. Comfort were employed as assistants. Mrs. Comfort and Miss Pruvn resio-ned earlv in the term, Miss Marie Ilebbard and Miss Olivia Pattison being em])loyed to till the vacancies. Alex. Stephens, of Washington, Iowa, was elected princii)al in 1875, and still holds that position. A full account of his school work will be found in a brief sketch of his life, hereto appended. His assist- ants the iirst year were : Misses Ella Gailey, N. A. Campbell, Marie Hebbard, Blanche Rutledge, Tilla Frazier and Millie E. Reed, latter of Monmouth. A new department was added to the school this year, and the school-building not being large enough, a small building about one block distant, on the east side of College avenue, was leased and fitted up for a school-room. A year or two prior to this a tax was author- ized, levied and collected, for the pur})ose of building additional room, but until 1881, the citizens could never agree upon a location, although the (juestion was submitted to them nearly every year. The increase of the enrollment from year to year rendered more departments and more room necessary, and the upper lioor of a brick building south of 566 HISTORY OF I^IERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. the railroad was leased and fitted up so that it could be used, but the rooms were poorly arranged, and were at the best but a poor excuse and make-shift for a village whose greatest pride is in her churches and her public school§. Assistants for the following years were : 1876-7.— Miss K A. Campbell, Blanche Rutledge, Ella M. Gailej, Marie Hebbard, Emma Crawford, Tilla Frazier, Camilla Reed. 1877-8. — Same as above, except that Misses M. J. Thomas and Lettie Long took the places of Misses Rutledge and Frazier. 1S78-9. — Misses Campbell, Rutledge, Gailey, Crawford, Hebbard and Reed, and Mrs. M. J. Waterman, and Mrs. T. H. Ennis. The lat- ter only taught three months and was succeeded by Miss N. A. Wilson. 1879-80. — Misses Campbell, Gailey, Hebbard, Cora D. Harvey, Zerie Miller, May I. Allen, Mrs. Waterman, and Mrs. M. J. Taylor. 1880-81.— Mr. K. M. Whitham, Misses Campbell, Rutledge, Mil- ler, Frazier, Allen, Mrs. A. M. Hall, Mrs. Waterman. At the term of 1880-81, K. M. Whitham was employed as teacher of the grammar department, a position he has since well filled, and which he will doubtless fill during the next term. He is a young man of more than average ability, and should he devote his life to the pro- fession, would make a place for himself among the best educators of the land. He is utilizing his 'vacations by reading law in the oflice of L. D. Holmes, and this profession may prove more attractive than that of teaching. In the fall of 1881 the course of study was advanced to include Latin, German, geometry, trigonometry and book-keeping, and Miss Mary E. Turnbull, of Monmouth, was employed as teacher of these branches and assistant })rincipal, a position which she was well quali- fied to fill and the duties of which she discharged in an eminently sat- isfactory manner. The teachers for the ]>ast term were : Alex. Stephens, principal ; Miss Mary E. Turnbull, assistant ; K. M. Whitham, grammar depart- ment ; Miss Campbell, fourth intermediate ; Miss Rutledge, third intermediate; Miss Zerie Miller, second intermediate; Mrs. A. M. Hall, first intermediate ; and the Misses Mary I. Allen and Tillie Matthews, primary de})artments. Enrollment for school year 1881-2, 460. The school is fitted up with ma])s, globes and other aj^paratus ; a human skeleton and ana- tomical cliarts have been added recently, and also a collection of insects and other zoological s])ecimens. MERCER TOWNSHIP. 567 The first students (jnuluated were in the class of 1878, and were tlie foHowing : Sadie Eanies, Oarence Fiirgo, Una Evans, Plihna Lundbhid, Leota Hause, Norma Pe])per, ^famie Ciinningliam. 1879 : Zerie Miller, Emma Ives, O. T. Moore, Lizzie Ilause, Retta Galloway, Fred. Ilollenback, L. AV. Thompson, Harvey S. Pyles, Will. H. Morrison, Cassie Thonij)Son, Kittie Lynch. 1880 : Mattie Evans, Fannie Porter, Grace Pitts, Mable Pepper, Eosa Wolff, Tlulda Lnndblad, Will McKenney, Lou. L. Walker, Horace Edwards. 1881 : Louie Wright, Georgia Cole, Floi-a Harvey, Eda Hudson, Minnie Lect, Lizzie Poiter, Alma Bickett, Z(je McCoy, Logan 8tej)h- ens, Robei't ^IcKinney, John Mclvinney, Frank Edwards, Fred Strong, Amos Cole, George Strong, Frank Evans. Miss Zerie Miller, one of the teachers above mentioned, is worthy of special mention, as she is a gi-aduate of the school in which she has so long held her present position. The circumstances of her widowed mother were such that an academic or collegiate course was entirely out of tlie question, but she early set to work to fit herself for teach- ing, and by untiring labor and a hai)py tact in making the most of the advantages within her reach, she has attained a success beyond her brightest antici])ations. Miss May I. Allen, who has taught one of the primary depart- ments for the past three years, resides in Warren county, adjoining the Mercer line. Ller education has been liberal, and she is peculiarly fitted in nature and disposition tor the i)Osition. She is the friend, playmate and companion (#f the little ones under her charge, and has not only won their hearts, but the esteem of their parents, and her pupils have ever shown a marked and rapid degree of advancement. Misses Ttutledge and Campbell have long held positions and have proven excellent teachers. Mrs. Hall has just closed her second term in a most satisfactory manner, while Miss Matthews, in her single term, has well eai-ned the esteem of the school patrons. In 1881, by vote of the i)eo])le, the directors were authorized to borrow money to build additional school-buildings, to levy a tax to re- pay the same, and block 101, south of the railroad, was selected and purchased for a school site. Dissatisfied i)arties procured an injunction against building there, which, though not sustained in the courts, de- layed the work until too late to build last year. In the spring of this year (1882), a })etition signed by over 200 of the voters of the district, was presented to the directors asking them to call an election to vote upon the question of rescinding the vote selecting block 101 as a school site, and authorizing the erection of a building large enough to 568 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. accommodate the entire district, upon block 55, the present school site. The election was held, and both propositions carried by decisive majorities. Another election was held upon the question of purchas- ing the east half of the block, but this was defeated. The directors are now receiving bids for the erection of a building of which the following, compiled from the plans and specifications, is a description, and is an extract from an article prepared by the writer and published in tlie Aledo '^Record" of July 5, 1882: The building is to be of brick, with stone foundation, 73 feet 10 inches by 65 feet 6 inches on the ground, with vestibule on east and west sides each 33 feet by 10 feet 5 inches, and on the south 19 feet by 5 feet 9 inches, the two former running to top of building, the latter only to top of basement. In the basement will be two class-rooms, each 31x23 feet, with ceiling 10 feet 2 inches high ; two fuel and storage rooms, two large furnaces for heating, closets, halls, stairways, etc. The first and second floors will each contain four class-rooms, two 32x23 feet each and two 31 X23 feet each. The second floor will contain in addition a recitation room over north hall 15x17 feet, and principal's reception room and appa- ratus room over east hall. The ceilings on both floors will be 13 feet high. Separate doors, halls, stairways and closets are provided for boys and girls, two closets for the pupils and one for the teacher con- nected with each room. Ample ventilation of the most approved kind is provided for, in the shape of cold and foul air ducts. Doors and windows are to be stone capped. The halls are provided with huge folding or double doors, opening either out or in. A large belfry and cupola, witli iron coping on the roof, completes the description. The speciflcations require the best of work and the use of the very best material. The floors are to be of southern yellow pine, of boards not more than 4 inches in width. Those of the two u]>per floors are to be made double, the inner one being covered with 1-| inches of mortar, for the purpose of deadening the sound. The floors do not lie directly upon the joists, as in ordinary buildings ; the latter are crossed with furring two inches square, and the floors laid on these, lengthwise with the joists. The furnace rooms are to be floored and covered with brick. All rooms are to be provided with blackboards on two walls, to be made of slate from a Pennsylvania quarry, to be in slabs 7x4 feet in size and J inch in thickness, to be bedded in flush with plaster- ing and just above the wainscoting. The speciflcations certainly call for one of the best arranged school-buildings in western Illinois, one of which any community may well feel proud; just what the schools of Aledo deserve and what the district needs. MERCER TOWNSHIP. 569 PROF. ALEX. STEPHENS. The subject of this sketch was born December Ifi, 1840, in Perry county, Pennsylvania, and was the second child of "William L. and Margaret (Elliott) Stephens, and was reared on his father's farai until the a";e of fifteen years, when he commenced a course at the Market- ville academy in tlie summers and teaching during the winters. He graduated in 1856, and for the next two years had charge of the math- ematical department of that institution. In 1859 he entered Bloomlield college, in the same county, and completed the classical course in 1862. He then commenced the study of medicine, but, for what he deemed good reasons, abandoned it at the end of six months, and in the fall of 1863 entered the State N^ormal school, where he spent a 3'ear in special training for a teacher. He taught at various points in his native state until 1872, when he emi- grated to Washington, Iowa, and accepted the principalship of the South AYard school, which he held until 1875, assisting also in the conduct of the county Xormal school. In the latter year he moved to Aledo and took charge of the public schools as principal, a position he has held until tlie present time, and which he has been offered for the coming term. During his administration the standard improvement in the school has been greatly advanced, and it now ranks among the best in the state ; has risen high in the favor of the people, and of his colaborers in the profession, and has secured a substantial and endur- ing reputation as an educator. He is of a genial, kindly disposition, earnest and thorough in any work he undertakes, and a man calculated not only to make friends, but also to keep them. In 1865 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Leonard. They have but one child, Logan, now in his sixteenth year. They have here a commodious and well furnished residence where they are ever pleased to meet any and all of their hosts of friends, and are never happier tlian in dispensing their hospitality. The graduates of the school give to Prof. Ste})liens the utmost credit and veneration for his kindly direction and assistance during their school days, and ai'e ever warm in their expressions of gratitude and appreciation. The work accomplished by him in and for the Aledo public schools is outlined in the following extract from a report of the last commence- ment by the writer of this sketch, and published in the Aledo '•'Record" of May 24. 1882. It speaks for itself: "For the school year of 1875 and 1876 the enrollment was 360; last year it was 470. During the first there were 5,679 days of absence, last year but 1,832; cases of tardiness first year 1,708, last year only 45; neither absent or tardy 570 HISTORY OF MERGER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. first year 12, last year 123 ; over forty per cent failed to pass for ad- vancement the 'first year, less than twenty per cent failed last year; per cent of punctuality first year eighty, last year ninety-nine and ninety-nine one-lmndredths. We do not believe that there is another school in the state that can show such a record as this last item. And punctuality means nine o'clock in the morinng and one o'clock in the afternoon, not one or two minutes after these hours. There have now been fifty- two certificates of graduation issued within the past five years. Of those holding them sixteen are now or have been teaching, and six hold first grade certificates from the county superintendent. The certi- ficates are for the scientific course, which includes orthography, read- ing, penmanship, arithmetic, English grammar, geograpliy, United States history, zoology, botany, natural philosophy, algebra, composi- tion, civil government, and word analysis. We have good reasons to be proud of our schools, proud of our principal, proud of his assistants, and proud of the graduates. We believe that the Aledo public schools equal, if they do not surpass any in the state." • J. E. HARROUN. Prominent among the educators of Mercer county was J. E. Har- roun, and he merits a place in our history. Joseph Elliott Harroun was born in Crawford county, Pennsyl- vania. He removed when a young man to Galesburg, Illinois, and entered Lombard University, from whence he came to Mercer county, in 1853, teaching school at the Pryne school-house, two miles east of New Boston, the winter of that year. In March, 1855, he married Miss Margaret A., daughter of William Willits, of New Boston township, and removed to Wapello, Iowa, where he edited the "Wapello Intel- ligencer," for some months. In the spring of 1856 he came back to Mercer county, locating in Aledo, where he erected the first building, in which he opened and kept the first boarding-house. He was the first postmaster of Aledo, and it is said that he carried the mail around in his hat. He taught the first school in the village, in the winter of that year, and held for some years the office of town clerk. In 1858 he was elected county superintendent of schools, and proved one of the best and most efiicient ofticers that have ever filled that position. During his term of two years he visited every school district in the county, ninety in all, giving all the schools a personal supervision ; helping and advising the teachers ; making a suggestion here and there, but always in a kindly spirit, and with no air of dictation. He was the warm friend and sup])orter of the earnest teacher, but had little patience with those who taught merely to "fill in the time." He MERCER TOWNSHIP. 571 also held institutes and gave lectures, and was prominently connected wit)i the county normals and institutes. lie introduced the first orrery and telurian ever in the county, and carried them with him in his school visits, explaining their workings to each school. He spoke in an easy, happy manner, that won and held the attenti(m of pupils. His methods and ideas were all new, and by some deemed peculiar ; but if so, it was only that they were in advance of the times, as they have since been adopted and made an integral part of our school system as relates to methods of teaching. He was one of the first teachers in the county to attempt to impart instruction orally, and insisted that his pupils should study the meaning of their lesson, rather than the words. His term of service as superintendent was of great benefit to the schools of the county, and he is entitled to all the more credit for his labors wlien we remember that at that time there was no salary to the office. In 1858 Mr. Harroun removed to a new farm he was opening three and one-half miles southeast of Aledo, where he resided until about two years ago. During that time he taught school a part of the time, at Gingle's corners, Perryton township ; Freer's school-house, and in his home district, Mercer township ; and at Smnbeam ; in all, nine terms. In 1876 he taught in jS^ew Boston. While farming he paid considerable attention to the improvement of stock, making short-horn cattle a specialty, and his herd was fre- quently exhibited at our county fairs, where it always attracted atten- tion. He was for years prominently connected with the agricul- tural board, serving as vice-president and secretary for six years. He took an active part in the removal of the fairs from Millersburg to Aledo, and in purchasing and fitting up the new grounds. In 1880 he received the. appointment of clerk of the district court of Cassia county, Idaho Territory, and selling his farm he removed to Albion, in that country, where he still resides. He is now probate judge and deputy clerk of the district court of that county. He was a member of the 102d 111. Vol. Inf , in the late war, enlist- ing as a ])rivate but soon rising to the rank of orderly sergeant, and being commissioned lieutenant of his company prior to the close of his term of service. He })artici]iated in the marches, engagements, and manifold trials incident to army life in connection with his regiment. He is the father of six children, viz. : Adella T., born February 12, 1856 ; married February 22, 1876, to Sanford M. Huston ; now resides at Geneva, Nebraska. Dora C, born July 30, 1858 ; married 572 HISTORY OF IVEEECER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. March 10, 1880, to Govert H. Stephens, of Sunbeam, Mercer conntj, where the}^ still reside. Lulu M., born June 0, 1861 ; died July 14, 1878, in Aledo. William Corwin, born May 21, 1866 ; resides with his parents at Albion. Ada, born October 12, 1868 ; died December 22, 1868. Jessie A., born October 31, 1870 ; resides with her parents. Mr. Harroun and his family have many w^arm friends yet in this county. Mrs. H. was raised here, and they still feel a deep interest in all pertaining to their old home, and we doubt not will be among the most eager readers of this history. THE SEAT OF JUSTICE. By the act of the legislature, of January 31, 1835, creating the county of Mercer, New Boston was designated as the "temporary county seat"; and in 1837 an act was passed appointing "William McMurtry, of Knox county ; Thomas Spragins, of Jo Daviess ; and John S. Stephenson, of Ogle, commissioners to select a permanent loca- tion. They selected Millersburg as the site, making their report Sep- tember 15, 1837, which was signed by the last two named. John and Sarah Miller donated the amount of land required by the act, making their deed therefor December 18, 1837. This decision was not satisfactory to the citizens of the west side of the county, and in 1839 they secured an act authorizing an election in April of that year, to vote for or against removing the county seat to New Boston, which, however, resulted in favor of retaining the "seat" at Millersburg. Here a two-story frame court-house was built, and a stone jail ; but the latter was of little use in holding such prisoners as desired to gain their freedom, for they could, and frequently did, dig out the soft mor- tar and remove "stones enough to gain a safe and easy egress. We remember when a boy of being shown a hole in the gable of the build- ing through which a prisoner had recently made escape from "durance vile." To render the building more secure the county commissioners had it lined throughout with three-inch oak plank, held in place by three-cornered studs in the angles, these being driven full of nails to prevent their being cut into. Agitation was still kept up, and another board of commissioners was secured, who again decided in favor of Millersburg. In 1847, however, another election was held, and resulted in 3!)6 votes for Keithsburg, 340 for New Boston, and 210 for Millersburg, Iveithsburg caiTving off the prize. Land was again donated, a substantial brick court-house erected, and the county archives removed to the new loca- tion. After the removal of the county seat from Millersburg, the MERGER TOWxXSIIIP. 575 court-liouse, jail, ])ublic square, and considerable adjoining land was purchased by Mr. II. "\V. Thornton, who still resides on the outskirts of the village, and to whom we are indebted for a portion of this history. The jail was torn down and the material ]nit to other uses. The court-house was removed to a lot near the then center of the village, and has for jnany years been used as a wagonmaker s shop. 1 Keithsburg wore the laurels for nearly ten years, when another election was held, August 3, 1857, and by a vote of 1,47!> to 549 the j>eople decided to remove the county seat to Aledo, which was situated almost in the center of the rapidly growing county. Land and money were donated, a building was ready for the reception of the officers and the records, and the work of removal was quickly accom|)lished. For some time court was held in a building erected for a school- house, but being unlit for that purpose, was sold to the county for a nominal sum for a court-house, and is still so used. It is not well adapted to the |)urpose, being illy-ventilated, and ])ositively wnhealthv, and the feeling is growing in the county that a new building is a neces- sity, and it will doubtless be erected at no distant day upon the block donated for that purpose. A commodious and substantial jail was erected in 1869, and a fire-proof building for the county offices in 1873. The latter, while perhaps a safe place to keep the records, is a very uncomfortable ])lace to work in, either winter or summer, owing to poor ventilation. It stands upon Court-House square, and the jail is in tl e block immediately west of it. 1 he old court-house at Keithsburg has become the property of the to^vn and is known as the Opera-house, it being fitted up with stage and J 'enery. CHURCHES. P, sbyterian Church. — The first organ i^^ation of this church was effects 1 JSTovember 10, 1856, in a school-house west of Aledo, which was at that time known as " the mile school-house." The ministers who presided over and perfected the organization were Rev. Wm. Townley and Rev. John H. Nevius. The officers who were then elected were : elders, Messrs. "Wm. W. McCandless and Edgar Allen ; deacon, Mr. Yanbuskirk ; trustees, Messrs. Simon Macy, John McKee, and John S. Thompson. This congregation for some time after its organization, worshi})ed in the same old school-house, and after leaving it, occupied a room in Dr. Macy's drug store building, which was used for a private school, and which stood upon the lot now occupied by the residence of Mrs. Jane Strother. Some time about the year 1857, they worshiped in another 33 576 HISTORY OF JVIERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. scliool-room, where Dr. Town ley taught a select or private school. The same house is now occupied as a dwelling by F. A. Holleubeck, in the west part of Aledo. Services were held in the above room until 1865, when the congregation iitted up the chapel room of a col- lege that was under the care of the Presbytery, and which was situated in the south part of the town. This room was occupied by them as a place of worship until ISTl, from which time, until the building they now occupy was finished, they worshiped in the house of the Methodist brethren. The first pastor of the church was Rev. Samuel Linn, who continued in charge until the spring of 1861, when he was succeeded by Rev. W. W. Williams, for- merly of Ohio. It was during the pastorate of Mr. Williams the chapel room spoken of before was fitted up for worship, and the pros- perity of the congregation at that time, and the means of advancement and growth, were largely due to the energy of Thos. Candor, familiarly known as "Fatlier Candor," a man of untiring zeal and christian devotion ; he died in 1871. Mr. Williams remained in charge of the congregation till the fall of 1866, when he was succeeded by Rev. John S. Loots, who remained nearly three years, when he resigned, was released by the Presbytery, and was succeeded by Rev. F. A. Shearer in the winter of 1868 and 1869. Dr. Shearer was succeeded by Rev. Samuel T. Davis, in 1875, who remained about two years and was suc- ceeded by Rev. Robt. Edgar, who remained with the congregation about three years, when, by his own request, he was released by the Presbytery. The congregation is large and in a prosperous condition. They have a large and handsome place of worship, which cost about $6,000. There are only two surviving members of the original organ- ization, Mrs. Amanda M, Macy and Mrs. Martha Detwiler. United Presbyterian Cliurch. — In the year 1853 or 1851, Rev. Matthew Bigger preached occasionally to a few members of the Asso- ciate Reformed Presbytei'ian church, living in Millersburg township, Mercer county, Illinois. Services were generally held at the house of Samuel Carnahan, and sometimes in a school-house near his place. An organization was effected in the year 1855 by the election of Samuel Carnahan, Sr., and AVilliam Haverhill, as ruling elders. The first pastor was the Rev. D. C. Cochran, who was installed Nov. 9, 1856, and continued with the congregation as pastor for about two years. The records show that five persons were received into membership by certificate during the first pastorate. In the year 1856 the village of Aledo was laid out, and the name of the congregation was soon changed from "Millersburg" to that of "Aledo." Near the time that the first pastor was released, the Rev, Matthew Bigger, MERCER TOWNSHIP. 577 pastor of Pope creek congrecjation, now Sunbeam, removed to Aledo with liis family, and jDreached "statedly" as supply to the Aledo con- gregation. During his labors the Sabbath school was organized and AV. D. Henderson was the first superintendent. John S. Paxton and W. 1). Henderson were installed as ruling elders February 12, 1859. 'Mrs. Warwick, wife of J. M. Warwick, was the first person received into the Aledo congregation, upon })rofes- sion of faith, and her chihlren the first baptised. Rev. Matthew Bigger entered the army during the war of the rebel- lion as clia])lain of the 50th reg. 111. Vol. Inf. After the close of the war he entered the active work of the ministry, in which he continued till his death at Bushnell, Illinois, in December, 1873. The second pastor was Rev. J. R. McCallister, who was installed in Decembei', 1862. Shortly after the above date a new church building was erected at a cost of about §2,400. This bulling was afterward sold to, and is now in use by, the Swedish Lutheran church, of Aledo. December 10, 1867, Mr. McCallister was released from his pastorate by Presbytery, The third pastor was Rev. A. W. Clokey, who was installed De- cember 22, 1868, and released by Presbytery June 11, 1872. The fourth and present pastor is Rev. T. B. Turnbull, who was installed April 16, 1873. A new church building was erected in 1876 ; it was completed for occupancy in the basement, the auditorium being un- finished, at a cost of $8,689.12, when, on June 25, 1877, a tornado passed over the village of Aledo, blowing the tower of the new church building over ujion the roof of the church, carrying -svnth it to the ground about one-third of the main structure. The work of re])airing was immediately begun, and was finished at a cost of about $2,200. The church building is the finest in the county, being of frame work after the gothic style, and when com])leted and finally furnished will cost tlie congregation about $15,000. The actual membership of the congregation is about 140. The Sabbath school is large, under the superintendency of Dr. D. R. John- ston, formerly medical missionary to Egypt. The officers of the church at present are : eldei's, Stewart J. Frew, Alexander Rankin, Paul Black, Joseph AVallace, W. K. Fulton ; trustees, Thomas Love, Will- iam B. Frew, J. F. Pyles. This church is in a flourishing condition, and out of debt. Methodid EpUco])al Church — Was organized in the sj^ring of 1857 by Rev. J. Shelton, then traveling Camden (now ]Milan) circuit. In the fall of 1857 Aledo was connected with Millersburg circuit, and D. A. Faulkenburg appointed as pastor. The subsequent appointments 578 HISTORY OF FIERCER InD HENDERSON COUNTIES. to the Millersbnrg cii-ciiit while Aledo was connected with Millersburg were as follows: In 1858, L. P. Crouch; in 1859, L. P. Crouch; in 1860, B. E. Kaufman ; in 1861, J. D. Taylor ; in 1862, J. D. Taylor ; in 1863, G. C. Woodruif ; in 1864, J. D. Taylor. In 1865, Aledo iii'st appears as an independent charge, with M. D. Ileckard as pastor. Since then the appointments to Aledo have been as follows: In 1866, A. P. Hull; 1867 and 1868, F. Smith; 1869, G. I. Bailey; 1870, G. I. Bailey ; 1871, M. Spurlock; 1872, M. Spurlock; 1873, tlie same; 1874, M. C. Bowlin; 1875, the same; 1876 and 1877, W. M. Collins ; 1878 and 1879, A. E. Morgan ; 1880, W. McPheeters ; 1881, J. G. Evans. In 1862, under the administration of J. D. Taylor, the society pur- chased a half interest in the Free Presbyterian church, and in 1865 the Free Presbyterians sold their remaining interest in the building to the Methodists. The society owns a good parsonage. The membership now numbers 220, and the Aledo Methodist Episcopal church is, and has been for years the most prosperous Methodist church in the county. It is regarded as one of the most pleasant stations in tlie confer- ence. When the society was organized in 1857, J. P. McEwen was appointed leader. The additional members were : Mary McEwen, Mary M. Cool, Criss, Mr. Hawkins, Mrs. Hawkins, Elizabeth Baxter, Charles Moore, Mrs. Moore. Aledo J^ajjt/'st Cliurch. — The first organization of this church in Aledo took place January 5, 1867, with twelve members consti- tuting the congregation. The meeting was presided over by Eev. J. C. Post, who remained in charge of the congregation until October, 1867, when his term expired. The officers of the original organization were as follows: clerk, Clias. M. Kay; trustees, AYm. B. Crapnel, C. M. Kay, J. B. Taliafero, Moses White, Aaron P. Sliafer, Pobert H. Day, Aaron Patterson. Mr. Post was succeeded by Rev. Win. Whitehead, who was called by the congregation January 1, 1868, and remained in charge until January 19, 1869. On September 11, 1870, a call was extended to Rev. D. G. Zook, who took charge of the congregation and remained until August 2, 1873, when he resigned. Mr. Zook was succeeded by Rev. O. W. Yan Osdel, who was called December 4, 1875, and remained till ()ctober 30, 1878, when he resigned and was released March 31, 1880. A call was extended to Rev. M. D. Mur- dock, who accepted and remained with the congregation till January 5, 1881, when the present pastor. Rev. J. T. Hoye, was called. For some years prior to 1874 the congregation worshiped in private houses, holding covenant and prayer meetings. About this year steps were taken leading to the erection of the handsome place of worship they now occupy (which was dedicated December 5, 1875), at a cost of MERCER TOWNSHIP. 579 about $3,500. Mucli credit is due to a few members of this churcli, who ftimished a gi'eat part of the means for tlie building. As the ehurcli was comi)aratively po(^r, the burden fell upon the few. In 1877 the congregation also built a tine parsonage, at a cost of a))out $1,500. The congregation now numbers about eighty-five members. The sabbath school is large and interesting, and is superintended by the pastor. Of the original members of the congregation only four remain. t'o?i(/re(/ati'onaI C/iurc/i — "Was organized Februar}- 15, 1869. The otticers of the original organization were: trustees, John S. Thompson, Horace E. Wright, and P. Koberts ; clerk and treasurer, M. S. Boice. They built a house of worship, which was dedicated July 3, 1870, and cost about $4,500. Rev. P. F. Warner was the first pastor, who con- tinued in charge till the fall of 1872. The congi-egation was then with- out a pastor till the year 1874, when Rev. Robert Nurse was called and presided over the church till September, 1877. The congregation was again without a pastor, having only occasional supplies, till A])ril, 1880, when the Rev. W. E. Smith was called, and who continued in charge until January 1, 1882, when he accepted a call from the First Congregational church of Canton, Illinois. The present officers of the church are : trustees, Joseph McCoy, Joseph Abercrombie and James H. Council ; deacons, Robert Woods and Wm. Pinkerton ; treasurer, Wm. A. Lorimer ; secretary and superintendent of sabbath school. Miss Laura McCoy ; chorister, A. M. Woods ; organist. Miss Aggie McCoy. Swedish Lutheran Church — ^Was organized May 19, 1873, the Rev. A. Andreen presiding. There were about forty members who signed the church roll. The following officers were elected : trustees, J. O. Lundblad, P. Ringdall, Clias. Neiberg, and Samuel Andersen; deacons, C. Bjorkman, C. Runborn, John E. Swomsen, and (). G. Olsen. They were without a house of worship until March, 1877, when the old building of the United Presbyterian church was pur- chased for $400, which they removed to the lot owned by them in the east part of town, and repaired and fitted up at a cost of about $2,000. The first pastor was the Rev. A.. Andreen, who was succeeded in July, 1873, by Rev. Nils Fersander, who was succeeded by Rev. Andreen again, who had charge of the congregation for about a year. Sep- tember 8, 1878, a call was issued to the Rev. T. H. Winguist, who took charge of the congregation in March, 1879, and is the present pastor. The congregation has at present about eighty membei-s, is out of debt and pros])ering. Sabbath school exercises are held in English every Sabbath, under the direction of Mr. A. G. Johnson, superin- tendent. 580 HISTORY OF MERCER AI^D HENDERSON COUN'HES. • Ejjiscopal Church.- — This church was first organized by a few mem- bers in 1870, and in the year 1878 was received nnder the care of the fijeneral church as a mission. The church since has so prospered that in February of the present year (1882) it was organized as an inde- pendent congregation. The church is entirely out of debt, and have a fine place of worship erected by the members at a cost of about $4,000. The rectors in charge since 1870 have been: Revs. Chamber- lain, Brown, Gates, Allen, and the present rector, Rev. Farrar, in the order named. Seventh Day Adventists. — Early in the year of 1869, a Rev. R. F. Andrews, a minister of this denomination, delivered a series of lectures in Aledo upon the doctrines of his church, continuing his services until some time in March of that year. He made a number of converts to his doctrine, though no organization was eftected at that time. A number of the followers of his faith, however, banded together, appointed a leader, and for nearly a year met for regular service in the court-house. ' Mr. Andrews came back after being absent about a year, and com- menced operations six miles south of Aledo, and sent for Rev. Mr. Whitham, who had embraced adventism, to help him in the work. The two brethren labored in this locality for some time, when an organization was eftected, the brethren meeting in what is known as the "Marsh school-house." They held meetings regularly, with quite a large Sabbath-school as auxiliary, until within a few years past. Many members of the organization have moved away, weakening its strength ; but the interest is still kept alive among the few, and the organization is still intact. Free Preshyterian church. — There is now no such church. The necessity for such an organization ceased when slavery died. It was the outgrowth of that love of principle which burned in the hearts of those noble men who loved liberty and morality, and its cardinal doc- trines as a church were founded upon the sternest ideas and principles of morality. As early as 1852 there were three organizations of this church in Mercer county ; one in the '' Carnahan neighborhood.'' The place was commonly known as "Nigger ridge," on account of the number of abolitionists living in the neighborhood. Another organ- ization was in the " Kiddoo neighborhood," and the third at the McClure school-house. Messrs. Carnahan, McClure, and Kiddoo were the leaders in the movement in Mercer county, and are all now dead. There was a church built in the Carnahan district, and it is still stand- ing, as is another church built at the same time in the Kiddoo district. These three congregations united and built a church in Aledo, IVrERCER TOWNSHIP. 581 about tlie year 1857, previous to wliicli time Rev. Joseph R. AVliit- liam, at i)resent livini^; east of Aledo, a zealous cliristian man, had preached to the three organizations in turn. After the union Rev. James S. Pogue was the pastor of the congregation until the close of the war, when the organization was dissolved and the church building sold to the Methodist Episcopal church, the members uniting with various churches in Aledo. SOCIETIES. Aledo Lodge No. ^5^, A.F.A.M. — The charter was granted under the signature of James Hibbard, Grand Master of the State of Illinois, and bears date of October 7, 1857. The charter members were Will- iam M. Brown, Lucien B. Howe, Pleasant B. Mathews, Elislia Miller, and Simeon Macy. The first officers of the lodge were as follows: Simeon Macy, W.M. ; William M. Brown, S. W. ; R B. Mathews, J. W. ; O. C. Allen, Sec. The lodge at that time met in the third story of the building now owned by J. C. Richey, on the south side of Fifth street. The lodge was constituted, under the charter, by Deputy Gi'and Master Rice, of Monmouth Lodge, October 10, 1857, when the above-named officers were installed. The first election of officers was held Decem- ber 14, 1858, which resulted in the following being chosen : Simeon Macy, W.M.; Thomas Maddox, S.W.; G. A. Luvin, J.W.; Isaac K Bassett, Treas. ; Elias Willets, Sec. Elias AVillets was the secretary till 1860. He received his demit from the lodge about 1862, when he moved to Warren county, where he practiced his profession, that of the law, till about the year 1870, when he was appointed county judge, to fill an unexpired term, at the close of which he was elected to the same office, which he held till his death in December, ISSl. M. L. Marsh was the next secretary elected, who held the office for several terms, when he was appointed tyler, which office he has continuously held under the successive administrations of the lodge until the })resent time. At the election in December, 1862, William M. Brown was elected W.M., and Thomas Maddox, Sec. January, 1864, Simeon Macy was again elected W.M., and I. N. Bassett, Sec. The next change was in 1865, when Dr. W. D. Craig was elected W.M., and James M. Macy, Sec. The successive annual elections resulted as fohows: December 18, 1866, J. M. Willson, W.M., J. M. Macy, Sec.-, December 10, 1867, J. M. Willson, W.M., John C. Wellion, Sec; December 22, 1868, L. L. Troy, W.M., Geo. P. Graham, Sec; Decem- ber 19, 1869, W. D. Craig, W.M., C. H. Smith, Sec; December 6, 1870, John H. Snyder, W.M., M. L. Marsh, Sec; December 19, 1871, J. M. Willson, W.M., B. F. Brock, Sec; December 10, 1872, 582 HISTORY OF aLERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. Geo. P. Graham, W.M., James L. Bentle3% Sec; December 30, 1873, Geo. P. Graham, W.M., M. L. Marsh, Sec; December 15, 1874, D. F. Brock, "VY.M., A. B. McCanclless, Sec; December 7, 1875, Geo. P. Graham, AV.M., Luke Strong, Sec; December 26, 1876, J. M. Willson, W.M., Joseph Boyd, Sec; December 18, 1877, J. M. Willson, W.M., Alex. McArthur, Sec; since which election James M. AVillson has held the office of W.M., and the same officer was secretary till the election of September 14, 1880, when Fred Clark was elected. The present officers of the lodge are as follows : J. M. Willson, W.M.; K. E. Patrick, S.W.; Philip Killey, J.W.; J. F. McBride, Treas. ; I'. Clark, Sec; Alex. McArthur, Senior Deacon ; K. M. Whitham, Junior Deacon ; A. E. Mead and Joseph Boyd, Stewards ; M. L. Marsh, Tyler. The lodge now occupies a commodious and neat hall in the Aledo bank building. They are comfortably situated and in a very flourishing condition. In talking over the history of this organization some very pleasant memories are revived, not the least of which was the presentation in 1880 to Wor- shipful Master J. M. Willson, who had served the lodge for many years as its principal officer, of a magnificent cane to support the declining years of him who, " as a Master Mason, enjoys the happy reflection of a well-spent life." Aledo Lodge, I. O. O. F. — This lodge was instituted July 1, 1857, by virtue of a charter issued under the seal of the Grand Lodge of the United States, bearing the signatures of Augustus C. Marsh, G.M., and Samuel Willard, G.S. The charter members were: O. C. Allen, John S. Moore, J. E. Harroun, Jacob Cool, and William Detwiler. The present officers of the lodge are: C. S. Bramkamp, N.G. ; Wm. Shiver, V. G. ; G. B. Morgan, Rec Sec. ; M. L. Marsh, Per. Sec. ; J. O. Lundblad, Treas.; C. T. Cunningham, G.Rep. J. S. Pinkerton, of Aledo, a member of this lodge, was the first member of the order initiated in Mercer county ; his initiation took place in New Boston Lodge, No. 188, in November, 1855. The lodge is in a flourishing condition, has forty-four members, and net assets of $626.31 in the hands of the treasurer. They meet in Abercrombie hall. A. O. U. W. — A lodge of the Ancient Order of United Workingmen was instituted in Aledo, December 20, 1878, with twenty -five charter members. The officers of the original organization were as follows : P.M.W., A. R Morgan; M.W., Wm. N. Graham; F., James M. Macy ; Overseer, Jas. A. Cummins ; Receiver, J. I. Edwards ; Re- corder, W. A. Lorimer ; Financier, W. C. Galloway ; Guide, D. T. Hindman ; I. Watch, A. R. McDonald ; O. Watch, Ben. Warlow. There has been only one death in the order since its organization, that MERCER TOWNSHIP. 583 of James M. Macy in January, 1882. There is a present membership of sixty-four, and the order is on a sound financijd basis and is other- wise prosperous. The order meets every Thursday evening in Aber- crombie's halL The present otticer's are: P.M.AV., S. M. Evans; M.W., W. A. Lorimer; F., James Bickets; Overseer, J. H. McPher- ren ; Recorder, A. R. McDonald ; Receiver, W. C. Galloway ; Finan- cier, R. J. McDonald ; Guide, Jas. A. Cummins ; I. ^Yatch, J. H. Abercrombie ; O. Watch, Wm. Winders. TOWNLEY'S TILE AND BRICK MANUFACTORY. This enterprise was started by Mr. Townley in 1874, by his buying a block and a half of ground just east of town, from which he procures a good article of brick clay. The clay for his tile he procures from soil about a mile north of Aledo. Since starting his works, Mr. Townley has been making about 700,000 brick, and about 400,000 feet of tile per year. He finds a good market for his entire product from local trade, and is running his works to their full capacity. "WEST END" CREAMERY, MILLERSBURG. This new enterprise was projected in November, 1881, by Messrs. Stratton & Lunn, of Millersburg, who began making butter on a large scale, and readily finding a good market for their product, increased their facilities to what they are at present. They run a churn of the capacity of 250 gallons by a four-horse power engine.' They use the common Settle cans of which thev have in use 400. and have 500 more on the way from the manufacturer. Since starting the enterprise they have made on an average 100 pounds of butter per day, employing four men to gather cream. The proprietors now expect to run twelve or thirteen diiferent routes in gathering their cream, covering a scope of over twenty miles square. About the first of March they will put up two more vats for cream, which will make their capacity 1,000 gal- lons, at which time they expect to make 500 pounds of butter per day. They find a good market for their butter in Chicago, and have recently had an ofier from Pueblo, Colorado, for their entire product for the coming year. Messrs. Stratton , and a year afterward the fatlier married Mrs. Rebecca Iloobler, who is still living. Mr. Moore united with the Methodist church at the age of twelve and has always been a steadfast, zealous laborer in the Master's vineyard. He has been a licensed exhorter over forty years, and has held official MERCER TOWNSHIP. 599 connection with the church at different times as trustee, steward and class leader. He is pensioned b}' the government for service in the war of 1812. He was mustered as a soldier in his own countv and sd\ev marching to Sandusky was discharged. Thomas Maddux, farmer and stock raiser, Aledo, is a native of Fleming county, Kentucky, where he was born July 19, 1820. His father, George B. Maddux, was three times married, and the subject of this was the third child among four sons and five daughters by the second wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Green. Mr. ]\Iaddux's father was born and reared in Fauquier county, Virginia. He married for his last wife Elizabeth Hill and by this union became the father of two sons, making twenty-one children of his own. He died in Ken- tuckv, and his wife in Aberdeen, Ohio, in 1875. Mr. ]\ra(ldux learned the tinner's trade in Maysville, Kentucky, with Josepli Frank ; in 1843 he removed to Laurel, Franklin county, Indiana, and lived there, en- gaged at his trade and carrying on the hardware business, till June, 1857, when he located his family in Aledo. He continued the same business here till 18P)8 and then sold out to W. H. Holmes. On his settlement in the place he erected the first building ever put u[) on the business lot now occupied by Mr. Holmes on College avenue. In 1873 Mr. Maddux resumed his old business on the corner of Seventh and Maple streets under the name of Maddux cfe Son. In March, 1876, he sold to Detwiler ife Son and retired from trade. He had previously become interested in farming and is now the owner of two good farms near the county seat. He started a poor boy and has made a success of his undertakings. After serving his apprenticeship he had SI14 with which he began business. He has been twice married ; first in 1846 to Miss Mary E. Williams, of Laurel, Indiana. The issue of this marriage were three children : Elizabeth (died in infancy), Lewis S., and Frank L. Mrs. ]\Iaddux died July 25, 1855, and on January 5, 1862, Mr. Maddux was married to Mrs. Pliebe Whitelaw, of Franklin county, Indiana. They have had a little daughter, Kate A., who died when three years old. Mr. ]\Iaddux is a Mason, an Odd-Fellow and a republican. Charles C. Wordix, county clerk, Aledo, oldest son of Joseph J. and Sophia (Brown) Wordin, was born in Keithsburg township, Sep- tember 25, 1840. He enlisted August 5, 1861, in Co. E, 9tli 111. Inf., and served with credit in that command until the expiration of his term, in August, 1864, when he was sent back from before Atlanta and mus- tered out at Springfield, Illinois. He fought at Fort Donelson, Shiloh. battle of Corinth, October 3 and 4, 1862, and after his regiment was mounted, in March, 18<)3, was continually on scouting service, and 600 HISTORY OF IVIERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. participated in numerous small fights. He was also engaged in the arduous senice of the Atlanta campaign. He enlisted a second time March, 1865, in Co. F, 4tli reg. U. S. Yet. Vol., an organization formed by Gen. Hancock, to which none were admitted who had not seen at least two years service. One year was spent in garrison at Columbus, Ohio, Washington city, and Louisville, Kentucky. In March, 1866, he was mustered out at the latter city. After the war he kept books in Keithsburg five and a half years ; then he was running a hotel two and one-half years ; and in November, 1877, he was elected county clerk, and is still an incumbent of the office. Mr. Wordin has been an Odd-Fellow since 1868. December 18, 1872, he celebi-ated his marriage with Miss Jennie McPhee. In 1876, they lost their only child, a son, who was three years old. Mr. Wordings father was born in Rensselaer county, New York, in 1815. He came to this county from Ohio, in 1837, and settled in Keithsburg in March, 1838, living at the landing till 1810. Moving out two miles, he lived on a farm three years ; then he returned and has since had his home in the town. He followed his trade of wagon-making till 1862 ; since that he has been a house painter. He is one of the few venerable pioneers left as monuments whose shadows link the present with the aboriginal period in Mercer county. WiLLiAAi Henry Holmes, hardware and stove dealer, Aledo. oldest son of AVilliam and Hannah (Lantey) Holmes, was born in Hull, Eng- land, February 15, 1847. His father emigrated with his family to Brantford, Canada West, in 1850; and in 1857 he removed to Wiscon- sin. The next year they came to Aledo, where they have all since lived. After coming here, Mr. Holmes attended school and worked at form labor until the spring of 1864, when he commenced to learn the tinner's trade. At the end of two months he volunteered in the one hundred days' service in Co. F, 140tli 111. Inf He was mustered into the service at Dixon, Illinois, and after five and one-half months spent in doing guard and garrison duty in Missouri and Tennessee, he was mustered out at Camp Fry, Chicago. He returned to Aledo and fin- ished his trade, with Thomas Maddux, Esq., and in 1868 bought out his employer, and has been in business on the same ground since. He was married in 1874 to Miss Mary C. Hause. The fruits of this union have been two children, Clyde W. and Fannie May. Mr. and Mrs. Holmes are both members of the Methodist church. He has been steward in the church, trustee of the town, is a member of Aledo Lodge, A. F. and A. M., and a republican in politics. Daniel T. Hindman, county treasurer, Aledo, was born in Butler county, Ohio, Eebruary 22, 1839. Plis parents were Dr. Andrew and MERCEK TOWNSHIP. 601 Margaret (Trembly) Ilindman. The former died in Union county, Indiana, in 1852 ; and the next year the mother came with lier five sons to Rock Island county, Illinois, aifd in 185-1 settled with her family in New Boston. The subject of this sketch received an academic education; in 1857 he went to Richmond, Indiana, and attended school one year ; afterward he studied medicine a year and a half; and in 1860 returned to Mercer county. In April, 1S61, he enlisted as a private in Co. I, 17th 111. Inf , and was in the military service over tive years. He fought at Frederickstown, Missouri, Octo- ber 21, 1861, at Fort Donelson, Shiloli, Corinth, luka. the Ilatchie, and Yicksburg. In November, 186;}, he came north to Springiield, and then to Mercer county, as recruiting sergeant, and during the winter obtained twenty-one recruits for his regiment. He returned with them to Yicksburg, and by order of tlie commanding general, Slocum, organized these recruits and the veterans of the 17tli into a battalion of two companies. These were allowed to elect their officers, and Mr. Hindman was chosen captain by the " veteran'' comi)any. By order of Gen. McPherson, commanding the Army of the Tennessee, this detachment was consolidated with the 8th 111. Inf, in June, 1864, and owing to the resultant change in the line officers, Mr. Ilindman accepted a second lieutenant's commission in Co. E, to which the "veterans'' from the 17th were assigned. He was in command of this company during the remainder of his service, and drew pay as commanding officer. After the consolidation he fought at Jackson, Mississippi, in Juh% 1864, and at Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely, Mobile. After that he was stationed a year at Shreveport, Louisiana, and in Texas, and was mustered out at Baton Rouge, May 4, 1866. He soon after went into business in New Boston, which he continued till the fall of 1875, wdien he was elected on the republican ticket to the office of county treasurer, to which he has been successively elected and is now serving his third term. He is a member of the A.O.U. W., and has been a Mason since 1866. In the latter year he was mar- ried to Miss Viola J. Willits. They have a son and a daughter. Henry Kimel, (deceased), was born in Somerset county, Pennsyl- vania, August 6, 1800, and was a son of Isaac and Mary J. (Musser) Kimel, both natives of Germany. In 1808, the family emigrated to Trumbull, since Mahoning county, Ohio, where the old people lived till death. Henry Kimel was there married to Miss Anna M. Hirst, whose father was from England and whose mother was from Ireland. Nine children w^ere born in Ohio. In 1840, Mr. and Mrs. Kimel, witli five of the children, James "W., Thomas K., Jonathan T., Chauncey L. and William P., emigrated via the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to 602 HISTORY OF MERCER AST) HEXDERSOX COUNTIES. Illinois, landing at Oqiiawka, June 10. They immediately took teams for what is now Ohio Grove township, Mercer county. Latter the other four children, Isaac, Eliza A., Mary J. and Julia, arrived after a journey overland of thirty days. Mr. Kimel entered 160 acres of congress land near the center of Ohio GroVe township, also secured a quarter section of military land. There were but few settlers in the township at that time. Xo roads were laid out for travel but all was wild and unbroken from Oquawka to where they settled. The usual improvements were begun and carried out. Small crops were raised ; corn was at one time six and a quarter cents a bushel, and the postage on a letter twenty -tive cents, thus four bushels of corn being required to pay postage on one letter. But Uncle Sam allowed an envelope to be tilled without any extra due stamps for a long letter. One child, John Harvey, was born in 1842. A sad bereavement befell the family when, August IS, 1816, death claimed the wife and mother. She was a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Kimel subsequently married Mrs. Catharine Case, of Kock Island county, who became the mother of four children : Anna, John PL, Eddie, and Aseneath. She died July 5, 187L Mr. Kimel, in 1818, sold the tirst purchase and bought what is known as the Lamar farm, which he im- proved. In 1863 he moved to Rock Island county, where he lived till 1878. He then passed his remaining years about two miles south- west of Viola, Mercer county, where he died October 10, 1880. Re- ligiously he was a Presbyterian ; politically an old line whig, and later a republican. When twelve years old he volunteered in the war of 1812, but was rejected on account of youthfulness. Shortly before his death he purchased the McBride and Stephens saw-mill, which he sold to his son, James W. James W. Kimel, the fourth child of the first family of Henry Kimel, was born February 27, 1831, in Trumbull county, Ohio, near Youngstown. His youth was spent on the farm, with but meager educational advantages. Several seasons he broke prairie with five and six yoke of oxen. In 1818, he spent a few months at school in Ohio, and in the following year returned to the farm in Illinois. In 1850, he was seized with the California fever. With a company froTin Moline, Illinois, April 1, he started overland for the far west, where he arrived in Sacramento August 17, following, after the experiences incident to such a journey. After remaining, with considerable suc- cess, financially, till 1853, he returned in January to Illinois. He purchased the McBride and Stephens saw-mill of his father, which he conducted for four years. In 1858, he displaced the saw-mill by a grist-mill, on the same site. The grist-mill he run till 1876, when he erected his present large structure, 36x16, three story and basement. MERCER TOWNSHIP. 603 His attention having been called to the "wire transmission power," he visited several mills for examination and information. Satisfied as to its efficacy he determined to adopt it. He built his miU 300 feet from the stream and i)repared for his new and lately invented " power," which the aged and knowing ones predicted would fail. Time and nse have proven the success of this departure. The mill is generally in action. A small stock of groceries is kept to accommodate farm- ers. In 1^54, Mr. Kimel purchased the quarter section of land on which he lives. In 1874 he added a quarter, and in 1S76 an eighty. He was married May 4, 1^54. to Mary B. Burnet, who was born in Salem, Xew York, August 7, 1832. Her parents, Andrew and Ma- hettable Burnet, were of Scotch descent. The}- emigrated from Xew York to Ohio Grove township, Mercer county, Illinois, in 1838. They were emphatically pioneers who dared the new and wild west for homes. He died here May 31, 1861. She died at Mr. Kimel's home January 30, 1881. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Kimel lived near the old mill for nine years. In 1863, a house was built on the farm and occupied. In 1868 an addition was made, bringing the dwelling into considerable notice as a large and handsome building. Other improvements have added much to its beauty. It is enjoyed by a family of six children, comprising Lara, Lucy J., Abbie M., Jim B., Gussie C. and Bessie M. Mr. Kimel, politically, is republican, but meddles but little with politics. His business consumes his time entirely. Mark Caxxitm's father emigrated to tliis country from England in 1852. and while on his wav to Illinois died near Xew Orleans where the family landed. The subject of this sketch was born near Peterborough, England in 1813, and settled in Mercer county, near where he now lives, in 1853. He entered the army during the late war, enlisting for three years in August, 1861, and participated in the engagements of Fort Donelson, Belmont, Yicksburg. Corinth, Brittain's Lane, ]\[eri- den, and the Atlanta campaign. He was mustered out at Chattanooga Tennessee, August 4, 1864. He was slightly wounded at Fort Donelson. After his return fi-om tlie army he settled down to farming, in which occupation he is still engaged. He built his present handsome dwell- ing-house in 1876. 'Mr. Cannum was married in Se}»tember, 1866, to Miss C. J. Smith of Mercer county, and they have four children living; one child is dead. The names of the living are : Addie May, aged fourteen ; Carrie E., aged tliirteen ; Lewis D., aged eleven ; and Eph- riam, aged six years. Mr. C. and wife are members of the Christian church of Ohio Grove township. Mr. C. is politically a republican. AVm. McKee, the subject of this sketch, and his brotlier Joseph, are 604 HISTORY OF MERCER A^^) HENDERSON COrNTIES. the oldest settlers now living in ^Mercer township. They having lived in the township since ISil. The father of the McKee brothers bought the southeast quarter of section 28. from William J. Turner, the deed bearinor date of Mav 20. 1840. VTm. McKee was born in Lawrence county. Ohio. March 9, 1829. He left Ohio with his parents at the age of six vears. coming with them to AYarren counts*. Illinois, where thev staved till 1841. when thev moved to Mercer countv. Mr. Mclvee has been a tarmer all his life, and is unmarried. For several vears he has been director of school district Xo. 9. and politically is a th 111. Cav. Of the six all returned home but (xeorge, who fell at Murfreesborough, Tennessee, January 1, 1863. After leav- ing the service Jesse returned to Mercer county, in October, 1865, but did not remain long. During the next few years he resided in a num- ber of places : Newago county, Mich.; Boone county, Iowa; Chey- enne, and Bridger's Station, AVyoming Territory ; Faii*field, Iowa ; and St. Charles, Mo., returning to this county fre([uently. In 1870, he went south, and on December 31 of tliat year landed at Wessen, Mis- sissippi, where he remained until 1873, when he spent a few months in Kentucky, returning to Wessen in November. January 7, 1874, he met with an accident in the machine shops of that place, causing the loss of his left eye. Was married October 15, 1871, in Wesson ; lost his eldest child in July, 1881, and his wife in August, 1881. He has one child, a boy, aged four, and is again married. In 1881, he removed to Little Bock, Ai-kansas, where he is now engaged in the drug busi- ness, and has secured a large and lucrative custom. He was elected mayor of Wesson, Mississippi, in 1875, and re-elected in 1877 ; belongs to the Presbyterian church, the Masons, Odd-Fellows and Knights of Pythias. His life has been one of constant labor ; he has been a farmer, merchant, engineer ; has engaged in saw-milling and railroad- ing, and is now settled as a druggist. While in some of these he has lost, he has, as a whole, been successful, and is now in comfortable cir- cumstances. He still cherislies a warm feeling for his old home and friends in Mercer county. LuciEN B. Doughty, son of Rev. Thomas L. and Mary J. Doughty, was born March 28, 1841, in Knightstown, Henry county, Indiana. The life of Mr. Doughty has been one of activity and large experience. He lacked six years of having attained his manhood when with his father's consent he started out into the world, to battle with its hard- shi|)S singlehanded, not only to make a living for himself but to assist his father, which he did by turning over to him his small wages. The family had moved to Xew Boston in 1843, wdien Lucian was two years old, and here he received such education as the schools and his limited time afforded. He improved his time then and since, as is evidenced by some very acceptable articles contributed to this work. In the fall of 1851 the family moved to the northwest corner of Warren county, and in 1856 Lucien beiJ:an active life as intimated above on a farm. A year later he entered the "Record" otHce at Aledo to learn the printer's trade, in which business he has been constantly engaged with the exce])tion of a few imjiortant years, as hereafter noted. In 1859 he was working on the Geneseo ''Republic," and ne.xt year went to Des (314 HISTORY OF MERCEE AXD HENDERSON COUNTIES. Moines, Iowa (1S60), and worked on the Iowa State "Eegister," part of the time on local work. The alarm of war had scarcely been sounded Avhen Mr. Doughty entered the ranks as a soldier for the pur- pose of assisting in rebuking rebellion, and enlisted in Co. E, 4th Iowa Inf., Capt. H. il. Griffith, Col. G. M. Dodge. He had nearly served out his tenn of three years when he re-enlisted as a veteran in January, 1864, at Woodville, Alabama. He was tinally discharged July 28, 1865, having served his country and braved the dangers and hardships incident to war over four years. His experience as a soldier can be gathered from a brief mention of the marches and engagements of the regiment to which he belonged. From St. Louis, their starting point, they went "to EoUa, Missouri ; then to Pea Ridge and Helena, Arkan- sas ; thence with Sherman at Walnut Hills, Arkansas Post, and back to Yicksburg ; with (xrant to Jackson, Mississippi ; in the siege of Yicksburg ; back to Jackson ; with Sherman, under John A. Logan, from luka to Chattanooga; with Hooker in the ''tight above the clouds "" ; at Lookout ^fountain. Mission Ridge and Ringgold ; thirty days at home in the spring of 1864 on veteran's furlough ; again with Sherman from Chattanooga, Atlanta, and the march to the sea; thence through the Carolinas and tinally to AYashington to participate in the grand review. May 23, 1865. To look at the little man it seems a wonder that he could go through so much. In all he was in forty- three engagements and escaped without a wound. After the war he was for a time in Richmond, Indiana, and in Dayton, Ohio. From May, 1S66, to May, 186", he published the ''Democrat" at Eaton, Ohio, and in the fall of the last mentioned year removed to Des Moines, Iowa, and the next year to Rolla, Missouri, where he edited the Rolla "Herald.'' In 1869 he got back to his old stamping ground, Aledo, and worked nearly four years in a carriage shop. At the end of this time he again entered the "Record " office, where he has since been engaged. August 16, 1866, he was married to Miss Fannie E. Hayes, of Eaton. To them was born one son, James Henry. June 10, 1867, and on August 12, 1869, his -jyife died and on the next day his S(m. July 16, 1871, Mr. Doughty was again married, this time to Clara D. Pennell, of Rock Island. To them three children have been born : Josie Amelia, born January 8, 1873 ; Charles Eli, February 2, 1875. and Clara Emma, March 18, 1878 (died April 19, 1878). Francis Lemon, jeweler, is the fourth son of William and Ellen (Lockhart) Lemon, of Mercer county. He was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, in December, 1849, came west with his parents in 1852, and settled in Perryton township, ]\Iercer county. He received a common school education, and remained on liis father's farm till MERCER TOWNSHIP. 615 1874, when he came to Aledo and embarked in the grocery business, which he followed about one year. Mr. Lemon being a natural me- chanical genius, had spent his leisure time while on the farm in learn- ing the watchmaking trade, and in the fall of 1876 he opened up busi- ness in the jeweh-y line in Aledo, where, by care and attention to busi- ness, he has built u]) a good trade in his line. Louis D. IIoLMKs, attorney, was born July 24, 1S47, in Adams county, Ohio. He was the eldest son of John and Elizabeth (Traber) Holmes, both of whom were natives of Adams county, Ohio. He spent his early life upon a farm, and working in a saw mill until his nineteenth year. He received a common school education, and in ad- dition graduated at Miami University of Oxford, Ohio, where he took his degree in 1868. He came west in April, 1869, and entered the law office of Bassett ife Connell ; was admitted to the bar in August, 1871, and has practiced his profession in Aledo ever since. He was married in May, 1872, to Miss C. AV. Campbell, of Ripley, Ohio, and has two children. Mr. Holmes is a prominent member of the Ba])tist church, also a member of the board of trustees of the town of Aledo, and politically is a republican. Dr. D. R. Johnstox was born August 21, 1842, in Logan county, Ohio, he being the third son of Rev. Dr. J. B. Johnston, of the United Presbyterian church. He received his education at Geneva (College, Ohio, and attended both the medical college of Ohio at Cincinnati and Rush Medical College of Chicago, taking his degree as M.D. from the latter institution, in 1S65. At the breaking out of the war he entered the army with the 17th reg. Ohio Vol. Inf., and in 1864 was appointed by Gov. Morton assistant surgeon of the 1st Indiana heavy artil- lery. He practiced medicine in Indianapolis from 1865 to 1868, when he was appointed by the board of foreign missions of the Ignited Presbyterian cliurch as medical missionary to Egypt, where he spent eight years, part of which time he was president of the training college at Osiout, upper Egypt. The doctor returned to the United States in the spring of 1876, and in the fall of that year located in Mansfield, Ohio, where he remained till April 1, 1881. In the summer of 1881 he came to Aledo and bought the drug store of Dr. J. M. Wallace, and entered upon tlie practice of his profession. He was married Decem- ber 25, 1868, to Miss Maggie J. Stewart, of St. Clairsville, Ohio, and has had four children, of whom two died in Egypt and two are living. Dr. Johnston is a member of the United Presbyterian church of Aledo, and superintendent of its Sabbath school, and by political ftiith is a republican. Kexxetii M. Whitham was born, September, 1856, in Mercer 616 HISTORY OF ilERCER AJ^D HENDERSON COUNTIES. county. He is the oldest son of Rev. Jos. K. and Elizabeth (McCoy) AVhithani. He is a graduate of the Aledo academy, and attended college at Battle Creek, Michigan, for two years, and since returning fi'oin that institution has been engaged in teaching in Mercer county. He is at present principal of the grammar department of the public schools of Aledo, and is president of the Mercer County Teachers' Association. Luke Strong, photographer, was born in Clarendon, Rutland county, Vermont, in 1825. His parents were Luke and Esther (Call) Strong. AYhen he was two years of age his parents moved to Indiana and settled near Indianapolis ; and in 1839 they again moved westward and settled in Galesburg, Illinois. Mr. Strong graduated from Knox College, Galesburg, in 1850, when he went to Pottsdam, Xew York, and read law for a year ; thence going to Oquawka, where he taught school for two years. He then embarked in the photograph business at the latter place, where he remained for twenty-one years. In April, 1874, he came to Aledo and engaged in business, building the large gallery which he now occupies. He was married in 1855 to Miss Ann McKinney, eldest daughter of John McKinney, of Aledo ; has two children (boys) living, Fred H. and Geo. McK., who are both gradu- ates of the Aledo high school. Mr. Strong is a member of the masonic fraternity, and politically a republican. Dr. James A. Campbell, dentist, was born in 1855, in Brown county, Ohio, the only son of Alexander and Elizabeth (Williams) Campbell. He spent his boyhood upon the farm of his father, until the year 1873, wlien for two years he attended the Aledo academy. He began the study of dentistry with Dr. E. B. David in 1875, with whom he remained one year, and then went to Philadelphia, where he attended the Philadelphia Dental College three terms. In the spring of 1877 he returned to Aledo and opened a dental office. In Septem- ber, 18T8, he removed to Creston, Iowa, where he ])racticed his profession two years, and again returned to Aledo and opened the office which he occupies at ]:)resent in his practice. Dr. Cam])bell was married, Xovember 15, 1880, to Miss Laura E. Mentzor, of Aledo. . George M. Cool, druggist, was born in Aledo, September 28, 1858, and is the second son of Jacob and Margaret (McEowen) Cool. He received his education in the public schools of Aledo, and in his seven- teenth year commenced learning the drug business with James M. Macy, lately deceased. He has remained ever since in the same situa- tion, Mrs. James M. Macy (sister of Mr. Cool) owning the store, and Mr. Cool doing the business. James H. Ramsey, jeweler, was born in Cadiz, Ohio, February 14, MERCER TOWNSHIP. 617 * ISJrT ; he is the securch. After the union of the two branches it became necessary to erect a larger and more commodious church building. Accordingly during the summer of 1859 the neat. comfortal)le l)uilding, in which the congregation still worshi])S, was erected. The building is situated one mile west of Xorwood, is 45x72 feet in size, and cost about ^^5,000. During the dark hours of the rebellion, that began soon after, the congregation gave their undivided support to the union cause. Many of its members bade farewell to friends and relatives, to the happy associations that made the old homes dear, and went forth to defend the principles they loved. Tlie gray-haired father and mother knelt under the roof of their cottage home and i)rayed for the success of the tlag, while their sons marched forth to tlie wild music of war, and gave U|» their lives in its defense. Mr, Edie, the pastor, spent some time in the anny, administering to the spiritual wants of the soldiers in camp, and to the heroes as they laid mane:led and blackened on the field of battle. Alter the close of the Avar Mr. Edie continued his labors for several years, but finally desiring to change the field of his labors, he offered liis resignation. Being strongly urged by his congregation to remain for a time, he decided to do so. In 1869 he again offered his resigna- tion, which was reluctantly accepted. During the period of eleven years, through which Mr. Edie's pastorate extended, 388 persons were added to the roll of membership. In April, 1872. a call was made to the Kev. J. M. French, which was accepted. He entered immediately upon his labors and had charge of the congregation three and a half years, during which time seventy- six were added to the roll of membership. In June, 1876. the Kev. J, T. McCrory took charge of the congregation and was officially instiille(l in April, 1877, and was released in 1880. 032 HISTORY OF MERCEK AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. In 18S1 the Rev. AY. A. Spalding began his hibors and was installed by the Eock Island Presbytery August 23 of the same year. In the past few years this congregation has greatly decreased in number, owing to the fact that many of the members have sought homes in the western states, but it is still one of the largest and most prosperous in the county. The Sunday school in connection with the church is in a very pros- perous condition, the average attendance being about one hundred. The land on which the church stands w^as donated bv David Molar. The parsonage stands one mile south of the church on land donated for the purpose by Thomas Likely. THE CEMETERY. " What is death ? 'Tis to be free — No more to hope, to love, nor fear." tJontiguous to the grounds owned by the Presbytei'ian church is located the Norwood cemetery. The first person buried here was a child of Alexander McKenstry in 1854. The association which has this cemetery in charge was organized undei- the state law in 1877, and receiv-ed its charter in 1881. The present officers are : president, Thomas Likely ; secretary, George M. Evans ; treasurer, John Hutchison ; trustees, John Lafferty, J. D. Por- ter, William P. Morgan. The neatly kept grounds indicate the feeling of reverence and love entertained by the surrounding community for their departed dead. PilESBYTERIAX CHURCH. The initiatory movement of organizing this society was made by the members of the Monmouth Presbyterian church, who resided in the vicinity of North Henderson. A meeting was called and held in a school-house on Section 29, on March 17, 1853. R. V. Mathews was chosen chairman, and J. D. Porter secretary. It was unanimously agreed to petition Schuyler Presbytery to organize a church at Norwood, and J. D. Porter was selected to pre- sent the said petition. For some reason not shown by the records the church was not organized at that time. In the spring of 1851, F. Postlewaite, S. R. Boggs and Thomas Likely were appointed a building committee, and a church building, for which purpose funds had already been raised, was begun. The committte contracted with Russell ct McFarland, of 0(piawka, Illinois, to erect a frame building, 36x10, which was to cost about $2,100. The building was begun in tlie fall of 1S51 aiul completed in the spring SUEZ TOWNSHIP. 633 of 1855. In that year, a petition, signed by tliirty-six membei's of the Presbyterian cluircli, and eleven ])ersons who were members of no denomination, was presented to the Presbytery of Schuyler, which met in Knoxville, in April of 1855, being in accordance with the sentiment of the members who held the tirst meeting, viz.: that a church should be organized at North Henderson. The prayer of the petition Avas granted, and Rev. R. C. Mathews and the Rev. T. S. Vaile, with elders John Eiken, of Knoxville, and A. C. Gregg, of Monmouth, were appointed to organize the church. The committee met in the new building at North Henderson, July 7, and proceeded to organize the society. Forty names were enrolled, twenty -four of whom had for- merly been members of the Monmouth congregation. Messrs. J. R. Boggs, R. W. Porter, and S. R. Boggs, were chosen elders, and Thomas Likely, M. T. Postlewaite and T. S. Robb, were chosen trus- tees. No regular pastor was employed by the congregation until June, 1856, when J. II. Nevius began his labor, as stated supply, and was installed as pastor, November 11, of the same year. Mr. Nevius officiated as pastor until April, 1863, when he was succeeded by Rev. George Norcross, who acted as stated supply until June 6, 1865, when he was officially installed as pastor, in which capacity he served about a year. The Rev. J. II. Moore was the next pastor called npon to take charge of the congregation. Mr. Moore began his labors on June '2, 1867, but was not installed until November 2 of the same year. This gentlemcin served as pastor until March, 1876, when he removed to a new field of labor. The church was without a pastor until January, 1877, when Rev. E. B. Miner began his ministerial labors with them. Mr. Miner was installed in the summer of the same year. His relation as pastor was continued until 1881 when he relinquished his charge. On April 1, 1881, the Rev. I. T. Whitmore responded to a call from the congregation and entered u])on his duties as pastor. This gentleman still has charge of the congregation. On December 3, 1880, the name of the church was changed from Nortli Henderson to Norwood. The present memberseip is 206. Since the organization of the congregation, four hundred and fifty-four names have been added to the list of membershii». The names of the elders who have been successfully chosen by the congregation are as follows : James Boggs, R. AV. Porter, and S. R. Boggs were elected on July 7, 1855 ; James 0. Stewart, elected November 19, 1855 ; James C. Postlewaite, elected November It). 1855; Robert Woods was elected January 18, 1860; Jose])h B. Stewart, elected January 18, 1860; 634 HISTORY OF MERCER AXD HEXDERSOX COUXTIES. Kobert Holloway, elected December 26, 1809 ; J. B. Lafertv and M. S. Cami^bell were cliosen in September, 1879. THE UXITF:D brethren IX CHRIST. Tlie society of the above name was organized December 20, 1873, by the Rey. P. R. Adams. The first trustees were : H. R. Peters, George AY. Sedwick, and John McLaughlin. Their church building was erected in the summer of 1875. The building and grounds cost- ing fourteen hundred and tiftj dollars. The building was dedicated August 6 of the same year by the presiding elder, N. A. Walker. The membership at the time of organization numbered thirty-six, but now numbers only ten. The present pastor is the Rey. Orin Dilley, who is located at Alexis, Warren county. The building is situated on section 10. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. In 1875 a number of citizens of the aboye persuasion, with the liberal assistance of the enterprising people of other denominations, erected a neat church building two miles west of Suez postoffice. The building is 36x40 in size, and stands on the N. E. J of Sec. 8. Owing to the weakness of the society, no regular pastor is employed by them. Tlie membership at present ni>mbers ten, BIOGRAPHICAL. George A., son of Christian and Catharine Shearer, was born in Herkimer county, Xew York, April 17, 1828. When sixteen years of age the family came to Licking county, Ohio, where they resided nine years. In 1853 they removed to Moultrie county, Illinois, and remained one year, after which they went to Stark county, remaining until 1859, when they came to Mercer county, where they bought land in section 18, Suez township. The father died in June, 1861. The subject of this sketch was first married, August 24, 1852, to Miss Sarah A. AYhitten, who died in the winter of 1861. He was again married. May 27, 1862, to Miss Sarah J. Morgan. The names of his children are as follows: Mary C, Margaret LL, Anna B., Fannie R., Cora B., Sadie (deceased), Nellie R., Blanche E., Fred. M., and George O. Of these the two former are by his first wife. Mr. Shearer now resides on the S. W. ^ of Sec. 17, which he purchased in 1865. Dax. W., son of Washington and Elizabeth Sedwick, was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, July 31, 1834, When twelve years of age he went to Lawrence county, where he was engaged two years as clerk in a dry goods and grocery store. At the end of that SUEZ TOWNSHIP. 635 time he went to Columbiana connty, Ohio, where he remained one year and a-half, where he was engaii;ed in farming and sheep-(h-iving. From here he returned to the town of Mercer, in Pennsylvania, where he was employed as turnkey in the county jail under Sheriff McKean, in which capacity he acted about six months, after which he went to Crawford county and located at Steuben, on Oil creek, where he remained a few months and then went to Centerville, where he remained about five years, doing general work around a store and saw- mill. In 1855 he emigrated to Mercer connty, Illinois, and located at Bridger's Corners. During the two following years his time was occu- pied alternately in teaching and clerking. On September 3, 1857, Mr. Sedwick was married tft Miss Frances A. Bridger, a native of Troy, New York, and daughter of Henry Bridger, one of the pioneer settlers of the county. The fruits of the union are six children, whose names in the order of their ages are as follows: Ida E., Cora A., Henry D. (deceased), Edwin E., Bertram B., and Fannie M. In the spring of 1857 he was *})pointed postmaster at Pope Creek, which position he held until 1870. In the same year he purchased the stock of goods owned by his employers and embarked in business for him- self. In the fall of 1862 he enlisted as a private in Co. E, 102d reg. 111. Vol. Inf "When the company was organized he was elected first lieutenant, and on April 28, 1863, to the position of captain. In 1865 he received the following letter from the secretary of war: ^VA^^^IX(iT()N, D. C, Juue 19. 18()."l. SiK, — You are hereby informed that the Pre>;ideut of the United States has appointed you, for gaUant and meritorious conduct during the war, a major of vohmteers b\' brevet in the service of the United States, to rank as such from the 13th day of March, 1805. Should the senate at tlieir next session advise and consent thereto, you will be commissioned accordingly. Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War. Brevet-Major Dan. W. Sedwick, U. S. Vol. 'No further comment is necessary concerning the bravery and fidelity with which he served his country. In 1866 Mr. Sedwick was elected to the legislature, where he represented his district for a term of two years. In 1870 he sold out his* store, })urchased a farm south of Bridger's Corners, and since that time has devoted his entire atten- tion to tilling the soil. lie is a member of the Mercer Country Agri- cultural Board, and during the year 1879 acted as president of that body. He is also president of the Soldiers and Sailors' Association, of Mercer countv. LoRiivrER Johnston, a portrait of whom appears in this book, son of Andrew and Mary Johnston, was born in Richland county, Ohio, No- vember 20, 1820. He resided in that county until 1850, in which year 636 HISTOEY OF ISrERCER AND HENT)ERSOX COUXTIES. he went to California, crossing the plains with a wagon and a mule team. He located on the Middle Fork of the American river and there engaged in mining in company with his brother, William, Alter having accumulated a considerable amount of wealtli his brother started back to their native state, but died on the way of ' ' Panama fever," and theii- hard earnings stolen from his person after death. In the spring of 1852, Lorimer returned to Ohio and remained until l.s5T, when he came to Mercer county. In 1861:, he bought land in section 13, Suez township. He now owns a farm of -115 acres, the results of economy and industry. Mr. Johnston was married July 3, 1849, to Miss Hannah Hayes, a native of Guernsey county, Ohio. The fruit of this union are live children, William S., Park P., Michael H., Flora M. (deceased), and Laura A. Thomas Likely, whose portrait appears in this book, son of Williani and Agnes (Taylor) Likely, was born January 29, 1823, in Hunting- don county, Pennsylvania. The family on both the father and mother's side are of Irish origin. His father came from Ireland in 1791 and located in the Tuscarora valley. He had six sons and five daughters. Of these Thomas is the youngest but one. He was raised a farmer, assisting his father perform his labors. He was married September 26, 1844, to Miss Diana A. Doyle, also a native of Hunting- don county. The fruits of this union are ten children, whose names in the order of their ages, are as follows : Ann E. (deceased), Agnes J. (now the wife of E. L. Simpson, of Ringgold county, Iowa), Martha B. (wife of J. C. Foster, of the same county), William D. (deceased in infancy), Henry T. (deceased), Thomas D. (now residing in Bueua Vista county, Iowa), Lyman L. , Samuel R. (also of Buena Vista county, Iowa), William M., and Mary J. For about three years he was engaged in landing general merchandise in Trough creek valley, Huntingdon county. In the spring of 1850 he came to Pike county, Illinois, and remained until fall, after which he went to La Salle by boat ; after arriving here he set out on foot to find a suitable place to locate. He traveled in this manner over Lee, Henry, Whiteside, Ogle, Bureau and La Salle counties, and failing to find a place to suit his taste, he came to old Mercer and bought land in the N. E. J Sec. 32, in Suez townshij:). In 1858 he was elected justice of the peace. At the beginning of the war he received authority from Adjutant-Gen- eral Fuller to organize a company, which he did in seven days, and was chosen captain. The company was afterward attached to the 102d 111. Inf., and known as company E. He remained witli that regiment until April, 1863, when he resigned on account of disabilities, and was succeeded bv D. W. Sedwick. In the winter of 1863 he was elected SUKZ TOWNSHIP. 637 major of the regiment by vote of the regimental otiieers. In 1873 he was elected county judge, in which capacity he served four years. Harisox Brown, whose portrait appears in this book, son of Samuel and Henrietta Brown, was born in Nelson county, Kentuckv, March 17, 1808. When eight years of age his father removed to Breckenridge cc)unty, Kentuckv, and remained until the fall of 1834, when he emigrated to Illinois and located in North Henderson town- ship, Mercer county. In the spring of 1836 he'bought land in section 1, Suez township, where he has since resided. Being one of the pioneers he has encountered all of the hardshi[)S and trials incident to })ioneer life. By hard labor and economy he has accumulated a large property and in his declining years he is enjoying the fruits of his toil. He was married in the fall of 1830 to Miss Martha Greenwood, a native of Vir- ginia. Nine children are the fruits of this union, whose names are as follows : Mary A., Samuel (deceased), Thomas, Floj-d (deceased), Sally, Benjamin, Peter, and Isabel. His second son, Thomas, was a member of Capt. Sedwick's company in the 10:2d Ills. Inf. Asa AV. IvANSoir, another of the pioneers, son of James and Phoeba Ransom, was born in the town of Camillus, Onondaga county. New York, May 6, 1818. When seventeen years of age he turned his face toward the setting sun and started to Illinois by way of Buffalo and Ashtabula, thence by stage across the state of Ohio to Wellsville. From here he went by steamboat to Cairo, then up the Mississippi, landing at New Boston, June 10, 1837. On the following day he, in company his brother, started on foot toward the eastern part of the county and located on N. W. ^ of Sec. 3, in Suez township. In the fall he returned to Ohio, remaining until the spring of ]S38. On his return he came as far as Michigan with his uncle and walked from there to Mercer county, a distance of about 300 miles. He states that at that time settlements were as high as sixty miles apart. He stopped for a short time in Chicago, and while there was offered a lot on Washington street in payment for a month's work. ]\Ir. Ransom was married in February, 1849, to Miss Elizabeth S. Edwards, a native of Kentucky. The names of their children, in the order of their ages are as follows: Altliea F., Charlora (1, Chester L., Adra- enna, Marcilla C, Vesta, Asa S., and Olive. In 1866 Mr. Ransom removed to Chicago and engaged in the commission business. He remained in the city four and a half years, during which time his chil- dren availed themselves of the excellent educational advantages the city affords. In the spring of 1870 he returned to his farm in Suez town- ship, and, excepting a few months, has resided there since that time. Mr, Ransom arrived in Illinois with nothing in the way of worldly 638 HISTORY OF MERCER AXD HENDERSON COUNTIES. wealth, but by hard labor and judicious management he has become one of the largest land owners in the county. He furnishes an exam- ple of pluck and perseverance, which the rising generation would do well to follow. William, son of Jefferson and Tabitlia Fuller, was born in Millers- burg to^\Tiship, Merger county, October 27, 1843. He remained at home until July 26, 1862, when he enlisted in Co. H, 84th 111. Inf.. and was with that regiment until June 9, 1865. He received a wound at the battle of Stone river, from the effects of which he was confined in the hospital eleven months. He was married February 20, 1867, to Miss Joanna Brown, a native of Ohio. The names of his children are Elmer and Edgar C. James W. Page, son of James and Susan S. Page, was born in Sussex, England, December 15, 1840. In 1841, the family emigrated to America, and located at Hudson, Summit county, Ohio. In August, 1856, he came to Mercer county. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Co. A, 30tli reg. 111. Inf., and remained in the service of his country until August, 1864, when he was discharged. On the bottom of his discharge we find the following : " Private James W. Page has sustained an unblemished character in the army; has been a faithful soldier, and is entitled to the gratitude of his adopted countrj- and the confidence of all. Signed, Charle-^ Turxer, Colonel, lOSth Til. Vol." December 20, 1867, he was united in marriage to Miss Annie E. Bridger, daughter of Henry Bridger, one of Mercer county's pioneers. Five children are the fruit of this union, four of whom death has claimed as his victims ; Xina G. alone remains to brighten the home. Mr. Page is now located at Suez, engaged in the grocery business. Fie has many friends, and is highly respected by all. Andrew Trask was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1813. AVhen thirteen years of age he experienced a desire to go to sea. and accord- ingly obtained a position on the Trident, of New Bedford, and was on the ocean three years, being most of that time on the Pacific. He was married in 1845, to Miss Ellen AVeld, who died in eighteen months after their marriage. He was again married in 1848, to Miss Lucinda Ramsey. The names of his children are as follows : Edward, Harriet, Lucina, and George. His second wife died in 1862. Mr. Trask came to Mercer county in 1850, and located on section Ki, Suez township, where he still resides. Thomas, son of Thomas and Martha (Wilson) Spicor, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, October 2, 1823. Tlie Spicer family are of English, and the Wilson of Irish, origin. Mr. Spicer was married in SUEZ TOWNSIIII'. 639 1840, to Miss Ivebbecca D. Wilson, a luitive of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Spicer was born December 15, 1.S28. The names of the children born to the coui)le are as follows: Oliver W., born October 26, 1848, in Ohio; Mary C, born August 80, 1851, in Ohio; James C, born December 9, 1854, in Ohio, and Thonuis II., born June 9, 1858, in Illinois. In 1856, Mr. Spicer came to AVarren county, Illinois, where he remained until 1859, when he removed to Mercer county, and* located on section 8, in Suez township. Wii.iJA^i A., son of John and Grizelle (Stewart) Lafferty, was born in Suez townshii), December 13, 1850. The log cabin in which he was born, still stands, and is situated near his present residence. He was married in ISTO, to Miss Mattie Edie, a native of Kentucky. The names of their children are as follows: John II., George G., Minnie, William L., Charles, Harry A., and Maggie. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Latferty are members of the United Presbyterian church. John B., son of William and Louisa Latferty. was born in Suez township, Mercer county, Illinois, October 19, 1847. He was married August 30, 1870, to Miss Ada A. Brownlee, daughter of D. S. Brown- lee, Esq., of Suez township. The fruits of this union are live children, whose names are as follows: Harry S., Maggie L., Annie M.,AVilliam E., and Olive 0. Mr. Lafferty owns a tine farm of 320 acres, situated on sections 15 and 27. He and Mrs. Lafferty are b(jth members of the United Presbyterian church, with wliich they united in 1867. Matthkw S., son of John and ]\[ary Campbell, was born in Hunt- ingdon county, Pennsylvania, December 27, 1848. The fiimily are of Scotch-Ii-ish decent, the early ancestors having fled to Ireland during the covenanters' rebellion. In 1863 Mr. Campbell came to Illinois, and located in Warren county, near the ]VIercer and Warren county line. A few years after he removed to Suez townshij) and located on section 26. He was married in 1866 to Miss Annie AVatt, a native of ^lifHin county, Pennsylvania. The names of their children are as follows : AYillii3 R. (deceased), Clyde Pt., and Clarence W. AViLi.iAM P., son of Arthur and Hannah (Postlewaite) Graham, was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, Alarch 13, 1S33. In 1839 the family came to AVarren county, and located near Little York. Mr. Graham's early days were spent in the wilderness, and roaming through the trackless forest constituted the amusements of his boyhood. He was married in 1858 to Miss Margaret Hutchison, also a native of Pennsylvania. The names of their children are as follows: ^Mildred L., Mary II., Arthur H., Daniel II., :Maggie E., and Mattie E. James R., son of Henry and -lane (Latta) ^IcLaughlin, was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, in 1825. His family are of Scotch and 640 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COVXTIES. L'isli origin, and came to tliis countrv at a very early date ; his grand- father, John Latta, serv^ed as major in the revolutionary war. He was married in January, 1850, to Miss Jane Lossell, a native of Ti-umbuU county, Ohio ; she died May 15, 1862. In 1S. In 1838 he came to Mercer county, and settled in Suez township. In 1841 he removed to Davenport, Iowa, and was em- ployed as an engineer on the ferry boat plying between the cities of Davenport and Rock Island. In 1841 he returned to his farm in Suez township. He was for several years engaged in the dry goods business SUEZ TOWNSHIP. 643 at Bridger'S Comers. Mr. Mauk died at his residence June 19, 1879, and liis departure was mourned by many friends, some of M'liom liad often received favors at the hands of the deceased. William P. Morgan, son of Sankey and Ann (Brown) ^forgan, was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, Marcli 18, 1839. lie received his early education in a log school-house in Pennsylvania. In 1858 the familv emio;rated to Mercer countv, Illinois, and located on section 19, in Suez township. Mr. Morgan was married in 1868 to Miss Martha J. Atchison, a native of Ohio. The fruits of this union are seven children, six sons and one daughter. He enlisted August 9, 1862, in company E, 102d 111. Inf Pie was discharged October 18, 1863, at Laveme, Tennessee. Mr. Morgan is a member of the United Presb}i:erian church with which he united in 1868. lie is also justice of the peace. BicHARD C. McClellan, SOU of Richard and Susana McClellan, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, September 25. 1838. Mr. McClellan received his education at what is now known as the Jeiferson College, in Washington county. In February, 1865, he enlisted in the 8Tth Penn. Inf, and was with the regiment until mustered out. He was married October 26, 1866, to Miss Martha McCutcheon, a native of Ohio. The fruits of the union are live chil- dren, whose names, in the order of their ages, are as follows : Nathaniel P., Evart S., Clarence P.. Minnie G., and Armadilla S. Mr. ^McClel- laii is a member of the United Presbyterian church, with which he united in 1866. Gus Bruixgtox, son of Alfi-ed and Adeline Bruington. was born in Suez township, Mercer county, Illinois, September 22, 1846. He was married in 1871 to Miss Annie Lafferty, a daughter of William Lafferty, Sr., one of the earliest settlers of Suez township. Mr. Bruington, although quite young, has surrounded himself by all the luxuries and comforts the country affords, and has before him a bright and prosperous future. Joshua II. Browx, son of Benjamin and Lucinda Brown, was bom in the town of Xorth Henderson, July 6, 1841. His father was one of the pioneer settlers of Mercer county. Mr. Brown received his educa- tion in the public school of Xorth Henderson. July 22, 1862. he entered the service of his country in Co. II, 84th 111. Inf. and remained in that regiment until June 16, 1865. On January 1, 1867, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary (Dilley) Podgers, a native of Mercer county, and daughter of William Dilley, of Ohio Grove town- ship. The names of his childi-en. in the order of their ages, are as follows : Vinnie P., Cyrus D., Gus B., and Lucinda M. (deceased in (iiJr IIISTOKY OF MERCER AA'D HENDERSON COUNTIES. infancy}. In August, 1878, Mr. Brown was nominated for slierifi: at the republican convention, at Aledo. In the following November he was elected, receiving as man}- votes as both his greenback and demo- cratic opponents. Mr. Brown is a member of the Universalist church, of Suez. Henry T. Bridger, son of Henry and Elizabeth Bridger, was born April 28, 1832, in Kenssalaer county, Xew York. In 18o(i, the family moved to Mercer county. In the fall of 1862, Mr. Bridger enlisted in Co. E, 102d 111. Inf. He remained in the service of his country about one year, being discharged on account of disabilities. In December, 1867, he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Sarah J. McLaughlin, a native of Mercer county, Pennsylvania. The fruits of this union are three children : Amy M., William J., and Edna E. The family are attendants at the Methodist Episcopal church. Thomas G. Brown, son of Harison and Martha Brown, was born in jS^orth Henderson township, Mercer county, March 25, 1836. Mr. Brown received his early education in a log school-house that stood on section 6, JSTorth Henderson townshi}). In December, 1862, he enlisted in Co. E, 102d 111. Inf., and was with that regiment in every engage- ment until mustered out of service. He was discharged June 7, 1865, at Chicago. In February, 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Coleman, a native of Ohio. The fruits of this union are two children, Kellie and Peter F. It will be seen that Mr. Brown was one of the first white children born in the county. His father, Harison, spoken of elsewhere in the work, is one of the few surviving pioneers of Mercer. William L., son of James and Jane Stewart, was born in LTnion county, Indiana, in 1827. In 1835 the family emigrated to Illinois, and his fatlier bought the claim owned by George Blake, in section 21. In 1858 he was married to Miss Harriet Dryden, a native of Ohio, who died in 1859. March 7, 1861, he was married to Miss Elizabeth M. Caldwell, a native of Shelby county, Ohio. The names of his children in the order of their ages are: Nanc}' J., Mattie E., Mira L., AYilliam J., Mary J., Ettie F., and Earl O. In August, 1862, Mr. Stewart enlisted in Co. E, 102d 111. Vol. Inf., and remained with that regi- ment until the close of the war. He is a member of the United Pres- byterian church, with which he united in 1858. In politics he is a republican. His father, James Stewart, now residing in Alexis, was one of the earliest settlers in Suez township, and assisted in preparing some notes for the historical association. Thomas J. Greenwood, son of John and Catharine (Filony) Green- wood, was born in Suez townshi]), Mercer county, September 23, 1849. /■"- ■'*^J iav^a^a- THOMAS LIKELY SUEZ TOWXSIIII'. 6J:T In 1866 lie left the quiet life of the farm and went to Galesburg and attended school at the Lombard imiversitv. He remained here one year. In 1881 he was elected justice of the peace for a term of four years. In 1878 he was elected assessor for one term, and in this office, as in all others which he has filled, he gave excellent satis- faction. September 22, 1881, he was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Goddard, a native of Warren county, Illinois. Mr. (Treenwood owns a fine farm of 120 acres, on sections 10 and 15, and we predict for him a bright and prosperous future. He is a prominent republican, and takes an active part in political affairs. Mr. Greenwood is a member of I.O.O.F. lodge, 526, at Alexis, with which he united in August, 1880. He has many friends throughout the country, and is highly respected by all. JoHX DiNGWELL was bom in county Donegal, Ireland, in March, 1814. At an early age he came to xVmerica, and followed the star of empire westward to Illinois, locating in North Henderson township, Mercer county. . In 1S40 he bought a farm near Norwood, in Suez townsliip. In 1849 he went to Galesburg and began a course of study in the academy at that place. At the end of two years he returned to Mercer county, and in 1852 was married to Mrs. Mercy Crabtree, a native of England. In the same year he bought land in section 3, in Suez township. The names of his children are: Jennie E., (deceased in her twenty-fourth year), AVilliam G. (now residing in Suez town- ship), and John (deceased in infancy). Mr. Dingwell died Nov. 4, 1873. The timeral services were perf'ormed in the United Presbyterian church, at Viola. In his early life Mr. Dingwell had been a Cove- nanter, but later united with the United Presbyterian denomination. Hexry W., son of David and Elizabeth (Snyder) Mauk, was born in Harrison countv, Indiana, June 14, 1830. When ts\'entv-four vears of age he came to Mercer county, and in 1856 purchased land in section 11, in Suez township. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. E. 102d 111. Inf., and was with that gallant regiment until June, 1865. He was married January 4. 1871, to Miss Annie Smith, a native of Warren county, Illinois. The names of their children, in the order of their ages, are : David R. (deceased), Freddie G. (de- ceased), Ora B., and Alta M., who are twins. Robert Campbell, son of IMatthew and Hannah Campbell, was born November 26, 1822, in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. In 1848 he came to Mercer county, Illinois, and in 1850 he bought land in section 30, in Suez township. His father's family are of Scotch and Ii-ish descent, and his mother was born in the land of freedom. In 1844 he was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Morgan, a native of 37 648 HISTORY OF >LERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. Pennsylvania, who died in 1874. In 1875 he was married to Mrs. Amanda M. Cantrall. The names of his children, in the order of their ages, are as follows: Hannah R., Matthew F., Ann E., Frank- lin P., Helen C, Robert I., Martha J., Mary N., Lydia M., Sarah L. (deceased), and Eugene R. ; the last-named is by the second wife. Mr. Campbell is a member of the Baptist church, and his wife is a member of the old school Presbyterian church. He has a farm of 120 acres of excellent land in Suez township. George, son of George and Maiy Bruington, was born in Breck- enridge county, Kentucky, in 1821. In 1852 he emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, and bought land in section 24, Suez township. Mr. Bruington was married in 18^2 to Miss Dowel, also a native of Ken- tucky. The names of their children, in the orderof their ages, are as follows : Benjamin, James, and Amanda. He is a member of no church, but tries to do his duty toward God and his fellow men. James H. Brownlee, son of William and Catharine (Hutchison) Brownlee, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, May 1, 1828. His family are of Scotch origin. He received his education in the public schools of his native county. In 1853 the family came to Illinois, and locating in Mercer county, purchased land in section 31, in Suez township. His father now resides in Labette county, Kansas. Mr. Brownlee was married September 20, 1855, to Miss Martha J. Barclay, a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania. Their children, in the order of their ages, are as follows: Etlia L., Blanch M. (deceased), Elmer F., Ulysses G., Albin B., Ennis R., jN^ora K., and Roy. In the winter of 1855 he bought land on the N. E. ^ of Sec. 31, and he is now the possessor of a one-half section of fine land. Mrs. Brownlee is a member of the United Presbyterian church, having united early in life. The family are highly respected by all, and many and true are their friends. Martin Pease, son of Pelatiah and Nancy Pease, was born in 1824, in Waldo county, Maine. In 1837 the family emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, and located on section 20, in Suez township, the nearest postofiice being Spring Grove. He saw the men building the first school-house in the township, which was of logs, and stood on section 21. In 1847 he was married to Miss Martha A. Pollok, daughter of Robert Pollok, one of Mercer county's pioneers. The fruits of this marriage are seven children: Alonzo U., Nelson S. (de- ceased), Edwin (deceased), Charles R. (deceased), Mary I., Martin A., and May. Mr. and Mrs. Pease are both members of the United Pres- byterian church, with which they united in 1850. In 1850 he bought land in section 20, and now owns a fine farm of 150 acres. On SUEZ TOWNSHIP. 649 October 24, 1880, his liouse took fire from a defective flue, and burned to tlie ground. Loss $200, and no insurance. In 1881 Mr. Pease erected a handsome residence on the same foundation. He has many friends and is respected wherever lie is known. JosKi'H Pkask, son of Pelatialu and Nancy Pease, was born in Knox county, Maine, February, 5, 1822. Tlie family on his father's side are of English origin. In 1837, the family emigrated to Mercer county, and bought a claim in Suez township. October 14, 1845, he was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Libby, who died March 15, 1852. January 24, 1853, he married Miss Sarah Stewart, who died Sep- tember 27, 1864. March 15, 1866, he was again married to Miss Christiana Sprowl. The names of his children are: Zorah E. (deceased), Laura G., Nancy F. (deceased), Joseph S., Campbell B., John A., Pelatiah, Ausley, Elizabeth J., Sarah L. (deceased), Mary L., and George W. Mr. Pease is a member of the United Presby- terian church, with which he was united in 1876. He is one of Mercer countyjs pioneers, and did his part toward paving the way for civil- ization. John A., son of Joseph and Sarah Pease, was born in Suez town- ship, June 23, 1858. He was married Febiniary 14, 1878, to Miss Susan Lalferty, daughter of John Laiferty, of Suez township. He and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian church, with which they united in 1879. A. Pease, son of Joseph and Sarah Pease, was born in Suez town- ship, Mercer county, May 8, 1859. He was married January 23, 1879, to Miss Maggie A. Wallace, a native of Warren county, Illinois. They have one child, whose name is Guy C. Mr. Pease owns land in sec- tion lt>, where he, with his pleasant family, resides. James H. Lafferty, son of John and Grizelle Lafferty, was born in Suez township, Mercer county. May 24, 1844. He remained at home until August 8, 1862, when he entered the service of his country, in Co. E, 102d 111. Inf., and remained with the regiment until June 9, 1865, when he received his discharge. On February 28, 1867, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Porter, a native of Pennsylvania. The fruits of this union are: Frank S., Mattie G., John (deceased), and Guy C In 1874, Mr. Lafferty engaged in the stock business and keeps on hand from fifty to one hundred head of short horn cattle. While at his farm the writer had the ])leasure of being shown s(mie veiy handsome animals, a few of which were recently imported from England. His farm is admirably adaj)ted to the business, and this fact, together with the enterprise of the proprietor, will, doubtless, render his labors highly successful. 650 HISTORY OF mp:rcer a^'d hendersox counties. John L., son of Henry and Jane McLaughlin, was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, in 1817. His father and mother were both of Irish descent. His mother was a niece of Gen. Potter, of Revolution- ary fame. In 1856, he emigrated to Illinois, and in 1857, bought land in section 2, Suez township. His father died in September, 1881, a^ed eighty-six, and w^as buried in the Norwood cemeterv. Mr. McLaughlin was nian-ied in 18-14 to Miss Martha J. Angelo, also a native of Mercer county. The names of the children born to them are : Sarah J., James H. (deceased), Cassius C, Willis J., Marv M., and Josephine. Both are members of the United Brethren church, at Suez. George W. Sedwick was boru in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, His father's given name was AYashington, and his mother's Elizabeth. When thirteen years of age he went to Williamsport, Ohio, and entered a machine shop, for the purpose of learning the trade. After working liere two years he went to Mount Jackson and worked two j^ears more under instruction. At the end of that time he went to New Castle, Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1861. In that year he was married to Miss Caroline Peeble, a native of Bayaria. Their children's names are as follows : Willis D., Harry L., and an adopted child, Lillie R. In the spring of 1861, Mr. Sedwick came to Mercer county, Illinois. In 1864 he bought land in section 16, in Suez township. In 1870 he sold his farm and engaged in the mercantile business at Suez, which he continued until 1874, when he closed out his stock and bought a farm in section 9, where he now resides. He and Mrs. Sedwick are both members of the Ignited Brethren church. The Brownlee family are of Scotch origin. David S., the subject of this sketch, was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, January 1, 1820. His father's name was David, and his mother's Betsey. In 1839 his father and family emigrated to Warren county, Illinois, and located near Little York. In 1842 the subject of this sketch came to Mercer county, and for about a year was engaged in breaking prairie and threshing. In 1843 he bought land in section 16, Suez township. In 1873 Mr. Brownlee was elected supervisor of Suez township, in which capacity he served for several terms. He was married in 1845 to Miss Margaret Pollok, daughter of Robert Pollok, one of the earliest settlers in Mercer county. His lirstwife died November 23, 1872, and he was again married January 11, 1877, to Miss Maria Montgomery. May 27, 1881, his second wife died. The names of his children, in the order of their ages, are as follows : Robert B., Addie A., and Ida M. Mr. Brownlee is a member of the Ignited Presbyterian church, with which he united in 1848. SUKZ TOW.VSIIIl'. 05 J Dk. James F. McCutchan was born in Adams county, Ohio, in 1833. His early life was spent on the farm. When twenty-two years of age he entered college at Washington, Iowa, and graduated from that institution in May, 1861, Immediately after completing his studies he enlisted in Co. II, 2d reg. Iowa Vol. Inf During his connection with that regiment he became personally acquainted with Gen. James B. AYeaver. In the fall of 1863 he was nuide captain of Co. D, Dth reg. Iowa Vol. Cav., and acted in that ca})acity until the close of the war. Pre\nous to his promotion, however, he partici- pated in several engagements with the 2d Iowa, among which was the battle of Fort Donelson, wliei-e that regiment won for itself a name that will go down into the pages of history. The doctor was dis- charged in May, and was married in August, 1865, to Miss M. J. S. Graham, a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania. The names of their children, in the order of their ages, are as follows: Mary Edna and Sarah Edith (twins), were born November 13, 1866; A. Joseanna, born December 14, 1870; Alma O., born June 12, 1876; and Clara G., born April 2, 1881. In the fall of 1865 he entered the office of Dr. Webster at Monmouth, and was under that gentlenum's instructions one vear. In the fall of 1866 he became a student at Keokuk, Iowa, and received his diploma in the spring of 1868. In that year he located at Norwood, and since that time has practiced in that vicinity. In conversing with the doctor the writer found him to be a gentlemen of more than ordinary intelligence, Huent in conversa- tion, and progressive in all things. James M, Lee, son of John and Eliza Lee, was born in Centre county, Pennsylvania, in May, 1836. In the spring of 1857 he came to Mercer county, Illinois, where he worked at carpentering until the spring of 1861. August 8, 1862, he enlisted in Co. E, 102d reg. 111. Vol. Inf., and was with that regiment until the close of the war. lie was married November 22, 1866, to Miss Harriet A. Lalferty, daughter of John Lafterty, of Suez township. Their children's names are: John A., Miriam E., Marietta, Lela I., and Ethel A. They are both members of the United Presbyterian church. 652 HISTORY OF irERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. ge«:ene township. GEOLOGY. CONTRIBUTED 15V DK. J. V. FRAZIEK, OF VIOLA. Greene township is traversed throughout its length from east to west by an irregular, broad and elevated phiteau or water-shed, the drainings from which on the north bear a north and westerly direction to the Edwards river, while on the south the water courses bear south and westerly to join Pope creek. The Edwards river, coming from the east, flows just north of and along the northeastern portion of the township, for two and a half miles, when it enters the township about midway of the north line of section 3, running thence nearly west until it passes beyond our town- ship's line on section 8. Pope creek enters the township at near the the southeast corner and passes in a westerly direction entirely through it on its southern border. The Donohue and Skunk runs, as also two or three unnamed deep-cut water-ways, fed here and there by springs, carry the surface waters from the north half of the township into the Edwards river, while North Pope, Collins, or "Nigger" run, with two or three deep ravines, serve to drain the south half into Pope creek. These streams and water-courses, while furnishing an abundant sup- ply of water, at the same time shape the surface of the country' and determine the quality of the soil. Not more than three-fifths of the township is prairie. Along the immediate valleys of the larger streams there is a deep black soil, rich in humus, and in some places covered by heavy growths of timber, while upon the ridges bordering the water-courses are the so called ' ' barrens. " The soil of the prai- ries is mostly deep and of a blackish or chocolate colored loam, with a yellow or light brown cla}- subsoil. The soil of the "barrens" is similai- to that of the ])rairies, only lighter colored and less in de]>tli, becoming of a light brown or yellowish color along the sides and over the tops of the ridges, on account of the character of the sub- soil which comes near the surt'ace. The surface deposits of the townshij) comprise the ordinary sub- divisions of the quarternary period, alluivium, loess, and drift. The alluiviuin deposits are mostly confined to narrow belts along the lai-ger streams. Some of this land is so low as to be too much subject to ovei-fiow for growing cereals, but affording excellent meadow and grazing grounds. GRKENE TOWXSHII'. 653 The loess deposit is found sparingly, ca])ping some of the high points along Pope creek, but not sufficient in cpiantityto require special notice. Drift. — The deposits of this subdivision consist of a series of brown and blue clays, mixed here and there with sand, gravel and small peb- bles, which are S])read over the entire surface of the townshi]). Quite a number of boulders of igneous or metamorphic rocks lie scattered along the borders of the streams and in the valleys of most of the tem- porary water courses. Coal Measures. — The stratified rocks exposed in this township all belong to the coal measures and include the lower groups, from cf)al No. 3 of the Illinois section down to near the base of this formation. They consist of various strata of limestone, sandstone, clay, shale, and coal, and are supposed to reach a thickness of from 100 to 150 feet. A boring on section 1-1, near Viola, reaches 130 feet without passing entirely through this formation. There luive been three seams of coal found and more or less worked in the township, although No, 3 and No. 1 have been the most exten- sively mined. Coal No. 3 has been found only on sections 31 and 32. The mines of Mr. Martin and Mr. Morrow are on this seam, while about twenty-five feet lower down coal No. 2 was formerly woi-ked by Mr. Martin by a drift into the hill. The discovery of the thicker and more profitable vein No. 3 above caused its abandonment several years ago. Coal No. 3 at Martin's bank varies from three to five feet in thickness, is safely and profitably worked, and affcjrds one of our very best fuel coals. Coal No. 2 of the Illinois group, in all the exposures thus far made in the township, has shown too thin a vein for profitable mining at preseht, varying from one and a half to two feet in thickness. This seam has been found at several points, notably on the Gilmore farm. S. W. \ of Sec. 23, on the Morey farm, N. E. \ of Sec. 27, and at Mar- tin's bank in the S. W. \ of Sec. 31. Besides the mining formerly done on this vein on Martin's bank, the openings on the Gilmore farm and on B. F. Morey's old farm attbrded a fair quantity of fuel coal, but were never operated except for the use of the owners' families and some of their neighbors. At the two last named farms the coal was mined by strip|)ing the soil, clay and slate overh'ing it, but the increasing depth of the overlying clay and shale as they neared the higher ground rendered its mining unprofitable by this process, and the promise of a poor " roof" over the coal discouraged the owners from running a drift into the hills. 654 HISTORY OF Mf:RCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. From the shales overlying coals No. 3 and No. 2 our amateur geologists have gathered many of the fossils peculiar to tlie coal measures of this part of the state. Besides several species of bryozora, these sections furnish conularia. haniproartes creuistro, lima retifero, spirifer lunitus, attryrus subtitito, productus nebrascensis, pleurophorus solenifornius, etc. The greater portion of the coal pro- duced, for which our township is somewhat famous, comes from coal No. 1 of the Illinois section. This seam varies in thickness from three and a half to four and a half feet, the general average reaching about four feet. The deposit of this coal seam stretches across the township fi'om east to west, being a part only of the great Edwards river seam. It has been found and extensively mined on sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and the N.W. ^ of 11. The principal shafts now in operation are N. B. Frazier's, on the S. E. of section 2, Russell Park's and H. Boone's on section 3, Wm. Blaine's, W. P. Collins' and Gutlirie's shafts on section 4 ; Bell Brothers' on section 5 ; Geo. Pinkerton's and Hegg's works on section 6. This vein of coal probably underlies a very considera- ble portion of the township, particularly along the northern half, but will be found at a considerable depth, if found at all, under the higher water shed of the township, all the openings heretofore made being located in the valleys of the streams, fully 150 feet below the plateau upon which Yiola stands. This vein shows, in some localities, a peculiarity worthy of mention. Starting from the east side of the township, where we find but little admixture of slate, there is a gradual development of this material westward until we reach section 4, where it constitutes a parting strip of about four inches, about midway of the seam, and from thence west thickens out so rapidly that on section 6 it forms a parting varying in thickness from eighteen to twenty inches. While this layer of shale between the upper and lower coal does not impair its quality seriously, still it renders mining tedious and expen- sive on account of the necesssity of taking care of so much refuse matter. Potteri Clay. — A test of some of the whitish or ]3ale blue clay found above coal No. 1, proves it to possess excellent qualities for the manufacture of stoneware. Several barrels of it were shipped, a few years ago, to a firm in Iowa who pronounced it, after a thorough trial, worthy of the attempt to erect a factory near by it. Some negotiations were entered into with the manufacturer alluded to and parties here, but the enterprise was finally abandoned. A superioi- deposit of clay, suitable for the manufacture of sewer tile and fire-bi'ick has been developed within the ])ast few years. This deposit is just below coal No. 2. and the heaviest body of it is found GREENE TOWNSHIP. 055 on the S.W. ^ of Sec. 35. The Momnoutli Mamifacturing Company, of Monmouth Illinois, purchased forty acres of this land and have shipj)ed, ior several years past, as high as 150 tons per year of their clay, the greater portion of which they use in making fire-brick and in heavy sewer tile. They claim it to be the best clay in the west for their purposes. Lime. — Some of the blue limestone found above coal Xo. 1 has been burned for and yielded a fair quality of lime, but on account of impurities needs to be sorted and screened before using, and the amount so obtained is comparatively small, rendering its manufacture scarcely profitable. Building Stone. — The sandstone lying just above Coal No. 2, Illi- nois section, is of a light color, varying from a dull white to yellow, and soft when first quarried, but hardens on exposure. There are several quarries of this rock in the towTiship, some of which are yield- ing a fine quality of building stone. In some of the quarries it can be taken out in blocks of almost any desired size. This stone is found on section 33, near F. McGaughey's house ; on the N. W. \ of Sec. 26 ; on the K. E. J of Sec. 34 ; and inferior (pialities at other places. The best and most extensive quarry is that of H. Gilbert on section ;i4, from which has been taken a large portion of all the sandstone for cutting and use in heav}- masonry about Viola and the surrounding country. The limestone which overlies Coal Xo. 1, of the Illinois section, is a drab-colored, impure limestone, varying from eight to fifteen feet in depth, with about two feet of a very solid blue limestone just below. In some localities we find a flinty limestone interi)Osed between the blue and gray. The blue limestone is of small value for building material, as it soon falls to pieces on exposure to the atmosphere. This drab- colored rock is extensively quarried on sections 3, 4, and 5, and is held in high esteem for building purposes, many hundreds of tons having been hauled out into other portions of the county for economic uses. The rock is found mostly in layers from two to eight inches in thick- ness, the layers growing thicker gradually from above downward. Some of the lower layers can be broken into almost any desired sizes, up to ten or twelve feet square. The large slabs that form the floors and roofs of the cells in the county jail were quarried on section 4, as also the large slabs lining and covering tlu' vaults of the Aledo bank. From the shale above the coals of Greene township and the over- laying limestones are gathered nearly every species of our ^Mercer ceunty coal measures fossils ; in fact, the fossils found in this township 656 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HEN'DERSON COUKTIES. are the typical fossils of the coal measures in the county. It would be tedious and uninteresting for many of your readers were we to name a tenth part of these interesting relics of a by-gone period of our earth's growth, which have only in recent years possessed anything of interest or signiticance to human understandings ; but we will say, in general terms, that in addition to those already noted above, we find some species of the nautilus, the goniatite, the straparolus, murchisonia, pleurotomaria. bellerophon, productus. and several varities of cren- oidise. more or less broken and fragmentary. Of fossil ferns, some of them very well preserved, we have several species, while fragments of the rhododenden and sigillaria. with the roots of the latter (stigmaria), are common trophies of our amateur collectors. That inany of the monster mammals of the quarternary period once had a home in our neighborhood and roamed over the then marshy and fern-clad plains, which now constitute the high rolling prairie and grass-covered valleys of Greene township, there can be but small doubt. Their bones, which were buried here in that distant age, are now and then recovered from their unmarked burial grounds, and stand as witnesses of their former occupancy of the soil. In my cabi- net are a part of a tooth of the mastodon, and a large and well-pre- served tooth of the elephas primogeneous (0 found on section 3 in this township. The locality where found bore evidence of having been in former times a marsh or swamp, and the evidences from the place and its surroundings are strongly suggestive that the monsters whose teeth now grace my cabinet died where the teeth were found. EARLY SETTLE:MENT. ^ Tlie first actual settler in what is now known as T. 14, R. 2, west of the 4th P.M., was David Williams, who came in 1836 and entered a claim on the S. W. J of Sec. 14. In the following year came Xathan McChesney, who located in the eastern part of the township, and Thomas Weir, who located in section !♦. In the spring of 1839 John Collins, formerly a resident of Columbiana count v, Ohio, came from the eastern part of the county, where he had located in 1837 near the present site of Joy. !Mr. Collins located on the W. ^ of ^. E. ^ of Sec. 15. He erected a log cabin about twenty rods east and on the opposite side of the road from the present residence of his son, William P. Tlie last vestige of this rude habitation has disappeared, and immediately over the spot daily passes the "iron steed, switler tlian eagles fly." In the same year came John Cowden, who located on the N. W. ^ GREENE TOW.NSIIII*. 657 of Sec. IT ; William Brownleo, who located on the N. E. ^ of Sec. 17; John Linn, who located on S. E. J of Sec. 14; and Elijah Stewart, who bought the claim of David Williams. John Caniahan, Sr., for- merly of Mercer county, Pennsylvania, came and located on section 18. His sons, AVilliam and David, and his son-in-law. Frank Anderson, took claims in the same section. William Pinkerton, Sr., came in 1S40, and also settled on section 18. John Walker also came at a very early day. The Park family came in 1889. George McFerren, Matthew Doak, and Henry Griffin were also among the early settlers of the townshij). Charles Durston was the first white child born in the township. Although the strong armed pioneer experienced many hardships, privations and difficulties, his life was not destitute of sunshine. His rude log cabin, with its inmates, was as dear to him as though it had been a palace. After a hard day's work in the ''clearing,'' he would retire to rest with his loved ones about him. and was rewarded for his toil by a night of sound sleep "Unbroken by tbe woli's l(jng howl, Or the panther springing by." Being neighbors and companions in a wilderness cut off from civil- ization, a genial spirit of friendship generally existed among the set- tlers, and a neighbor was as welcome to share the rude comforts of the pioneer's cabin as a brother. Xor did the settlers lack for amusement. "Corn huskings," "spelling schools," "taffy pullings," and "shooting matches," were frequent, young and old pai'ticipating, and on the "puncheon floor" the young men and blushing maidens trip|)ed the "light fantastic toe" as merrily, if not as gracefully, as the more accomplished dancers of the present day. AVhile the traditional "back woods' tiddler" patted the fioor with his number ten "cow- hides," and made the log cabin ring with such melodies as the "tisher's horn-pipe," and the "devil's dream." If a "new-comer" desired to build a house, he had the services of all the settlers in the surrounding neighborhood at his disposal. Car- pentering was then in its sim])licity, a broad-ax, an auger, and a cross-cut saw constituted a set of cai*penter"s tools, ami out of a }>ile of logs of various sizes a cabin was soon constmcted, the cracks "chunk and dobbed," with a kind of mortar made of clay and prairie grass. A chimney and fire-[>lace made of the same material, and the house was ready for its occupants. One of the worst enemies the settlers had to c(mtend with was the prairie tire. Hunters would frecpiently set tire to the tall grass, which. 658 HISTORY OF >rERCER AXD HENDERSON (jOUNTIES. in the fall, would readily ignite ; the prairie would soon be a sea of Hame, and woe unto the unlucky farmer who had not taken the proper precautions to protect his property. These ftres were sometimes arrested in their flight by the settlers, who would turn out and ''flght them. " Mr. AV. P. Collins states that be, in company with his father, brother, and several neighbors once fought a fire from Saturday until Sunday night, without food, water or sleej). The manner in which this was done was to plow a furrow in front of the fire, and then burn the grass between, being careful in the beginning to prevent the grass on the opposite side from igniting. The people also experienced great difficulty in getting breadstufi". Mills being scarce, they were frequently, in case of bad weather, com- pelled to manufacture their own meal, which was done by grating the corn while on the ear. Corn bread and pork constituted the bill of fare. William Terry was also one of the earliest settlers in Greene town- ship, having came in 1836, from New York state. lie entered in all about 440 acres of land, 160 of which was entered in his son's name. Mr. Terry is now nearly eighty-four, and is apparently as rugged as when the writer first saw him a score of years ago. His mind is as clear and his memory as retentive as in his boyhood. He is familiarly spoken of as "Uncle Billy.'"' During an interview with this venerable gentleman, the writer listened to many amusing incidents illustrative of pioneer life. When Mr. Terry came to Mercer county, there was but one other settler in Ureene township. Game of all kinds abounded He states that he has seen as many as fifty deer in a drove, browsing on Pope creek bottom. Lynx and wolves were also very plentiftil. One evening, while driving his cows down to the creek bottom, he heard a rustling in the .bushes near at hand, and on walking up nearer to ascertain the cause, a huge black wolf sprang at him, with glaring eyes and open jaws. Uncle Billy sprang across a little stream that ran near by, and started homeward at a rate which he thinks was the fast- est on record at that time. He ari'ived safely at home, minus his hat. On the following morning he went back to the scene of the fright and found from its tracks, that the wolf had pursued him as far as the water and stopped. He was returning home one evening from Bridger's corners, where he had been transacting some business which had not gone to suit him. This rendered his feelings very unamiable, and as he was passing through Pope creek timber, his mind was very sud- denly diverted from his financial aftairs by the appearance of a large gray wolf, immediately in front of him and i-ight in his i)ath. He stopped for a moment, and the wolf raised himself on his haunches, GKEKNE 'rOWXSHII'. 659 and sat glaring at him in a very threatening manner. But Uncle Billy's eombativeness would not allow him to Hee, nor to turn from the path. He seized a club, started toward the animal, and it politely stepped aside, allowing him to pass, but he states that he kept one eye on his wolfshi]) until he disappeared in the distance. Mr. Terry states that the settlers in that })art of the county did their trading at Hender- sonville, Knox county, where they paid as iiigh as twenty dollars per barrel for Hour, and other commodities in proportion. His family once subsisted for several weeks on bread made from wheat ground in a coffee mill. The first religious services Mr. Terry attended in Illinois were held in the cabin of Mr. James Mann, in North Hender- son township. People then drove to church with ox teams. Hopkins Boone, now a resident of Viola, was the second settler in Preemption township, having located on Edwards river in the fall of 1835. Mr. Boone first made a trip to Illinois in 1830 and had decided to make his home in the southern part of the state. But on returning after the close of the Black Hawk war he found that locality tf)0 thickly settled to suit his ideas of a new country, and he accordingly came farther north. .Vt that time and for several years subsequent the county was divided into three voting precincts, his being called the Pichland Grove precinct. The polling place was then at the residence of a Mr. Parker in what is now Richland Gi'ove township. On election day in 1836 Mr. Boone, in company with a neighbor, walked to Mr. Parker's to cast their votes. On their arrival they fV)und fifteen or twenty settlers from other parts of the precinct who had congregated there for the same purpose. They had no printed tickets, and as not a soul of them knew the names of the electors, it was impossible for them to vote, and after laughing and joking considerably over their predicament they returned to their respective homes. Mr. Boone states that at that time there was no road leading north and south except an Indian trail, which could be traveled only oji horseback, and which lay between Monmouth and Rock Island. He states that there had been a state road laid out from Beardstown to Rock Island, but as there had been no work done on it through Mer- cer county it could not be traveled by wagon. Until after they had raised a crop the settlers were obliged to get their provisions from Knox and AVarren counties. In order to reach Monmouth by wagon they were obliged to go west to the Mississippi and there take a road running from New Boston to that place, which made a roundabout journey. For several years after locating at Farlow's Grove their nearest mill was one situated on the Cedar fork of Henderson creek in Warren 660 HISTORY OF IVIEKCER AJTD HENDERSON COUNTIES. county. As tliere was but little wheat raised the settlers were obliged to subsist principally on corn bread, and occasionally on ''• hog and hominy." As game was plentiful a piece of venison or a wild turkey frequently broke the monotony. Mr. Boone states that a drove of wild hogs was seen along the river in 1836 and some of them were shot by the settlers. Mr. Boone erected the first saw-mill built on Edwards river and did work for settlers for many miles around: He is one of the four remaining pioneei-s of Mercer county. He is a distant relative of the famous Daniel Boone, and like him, in his younger days, excessively fond of life in a wild country. He says the happiest days of his life were spent in a log cabin. In early times he could stand in the door of his rude habitation and look far up and down the river and across the country for miles, seeing nothing but prairie, mth here and there a belt of timber ; hills adorned with flowers of every hue, between which glided the silvery waters of the i-iver, and here and there herds of deer feeding on the plain. But what a change time has wrought. Civilization in its onward march has blotted out all traces of the cabin, and where the bounding deer dwelt and the wild flowers bloomed, are school-houses, dwellings and fields of gi-ain. The canoe of the swarthy savage is seen no more darting up and down the stream, while in the distance can be heard the shriek of the locomotive and the clanging of the church bells. He like many others has stepped out of the busy whirlpool of life, aud is living in quiet retirement. He has the satisfaction of knowing that he assisted in paving the way for civilization and for progress, and in his later years his memory loves to dwell on the past, which for him has been marked by many hardships and dangers, yet has not been without its pleasures ORGANIZATION. Greene township assumed organization in 1854. The name of Greene was suggested by John Collins, with whom General Greene of revolutionary fame was a great favorite. The first town meeting was held in a school-house that stood on a hill in what is now the eastern part of the village of Viola. John Collins was chosen chairman Ijy acclamation, after which Uri Smith was chosen moderator, and Henry Hoagland, clerk pro tern. The polls being opened the following ofiicers were chosen by ballott : Elisha Miles, supervisor ; Henry Hoag- land, town clerk ; William P. Collins, assessor ; Alexander McGauhey, collector ; John Frazier, overseer of the poor ; Samual E. Russell, John GKEENE TOWNSHIP. 661 H. Park and David Somerville, Jr., commissioners of highways; John Griffin and Henry Iloaghxnd, justices of the peace ; William T. McGauhey and W. P. Collins, constables ; Jeremiah Boyer, and David Somerville, Jr., pound masters ; Alexander M. Stewart, Van R. Har- riott, and C. Doty, overseers of highways. VIOLA. The village of Viola was laid out by Ford, Shepard and Perkins in 1856. As that time the old Air Line railroad was being surveyed through the country, and Viola was one of the points selected for a station. The name was conferred upon the infant village by Judge Perkins, and is said to have been suggested to him by one of his daugh- ters. In 1856-7 the judge erected the large brick hotel, supposing that a prosperous town would soon surround it. But owing to the collapse of the railroad scheme the great building stood almost alone in its glory for several years aftei', and proved to have been a very unprotitabte investment to the builder. The first business house erected after the laying out of the village was that of Dyer Ford, father of M. M. Ford, one of the proprietors of the town. Soon after, the Crosby brothers erected a building and opened up a stock of general merchandise. The tirst drug store was opened by Mr. Balkam. The postoffice was established in the village in 1856 at the residence of Samuel Perry, Mr. Perry officiating as postmaster for a short time, resigned, and was succeeded by Dyer Ford. The names of the successive postmasters down to the present time in the order of their appointment are as follows : B. F. Warner, resigned, E. S. Fugate, resigned, X. H. Pond, resigned, E. T. Crosby, resigned, E. L. McKinnie, removed, and V. R. Harriott. The latter named gentleman was appointed in 1880, and has discharged his duties faithfully and satisfactorily. For a period of nearly twelve years after the laying out of the village, but little growth or progress was made, but after the comple- tion of the branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad in 1869, it began to show some signs of life, and entered upon an era of prosperity and growth which surprised the most sanguine. In 1869 Park & McKinnie erected a handsome drug store. In 1870 Crosby & Phares erected a building in the same block. In 1871 H. B. Frazier built a handsome two-story store building 22x60 feet, and has since added twenty feet in length. In the winter of 1869-70 John G. Gilbert erected a store buildinii; and masonic hall on the corner of Shepard and Eighth streets. Since that time he has added two other handsome store-rooms, nuiking the entire building 6*^X64 feet. The 662 HISTORY OF ISIERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. first stock of hardware was put in by Y. R. Harriott, in the old hotel building. In 1869 an elevator was built bj Mack, Reynolds tfe Co., of Galesburg, which was operated by the Manning brothers. In 1880 E. J. Morgan also erected a large grain elevator west of the former one, which is now owned by Pinkterton Brothers. The capacity of this building is 20,000 bushels. During the winter of 1880-81, 400,000 bushels of corn were shipped from Yiola, which we presume was not exceeded at any point in the county. The village was incorporated Marcli 19, 1870, Dr. J. Y. Frazier, E. J. Morgan, Henry Allen, P. L. McKinnie, and W. K. Garwood being the first trustees. During the twelve years of her in- coi-porated existence Yiola has had a licensed saloon within its limits but two years. During that time king alcohol held undisjjuted sway, and with his polluting breath sent misery and wretchedness, want and despair into many households. With his subtle power he tore the dimpled arms of the laughing child from about its father's neck, and changed him from a loving father to a demon. Thanks to the unceas- ing labors of the temperance people, he was checked in his devilish career. They declared, through the ballot, that the saloonkeeper must go, and he has gone, let us hope, forever. NIGGER RIDGE. For several years previous to and during the war, the people in the western part of the township are said to have been large stockholders in the underground railway. A depot or station was established in the neighborhood, and many a dusky slave, fleeing from the cruelty of the master's lash, was by those kind-hearted people assisted on his way toward the star in the north, and owing to such humane acts, to- gether with the fact that the people in the vicinity were almost unani- mous in the most radical abolition principles, the neighborhood won the name of Nigger Ridge. Rather an uncouth nickname it is, yet one of which they may justly be proud. With it are mingled the recollections of the child being torn from the arms of its dark-skinned mother and sold at the auction block, of the cruel lash, of the savage bloodhound, of the four long years of war that struck the shackles from the arms of millions of slaves. FIRES. In June, 1865, the residence of Dr. J. Y. Frazier took fire from a defective flue, and was burned to the ground ; loss, $1,500. In 1866 the drug store of E. S. Fugate took fire, burning the north- west corner of tl;e building, and destroying his books and papers ; ,.-ar- JOHN LAFFERTY (JREKNK TOWNSnU'. 665 loss, about $80U. Owing to the timely assistance of the citizens, the building was saved from entire destruction. In 1878 the residence of B. N. Peck took lire, and, with almost its entire contents, totally destroyed. The dwelling was insured, and Mr. Peck received the entire amount. EPISODES. In February, 1881, the postoffice was entered, and stamps and reg- istered letters, amounting to $100, taken. The perpetrator was never captured. July 3, 1875, a large crowd assembled at Viola for the puqDOse of celebrating the Fourth, that day coming on Sunday. During the after- noon a crowd of miners got into a melee with the police, and a general row ensued, in which some bravery and a great deal of cowardice was manifested. Titus Snj^der, Samuel Park, and one or two others having been authorized to act as policemen, contended for a time with a howl- ing mob of infuriated drunkards, and, although severely handled, they succeeded in leveling half a dozen of the ruffians to the earth, after which quiet was restored. In the fall of 1876 George Parrot, a traveling salesman stopping at the village hotel, committed suicide by taking morphine. On the night of November 17, 1878, a burglar named Loth ringer tried to elfect an entrance into the dry goods store of H. B. Frazier & Co. George Goding, a brother of one of the firm, was sleeping in the store at the time, and was suddenly awakened by the cracking of glass in the rear end of the building. He seized his revolver and crept quietly back until he felt the cold air coming through the hole that had been made in the glass in the panel door. The head and shoulders of the burglar soon appeared, and he was in the act of crawling in, when Goding fired, the ball taking eftect in his breast. He turned and ran. across the street, where he fell and was captured. He was afterward sent to the state prison. ORGANIZATIONS. 77ie United Predjyterian Church — Was organized in 1855 by the Rev. Matthew^ Bigger, and was at that time known as the Twin Grove congregation. The names of the first trustees elected are as follows : John Mitchell, chairman ; W. P. Collins, sec:retary ; trustees, S. E. Kussell, J. B. Mitchell, and W. P. Collins. The membership then numbered twenty-eight, and was organized under the care of the Associate Reform Presbyter}^ at Monmouth. John Collins, John Mitchell, Sr., and Samuel Ross were members of the session. The :)8 666 HISTORY OF MERCER AKT> HENDERSON COUNTIES. first regular pastor was the Rev, D. C. Cochran, who was installed in the spring of 1857. There has been since the organization of the society about 325 members united with them. The present member- ship is 110. The largest number of members attending services at any one time was 130. The present pastor is the Rev. W. S. McClan- nahan. The present session is composed of the following-named members : Richard Gardner, J. C. Pinkerton, Leonard Hogg. Richard Aitkin, James Stewart, and S. E. Russell. The present trustees are : W. C. Breckenridge, John Ashenhurst and S. E. Russell. The Sabbath school in connection is in a very flourishing condition and numbers about 100 members. This congregation is one of the largest and most prosperous in the county. The church building was erected in 1857; in 1876 additional improvements were made. The entire cost of the building was about $4,500. Methodist J^jyiscojxil. — This society was organized in 1867. The iirst trustees being Delos Crosby, Jonah Flora, James M. Walker, E. J. Morgan, Elias Beachlor, George Griffin, and O. R. Morey. The church building was completed in 1870. The first pastor was the Rev. Theodore Hoagland. Owing to very imperfect records the data in regard to this organization are very meagre. The society was first organized by the Rev. J. Fleharty, who held meetings in the old brick school-house, and through whose earnest efibrts many converts were brought into communion with Christ. Congregational ChwcJi. — This society was organized in 1857, by the Rev. C. H. Eaton, who acted as the first regular pastor. The church building was erected the same year. The first trustees were : B. C. Perkins, Joseph Schofield, George Bolton, Thomas Merriman, John A. Hoft'man. This organization was in a very flourishing condi- tion until about 1865-6, but having been originally composed of mem- bers who had previously belonged to other denominations, it began to decrease in number and soon became practically extinct. Preshyterian.-=-Th\B, society was organized April 22, 1872, in the old Congregational church building, and was made up principally of persons who had formerly been members of the Edwards river congre- gation, and the old Congregationalist church at Yiola. The first pastor was the Rev. E. Robb, licentiate of Auburn, New York, seminary. The first elders were Russell Park and Hopkins Boom. In 1878 the society erected a church building at a cost of about $2,700. This building is pleasantly located, surrounded by a natural grove, and is an ornament to the village. The interior of the building is handsomely finished, and furnished to correspond. The congregation is in a pros- perous condition, and is at present under the supervision of the Rev. R. H. Fulton. GREENE TOWNSHIP. M >«»< Bethel Church. — About four miles west of Viola a society was organized in 1854, and was called the Bethel Free Presbyterian Cliurch. At the time of organization the membership numbered twenty. .1. R. Whittim was the first pastor, and the tirst trustees were James McClure, William M. (/arnahan, and John Carnuhan, The church was known by the above name until 1866, when slavery had ceased to Vje an issue and the name was changed to Wesleyan Methodist, and since has gone by that name. Lodge No. 577., A. F. and A. M., was organized July 16, 1867, with the following officers : Master, J. B. Longley ; Senior "Warden, B. F. Morey ; Junior Warden, S. B. Atwater ; Treasurer, Russel Park ; Secretary, V. R. Harriott ; Senior Deacon, Warren L. Smith ; Junior Deacon, Robert Park ; Tyler, M. K. Flory. F(jllowing are the names of the charter members : Allen Robinson, W. L. Smitli, ]\[. K. Flory, Edward Lynes, John J^)axter, Levi McLaughlin, Russell Park, B. F. Morey, J, M. Erne, Robert Park,V. R. Harriott, S. B. Atwater, S. R. Moore, W. D. Morford, J. B. Longley, Allen McLaughlin, Rich- ard Cooper. The Lodge was conducted under dispensation until 1868, when they received their charter. The names of the present officers are as follows : Worshipful Master, H. B. Frazier ; Senior Warden, P. F. Mauk ; Junior Warden, B. C. Bowers ; Treasurer, Russell Park ; Secretary, V. R. Harriott ; Senior Deacon, W. L. Smith ; Junior Deacon, J. E. Greenwood ; Stewards, Reuben Perry, M. K. Flory ; Tyler, J. B. Smith. The present membership of the lodge number forty-three. SCHOOLS. The first school in the towmship was taught by Elizabeth Collins, in the rear part of her father's (John Collins), residence, in 1840, which, during its existence, was kept up by subscription. The first public school building in the townshij) was erected in 1842, and stood on a hill in the eastern part of the village of Yiola, north of the ])resent site of the steam mill, and was used until 1856, when a two story brick build- ing was erected, about forty rods southwest of it, which was occupied until 1871, when the large increase in attendance made it necessary to erect a new and larger building. Accordingly, the people of the dis- trict held a meeting, for the purpose of ascei'taining the sentiment in regard to it, and it was decided to jvroceed at once with the work. Dr. J. V. Trazier drew up and submitted to the meeting a plan for the proposed building, which was ado})ted, and Delos Crosby employed to superintend the construction of the same. The grounds selected upon which to erect the building are in block 114, where two lots were pur- chased, at a cost of about $500. The building, one of the best in the i^6S HISTORY OF ^IKRCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES, « county, WHS completed in IS 71, and school opened in the fall of that year, Miss Sarah Hayes being the first principal. For reasons which might be mysterious to some and transparent to others, the accounts of the expenditures on the building were very imperfectly kept ; in fact they were not kept at all, and the people of the district are to-day ignorant of the cost of their school edifice. An investigating commit- tee was once appointed to look into the matter, but their labors were rewarded by the same success that usually attends such eft'orts. They were obliged to guess at both the cost of the building, and the disposal that was made of the public funds. We will state that their opinion in regard to the former, but will withhold it in reference to the latter. According to their estimate, the building, including grounds, cost about $7,000. The building is two stories in height, the main build- ing, .")4x32 teet in size, and the wing 17x20. It is divided into four departments, which are designated in alphabetical order, beginning at A. Mr. S. P. Wiley, of Aledo, is the present })rincipal, and is con- vducting the school to the entire satisfaction of the j)eople of the district. THE CEMETERY. The cemetery is located about a half a mile north and west of the village. The around was donated to the United Presbvterian church by -lohn Collins. The first burial that took place here was the remains of John Kennedy. It is now used as a public cemetery and has recently been enlarged. It is admirably located on gently rolling ground, and is surrounded by a grove of forest trees. In visiting this burial place one is struck by the surrounding beauty, by the hallowed stillness, broken only by the twittering of wild birds, and cannot but realize how well the loca- tion was chosen. John Collins, the donor, is buried here. The cemetery in connection with Bethel church was established in 185(5 on land donated by William and Porter Carnahan. It is k)cated in section 18, and is used is a public burial place. THE VIOLA VINEYARD. Prominent among the places of interest in Mercer county is the vineyard owned by J. M. Erne, contiguous to the village of Viola. In 1875 Mr. Erne purchased twenty-two acres of timber land, joining the village on the north and east, and by ceaseless labor and excellent man- agement he has removed the timber and is now the proprietor of the largest vineyard in the county. Pie carries on the business in a scien- tific and skillful manner. The hillsides facing the southeast are orna- mented by rows of vines, numbering in all about (>,000, and consisting GRKKXE TOWNSHIl'. (iCl* of about thiitv varieties of grapes. In 1880 these vines produced about lift J tons of fruit. In addition to these lie has about r)00 apple trees, among which about twenty varieties of apples are represented. He also has about fifteen different varieties of strawberries, six of raspberries and three of cherries. He is experimenting with German prunes and several other kinds of fruit which have heretofore been unknown in the American vineyards. Among the novelties to be found in his vineyard is the '' Viola Crab," which is indebted to Mr. Erne for its name, and which is des- tined to figure prominently among the tine fruits of the country. The tree from which the grafts were taken was discovered by ]\Ir. Erne in the timber south of Viola, and seemed to be a cross between the tame apple and wild crab apple. The fruit resembles the Roman stem in shape and color, and Mr. Erne thinks it superior to any fruit of the crab genus in existence. This fruit is supposed to be transcendent. Mr. Erne is carefully cultivating this novelty and thinks his labor will be rewarded by his being known as the disco verei* of a fine species of fruit. He is also experimenting with seedling grapes and the result of his experiments are several new varieties of that delicious fruit, upon which he has not yet conferred names. He has developed an extra fine white, and a fine copper colored fruit, and also a kind that grows in very compact- clusters. He has also developed a seedling peach that ripens early in July, called the Early Mercer. Mr. Erne deserves great credit for his perseverance and untiring- diligence in developing this fruit enterprise. He also manufactures large quantities of wine of an excellent quality. GREEN BOWER NURSERY. This enterprise, managed by James Ferry, is situated about fjur miles southeast of Viola. For manv vears Mr. Ferry and his father have devoted a great deal of their attention to fruit growing, and in 1889 James opened his nursery. It is handsomely situated and the trees and shrubs so tastefully arranged as to present a pretty view. The land on which it is located, consisting of about twenty-two acres, is rolling, the hills sloping to the south and east. Mr. Ferry keeps on hand about sixty varieties of apple trees, and a dozen of rasi)berries ; in blackberries he makes a si)ecialtv of the ''snvder" and "killina;'" in grapes of the '•'concord.'"' Of strawben-ies he keeps about ten varieties. Aside from these are fouiul all kinds of ornamental trees. The nursery is well protected on all sides by a natural grove of («ik 670 HISTORY OF MERCER AKD HENDERSON COUNTIES. trees. It is also ■well drained, and Matli these natural advantages, together with the enterprise and excellent judgment of the proprie- tor, we see no reason why it should not be a long-lived success. THE STEAM MILL. Early in the spring of 1869, an elderly gentleman, of suave man- ner, appeared on the streets of Yiola, introducing himself to some of the citizens as "William Cannon. His business in the village was to ascertain the feeling of the people in regard to having a steam mill added to their list of enterprises. After finding the sentiment favorable to his project, he very modestly stated that he would need a little pecuniary aid in constructing the building, and proposed that in case the citizens raised him $2,500, to proceed at once with the work. Enough kind-hearted gentlemen were soon found to make up the desired amount, and as security they were given a lien on the property. At the expiration of two years, the time when the money was to have been refunded, the double-barreled firm of Cannon & Cannon collapsed, and the wily creditors pounced down on the property. After gaining possession of the same they were informed that other parties held claims on the mill amounting to nearly $5,000. After liquidating these liens the property was sold to L. S. Hunter, the present proprie- tor, for $1,800. Just how much these philanthropic gentlemen realized from the speculation, except that the}^ had been swindled, is not known. WAR RECORD. In sending out troops to aid in the suppression of the rebellion, (Treene was not behind her sister townships. She furnished troo]:)s for the 8th Kansas, ITth Illinois, 30th Illinois, 45th Illinois, 65th Illinois, 83d Illinois, 8Ith Illinois, 2Tth Illinois, 102d Illinois, ISith Illinois, 140th Illinois and 53d Illinois, and 12th 111. Cavalry. Upon the alter of her country she laid her sacrifice. Some of her brave sons who had gone out full of life and health, had returned, sick and emaciated from the effects of hardships and exposure, to their old homes to die with their loved ones about them, while the graves of others are scattered over the soil of Tennessee, of the Carolinas, of Georgia, on the banks of the Mississippi, and on the shore of the moaning sea. The tales of their deeds of heroism have been "enshrined in song f' a stately shaft of marble has been erected to their memory, and tlieii- e]>ita])hs are written on the hearts of the American people. GKKEXE TOWNSHIP. 671 BIOGRAPHICAL. Among the many prominent men of wliicli Mercer county can boast, none are more deserving of the respect of her citizens than Dr. Jesse V. Frazier. Dr. Frazier is a son of John and Nancy (Veach) Frazier, and was born in Hubbard, Trumbull county, Ohio, February 15, 1824. Jesse remained on the farm with his father until eighteen years of age, when he went to Youngstown, Ohio, and began a course of study in the academy, and with the exception of two winters, during which he taught school, continued his studies three years. In the spring of 1845 he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. B. F. Richardson, who has since been made a professor in one of the medical colleges in Cincinnati. He studied in the office of that gen- tleman until the s})ring of 1847. when he and his father started for Illinois. Taking passage on a boat at Pittsburgh they went down the Ohio to Cairo, thence up the Mississippi as far as Keokuk, where they found the river clogged with ice to such an extent as to stop further progress of the boat. Walking across on the ice to the Iowa side, they walked to Burlington, where they hired a man to row them across the channel to where the ice was sufficiently solid to permit them to walk ashore. This, although a very perilous operation, was accomplished without accident. Having made their way to the Illinois side, they started toward their destination on foot, and arrived at Yiola on the second of March. They bought a farm one and a half miles from that village, and while the father returned to Ohio for the family, Jesse attended to putting in their crops. Shortly after the arrival of the family he went to Rock Island and resumed his medical studies in the office of Dr. AVinslow S. Peirce, now of Indianapolis. In the fall of 1847 he attended lectures at McDowel's medical college in St. Louis. In the latter part of 1848 he began practising in ^lillersburg, and in February, 1849, received a diploma from the Rock Island medical col- lege. During his studies in these two cities he distinguished himself as a student of more than ordinary talent, and in his final examination acquitted himself with the highest honors, and received the most Mat- tering encomiums from his fellow students and professors. In Septem- ber he was stricken with a fever which detied the contents of an apothecary store as well as the skill of any human physician, and for which there was no antidote nearer than the (jold mineHof California. He accordingly prescribed for himself a trip to that country. In com- pany with his friend Dr. Peirce he took a boat to New Orleans, and there took passage in a steamer bound for Panama. Shortly after landing in Gorgonia, he in company with several others stepped into a restaurant for dinner. Having partaken of the bountiful repast, he f>72 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. ])ut his hand in his pocket and made the startling discovery that his money was gone. Jlis pochet had heen picked. His feelings may easily be imagined on finding himself penniless in a strange land whose inhabitants spoke a language unknown to him. He went to the American consul, located in that city, and stated his ease and jDro- dueed his diploma. Having convinced that official of the truthfulness < >f his story, he received the promise of a commission as surgeon on the first vessel that would depart for San Francisco. The first vessel to come in was the ''Sea Queen," a British vessel from Dundee, Scotland, laden with coal. After being unloaded this vessel was cleaned up, bunks and berths put in and made ready for can-ying j^assengers. This completed she soon hove anchor and departed for San Francisco, in which port she landed on the evening of January 9, 1850. On his ari'ival here he was prostrated by a fever contracted during his stay in Panama. After remaining a short time he managed, with the assistance of a friend, to get to Marysville, where they lived in a tent until his recov- ery, when they went to a mining camp known as Rough and Ready, in iS^evada county, and began work in the mines. The Doctor remained here until September when he sold his claims and bought two ox teams with which he engaged in hauling supplies from Sacramento to the mines. In the spring of 1851 he again entered the mines, and remained until January, 1852, when he received an appointment as hrst clerk in the state comptroller's office, by his old friend Dr. Peirce, who Jiad been elected to that position. Ill health soon compelled him to abandon that pursuit, however, and he resolved to try his fortune in Los Angelos, where he embarked in the live stock business, which proved to have been a very lucrative one, and in which he exhibited great financial shrewdness. He continued dealing in stock until January, 1853, by which time he had accumulated about $10,000, and had resolved to return to Illinois. A treacherous partner, however, vetoed that decision by absconding with all but about $500 of the doctor's money, and that was consumed in paying detectives and vainly searching for the miscreant. Undaunted by this terrible mis- fortune, he went to Sonora and again entered the mines. In 1856 the doctor was chosen by the republican element of the county as a candi- date for the legislature, and although that party was in its infancy, and so decidedly in the minority as to render his election hopeless, he entered the contest with the same vim and enthusiasm that has ever characterized his actions. He "stumped" the eiitii-e district and came within eighty votes of being elected. May 1, 1857, he sailed for New York and arrived in that city about the last of the month. After spending several months visiting the princi])al cities of the east, he (iKEKNK TOWXSIIII'. 673 returned to tlie sucker state, wliich lias since been his liome. The doctor is a prominent member of the scientific and liistorical associa- tion of Mercer county, of which ortain, after which the guerillas, for such they were, beat a hasty retreat. A telegraph wire was cut and an engine 674 HISTORY OF AfERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. telegraphed for which nrnved ^Yithin an hour and the train proceeded on its way. Lieut. Robb afterward received a very complimentary letter from Gen. Rosseau, congratulating him and his brave little band that saved the train. In June, 1865, the regiment was mustered out at Nashville, Tennessee, and returned to Chicago, where after receiving their pay they disbanded. In October of the same year Mr. Frazier, in company with his br()ther-in-law% V. R. Harriott, embarked in the dry goods and grocery business in Viola. Since that time Mr. Frazier has been one of the most active business men in the county and has exhibited excellent business qualifications and great financial skill in all his undertakings. Mr. Frazier was married on July 4, 1864, to Miss Mary Robb, a daughter of Lieut. Robb, and is father of six children : John, Fred, Ada II., Xannie A., Edwin R., and Sadie R. Mr. Frazier is a member of Masonic Lodge, No. 577, with which he united August 24, 1871, and is worshipful master of that lodge, also a member of Horeb Chapter, No. 4, at Rio, and Everts Commandery, No. 18, at Rock Island. Mr. Frazier started out in the world with nothing in the way of wealth, but possessing an ambitious disposition, he has accumu- lated a large competence, besides winning for himself the reputation of being a successful business man. William P., son of John and Eleanor Collins, was born in the town of East Liverpool, Columbiana county, Ohio, in 18!^8. John Collins was a merchant in that village, and continued business until the spring of 1837, when he came west to Illinois. With his family and personal effects loaded on a flat boat, without sail or rudder, he floated down the Ohio river as far as Cincinnati. A buggy box, which was fastened on the roof of the craft, and the wheels, suspended from the sides by ropes, attracted attention on the voyage, and in passing steamboats was the subject of frequent jests. They were often asked if they intended, in case the river went dry, to proceed on wheels. At Cincinnati the clumsy vessel was exchanged for two bari'els of flour, and the family took passage on a steamboat, and arrived at New Bos- ton, without having encountered any mishaps worthy of note, in May, 1837. On landing, a gang of red men, loaded with fish and trinkets, came on board the boat for the purpose of trading with the whites. This circumstance reminded them that they were in a wild country. As the trials and liardships of the early settlers during the pioneer period will be portrayed in the general history, we will pass over tluit part of Mr. Collins"' life, and speak of his career since he arrived at the years of manhood. Mr. Collins was married in 1857 to Miss Mary R. Bradford, and is the father of ten children, nine of whom are living: Ella M., Clara A. (deceased), Lottie E., William R.. John B., Eftie J., OREKXK TOWNSHIP. G75 Samuel E., Charles H., Mary E., Mattie Bell, lie is a prominent member of the United Presbyterian church, witli which he united several years previous to the oi'ganization of the Yiola congregation. By hard labor and skillful financiering, Mr. Collins has acquired a large ])ropertv. Me has excellent advantages for stock raising, and turns his attention mostly to that business. Having come west wheti Illinois was almost a wilderness, he has lived to see cities and villages take the place of the log cal)in and the Indian wigwam. Where he once saw the bounding deer, and listened to the wolf's long howl„ are heard the shriek of the locomotive and the chiming of church bells. His father and mother now lie in the cemetery, north of Viola, and their quiet resting ])lace is marked by a granite shaft. Hand in hand they walked down the journey of life, shaiing its sorrows find its joys, and after a long career of usefulness Mr. Collins grew weary and laid down his burden by the wayside. Mrs. (^ollins remained on earth but a few years after, and they now lie side by side in death, leaving as a legacy to their descendants a noble exam])le, which, if followed, will win for them the respect of the entire community in which they live. Moses Iv. Flokv, wagon manufacturer, son of Jonas and Catharine Flory, was born in Harrison county, Ohio, March 1, 1832. In 1889, the family removed to Mercer county, Illinois, and located in what is now North Plenderson township. For a few years after locating here his father ran a saw-mill, located on Pope creek. While operating this mill, he did work for the settlers for many miles around, his being the only mill from the eastern part of the county to the Mississijjpi. Moses received his education in an old log school-house that stood about a mile south of the residence of James Bridger. This building was one of those traditional structures, with a puncheon floor, clapboard roof, and hewn seats. In 1844 Moses, then a mere lad, went to Galena, Illinois, and worked a season in the lead mines. In 1848 he went to Ohio, and worked two years at carpentering, near Toledo. Returning in 1850, he began working his sister's farm, which he con- tinued three years. In 18.)4 he again resumed car))enter work in company with John Longley, of Rivoli townshij). In August, 1861, Mr. Flory enlisted in Co. A, 30th 111. Inf., and was with that regiment in the battles of Belmont, Fort Henry, Donelson, Raymond, dackson (Mississijipi), Fort Gibson and Cham])ion Hill. He was taken prisoner at Fort Donelson, February 15, 1862, and was taken to Memphis, where he was kept twenty-eight days, thence to Tuscaloosa, where he remained three- months, after which he was removed to ^lacon, (ieorgia, where he was kept four months, and was then taken to Rich- mond, where he was paroled October 19, 1862, and sent to AVashing- 676 HISTORY OF >rERCKR AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. ton. tlience to Springlield, Illinois, and from there to Benton barracks, St. Louis, whence he was sent to rejoin his regiment, at Memphis. During a part of his imprisonment, he was under the care of the notori- ous Captain Wirtz, whose name will go down as the archfiend of American history. After doing duty at Eock Island eight months, he was discharged, and again i-eturned to his old home, having faithfully and bravely discharged the duty to which his country called him. In 1866 Mr. Flory located in Viola, where he built a wagon shop. Being naturally endowed with an inventive genius, lit- invented a revolving hay rake, upon which he received a patent in 1872. He began manufacturing for the wholesale trade in that year, and has no trouble in selling all he has the capacity to make. Mr. Flory is a prominent member of the A.F.A.M. lodge, I^o. 577, at Viola. Joseph A. Goding, son of Amos and Lucinda Goding, was born near Farmington, Franklin county, Maine, February 2, 1848. He received his education in tlie public and state normal school at Farm- ington, graduating from the latter institution June 4. 1868. In October, 1869, he came to Chicago, and taught school six months near Dunton, in Cook county. In the summer of 1870 he came to Mercer county, and began teaching in the "Brickyard""' school-house in Xew Boston township. He was married May 14, 1872, to Miss Sarah E. Xoble, daughter of E. J. Noble, one of the pioneer settlers of New Boston township. After his marriage he retui-ned to his native state, and farmed two seasons on the old homestead, teaching in the winter. In 1874 he again returned to Mercer county, and was employed as princi- j)al of the Millersburg public schools. He taught two years and three months in that village and then came to Viola, having been made principal of the scliools in that village. After teaching two years he bought an interest in the dry goods tirm of II. B. Frazier & Co.. and has been engaged in that business until the present time. The names of Mr. Goding's children in the order of their ages are as follows : Lena, Clara, Bertha, Delia, and Maurice R. He is a prominent mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church, with which he united in the fall of 1876. Van R. Harriott was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, in 1831. When he was ten years of age the family removed to Laporte county, Indiana, where they remained until 1846. In that year they removed to Mercer county, Illinois, and located near Norwood. Van worked on a farm in Greene township two seasons and then went to breaking prairie with an ox team, which he continued for several seasons. Tn the spring of 1859 Mr. Harriott, in com])any with a number of acquaintances, started across the ])lains with an ox team. GREENE TOWNSHir. 077 and arrived at I*ike's Peak in July, after a long, tedious journey. Soon after arriving there a company was formed, of wliich Mr. Harriott was a member, and tlie party began work in the mines. Xot being fortu- nate in h)C-ating their daiiiis. a part of the company returned to Illinois in September. In iSCidt Mr. Harriott enlisted in the 140th reg. 111. Vol. Inf., which regiment enlisted for a hundred days. From Dixon they were sent to Springfield; thence to Mem])his, where they did guard duty on the Memphis cV: Charleston railroad for about three months. At the expiration of that time the regiment came to Chicago, and from there were sent to ^Nfissouri, where they remained two weeks, after which they returned to Chicago and were mustered out. Mr. Harriott was married in 1852 to Miss ]\rary R. Frazier, a native of Trumbull county. Ohio. The fruits of the union are four children: Jesse C. (now of Sherman county, Xebraska). Lillian A. (wife of Frank E. Kitzmiller). Salina M., and Arthur V. ]\Ir. Harriott united with the Congregationalist church in 1.S77, and is also a Mason, having been initiated into its mysteries in 1865, and has twice been master of the Yiola lodge. In 18fi5 Mr. Harriott embarked in the dry goods and grocery business in Yiola, in comj^any with his brother-in-law, H. B. Frazier. In 1869 the firm dissolved, and Mr. Harriott entered the liardware and grocery business in the brick hotel building. In 1871 Mr. Harriott closed out liis business and engaged in farming on land half a mile south of the village, which he had bought in 18(38. During the years that followed he was engaged in various pursuits imtil the fall of 1880, when he again embarked in the dry goods and grocery business in company with M. K. Florv. He is now in the grocery business in company with John Ashenhurst, and the firm is doing a lucrative business. Mr. Harriott is the present postmaster at Viola, and discharges lus duties in that capacity to the entire satisfaction of the people. Fraxcis A., son of Henry and Sarah Hoagland, was born in Xew Bedford, Pennsylvania, April 5, 1838. In 1 846 the family emigrated to Mercer county and located in Greene township. His father was the first justice of the peace in the township, and, with the exception of a few months, held the position until the time of his death, which occurred in 1880. Frank remained at home with his ])arents until September, 1801, when he enlisted in Co. G, 30th 111. Inf. He was with that regiment during the battles of Belmont, Brittian's Lane, Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Corinth, Grand Gulf, Champion Hill, Ray- mond, siege of Vicksburg, and in the Atlanta campaign. He states that during the siege of that city the ])ic-ket lines were only about forty yards ajnut. and the boys in blue and those in gray exchanged remarks 678 HISTORY OF MERGER AJS'D HENDERSON COUNTIES. as familiarly as though they had been neighbors and friends instead of foes. He also |)articipated in the battle of Jonesboro and many other severe skirmishes. He was discharged at S})ringtield, Illinois, in August, 1685, after which he returned home and resumed his labors on the farm. For many years after he was engaged in breaking prairie. He was married September 21, 1881, to Miss Jane A. Storey, and now resides on a farm he recently purchased in section 28 in Greene township. John W. McCreigiit, son of Matthew and Elizabeth McCreight, was born in Adams county, Ohio, December 29, 3 828. In 1851 Mr. McCi'eight came to Mercer county and located at Sunbeam. In 1854 he purchased land in Section 31, Greene townshi]). In February of that year he was married to Miss Rebecca E. Nevius, daughter of William I. Nevius, one of the pioneers of Mercer county. It is sup- posed by the early settlers that Mrs. McCreight was the first white female child born in the county. The names of the children born to the couple are: Joel S., Walter E., William S., Henry A., Effie L. (deceased in her infancy), Lora N., and Louisa B. Mr. and Mrs. McCreight are members of the I'nited Presbyterian church, having united with that organization early in life. Robert Guthrie, son of Andrew and Susan Guthrie, was born in Dumbartonshire, Scotland, August 10, 1844. In 1849 the family emi- grated to Canada, where they remained until the fall of 1864, when they removed to Mercer coimty, Illinois, and settled in the southern part of Preemption township. He was married March 1, 1870, to Miss Isabella Stewart, a native of Scotland. The names of their children, in the order of their ages, are as follows : Jennie S. (deceased), Susie A., Minnie B'. (deceased), Andrew W., and Charles S. Mr. Guthrie is a prominent member of the United Presbyterian church, with which he united in 1869 at Viola. He owns a tine farm of 850 acres in sections 4 and 5 in Greene township. Robert M. Pinkerton, son of Joseph and Violet (Scott) Pinkerton, was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1841. In 1850 the family re- moved to Mercer county, and located on section 6 in Greene township. In 1859 Robert was afflicted with a severe attack of the gold fever, and consequently started for Colorado territory, with an ox team ; the party, consisting of several wagons and men, arrived at the foot of the Rocky mountains after a long, tedious journey of sixty-three days. Mr. Pinkerton iirst entered the Gregory mines, forty-four miles west of Denver, and joined in the great struggle for wealth. He remained in the mountains until the fall of 18()2. During his stay there he traveled over the ground where Leadville now stands, little dreaming of the GREENE TOWNSHIP. 679 fabulous wealth hidden under his feet. On returning home he turned his attention to farming and coal mining on his father's farm, which he continued until 1868, when he bought a farm in section 5 and began business for himself. Mr. Pinkerton was married in 1863 to Miss Caroline el. Breckinridge, and is now father of six chiklren : Archie M., Cecil, Guy, Robert C, Allie V., and Maggie Z. In 1877 he removed to Viola, and embarked in the grain and lumber business. Since that time his brother William joined him in business, and the firm pur- chased the elevator formerly owned by E. J. Morgan. Mr. Pinkerton is a member of the I.O.O.F., lodge No. 336, at Aledo, with which he recently united, and also a prominent member of the Methodist Epis- copal church, to which he has belonged since 1866. April 4, 1882, he was elected supervisor of the township, and being a man of excellent judgment will make an efficient officer. Matthew B. Kennedy, butcher, son of John and Margaret Ken- nedy, was born in Beaver county, Penns^'lvania, March 1-t, 1889. When ten years of age, the family emigrated to Moi-gan county, Ohio, where they resided until the spring of 1856, when they removed to Mercer county, Illinois, and bought land in sections 19 and 20 in Greene township. In 1857 the father died, leaving a family of four children, Brice being the eldest. The old gentleman was the first to be buried in the Viola cemetery. Brice remained at home with the family until May 3, 1861, when he enlisted in Co. F, 17th reg. 111. Vol. Inf , and was with that regiment at Fort Donelson. Shortly after this battle he was taken sick, and was sent to Cairo, Illinois, where he was detailed at the soldiers' home for a time, and then made provost-guard. He remained here about five months, when he again joined his regi- ment, then at Lake Providence, Louisiana. He went with the regi- ment to Vicksburg, and was again taken ill and sent to Memphis, where he remained about two weeks, when he and a friend stole away, got aboard of a boat and again joined the regiment. He was dis- charged November 3, 1863, and returned home and resumed his labors on the farm. He contracted heait-disease while in the service of his country, from which he has not yet recovered. Mr. Kennedy was married in 1866 to Miss Bell J. Carnahan, a native of Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, and is the father of six children, whose names, in the order of their ages, are as follows: Nannie A., Maggie L., David C, George M., John C, and Ralph W. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, with which he united in 1859. Frank E. KrrzMirxER was born in Mansfield, Ohio, July 19. 1848. AV^hen he was five years of age the family emigrated to Williams county, Ohio. Frank remained home with his parents until February 680 HISTORY OF JVtERCER ASD HENDERSON COrXTIES. 2:^. 1 684 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. the fruits of liis toil. In ISTovember, 1881, Mr. Pinkerton removed to Viola, where, in company with his brother Robert, he entered the grain and lumber business, having purchased the elevator owned by other parties, and the firm of Pinkerton Brothers are doing an exten- sive grain and lumber business. Dr. Ebenezer L. McKinnie, physician, was the son of Ebenezer and Ruhamah McKinnie, and was bom in the village of Cadiz, Harri- son county, Ohio, February 24, 1848. The family resided in that county until 1856, when they emigrated to Ogle county, Illinois, where they remained about nine months, and then removed to Millersburg, Mercer county, where they resided a year and removed to Crawfords- ville, Iowa. Ebenezer received his education in the high school at that place and immediately after completing his studies he began teaching in the adjacent country, which he continued until 1869, when he came to Yiola and began a course of medical study in the office of his brother. Dr. P. L. McKinnie, now of Moline. In 1871 he purchased the stock of drugs owned by Park & McKinnie and embarked in that business. In 1880 he received his diploma from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, at Keokuk, Iowa, and began the practice of medicine at Viola, where he has since had a very lucrative practice. The doctor was married in October, 1870, to Miss Mary E. Moore, a native of Mahoning county, Ohio. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, having united with that society at Crawfordsville, Iowa, in 1865. Oliver Ellis, farmer, son of Manoali and Deidema Ellis was boiTi in Berkshire county, Massachusetts, in 1808. The family on the father's side are of English origin, his great grandfather having emi- grated from that country at an early day and located on Cape Cod. Pie had five sons, one of whom was the grandfather of the subject of this sketch who spent his younger days on the sea. When Oliver was six years of age his father emigrated to Crawford county, Pennsylvania. Here Oliver resumed his education in a log school house two miles distant from his father''s cabin. Mr. Ellis was married in 1830 to Miss Mary Hill, a native of Pennsylvania. The pair had four children born to them, namely : James, Olive (now Mrs. Wilson), Calkins, Ph(jebe (wife of Jerry Mathews), and Amelia (wife of George Griffin), who re- cently died from injuries sustained from being kicked by a horse. In 1850 Mr. Ellis emigrated to Illinois and bought land in section 12 in Greene townshi}). For many years he performed his labors with oxen. By hard labor and economy he has accumulated a respectable portion of the world's goods to maintain him in his declining years. Russell Park, farmer, son of John H., and Elizabeth (Gottshall) Park, was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, October GREENE TOWNSHIP. 685 23, ISHl. His tather was born in Pennsylvania August 19, 1803. lie and his wife were both members of the old school Presbyterian church and their remains now lie in the cemetery at Farlow's Grove. The old gentleman was at one time a merchant in Milton, Northum- berland county, Pennsylvania, but in 1839 decided to try his fate on the broad prairies of the west. He accordingly loaded his earthly possessions into a country wagon and set out on his journey toward the setting sun, arriving in Mercer county in August of that year, and bought a claim near Edwards river for $150, erected a cabin thereon and began the laborious task of improving his farm. By the aid of his sons he had accumulated and was, at the time of his death, the owner of 520 acres of land. The first coal known in the countv was discovered on his farm, in 1840, and in 1845 he began to develop a mine. The Farlow's Grove postoffice was removed to his residence in an early day, and he was the first postmaster in Greene township, which position he held until the othce was established at Viola. Russell Park when twenty-one years of age purchased eighty acres of land from his father in the S. W. + of Sec. 3, built a house, and was married November 17, 1852, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Alexander and Margaret Ilenry. They are parents of the following named children : James, Russell, Mary, Elizabeth, Maggie, William A., Joseph D., Mary, Emma, Rachel, William Henry, John Alexander, and Julia E. ; of the these William A., John A., Mary E., and Joseph D., are dead. James is married to Miss Agatha Budlier, and Maggie to Stephen Farwell of Preemption township. In 1865 Mr. Park sunk a coal shaft near his house, and in 1873 a second shaft, opening up a four-foot vein of very fine coal, from which lie has taken as high as 50,000 bushels per year. Mr. Park has increased the original size of his farm to 300 acres, which he and his son carry on in connection with his coal business. He is a member of the masonic order, and with his wife united with the old school Presbyterian church. Miss Elizabeth Collins was his first school teacher. Without any educational advan- tages more than was afforded by the district school, he has made him- self an intelligent and successful business man. Pie has been four times elected to the office of supervisor, and was recently ap])ointed to fill the place of the incumbent, who is about to remove. ^Ir. Park is a man of worth in the community; kind, sociable and fair in his dealings, he is respected by all. William Stuart (deceased), the subject oi' this sketch, was born in county Donegal, Ireland, in 1814. In 1844, he came to America, making the voyage from Liverpool to New Orleans in a sailing vessel. From New Orleans he came u}) the river to New I'oston, 68fi HISTORY OF >rERCER AJTD HENDERSON COUNTIES, tlience eastward across the country. Being attracted by the fertile prairies of what is now Suez township, he purchased a claim and located on section 19. Mr. Stuart was married in 1S46, to Miss Jane Patterson, also a native of county Donegal, Ireland. Three ^ons were born to the couple, all of whom are living, and whose names, in the order of their ages, are as follows: Joseph, A. C, and Amzi. The subject of this sketch died August 6, 1881, of dropsy of the heart. The funeral ceremonies were performed at his residence, and the remains interred in the Xorwood cemetery. The large tract of land accumulated by the deceased, during his industrious life, is now under the supervision of his worthy sons. Georoe L. F. Robinsdx, attorney and teaclier, son of William C. and Fanny (Bouene) liobinson, was born in Siockb ridge, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, September 27th, 1832. His father had, in his younger days, been a teacher by profession, having been a precepter in the Attleboro academy, ^Massachusetts. He removed from there to Eutland county, Vermont, in about the year 1810, and engaged in the manufacturing business and continued about four years, and subse- quently removed to, and remained in, the birth place of the subject of this sketch, who, having received the advantage of a Xew England academical education, commenced teaching among the Berkshire hills, when a mere youth, and ha\ing had the advantages of parents highly accomplished in b(jtli nnisic aud literature, and also inheriting a gift of nature in that direction, early sought, with precocious intention, the fav.ored ^'ocations, for which he seems to have been so admirably adapted. Coming to Illinois when the school system of the west was in its infancy, he has for long years been prominently identified with those interests, and having enjoyed first grades from every superin- tendent in the county, also having acquitted himself with great credit in adjoining counties, and although a pioneer teacher, is live, progres- sive, and awake to the advancement that has, and is being made, in our present admirable school system. When the war broke out, Prof Ivobinson, although denied the privilege of becoming a soldier, was none the less active in furthering, by every means in his power, the triumph of right over wi'ong, as his record fully shows. It is no won- der, when we see his standing on the superintendent's record, that his services are being sought in this and adjoining counties, where he is teaching for the third term with the same success that has ever attended his eftbrt. Joseph Pinkertox, farmer, was boiTi in Chester county, Pennsylvania, Jimuarv 9, 1798. His father, William Pinkerton, was also a native of that state. His mother's maiden nanu- was Hannah Kennedv. also of <;reexe TiAVN^Hii'. 687 Peinisylvania. His grandfather. "William, was a native of I>on(lon- (lerrv. Ireland ; his grandmother on his fathers side was Elizabeth Criswell. also of Pennsylvania. The maiden name of his grand- motlier Kennedy, was Agnes McMahon. a native of Scotland, and his grandfather Kennedy was from Tyrone. Ireland. AVlien the subject ot this sketch was twenty -eight years old his parents removed to Trum- bull countv, Ohio, and there his fatlier died, at the age of eijrhtv-two, and his mother, in her eightieth year. He purchased a fann in the town of Berzetta, in Trumbull county, and was married in Howland, in March '2Z, 1827, to Miss Violet Scott, a native of Chester county. Here he had twelve children born to him. Their names, in the <.)rder of their ages, are: William M.. James S., Hannah L. (wife of Joseph Carnahan), John C, Jane G. (wife of Richard Cabeen). Mary E. (wife of Robert Cabeen), George W., Robert ^I.. Alice L. (wife of Hiram Dunlap\ Thirza A. (wife of Xe%vton Dunlap). !Margaret R. (deceased in her fourteenth year), and Amanda T. (wife of Otis Morey). All of this number came to Illinois bv teams, in 1850. and onlv the eldest dauirhter has removed from fiercer countv. she being in Kansas. In Ohio. Mr. and ^Irs. Pinkerton were connected with the Presbyterian church, and subsequently in Illinr»is. but that organization becoming extinct, they united with the Methodist church, at Viola. This ven- erable couple are widely known in Mercer county, and possess the respect of all. With them, the shadows of life are lengthening toward the east, and when the hour comes for them to lie down by the wayside, there will be many other mourners besides the sons and daughters they have reared, and to whom they leave a noble example. John C. Pixkkrtox. farmer, son of Joseph and Violet (Scott ) Pink- erton. was born in Trumbull county. Ohio. September 27, 1883. In 1850 the family emigrated to Illinois, and located in Greene township, Mercer county. ^Ir. Pinkerton received his educati>56 he bought eighty aores of land in sections 5 and 8, and began farming for himself. He remained here until 1875, when he purchased the farm formerly owned by D. Y. Cowden in section 1 7. By hai-d labor and good management he has accumulated 200 acres of excellent land and a beautiful home. Mr. Pinkerton was married in the spring of 1859 to Miss ^[ary J. Jackson, a native of Peimsylvania. The names of their children, in the order of their ages, are: Herbert AV.. Robert G., William J., John S.. and Riiymond. He is a prominent member of 688 HISTORY OF IVIERCER AJv'D HENDERSON COUNTIES. the United Presbyteriim church, witli which he united in 1870, having formerly been a Methodist. John C. Gardner, fanner, son of Richard and Sarah Gardner, was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, in March, 1846. AVhen John was seven years of age the family emigrated to Illinois, and located near Oxford, Henry county. He remained at home and assisted his father on the farm until March 23, 1864, when he enlisted in Co. C, 112th reg. 111. Yol. Inf , and was sent to join that regiment at Kene- saw mountain. He was with the regiment during the Georgia cam- paign. The regiment moved from Atlanta to Decatur, where they re- mained ten days, when Hood drove the union forces back to Columbus, where they held the rebels in check for a time. He also participated in the terrible conflict at Franklin and also the battle of j^ashville. after which they marched to the Tennessee river, driving Hood before them. Here they took transports and went to Cincinnati, thence to Columbus, and thence to Alexandria, Virginia, by way of Washington. They remained eleven days, and were then sent to Fort Fisher, JSTorth Cai-olina. After this Mr. Gardner was with liis regiment during the battles of Wilmington, North Carolina, and Fort Anderson, After a series of skirmishes the army arrived at Raleigh, and was there during the review. He was discharged in July, 1865, at Raleigh, with the 65th reg. 111. Vol. Inf., having been transferred to that regiment a short time previous. After his discharge he returned home, and began farming in Mercer. Mr. Gardner was married December 24, 1869, to Miss Rebecca H. Carroll, a native of Milbrook, Mercer county, Penn- sylvania. The names of Mr. Gardner's children, in the order of their ages, are as follows: William W., Edith B., and Harry C. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, with which he united in 1869. John G. Gilbert, son of Henry and Sally A. Gilbert, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, June 12, 1845. In 1856 the family came to Illinois, and bought land in section 35 in Greene township. John remained at home, working on the farm, until seventeen years of age, when he enlisted in Co. F, 140th reg. 111. Vol. Inf, and was discharged October 27, 1864. In 1866 he began working at the carpenter trade with E. J. Morgan, with whom he learned the trade. In 1869 he em- barked in business for himself, the first contract being the residence now owned by A. Park. Since that time he has erected buildings in Mercer, Warren, Knox, Henry, and Rock Island counties. His su})e- rior workmanship is testified to by all who have secured his services. In the winter of 1869-70 he erected a business house on the corner of Shei)ard and Eighth streets in Viola. Since that time he has con- GREENE TOWNSHIP. 689 stnicted extensive additions to tlie original corner building, and is now the owner of three handsome store-rooms, forming a building 04x04 feet. In 1878 he erected a handsome residence in the eastern part of the village, where he now resides. Among the silent testimonials of his mechanical skill, are the residences of Robert Park (two miles north of Viola), Mrs. Mauk (at Suez), also those of S. E. Russell, Mrs. Bissell, and the Presbyterian church at Viola; also the school building and two churches at Cable, the former being the finest of its kind in the county. Mr. Gilbert was married in December, 1872, to Miss Lizzie Ramsey, a native of Tennessee, and is the father of two children, Vinnie R. and Harvey. B., aged eight and six years. He is a member of the masonic lodge. No. 577, at Viola, with which he united in 1869, also a member of Horeb Chapter, No. 4, at Rio. Jacob, son of John P. and Christine E. Krause, was born in Baden, Germany, near Munheim, June 3, 1842. In 1844 the 'family emi- grated to America, and located in Bennington, Wyoming county, New York. Jacob remained at home assisting his father on the farm until the fall of 1861, when he turned his face toward the setting sun and landed in Richland Grove townshij), where he farmed until August 8, 1862, when he enlisted in Co. C, 102d 111. Inf., and was with that gal- lant regiment at Resacca, Cassville, Newhope church, Kenesaw Moun- tain, ('hattahoochee Heights, Peachtree creek, and in the Atlanta cam])aign in all its marches and hardshi})S while defending the integi"ity of the country's flag. He was discharged June 14, 1865, 'at Chicago. July 4, 1866, Mr. Krause was married to Sarah L. Tenney, a native of Mercer county, by whom he is the father of six children: Millie M., William S. (deceased), Ora L., Jennie L., Maud M., and Clara A. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, with which he united in 1869, at Oxford. Samuel E., son of William and Ann (Stuart) Russell, w^as born in Trumbull county, Ohio, April 11, 1819. At the age of twenty-three he came to Illinois, and entered land in section 23, Greene townshi]). For fifteen years after locating in Greene township, Mr. Russell worked at wagon making, having erected a shoj) near the site of his present residence. In 1857 he abandoned that business and commenced im- proving his farm, and since that time has devoted his entire attention to farming and stock raising. Mr. Russell was married in 1844 to Miss Ann Collins, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of John Collins, one of the pioneer settlers of the county. In 1852 his first wife died, and in September, 1854, he was again married to Miss Eftie Cabeen, of Ohio Grove township. The fruits of the latter union are seven children: Annie ('., Maggie J., Mary (deceased in her ninth year), 690 HISTORY OF MERCEK AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. Eunice, James E., Eicliard, and William C. Mr. Russell is a member of the United Presbyterian church, with which lie united in 1846, at what is now known as Sunbeam. Wlien the Viola cono-reeration was organized, he united with them and has since been prominently iden- tiHed with that society, and has been one of the pillars of the church. During the rebellion Mr. Russell used all his iniiuence toward promot- ing the union cause, and lias always been a staunch republican. Through economy and industry he has accumulated a respectable por- tion of the world's goods, and is a citizen of worth in all respects. He is not an office seeker, but on the contrary has refused being a candi- date when his numerous friends have urged him so to do. His deeds of good are done in a quiet, unassuming way, as he does not care to win the approval of the public, but derives his satisfaction from the consciousness of having done his duty. William' C, son of James and Hannah Gillespie, was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, December 13, 1829. In January, 1853, he came to Illinois and located in Mercer county. In 1854 his father came and bought land in section 12, Mercer township. In the spring of 1860 William went to Colorado where he engaged in the mining business, in Russeirs gulch, near Central City. He remained there until December, 1861, wdien he returned to Moline, Illinois. He desired to enlist but the quota of Illinois being full at that time he went to Leavenworth, Kansas, and enlisted in Co. H, 8tli Kan. Inf. He remainecl with that regiment about sixteen months, when he was discharged on account of liaving very sore eyes. He returned to Illinois, and his eyes becoming better under medical treatment, he again enlisted in the 140th 111. Inf , and was with that regiment until they were mustered out. Mr. Gillespie was married February 22, 1871, to Miss Sarah M. Decker, a native of Mercer county. The names of their children, in the order of their ages, are: Hannah M., John C, and Ida E. He in a member of lodge No. 252, A.F.A.M., with which he united in 1865, at Aledo. Ammi Bissell (deceased) was the son of Porter and Margaret Bissell, and was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, in 1833. In 1854 the family, consisting of the fathei*, mother and six childi'en, came to Mercer county. Ammi tirst bought land of John Geiger in section 1, in Greene township, and began farming for himself During the war he availed himself of the excellent op])f)rtunities the prices then afforded to either make or break, and began dealing in stock. During the remaining years of his life he dealt largely in live stock, and added every year to his large tracts of land. Mr. Bissell was married in May, 1857, to Miss Mary McKennan, and the couple had five children born GREENE TOWNSHIP. (591 to them, whose names in the order of their ages are: William H., Cleon (deceased), John L. (deceased), Ethelbert, and Frank. Mr. Bissell was an excellent financier, and by shrewd manai>;ement he accumulated a large amount of property, having at the time of his death nearly 1,100 acres of land, besides a great deal of stock. He was a man who would trade for anything, and, altliough a close dealer, was never accused of dishonesty, or of taking advantage of the poor. He died from the effects of injuries sustained by being thrown from a horse, and was buried November 26, 1873. His death was deeply mourned by the entire community. Mrs. Bissell now resides in Viola, where she recently erected a handsome residence, and where she has a large circle of friends. William C. Breokeneidge, merchant, Viola, was born in Mahon- ing countv, Ohio, February 18, 181:3. Here the family resided until William was fifteen years of age. In 1851: his father died, leaving a family of six children, William being the second oldest. In 1858 the family came to Illinois, and bought land of John Geiger in sections 1 and 12, Greene township. In January, 1862, William went to Kansas, and soon after enlisted in a brigade that was being made up to send to New Mexico ; but that expedition being abandoned, they were consoli- dated with the 8tli Kansas at Fort Leavenworth. They first went to Fort Riley and then returned to the city of Leavenworth ; thence down the Missouri and Mississippi rivers to Columbus, Kentucky, where they landed and marched to Corinth and joined the main army. This regiment participated in the battles of Murfreesborough, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Franklin, and Nashville. Mr. Breckenridge did excellent service for his country, and was twice wounded. He was discharged in January, 1866, after which he returned to Mercer county and resumed his labors on the farm. He was married in 1868 to Miss Ella Gardner, and is now the father of five children, whose names in the order of their ages are : Frank O. , Ina (deceased), Almy, Edna, and Sue. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, with which he united in 1866. In 1877, he began business in Viola, first putting in a stock of groceries, but is now a member of the dry goods firm of H. B. Frazier & Co. Benjamin F., son of Charles F. and Polly Morey, was born in the town of McKean, Erie county, Pennsylvania, March 10, 1822. At tho age of nineteen he came to Warren county, Illinois, where he landed with $4 in money in his pockets, and an old suit of clothes, which constituted his entire stock of worldly possessions. He began working in a brick-yard in Monmouth. While in that city he was present at the trial of the notorious Jo. Smith, who had been arrested 692 HISTOEY OF MEECEK AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. for being accessory in the murder of Gov. Boggs, of Missouri. He remained in the vicinity of Monmouth about tliree years, working at various pursuits in the summer and teaching in the winter. He was a member of the first board of supervisors in Warren county in 1854. Mr. More}' was married March 12, IS-tl:, to Miss Philetta Higgins, a native of Vermont. He was a resident of Warren county until the spring of 1861, when he removed to Mercer county and bought land in sections 26 and 27, Greene township. In the spring of 1864 he was elected supervisor of the township, and since that time has acted in that capacity for twelve years, the last two terms being chairman of the board. In the winter of 1864 Mr. Morey was appointed by the town- ship to attend to filling the quota of troops, in order to prevent a draft. He went to Quincv vested with the proper authority and arranged mat- ters so that no draft was made. The names of Mr. Morey's children in the order of their ages are as follows : Otis R. (now a resident of Audubon county, Iowa), Orinda O. (wife of W. L. Smith, deceased in her thirty -fifth year), Ella (wife of Charles Park, now residing in Cloud county, Kansas), Orlin, Oscar, Cornelius, Eunice, Lettie, and Dollie. Mr. Morey is a member of lodge ]^o. 577, A.F.A.M., at Viola, of wliich institution he was one of the first membei's. He is a member of no church ; but his wife and five of his children belong to the Methodist denomination. During his residence in Mercer county Mr. Morey has taken a prominent part in public affairs, and honesty and integrity have ever characterized his actions. William S., son of John and Martha (Wright) McClannahan, was born in Adams county, Ohio, January 26, 1836. His parents resided in that state until 1855, when they removed to Monmouth, Illinois, where tliey located a farm part of which was within the corporate limits of the city. William assisted his father on the farm until 1856 when he began a course of study in the Monmouth College, from wliich institution he graduated in 1860, and in the fall of that year entered the theological seminary at that place. After having attended a term in that institution he was employed as principal of the West ward school. About this time he became convinced that duty called him to another field of action where muskets instead of ferrules were in vogue, and consequently after teaching a week he enlisted in the 17th 111. Inf., and set out for the theatre of war. He acted as orderly in in that regiment until August, 186-3, when he was promoted to second lieutenant. Shortly after his ])romotion he returned to Monmouth, and resumed his studies in the seminary, which he continued until the spring of 1864, when a company was organized, composed principally of students, and of which Mr. McClannahan was made captain. This GREEXE TOWNSHIl'. fi93 company entered the 138tli Til. Inf., and were mustered out in Sep- tember of 186i. In the winter of lvS64 he again resumed his studies and C'onipk^ted them in the spring of 1865. He was then sent as stated supply to Dayton, Ohio, where he had charge of a congregation one year, when he returned to (xrandv' iew, Iowa, where he took charge of two congregations, and for two years was princijjal of the Grand view Academy. After remaining in Iowa four years, his services were engaged by the United Presbyterian congregation at Viola. lie has been pastor of that church since 1870, and during that time has won the love and respect of his entire congregation. Mr. McC'annahan was married Api-il 23, 1868, to Miss Mary J. Potter, whose fathei- resides near Wapelh), Iowa, and the fruits of the union are six chil- dren, whose names in the orde4' of their ages are : Victor A., Zenis H., May M. (deceased), Enoch Potter (deceased). Amy, and Paul II. It is well to add that four members of the McClannahan family enlisted in the service of their country. The father, Capt. Mc( lannahan, and three sons, the youngest of which was the junior member of a family of seventeen children. The father fell at Fort Donelson, where pre- vious to his death he had conducted himself with heroic bravery, and among all the dead who fell in that terrible conflict under the shadow of the banner they made free, none were more deeply mourned than the gray-haired captain. John B., son of Edward and Rebecca (Reasoner) Smith, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1818. In 1848 the family removed to Delvalb county, Indiana, where they resided eight years. In 1856 his parents removed to Mercer county and bought land in Mercer towTi- shi]). Mr. Smith was married December 26, 1839, to Miss Margaret Boyle, a native of Knox county, Ohio. The names of his children are : Edward, Kancy Harriet (wife of Henry. Nesbitt), Randolph D., Jane (wife of Mark Cannum), JoliuE., E[)hriam ]>., Louisa (wife of David Robb), Perry A., Henry, William (deceased), Mary Elizabeth (de- ceased). Two of Mr. Smith's sons enlisted in the service of their coun- try, Edward in the early i)art of 1862 in the 88th lud. Inf., Randolph D. in 1864 in the 4r)th 111. Inf. Mr. Smith is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, with which he united in 1842, and is also a member of the A.F.A.M. lodge, No. 577, at Viola. Mr, Smith has been constable in the different localities wdiere he has resided for the past twenty-five years. He is a citizen of worth, respected by all who know him. Wallace W., son of William and Rachel Pinkerton, was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, ^laj 6, 1842. When an infant his father came to Illinois and entered aclaim on section 18, In Greene township. 694 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. The subject of this sketch remained at home until the fall of 1S56. In 1859 he went to Colorado and engaged in mining in Russell Gulch, near Central City, and remained there until the fall of 1861, when he returned to Illinois, where he farmed until August, 1862, when he enlisted in Co. D, 83 111. Int^ Was with the regiment but one year, after which he did detached duty, until tlie close of the war. In Sep- tember, 1863, he and his three companions rode up to a house in which were hidden seven guerrillas. A skirmish followed in which Mr. Pinkerton was shot in the hand, tearing one finger from the socket. They succeded in dispatching six of them and the company that was coming up behind captured the seventh. Mr. Pinkerton was discharged June 15, 1865, after which he returned to Illinois. During his residence in Illinois he has been engaged in farming and coal min- ing. He was married to Miss Elizabeth J. Carroll, who died in 1875. He was again married in 1878 to Miss Nancy Dilley. He is father of two children, whose names in the order of their ages are : Kate and Myrtle. Mr. Pinkerton is, at the present writing, still a resident of Illinois, but is making preparations to start on a long jour- ney toward the setting sun, and intends to cast his lot among the mountains of the west. lioswELL C, son of Roswell and Elizabeth Sexton, was born in Herkimer county, New York, in 1803. His parents resided there until he was nine years of age, when they removed to Meadville, Crawford county, Pennsylvania. His father and mother were both natives of Connecticut. During their residence in Meadville his father was the proprietor of a hotel at that place, and it was here that the subject of this sketch received his education. In 1832 he went to Centerville, in the same county, and was married there in 1833 to Miss Mary Peek, a native of New York. He remained in Pennsylvania over twenty years after his marriage. In 1857 he came west and located near Ox- ford, Henry county, where he remained until 1860, when lie came to Viola and began keeping hotel in the Perkins building. The names of Mr. Sexton's children, in the order of their ages, are: William H., now county clerk in Warren county; Prior B., who resides on a farm near Viola ; Amelia, deceased in her eighteenth year ; Dora, wife of H. Southwell, present superintendent of schools in Rock Island county; Theodore F., who resides in Viola; and Dora, wife of L. Menold, also of Viola. Two of Mr. Sexton's sons enlisted in the service of their country, in defense of the princi})les they ever held dear. William enlisted in August, 1862, in Co. D, 83d 111. Inf , and Theodore in March, 1865, in the same regiment and coni})any. William was quar- termaster of his regiment, and acted in that capacity until the close of GREENE TOWNSHIP. 695 the war. The family are all prominent members of the Presbj'terian church, with which the father united in 1828. Mr. Sexton and sons are all citizens of great worth, and are univ^ersally respected. The old people are well advanced in years, and can look back over the pathway of life with })leasure, and console themselyes with the thought that for their sons and daughters they leave as a legacy a noble example, a spotless name. George W., son of Joseph and Violet (Scott) Pinkerton, was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, January 3, 1889. When eleven years of age his father's family emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois. George re- mained at home on the farm until August, 1861, when he enlisted in a company at Rock Island which was attached to the 14th Mo. Inf., and was sent to Lexington. In the battle of that place the company was taken prisoners, and shortly afterward were paroled and sent to St. Louis where they were discharged. Mr. Pinkerton returned home and remained until July, 1862, when he again enlisted in Co. D, 83d 111. Inf., and w^as with that regiment until it was mustered out in July, 1865. L^RBAN D., son of Merritt A. and Betsy G. Lathrop, was born in Chenango county, New York, December 5, 1848. When two years of age his parents emigrated to Waukegan, Illinois. Aftei- remaining here about three months they removed to Bureau county. Soon after his father began work in the ministry, as a local preacher, in the United Brethren chui'ch, and since that time has devoted about twenty- five years of his life to ministerial labor. L^rban remained at home on the farm until February 6, 1865, when, although a mere lad, he left school and enlisted in Co. A, 151st 111. Inf , and was discharged in February of the follo\\'ing year at Springfield, Illinois, after which he returned home and resumed his labors on the farm. The following winter he went to Linn coimty, Iowa, where he began a course of study in the college at that place. In February, 1872, having received his license from the Wesleyan Methodist church, he took charge of a cir- cuit in Bureau county. In 1878 he received a call from the Hopewell and Hamlet circuit in Mercer county, and he accordingly located in the parsonage at Bethel three miles west of Viola. Mr. Lathrop was married October 15, 1871, to Miss Sarah C. Cartwriglit, a native of Indiana. The fruits of the union are five children, whose names, in the order of their ages, are as follows: Arme P., Elmer P., Urban C, John M., and Ora E. Mr. Lathrop is ])resident of the Illinois confer- ence, to which he was elected the third term, in the fall of 1881. John, son of Samuel and Xehusta Griffin, was born in the town of Lee, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, March 29, 1795. He remained at home with his parents until seventeen years of age, when he went 696 HISTORY OF FIERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. to Athens, New York, where he was apprenticed to learn the weaving trade. He followed that business until nineteen years old, when he was drafted, and, with a New York regiment, sent to Brooklyn Heights, where he took part in the war of 1812. He was married in 1816 to Miss Mary Hoag, a native Columbia county. The family emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, in the spring of 1841, and bought land in section 13 in Greene township. He lived on his farm until June, 1865, when he "was called away, leaving a large circle of friends and relatives to mourn his departure. His widow, Mary Griffin, still resides on the old homestead. She was born in Pittstown, New York, June 17, 1798. She united with the Methodist Episcopal church in 1821, and has ever adhered to the faith. She states that the family fi'equently walked to Farlow's Grove, a distance of four miles, to attend religious services. The names of the children, in the order of their ages, are as follows : William H. (deceased), Henry G. (now a resident of Henry county, Illinois), James M. (deceased), Sarah (deceased), Huldah G. (now the wife of Anson Calkins, of Henry county), Mary E. (deceased), Septimus, and George (deceased). The grim harvester has robbed her of many of her loved ones, and she will probably soon follow, leaving a noble example for those who survive her. Charles AV^., son of John and Elizabeth Southern, was born in Giles county, Virginia, in 1829. AVhen thirteen years of age his father's family emigrated to Cedar county, Iowa, where he remained until 1850, when he came to Mercer county, Illinois, and bought land in section 21, Greene township. Mr. Southern was married in 1851 to Miss Ruth Hoover, a native of Ohio. The names of their children in the order of their ages, are as follows : Catharine E. (now the wife of George Martin), Sarah E. (now the wife of Taylor Ashenhurst, I'esiding in Adair county, Iowa), William L., and Levi M. Mr. Southern devoted his entire attention to farming until March, 1865, when he enlisted in Co. A, 83d Ills. Inf. He was discharged September 11 in the same year. Mr. Southern has served as commissioner of highways six years and is an efficient officer. William, son of Thomas and Hannah Terrey. was born in Smith- town, Long Island, May 17, 1799. In 1808 his father s family removed to New York city. In 1811 William went to Ti-ov and remained one year, after which he went to Vermont, where he remained until the latter part of 1814, when he returned to Troy, and while there wit- nessed the peace celebration that took place in January, 1815. While in that city he was engaged as a clerk in a hardware store, which lie continued until the fall of 1836, wlien, owing to the state of his health he resolved to try a change of climate. Although his physician told GREENE TOWNSHIP. (597 him he coukl not live two years he still survives, and for one of his age is hale and hearty. He came to Buffalo bv canal and there took a schooner bound for Cliicago. When off North Point on Lake Erie a severe storm struck them and all the heavy articles, including a stock of hardware belonging to Mr. Terrey, was thrown overboard. This mishap left him without anything to speak of, and after reaching Chicago he came out to Mercer ccjunty and bought a claim in what is now section 36, Greene township, borrowing money at twenty-five per cent with which to make the purcluise. Mr. Terrey was married December J 2, 1824, to Miss Barbara Vanalstyne, a native of New York, born December 16, 1806. The fruits of the union was four chil- dren, all of whom are dead, and whose names are as follows : Mary E. (deceased February 22, 1826), Isaac B. H. (deceased September 17, 1833), Catharine A. (deceased May 11, 1837), and Emily, (deceased July 24, 1840). James AVilliam, adopted shortly after the death of Mary E., was born February 17, 1826. His wife, Barbara, died in August, 1866. He was again married in October, 1868, to Mrs. Chloe H. Burrill, a native of New York. In 1843 Mr. Terrey was elected county assessor, which office he held six terms. In 1849 he was elected county treasurer and served four years in that capacity. AVhen he first assessed Keithsburg there were but three houses in the village. Warren L., son of Uriah and Rhoda Smith, was born in Medina county, Ohio, April 27, 1842. The family, consisting of his father, mother and five children, emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, in 1851, and located on section 27, Greene township. His father, in early times, took an active part in public affairs, and was deputy sheriff during the years of 1856, 1857-8. Warren remained at home, assisting his father on the farm imtil February 15, 1862, when he enlisted in Co. B, 65th 111. Inf. In 1864, he re-enlisted at Louisville, Kentucky, and was with that regiment during all the terrible battles in which it took part. He was mustered out July 15, 1865, at Greensborough, North Carolina. He was married August 30, 1866, to Miss Orinda Morey, daughter of B. F. Morey, Esq., of Greene township. The fruits of this union are three children, namely : Arthur W., Charles L., and Nellie L. Mrs. Smith died January 25, 1882, in her thirty-fifth year, leaving a large circle of friends and relatives to mourn her loss, Mr. Smith is a member of the A.F.A.M. lodge. No, 577, of which he is a charter member, and was the first Senior Deacon. He is also a member of the Methodist Episco])al church, with which he united in 1867. George W., son of John* and Emeline Morris, was born September 25, 1853, near Keithsburg, Mei'cer county, Illinois. In 1879, he pur- chased the farm commonly known as the Cohran farm, in section 16, 698 HISTORY OF FIERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. consisting- of eighty acres. Previous to that time, he had made his home with his father. He was married March 13, IS 79, to Miss Anna Jolmston, daughter of William H. Johnston, of Preemption township. The names of their children are George L., and Frank. Mr. Morris is a farmer of enterprise and industry, and we predict for him a bright and pi"osperous future. Edwin, son of John and Emeline Morris, was born in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, in 1849. He came west with his father in 1851, and has always devoted his attention to farming and stock raising. He was married December 12, 1877, to Miss Emma J. McFate, daughter of Samuel McFate, of Greene township. Mr, Morris, although quite young, has accumulated 160 acres of excellent land in sections 10 and 15. Lucius E., son of Israel A. and Emma Jane Smith, was born in Medina county, Ohio, December 24, 1844. In the year 1850 the family, consisting of the father, mother, and four children, emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, and located on section 27, Greene township. Israel, the father, and the mother, Emma J., were members of the United Presbyterian church, with which they united after coming to Illinois. The subject of this sketch remained at home until March, 1864, when he enhsted in Co. I, 83d 111. Inf., serving with that regi- ment until mustered out, after which he served two months in the 61st, being discharged in September of the same year. Married in April, 1872, to Miss Harriet F. Thompson, a native of Iowa. The names of their children, in the order of their ages, are as follows : Edith, Lyman, and Leonard. Mr. Smith now resides on section 28, in Greene township. John Morris was born in Somersetshire, England, May 27, 1816. His father and family came to America in 1840, arri\dng at New York on July 3. They came to Ohio, where the subject of this sketch bought a farm near Cleveland. On March 1, 1847, he was married to Miss Emeline C. Hicks, at Zanesville. In 1851 Mr. Morris and family came to Illinois, by wa}' of the lakes to Chicago, and thence by teams to Mercer county, locating near Keith sburg. His father died here in 1856, in his sixty-eighth year. After residing in Mercer county five years, Mr. Morris moved to Warren county, but again returned to Mercer in 1865, and bought a farm in section 9 in Greene township, to which he has added, by purchase, other land in the vicinity of Viola. Their children, named in the order of their ages, are : Yie- toria M., Edwin and Edmond (who are twins), George W., Clara, Eugene (deceased), Elwood J., Ida S., and Cora M. ; besides the above named, three sons and one daughter have been buried in infancy. COMPANY K, NINTH KEGUVffiNT. TOl COMPANY E, NINTH liEGIMEMT. The Nintli Illinois Regiment was one of the six regiments organ- ized at S|)ringtield for the three montlis' service. The regiment was mustered into service April 28, 1801, and ordered to Cairo, where it remained during the three months'' service in the brigade commanded bj Bridadier C. M. Prentiss. July 26 the regiment was mustered into the three years" service by Capt. Pitcher, P.S.A. About 500 of the three months' men re-enlisted for three years, and on September 1, iNOl, the regiment nund)ered 104:0. Se})tember o, 1861, the regiment was ordered to Paducah, where it passed the winter. During the winter exj^editions were made to Milburn, Maylield, A'iola, Calloway Landing, and elsewhere in Kentucky. Three hundred men of the ninth, under command of Maj. Jesse .1. Phillips, sin-prised and attacked a force of 200 rebel cavalry at Saratoga, Lyon county, Kentucky, killing eight, wounding several, and taking thirty-six prisioners, besides many horses and equipments. On February 5, 1862, the regiment moved up the Tennessee river to Fort Henry, and was in the 1st Brig., 2(1 Div., Army of the Ten- nessee, Col. John McArthur commanding the brigade and Oen. (\ F. Smith commanding the division. The brigade moved U|» the left bank of the Tennessee river, driving the rebels from Fort Ileiman and cap- turing all camp equipages and stores there. February 12 they moved to Fort Donelson, and were engaged in that battle with eight com- panies, sustaining a loss of 35 killed, 1(56 wounded and 6 prisoners. The part taken in this action by Col. McArthur's brigade, of which this regiment formed a })art, has no place in any official report of that action. His brigade, which formed a part of Gen. Smith's division, was detached to the support of the first division, commanded by Brig. Gen. McClernand, and was engaged on the right of our army during the lighting of Saturday, February 15, where most of the severe light- ing took place. February 22 they moved up the Cumberland river and occupied Clarksville. February 27 they moved to Nashville, and returned March 1. March 6 they embarked for Paducah and up the Tennessee to Pittsburg Landing, where they disembarked March 1!». The regi- ment was engaged at the battle of Shiloh, April (> and 7, and sustained a loss on the 6th of 61 killed, 287 wounded and two prisoners. Out of the twenty-six officers of field, stafit' and line, twenty-one were killed or wounded. The second brigade was commanded by I>rig.-(ien. Jolni McArthur and the division by l>rig.-Gen. AV. II. L. Wallace. 4(J 702 iiisTOKY OF :mercer and hendekson counties. During tlie advance upon Corinth the brigade was commanded by Brig. -Gen. J. R. Oglesby and the division bj Brig. -Gen. Thomas A. Davies. On the evacuation of Corinth the division, attached to the third armv corps (Maj.-Gen. John Pope commanding), pursued the re- treating enemy to Booneville, twenty-five miles south. They remained in camp at Corinth from Jure 13 to August 16, and at Rienzi, iifteen miles south of Corinth, until October 1. The brigade was engaged at the battle of Corinth, October 3 and 4, and sustained a loss of nine- teen killed, eighty-two wounded and fifty-two prisoners. After the engagement the regiment was ordered, one battalion to Danville and one to Rienzi, ft'om whence they were ordered to Corinth November 27. December 13 the regiment was ordered out on a reconnoissance to Gemtown, Saltillo, Tupelo, and Marietta, Mississippi. The brigade (9th reg. 111. Vol Inf., 81st Ohio Inf., 1st batt. Stewart/ s 111. Cav., and two guns of Tanrath's battery), commanded by Col. Aug. Mersey, captured seventy-eight prisoners and a large number of horses and mules. As originally organized, Alexander G. Hawes, of Belleville, was captain of Co. E, whicli was largely raised in Mercer county. William D. Craig, of Aledo, was first lieutenant, and Roswell B. Patterson, of Belleville, was second lieutenant. The first and last named served in their respective oftices until the experiation of their terms in 1S64. Wm. D. Craig was promoted June 8, 1862, to the ofiice of first assist- ant surgeon, and retained that position until the expiration of his term, August 20, 1864. T^ear the expiration of their term, the regiment was reorganized and consolidated, and Thomas C. Kidd, of Springfield, was chosen captain of Co. E, Thomas F. McClintock, of Aledo, first lieutenant, and Wm. P. Reese, second lieutenant. David D. Bigger, of Henderson, was surgeon ; Charles B. Fleming, of Keithsburg, was second lieutenant of Co. A, and was afterward promoted to first lieutenant. For some time before and after the consolidation, the regiment followed the fortunes of Sherman's bummers, as they were styled, through to Savannah, and north through the Carolinas. In all the 9th is credited with being in 110 battles and skirmishes. Thirteen of Mercer county's best citizens, members of Co. E, gave their lives as a sacrifice for their country's salvation. COMPANY (', TWEN'IT-SIXTH INFANTRY. 703 COMPANY C, TWEKT^'-SIXTII INFANTRY. This coinpanv was made u]) largt-ly of men from Millersburg and vicinity. The rest of the company was from Bond county. It was organized August 23, 1861, and mustered into service the same day. George W. Keener, of Bond county, was elected caj)tain, Thomas L. Vest, of the same county, iirst lieutenant, and James A. Dugger, of Millersburg, second lieutenant. Dugger was, upon the resignation of the captain, and again of the first lieutenant, promoted to each jjosi- tion, and in the otfice of captain he was serving when he was killed, July 16, 1863. James H. Comer, of Millersburg, served awhile as second lieutenant, and James Manies and John McAllister, of the same place, each served as first lieutenant. This company was, how- ever, considered a Bond county company, and in the main was officered by men from tliat county. Seventeen members, formerly residents of Mercer county, were either killed or met their death from disease contracted in the army. The !2Bth regiment was partially organized at Camp Butler, August 31, 1861, and were ordered to Quincy for the protection of that place. Their first arms were as primitive as could be desired, being simply hickory clubs. During the latter part of the year they changed their munitions of war to something but little better, the old English mus- ket. These did quite well, however, as they were not called u])on to put them into active use until three other companies (the original num- ber being seven) were added. The marches, engagements, skirmishes and privations, from that time forth, were all that the most lieoric could desire. At New Madrid the regiment was first engaged, after which Fort Pillow, siege of Corinth (Co. G of this regiment being the .first to enter after evacuation ), luka, siege of Jackson (where Captain Dugger was killed). Mission Ridge, were scenes of conflict in which the regiment was engaged. At the last named place the regiment suftered greatly, losing in killed and wounded one-tenth of the regi- ment. On June 1, 1864, there were only 515 men present ready for duty, of whom -163 re-enlisted as veterans. After a home furlough the regiment went on the Atlanta campaign, thence to Savannah, and finally through the Carolinas, and participated in the grand review at Washington. The general features of the marches and engagements are so fully given in this book, in the course of other regiments, that details and repetition are not considered advisable at this time. 7<»+ HISTORY [EKCER AND IIEXDERSON (OUXl'IES. PREEMPTIOX TOAVNSHIP. Than tlie township of Preemption, as the traveler now beliolds it, it would be hard indeed to conceive a place which attbrds scenes of greater beauty, homes indicative of more thrift, or resources more avail- able and giving stronger assurance of wealth and luxury ; so diversi- tied is its surface, so various its products. In the north are broad, fer- tile prairies, occupied by prosperous farmers, who have expended no little money in beautifying their homes. Indeed, the gently undulat- ing j)rairies invite irresistably to expend time and taste in ornamenta- tion, so fully do they revealand enhance every touch of beauty given them. They have accordingly been studded with tine residences, set amidst ornamental trees and shrubs and full-blooming orchards ; their rich acres enclosed with neatly trimmed hedges, whose dark-green con- trasts harmoniously with the broad fields of waving grain. In the south the surface is sharply broken and covered in ]:)laces with a heavy growth of jack-oak and hazel, but well adapted to pur- poses of grazing. Here also are found large quantities of excellent coal and Imilding stone. The Edwards i-iver affords perfect drainage to the entire township, besides adding to its varied beauty of scenery by the deep gorges and precipitous ravines cut l)v its numerous tribut- aries. Very different, but scarcely less beautiful, nnist have been this favored section when, in 1835, John Farlow^ and Hopkins Boone, in- short succession, with their families, entered and set about prepaiing homes. Then the ]>rairie stretched away to the north, brightened with the gorgeous hues of native flowers ; about him was the deep silence of a large white oak forest and all the rudeness and lonliness of the un- trodden wilderness. At their doors flowed the beautiful but treacher- ous Edwards river, its banks now rising rough and precipitous, now spreading out into broad, fertile bottoms. Instead of the busy sounds of labor, the cheerful voices of friendly neighbors, were heard the howl of the wolf, the cry of the wild-cat, the hateful rattle of the rattlesnake. Instead of herds of cattle, deer roamed the ])rairies and started from the thickets ; instead of the cries of domestic fowd were heard the wdiir of the grouse's wing, the whistle of the quail, and the call of the wdld turkey, while multitudes of geese and ducks covered the ponds in the bottoms of the Edwards river. Yet with all its rudeness, its beauty and promise must have foreshadowed to the mind of the pioneer the j resent prosperity and wealth of Preemption township. For nearly a year Jolin Farlow and rioj)kins Boone had no neighbors, there being I'REEMI'TION TOWNSIIIl'. 7<>5 no family between tliem and Rock river on the noitli, and l)iit one between them and Monmouth on the soutli. Tn tlic followinii; s])nng there came into tlie sctth-nient, with thrii- families, liev. John Montfj^omerv, a Presbyterian minister, and James Boone, from Pennsylvania, and from Indiana, (Tabriel Barklev, diristopher ^filler and Rev. Joseph Jones, a J>a})tist j)reaeher. Ihit they wei'e still isolated from any considerable settU'nient. for thert; was no road, the only line of communication being an LnUan trail leading from Monmouth to Pock Island, which could be tra\'eled only on foot or on horseback; there was no postotHce, no convenient market, no mill. Ihit this state of atlairs did not long continue; the natural ad- vantages of the location attracted settlers ;nid the increasing population and production demanded increased facilities for the transfer of emi- grants and the transportation of crops to market. In 1832 a road had been laid out from Beard stown to Cralena, fol- lowing the main route to the lead mines located at the latter place. This road, however, was impassable by wagons on account of the river banks being so cut out by the swift currents of the streams, until in ls;',7 the county built across the Edwards river, on section 34, a trestle bridge, covered with oak |)lank. The only other regularly laid out road previous to lS-1-0 w^as the state road, leading from New Boston, Mercer county, to a town in Henry county, now defunct, named Rich- mond. In 1838 there came into the noi-thern ])ai1; of the township Benjamin Clarke, David Little, John Beirbeau, and Charles Minick, settling on section 1 and 2, and E. J. Farwell, on section 14. Only those who went tlirough the trials of these early times can appreciate their se- verity. Xow" railroads intersect the county in various directions ; hard roads and good bridges make stations easily accessible ; mercantile enterprise brings the products of the best mills and factories to one's very doors. Not so at the earlv davs of which we write. Then the settler must go long distances to mill with his grist, and there wait his turn to have it ground. The particular settlers of whom we write, were obliged to go to Monmouth to mill, forc4ing on their way both the Pope creek and the Edwards river. To market their produce they must go miles away over the prairies to New Boston, or to the town of Stevenson, now Rock Island. Had the prices of their croj)S brought been proportionate to the labor of getting them to market, or had the cost of the necessaries of life been correspondingly low, their hard- ships, though still great, would have been much relieved, rnfortun- ately, neither condition existed ; witness the following schedule of prices: AVheat, twenty -five cents per busliel, to be paid for in goods 706 HISTORY C)F MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. (at wluit prices we sliall presently see) ; corn, if one could sell ut all, ten cents per bushel ; dressed hogs weighing 200 pounds and upward, $1.50 per hundred ; hogs of lighter weight at a less price. Mr. Boone relates, as a fair illustration, this incident : learning that a certain merchant at Andalusia, Iowa, w^as paying $2 pei- hundred for good dressed pork, and needing some salt, he 'and his hand sjjent a day at killing and dressing such hogs as he had ready for market. Proceed- ing by a laborious route to Andalusia, he sold his pork, 450 pounds, foi" $9. liecrossing the river at Davenport, to Rock Island, he bought his salt, paying therefor $9, or •150 pounds of dressed pork. In 1837 these settlers obtained a postottice, located at the residence of Hopkins Boone, the second in the county, called the Farlow's Grove postoffice. The postage was twenty-five cents a letter, just the price of a bushel of wheat. The mail came at long intervals and irregularly, carried on horseback along the old Indian trail. As the county grew, the postal facilities increased, till now tlie office, removed since to the village of Preemption, receives and sends daily mails. With the growth of the farming interests, the development of the mineral resources has kept equal pace. The demand for stone has steadily increased with the population. The quarries have furnished the stone for most of the cellars and wells of the township. Shortly after the settlement of the township, coal was found cropping out in various places. It has proved to be of good quality, abundant in (iuantitv. easily accessible. One vein is live feet in thickness. The depth of the veins "below the surface varies from twenty-five to seventy-five feet. This industry has far outgrown the demands of the township and surrounding country, and the railroad, built by Mr. Cable, finds lucrative employment in conveying to other points the surplus production of this and Richland Grove township mines. This brief sketcff but very insufficiently indi- cates the great resources of the township. Perhaps the best indication of what is in store for its citizens in the future will be a statement of its present wealth, accumulated in less than a half century since the first settler pitched his tent within its limits. The population has increased to 1,410 in 1880. In ^1881 the assessed value of lands was $362,743 ; of town lots, $1,170 ; of personal property, $125,104. But this can be hardly more than an earnest of what is yet to be attained here in point of wealtli. Besides all this there has grown up a busy village with excel- lent buildings and enterprising merchants. The first hotel, opened by PI. E. Wright in 1 854, has given place to the excellent house of Mrs. Robt. Hammond. The business of blacksmith shop of Xorton Griffith, established in 1853, the wagon ^hop, opened by W. C. Gray in 1855, has been augmented by the beautiful drug store of Dr. Jas. H. Seyler, PREEMITION TOWNSHIP. 707 the extensive general store of AVm. Hammond, Mr. Brigg"s grocery, the large mill o])eratecl by Mr. Carver, the lumber yard, and the creamery, controlled respectively by J. E. Otto, and D. W. Little. From this list must not be omitted the name of the veteran merchant, Mr. Pliilli]) E. Stevens, successor with Mr. Wright to Messrs. Whar- ton & Crawford, the Urst general merchants of the township. The titles to the lands occupied by the early settlers upon the tract lying between the Illinois and Mississii)pi rivers, upon the security of which depended so largely the pros})ority and peace of the settlement, were not established without difficulty and the exercise of much de- cision and courage on the part of the ])ioneers. At the time the settlers came the land had not been offered for sale, and there were no ])reemption or other laws to protect the settlers in their claims and improvements. Two classes of persons sought to take advantage of this to reap profits of the frontiersman's sacrifices and labors, — the claim-jumper and the moneyed speculatcn-. The former sought to obtain a claim upon land already occupied and im[)roved by settling upon it ; the latter b}' bidding against the settlers at the ])ublic land sales. This conflict of claims had been the fruitful source of serious difficulties and the occasion of some murders. To prevent any such trouble, the settlers of Preemption and some other townships formed an association for mutual protection. One of their number, Mr. Hop- kins Boone, was chosen recorder, and the claim of each settler duly recorded, according to its location on the prairie; each settler, more- over, being limited in the size of his claim to a reasonable amount of land. Previous to the sale of the lands of this township, two claims were "jumped.'' In b(^th cases the settlers at once sent a committee and ordered the parties to "leave the diggins."" They left. The land of Preemption township came into market October 30, 1844, the last of Mercer county to be sold. The fact that ])rior to this sale the set- tlers of this township held their homes under the preemption law, gave it its name — Preemption. For voting purposes, this section belonged to the Richland drove precinet. It is rehxted that at the presidential election of 1830, the people of this precinct gathered to vote ; but vainly had they come, for no one knew who were the electors. Converting their disai)point- ment into a resolve that some one in the settlement must take a news- paper thereafter, they had a neighborly chat and went home. That they were so far neglected by the solicitous politician is most con- ■sdncing proof (jf their complete isolation. The first election in the township was held the following year, at Hopkins Boone's residence. The township organization was effected in IS.">4. The officers elected "OS HISTORY OF MERCER AXD HENDERSON rOUNTIES. at this and the successive elections are given in the following list, furnished by the courtesy of Mr. Thomas L. Johnson, appointed, at the last town meeting, clerk, in place of Mr. 11. J. Stewart, during the latter's illness : 18.>1 18.Mi 1&')7 18.".9 1860 1861 1862 1863 1864 1865 1866 1867 1868 1869 1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 SlPEKVLSOR. David Little.... Drtviil Little.... David Little .loliii Wliitsitt.. .Tdlni Wliit.'^itt. .liilui Whitsitt.. •Jolni Wliitsitt.. H. Boone II. E. Wrigrht.... J. ('. Wriiflit. .. J. C. \Vri,i;lit A. N. Hiekok... A. N. Hiekok... A. N. Hiekok... David Little. Town Clkuk. ( 'ol.I.KCTOR. A.SSESS0I5. Treso H. E. Wright . . . Treuo H. E. Wnuht... . Kile 'A. X. Hieliok... Fleteher James Connolly. V .1 I). D D. D D I) D I) Wni. David Little jWm, VVm. H. Johnston ,Wm. \Vm. H. Jolinston |Wm. Wm. H. Jolinston iWni. Wm . H. Johnston R.J. Wm. H. Johnston K.J. Wm. H. Johnston |R.J. Wm. H. Johnston | R. J. Wm. H. Johnston : R. J. Wm. H. Johnston I R.J. Wm. H. Johnston R. J. Wm. H. Johnston ' R. J. S. F. Everett iR. J. S. F. Everett R.J. Stevens Fleteher. . Clarke Clarke Clarke Clarke Clarke Clarke Cliirke Clarke Hammond. Hammond. Hammond. Hammond. Hammond. Stewart Stewart Stewart Stewart Stewart Stewart Stewart Stewart Stewart Stewart P. E. Stevens James Connolly. . . Jame.s Connolly. .. James Connollv. . Robert Ottieer.". . . . James Connolly. . . James Connolly. . James Connolly. .. James Connolly. . . Leander Stiles James Connolly. . . James Connolly. . . James Connolly. . . James Connolly. . . S. T. Briffsjs . Samnel Dow. Samnel Dow. B. F. Fletcher. B. F. Fleteher. J. S. Mathew* B. F. Fletcher. B. F. Fleteher. B. F. Fletcher. B. F. Fleteher. James Connolly. II. Boone. W. Bradshaw. W. ]5radshaw. .lames Counolly. Wm. W. Johnston. J. Weaver. A. Kendall. A. Kendall. . A. Kendall. Leander Stiles .1. Weaver. Leander Stiles [L. D. Willard. Leander ."Utiles |L. D. Willard. Leander Stiles .L L. Smith. S. T. Brigss Leander Stiles. Leander Stiles Thos. L. Johnston. Leander .utiles Thos. L. Johnston. W. H. Johnston F'red Anthony. George ( ira v F. W. Rathbon. J. II. Dnnn." F. W. Rathbon. The life of the pioneer was not undarkened by domestic sorrow, nor unbrightened by domestic joys. The minister of the little settlement early found occasion to share the sorrows and the joys of his neigh- bors, to offer the consolations of religion to the bereaved, to extend his congratulations and god-speed to those who in marriage had united heart and hand to subdue the wilderness, and make it blossom as the rose. Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins Boone first claimed the pastor's tender sei- vices in the burial in this hmely place of their infant son. They, too, were the first to hail the birth of a child, a daughter, who lived to grow up in the old homestead, to assist her parents in their hardships. and, with Mr, Geddes, to make another home. With all their hard labors, these pioneers still found time to woo and win the fair daughters of their neighbors. Scarcely the second winter passed since John Farlow built his cabin cm the banks of the Edwards river, when (in a figure) the first wedding bells called to the marriage of Susan, daughter of -lames and Hannah Boone, to Dr. Joseph S. Mans, of Pekin, Illinois. In 1838 another daughter became the helpmeet of Mr. Alfred Perry. I'RKEMl'TIdX ntW-NSHIP. 709 Rapid and absorbing as has been the material development of this township, the claims of religion have not been neglected. Among the tirst settlers was a Presbvterian minister, Rev. John ISIontgomer}', who became pastor of the tirst chnrch in the commnnity, organized at Farlow's Grove in 1889. with the following constituent members : Elder John Linn and wife, Elder Robert Stewart, wife and two daughters, Elder Barrows and daughter, Samuel AVhan and wife, Mrs. H. Boone, Mr. Black and wife, and others. In 1848, John Montgomery, now deceased, was followed in tlu' pastorate of the church by Thomas S. Vale, a very talented man from Princeton college. He remained until alxjut 1840, when he was succeeded by Rev. L. B. Crittenden, who continued as pastor till about 1850. About this time, Mr. John Whitsitt, who had been ordained as elder in 1845, removed his membership to Rock Island, where his children were at school. In ISHT, ]\Ir. Whitsitt's energy procured a church-building on his farm adjoining the village of Preem])tion. Here in 1868 a church was organized with Jolm Whitsitt, Hugh Liv- ingstone, and James Henry as elders, of wdiom the latter two were elected and ordained at this time, the tirst named having been ordain- ed vears before at Farlow's Grove. For manv years this church flour- ished, having in its membei'shi}) a number of the very best citizens of Preemption townshij). In 1881 an unfortunate controversy arose, which has severely injured the oro;anization. The society now hold sei'vices in Hammond's Hall. The church at Farlow's Grove still exists, though less vigorous tlian informer years. They have no settled pastor but have occasional preaching. METHODIST P^PISCOPAL CHURCH. The lirst Methodist society in the townshi]j of Preemption was organized in the year 1841, at the house of Mr. Benjamin Clarke, with six members, viz : Benjamin Clarke (leader) and wife, David Little and wife, Andrew Gilmore, and Margaret Gilmore. They held their meetings at this place until 1846, when a house of worship was built, under the following circumstances : Judge Savage, who had been in this section looking after his real estate interests, observing the lack of means for the develo})nient of either or both educational and re- ligious interests, and believing, as do all intelligent men, that tlirough these mediums only come true prosperity and the successful building up of a new country, he deposited in Rock Island $50 to be used in building a house for church and school purposes. This fact Mr. Savage communicated to flohn Whitsitt, who soon after conferred with Mr. C. A. S])ring, an agent of the American Sunday School Union of 710 HISTOKY CtF MERCER AND HEJfDERSOX COUNTIES. ISTew York, who was tlien here in the interest of that society. Througli Mr. Spring's inliuence Mr. Lemuel Brewster, a benevolent gentleman in New York, was induced to build three houses here, one at Farlow's Grove in section 34, one at Preem])tion Corners in section 11, and one in Rock Island countv ; the $50 donated bv Judge Savage was tinally used in improving and fencing the Union cemeterv at Farlow's (irrove. In this house at Preemption the Methodists worsliiped until they erect- ed their present commodious church edifice on the southwest corner of David Little's farm in section 2, adjoining the village of Preemption, in 1867. The old building is still (and may it for many years to come) standing as a memorial to the memory of its benevolent builder. The perusal of the following pages will be the evidence of how the All-wise Ruler of all things crowned these early, yet feeble, eftbrts with success. Reverting in the history of the Methodist Episcopal church to 1865, we tind it in charge of Rev. Amos Morey as i)astor, with 101 members and fourteen probationers. Rev. Mr. Morey filled this j)()sition up to 1868, when he reported three preaching places, 123 members and nineteen probationers, a church worth $3,000, and a comfortable parsonage. The pastors succeeding him were : M. P. Armstrong, W. M. Sedore, and J. E. Rutledge (each one year), J. Q. Adams (three years), Thomas Watson (two years), Charles Atherton (two years), who was assisted in his last year by Frank Doran. At the close of the conference year of 1878, the charge was divided, Rey- nolds taking all the other appointments, leaving Preemption alone, tacitly a station without any outside appointments, ninety-six members and three church buildings going to the Reynolds circuit, while fifty- nine members, one church and the ])arsonage were left with Pre- emption. In 187!) Rev. Thomas Watson was for the second time appointed to this charge. He died the May following, and his time was filled out by W. C. Knapp and the Rev. B. C. Dennis. In 1880 brother B. C. Dennis became pastor in charge, retaining the same three years, which is the full extent of time allowed by the conference on one charge. During the broken year above referred to no change numeri- ically was made, but during the last three years of Brother Dennis' labors the membership has grown from fifty-nine to eighty-six. The Sunday school is in a specially flourishing condition, and at the j)resent time (1882) larger than any ever before held in the town- ship. Tiie charge is one of the best patrons, per member, of the missionary and other benevolent societies of any church in the bounds of the conference, if not of the state. Their missionary collections for the year 1881 were $3,000, and during the last two years the benevo- PREEiUTlON ToWXSHIl'. 711 lent collections of tlio charge have averaged considerably over §11 per niemher, while home ex]»enses are all ])aid up promptly in advance, all of which grows out of the fact that a few of the leading liberal and wealthy men in the community apj)reciate the value of the church and the benefits of its benign inliuence. Of the church history from 1845 to 1865 nothing authentic could be obtained, as there are no records earlier than the latter date, and the only party now living wlio could give any reliable information stub- boi-nly I'efused to do so. ST. JUSKi'lI ( ATIiULlC CHlUCII. Quite early in the history of Preemption township, the Conways, Odays, Brenens, and a few others of the Catholic faith, settled in and aroun(i the southeast part of the township, and to them occasionally priests from Rock Island would come and minister, holding meetings at the cabins of the early settlers. This was continued up to 1875, when steps were taken to build a church, which was soon accom])lislied. On January 23, 1875, a subscription was drawn up by Daniel ]\fack. who subscribed slQO. This was followed by several other SlOO subscrij> tions. The Macks, the Conways, the Mc^fanises, the Dooleys, and the Lucuses, leading. Many of what might be termed outsiders and members of other churches also lent a helping hand to the enter})rise ; foremost among whom was William W. Johnston, who donated twenty- five dollars. On January 30, 1875, the contract to build a church, in size 30x42, of good material, with stone foundation, was let to Mathias Schnell, who completed the work the following July. On September 9, 1875, the church was dedicated by Kev. Father I. P. Powles. The editice cost $1,600, which was j^romptly paid. In 1878 a vestry, 12x14 feet was added, at a cost of §166. The building now presents a neat and substantial appearance, and the interior outfit and finish would do credit to an older and wealthier congregation. They now have a membei-shi]? of about thirty families, and have ser- vices every alternate Sabbath. Their ])astor is a resident of Keiths- burg, and as both this and the Iveithsburg church are one charge, reference maybe had to the history of that church for the names of the past and present officiating priests. This, like all other Catholic church property, is vested in their bishop. THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The first clergyman of the Protestant Episco])al church who per- formed missicm labor in Preemption townshi]», was Rev. Jacob S. Chamberlain, who was called in the month of December to minister to 712 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. the spiritual wants of Mrs. Rachel Johnston, the wife of Joseph John- ston, Jr., who was at the time on her death bed. This was his intro- duction as missionary in this field. Early in tlie spring of 1868, Rev. Chamberlain commenced active missionary work, which resulted in 1869 in the erection of the present church building on land deeded by Robert Foster and wife to James Johnston, AVilliam Johnston, Thomas Armstrong, and Thomas Doonan, trustees, and described as a part of Sec. -1, T. 15, R. 2 AV., bearing date of June 1, 1869; consideration |llOO. Rev. (liamberlain closed his labors in this iield, as missionary, in August, 1871. In October, 1872. Rev. Wm. Thomas Currie was appointed mis- sionary in the same held, and continued his labors until October 1, 1875. On September 6, 1874, permission was obtained from the standing committee of the diocese of Illinois to organize a parish, and on October 19, 187-1, a meeting was held in tlie chui-ch, a parish organized, and othcers duly elected, consisting of wardens and vestry- men, as follows : AVilliam 11. Johnston, John Manes, and Thomas Doonan, wardens ; Thomas L. Johnston, George Clark, and Robert Hix, vestrymen. The organization to be known as St. John's Parish, of Preemj)tion, Illinois. Shortly after the termination of the labors of Rev. Mr. Currie, as missionary, the Rev. T. M. Thorp was called to the rectorship of the parish, but resigned in the spring of 1877. Rev. N. P. Chariot was elected as the rector by the wardens and vestrymen in May, 1877, and entered upon his duties as such July 1. 1877, and resigned, after a labor of hve years, on July 1, 1882. The present membership is small, and but little interest seems to be manifested by them in matters pertaining to religion. MASONIC. Preemption Lodge, No. 755, A.F.A.M., was organized June 27, 1877, under dispensation, and so held meetings till October 21 of the same year, when they received, their charter from the grand lodge. The charter members were W. C. Gray, Henry II. Ilayford, James II. Seyler, H. H. Hammond, Win. Steirdiauer, Geo. Bartlett, B. W. Thom])son, J.' B. Harris, jr., Wm. H. Hickock, Samuel Bailey, S. F. Everett, Geo. C. Gray, Leander Stiles, John Weiler. The following officers were appointed under dispensation and elected when organized and chartered: Wm. C. Gray, W.M.; James II. Seyler, S.W. ; Joseph B. Harris. J.W. ; 1>. W. Thompson, S.D. ; Samuel Bailey, J.D. ; S. E. Everett, Treasurer; II. II. Ilayford, Sec- retary; II. H. Hammond, Tyler; Geo. C. Gray and John Weiler, Stewards. They now have a membershi]) of twenty-six, with seven on PREEMPTION TOWNSIIir. 71'> the way to full membership. The lodge is in n nourishing condition, witli the present board of officers: James H. Seyler, W.M. ; W. .1. Armstrong, S.AV, ; H. II. Hammond, J.W.; Wm. Steinhauer, Treas- urer ; W. AV. Ilickock, Secretai-y. Regular meetings are held on Fri- day evenings on or l)efore full moon in eacli month. They have lost one member l)y death. l>ro. Geo. Bartlett, wlio died in Kansas in 1881. ()kax(;kmex. Preeni})ti()n Loyal Orange Lodge 2S'o. V\'2, was organized .luly 3, 1876, by Matthew Mayne, of Chicago, with the following chartei" mem- bers : James Connelly, W.M. ; Thomas Doonan, Dejiuty W.M. ; Wm. Plolden, Secretary ; John Ilolden, Treasurer ; Wm. Wilson, Chap- lain ; Thomas Wilson, Tylei' ; and Thomas J. Armstrong, James Gawley, James F. Johnston, Kobei-t Wadsworth, George Wadsworth, John Wadsworth, James R. Doonan, James AUwell, John H. Johns- ton : in all fifteen. There is now a membership of forty. The tirst year they lield their meetings in the school-house of district No. 2, after which they Iniilt a hall on the farm of Jose])h B. Johnston, about two miles west of the village of Preemption. I). AV. Little is the present secretary. Their established holiday is on the twelfth of July, when they meet, as is to them a time honored custom, and with sing- ing, speaking and martial music commemorate the day when prot- estantism gained the ascendancy in Ireland at the battle of the lioyne in 1690. , _ SCHOOLS. The first school was taught at Farlow's Grove by Miss Boone, and the second at Preemption corner, on section 11, in the house built by Mr. Brewster, spoken of in connection with the Methodist Ej)iscopal church history. At the present writing there are a goodly number of well patronized schools in the township. The houses are neatly built and present a very attractive a})})earance to the traveler as he turns at many of the section corners or cross roads. BIOGRAPHICAL. . In closing this brief sketch, some little mention nmst be made of the few noble men who were to some extent the founders of this nourishing section. John Farlow remained here but a short time when he sold his claim to James Boone, made a short move, died a few years later, and his family went, in 1S47, with the Millers, to Oregon, where they still reside. James Boone died here in 1842, and his faith- ful wife in 1858. Hopkins Boone enjoys the ])rosperity his early sacri- fices merit, living in liis comfortable home in the village of Viola. .A 714 HISTORY OF MEKCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. fuller account of this worthy gentleman will be found in the historv of that place. Rev. Joseph Jones died here some years after his settle- ment. A daughter of his, now Mrs. Joseph Pitman, still resides here. Benjamin Clarke died here in 18J:-i, and his family still reside on the farm tirst entered. David Little, now the largest land owner in the township, if not in the county, is still living on his first purchase. He was born in county Fermanagh, Ireland, in 1815, and came to America in 1834, and started Mdthout means except a pair of Avilling hands and a determined will. In addition to the accumulation of a large amount of property, he has reared a very interesting and prosperous family of eight children, live only (^f whom are now living. His oldest son, William F., was killed at the battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, dur- ing the late war. Of Charles Minick, and John Bierbeau, nothing was ascertained. Among the successful and hardy pionners may be men- tioned Mr. J. Conway, who settled and now owns a large farm in the southwest part of the township. W. W. Johnston also came in an early day, and has since become one of the large real estate owners not only in this township, but also in Rock Island county. Wm. H. John- ston, too, will be remembered as among the industrious and enterpris- ing farmers of Preemption township and for many years its supervisor. He was born in county Fermanagh, Ireland, in 1819, came to this township iu 1>>48, and settled on section 16, where he now resides. Among the more public spirited and push-a-head men who came in an early day to tliis township, may be mentioned Mr. John Whitsitt. He settled here on section 2, in 1844, and has devoted much of his time to improving and beautifying his home. He has, for a number of years, been turning his attention to breeding thoroughbred short horned cat- tle. Judge Wm. Wilmerton, whose name has been so familiar to his fellow citizens since his coming, in 1S42, enjoys the honor and respect his straightforward course has merited. A full biography of him will be found in its proper place. In closing, we desire to mention also some of the fine farms and residences which characterize the township. First among these we mention the beautiful home of Mr. Samuel F. Everett, who came from Ohio in 1852, and entered lands in sections 18 and 20. His house was erected at a cost of $6,000, and is acknowledged the finest in the town- ship, and among the finest in the county. Less costly, but very elegant, are the residences of Judge Wilmerton, George Smith, John Y. Johnson, Thomas L. Johnson, D. W. Little. That so many residences are worthy of special mention leaves no room for further comment, or prophecy as to its future prosperity. William Wilmerton is an example of those men who stand out a& PREEMPTION TOAVNSHIP. 715 landmarks to rising young men to direct and invite to success, even though life begin in most straitened circumstances. Many a poor boy has worn the honors, civic or financial, 'ere gray hairs counted his allotted years. William Wilmerton was born May I, 1822, in New Jersey. He is the son of Fenimore and Permila (Van Kirk) Wilmer- ton. His father was a cousin to the celebrated American author, J. Fenimore Cooper, founder of Cooperstown. His father died soon after his (William's) birth, so that the boy was left to the cold graces of the world. .Vt the age of six years he found a home with a Quaker family, with whom he remained till (juite able to su})port himself. He then became a common laborer at whatever might otfei-, applying his earnings to the acquirement of an education. He attended college some years, gaining a good fund of general information. In the sum- mer of 1842 he made his way to Preemption township, Mercer county, Illinois. The first summer he spent in prospecting for a location suita- ble to general purposes. He taught school the first winter. He bought a surveyor's outfit and engaged in surveying for some time. His first purchase was eighty acres of land, necessitating the expendi- ture of all he had. He was elected justice of the peace in 1846, which ofiice he filled for over twenty years, doing a very extensive business. His business was largely making collections. This was before the days of so many banks. He was trusted by everybodv and performed his business with satisfaction to all. He also served four years as judge. He has accumulated his savings and his earnings till he now owns more than 1,000 acres of land, a mark of his unusual success. Just subsequent to the war he was commissioned an attorney, that he might prosecute soldiers' claims without the ceitificate of a regular attorney living at a distance. Mr. Wilmerton was married December 10, 1850, to Miss Rhoda A. Kelsey, a native of New York state. They have three children : Louisa (wife of N. J. McDonald, of Davenjiort, Iowa), Frank (real estate agent in La Mars, Iowa), and William W. (at home). Prior to the war Mr. Wilmerton was democratic in politics ; since that time he has voted independently. The family of John Whitsitt originated in Scotland, but his more recent ancestors were natives of Ireland. His father was Benjamin Whitsitt of county Fermanagh, in the province of Ulster. His mother's maiden name was Sarah Fitzgerald. He was a land proprie- tor, and also engaged in mercantile and milling business. There were eleven children, of whom only now are living the subject of this sketch and his sister, Margaret J. (married to Mr. J. (\ Morehead), in Ireland. In 1871, his father died at the age of eighty-four years, and his mother many years previous, when forty-eight years of age. A 716 HISTORY OF MKRCEK AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. second wife still survives tlie eldest Mr. Wliitsitt in thecountrv of their birth. Mr. John Whitsitt, the second son, fourth chihl, was born in Itosslea, Fermanagh county, Ireland, June, 7, 181(i. He was reared with good advantages of education for business purposes, and also made familiar with farming and stock raising. He was married August 12, 1836, to Miss Eliza Henrev, a native of Monaghan county, Ireland, and of Scotch ancestry. In IS-i-i Mr. AVhitsitt and family sailed from Liverpool for New Orleans, where they arrived after a forty-three days' passage, and from that ])lace by river to St. Louis and thence to Kock Island. He selected land in section 3, Preemption township, and bought the claim of Ezekiel Morey, and entered the same at the land office in Dixon. All the rest of his ])resent premises of 600 acres, he bought, excepting forty, at various prices from time to time. The dairy business lirst occupied them, and their ])roduct was carried to Rock Island and shipped to Galena, then crowded with miners and abounding with wealth. When help was absent Mr. Whit- sitt and wife have milked twenty cows per day, and it is not surpris- ing that the energy and ])rudence thus exhibited brought wealth and comfort in their train. Their brand of butter always commanded the highest market price, and their commission merchants, Messrs. Cam]> bell & Smith, were always anxious to handle their article. In the com*se of ten years Mr. Whitsitt began to make a specialty of handling blooded cattle, and he was one of the tirst in this i-egion to a})preciate the importance of this interest. He brought on his farm some choice selections from Mr. Alexander's celebrated Kentucky herds. He has disposed of many tine cattle at private and public sale, and has at present some whose pedigrees are traced back to imported stock and entered in the American Herd Book, Vol. XIII. In 1875 he had on his place two-year ojd and coming three, cattle that weighed 1,600 lbs. and upward. Misses Elizabeth and Sarah, his two daughters, are li\'ing with their ])arents m their ha])py home near the village of Preemption. A son, Benjamin, the oldest, who is married to Miss Elizabeth Bitty, is living near them on a part of the original home farm, and another son, Bichard 11. (married to Miss Henrietta Fitzgerakl), also lives u])oii a ])ortion of his father's place. Both sons have had a due appointment from their father upon their outstart in life. There were two children additional to the above named born to Mr. and Mrs. Whitsitt, now deceased ; one was an infant, Robert, and the other a daughter, Mary Ann, who died in Illinois in her fourteenth year, and whose funeral-mound grows green beneath the orchard trees of her early home. Mr. Whitsitt has never been a politician, but lias always held decided views u])on the leading questions of the day. Lie was not S. F. EVERETT. PREEMPTION roWNSlin'. 719 a republican, l)ut when the question of sup])ortiniz; the administration of his adopted country came up against the other issues of rebellion, Mr. AV. was on the side of the union witli his money and influence to assist in lillinii; uj) the quota of the townshi}). His personal integrity and worth were always recognized bv his nei2;lil)ors, so that for four terms he was returned as supervisor of his township when the party with which he was identilied was always in a two-thirds minority. With Mrs. Whitsitt, who has always been a devoted wife and mother, and partner in all the plans and purposes of his life, he visited the home and the scenes of her early years. Mr. Whitsitt's affections and duty are fidly given to the country of his adoption. They- are connected with the Presbyterian church, that stands on land donated by Mr. AVhiti-'itt ujmn a corner of his farm. Samuel F. Everett was born in Mari(;n county, Ohio, February 12, 1834. He is the son of Samuel F. and Sarah (Karr) Everett. His father was a native of Vermont, of Scotch and Irish ancestry, while his mother was born in Meigs county, Ohio. He was reared on a farm where he enjoyed the advantages of good schools, linishing his education with a course at the Marion academy. In the spring of 1852 he came on a prospecting tour to Illinois. Liking the land, and other advantages being equal, he entered a half section in sections 18 and 20, Preemption township, Mercer county, and returned to Ohio. In the fall of tlie same year, in com])any with his motlier, sister and sisters husband, G. D. Miller, he came b}^ team to the new home. After his arrival here he at once began to make and improve his home, which is now one of the most pleasant in this part of Mercer county, having, in 1880, built a very tine and beautiful residence, at a cost of ;ik.out $6,000. His real estate comprises 550 acres. June 4, 1872, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. McIIard, a daughter of William and Mary Mellard. She was born in Mercer county, Illinois, January 5, 1840, and is one among the first born here now living. They are the parents of two children, William R., and Sarah R. Mr. Everett's father died in Ohio about 1842, and his mother died at his home in this township in the winter of 1868. Mr. Everett is now actively engaged in farming and stock raising. He is now filling his second term of supervisor. As a man who not only merits but enjoys the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens, David Andrew Ci-arke occupies no second place. He was born October 24, 1885, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where his parents were married October 31, 1834. In 1838 they came to Mercer county, Illinois, and permanently located on Sec. 1, T. 15, R. 2, Preemption, and there Mr. Clarke, David's father, died in 1844, 41 720 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. leaving, besides his wife who still sui-vives. live children, three of whom are living: David A.. Maggie, and Mary (wife of Ilenrv Ketzel, of Perrvton township). Those deceased were : Jane (who died in 1866), Henry B. (died in Xew Orleans aged twenty years, during the late war, a victim of the malarial fevers of a southern clime). David A. now owns and occupies the old home farm of 360 acres, and is actively engaged in stock raising and farming. He served the township eight years as clerk, and in 1876 was elected justice of the peace, which trust and honor he still holds. He is also a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and contributes largely of his means for its support and prosperity. Himself and mother have been longer residents in the township than any others now living within its borders. His father, Benjamin Clarke, was born in the county Fermanagh, Ireland, in 1802, and was reared a farmer, follow- ing that vocation through hfe. His mother was also a native of Ire- land. Mr. Clarke was married in 186-1 to Sarah Ellen Little, daughter of David Little. She died in 1865, and he has not since married. Jesse Carver. In the colony founded by William Penn in 1682 were three brothers by the name of Carver. One of these (John Carver) settled in that part afterward set off as Bucks county, Penn- sylvania. He became prominent in the colonial history of Pennsyl- vania. Jesse Carver, the subject of these lines, is the son of John Carver and the grandson of John Carver, and a descendant of the John Carver above noted. The Carvers were, of course, Quakers or Friends in early days. Jesse Carver was born in Bucks county, Penn- sylvania, January 29, 1816. His education was limited to the common school of his day. Farming has been his avocation all his years, hav- ing been sufficiently successful to save a competency for old age. He was married August 23, 1838, to Miss Sarah W. Lewis. She was born March 10, 1810, in Bucks county, Pennsylvania. She is connected with the Elicott family, thoroughly wiitten up in a book set apart to that family alone. After marriage Mr. Carver rented a farm near Buckingham, Pennsylvania. In 1851 he emigrated westward, settling in Preemption township, Mercer county, Illinois, where he entered land in section 14. In the following year he built and soon moved into his own housCj a consummation sought for many years. No longer a tenant but a lord. He has added to his first purchase till he owns over 360 acres of good land. He has eight children : Watson T., Letitia L. (now Mrs. Jackson Thornton of Millersburg), Readding L., Thomas E., Edward W., Winfield S., John M., and Marietta (wife of Harvey T. Trovillo). Readding L. Carver was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, PREEMPTION TOWNSHIP. 721 ]\Iai-ch (i, 1843. He has spent the hirger i)art of his life in Mercer county. He enlisted in Co. C, 102d reg. 111. Vol. Inf., August, 18G2. He carried the colors through the war to the restoration of peace. He was wounded at Kesacca, Georgia, having three 'teeth shot out and his mouth badly shattered. His career is the career of the 102d regiment. At his return he resumed farming, but soon engaged in the mainifac- ture of sorghum. In 1877, at the solicitation of many of his friends, he was induced to embark in the milling business, and he began build- ing in that year in Preemption. His mill has grown from incipiency to flour and feed mill, general machine and repair shops, and grain elevator. Mr. Carver was married June 19, 1872, to Mrs. Jane Geigei-, a native of Ohio and daughter of William David. They have live children : "William D., Laura, Emma 0., Janies R., and Jesse. Prominent among the early settlers, and members of the Cath- olic church, may be mentioned Mr. Joseph Conway, who was born in county Clare, Ireland, in 1826. He was reared to the prin- ciples of economy and industry. He emigrated to America in the summer of 1846. He sailed from Limerick Jime 25 in the sailing ship Emma, and after a voyage of many weeks landed in Oswego August 20. Eor the following six years he applied himself to any honorable employment which would turn an honest penny. In the fall of 1852 he came to Rock Island, Illinois, and the following Feb- ruary put his axe on his shoulder and walked to Preemption townsliip, and began to improve the land he had entered. The following June he received the ])atent for his land, signed by President Pierce. July 10, 1854, he was united in marriage with ^liss Bridget Ayers, a native of L'eland. She died January 6, 1870, at the early age of thirty-nine years, leaving, besides her loving husband, six children to mourn her early death. The children's names, in the order of their birth, are : Thomas, Margnretta, Joseph Patrick, Mary A., Lizzie (deceased), and Martin W. Mr. Conway, since the death of his comj)anion, has re- mained single. His estimable daughter is his housekee])er, and cheers his home by her pleasant and affable manner. AVhen Mr. Conway first settled on section 30 in this township he had but 8200 ; money earned in this country, and when he landed at Oswego, New York, he had but one-quarter of a dollar. But honest industry has its reward, and he has long since been the independent owner of 680 aci'es ot land. John Y. Johnston (deceased), came from the county Fermanagh, Ireland, to Mercer county, Illinois, in the spring of 1864, bringing Muth him his wife, Mai"v, and two children, one of whom was born to them while on the way. They permanently located in Preemption iJ. 22 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. township, on Sec. 9, T. 15, R. 2, where they reared a family of six children. Mr. Johnston died in January, 1870, and Mrs. Johnston August 6, 1866. James Y. Johnston, their second child, was born on the Mississippi river in April, 1846, while on their way from Xew Orleans to Rock Island. He was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools. July 3, 1871, he was married to Miss Matilda, daughter of John H. and Jane (Welch) Johnston. She was born in Preemption township, October 22, 1852. They are the parents of three children, whose names, in the order of their birth, are Nina A., Henry A., and Mary J. Mr. Johnston now owns and occupies the old home farm and other land adjoining, to the number of 236 acres, and is engaged in tarming and stock raising. John Y. Johnston is a son of William AY. and Margaret (Lipton) Johnston, and was born in this township, April 1, 1857. He was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools, with the additional advantage of a college course at Abingdon, Illinois, and Davenport, Iowa. March 10, 1881, he was married to Miss Rebecca Johnston, the daughter of William H. and Jane (Allen) Johnston ; she was born in this township, February 7, 1859. In 1881 Mr. Johnston built his present tine residence on his farm on the N. E. J of Sec. 18. His father is now living near Reynolds, in the northwest part of Pre- emption township, and is one of the wealthy land owners of this county, after having given to each pf his sons a good farm. Thomas L. Johnston, farmer and stock raiser, is a son of William W. and Margaret (Lipton) Johnston, and was born in Rock Island county, Illinois, November 16, 18-18. With the exception of from 1852 to 1855, with his parents in California, his years have been spent in Preemption township, actively engaged in farming. His educational advantages were good and well improved. Pie remained at home with his father until about the age of twenty-six years, and was well re- warded by the gift from his father of a good 160 acre farm ; the N. E. J of Sec. 7, on which, in 1880, he built a tine, two-story residence at a cost of over $3,0o0. July 1, 187-1, he was married to Miss Mary J. Goodner, a daughter of William p. and Edith J. (Griswold) Goodner. She was born in Indiana, August 7, 1850, and came with her parents to Mercer county, in 1853. They are the parents of four children : Edward W., Edith E., Maggie B., and an infant. Mr. Johnston is engaged in farming, but devotes much of his time to buying, feeding and sliipping stock. William Connolly is a son of James and Elizabeth (Little) Connolly, and was born in the county Fermanagh, Ireland, May 21), LS32. In November, 181:6, with his ])arents, he left the land of his i'KKE:sri'Ti(;)N townshii'. 7:^3 birth, and sailing for America, landed in New Orleans early in the winter of 1847. Soon after tlieir arrival in New Orleans they started up the ^Mississippi river, landing at Rook Island on April -l-th of the same year. They soon after purchased land in Sec. 3, T. l.'). K. •! AV.. in Preemption township, where our subject still lives, and where his parents lived till the time of their death. The father died in Septem- ber, ISSl, aged eighty-two years, lie was an enthusiastic Orangeman, and through his instrumentality a lodge of that order was organized at Preemption, in this county, and one at Ih-ooklyn, Iowa. In the work- ings of these organizations he used largely of his means, having twice visited Canada in the interest of the order. The mother died in 180!) at the age of seventy-eight years. They were the jiarents of seven children : Mary (now the wife of Dr. Mai'tin), James, ^Margaret (now Mrs. William Vye), William (the subject of this notice), Jane (wife ot Thomas Burchby), Eliza (wife of Frank Johnston), and Sarah A. (wife of William J. Ransom). William was mari-ied February 14, iSfH. to Miss Elizabeth A. Moffett, a native of Fermanagh county, Ireland. She died in 1873. Mr. Connolly's second marriage was on Xovember 12, 1874, with Miss Fanny Motfett, who was born in Rock Island county, Illinois, April 24, 1849. He is the father of eight children, whose names in the order of their birth are : James W., William F., Elizabeth, Robert, and Lucinda, by his iirst wife, anrERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. ment in which this regiment participated. The regiment was mustered out May 15, 1866. Twelve iiam^s on the monument at Aledo attest the devotion of Mercer county's heroes to the okl flag. COMPAXY I, SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT. Co. I, of the 17th reg. 111. Yol. luf , was raised from men at New Boston, Keithsburg and Aledo. Dr. E. P. AYood, of New Boston (afterward lieutenant-colonel of tlie regiment), Geo. W. Sanders, William Avery, E. S. Bruington, and D. T. Hind man were leading spirits in organizing the company. Enos P. Wood was afterward (April 20, 1861) elected captain, and a month later, on the organization of the regiment, elected lieutenant-colonel ; Edward S. Bruington, second lieutenant (afterward captain); and Geo. W. Sanders, who also afterward was promoted to the captaincy, as first lieutenant. William Avery succeeded from second to first lieutenancy on the formation of the regiment. Wm. A. Lorimer was promoted to second, then to first lieutenant, and was mustered out as captain of the company. Tlieo- dore Glancey was chosen second lieutenant April 2, 1863, and after- ward, and until the expiration of his term, promoted to second lieutenancy. The company left New Boston April 19, 1861, for Monmouth, whither they marched. At Monmouth they tarried four days, and in the meantime were met by company F, of Warren county. April 23 they took the cars to Peoria, and went into camp, the cam}) being named Camp Mather. Company I was raised as a three months' company, but the call for the three months' men was already full and overflowing when they arrived in camp. It was generally understood before arriving there that such was the case, and nearly all were ready to enlist for three years. A few, however, declined and returned home. May 2-1 the regiment was organized, and company I, with as brave a lot of men as ever carried the musket, was assigned the position indicated by the letter given above. One item in the history of this company will be remembered as long as a member of it remains. Though rough usage and privations incident to army life left their impressions, yet they were not sufi'ered to sink so deeply into the heart of the rough soldier as did the act of kindness of the citizens of Monmouth during the four days of their stay in that city. The best and foremost peoj^le of the town opened their doors, their cupboards, and their hearts to the boys, and nothing- was considered too good for them. Long years have ])assed and many COMPANY I, SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT. 731 of the incidents of the war have been obliterated from the minds of the grim warriors, but these acts, which went down deep into tlie heart, are as fresli as thougli ])eiformed but yesterchiy. The Seventeenth llegiment of III. Vol. Inf., was nuistered into the the United States' service at Peoria, Illinois, on May 24, 1861, and left camp on the ITth of June for Alton, Illinois, for the purpose of more fully completing its organization and arming. Late in July it proceeded from Alton to St. Charles, Missouri, remaining but one day ; thence went to AVarrenton. Missouri, where it remained in camp about two weeks: company A being detailed as body guard to General John Pope, with headquarters at St. Charles. The regiment left Warrenton for St. Louis, and embarked on transports for Bird's point Missouri ; remained at Bird's point some weeks, doing gai-rison duty ; then proceeded to Sulphur Springs Land- ing ; debarking there proceeding via Pilot Knob and Ironton, to Predericktown, Missouri, in pursuit of General Jeff. Thompson, and joined General B. M. Prentiss' command at Jackson, Missouri. They thence proceeded to Kentucky and aided in the construction of Fort Holt. They were then ordered to Elliott's mills ; remained there a short time and returned to Fort Holt. They went from thence to Cape Girardeau, and with other regiments were again sent in pursuit of Gen. Jelf. Thompson's forces ; participated in the engagement near Green- field ; lost one man killed and several wounded, and returned to Cape Girardeau, doing provost duty until early in February, 1862, when they were ordered to Fort Henry ; participated in that engagement and Fort Donelson, losing several men killed, -wounded and taken prisoners. They then proceeded to Metal Landing, Tennessee river, and embarked for Savannah, Tennessee ; from thence to Pittsburg Landing and were assigned to the First Division, Army West Tennessee, under Gen. John A. McClernand ; were engaged in the battles of April 6 and 7, and suffered great loss in killed and wounded They were with the advance to Corinth. After the evacuation of Corinth they marched to Purdy, Bethel and Jackson, Tennessee, and remained there until July 17, when the regiment was ordered to Bolivar, and was assigned to duty as provost guard. They remained at Bolivar until November, 1862, during which time they participated in the expedition to luka, to reinforce Gen. Rosecrans, and afterward at the battle of Ilatchie. They returned again to Bolivar, and remained there until the middle of November. They were then ordered to Lagrange, rep(jrting to Major Gen. John A. Logan, and were assigned to duty as provost guard. Col. Norton being assigned to the command at that post. Early in December they marched to 732 HISTORY OF FIERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. Holly Springs ; tlience to Abbeyville guarding railroads, and tlience to Oxford. After tlie capture of H0II3' Springs tlie regiment was assigned to the Sixth Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, under Maj. Gen. McPherson. They then proceeded, via Moscow, to Collierxalle ; from there to Memplis, and the regiment was assigned to duty at the navv yard. They remained there until January 16, and then embarked for Yicksburg ; re-embarked and proceeded to Lake Provi- dence, Louisiana, then the headquarters of the Seventeenth Army Corps, doing duty there until the investment of Yicksburg commenced. Arriving at Milliken's Bend, on or about May 1, they commenced to march across the Delta to Perkins' landing, on the Mississippi river ; thence to the crossing below Grand Gulf, advancing with McPherson's command, via Raymond, Champion Hills, Jackson, Big Black, and to the final investment of Vicksburg. After the surrender of that city, the regiment remained there doing garrison duty and making incur- sions into the enemy's country as far east as Meridian, and west as far as Monroe, Louisiana. Returning to Vicksburg they remained there until May, 1864, the term of service of the regiment expiring on May 24, of that year. The regiment was ordered to Springfield, Illinois, for muster-out and final discharge, when and where those of the original organization who did not re-enlist as veterans were mustered out and discharged. A suificient number not having re-enlisted to entitle them to retain their regimental organization, the veterans and recruits whose term of service had not expired consolidated with the 8th 111. Yol. Inf , and were finally mustered out with that regiment and discharged in the spring of 1866. Seventeen names are engraved on Mercer county's soldiers' monu- ment as having given up their lives for their country's warfare. Some of these were killed on the battle-field ; some were wounded, and, after long and painful sufiering, died from the eftects of wounds ; and some were victims of diseases brought on by exposure in the camp and on the march. RICHLAND GROYE TOWNSHIP. EARLY HISTORY. Arasmith Grove was changed to Richland Grove in 1837. The circumstances connected with the change were these : Josiah Jordan was building a house, and a talk arose as to the name of the grove. He proposed to those present that, as some did not like the name RICHLAND GROVE TOWNSHIP. 733 Arasmitli, tliey there and then change the name to Ricliland Grove. Tlie name was almost nnanifnously a ^i Mi SAMUEL CLARK {" EC EASE °) RICHLAND GROVK T( >\\ ASIlll". 737 CA15LE. The population of tliis village consists chiefly of miners in the em- ploy of the Cable. A shaft and slope are operated here under the su})ervision of Robert Lee. The aggregate capacity of the two mines being about 80,000 tons annually, about 400 men are constantly em- ployed, besides eight mining machines, each performing the labor of about six men. The coal is transported over the Mercer County rail- road to Rock Island, and thence to surrounding towns. On the afternoon of June 5, 1844, a mass of angry clouds were seen gathering west of Swedona, which, owing to their peculiar appear- ance, attracted considerable attention. About five o'clock in the even- ing they began to move rapidly eastward, and in a few moments the storm burst with terrific fury upon the village and surrounding country. The air seemed full of electricitv, the crackling): of which sounded like the discharge of musketry. Huge trees were torn oft", a great many barns and dwellings were badly damaged, and a number of })eople killed, among whom were Mr. Trego and son a few miles northwest of Swedona. This storm was probably the severest ever known in this locality, but the country being very sparsely settled the fatality was not so great as attends some of those whirling monsters of later days. An eye witness states that for some time after the storm had subsided, streaks of phosphorescent light were seen creeping over the ground, and the air hud a peculiar smell resembling sulphur. The storm moved eastward strewing death and desolation in its patli, and was last heard of in Henry and Bureau counties. BIOGRAPHICAL. Among the many men and women who in early times bade farewell to friends and kindred and took up their abode in the wilds of Illinois, none are more deserving of the reverence of posterity than Samuel Clark, and his wife, Sarah Clark. The burden of life which they had borne together through so many years has been laid down by the wayside, and the venerable coui)le rest side by side in the peaceful sanctuary of the tomb. Samuel Clark was born near Londonderry, Ireland, in 1813. He emigrated to America in 1833, and located in Brooklyn, New York, where he remained two and a half years. In the fall of 1836 he came to Mercer county, and located on section 12. He was married in 1838 to Miss Sarah Huyck, of Dayton, Ohi(x Five children were born to the couple, whose names are as follows : James G., Jennie (deceased wife of Dr. Ansley), Louisa (deceased in infancy), Florence (deceased), and Florence (now residing in Swedona). Mrs. Clark died April 5, 1878, and Mr. Clark in May, 1882. 42 738 HISTOKY OF MERCER AJ^D HENDERSON COUNTIES. George Eckley was born in Ricliland county, Ohio, January 5, 1821. He emigrated with his parents to Fulton county, Illinois, in 1834, and from there to Stark and Knox counties, in the latter of which, ISToyember 23, 1843, he married Miss Melinda Cullenson. Together they removed to Riyoli township, Mercer county, in 1851, and finally to Richland Groye township. Swedona, where they now liye. In August, 1862, Mr. Eckley enlisted in Co. C, 102d reg. 111. Vol. Inf , and seryed until the close of the rebellion. After the rebellion he was the leader in the long struggle against saloons in Old Berlin, and they were finally banished the place. His education is limited, but with many other earl}^ day men he has good general information. He is an ardent republican and supporter of republican principles. A member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and for many years leader of the class in Swedona. Mr. Eckley is a man of energy and firmness, and when he undertakes a work he is determined to carry it through. Mrs. Melinda Eckley was born in Knox county, Ohio, J^ovember 18, 1821, and came to Illinois with her parents in 1842, and marrying Mr. George Eckley November 23, 1843, her work has been to assist in all that could make home pleasant and prosperous. They are the parents of eight children, four of whom are liying: Rebecca Jane, Margery Ellen, Susan Caroline, and Benjamin Franklin. If you ever yisit Swedona be sure and call and see uncle George, who still liyes on his farm west of the yillage. C. Beecher Bristol, was born in Oxford, Connecticut, Septem- ber 14, 1798. His great grandfather was born on the ocean, in 1714. He located in Connecticut when the ]^ew England states were almost a wilderness, cleared a farm and built a home where our subject and his father and grandfather were born. Early in life Mr. Bristol experi- enced a desire to enter the ministry, and he began studying for that pur- pose. After having received an academical education, he entered the Princeton seminary, receiving his diploma from that institution at the end of three years. He officiated as pastor of various congregations until 1856, when he came to Preemption township, where he was sent as stated supply. He was married, shortly after completing his studies, to Miss Maria Henderson. Four sons and four daugliters were the fruits of this union, two of whom died in infancy. One of his sons, Beecher, enlisted in the 60th 111. Inf, and after two years re-enlisted as veteran. He is now located in Monmouth, as is also a younger son, Leavitt, who recently graduated from Monmouth college. This venerable gentleman has lived to a ripe old age, and can feel that he has not lived in vain. Dr. J. M. Ansley was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsyl- vania, May 21, 1833. He received an academical education at Glade RICHLAXD GROVE TOWXSIIIP. 739 run academy, after which he went to Philadelphia, where he received his medical education, graduatin*; from Jefferson college. After finish- ing liis studies he practiced about five years in his native state, after which he came to Illinois and located at Swedona, where he now has a very lucrative practice. In February, 1869, he was united in mar- riage with Mrs. Jennie (Clark) Trego, daughter of Samuel Clark, one of the pioneers of Mercer county, who died in May, 1873. Two children were born to this cou]»le, Clark F. and Charley; of these the latter died in infancy. Jamks G., son of Samuel and Sarah Clark, was born in Richland Grove township, November 7, 1840, and is consequently a production of Mercer county. He received his education in the district schools, attending his first term at Oxford, Illinois. He is the eldest of a family of five children, whose names are given elsewhere. He was married February 2(>, 1873, to Miss Emma Iv. Engle. The names of the children born to this worthy couple, are as follows: Charles A., Grace, Jennie, and Samuel. Mr. Clark was elected supervisor in 1879, and is now serving in that capacity a third term. He is highly spoken of by his neighbors, and we believe has established a character and reputation that are above reproach. Jaisies S., son of Jesse and Ann Quaintance, was born in Crawford county, Ohio, September 5th, 1831. In 1854 he came to Illinois and located on section 15, Richland Grove township. Married in February, 1857, to Miss Martha A. Hardenbrook. The fruits of this union are seven children, whose names in the order of their ages are as follows : El-wood J., Stella A., Hadley W., Adeline M,, Bertha B., Harry, and Jesse C. Mr. Quaintance is a member of the A.F.A.M., Xew "Windsor lodge. He is also assessor in Richland Grove township, and is highly respected by all who know him. David, son of David and Elizabeth Sherrard, was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in 1818. He was married in 1836 to Miss Eliza Sawers, a native of Mercer count}', Pennsylvania. The names of their children, in the order of their ages, are as follows ; Rachel H., James W., David II., John Y., Olive, Vance S., and Frank AV. In 1854 he came to Mercer county, and located on section 4, Richland Grove township, where he has since resided. By hard labor and industry he has accumulated a large property. Hexry, son of Albert and Jane Merryman, was born in Richland Grove township, in January, 1843. ]\farried December 29, 1870, to Miss Flora Peters, a native of AVhitesides county, Illinois. The names of their children, in the order of their ages, are as follows : Winnifred 740 HISTORY OF IVrERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. (deceased), Ethel L., Harry L., Bertlia M.. and Edith L. Mrs. Merryman is a member of the Weslejan Methodist clmrch. John B., son of William and Mary (Butler) Adams, was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania. When twenty-five years of age he came to Illinois and entered land in sections 31 and 32, Richland Grove township. He was married in the spring of 1S54 to Miss Han- nah E. Crossley, also a native of Pennsylvania. El wood, Harvey, Jennie, Dallas B., George, William, and John, are the names of their children. Albert D., son of Timothy and Elizabeth Merryman, was born in Cumberland county, Maine, Novembei* 7, 1812. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812. In the fall of 1836 the family emigrated to Fulton county, Illinois. In the spring of 1837 they located on section 27, Richland Grove township. Our subject was married August 25, 1836, to Miss Jane Patten. The names of the children born to the couple are as follows : Emily, Amanda, Joseph P. (deceased), Plenry, Thomas J., William A. (deceased), Ann E. (deceased), Sidney, and Marion. David D., son of Timothy and Elizabeth Merryman, was born in Kennebec county, Maine, in 1819. In the fall of 1836 the family came to Fulton county, Illinois, and remained until the following spring, when they came to Mercer county and located. Mr. Merry- man was married in August, 1816, to Miss Phrebe A. Hibbard, who died June 22, 1848. He was again married in 1852 to Miss Mary M. Evans, who was born in Galena, Illinois, October 8, 1827. The names of their children are as follows : Freeman, Flora A., Florence A., Nelson I., Perry A., Charles A., George E., Frank L., and Fannie A. His eldest son was a member of Co. C, 102d 111. Inf D^vNiEL, son of John and Elizabeth (Shiffler) Mo wry, was born in Washington county, Maryland, October 6, 1819. In 1856 he emigrated to Mercer county, and located on section 3. Richland Grove township. He was married Nos^ember 14, 1843, to Miss JSTancy Newcomer, also a native of Maryland. Following are the names of the children born to the worthy couple: George D., and Charles M., both of whom now reside in Nodaway county, Missouri; Cornelia J., wife of B. F. Trego, of Rock Island county; Otho J., and Lena J. (deceased in her third year). ( )ur subject and wife are both members of the United Brethren church, with which they united in 1852. The Mowry family are of German origin. Mrs. Mowry was born in 1818. Her mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Garber. In 1871 Mr. Mowry was elected super- visor of Richland Grove township, in which caj)acity he served five terms, giving universal satisfaction. HICIII.ANI) GROVE TOWNSHIP. 741 David, son of Samuel and Charlott AVilson, was born in Rensselaer county, New York, June 1, 1820. Tlis father liad charg-e of the com- missary department, at East Troy, (hu-ing the war of 1812. In 184-1- our subject came to Mercer county and located at Berlin (now known as Swedona), where he remained four years. At the end of that time he went north, where he was, for ten ^^ears, engaged in the lumbering- business. He enlisted in the spring of 1804 in Co. A, 156tli 111. Inf., and served until the following Se})tember. He was nuirried in 1841 to Miss Caroline Ilungford, a native of New York, who died in 1848. lie was again married in 1858 to Miss Mary Abbott, a native of Minnesota. He is the father of one son, Ilartland, who was born to him by his tirst wife. Charles Engle, son of Joseph and Hannah Engle, was born in Burlington county. New Jersey, August 3, 1822. In the spring of 1844 he joined the throng of emigrants })ouring westward, and con- tinued his journey toward the setting sun, until he reached Mercer county. He located on section 4, in Richland Grove townsln'p. He was married September 11, 1846, to ]\[iss Sarah Kinsey, daugh- ter of Edmund Kinse}', who came to the county in 1841, having formerly been a resident of Knox county, Pennsylvania, where Mrs. Engle was born. The names of the chiklren born to them are as fol- lows : Joseph, (now of Dallas county, Iowa), Emma K. (wife of James Clark, Esq.), Martha K. Trego (deceased in her twenty-sixth year), Mary E. (wife of Frank Trego, of Orion, Illinois), William H., Edgar W., Fred, and Sadie K. The family are of Quaker descent, which fact may partially account for the kindness and courtesy with wliicli even a stranger is greeted, who visits their ha])py home. Although at jjresent a resident of Rock Island county, Capt. John A. Jordan deserves a place in the history of Mercer. He was born in Rockland, Maine, January 11, ISIJ). The family are of English origin. The grandfathers on both sides were soldiers in the revolution. His father participated in the war of 1812, and our subject and tw^o of his sons took u}) arms in defense of the flag, in the late rebellion. Tluis have the Jordan family took part in all the great struggles that have taken place upon American soil since the birth of the republic; a re- markable fact, and one of which they and their ancestors may well be proud. His father, Robert Jordan, was a seaman by profession, hav- ing spent twenty years of his life on the ocean wave. Tlie family emigrated to Tiffin, Ohio, wlien our subject was in his youth. Here his father died on November 4, 1832. In 1838 the two brothers, John A. and Thomas J., came to Illinois and located on section 14, Ricli- land Grove township. In 1841 oui- subject Avas nuirried to Miss Rachel 742 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. Metzler, of Coshocton county, Ohio. The names of the chikh-en born to them are as follows: Byron, Edwin T., Olive M. (deceased in her seventeenth year), and William IT. In August, 1861, Mr. Jordan, with that promtitude and enthusiasm which characterize his every action, raised and organized Co. A, 37th 111. Inf , of which he was made captain. On January 1, 1862, he resigned his position on account of disabilities, but raised one full company and part of another after his return home. The captain now resides in Kural township. Rock Island county, and is its present supervisor. He is a man of more than ordinary intelligence, and his kind, genial ways leave pleasant impressions upon those who have ever enjoyed his hospitality. Dr. James S. Rosenberry was born in Warren county, New Jersey, in 1837. In 1849 the family emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, and located in Perryton township. The subject of this sketch began the study of medicine in 1855, in the otlice of Dr. James S. Mathews, of Preemption township, under whose instructions he remained three years. August, 1861, he enlisted in the 66th Illinois Sharpshooters, in which regiment he acted as hospital steward during the term of his enlistment, which expired August 31, 1864. On his return he entered the medical university of Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he took one course of lectures. He then entered the Keokuk university, from which institution he received his diploma. May 30, 1865. He then located at Coal Valley, Illinois, where he practiced five years. In 1870 he located in Richland Grove township, where he still resides. He was married in 1867 to Miss Mary E. Tenny, who died in 1872. Again married in January, 1881, to Miss Sarah E. Rains, a native of Scott county, Iowa. RIVOLI TOWNSHIP. This township, which is designated in the government surveys as T. 14 K, R. 1 W. of the 4th P.M., was originally called North Pope, but its name was changed to Rivoli, at the suggestion of Hon. R. H. Spicer, one of the earliest pioneers. The first settler in this township was Mr. James Bridger, who located liere in the spring of 1836, having previously located in Schuyler county, this state, where he arrived from New York Decem- ber 9, 1833. Mr. Bridger was born in Sussex, England, August 1, 1802, emigrating to America in the spring of 1822, arriving in New York in April of that j'ear. He made the trip across the Atlantic in a sail vessel in the then unprecedented time of seventeen days. In 1 835 RrV'OLI TOWNSHIP. 743 Mr. Bridger accompanied a gentleman from Scliiiyler county on a liorseback trip to Kock Island, where the gentleman had business, Mr. Bridger going for the sake of seeing the country. liock Island at that time comprised two log cabins, giving but very little earnest of its present population, wealth and business. Going to Rock Island they followed a trail that led them near the present county line between Mercer and Henry counties. Returning they struck for Monmouth, following the old military trail as it was called, which was very near the present line of road from Rock Island to Monmouth. After passing a cabin near the present site of Milan the next habitation they saw was that of Hopkins Boone on Edwards river. They reached the ford on North Henderson after dark, and not knowing its character, they did not like to venture in. Seeing a light from the cabin of AYilliam Stewart, who lived then near the ford on the south side of the stream, thev hailed, and were answered by Mr. Stewart in person, who brought a torch and lighted them across the stream, bidding them welcome to the hospitality of his cabin in true pioneer style. This trip resulted in Mr. Bridger removing to this county the fol- lowing spring, and improving a claim on the W. i of the S. W. of Sec. 31 in this township, where he still resides, enjoying the fniits of bis early industry and economy. Mr. Bridger figures in the initial history of this township in more points than that of being the iirst settler. The death of his first wife, which occurred in June, 1836, was the first death in the township. She was buried in the Mann cemetery on section 6, in North Henderson township, and was the first burial in that cemetery and the first in that township, in fact. His marriage in January, 1837, to Mrs. Eliza Longley was the first mar- riage in the township, and his son (Ira G.), born October 14, 1837, was the first birth. In his cabin occurred the preaching of the first sermon in the township, by Rev. Samuel P. Burr, who was two years in the Mercer circuit of the Methodist Episcopal church, and an old pioneer, having settled in Edgar county, Illinois, in 1820. He was born in Langdon, New Hampshire, September 8, 1809, and died in Madison county, Nebraska, November 25, 1881. The winter of 1836-7 his cabin, which was 14x18 feet dimension, sheltered a family of fourteen persons, but still they had room to entertain any belated traveler who chanced to come that way. In the summer of 1841 a band of Pottawattomie Indians on a hunt- ing expedition were encamped near Mr. Bridger's for a month or more. While there a son of the chief was sick and died, and thev buried him on a hill on the south side of Pope creek, in the N. E. ^ of Sec. 6, in 744 HISTOEY OF MERCER AXD HEXDERSON COFXTIES. Xortli Henderson township, erecting a tall white oak pole by the grave, to the top of which was attached a white flag. This pole remained standing for many years, but the grave was marked longer by the re- mains of a pen of heavy rails that enclosed it. which could be identi- fied until quite recently, if it cannot be even yet. Ira G., the oldest son. married Miss Susan E. Brown, a native of N'orth Henderson township, daughter of Benjamin F. Brown, an old pioneer. They were married July 24, 1864, and lived on the Bridger homestead until the death of Mrs. Susan, which occurred May 15, isTT, leaving no familv but her husband, who still lives on the old place and cares for his aged parents. A younger son (Albert C.) married Miss Sallie Brown, daughter of Harrison Brown, of Suez township, in 1SH2. and he enlisted in Co. E, 102d reg. 111. Vol. Inf., the same year, and died of disease at Gallatin, Tennesse, December 8, 1862, holding the rank of sergeant in his company. Eichard Cox was among the first settlers in the eastern part of the township, locating in 1837. He was a native of (3hio, of limited edu- cation, but of good native sense and strictly upright character. He was among the first elected to the oflice of justice of the peace in the eastern part of the county. He was one of the early county commis- sioners, also, and was re-elected to botli oflices several times. He was a man of pronounced views, and outspoken in their advocacy, and was esteemed and respected by his neighbors. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church; a whig, while that party existed, and a republican after the organization of that party. James Durston is another pioneer who has left a very prominent mark in the history of this township ; born in Ashcott, Sommerset- shire, England, April 24, 1806. He came to America in 1832, stop- ping first in the State of Xew York, where he married Philadelphia Bridger, who was born in Sussex, England, April 18, 1817, and came thence to Xew York, in 1828. There their oldest daughter, Maria, was born, August 19, 1833. He came to Illinois in 1837, and settled first on section 36, in Greene township, where Charles F., the oldest son, was born, August 14, 1837, the first birth in that township. Besides the two above named children were James T., born April 17, 1839; Sidney, September 14, 1841; Martha, May 7, 1843; Joseph, March 1, 1845, died November 10, 1846; Samuel L., June 10, 1847; Harriet, July 8, 1849; William E., November 2, 1851; Elizabeth Matilda, May 22, 1854; Alfred Orion, December 25, 1856; Elmer, December 12, 1861, died January 31, 1864. In 1838 Mr. D. made a claim on section 30, in this township, which he afterward sold to ^Ir. Spicer, and made his impi-ovements on sec- RIVOLI TOWNSHIP. 745 tion 15, where he lived until his death, which occurred September 8, 1879, his wife having died April 11, IStif). The family constitute a prominent feature of the township, having held various positions of honor and trust in the township and county. Charles F.. though living in Aledo now, owns a good farm in the township. James T. and Sidnev also own good farms on which thev reside. Samuel L. has the old homestead. On Mr. Durston's place was built the first school-house in the township, in 1848, the frame of which now does duty in a granary for Hon. A. J. Streeter. Mr. Durston was one of the original members of the Wesleyan Methodist church, organized in Oxford in August 1847, and also of the class organized at Hopewell in the spring of 1848, as part of that church. This Hopewell class being the first church organization effected in that townslii}>, and until the school-house above referred to was built, their meetings where held at Mr. Durston's resi- dence or that of Mi-. Chidester. Xelson Chidester and his wife, Eebecca (Stewart), are among the early pioneers who still live to enjoy the advantages their labors have helped to build up out of the privations of pioneer life. Mr. Chidester was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, May 20, 1811 ; was married in that state October 29, 1834. and came to Illinois in 1889, spending the first winter at Little York, in AVarren county ; removing in the spring of 1840 to the northeast of section 16, in this township, where he still resides. Mr. and Mrs. Chidester were original members of the above- mentioned church, to which thev still belong. The second school taught in the township was on Mr. Chidesters |)remises, occupying a back porch when the weather was pleasant, and moving into the kitchen when it rained. This school was tauijht in the summer of 1843 by Mary Stewart. The next year (1844) Mr. Chidester built a temporary building in his vard with lumber desia-ned for a barn, where Miss Pollock, of North Henderson, taught when the weather was pleasant ; when it rained she had to adjourn her school to the house, and that was a frequent occurrence that year. Another pioneer who has helped largely to make the history of the townshi]), through the influence of his family, which still resides there, was Ste[)hen Smith, who was born in Massachusetts, February 22, 1801. Emigrated to Ohio about 1820. The spring of 1823 he married ]\Iiss Anna Belt, who was born in Licking county, Ohio, August 25, 1803. Mr. Smith was a blacksmith bv trade, having served a seven vears' apprenticeship at the trade in Massachusetts. He worked at his trade in Ohio, his special forte being the working of steel and nuiking axes, which business at that time was not exclusively in the hands of large 746 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. manufacturers as at present. In 1874 Mrs. Smith was visiting about her old home in Ohio, and was shown axes still in use that Mr. Smith made before leaving there thirty-four years previously. In 1840 Mr. Smith came to Illinois, locating first in Richland Grove township, where he lived two years before moving into this township in 1842. He operated the first blacksmith shop in the township on his place in section 4. Mr. Smith died April 10, 1847, leaving his wife to rear the family. The honorable ])Osition the children occupy in the town is ample voucher for the faithful and able manner in which she executed the trust. Maj. McMuUen was another early settler, making one of the first improvements in the northeastern part of the township. His house was blown from its foundation by a tornado that swept up through the Edwards valley June 5, 1844. For many years after, in breaking prairie or plowing in the vicinage of improvements that were in the line of that storm, peo})le would encounter stakes where the wind had driven fence-rails into the ground and broken them off. In 1837 John Heriford (there is some question as to the proper orthography, as his deeds from Uncle Sam for various tracts of land entered at difterent times have it as above, and also Plervford and Herryford) made a claim and settled on section 29, but after a few years he sold out and left the country. Tradition has it that the first school in this township was taught in a cabin belonging to Mr. Pleriford, which stood nearly opposite where Zion Methodist Episcopal church now stands, but nothing very definite can be obtained in regard to it. Another pioneer was Abram Watson, who came to this township in 1838, and was probably the only revolutionary soldier ever living in the county, if we except George Spies, who lived for a short time with Richard Cox, and afterward lived eight years with Mr. Bachus, of Oxford, and died there some twenty years ago at the age of 105 years. Mr. Watson was a native of Virginia, and enlisted in the revolutionary army at the age of fourteen. He was engaged at the siege of York- town, and was present at the surrender of Cornwallis. He was wounded during the siege by a bayonet thrust through the leg. It was the custom when soldiers were standing upon the breastworks, if any one saw a pufi' of smoke arise in front of them, indicating the discharge of a gun by the British, to call shot ! when they would instantly seek the shelter of the trenches. On one occasion of this kind, Mr. Watson, bo3'-like, without looking behind him, leaped backward from the top of the parapet, receiving the bayonet of a fellow-soldier in the calf of his leg. He lived ou his claim in section 29 until his death, which RIVOLI TOWNSHIP. 747 occurred in May, 1847, when over eighty years of ago, and was buried on his chiim. lie emigrated from Virginia to Kentucky at an early day, and thence to this state, at what time is not known, as he had been living in Warren county prior to coming to this county. lie married his second wife in AVarren county, and she survived him until soon after the breaking out of the late war of the I'ebellion. At her death the neighbors removed his remains to the Woodhams cemetery, where they are buried with hers. Daniel Jones settled in this county in the spring of 1837, having came to the state a year previously and lived at Knoxville, Knox county. Though his educational advantages had been limited, his energy, his native good sense and sterling integrity soon caused him to be held in high estimation by his fellow ])ioneers. Ilis neighbors having elected him to some local otKce, he was averse to its acceptance because he was not a native of the United States, but the adaption of the constitution of 1848 soon after cured that diliiculty, and he served his neighbors in numerous official positions of importance afterward. He was among the first school trustees of the township, subsequent to the school organization in 1848. At the third election for town offi- cers under township organization in 1856, he was elected supervisor for the township, and was re-elected in 1858. Soon after settling on the E. ^ of the N. E. of Sec. 25, he made a claim on the X. E. of the S. E. of the same section, and had made rails and fenced and broke part of it, when another man came along and made a claim on the same tract. Mr. J., becoming satisfied that through some informality he could not hold the claim, had intimated as much to some of his neighbors. One night shortly after, entirely unknown to Mr. J., his neighbors turned out and hauled all the rails off the dis- puted claim and piled them up near Mr. J.'s house. He is now at the age of seventy-four years carrying on a farm of eighty aci'es near Galesburg, Illinois, to which place he removed in 1863, overseeing the business and taking care of his stock himself He was born in Canada, February 22, 1808, and on March 2, 1830, was married to Miss Atlanta Bartlett, whose brother, Gardner Bartlett, was sent by the Baptists of Vermont as a missionary to Illinois, in 1833. His labors and acquaintance in this part of the state influenced Mr. Jones to remove hither three years later. They raised a family of six children, two daughters and four sons, all of whom are respected and useful members of the communities in which they reside. Mrs. J. died August 27, 1868. Orson Jones was born in Caiiada, January 6, 1834, and June 24, 1858, married Amelia, oldest daughter of \l. ( '. Sexton, of Viola, 748 HISTORY OF AIERCER AXD HENDERSON COUXIIEP. Illinois, who (lied three months after her marriage. May 29, 1860, he was again married to Miss Helen P.. daughter of William C. Bartlett, one of the earliest settlers of Geneseo, in Henrv coiintv. Miss Helen was born in Geneseo, October 30, 1840. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. D, 83d reg. HI. Vol. Inf. At the time of the enlistment of the colored troops, he applied for a transfer and was commissioned as first lieu- tenant, Co. F, 14th reg, U. S. CoFd Yol. Inf., with which command he served until it was mustered out in March, 1S66, nearly a year after the close of the war. Upon his return from the army in the spring of 1866, he settled upon his present farm of 154 acres, situated in section 7, in Oxford township, Henry county, where he continues to reside. He has held nearly all the local othces in the gift of tlie people of his township, and now fills the important office of county surveyor of Henry county, and is also secretary of the Eivoli Township Farmer's Insurance Company of this county, of which he is a member. He is one of those men who have made the most of their limited opportu- nities, and he now stands high in the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens. Farming and stock raising have been his chief occupations. Kepublican in politics. Religiously he and his wife are baptists, but there beino- no church of that faith near them, tliev have connected themselves with the Congregational society of Xew Windsor. They have two children : Frederick D., born September 13, 1861, and Minnie G., born January 1. 1867. The next son, Xorville, served in Col. Woods' 140th reg. 111. Yol. Inf., and now resides near Malvern, Iowa. Granville lives near Gales- burg. Corwin, at Farragut, Iowa. Louisia (now Mrs. Andreson) at Malvern, Iowa ; and Mrs. Lockwood, also in Iowa. March 3, 1870, Mr. Jones (Daniel) married Mrs. Ward, of Oxford, Henry county, who now shares his home with him in his declining years. Other names might be mentioned here among the pioneers, but their stay was short and their trails are well nigh obliterated by the growth of time. The Rev. Hugh Breckenridge has been identified with this county since 1855, at which time he came to this state from Mercer county, Pennsylvania, where he was born May 5, 1826. The first four years of his residence here he worked at the carpenter trade, mostly in Ohio Grove township. His father, William, and his mother, Jane (Wallace) Breckenridge, were natives of Pennsylvania. His paternal grandfather and mother were natives of Scotland, whence they emigrated to this country. In the fall of 1859 Mr. B. returned to his native state, and Fcb- ruarv 3, 1860, was married to INIiss Mai-y AVatson, a native of Mercer RlVdl.I TOWXSIIII', 7i9 county, Pennsylvania, and daugliter of John and Lncinda Watson, of that county. Bringing his wife to Illinois with him, he settled April 21, 1861, on his farm, the northwest of section 4, in Riyoli townshij), building his present residence that year. His farm now embraces 2<)U acres. They are members of the Hopewell AVesleyan Methodist cliurch, of which Mr. B. is now a regularly ordained minister, haying been ordained September 20, 1874, though he has been engaged in preaching for the last sixteen years. For two years he was pastor in charge of Hopewell circuit and was on the Ball Bluff circuit two years. The last three years he has been associate ])astor of the Hopewell cir- cui . They have liad six children, of whom five survive at present : Juanita, born December 31, 1800; Clara L., September 23, 1862; WiUiamAV., July 13, 1865; Sarah L., January 4, 1868 (died October 17, 1868); Edward E., May 23, 1869; and Mary A., June 7, 1870. SCHOOLS. The first official record of the schools of Rivoli township, 14 N., R. 1 W., is dated February 26, 1848, at which time James Bridger, Nelson Chidester, and Jonathan D. Wood, school trustees, met at the house of K. R-. Cox and appointed the latter treasurer, and divided the township into three districts as follows : ''The first district shall com- mence at the southeast corner of said township and run three miles west, and then due north until it strikes North Pope creek, then up said creek to the township line, then soutli along said line to the place of beginning. Tlie second district shall be composed of all the said township north of North Pope creek. The third district shall commence at the southwest corner of said township and run three miles east, then north till it strikes North Pope creek, then down said creek to the west line of said township, then south to the place of beginning."' They also "or- dered R. R. Cox to purchase three books for the use of the treasurer, not to exceed in value $2.00." At the second meeting of the trustees, held April 1, 1848, they dis- tributed the funds on hand, amounting to $19.65, to the several dis- tricts, of wliich district number one was entitled to receive $6.01; num- ber two, $6.37; anhcopal CJiurch was organized in 1868, under the charge of Rev. Peter S. Garretson, this being his first appointment, he having traveled one year previously on the Oricjn cir- cuit as supply. Rev. W. B. Carithers received his appointment to this circuit in 1869, during which year the class procured a lot and pur- chased a building 26x40 feet that had been built for a school-house and converted it into a house of worship. This building the class still uses as its church. Rev. Theodore Tloagland was placed in charge of this class in 1870 and was continued two years. The preachers in charge since Rev. T. Hoagland have been Revs. William Lieber, U. Z. (lilmer, A. Myers, J. E. Taylor, two years; Geo. Miller, John McCord, and J. D. Calhoun, two years. The class organized in 1868, with a membership of eight, John Coleman, Elizabeth Colemen, Lovina Coleman, Samuel Coleman, Rev. John Abbott, Alice Abbott, W. A. Buckley, and Mary Buckley. The present membership of the class is forty-five. The church is out of debt and in a fiourishing condition. The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Churchy of New Windsor, was organized May 24, 1869, with Carl A. Johnson, Tetes Falk, and John M. Blad, as trustees, and Carl A. Johnson, C. Bjorkengren, Carl Adolf Falk, and Carl Falk, as deacons. G. A. Falk, secretary. August 23, 1869, the society decided to build a church edifice, which it did that fall, erecting a building 28 X 60 X 20 ft. dimensions, which rests on a stone foundation three and a half feet above the surface of the ground. This building cost $6,726.70. The society has a good commodious parsonage also, which cost about $1,500, and a cemetery where it buries its dead exclusively. It has had three pastors since its organization : S. T. A. Lindahl, T. N. Sannquist and the present pastor, N. T. Winquist, who has been in charge since Api-il, 1879. The latter gentleman being a fine scholar and a verv intelliiJ:;ent man. Pie was born in Stockholm, Sweden, November 9, 1840, and received his education there, coming to America in 1867. He took a course at the Swedish Theological Seminary at Paxton, Illinois, since removed to Rock Island, Illinois. ja\'()Li 'lowNSHiP. 759 To liis other scliolarlj attainments he adds a knowledge of tlie Hebrew hmguage. This society has a membersliip of '2H() comnmnicants, and 1()0 children, wliich it regards as members, making a total mem bership of 440. The village of New Windsor was originally laid out in 1857 by W. T. Hammond, on the S. E. ^ of See. 13, and was expected to be a station on the (xreat Western Air Line railway, which was to be a trans-continental line spanning the country from l*hiladelphia to San Francisco. But the financial collapse of that year served a perpetual writ of mandamus upon the construction of many great lines of rail- way. The railroad was not built, and the seed that was to produce New Windsor failed to germinate. In 1868 the Chicago, Burlington c^ Quincy Railroad Company, by a series of manipulations known to rail- road magnates, came into })Ossession of the franchises, right of way, etc., of the American ( \*nti-al railroad, which was the successor of the Great Western Air Line, and proceeded to build and equip the road from Galva to New Boston, having it ready to ()])erate in the spring of 1809 as a branch to its main line. With the buildinji; of the rail- road, New Windsor sprang into being as if by magic, so rapid was its growth. On August 2, 1869, the people decided by a vote of thirty-four to seven to incorporate their town. On August 14, A. J. Moore, J, TI. Epperson, P. Casler, E. L. Larkin and (t. W. Gregg were elected the tirst board of trustees, and Joseph M. Christy the tirst police justice. At an election held August 1, 1870, the people of the town of New Windsor voted to issue $10,000 in the bonds of the town to the Rock- ford, Rock Island & St. Louis railroad, when said railroad was com- pleted and a depot built in the incorporation. This measure was carried by a vote of forty-three to fourteen. As the conditions were never complied with the bonds were not issued. The road was built three miles east of New AV^indsor, and Alpha came into being at the crossing of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy branch. April 19, 1878, the town voted thirty to twenty-two to organize as as a village imder the general incorporaticm law of the state. The present board of trustees are : W. 11. Gladman, president ; R. B. Robinson, J. A. Maxwell, W. C. Cole, C. Shaw, and S. T. Sanniel- son ; S. C. Whitcomb. village clerk. This village enjoys the distinction of having the only telesc()j)e for astronomical i>urj)oses in this part of the country. Mr. Edgar L. Larkin having erected 'an observatory here mounting a six inch ecpiatorial, made by Alivin Clark & Sons. February 8, 1877, the state auditor issued a certificate of organiza- 760 HISTORY OF MERCER A2sD HENDERSON COUNTIES. tion granting twentv-five years life to the '•Rivoli Farmers' Mutual Insui-ance Company."' with its business office in Xew Windsor, and authorized to transact business in its line in the townships of Rivoli. Richland Grove. Xorth Henderson, Greene, and Suez, in this county, and Oxford township, in Henry comity. The company organized with thirty charter members, whose aggregate policies amounted to $60,000. The first board of directors were: S. B. Shumway, ^Y. S. Fleharty, H. H. Roberts. A. P. Petrie, T. D. Merryman, X. P. Smith, J. M. Merrvman, B. Kasenberg and T. S. Wilson. The officers were : A. P. Petrie, president; ]^. P. Smith, secretary, and T. D. MeiTyinan, ti'easurer. The last annual report of the secretary, January, 1882, shows the total number of policies in full. 164. covering 8178.468. The present officers of the company are : S. B. Shumway, president ; Orson Jones, secretary, and T. D. Merryman, treasurer. Crford Lodfje^ Xo. 367, A.F.A.M. was granted a dispensation October 18, 1860, by the grand master of the state, to open a new lodge U. D., in Oxford, in Henry county. Tlie lodge worked U. D., until October 16, 1861, it received its charter and number from Grand Master Ira A. W. Buck. Its first officers were: Paul Halm, W.M. ; Robert Detheridge, S.W. ; Wm. Fleharty, J.W. ; Samuel Wilson, Treasurer; M. S. Shephard, Secretary; Thomas Robertson, S.D. ; George Gale, J.D. ; Samuel Epperson, Tyler. TLie charter members were P. W. Epperson, Thomas Robertson, Samuel Wilson, S. C. Moberly, J. D. Kennedy, J. M. Herbert, M. S. Shephard, Joshua Bruner, and X. McCombers. The lodge removed to atid held its first meeting in Xew Windsor July 12, 1870. It owned its liall in Oxford, which it sold to S. B. Shumway, and in September, 1870, bought its present hall and undivided half interest in the lot on which it stands of J. A. Maxwell. It is in good financial condition and numbers among its members some of the foremost and best men in the conmiunity, ranking as one of the best working lodges in the countrv. It has had on its roll the names of over V6() members, its present active membership being forty-six. During its twenty-one years' existence the following eight members have filled the office of Worshipful Master : Paul Halm, two years ; R. Detheridge, four years ; S. B. Shumway, six years ; M. CoUey, J. M. Timberlake, A. D. Underwood, two years ; A. P. Petrie, two years ; and R. S. Petrie, three years, The present officers of the lodge are : H. H. Roberts, W.M.- B. F. Brooks, S.W.; J. F. Cox, J.W.; W. W. Parsons, Treasurer; A. P. Shroyer, Secretary; A. Olson, S.D. ; A. G. McMul- len, J.D,; R. Blair, Tyler. RIVOLI TOWNSHIP. 761 A chapter of the Eastern Star was recently organized in connection with this lodge, having eighteen charter members, seven of whom are women. Its officers are: Mrs. Jennie Petrie, W.M. ; Mrs. Lizzie Mc- Mullen, AV.A.; A. P. Forgie, W.T.; Mrs. Martha Veeder, Treasurer; C. F. Peterson, Secretary. jSfeic Windsor Lodge No. 518., I.O.O.F.. was organized June 3, 1873, by Dept. G. M. James Kelly. Charter members were : J. B. Armstrong, A. A. Willett, W. W. Jobes, AV. H. Gladman. and Samuel Adams. Its first ofticers were : J. B. Armstrong, N.G. ; AY. H. Glad- man, Y.G. ; Samuel Adams, Secretary; A. A. Willett, Treasurer. Its roll shows a total membership of ninety-five since its organization, with a present active membersliip of twenty -six. It owns a hall over the drug store of A. J. Eosenbaum and the undivided half of the lot on which it stands. The hall was built in the fall of 1879. The lodge occupied its hall the first time jS^ovember 20, 1879. Its present officers are: Dr. F. D. Rathburn, X.G.; H. Higley, Y.G.; B. F. Brooks, Secretary ; D. Harkness, Treasurer ; W. H. Kerr, "Warden : John Olson, Cond. ; James Ulam, Chap.; J. E. Gould, D.D.G.M. The office of Xoble Grand has been held bv S. Adams, two terms : "W. H. Gladman, two terms ; A. J. Smith, AV. S. Coe, J. L. David, II. J. Piper, J. E. Gould, J. L. McXaghten, ^\. II. Kerr. A. B. Firkins, James Ulam, two terms ; J. X. Cox, and B. F. Brooks. Thei*e are four cemeteries in this township. The Woodhams Cemetery on the E. \ of the X. W. of Sec. 21. covers two acres, which was set apart for that purpose by Mr. "William Woodhams during his life and afterward deeded to the township by the family. Mrs. AV. was the first one buried in this cemetery, which contains the remains of several of the township's pioneers. Ttie Cooper Cemetery on the S. AV. \ of the S. E. \ of Sec. 30, the property of Richard Cooper, was started as a private cemetery by the Cooper family, and is occupied mostly by members of that family and connections. The Ne\r Wnids(n' Cemetery, on the S. E. \ of Sec. 12, was donated by the late'AYilliam F. Petrie, one of the proprietors of the village, and is on a beautiful rolling site, and is being rapidly improved by trees and flowers, which must soon render it very attractive. The Sivedlsh Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery., in the village of Xew AA'indsor, near the southeast corner of section 12, and separated from the church by a street, is the property of that church and designed exclus- ively for the use of members of that church. The following were the first township officers elected after the county went into township organization in 1854 : super\-isor. R. R. 762 HISTORY OF MERCER A^D HENDERSON COUNTIES. Cox ; town clerk, James Bridger ; assessor, L. Cliidester ; collector, N. Cliidester ; justice of tlie peace, C. Harsliberger. The followino- is the list of town officers to date, with the number of terms that each held: Siqyerinsor. — R. R. Cox, two years ; Daniel Jones, two years ; A. J. Streeter, five years ; John W. Mills, two years ; N. P. SmitlL, four years ; T. G. Woodhams ; A. P. Petrie, nine years ; W. D. Fleharty, two years ; J. G. Sexton, three years. Town Clerl'. — James Bridger, twelve years; J. Lyman Smith, two years ; A. P. Petrie ; C. F. Durston, four years ; Joseph M. Christy, four years ; S. L. Durston ; A. J. Smith ; T. B. Mayo, three years ; J. W. Peterson. In twenty-nine years nine persons have filled both of these offices. One of J. G. Sexton's terms is fractional, having been appointed to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of A. P. Petrie. Assessor. — L. Chidester ; N. P. Smith, four years ; Wm. Pitman ; S. B. Shumway, two years ; C. F. Durston, three years ; J. L. Smith, three years ; H. R. West ; Josejjh M. Christy, two years ; A. J. Jmith ; W. C. Cole ; J. B. Longley, eight years ; Ira G. Bridger. Collector. — ^N. Chidester ; Chas. E. Cox ; H. R. West, eight years ; Orson Jones ; J. Menold ; T. G. Woodhams, four years ; J. B. Smith ; E. B. David ; C. S. Smith, two years ; Sidney Durston ; W. B. Cullison ; W. W. Jobes ; Ira G. Bridger ; S. L, Durston ; W. W. Allen ; T. B. Mayo ; Geo. W. Gregg ; W. W. Parsons ; O. Roberts ; Royal Chidester ; W. W. Watson ; H. L. Loomis. Justice of the Peace. — Term of office is four years : C. Ilarsberger, two terms ; Peter Eckley ; R. R. Cox ; John B. Longley, three terms ; J. W. Peterson, two terms ; M. F, Wliipp ; J. Lyman Smith ; James Meadows ; John Christy ; C. F. Durston, two terms ; M. F. Postlewait ; Joseph M. Christy ; W. C. Cole ; W. W. Parsons, three terms ; J. G. Sexton, two terms. In 1865 the town auditors levied a tax of $2.60 on the $100 valuation for a bounty tax. The total amount expended for fifteen volunteers to fill the quota of this township was $7,940.75, of which $3,620 was raised by subscription. In 1854 the first assessment under township organization showed that there were in the township 163 horses, 405 cattle, 5 mules, 226 sheep, 649 hogs, 45 wagons and carriages, 39 clocks and watches ; moneys and credits $779. The total personal property assessed was $19,821; the total real estate assessed was $35,238.29; total assess- ment, $55,059.29. The New Windsor Observatory, located at New Windsor, and 1^ RIVOIJ TOWNSHIP. 763 owned by Edgar L. Larkin, is an object of much interest. It was erected for astronomical purjioses, and is provided witli a telescope made especially for celestial observation. Tlie diameter of the object- ive is six inches in the clear, and its focal length is eight feet ten inches. The observatory is in free telegrai)hic communication with the? Smith- sonian Institute at Washington, D.C., and with the Howard College observatory at Cambridge, Massachusetts. Tlie telescope is called an equatorial ; that is, it rests on two strong, cast-iron axes, that have motions so adjusted that when the telescope is set on a star it will remain so, since it is revolving on axes that move as the earth does. The telescope and all its belongings are first-class, and it would be a pleasure to note all of its peculiarities and ai)plianc('s, but space forbids more than the above mention. BIOGRAPHICAL. Reuben H. Spicek, Sr., was born in the town of Kent, county of Litchlield, state of Connecticut, June 24, 1810. In 1819 his father removed to western New York, then a new country. The schools there at that day were of the frontier type, but such as they wei'e Mr. Spicer had the privilege of attending from two to three months during the year. Such was the advantage he took of the limited opportunities that at the age of fourteen he was spoken of for a teacher. DaboU's arithmetic, Webster's sjielling book, with writing, comprised the entire curiiculum of the common school then, but through the ])artiality of one or two teachers and a Baptist minister, Mr. Spicer was enabled to go a little beyond the standard course and obtain an introduction to mathematics, geography and grammar. At the age of eighteen he left the home farm at his father's suggestion, and spent some time in southern New York and northern Pennsylvania, which being an older settled portion of the country, brought him in contact with a higher grade of society, and better opportunities to gratify his ardent desire for knowledge and self-ini])rovement. One of the first ste])S taken by him was to form a temperance society of one, for at that time the use of liquor was almost universal, standing upon the sideboaixl of every well- to-do gentleman, and in tlie closets of poorer people; greeting the guest upon arrival and following liis departure as a stirruj) cup. See- ing the degradation and misery which too frequently resulted, especially among young men, from the use of intoxicating liquors, he resolved to deny himself the use, and faithfully did he adhere to that resolution, and now as he reviews his past life he does not hesitate to award to that resolve the credit for his being a better man and more \iseful citizen than he could have been with the associations of those who had 764 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. « a greater fondness for liquor and smoke tlian for mental culture. After traveling considerably through the middle, some of the southern and eastern states, in the fall of 1831 he went to Michigan, the only new country then thought to be habitable, with the expectation of making it his home. lie spent the winter in Ann Arbor, then a flourishing town with good society. Early next spring with a pony he started out and during the season traversed the territory in various directions, Indian trails being the substitute for roads. Indians were numerous and he often found them useful in mapping the geography of the country for him ; with their ramrods tracing in the sand the course of trails, rivers, ravines and sloughs, and marking the crossings, all with an unerring accuracy that would have done honor to a learned pro- fessor. While stopping, for the night at Bronson, now Kalamazoo, in the early summer, the people were aroused to great excitement by the arrival of a messenger announcing the breaking out of the Black Hawk war, and claiming to have been sent for aid to arrest the advance of the hostiles, which was represented to be rapid and not far distant. The people were panic stricken; old men and women traversed the streets wringing their hands, not knowing which way to turn for safety. Mr. Spicer's destination, Prairie Ronde. now Schoolcraft, led him directly toward the advancing foe, and he resumed his journey next morning against the earnest protests of the people of the village. He made the journey in safety, transacted his business, and, returning on the second day met the volunteers en route for the seat of war. Among them was every man from the Gull Prairie settlement, where lie had been stopping, even Deacon Mills, the old man of the settle- ment, with whom Mr. Spicer had been boarding. By taking his place in the ranks Mr. Spicer induced the deacon to return to his home, and thus he was led into making a campaign in the Black Hawk war. With the desire for a higher education as strong as ever, he returned east in the fall of 1832, and at the age of twenty-two began that course of education that most young men now finish before that age. For two years he applied himself with untiring assiduity to his studies. In the spring of 1835 he again started west, this time with Texas as his objective point, that state being engaged at that time in the struggle to free itself from Mexican rule. Arrived at Cincinnati he found the funds too low to proceed farther, so crossed over to Kentucky and pro- cured a situation in a school and began to teach. He applied himself with such diligence in his new profession that he soon found himself at the head of one of the most flourishing local schools of the state. Two years of such intense application told upon his health, and he was forced to give up his school. In the spring of 1837 he married Miss RivoLi TOWNSHIP. 765 Sopliiii AVliiteliead, of Covingcton, Ivy., who was a native of London, England, and they started at once for Illinois. Arrived at Peoria he found speculation a numia, corner lots selling far up in the thousands. xVfter inspecting the country about Peoria, he ])roceeded up the river to Peru, thence to Aux Plaines and Chicago. AVhile sto])])ing with a brother at Aux Plaines he incidentally heard of a wondeiiiilly fertile country bordering on the Mississipj)i south of Rock river. A place where a man of small means had a chance to become the peer of his neighbor with no greater means. Chancing to meet a former acquaint- ance from the east, he started for the new Eldorado on foot, there being few inducements then for even stage lines to traverse the trackless prairies. After viewing the country he purchased a claim that is now embraced within the limits of his farm. He returned to his claim with his wife in July. The improvements.on the claim con- sisted of two acres broken and a log cabin erected, 14x16 feet dimen- sion, with a place cut for a door and a tire-place, and a }jlace 6XS feet in one corner covered by a puncheon floor. Mr. Spicer, writing of this cabin, says: ''This domicile had its conveniences. First, it was well ventilated, then the open door and lire-place made ample provision for the easy ingress and egress of itinerant dogs and prowling wolves, the latter being much the more numerous." S])eaking of these times Mr. Spicer remarked that ''Political organizations at this time had not disturbed the unity of the settlements. In 1838 the first breeze, faint, but yet perceptible, swept over tliese prairies. In 1840 the invader arrived and the two parties, democrat and whig, for the first time measured their strength.'" Mr. S[)icer was a democrat, and though he foresaw that the probabilities were against that party acquiring a per- manent ascendency, he j)referred to be right in his own estimation rather than yield his opinion to expediency. In 1841 he was sent as delegate to the state convention ; the first delegate of either party from the countv to a state convention. He found some difficultv in nuddng the geographical location of the county known. In answer to questions as to its whereabouts, he replied that "Time would nuike it known as one of the first counties of the state."* This was received with very incredulous smiles. He there formed the acquaintance of many of the prominent men of the state, which became a source of much pleasure to him in after years. In 1843 he was elected to the legislature from the district comyjosed of the counties of Mercer and Knox. In 1848 he was put in nomination for the state senate for the district composed of Mercer, Rock Island, Henry, Knt)x, Warren and Henderson counties. The canvass of that year was the most spirited in this section up to that time ; Gov. Joseph B. Wells and Col. E. D. Baker, candidate for congress, 76 P) HISTORY OF MERCER A:S"D HENDERSON COUNTIES. participated. By the defection of a small portion of his party in Knox county he was defeated. This vh-tually closed his political career, as impediments beyond his control prevented his taking any further part in that direction. Yet in 1851, without his consent or knowledge even, he was again put in nomination for the same ofhee, to till a vacancy. His business arrangements were such then that he could not accept it and took no part in the canvass, lie has always been an earnest advo- cate of the public schools, laboring olhcially and individually for their improvement, having served over twenty years as a school othcer in his district and township. At the breaking out of the rebellion he was among the lirst to advocate its suppression, believing that the union must and should be preserved. Loss of hearing has for many years been a serious obstacle to the transaction of business, and still greater to the enjoyment, of social intercourse, for which he is so eminently qualified, and from which he would derive such great pleasure. Kat- nrally of a studious disposition, this deprivation has caused him to turn more of his attention to books, and especially in that greatest of all books, the book of nature, where he finds his greatest solace. His father was a man of more than ordinary energy, and had executive faculties of a high order. Starting with a very imperfect education, he made his way through life a success. Frequently having large busi- ness operations under his supervision, he won the confidence of^an ex- tended circle of friends. He held manv of the local offices of his county, and when over sixty years of age removed from Xew York to the vicinity of Lawrence, Kansas, for the benefit of his younger children. The climate and change seemed to afi'ect his health, but he lived to reach nearly four score years. His grandfather gave his services to his country during the entire period of the revolutionary war. His grand- mother resided at Xew London, Connecticut, at the time Arnold invaded that place, but was one of those who escaped to the hills in the rear of the place. Mr. Spicer's first claim and residence was on the S. E. of the S. E. of section 25, in Greene township; his present resi- dence was not built until IS-tl, and is on the X. AY. of the S. W. of section 30, in Rivoli township. Of the ten children, nine are living: Sarah A. (wife of C. Y. Shove, Yiola, Illinois); S. Augusta (wife of AYm.C. Garrett, farmer, Rivoli township); E. Levis (member of Co. H, 84th 111. Yol. Inf., was mortally wounded at the battle of Stone river, Tennessee, and was buried in the cemetery at Nashville) ; Talbut T. (farmer, married daughter of Elihu Rathbun, lives near Chariton, Iowa); Charles F. ^senior partner of firm of Spicer it Gilmore, dealers in agri- cultural impk^ments, Aledo, Illinois); Lucy A.; Reuben IL, Jr. (nuir- ried to Laura C., youngest daughter of L. W. Conger, now of Putnam UIVOLI TOWNSIIII'. 767 county, Missouri); Franklin P.; Minnie I. (wife of John L. Stewart, farmer, Rivoli townsliip); and Mary E. Hon. Alexander P. Petrie was born at "Rosendale on the Hudson, in rister county, New York, Aujj^ust 8], 1887. He came to Illinois with his father's family in 1844, via the lakes to Chicago, and thence by wagon to Kichland Grove township, arriving at the house of Samuel Clark, one of the pioneers of that township, Jime 6, 1844, the next day after the great tornado that had blown from their foundations the INfcMullen and AVilcox houses, the only two houses then on the prairie south of Edwards creek. His youth was spent on the farm with only the very limited advantages for education atforded by the common schools of that day. He atterward took a course in a commercial school at Chicago.- On August 9, ISO'-}, he enlisted in Co. C, 112th reg. 111. Vol. Inf, and at the com]>any organization was elected orderly sergeant, was mustered into the United States service as second lieuten- ant, at J?*eoria, September 22, 1862, went with his regiment to Covington, and thence to Lexington, Kentucky, where he wintered; \vent with a detachment from his regiment in the summer of 1864, on Saunder's raid into east Tennessee, destroying railroads and confederate supplies. Some of his command were captured near Cumberland Gap, but he escaped. Reaching Lancaster, Kentucky, they celebrated July 4, 1863, there, and afterward rejoined his regiment at Danville, Kentucky; was at the siege of Knoxville, Tennessee,, and at Kelly's Ford, east Tennessee. January 27, 1864, he was wounded by a shot in both legs during a cavalry engagement. For his wound he received a furlough for two months and visited his home. He rejoined his command, then a part of Gen. Sherman's grand army, rendezvoused near Chattanooga, Tennessee, in the spring of 1864, taking part in that wonderful hun- dred days' campaign wdiicli resulted in the fall of Atlanta, his command being in the Twenty-third Army Corps under Gen. Schofield. He com- manded his company after the battle of liesacca, in the spring of 1864, until after the battle of Franklin. Tennessee, November 30, 1864, in which his brother, Edward E., a member of his company, was killed and borne from the tield by Lieut. Peti'ie in person. He was also with his command in the right wing of the army under Gen. George H. Thomas, when Gen. Plood received his final defeat at Nashville. His command having been sent to Fort Fisher after the battle of Nashville, to take part with Gen. Sherman in the (\nrolina campaign, he joined it at Kingston, North Carolina, in March, 1865. He was mustered out at Greensboro, North Carolina, June 20, 1865, as first lieutenant, reaching home on July 9, following. August 28, 1862, Mr. Petrie united in marriage with Miss Alice, daughter of Dr. 768 HISTORY OF MERCER JlSD HE>T)ERS0X COUNTIES. T. S. Fetrie. probably a distant relative, as botli parties trace their linease back four or iive tjenerations to one James Petrie, trardener and florist. Forest. Elginslm'e. Scotland. Miss Alice was born in Liverpool, England. April 1. 1S39, and came to America with her parents in 1840, via Xew Orleans and the river, to Peoria, Illinois, settling first at Trivoli, in Peoria county, thence moving to Brimtield. and thence to Rivoli, Mercer county. Mr. and Mrs. F. have four children, two sons and two daughters. The oldest, Maggie, being now in attendance at St. Mary's school, I\jioxville, Illinois. In the spring of 1867 Mr. Fetrie was elected supervisor for Rivoli township, to which office his neiichbors continued to call him until he had served them ten vears. He has been an active member of the republican party ever since his majority, but not in the roll of an office seeker, the offices having sought him. In 1880 his party called on him to represent the twenty- second senatorial district in the house of representatives of the Illinois legislature, which position he fills with as much honor to himself and his constituents as any of the new members of that body. Mr. T. is a member of the Congregational church, of Xew Windsor, and of Oxford Lodge, Xo. 367, A.F.A.M., of Xew Windsor, of which lodge he was W.M. for two years. His farm, consisting of 560 acres, lies near the village of Xew Windsor ; his residence, where he has lived since Feb- ruary, 1866, is on the southwest quarter section 12. The farm is in a high state of cultivation and has 1,600 rods of drain tile laid at present. His business has been farming and stock raising, and for a few years, he was engaged quite extensively in raising hedge plants. His father, William F. Fetrie, was bom at Forest, Elginshire, Scotland, April 19, 1803, and came to America in 1828, and was overseer se\'eral years for Commodore Stockton, of the United States navy, at his place, near Princeton, Xew Jersey. Here he married Miss Ann Regan, who was born in L'eland in 1809, and was at the time a nurse in the family of Commodore Stockton. Went from Princeton, Xew Jersey, to Posendale, Xew Yoi'k, and engaged in mercantile pursuits; then on to a farm in Oneida county, Xew York; thence to Illinois in isi-l, settling on the southwest quarter section twenty-five, in Richland Grove township, Mercer county. In 1849 he crossed the plains of California, where he remained two years, most of the time plying his vocation as gardener, near San Francisco. While there he took the contract to grade Stock- ton street in the above named city. Having sold his farm in Richland Grove township, he bought land on sections 12 and 13, in Rivoli town- ship, and moved on to the northeast quarter section thirteen, in 1857. He was one of the original proprietors of the ^-illage of Xew Windsor, ])art of the town plat being on the northeast of section 13. Mr. P. RIVOLI TOWNSHIP. 769 had nine children, one daughter and eight sons, four dving in in- fancy and one. Edward R.. killed in battle as mentioned before. The four survivors reside in and near New Windsor, viz : Mary C, (wife of W. D. Flehartyi. Alexander P.. Richard S.. and Cornelius L. Mr. P. was an energetic, thorough going man in all that he undertook, being awarded the premium three successive years by the Merc-er County Affricultural Societv. for the best cultivated farm in the countv. He died August 19. lJ>66. his worthy wife surviving him until September 10. l'^74. Their remains are deposited with those of their heroic son, Edward R.. in the ^Hllage cemetery north of Xew Windsor, the site for which was donated by Mr. Petrie. Hon. Ai;S4»x J. Streetee, one of Mercer c-ounty's most prominent citizens, was born in Rensselaer countv. Xew York, Januarv 18, 1823. His father. Roswell Streeter. was bom in Massachusetts in 1799, and his mother. Eleanor Kenyon. was bom in Westerly. Rhode Island. August 20. 1798. There were six sons and two daughters the offspring of this union, of whom the subject of tliis sketch is the oldest, and the only one living in this c-ounty now. His sister. Mrs. Shumwav. livinor in Oxford. Henrv countv. is the onlv member of the family living near him. Mr. Streeter came to Illinois in 1836. when only thirteen years old. with his tather. who settled at that earlv dav in what is now Lee Centre. Lee coimtv. Illinois. J3is father died April 11. 1850. in Iowa, en route for Calitbmia. His mother survived until June 8, 1871, when she died, in the seventy- third year of her age, at her son's residence near Xew Windsor. His youth was spent on the fai*m and in trapping, hunting and fishing, which were his favorite employments at that time and at which he was very successtiil. The fiirs and pelts of the wolf mink, otter, muski-at, etc.. being about the only medium of exchange obtainable at that time. He has treasured up many interesting incidents connected with his early pioneer life, when the settlers who had endured the hardships to which they were subjected at that early day were obliged to form societies for mutual protection, to prevent by the force of might the greedy speculator from entering their homes, which the set- tlers could not iHii-chase, there beins: no monev in the c-ountr\- with which to buy. He also relates how they used to bum charc-oal and haul it fourteen miles to Grand Du Tour, on Rock river, where one John Deere (now of Moline plow i'iune) had a blacksmith shop with two forges in it. He would sometimes get titty cents and sometimes a •dollar in cash on his load, the balance would be taken in blacksmith- inff as it was needed. It was when making one of these trips that he tii-st saw a steel plow that would sc<^ur, Mr. Deere having just begim 770 HISTORY OF IVLERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. the manufacture of a diamond-sliaped steel plow, the only plow then in use having a wooden mold-board, with a piece of iron fastened on the lower edge for a share. Returning liome he reported to his father what he had seen, and they concluded they must have one of the new plows. So, taking a load of charcoal, he went to the shop and traded for a plow. Repairing to a neighboring sand-bank he hitched his oxen to the plow and drove, while Mr. Deere held the plow, to scour it, not having any implement to grind with at that time. While living in Lee county he attended two terms of school in an old log school-house. At the age of twenty-three, with an ardent desire to improve his edu- cation and $12 of hard-earned savings in his pocket, he went to Gales- burg to attend Knox college. By the industrious use of the frower and knife riving and shaving hard-wood shingles, he maintained him- self two and one-half years at school. In 1849 he went oyerland to California and spent two years in the mines, returning in 1851. In 1853 he went across the plains with a drove of cattle, and repeated the trip again in 1854. On Ins return from this last trip he bought 240 acres of land in section 11, Rivoli township, to which he has continued to add until his farm at present spreads over 3,100 acres, about one- half of which is in pasture at present and on which he raises large numbers of hogs and cattle, having one of the finest herds of thorough- bre4 short horns in the county. Farming and stock raising has been his business, and although his private affairs have grown to such large dimensions of late years, he has always kept himself posted on the course of current politics, taking deep interest in everytliing affecting agriculture and education. Though having business interests that would seem to require all his time, he has always held himself in readiness to serve his neighbors in any position they have called upon him to fill. He has represented his town several years on the board of supervisors. In 1872 he was elected by the cumulative system the minority representative to the state legislature from the twenty-second senatorial district, composed of Knox and Mercer counties, serving two years as a member of the twenty-eighth general assembly to the satisfaction of his constituents and honor to himself. Serving on the committee on agriculture and education, he helped to shape all the legislation upon those two subjects, in which he takes so great interest. A democrat until about 1874, he deemed that neither of the two lead- ing parties was serving tlie people's interests as it should, and since that time he has identified himself with the national greenback labor union party. Standing for that party as candidate for congress from the tenth congressional district in 1878, he received over 3,600 votes. Again in 1880, the candidate-.of the same party for governor of the / _„^ RivoLi TOWNSHIP. 773 state, lie received 28,808 votes. lie is alwavs found on the side of the masses, battling against the encroachments of the great moneyed cor- porations, and believes most firmly in enforcing our railroad and ware- house laws. He is a member of the Congregational chui-cli of New Windsor, and is also a Royal Arch Mason. On his jjhice is one of the curiosities of this section of country : a crows' roost. Near his house is a patch of brusli land densely covered with a young growth of black oaks. In this the crows assemble every evening to roost, departing early in the morning on their daily foraging expeditions. When they are all congregated in the evening they cover about five acres, sitting so closely together that they completely cover the trees, making each a veritable quermis niger. Mr. Streeter says they were there when he came, and he does not see that they have either increased or dimin- ished in number during the now nearly thirty years of his acquaint- ance with them. He does not allow them to be disturbed, and they have never done any damage on his place. He has never heard of but one other roost in the state, and that is in the southern part. He thinks his crows range over a circle whose radius is more than one hundred miles. During the brooding season they do not return to the roost, but as soon as the young can fly they take them there. His children, in the order of their ages, are: George A., Frank W., Mary, Nellie May, Fannie Rose, Minnie Grace, and Charles Dallas. The four last-named are children of his second wife (Susan JVIenold), to whom he was married in August, 1861. George A. married a daugh- t^ of Joshua Goddard, of Yiola. Frank W. married a daughter of Samuel Park, near Viola, and now lives on the place, having charge of the farm and stock. Mary is the wife of Thomas Burling, and lives in Nebraska. Minnie Grace died January 23, 1882, from the eifects of diphtheria, deeply mourned by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. She was a girl of more than ordinary promise, for whom a very brilliant future seemed just opening. February 22, 1882, Nellie May was married to Mr. Frank Crane, of Osco, Henry county, Illinois. Fannie Rose and Charles Dallas are all that remain at home. By energy and perseverance he has wrested from the soil his present ample means, and has earned a justly merited reputation for honor and probity that is worth more than money or lands. Mr. Streeter resides on his original purchase in section 11, two and one-half miles northwest of the vilhiij-e of New Windsor. CoENELirs L. Petrie was born in Richland Grove townshi]), in Mercer county, Illinois, September 25, 1849, son of William Petrie. [For family history see biography of Hon. Alexander P. Petrie]. His youth was spent on his father's farm in this county. October 6, 1880, 44 774 IIISTOJRY OF MERCER AJSTD HENDERSON COUNTIES. he married Sylvina B. Coleman, daughter of John Coleman, of this township, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1850. He then settled on his present ])lace in the southeast of section 12, and has been engaged in farming. His farm comprises 215 acres in excellent cultivation. He and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church of New Windsor, near which village they live. John G. Sexton, the subject of this sketch, tliough not one of the pioneers, has been prominently identified with the township during the comparatively short period of his residence here, which dates from the spring of 1S68, when he came here from Ohio and settled on the W. ^ of S. E. of Sec. 7, this township, where he now resides in a good, commodious frame house, built in 1879, his farm comprising eighty acres. He has held numerous local offices in the township. Eive years ago he was elected justice of the peace, and although he has been called upon to adjudicate several suits, brought before him on change of venue, he has not»yet issued an original summons, having succeeded thus far in getting the [)arties to compromise or agree to an arbitration in all cases that have been brought to him to commence suit. In November, 1880, he was appointed supervisor vice A. P. Petrie, resigned. In 1881 he was elected to the same office, and reelected the spring of 1882. He was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, December 2, 1833. His father, Stephen Sexton, was born in AVashington county, Tennessee, in 1801. His grandfather, Stephen Sexton, was an only son and was born in Xew Jersey in 1762, and went to Ohio in 1800 and bought a farm in Mahoning county, to which he removed his family in 1802. From the purchase of this farm in 1800 the deed to his son Stephen M^as the only transfer of the property until sold by the heirs in 1879. He dit'd in 1856 when ninety-four years old. His grandfather's family consisted of four sons and three daughters, of whom one son only survives. His father married Miss Sarah Gibson, who was a native of Ohio. They had nine children, eight sons and one daughter, all of whom survive, one residing in Connecticut, one in Pennsylvania, one in Iowa, and the other five in Ohio. Mr. S. married Miss Eliza C. Hogg, in Ohio, April 29, 1856, born in that state March 25, 1837, her father, James Hogg, being a well known resident of Viola, Illinois, having been collector of his town for several years. They have had three children: James G., born iai Pennsylvania December 20, 1857 (married Miss Nettie Jobes April 13, 1881), lives in Preemption town- ship ; Lizzie E., born March 10, 1860, died October 21, 1863; and D. Findlay, born August 20, 1866. In politics Mr. S. is republican. His educational advantages were confined to the common school. Sidney Durston, the subject of this sketch, is the third son of KIVULI TOWXSIUl'. ( iO James and Pliiladelpliia (Bridges) Durst on, pioneers in this townsliij), and was born here September 14, 1841. His oldest brother, Charles F,, was born Augnst 14, 1837, on section 86, in Greene, being the first birth in that township. In 18<)2 he enlisted in Co. D, 83d reg. 111. Vol. Inf., and served with his command until it was mustered out after the close of the war. September IS, 1806, he married ]\Iiss Mary L. Edgerton, daughter of S. C. Edgerton, born in Galesburg, Illinois, May 2, 1843. In the spring of 1867 he settled on his farm in the northwest of section 10, which coniprises 160 acres. Having no children, in March, 1880, they adopted two boys, Harry and Bert, twin sons of Henry J. Piper, who were born March 11, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. I), are members of the Hopewell AVesleyan Methodist church. hi politics ^Mr. Durston is republican, Samuel L. Dukst<»n, son of James Durston, was boi-n in this town- ship June 10, 1847, was brought up on his father's farm M'itli such common school advantages as the countrv afforded, to which he added a course in a commercial school in Monmouth. A[U'il 23, 1874, he married Miss Emma Morton, who was born in Peoria county, Illinois, August 22, 1855. Her parents were natives of the Isle of Man. Her mother and one sister reside in Galva, Illinois, another sister in Aledo, Illinois, and a brother resides in Joliet, this state. They have two children, Lora, born March 19, 1875 ; and Jeanie, born A])ril 19, 1880. They are members of the Wesleyan Methodist church of Hopewell, his father being one of the original members of the church when it was organized at Oxford in ^847. Ilis farm consists of 100 acres and em- braces the old homestead that his father improved forty years ago. In politics he is rei)ublican. William C. Gakrett was born in Kn^x county, Illinois, Oct(*ber 18, 1845, and came with his parents to this townshi[) in 185(>. His father, James M., was born in Indiana in 1815, and came to Illinois with his father, George Garrett, as early as 1835, and settled near Abingt<^n, in Knox county; his older brothers, AVilliain F. and John S., having come to the state still earlier, being here to jiarticipate in the l)lack Hawk war in 1832. His mother (Mary M. CuUison) was born in Knox county, Ohio, August 4, 1824, and came to Knox county, Illinois, with her parents in the spring of 1842, settling first on Haw creek, near the present town of Gilson ; moving to the vicinity of Victoria, in the same county, in 1845. She was married to James M. Garrett, in Knox county, in December, 1844. The subject of this sketch was married November 25, 1869, to i\Iiss S. Augusta Spicer, daughter of Hon. 11. II. Spicer, of this township. She was born in Greene town- 776 HISTORY OF MERCEE AXD HENDERSON COUNTIES. sbi}) April 11, 18-10. Until March, 1872, they lived in the old home- stead with Mrs. M. M. Garrett, at which tiine they removed to a farm which they owned in section 16, this township. By partition and exchange in 1876 they came into possession of the old homestead aicain, where thev now reside. His farm consists of 220 acres. Thev have three childi-en : Georgia (born February 24, 1873), Mortimer S. (July 6, 1877), and E. Roy (January 8, 1880). They are members of Zion Methodist Episcopal church. William C. is the oldest of the family. His next brother, George, died when a youth ; the next, J. Arthur, married Miss Lizzie Harbour, and lives on E. |- S. E. Sec. 17, in this towaiship. His only sister, M, Ella, who is a graduate of Hedding College, lives with her mother in Abingtou. Clinton Shaw. Among the pioneers to this county were Levi and Martha (Metzlar) Shaw, wdio settled in what w^as then called Berlin (now Swedona), May 31, 1836. The former was a native of Trenton, !New Jersey, and the latter of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. They were married in Coshocton county, Ohio, February 22, 1831, and , just before leaving England, he nuirried Maria Ann Jul. mIk* came to America with him and made him a faith- ful wife and helpmeet until her death, which occurred February ^1, 1880, leaving no children. His father died in England when he was an infant, and his mother, who came to this country, died in Ohio. He has one brothei-, Thomas, living at AVest Brooktield, Stark county, Ohio, and another, George, who lives in Trego county, Kansas, the latter having a family of nine or ten children. December 21, 1880, lie married Emma J. Peterson, who was born in Sweden, December 22, 1862, and came to America in 1874, with her father, Andrew Peterson, of Cable, this county. Mr. Brooks is a Master Mason, a membei- of Oxford Lodge. Xo. 3f)7, A.F.A.M. Their only child Mary L.. was born April 2'2, fssl. Victoria C. M. Tra(^v was born near Cleveland, Ohio, January 28, 1847, daughter of John and Emeline C. (Hicks) Morris. Her fathei- was born in Somersetshire, England, May 27, 181G, and came to America with his father in 1840, and settled near Cleveland, Ohio. March 1, 1846, he married Emeline C. Hicks, of Zanesville, Ohio, who was born in that state August 20, 1827. Her father was killed by robbers in Zanesville, leaving a brother (Thomas Hicks) in Kentucky, and a son (John) in Louisville, Kentucky. Her mother was Esther Black, of French descent, her family living near Philadel])hia. Mrs. Tracy came to Blinois with her parents in 1851, by the lakes to Chicago, and thence bv team to Mercer countv, settling near Keithsburo-. Five years later they moved to Warren county, and in 1865 returned to Mercer count3% Mr. ^forris buying a farm in section 9, in Greene town- ship, where he resides now. His father died near Keitlisburg in 1856, aged sixty-eight ; and his mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Brewer, died in 1864, aged eighty-one years. April 22, 1869, ]\Iiss A'ictoria married Jonathan Tracy, of Rivoli township, their residence being on S. E. ^ of Sec. 1. Mi-s. Tracy has three children: Ida (born February 28, 1870), Buz. (May 1, 1872), and Fred. (August 13, 1874). May 26, 1878, Mr. Tracy died, since which time Mrs. Tracy has managed the affairs of the farm, consisting of 372 acres, with marked ability, taking high rank among the large and successful farmers of the count}'. Her business tact caused her neighbors to elect her school director of her district, which office she still holds. In 1871 Mr. Tracy built a large and elegant residence on his farm, where the family now reside, one and one-half miles north of the village of New Windsor. Jonathan Tracy was born in Mason countv, Kentucky, November 25, 1830. His father (Vesey Tracy) and mother (Rachel Ilayden) were* natives of that state, and were married in 1828. In 1839 Ids mother Y84: HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. died, and liis father afterward married Miss JSTancy Grenard, by whom he had two sons, George W. and Francis M., who live near Winterset, Iowa. In 1850 he married Miss Mary Dancer, who died a year later. In 1853 he came to Illinois, and purchased land in Heniy county. May 21, 1856, he married Miss Elizabeth Love, a native of Mercer county. Plaving sold his farm in Henry county that year, he bought land in the S. E. ^ of Sec. 1, Rivoli townshiji, which forms a part of the present homestead. Here were born : George (December 31, 1857, who died in his sixth year), Rachel (September 22, 1859), Jane (March 3, 1861), Emma (November 8, 1862), Mary (December 7, 1861:); and in August, 1868, his second wife died, leaving him with four mother- less children. Mr. Tracy was always engaged in farming, and by industry and energy raised himself from humble beginnings to the position of a well-to-do farmer. He was not a member of any church or society, and in politics adhered to the democratic faith. Nathan P. Smith was born in Ohio in 1830, and came to Illinois- with his parents in 1810, when ten years old. His father (Stephen Smith) was a native of Massachusetts, and emigrated to Ohio when a young man, and there married Anna Belt, who survived him, living with her son Frank on the old homestead in section 1 in this township. He hrst came to Illinois in 1838, and entered forty acres of prairie in section 1 and 120 acres of timber land in Richland Grove, also a tract of timber land on Pope creek. Returning to Ohio he brought his family to Illinois in 1810, and settled on the forty acres of prairie he had previously entered in section 4. He died in 1845, leaving eight children, four boys and four girls. Two of these have died since, Lyman and Mattie (formerly wife of T. G. Woodham). Four of the survivors reside in this township : Nathan P. , Chauncey, Frank, and Mary (wife of James Durston). Two daughters (married) live, one in Iowa and one at Moline, Illinois. Mr. Smith was a blacksmith, and opened on his place the first blacksmith shop in the townshij^. Nathan P. spent his youth upon the farm, and in the winter of 1847, when seventeen years old, taught his first school in Richland Grove town- ship, agreeing to teach for $12 per month, and was to have $15 if the patrons were suited. AVhen his school closed he made out his bill at $15 per month, and it was paid without question. He afterward tau2:ht four winters in Oxford, Henry county, and four winters at the Hopewell district in this township, also taught at Henderson Grove. In 1860 he married Mary Ann Woodham, and built his jiresent resi- dence, and settled in the N. ^ of the N. E. of Sec. 9, which he had ^been improving for some years previously. The farm consists of 100 acres of prairie, besides which he has twenty acres of timber. He EIVOLI TOWXSIIIl'. 785 has two children, Minnie (the ekler) and Charles. He was supervisor of this township three successive years during war times. In politics he is a republican, but is not very partisan. Timothy D. Merrvmax was born in Kennebec county, Maine, Jan- uary 14, 1827, town of Chesterville, now in Monroe county. His father, Timothy Merryman, was born in Brunswick, Maine, November* 16, 1787, and married Elizabeth Dunning January 23, 1813, wlio was also a native of Maine. He was a ship carjjenter by trade, also a farmer, clearing for himself a farm among the pines of his native state. In 1835, with his three oldest sons and eldest daughter he came to Illinois, and. locating in Richland Grove township, sent for the remain- der of the familv to come, which thev did the next vear, 1836, coming; all the way with teams. Mrs. Merryman being sick on their arrival at AVheeling, Virginia, took ])assage on a boat with one of her daughters and came bv river to Rock Island. Thev had nine children, six sons and three daughters, seven of whom survive. The six sons in the order of their ages are : Albert D., Thomas, David D., Joseph M., Timothy D., and Ira. The only surviving daughter, Thirza Ann, is the wife of Robinson Nye and resides in Moline, Illinois. Mrs. Merryman died in October, 1852, aged sixty-four, and Mr. M. died in April, 1873, at the age of eighty-six, their remains resting in the cemetery at Moline. Timothy D. was brought u]> on the farm, and at the age of twenty-one began his fortune with a capital of $50. He bought an interest in a saw mill that his father and one of his brothers had built ip Richland Grove in 1845. While engaged in this mill he made a claim on 160 acres of land in section 9, Rivola township, to which he afterward added eighty acres in the same section and entered it with land warrants in 1850. He had forty acres under improvement when, in 1853, he crossed the plains to California with an ox team. Thus can he boast of having crossed the continent trom Maine to California with a team. He was engaged there in mining, farming and teaming until 1863, when he returned to Illinois and settled where he now lives, on the northeast of section 9. December 1, 1864, he nuirried Miss Mary Maiming, who was born in Richland Grove township, in this county, July 23, 1840. She was daughter of James Manning, one of Mercer county's pioneers, who settled in that township in 1835. Of six s(ms and three daughters but two survive, Mrs. Merryman and one brother in Indiana. March 24, 1873, his house was burned, but he replaced it with a line, sjiacious residence, surrounded by quite a grove <)f maples, that have grown from seed ])lanted by himself, and from which he can now nuike a barrel of syrup annually. He has added to his original farm until he now owns 640 acres, including twenty acres 786 HISTORY OF MERCEK AXD HENDERSON COUNTIES. of timber. In 1878 he built on his place the iirst dairy in the county, which has made large quantities of cheese and butter since that time, but is run exclusively now as a creamery. Mr. and Mrs. Merryman are both active members of the Methodist Episcopal church. A. P. Shroyer was born in this township in 1851. His father, .Henry Shroyer, was born in Indiana in 1815, and in 1842 married Miss Eebecca Hughes, who was boi'ii in that state in 1820 ; and there their oldest son (William) was born in 184(>. In 1847 Mr. and Mrs. Shroyer came from Indiana to this state, settling on the S. E. ^ of Sec. 15, in this township, where he lived until his death a few years ago, and where his widow, who survives him, still lives. Besides the above- nanled children there are : M. L. (born in 1856), Sarah J. (born 1859), and Martha I. (born 1863). January 1, 1869, William married Miss Johanna Powell, daughter of Horatio Powell, an old settler in North Henderson township. A. P. married Miss Donna Meadows November 11, 1875. She was born in Warren county, Illhiois, June 12, 1855; daughter of James Meadows. They have three children, all boys. A. P. is a member of Oxford Lodge, No. 1367, A.F. A.M., and is its secretary at present. He and his wife are members of the Christian church, and were connected with the church in New Windsor as long as it was in existence. He was formerly in the drug business in New Windsor, but is now engaged in farming. Two years ago he built a very commodious residence on part of the old homestead, where he now resides, and, with his brother (M. L.), carries on the farm, which comprises 280 acres. The family is of German origin, the name having been spelled Schroyer, but with the lapse of time tlie c has become elided. T. G. Woodhams was born in Albany, New York, October 19, 1837. His father and mother, William and Harriet (Gorham) Woodhams, were both natives of England. Mr. Woodhams came to America tirst in 1820, but returned again after a short stay. In 1828 he came to America, to make this his permanent home. He married Harriet Gorham in Albany,. New York. In 1838 he came to Illinois and settled on the N. E. ^ of Sec. 21, this township, where the subject of this sketch was raised and still lives. Mr. W^oodhams died October 20, 1844, and was the tirst person buried in the Woodhams cemetery, the site for which was donated by him for that purpose. Mrs. Wood- hams resides on the place with her oldest son (William), who is a bach- elor and a wheelwright. A younger son (John 0.) enlisted in Co. D, 83tl reg. 111. Vol. Inf., and died at Fort Donelson, Tennessee, Novem- ber 30, 1862. His remains are interred in the AVoodhams cemetery. Their daughter (Harriet) is the wife of E. B. David, dentist, and COMPANY G, TWENTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. 787 resides in Aledo. The subject of tins sketch married February 10, 1867, Miss Martha A. Smith, daughter of Stephen Smith, one of the pioneers of this township, mentioned in the history of this townsliip. She died July ."), 1S73, leaving three children: Mary A, (born Decem- ber 1, 1867), Adelbei-t L. (born March 21, 1870), and John L. (born October 8, 1873). September 16, 1874, he married Mrs. Maria Smith, widow of J. Lyman Smith, and daughter of James Durston, the pioneer. She was born in Rensselaer county, New York, August 19, 1833, and came to Illinois with her parents in 1837. jNfr. and i\[rs. Woodhams are active members of the Wesleyan Methodist church, of Hopewell. By industry and economy Mr. Woodhams has added to the old homestead until his home farm now comprises 480 acres. He raises and feeds cattle and hogs quite largely, and does an extensive business in buying and shipping stock to the Chicago market. At one time he represented this town on the board of supervisors of the county, and for several years he has served on the board of commis- sioners of highways of this town. In ])olitics Mr. Woodhams is a republican. COMPANY G, TWENTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. This company was composed of men from different parts of Mercer county and other counties, but perhaps the largest number was from the vicinity of New Boston. The comjiany was organized August 23, 1861, with Henry R. Southward as captain, Simeon Sheldon, of New Boston, as first lieutenant, and Robert P. Lytle, of New Boston, as second lieutenant. Southward served to the end of his term of enlist- ment, Sheldon was promoted to adjutant, and held the office a few months, and Lytle was promoted to captain of company B. George R. Beardsley succeeded Lytle, but soon resigned, and was succeeded by Hugh M. Love, of Swedonia, who afterward became first lieutenant and was killed in battle November 25, 18r)3. The regiment was organized at Camp Butler, with seven companies, August 10, 1861, and at once ordered to Jacksonville as a part of John A. JVIcClernand's brigade. About a month later the regiment went to Cairo, where it was joined by three other companies, making the regiment complete. Two months later (November 7) the regiment was engaged, under Gen. McClernand, at Belmont, and bore a promi- nent part and lost heavily. March 14, 1862, it, with other regiments, was formed into what was known as the Mississippi flotilla, and started down that river and 788 HISTORY OF MERCER AXD HENDERSON COUNTIES. was at the famous sieo;e of Island No. 10, and was the first to land. After this the regiment was engaged at the siege of Corinth and battle of Farmington, guarding railroads, and finally, after many and long marches, arrived at Nashville September 12, 1862. It was in the battle of Stone Eiver, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Mission Ridge, and numerous other engagements. April, 1864, the regiment was ordered to join the Atlanta cam- paign, in which it was engaged at Rocky Face Ridge, Resacca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree creek, and in the skirmishes around Atlanta. After this (August 25) the regiment was mustered out at Springfield, Illinois. The veterans of the regiment generally went into the ninth regi- ment. During the term of service the regiment lost in killed, or died of wounds or disease, 182, of whom twenty-four were from Mercer county. COMPANIES A AND G, THIRTIETH REGBIENT. These two companies were raised almost entirely in Mercer county, and mainly from the eastern portion, from sons and members of some of the oldest and finest families. The names of manv adorning the monument at Aledo will be recognized as the same as those mentioned frequently in the pages of this work as pioneers of Oliio Grove, Mercer, Richland Grove, Millersburg, Abington] and Keithsburg. Company A was organized August 28, 1861, by the election of Warren Shedd, of Aledo, as captain ; N. R. Kirkpatriek, Ohio Grove, as first lieutenant ; and F. G. Burnett, of Ohio Grove, as second lieutenant. April 22, 1862, Warren Shedd was promoted to the office of major, and Francis G. Burnett, who had already been promoted to first lieu- tenant became captain. [Burnett resigned September 3, 1862, and was succeeded as captain by Elijah B. David, then of Richland Grove. Capt. David was mustered out October 27, 1864, his term having expired, and Daniel M. Candor was promoted to the captaincy. N. R. Kirkpatriek, elected first lieutenant on the organization, was killed at Fort Donelson. David W. Park, of Millersberg, and Robert S. Finley, of Ohio Grove, served for a time as first lieutenants, and Samuel McCreiglit, of Ohio Grove, and Lorenzo D. Hanson, of Millersburg, were second lieutenants. Company G was organized September 30, 1861, by the election of James Burnett, of Ohio Grove, as captain ; Henry G. Calhoun, of Keithsburg as fii-st lieutenant ; and Orla Richardson, of Keithsburg, as THIRTIKTII REGIMENT. 791 second lieutenant. ^lay 16, 1863, Calhoun having resigned, and Capt. Burnett having been killed, Richardson was promoted to the office of captain, and held the same until his resigination, August 12, 1864. David H. ^V'olf was then promoted to the captaincy, and served until mustered out, July 17, 1865. II. II. Ilurst served a short time as second lieutenant, and John McClure was second and then lirst lieu- tenant. James A. Logan was chosen first lieutenant, September 15, 1864, and retained the office until his muster out, July 17, 1865. THIRTIETH REGIMENT. The Thirtieth Infantry Illinois Volunteers was organized at Camp Butler, Illinois, August 28, 1861, Col. P. B. Fouke, commanding. Se])tember 1, 1861, it moved to Cairo, Illinois, and was assigned to Brig. -Gen. John A. McClernand's brigade. Brig. -Gen. Ulysses S. Grant commanding district of Cairo, and Maj.-Gen. John C. Fremont com- manding department of Missouri. October 22, it went on scout into Kentucky, near Columbus. November 7, it was engaged in the battle of Belmont. The regiment did gallant service during this action, and captured the celebrated " Watson's New Orleans battery." January 10, 1862, the regiment moved from Cairo on a reconnois- sance into Kentucky, and returned on the 22d. February 4, it moved up Tennessee river, and on the 6tli was in the attack and taking of Fort Henry, in Col. Oglesby's brigade. It was engaged in the siege and taking of Fort Donelson, 13tli, 14th and 15th of February, 1862. It arrived at Pittsburg Landing April 25tli and took part in the siege of Corinth, in Col. Logan's brigade. June 4th and 5th it marched from Corinth to Bethel, and on the 8th occupied Jackson, Tennessee. On the IStli and 14th of August the regiment marched to Estenaula, and on the 31st to Denmark. September 1, 1862, the regiment marched toward Medan Station, on the Mississippi Central railroad, and about four miles from that place met the enemy's cavalry, 6,000 strong, under Gen. Armstrong, and after four hours' hard fighting drove the enemy from the field, gain- ing a brilliant victory. The Thirtieth was commanded by Maj. AVarren Shedd, Col. Dennis, commanding brigade of 20th and 30th Illinois in- fantry, one section Schwartz's Illinois battery, Capt. Forster's com- pany of independent Ohio cavalry, and thirty-four men of the Fourth Illinois cavalry. On the 2d of September the regiment marched to Medan ; 3d, to Jackson; and on the 2d of November, to Lagrange. On the 11th it 45 792 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. marched toward Water Valley, Mississippi, arriving December 19tli. On the 21st it marched for Memphis, Tennessee, arriving Jannarv 19, 1863. It was stationed at Memphis, Tennessee, in Col. Leggett's brigade, Maj.-Gen. Logan's division, Maj.-Gen. McPherson's corps. February 22, 1863, the regiment moved to Lake Providence, Louisi- ana, and moved soon after to Yista's plantation. April 17, it moved to Milliken's Bend, Louisiana, and joined Grant's army, and moved to Bruinburg, Mississippi, crossing Mississippi river. May 1, it moved to Thompson's Hill ; after that it moved to PLmkinson's Feny, on Black river, skirmishing with the enemy en route,, and tlien moved to Raymond, Mississippi. The regiment was engaged in the battle of Raymond, May 12, and then moved via Clinton to Jackson, and pur- sued the retreating enemy after their defeat, l-ltli of May. May 16 it engaged in the battle of Champion Hills, losing heavily, and crossed Black river with the army, and arrived in the rear of Yicksburg May 19, 1863. May 25, the regiment moved with the expedition to Mechanicsburg, under Gen. Blair. Returning, it actively participated in the siege of Vicksburg until June 23, and then moved to Black river, under Gen. Sherman, to watch the rebel Gen. Johnson. The regiment then moved with Gen. Sherman's army to Jackson, and assisted in the investment of that ])lace, after which it went to Vicksburg, arriving July 25, and remained in camp until August 20, when it moved to Monroe, Louis- iana, returning the 28th. October 14, it moved, under Gen. McPher- son, toward Canton, Mississippi, and was in engagement at Bogachitta creek, and returned the same month. January 1, 1864, the regiment mustered in as a veteran organization and on the 10th moved with an expedition up the Mississippi river against guerillas, and returned on the 15th. February 3, left Vicks- burg, on Meridian campaign, under Gen. Sherman, and participated in the several skirmishes with the enemy, and arrived at Meridian Feb- ruary 15th. It returned March 3d. March 5, the regiment left Vicks- burg on a veteran furlough to the state, arriving at Camp Butler March 12th. April 18, the regiment left Camp Butler, and on the 28th left Cairo with the "Tennessee river expedition," under Gen. W. Q. Gresham, and arrived at Clifton, Tennessee, the 30th. May 5, it marched, via Pulaski, Tennessee, and Athens, Alabama, to Huntsville, Alabama, and on May 25th moved to Decatur, crossing Mississippi river the 27th. Thence it went, via Warrentown, Alabama, to Rome, Georgia ; thence, via Kingston, joining Gen. Sherman's "grand army" at Ackworth, June 8tli. On the 10th it moved to Big Shanty, and commenced skir- THIRTIETH REGIMENT. 793 niisliing with the enemy, and on the 2Tth moved out to make a demon- stration in front, losing about twenty killed and wounded. On the night of July 2, the regiment moved, with the Seventeenth Army Corps, to the right of Gen. Sherman's army, and on the 5th moved to Kickajack creek. On the !)tli the regiment was sent to guard de])artment headquarters, and on the 12th moved to Sweet AVater creek, fluly IT, it moved toward Decatur, via Marietta, crossing the Chattahoochie at Roswell's and arriving at Decatur on the 20th. It was in the battle of July 21st, near Atlanta, and also in the battle of July 22d, near Atlanta ; lost heavily. It was actively engaged until the fall of Atlanta and Jonesboro, and camped at East Point, Septem- ber 6th. October 4, 1864, the regiment moved northward, in the pursuit of Gen. Hood, via Kenesaw mountain, to Resacca, and returaed to SmyiTia camp ground via Gales ville, Alabama, arriving November 5th. No- vember 13. it moved to Atlanta and on the loth moved with Gen. Sherman's army in the " march to the sea," participating in the capture of Savannah, Georg-ia, December 21st. Left Savannah Januarv 4, 1865, and moved by water to Beaufort, South (\\rolina. Left Beaufort Januarv 13th and participated in the capture of Pocotaligo on the 15th; remained at Pocotaligo until the 30th ; marched with Sherman's army to Goldsboro, North Carolina, where the regiment arrived March 25, 1865. The regiment was engaged, during the march, in the capture of Orangeburg, Columbia and Cheraw, South Carolina, and Fayette- ville, North Carolina, besides destroying railroad track, etc. April 1(1, the regiment moved to Raleigh, arriving there on the 14th, and remained in camp until the surrender of the rebel army under Gen. Johnson. April 29, it inarched northward, via Richmond, to Alexandria, Virginia, arriving May 19th. The regiment took part in the grand review May 24, 1865, at Washington, D. C, and cam])ed near Washington the same day. It left Washington June 7th, via Baltimore *k: Ohio railroad, arriving at Parkersburg, Virginia, the iHli, and proceeded by steamboat to Louisville, Kentucky, remaining in camp at Louisville. It was mustered out of Ignited States service July 17, 1865, by First Lieutenant Aug. P. Noyes, A. C. M. third division, Seventeenth Army (^orps, and airived at Camp Butler, Illinois, July 20tli, where the men received final payment and discharge July 27, 1865. Of company A thirty-one men died from wounds and disease, or in battle, and of company G nineteen reaped a like reward for their bravery. "94 HISTOKY OF IVrERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. COMPART D, EIGHTY-THIRD REGIMENT. Company D was raised largely in the eastern part of Mercer and the western part of Henry county. It was organized August 21, 1862, by the election of Joshua M. Snyder, of Yiola, Mercer county, as captain ; Hugh M. Robb, of the same coimty, as lirst lieutenant ; and Francis M. Sykes, of Oxford, Henry county, as second lieutenant. There were but few changes in the officials of this company, and consequently but few promotions. Snyder and Robb went in for the whole war and wei"e mustered out with the boys three years, lacking a couple of months, after their enlistment. Sykes resigned, after having been second liteunantj list two years, and Hugh B. Frazier succeeded him, and was mustered out at the close of the war. The 83d was raised largely in Warren county, and was organized at Monmouth, August :21, 1862, by A. C. Harding, who was promoted a year later to the ■office of brigadier-general, upon which Arthur A. Smith succeeded him. The regiment did heavy guard duty the most of first year and :a half The C(nintry along the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers was infested with guerillas, and this regiment had almost daily skirmishes with them, some of them being quite severe. On February 3, 1863, the regiment was brought in contact with 8,000 men of Forest's com- mand, and successfully resisted them, compelling them to retire with a loss of 800 killed and wounded ; and with a loss of thirteen killed and j5fty-one wounded in the 83d regiment. It was in consequence of this brilliant achievement that Col. Harding was promoted to brigadier- general and Smith to colonel. During the year 1854, the regiment had about 200 miles of communications to guard. The i-egiment was mustered out at Nashville, and from thence proceeded to Chicago for final pay and discharge. COMPANY G, ONE HUNDRED AND TWENY-FOURTH REGIMENT. The 124tli i-egiment with few exceptions was raised from men resi- dents in the vicinity of the Chicago, Burlington & Quicy railroad between the west end of Mercer county to Chicago, and almost every town and county along the line contributing a share. New Boston and vicinity furnised nearly one whole com])any, the one above named. COMPANY B, OXK IIINDRED AJSTD TWICNTV-SIXTH REGIMENT. 795 The conipaiij was organized September 10, 1862. Lyman II. Scudder was elected cai)tain, Ezra C. Benedict first lieutenant, and Benton Pratt, second lieutenant. The first two named afterward resigned, and Pratt succeeded each in course and was mustered out captain. John W. Mosby and William- B. Day each succeeded to higher offices in consequence, and the former was mustered out as tii-st, and the latter as second, lieutenant. The organization of the regiment took place at Camp Butler the same month, and one mouth later was in the enemy's country at Jackson, Tennessee, and on the 2sth of November was assist- ing in driving the rebels across the Tallahatchie river. During the year 1863 the regiment fought in the battles of liaymond, Jackson, Champion Hills, and was in the whole of the siege of Yicksburg, including the charge on the fortifications, and the assault on Fort Hill. The 121:th received from Maj.-Gen. McPherson the prize banner offered b}' Brig. -Gen. Leggett for excellency in discipline and drill and soldierly appearance. Upon the banner was inscribed "Excelsior Regiment, Third Division, Seventeenth Army Corps." After this the regiment was engaged in the raid to Meriden, the campaign under General Slocum to Jackson. The balance of the term of service was spent mostly in the extreme south around New Orleans and Mobile. COMPANY B, ONE HUNDRED AND TA\^NTY-SIXTri REGIMENT. This company was raised near the line between Rock Island and Mercer counties, Duncan and Perryton townships furnishing quite a number of the men. The company was organized September 4, 1S62, and the regiment the same day at Alton, Illinois, whither the members of the company and the companies and parts of companies had gone. About two months later we find the regiment at Bolivar, Tennes- see, and November 28, at La Grange. December 19 the regiment went to Jackson, Tennessee, to re-enforce that place. September 10, 1863, the regiment participated in the capture of Little Rock, Arkan- sas. The regiment was also engaged in the siege of Yicksburg and Clarendon, Arkansas. It was mustered out Juno 26, 1864. Y96 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. COMPANY F, ONE HUNDRED AND FOETIETII REGIMENT. One company of this regiment was raised in Mercer county. This was a three months', or 100 days', regiment The comi^any and the regiment were organized June 18, 1864. Russell S. Osborn, of Aledo, was captain of company F, George Boone, of Aledo, was first lieuten- ant, and Yan R. Harriott was second lieutenant. There were no resignations or deaths in the ranks of these officers, and consequently no promotions, and all were mustered out October 29, 1864, 130 days after date of enlistment. NORTH HENDERSON TOAYNSHIP. This township, which is T. 13 N., R. 1 W. of the 4th P. M., is one of the best agricultural townships in the county. Pope creek skirting along its northern boundary, sometimes in this and sometimes in Rivoli township, made a strip of rough, broken land, averaging about one-half mile in width the entire length of the township. A portion of this was originally covered by excellent timber. The north half of section 1 was especially noted for the very heavy body of tim- ber on it, and great effort was made by some of the first settlers to find the owner or owners of it, so much did they covet its possession. It was held under what was known as a patent title, and no clue to the ownership being obtainable it became what was known in those days as a "hooking quarter,"'' and many a mile of worm fence was made with the rails cut and split u]>on this land. The north fork of the Henderson river, from which the township takes its name, has its source in Rio township, Knox county, cross- ing the line into this township near the northeast corner of section 13, and running nearly due west across it, leaves it near the half section line of section 18. There are but two small groves of native timber on this stream, within the bounds of this township; Hickory grove in sections 15 and 16, and Scott's grove in section 18. There is but a small percentage of broken land bordering this stream in this township. The St. Louis branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad, which was built as the Rockford, Rock Island & St. Louis railroad, in 1871, passes through this township; entering on the S. E. ^ of Sec. 24, it runs in a southwesterly direction, leaving near the southwest corner of section 31. The village of North Henderson, which is the only village ill the township, is located on this railroad and was laid out NORTH HENDERSON TOWNSHIP. 797 in 1871, on the W. i of the N. W. of Sec. 26, by Wm. 11. and John T. Brown, sons of Allen S. Brown, one of the pioneers of tliis town- ship. This is now quite a nourishing village, having two stores doing a general mercantile business, two drug stores, two hardware stores, two agricultural iin})lenient dealers, two grain merchants, one lumber yard, one restaurant, one harness shop, one shoe shop, one furniture store, one millinery store, one blacksmith and repair shop, one livery stable, one hotel, one barber shop, and four doctors. There is a good two-storv school-house in the village and one church, the Methodist Episcopal. The I.O.O.F. also have a fine two-story building here, 28x48 feet, twenty feet posts, built two years ago at a cost of $1,600. The lower stor}' is fitted up for a public hall and the second floor for the exclusive use of the order, which is very strong here. The Methodist Episcopal class of North Henderson is the oldest church organization in the township, having been organized at the house of David Bruner, in the spring of 1840, by Asa McMurtry, who was at that time on the Mercer circuit, which included all of this county with part of Rock Island, Knox and AVarren counties, requir- ing a month for the minister to make the round of his charge. The original members of this class were : David Bruner and wife, Margaret Bruner (now the wife of W. R. Mathers), John Vestal and wife, Susan- nah Wood (who was a daughter of David Bruner), and Andrew J. Holmes and wife. In this township live several members, including the present pastor. Elder John M. Brown, of the oldest church organization in this part of the state, though organized and having its church building in Knox county. It is the Henderson Predestinarian Baptist church, and was constituted August 14, 1830, at the house of D. Roundtree, by Elders Stephen Stricklin and John Logan, the original members being Jacob and Rhoda (jum ; James and Martha Goft"; Reuben and Ruth Nance; John D., Dariah and Mary Roundtree; Martha, Daniel and Obadiah Fuqua; Nicholas and Deborah Vailes. This church has had a continuous and uninterrupted existence from the time of its constitution until the present, and its records show the proceedings of every monthly meeting, which now lack but one of completing the full period of fifty-two years. This church belongs to the Spoon river association of the Predestinarian Baptist church, formed in 1830, in which connection it has been evei" since its constitution. Elder Joseph Jones, who was well known to the pioneers of this county, joined this church in November, 1847, and died January 29, 1848. He had previously been connected with a branch of this church, in this county, called the Regular Baptist Church of Jesus Christ, of Edwards river. 798 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. The first record of this churcli is the minutes of a meeting of the mem- bers, held at the liouse of George Miller, on Edwards river, July 21, 1838, of which meeting Jeremiah Swaiford was chosen mederator, and Abraham Miller, Jr., clerk. This meeting was held within the present limits of Perryton township. Meetings were held in the private houses of members until at a meeting held in the house of Gabriel M. Barkle}', in Farlow's grove (now in Preemption township), December 22, 1838, the next regular meeting was appointed at the school-house in Sugar Grove (now Perryton township). March 23, 1839, they voted to appeal to Henderson church for letters of dismission and help to constitute them into a separate church. Their prayer was granted, and the Edwards river church was constituted June 29, 1839, by Elders Joseph Jones, Charles Yandever, and Hiram Bowman. The members at the constitution were : Joseph and Rebecca Jones ; George, Mary Ann, and Julia Ann Miller; Abraham Miller. Jr.; John and Sarah Farlow; lioswell and Mehitable Stanard ; Youngs Green ; Michael Donahoo ; Gabriel M. and Hannah R. Barkley; Mary Miller; and Susannah Shelley. Gabriel M. Barkley was chosen first deacon of the church, and Abraham Miller, Jr., first clerk; Gabriel M. Barkley, treasurer ; Elder Joseph Jones, moderator and pastor. The first delegation from this cliui'ch was Joseph Jones, Gabriel M. Barkley, George Miller, John Farlow, and Abraham Miller, Jr., to sit in council with and constitute a church at William Denison's; It was voted at this time to hold meetings one-half the time at Sugar Grove and one-half the time at Farlow's Grove. The last regular meeting of this church was held October 9, 184T, when, "after consultation and due deliberation being had the church and council thought it expedient to letter each other out and so become dissolved, inasmuch as the members are moving away out of the bounds of this churcli." There are but two church buildings in this township. Besides the Methodist Episcopal church mentioned above is the Maple Grove United Brethren church, located on the K. E. ^ of Sec. 36, in a beau- tiful grove of soft maple trees. This society was organized in 1869, and built its church the same year, a very neat structure 30x40xlt> feet. Its present pastor is Rev. Mr. Dilley, resident at Alexis, where is another church of this denomination. A class of the Methodist Episcopal church was formed at the Mann school-house at an early day, probably soon after the class was formed at David Bruner's, but its early record is not now o])tainable. This class was ministered to by David Bruner and other local preachers of the Methodist Episcopal church, transient ministers, with an occasional visit from the minister in charge of the Mercer circuit. NORTH HENDERSPN TOWNSHIP. 799 The Methodist Episcopal church in Xorth Henderson was the first church built in the township. It was built at what is known as Mount Vernon, south of the village, and was moved into the village after that had become a fact. The Odd FelhnrK liave a very strong lodge, with a tine hall in the village. Korth Henderson Lodge, No. (128, I.O.O.J"., was chartered October 11, 1876, by J. H. Oberly, grand master for the state. Its charter members were Israel T. Jones, Lewis Schwartz, C. W. Cum- mins, Laland Salts, Michael Karl, L. E. Dredge, and James Smith. The first officers of this lodge were J. M. Hall, N.G. ; Lewis Schwartz, y.G. ; I. T. Jones, Sec; C. W, Cummins, Treas. North Henderson Encampment, No. 99, I.O.O.F., was chartered December 28, 1880. Its charter members were H. C. Dodge, A. F. Howard, Fred Rich, John Flory, Jesse Jackson, J. H. Humes, Michael Karl, Dr. C. G. Stewart, John T. Morford, I. N. Frederick, Lewis Schwartz, C. W. Cummins, L. E. Dredge, and C. A. Pinne, chartered by John P. Foss, Grand Patriarch. The first officers of this Encampment were C. G.* Stewart, C. P. ; John T, Morford, H.P. ; Henry Simms, S.W. : I. N. Fredericks, J.W. ; J. H. Humes, scribe; A. F. Howard, Treas. The Past Grands of the lodge are J. M. Hall, I. P. Jones, A. H. Jones, Michael Karl, L. Schwartz, John T. Mor- ford, and Fred Rich, In 1880 the lodge built a two story hall 28X48X20 feet, at a cost of $1,600 ; the ground floor being fitted for a public hall and the second floor exclusively for the use of the order. The township has built a neat and commodious town hall in the village for the public uses of the town. The first postoffice established in this township was called Ethel, and was located on section 21, John Goff, postmaster. After the village of North Henderson was estab- lished, the Etliel postoffice was removed to the village and the name changed, though Mr. Goff continued to be postmaster. George A. Blue, druggist, is the present postmaster. February 18, 1838, the first marriage ceremony was solemnized in this township by the Rev. Mr. Gardiner, of (Talesburg, a CTniversalist minister, uniting Benjamin F. Brown and Miss Lucinda Mann. The first birth in the township was that of William D. Fleharty, October 4, 1834, son of Govert and Margaret Fleharty, who lived on section 1 at that time. The first death to occur in this township was a child of John Pollock, which was the second interment in the Mann cemetery, the wife of James Bridger having been tlie first, in 1836. Thither ^Ir. James Mann, who gave the site for this cemetery, soon followed, dying March 10, 1837, at the age of sixty-four. In 1840 scarlet fever broke 800 HISTORY OF MERCER Mil) HENDERSON COUNTIES. out as an epidemic in this neighborhood and the mortality was very great for such a sparsely settled country, there having been ten inter- ments in this cemetery in one month. The first settler within the limits of this township, was Mr. Govert rieharty, who located on the southeast quarter of section 1, in the spring of 1833. In the fall of 183-4 James Mann and his son. Young C, and Timothy Meekei', arrived from Indiana, wintering in Knox county, just east of Mr. Fleharty's ; they made claims in this township, upon which they located the following spring of 1835, Mr. Mann's claim being on section 6, where Young C. still resides, and Mr. Meek- er's on section 5, his widow now residing on the old homestead with one of lier sons, other sons and daughters living in the vicinity. The same spring of 1835 Benjamin F. and Harison Brown made claims on sections 18 and 19. The Scott family came into tliis township in 1837, Notley Scott buying the claim of Harison Brown on sections 18 and 19, alluded to above, Benjamin F. having previously sold his claim to Harrison. The latter then made a claim on section 1, Suez township, where he still resides. March, 1838, Benjamin F. made a claim on sections 6 and 7, where he resides yet. In the spring of 1839 Allen S. and Benjamin Brown made claims in the southeast part of this township, the former on section 25, and the latter on section 35. They were followed that fall by David Bruner and Andrew J. Holmes, who also located in the southeastei'n part of the township. The first schools taught in this township were by John Wilshier, the first term in the house of William McGreenwood, and the second in the cabin of Young C. Mann, both on section 6. Afterward Robert Shaw taught a term of school in this same neighborhood, for which he was to receive $8 per month, and take his pay in wheat. The early records of the schools of this township after organization are not attain- able. As early as 1839 there was preaching in the cabin of Benjamin F. Brown, on section 7, by the Rev. Mr. Fuller, of Galesburg, a Uni- versalist minister. Mr. F. is still living in Galesburg. The township was called Liberty when first organized in 1854, but was changed to its present name on or before the annual town meet- ing in 1855. The first ofticers elected in this township in 1854 were Notley Scott, supervisor ; Joshua Bruner, town clerk ; John W. Miles, assessor ; James M. Holmes, collector ; R. R. Mathers, Eli Tangham and Nathan Bailey, commissioners of highways ; Timothy Meeker, overseer of poor ; Andrew J. Holmes and William F. Garret, justices of the peace ; and James M. Holmes, constable. Total number of votes cast at that time, twenty-four. NORTH HENDERSON TOWNSHIP. 801 The principal offices of this town have been filled since its organi- zation by the following persons, and for the number of terms men- tioned : Supervisor — Notlej Scott, two years; Lewis L. Heflin ; Joshua Bruner, four years ; Allen S. Brown, two years ; Thomas J. Jones, three years ; H. M. Buchanan ; G. W. Higgins, two years ; L. F. Oentry ; AYilliam H. Brown, four years ; P. W. Johnston, two years ; Richard Garrett, three years ; M. D. Scott ; A. W. Xelson, four years. Town Clerk — Joshua Bruner; Michael Stumbaugh ; li, R. Simms; J. C. Morford, two years ; James Bruner ; E. L. Carroll ; W. M. Fle- harty ; J. T. Morford, three years; I. R. Evans; James M. Goff, four years; AVilliam Church, two years; O. M. Bartlett ; D. N. Holmes; John L. Gotf, four years; L. C. Ileare ; (). W . Caldwell; George W. Miller; Joseph H. Humes, four years. Assessor — John W. Miles; Thomas Tate; G. W. Taylor; A. J. Walker ; James M. Holmes ; James M. Gotf, three years ; John Douglass ; H. M. J^uchanan ; Joshua Bruner ; I. R. Evans ; William H. Brown ; Richard Garrett, nine years ; AVilliam A. Nelson, two years ; S. M. Brown ; Thomas Camblin. Collector — James M. Holmes; JSTathaniel Bailey, four years ; John T. Marford ; C. M. Barnett ; Michael Stumbaugh, two years ; John (1 French ; L. F. Gentry ; G. A. Crosby ; D. X. Holmes ; Levi G. l>air ; A. II. Jones; J. N. Blackburn; A. W. Nelson, two years; L. T. Johnston; Frank Herbert; George A. Blue; Lewis Scott; M. V. Drew ; Robert Blaney. Justices of the Peace — Andrew J. Holmes; William F. Garrett; Thomas Camblin, three terms; James Marford, two terms; W. R. Mathers, three terms ; Richard Garrett ; J. B. Hoag ; G, W. Green- wood ; Jacob Shauholtzer ; Lewis L. Hetiin. two terms ; J. JST. Black- burn; J, C. Jackson, two terms ; John T. Marford. In 1880 this township built a town-hall 24 X 42 X 14 feet, at a cost of $785. On the farm of G. W, Higgins in section 14 is the only artesian well in this county. Mr. Higgins began this well in 1874, but it was not completed until 1.S7H. The tirst company failed with its drill fast in a strata of magnetic rock, so the second company em])loyed had to begin at the surface. The well attained a dei)th of 1,209 feet. The last surface water was ])assed at a de})th of 127 feet. At 915 feet water was struck that rises to within eighty feet of the surface, and im inexhaustible supply. A ten-horse-power engine, running to its full capacity four hours, throwing a four-inch stream, failed to perceptibly lower the water line in the well. The water is soft and contains a 802 HISTOKY OF >LERCER AXD HENDERSON COUNTIES. small percentage of iron ; temperature, sixtv-two degrees F. In boring this well the first coal was struck at seventy-five feet, without roof; coal was struck again detween 440 and 485 feet. Magnetic rock was found at 405 feet. The following list gives the different strata passed through, with the thickness of each, beginning at the surface : Feet. Feet. Yellow Clay 80 30 Dark Clay and Gravel 4.1 75 Coal and Shale 40 115 Limestone and Water 12 127 Sha'e 10 137 Black Slate IS 155 Dark Shale 1 2:5 278 Limestone 5 281 Shale 15 296 Limestone 4 300 Shale, with Sulphate of Iron 27 327 Bastard Limestone 18 345 Limestone 95 440 Limestone and Coal 45 48o Limeotone 25 510 Blue Shale 05 575 Limestone 17 592 Alternate Strata of Shale and Limestone, two to three feet 78 670 Blue Shale 30 700 Limestone 412 1,112 Sandstone 88 1 ,200 Black Shale 9 1,209 Besides the Mann cemetery mentioned above, there was a cemetery laid out in 1860 in the IN^. E. ^ of Sec. 35, called Mount Vernon ceme- tery, which has been quite extensively patronized since that time by the people of the southeast corner of the county. In introducing the history of some of the pioneers of this town- ship it is fitting that Grovert S. Fleharty should be the first one men- tioned, as he was its first white inhabitant. This cannot be better done than by quoting from the pen of one who knew the family well, and wrote of its history as follows : THE FLEHARTY FAMILY. Among others who came to Mercer county in those far off and romantic days, ere the Indian war-whoop had died away from the prairies of northern Illinois, were, the four brothers, Stephen W., Gov- ertS., Bennett E., and Henry Fleharty, and their respective families. They were accompanied by their aged father and mother, William and NORTH HENDERSON TOWNSHIP. 803 Margaret (Withgot) Fleharty, who were natives of Maryland, and dur- ing the early years of their married life had a delighti'ul home on the far-femed Eastern Shore, near Coptauk river. Grandfather Fleharty, as he was called in later years, was, in his yf>unger days, a slaveholder, and although not imbued with anti-slavery sentiments to any great extent, he removed with his familv to Ohio in 1810, mainly for the purpose of escaping from the demoralizing influences of slavery. The four brothers above-named were typical western pioneers ; athletic, courageous, and possessed of great physical endurance. They located in Mercer county, atdiiferent periods between the years 1833 and 1835. This portion of the state was then a j^rimitive paradise. Many hard- ships were to be endured by the early settlers, but there was grand inspiration in their surroundings. Xot far away was the great father of waters, with shores bordered with dark, dense forests. Here and there were lovely groves, which in the summer season appeared like islands in an emerald sea. Nimble footed deer frequented the woods and streams or bounded over the prairies in herds, scarcely realizing the presence of the few and scattered pioneers. The prairies were nature's own llower gardens. There the wild bees gathered their win- ter stores and thence they were followed bj' the wary bee hunters to the knarled oaks which contained their hoarded wealth. Looking across the years that have intervened since those days, and realizing the value of the work that was accomplished by all of the pioneer settlers of Illinois, it seems fitting that for those who have gone to their long home, pioneers now in the land beyond the river, there should be a memorial decoration day, and that their graves should be annually strewn with fairest flowers. Illinois had a grand army of these pioneer settlers, grand in character if not in numbers. In this army the brothers above-named held an honorable rank. It is related of Henry, the younger of the four, that in the sports of muster day, as the militia meetings for drill were styled, he was only equaled in feats of strength and agility by one person, Mr. Notley Scott, who was one of the most athletic men in that part of the state. Henry Fleharty died before he had reached the ]irime of manhood. Stephen W. Fleharty, the elder of the four brothers, was born in the state of Maryland on the 28th day of December, 1799. He removed with the family to Ohio in 1810, and to Springfield, Illinois, in 1825. He was married three times during his life of eighty-two years. A daughter, Margaret, by his first wife, married Mr. James T. Jones and now resides at Mount Hecla, Texas. Her mother died while yet very young. Mr. Fleharty's second wife, Amelia W., was the daughter of Rev. John Kirkpatrick, one of the pioneer Methodist ministers of 804 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. Illinois. The union prov^ed to be a liappj one and tliey raised a large family of children. The family settled in Mercer county in 1834, on a handsome tract of land, composed of timber and prairie, one and a half miles east of what was then known as " Bridger's Corners," now Suez. Mr. Flehartj- was a cabinet-maker by trade and was a thorough workman. Articles of furniture made by him are still in use among some of the older families of Mercer county. When not employed on the farm he worked industriously at his trade, and in this way finally secured a comfortable home. He was a strong man intellectually, a great reader; a whig in politics, then a republican, and always a patriot. The partner of his joys and sorrows during those early years, Mrs. Amelia W. Fleharty, was a true christian woman, and her life, so gentle and affectionate in the midst of many trials, illustrated the most winning graces of Christianity. She was the mother of ten chil- dren, including two pairs of twins. Only four of the ten are now liv- ing. George Washington and Marquis Lafayette (twins), Amelia, Sarah E., and Fletcher A. all died young. Mrs. Fleharty passed away to the land of the blessed in the year 1865. Mr. Fleharty married a third time, and a son was born to him when he was nearly seventy years old. He died on April 10, 1882, in his eighty-third year. The following is an extract from a notice of his death that was published in the Galesburg "Republican Register": "A good man, whose life reaches back into the last century and forward so late in the present century ; a man whom every one calls honest and honorable ; having a record of eighty-three years unstained and unchallenged, is one of the choicest treasures of a commonwealth. Such was Stephen W. Fleharty, as every one who knew and respected him will allow." His widow, Mrs. Julia B. Fleharty, and her son Eddie are living near Galesburg. William L. Fleharty, the oldest of the family excepting the half- sister above mentioned, possessed all of the sterling qualities of his father and the gentleness of his mother. He married young, worked industriously and provided for himself and family a pleasant home near Galesburg. His wife's maiden name was Elizabeth Tennll. He died in the prime of life, aged forty-six, and Mrs. Fleharty survived him only a few years. They left a family of six children, two of whom are married. J. Q. A. Fleharty (twin brother of H. C), is a traveling minister in the North Nebraska Conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has been very successful in his vocation. H. C. Fleharty is engaged in farming near Fullerton, Nebraska. He was married when young to Miss Margery E. Cullison, of Knox county, Illinois. They have an interesting family of bright, promising children. NORTH HENDERSON TOWNSHIP. 805 Rev. J. J. Fleliartv, the next in order of birth, entered the minis- terial profession when very young, and was for many years a member of the Central Illinois (Conference. He has been eminently successful as a minister. Was married, when young, to Miss Anna B. Brace, of Stark county, Illinois. They have had oidy one child, Clara, now a charming young lady. Rev. Fleharty is now president of the Nebraska Wesleyan University, located at Fullerton, an institution that is young in years but full of promise. He also continues in the work of the ministry. S. F. Fleharty, the youngest of the four brothers who are living, was born September f!, 1836, and was either the first or second child born within the limits of Suez township. He was a member of the 102d 111. A^ol. Inf. during the late war, and was sergeant-major of the regiment. Was a member of the Illinois legislature in 1870-72, representing Mercer county. Removed to Nebraska in 1875, where he engaged successfully in the newspaper business, and is now private secretary of the governor of Nebraska. GovERT S. Fleharty. — Returning to the ''old stock,'' it is a pleas- ure to sketch the career of another of jyiercer county's honored pioneers. Govert S. Fleharty was born on the eastern shell, who was of Irish descent. Tie received a bounty and pension from the government for his services in the war of 1812. He moved from Ohio to Indiana, and thence to Knox county, Illinois, with liis family in 1884. He died in Warren county, Illinois, September 10, 1856, and Mrs. Brown survived him until May 12, 1869. There were nine children in the family: Kli/.a- beth, Hester, Mary, Benjamin, Allen S., Xancy, Jane, Sanuiel. and John. Hester w^as the wife of Timothy Meeker, and survives him. living upon the old homestead. Allen S. was born near Qmnelsville, Wayne county, Indiana, November 7, 1818. December 31, 1837, he married Miss Polly McMurtry, of Knox county, wdio was in her eight- eenth year at that time. She was the oldest daughter of John and Mary (Williamson) McMurtry. Mr. McMurtry was born in IVfercer county, Kentucky, in 1797, his ancestors coming from Ireland before revolutionary times ; his grandfather falling a victim to the Indians in the early settlement of Kentucky. He removed to Indiana in 1813, and was mari-ied in Crawford county, that state, September, 1819. His wife was a native of South Carolina. Their family consisted of six girls: Polly, Lovicy, Martha, Harriet, Sarah, and Eliza, all born near Leavenworth, Indiana. In 1830 he hired a team to bring his family through to Illinois, he following with a few head of cattle. He located on section 33, Rio township, Knox county, building a rail ])en and covering it with canvas, in which they sheltered themselves for three weeks while erecting a log cabin. In 1831 all the settlers north of Henderson Grove were warned away on account of threatened de]»re- dations by the Indians. Some who left their claims did not stop until they reached the friendly shelter of Indiana's wooded plains. Mr. McMurtry removed his family to a block-house on the south side of the grove near James Gumm's, known as the Gumm fort. After remain- ing there two or three months, they returned to their claim. In the spring of 1832 they were driven into a fort near Paul Halm's, on the north side of the grove, that had been built by the settlers during the 812 HISTORY OF MERCER A^S'D HENDERSON COUNTIES. previous winter for their better protection. Here tlieA- remained four weeks and then returned to their home. This fort was not far from their claim ; so when danger threatened, they would go to the fort at niirht and return to the claim to work durino; the dav. On some occa- .sions, after a period of fancied security, when remaining in their cabin nights, they would be warned by a courier of the a})proach of Indians, and, thinking they had not time to reach the fort, they would conceal themselves in the shadows of the neighboring woods, or in the tall grass that bordered all the sloughs on the prairies, remaining in their hiding places until daylight revealed to them that the alarm had been a groundless one. But to return to the subject of this sketch. Mr. Bj'own, after his marriage, rented a farm one year, l)ut in April, 1889, he settled on the W. ^ of S. E. of Sec. 25, which he afterward entered. Here they began life, with a log cabin having one room in it, one yoke of oxen, and a two-year-old iilly. From this small beginning they accumulated a handsome property, owning some 800 acres of land l).efore Mr. Brown's death, which occurred June 19, 1871. Their chil- dren are : Sarah J. (wife of A. IST. Tate, deceased), Eliza A. (wife of L. F. Gentry, deceased), Mary E. (wife of William Brown), William H., Martha E. (wife of Isaac Stevens, deceased), James N. (died in infancy), John T. (now married and living on the old homestead), Amanda M. (died in her sixth year). C'liarles W., Annette (^vife of L. J. Smith), Allen Douglas, Levi F., and Fred A. Mr. Brown was a man of more than the average native ability. Though never united witli any society, Mr. Brown was a Universalist in his religious belief. Aunt Polly Brown, as she is familiarly called by a wide circle of friends, has tjndeared herself to all with whom she has come in contact by her many acts of kindness to the old, and her rare motherly interest in and solicitude for the welfare of the young. She now resides in the village, keeping house for her son, Allen Douglas, who recently lost his wife after a brief season of wedded happiness. William H., the oldest son, was born February 29, 18-11:. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. A, 102d reg. 111. Yol. Inf., and was made a sergeant on the organization of the company, bnt was mustered out with the rank of iirst lieutenant. He was wounded in the battle of Resacca, May 15, 1861, but continued in the service until the close of the war. October 8, 1866, he nuirried Miss Maria Iltiflin, youngest daughter of Reuben lletlin, one of the pioneers of Knox county. She died March 15, 1875, leaving two children : Claud I. and Maud. In May, 1880, he was married to Miss Belle Watson, a native of Canada. He was four years supervisor of this town, and has always taken an active interest in political matters, being a dciiiocrat. Since the death of his first wife he has studied NOR'iii iiKXDKRSON Trrnxsiiip, S\'4 modicine. ^n-adnatinii: at Tlusli Medical College, Chicago, and is now jtracticing with Dr. C. G. Stewart in North Henderson. One of North Henderson's prominent citizens at present, tlioiigh not a pioneer, is Joseimi H. Himks, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1844; his fatlier, whose name was Joseph, was also a native of that state. His grandfather was a soldier in the war of 1812, and his great- grandfather a soldier in the war of the revolution. The farailv is of Scotch-Irish descent. His mother, whose family name was Ernst, was descended from a Hessian soldier taken prisoner during the revolution- ary war and afterward settled in Pennsylvania. Her fathei-, Andrew Ernst, died in Knox county, Illinois, and is buried in the Fuller ceme- tery. His father came to Illinois in 1853 and settled in McDonough county, removing to this county in 1859. In 1804 Mr. H. enlisted in Co. D, 18i)th 111. Vol, Inf , which was a regiment of hundred day men. He was honorably discharged November, 18()4. Married Eliza Dunn September 7, 1865, and engaged in farming. In 1871 he had the first house built in the village of North Henderson, the present hotel build- ing. Mr. J. L. Goff had previously moved a building into the village. He kept the hotel two years and was then engaged in the grain busi- ness eight years. Has been in the lumber, hai-dware, and agricultural implement business, since 1880. He has two children, Ilattie, born November 1866, and Leo, born February 20, 1877. He is at ])resent clerk of the town, having held the office four years. He is a member of both North Henderson Lodge and Encampment of Odd Fellow;*. He is also a member of Iloreb Chapter, No. 4, E.A.M., of Rio, and (xalesburg Commandery, No. 8, K.T. In politics he is a democrat. Georok a. Blue, druggist, is the son of an old pioneer, William Blue, whf) was born in Indiana in 1826. • He settled on the S. W. ^ of Sec. 27, in this township, in 1837. During the year 1851 he lived in Knox county, and December 21, that year, he married Miss Ellenor Rice, of that county. She was born in Indiana Januai-y ll», 1825, and came to Knox county, Illinois, with her parents in 1831. After his marnage he returned to this county, where he died in March, 1864, having had a fainily of five children, three of whom are living: George A., born January 1, 1853; Thomas J., born April 4, 1S55, owns the old Rice homestead, in Knox county ; Frank W., born December 1J>, 1863, lives in North Henderson. George A., who was raised on the farm, owns the old homestead, the southwest of secti(m 27. IK' has been engaged in the drug business in the village since 1871», and post- master since 1880. He married Sei»tember 8, ls74. Miss Lura Glass, daughter of Seymour and Isabelle (Black) (41ass. Her grandfather, Samuel Black, was one of the <>ld j>ioneers of Warren county. Tliey 814: HISTORV OF MERCER A^D HENDERSON COUNTIES. have one child, Archie AV., born September 19, 1876. George A. is a member of Horeb Chapter, Xo. 4, E.A.M., of liio, also of Galesburg Oominander^^, Xo. 8, K.T. M. PI. Johnston, druggist, is a son of Larimer and Hannah (Hayes) Johnston, of Suez township in this county, whose history will be found in connection with the history of that township. He was born in Grundy county, Ohio, November 26, 1855, and came to Illinois with his parents in 185T, settling in Suez township, where he was raised on the farm with such advantages as the common school of his district afforded, which he supplemented with a commercial course in Allen's Business College in Aledo. April 20, 1881, he married Miss Anna Galloway, daughter of James Galloway, grocer of Aledo. Miss Anna was a native of Fennsjdvania ; born April 16, 1858. He went into the drug business in Xorth Henderson in March, 1881, and is doing a large business for a country drug store. He is a member of North Henderson Lodge, Xo. 585, I.O.O.F. In politics he is a republican. The history of Xorth Henderson township could not well be written without a notice of Edwin Evans Ivendall, M.D., who was born in Worcester county, Massachusetts, October 12, 1826. His father, Paul R., and his mother Jane (Xickerson) Kendall, were also natives of that state ; his father was engaged in mercantile pursuits ; died when Edwin was quite young. An extract from an obituary notice from the pen of J. P. McCIanahan, M.D., of Alexis, Illinois, published in the "Peoria Medical Monthly,'' will be appropriate here. The doctor says : ''Dur- ing his early life, by industry and self-sacritice, he worked his way through an academical course of study, teaching during a part of the time, and in like manner through his professional studies, graduating from the medical department of the University of Buffalo, Xew York, April 27, 1853, the institution being at that time under the presidency of Millard Filmore ; the medical faculty being as follows : Charles A. Lee, M.D., Jacob H. Hamilton, M.D., Austin FKnt, M.D., Edward M. Moore, M.D., George Hadley, M.D., John C. Dalton, Jr., M.D. Dr. Kendall at first decided to practice his profession in the east, near his original home, but soon changed his mind on account of failing health, or an attack of h?emoptisis, and resolved to try the west, to which he removed in the fall of the same year, 1853, wisely selecting for himself a rural location in Mercer county, Illinois, where his health seemed raj>idly to improve and his business to increase as the new settlers flowed in to what was then a conijjaratively new and sparsely settled, rich, prairie country. Among these settlers the doctor made many warm friends and ccmfldent patrons, and for years fair health continued with him, notwithstanding his unrelentive promptness to NORTH HENDERSOX TOWNSHIP. 815 attend calls regardless of heat or cold, inclement weather, or any dis- ]»araging circumstances." lie died at his residence in X(^»rth llenosed himself so much while labor- ing to fultill it that he became a cripple for life. He moved to Knox county, Blinois, in June 1855. A. W., and his twin brother A. II., were born in Indiana, February 3, 1840, and came to this state with their fatlier, living near Saluda in Knox county. A. W. was married December 29, 1862, to Miss Eliza Imel, who was born in Indiana, June 24, 1840, and came to this state with her father, Thomas Imel, in 1850. In 1877 A. W. came to this township, locating on the south- west of section 27, where he owns forty acres, and forty-one acres ad- joining in section 34. He has always been engaged in farming. They have three children: Benham, born October 31, 1866; Katie, January 1, 1869; Bertha B., March 31, 1878. He is a member of lloreb Chapter, No. 4, R.A.M.. of Rio. Also of North Henderson Lodge of SW HISTORY OF >rERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. Odd-Fellows. He is now supervisor of this town, for the fourth con- secutive year. In politics he is a democrat. He is a man of more than average native ability, a close observer, doing his own thinking, examining his ground carefully before taking a new step. A. H., the twin brother mentioned above, is known by his friends as Harvey iS^elson. He was married September 19, 1867, to Miss Adelia A. Kays, daughter of William Kays, of Saluda, Knox county, Illinois. They came into this township in 1873, and settled on the E. -^ of S. W. Sec. 34, where they reside now. The farm comprises eighty-eight acres. He built his present residence in 1875. They have three children: Hampton, born May 22, 1869; Ida, October 18, 1873; William, July 15, 1881. Mr. Nelson a member of both the North Henderson Lodge and Encampment of the I.O.O.F., as well as the Alexis Lodge of A.F.A.M. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of North Henderson. He is one of the commissioners of highw9.ys of this town. William Kays, Mrs. Nel- son's father, is one of the old pioneers of Knox county, having settled in that county as early as 1832 or 1833. Peter W. Johnston, though comparatively a recent settler, has been a positive quantity during the period of his residence in this township. He is an excellent repi'esentative of the old Virginia and Kentucky country gentleman. He was a native of Virginia as were also both his parents and grandparents. His grandfathers, on both his father and mother's side, were in the revolutionary army. His father and seven uncles from both branches of the family were in the military service of the country during the war of 1812. His father, whose given name was John, died in 1826, when the subject of this sketch was ten years old. His family consisted of four boys and two girls, of whom P. W. was the eldest. Three of these survive, one brother and one sister living in Virginia. After his father's death his mother received from the government a land warrant for his father's service in the war of 1812. His mother's maiden name was Nancy Wyatt. She was a woman of very marked ability, and a sterling patriot, being very ener- getic in aiding the national cause to the full extent of her oppor- tunities during the struggle from 1812 to 1815. She was about eighty- six years old at the time of her death which occurred in 1880. P. W. was bom in Gloucester county, Virginia, August 19, 1816 ; he removed thence to Kentucky in 1835, residing in Breckenridge county, in that state, until 1862; lie moved to this state, settling in Hancock county, where lie lived one year, settling in this township in 1863, on the southeast of section 19, which farm he still owns, though he has lived on the southwest of section 31, near the village of Alexis since the NORTH HENDERSON TOWNSHII', Sl7 spring of 1875, where lie owns forty-two acres. With the exce])ti()n of three years that lie was in the mercantile business in Kentucky Mr. Johnston has always been engaged in farming. He was married Se|> tember 23, 1837, to Martha A. Hayes, a native of Virginia, born in that state in March, 1816, and emigrated to Kentucky in 1835. Her father's name was William, and her mother's maiden name was Eliza- beth Forster. They have had eight children, only three of whom are living: Benjamin F., born February 26. 1839 (deceased); Nancy, May 21, 1841 (deceased); Mary E., October 12, 1845, wife of Joel Hays living in Missouri; John W., January 27, 1843 (deceased); Matilda E., February 8, 1848 (deceased) ; Littleton T., May 11, 1850, in the cattle business in Texas at present, though he makes his home with his father; Ann M., born March 30, 1853, wife of Xewton Bruington, resides in the villiage of Alexis; Martha A., March 3, 1856 (deceased). Mrs. Johnston is a member of the Methodist P^pisco- pal church, south. Mr. Johnston is a member of the masonic order, and politically a democrat. Probably one of the best known and most highly respected pioneers of this township, and the one having the widest circle of friends and acquaintances, is Notley Scott. It would be a long radius drawn from his house that would describe the circle excluding those who do not know "Uncle Notley," as he is familiarly called. In the days when game was plenty it was a good huntsman that killed more deer than he, and a strong man that could march home under the weight of a heavier buck. He excelled in all the games in vogue in those days re- quiring agility, strength and prowess, Henry Fleharty being the only competitor for the honors that had any chance with him in those days. He also enjoys a reputation that he has built for himself during the passage of the years for the strictest honesty and probity, his word being as good as a bond. To his house still clings the pioneer quality of hospitality that makes "Uncle Notley's such a good place to- visit.'" Uncle Notley, though seventy-two years of age, enjoys his trips to the bay, to shoot wild duck or iish in their season, as much as any of the young men, no sport pleasing him so well, unless it be playing croquet, at which game he is an expert. Uncle Notley was born in Ohio July 8, 1810. His father, Joseph Scott, was born in Virginia in 1773, and was consequently two years old when the war of the revo- lution began. He removed with his jjarents to Kentucky when only four years old, and thence to Ohio iu 1706. He married Miss IMarv Oain, of Kentucky, who was born March 15, 1777. They moved to Indiana in 1823, and thence to Illinois in 1835. He died in Novem- ber, 1872, his life having almost reached a century. His wife died' 818 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. March 2, 1857. Notley was married November 3, 1832, to Miss Sallie Betts, wlio was born in Kentucky December 20, 1809, and died April 23, 1871. Their family consisted of twelve children, ten boys and two girls: Preston (deceased). Fielding, Joseph, William, M. D., Reiley, Nancy, Notley (deceased), Samuel (deceased), Sarah (deceased), Lewis, and Xathaniel Greene. Uncle Notley is one of the very few men, if not the only man, of whom it can be said that he can open and run a masonic lodge within his own family, himself and seven of his sons being members of the order. They are all members of Horeb Chap- ter, No. 4, E.A.M., of Rio, and two (Preston and Greene) K.T. He came to this township in 1837, and bought the claim of Harison Brown in sections 18 and 19, where he still resides, his daughter Nancy having been his housekeeper since the death of her mother. The grove near which he resides, and part of which he owns, has always been known as Scott's Grove since he settled there. He owns at present 485 acres of land. He was the lirst supeiwisor of this town. In 1851, at the time that immigration was flowing into this county so rapidly, there came a man from Mercer county, Pennsylva- nia, who began the race of life evenly with the state of Illinois, and thus far the two have kept even pace year for year, but how much longer the score will remain a tie time alone can determine. Money staked on the state, though, will most probably some time win. John T. Morford was born in Mercer connty, Pennsylvania, Feb- ruary 27, 1818. His father, James Morford, was born in New Jersey, July 17, 1793, and his mother, whose maiden name was Martha Titus, was a native of the same state, born June 8, 1797. They were married September 28, 1815. His lather died July 12, 1870, and his mother, at the age of eighty-flve, makes her home with him. John T. was married February 27, 1840, to Miss Esther Hazen. a native of Craw- ford county, Pennsylvania, born November 16, 1819. They settled on the northeast of section 22, in the spring of 1855, when, to use the language of Mrs. Morford, "there was not a switch on the place with which to whip the children."' Now their house is almost lost to view by the dense grove of trees that surrounds it. Their farm at present com|)rises 200 acres of rich North Henderson soil. Mr. Morford is a car]>enter by trade, and has worked at the business most of the time until since the close of the war. The j)atriotism of this family is unquestionable. Mr. Morford and his two oldest sons, at that time in their nineteenth and sixteenth years, respectively, enlisted in Co. C, 102d reg. 111. Vol. Inf., in 1862, and seryed faithfully until the close of the war; the oldest son, Hiram T., being wounded during the siege NORTH HENDERSON TOWNSHIP. 819 of AtUmtii, luid .lolni '[\ ranking us third sergeant when mustered out. Mrs. Moiford is also entitled to great credit for Ikt part in the conflict. Left to manage the farm and take care of the children, the oldest boy left at home being l)ut thirteen years old, her success is ample proof of her ability. They have seven children: Diana (born in IS-tl, wife of H. Herbert, lives in Iowa), Hiram T. (born Decemljer 10, 1843, mar- ried Miss Sophie Crosby, and lives in Iowa), William Henry (born June 3, 1847, married Miss Frances Shipman, and lives in Wisconsin), Isaac ('. (born January 2, 1849, is married and lives in Iowa), James Eyron (born Xovmeber 26, 1850, married Miss Christhie Olson, and lives in Iowa), -John Jasper (born August 18, 1853, married Miss Adella Allen, and resides on the old |)lace, carrying on the farm), and Martha M. (born March 13, 1859, wife of William Steele, lives in Iowa). John T. is a member of both North Henderson Lodge aiul Encampment of I.O.O.F, and in politics he is republican. He and his wife are members of the Alexis Baptist church. Another prominent citizen of this township, also a native of Pennsylvania, Joskjmi Deets, was born in Venango county of that srate, February 25, 183 L Came to Illinois in 1855, settling in W^ar- ren county, where he resided four years ; j-emoving to this county in March, 1859, he settled on the northeast of section 28 where he still resides, though he has been steadily enlarging his borders, by the purchase of additional farms, until his landed possessions in this town- ship now aggregate 800 acres. He was nuirried August 23, 1857, to Miss Augusta Chatiield, of Warren county, a native of Ohio. They have seven children living at present: Ethselda (wife of Gilbert Ilig- gins), Ada, Alvah. -lohn, -loseph, Sarah, and Eliza. Mr. Deets was raised on a farm and has always followed that occupation, and his success is an excellent examjjle of what can be accom])lished by the agriculturalist who has energy, ])erseverance, and uses a reasonable economy. His educational advantages were limited to the common school. In i)olitics he acts with the rei)ublican party, though is not what wo\dd be termed a partisan. His ])arents were both natives of Pennsylvania, his mother of Scotch and his father of German descent, his grandfather coming from Germany to this country. His father, whose name was Joseph, was a member of the ^lethodist Episcopal church, but after the organizati^m of the Wesleyan Methodist church he identified himself with that church, being led thereto by the slavery issue which was agitating the churches at that time. The "Old Dominion'' furnished another successful farmer for this township, in the person of liuuAui) Garrett, who was born in Vir- ginia, March 13, 1830, and moved to Kentucky with his parents in 1834, 820 HISTORY OF >rERCER ASD HENDERSON COUNTIES. living in Breckenridg'e connty nntil two years prior to leaving that state, when he lived in Mead county, moving thence to Texas in 1855, where he remained one year only, coming to Illinois in 1856. He settled on the northeast of section 30, in the spring of 1857, where he still resides, having added to his farm until at present he owns 550 acres. December 21t, 1849, he was married to Miss Juliet Douglas, a native of Kentucky, born October 5, 1832, daughter of Gilson B. Douglas. They have twelve children : Adaline (wife of O. G. Cliap- man, postmaster at Alexis), David, William, Martha A., Peyton J., Douglas, Alice, Robert L., Lucy A., Edna, Mary E., and Richard. Mr. Garrett is a Master Mason, but not in active connection with any lodge now. ADDITIOIS^AL MATTER, CORRECTIOXS, ETC. The matter that follows, much of it of a very important character, was recieved too late for insertion in the portion of the book originally designed for it. Some of the sketches were held for revision by friends until the sheets containing the matter most appropriate for them had gone to press. EARLY COURTS. 15Y R. H. SPICER. The holding of court was the signal generally for the gathering together of the larger part of the able bodied male inhabitants of the county, and as the accommodations at the county seat were rather prim- itive and scanty, they were at times brought into close proximity. Good nature was the ruling element, and what is termed fun was largely indulged in by old and young. Court generally despatched all of the business in one and a half or two days. The members of the bar, and a goodly number they were, the names of many of whom the old settler recalls with emotions not unmingled with pleasure, followed the court through its peregrinations of an extended circuit embracing nearly a dozen counties. After Judges Ralston and Lott, Judge Brown became the presiding genius. A large bodied, large headed and good natured man of the old school, whose early days were probably spent south of the great dividing line. His make up did not enable him to master all the Jifiesse of law, and as a consequence those lawyers whe believed in law as a science, and as such were disposed to use it before his court, were ^'erv liable to be snubbed. C'urtis K. Ilarvev, of Knt)xville, a man ADDITIONAL MATIEK. 821 who worshiped law because it was Jaw, was always very unfortunate, while such men as Jo. Knox, John Mitchell, Bill Kellogg, and one or two others whose law, perhaps, may have been rather loose, as advo- cates always appeared to have the ear of the court, jury and populace. Joseph Knox, of Rock Island, commonly known as Jo. Knox, of the firm of Knox & Drury, probably had the inside track of all practising here at an early period, though among the members of the bar were Brown, of Quincy ; Manning, of Knoxville ; A. C. Harding, of Mon- mouth, and others who have since become eminent in their profession. Knox was an able advocate, not at all choice of his words or of his epithets when a witness was so unfortunate as to stand in his way. No doubt but there was jealousy existing in the hearts of other members of the bar at his success. AVhisperings first went around that Drury made up his cases for him, finall}- that Drury furnished the brains, and as Drury was always invisible the tendency was, as is usually the case with the uncomatable, to magnify the powers of Drury. Curi- osity became excited ; all were desirous of seeing the great incognito ; the members of the bar most of any. Finally on a frosty day late in the fall word was conveyed into the filled court room that a " ship was in the offing."" It had been previously announced tliat Drury was expected on that day. Court adjourned without the usual formality, wdiether to do honor to the expected arrival oi" to take his measure, the historian sayeth not, but as the eager crowd got into .the street they descried in the distance a large bay horse approaching, well caparisoned with an immense bear skin housing to the saddle, in which sat a small figure of what it was difficult at the distance to tell, but upon near ap- proach it proved to be the ardently expected Drury, ensconsed in an immense buffalo overcoat, whiskers of mammoth proportion for the man (for be it known Mr. Drury is of a very small pattern, physically), and something on his head, witness can't say whether hairy or not. Eyes were staring, mouths were agape. Bill Kellogg, afterward judge and member of congress, was first to break the spell when he exclaimed, mtto voce^ ''by G — d, a pocket edition of humanity, bound in liar!" He was a Kentuckian. The quaintness and aptness of the illustration excited a smile of approval. The new comer was heartily welcomed. The following list of graduates (1882) from the Aledo high school was inadvertently omitted : Scientific course, Birt Fargo, Ned Aber- crombie, Cora Pullen, Ina Pinkerton, Zelda Bell, Maggie Thomson, Lou Richmond, Jennie Fulton ; classical course, Robert McKinney. Amos Cole, Lew L. Walker, Logan Stejjliens, Alma Bickett. 822 HISTORY OF MERCER A:srD HENDERSON COUNTIES. BIOGRAPHICAL. Jajvies M. Emerson (deceased), for many years a respected and suc- cessful business man of New Boston, was born January 22, 1815, in Wayne county, Indiana. His father, Edward Emerson, was a natiye of Massachusetts, but became an early settler in the Hoosier state, where he became owner of a large tract of land and died. The early life of James was such as a new country aftbrded in his day. His school-room was chiefly in the free air without enclosure, and his teacher was nature. Altliough of so limited an education he became quite efticient in busi- ness arithmetic, excelling many scholars. In 1839 he located at New Boston, Mercer county, Illinois. Here lie labored at whateyer head and hand found to do, the two always employed to assist each other. He contracted cutting cord wood, made several trips to Indiana, bringing the first traveling threshing machine to Mercer county. He was on a ferry awhile, also piloted on the Mississippi riyer for a time. In 1848 he established the first lumber yard in New Boston, although some lum- ber had been sold here prior to this. He carried on the lumber busi- ness till his death. He also purchased considerable land. In 1876, lea^'ing a foreman in his lumber yard, he moved to liis farm, about two miles northeast of New Boston. Here he spent his remaining years improving his farm, while suttering from a stroke of paralysis. His career ended in death April 20, 1881. He left a family and large circle of friends to mourn their loss. Mr. Emerson was a plain, unassum- ing man, attentive to his business and regardful of his family. Politic- ally he was a whig, and later a republican, but never became politic- ally excited. Mr. Emerson was married September 30, 1847, to Miss Han-iet Bridger, daughter of Thomas and Mary ('\Yoodham''s) Bridger. She was born October 10, 1824, in Northiam Parish, Sussex county, England. She came with her parents about 1827 to New York state, wlio settled on a farm near Troy. In 1838 they emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, and settled on Pope creek, in Suez township, where Mr. Bridger died about a year afterward, followed in nine days by his wife. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Emerson began housekeeping in a new house erected in New Boston by Mr. Emerson. There they lived till 1876, and there eight children were born to them, viz : Myra Y., born August 5, 1848 ; Dora A., born June 7, 1850 ; Iva, born July 8, 1855 ; Charles O., born September 11, 1858, and died July 12, 1865 ; Alma T., born January 18, 1861 ; Effie, born January 11, 1863, and died January 27, 1863 ; Warren D., born July 13, 1865 ; PuiljJi Waldo, born January 20, 1869, and died February 5, 1880. The father and husband is fondly remembered. His j^ortrait is in its special place. ADDITIOXAL ALA.TTER. 823 Augustus Y>. Ciiir.Ds, subject of these memoirs, is a son of Horace and Lucy M. (Barker) C'hilds. He was born in Oneida county, New York, October 31, ISKi. He is a descendant of one of three brothers who came from Wales to Amei-ica before the revolution. Mr. Childs' life has been largely one of farm-labor ; not. however, altogether. His youth till fifteen was spent on a farm in Connecticut. In 1838 Mr. Childs emigrated to Mercer county, settling in Eliza township. He rode a borrowed horse to Mercer county when he came, not being able to buy. On his return eastward he left the horse with its owner, and walked a long distance to Indiana]>olis, where he stopped to work sufficient to pay for a horse. He then rode to Sandusky, Ohio. Like many poor boys he came to be in good circumstances. He at one time owned 1,300 acres of land. Not only industry, but also temperance and good habits have aided him in his financial success. Mr. Childs was a grand juryman of Mercer county at the first settling of the court at Aledo. He has been married twice. His first wife, Catharine Reynolds, he married in Morgan county, Indiana, June 28, 1840 ; she died June 5, 1878. Mr. Childs' present wife, Lucy E. (Willits), is a daughter of Isaiah Willits, of Keithsburg. Mr. Childs has traveled considerably, in his career visiting California. Late years he visited Florida, where he purchased a large estate, intending to plant an orange grove, but soon sold. George S. Wolf, farmer, Keithsburg, was boi-n in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, Kovember 7, 1818, and is the son of Chiistian and Sarah (Sterner) Wolf, and a grandson of Henry Wolf, who emi- grated, when a mere boy, to America near the middle of the seven- teenth century. He was the only one of his father's family sufficiently actuated by a spirit of adventure to leave childhood's home and visit a foreign land. During our subject's early youth his time was constjintly employed in agricultural pursuits on his father's farm. During the meantime he received about twenty months' schooling, in the veritable log-cabin school-house, taught by an eccentric old school-master, whose ])roficiencv in teaching equaled only his salary. September 6, 1838. Mr. Wolf was united in marriage with Miss ^Mary C. Amweg, daugh- ter of William and Hannah (Spirow) Amweg, also a native of Lancas- ter county, Pennsylvania. Mr. Wolf has devoted his life to fai-ming, up till 1869, in his native state and since that time on his neat, little farm immediately adjoining the village of Keithsburg. Besides this farm he owns another of 168 acres in Henderson county. Lie had born to him seven children, five of whom are living: William B., John H., Adam A., Jacob L., Isaiah S. ; and Edward and Hannah E. (deceased), aged respectively sixteen and twenty-seven years. His son S'24: HISTORY OF MEKCER AJVD HENDERSON COUNTIES. TVilliara B. served four rears clurins: the war of 1861-5 : was mustered into service as an orderly, and honorably discharged with a captain's commission, and was wounded in one of the battles of the Wilderness. His son Adam A. is a minister in the United Brethren church, Mr. Wolf and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. Though his school advantages were very meager, he is now one of our best posted men. William B. Larue, hotel-keeper, Keith sburg, was born in Hardin county, Kentucky, August 13, 1824. His father, who was of French birth, came to America in liis early youth. He died in Kentucky August 27, 1824. Mr. Larue, with his mother, step-father and broth- ers, emigrated to Illinois in 1832, landing at Oquawka April 15 and at Monmouth April 24 of the same year. September 4, 1851, he was married to Miss Catharine M. Roberts. She was born February 21, 1835, and died April 14, 1882. Mr. Larue has no children of his own, but has creditably raised seven orphans. John McKinney, Sr., was born JSTovember 2, 1801, in Lincoln county, Kentucky; son of George and Ann (Kiley) McKinney; father of Scotch, and mother of L*ish, descent. In 1803 his father removed to Casey county, Kentucky, where he continued his business, farming. John's educational advantages were very limited, being only those aiforded by the common schools, which he attended less than eighteen months, all told. In December 1821 he went to Hamilton, Butler countv, Ohio, and for the next live vears made his home with an uncle, John Kiley. Mr. Kiley was clerk of the court of common pleas of Baiter county, clerk of the supreme court of Ohio, and postmaster at Hamilton, and Mr. McKinney wi*ote for him in his office, and had charge of the postoffice. While thus employed he made good use of every opportunity to increase his store of knowledge, and secm'ed a fair practical, if not theoretical, business education. On the death of his father, in 1825, he was recalled to Kentucky, to settle the estate, and while thus engaged he entered the office of Hon. John Pope, at Spring- field, Kentucky, as a law student. (Mr. Pope had represented his state in the L^nited States senate, and was afterward appointed governor of Arkansas by General Jackson.) Finding the bar already over- crowded with young and briefless attorneys, and having no })atrimony to sustain him, Mr. McKinney abandoned the bar, and returned to active labor. In November, 1827, he married Miss Elizabeth Goode. While in Ohio, Mr. McKinney had imbibed the political ideas of the aboli- tionists, and on his return to Kentucky he found himself in a hopeless minority, politically and socially. This, coupled with the fact that he was pool', and there seemed no chance to better his condition there, ADDITIOXAL MATTBR. 827 made it incumbent upon him to seek a new home, where better oppor- tunities might present themselves. During his absence many of his associates had removed to Missouri, and his first impulse was to follow them thither, but as Missouri was a slave state, and as he expected by removal to better his condition, he feared that the profits of slave hold- ing might overcome his abolition scruples, and rather than place him- self in the way of temptation he decided to settle in the young and promising State of Illinois, and in the spring of 1832 he left Kentucky with his wife and two young children, and opened a farm in what was then a part of AVarren county, but when that county was divided he found himself within the limits of the new county of Henderson. Here he conducted farming operations for twelve years, and with such success that he was at the end of that time the owner of 800 acres of land, and a fair competency in addition. In 1S44 he removed to Oquawka, and went into business with Edward E. Adams, under the firm name of McKinney 6z Adams. They conducted a large diy goods and general store, and bought and sold grain, pork and produce of all kinds. The latter were shipped for the most part to St. Louis, the Mississippi river being the only available public highway, although some sales were made in New Orleans. The dry goods were purchased in New York, Boston and St. Louis. The firm also engaged largely in pork packing, in com- pany with Mr. Alfred Knowles, running what was at that time a very large establishment for this country, em])loying during the packing season from fifty to sixty hands, and handling daily from 500 to 1,000 hogs. In 1854, after ten years of prosperity and success, the firm of McKinney & Adams dissolved partnership, tlie latter retiring, his share amounting to not less than $25,000, which had all, and more, legitimately been made during the decade, thanks largely to the business tact of Mr. McKinney. Mr. McKinney continued the business, associating with himself his oldest son, Hiram, under the firm name of McKinney & Son, until about the beginning of the war, when he turned the entire merchandising business over to his three oldest sons, Hiram, John and George, and devoted his time to loaning money. The new firm, however, did not long con- tinue in trade. Hiram died in December, 1861 ; John raised a com- pany and went with it, as captain, in the 91st HI. Inf. ; and George, whose health rendered necessary a change of climate, sold the stock back to his father, and went to California. Mr. McKinney did not restock the store long, but gradually sold out as opportunity ofiercd. At the time of the great Chicago fire he boxed up and shipped a large quantity of clothing and remnants to the sufierers, and again did the same for the sufferers from the drouth and grasshoppers in Kansas. 47 828 HISTORY OF MERCER A^T) HENDERSON COUNTIES. His wife died in 1846, leaving him with a family of six children, and in the following year he married Miss Mary Ann, daughter of Rev. Wm. K. Stewart, of Macomb, Illinois, who is yet living. His chil- dren by his first wife were: Hiram, died in 1861 ; Ann, wife of Luke Strong, of Aledo ; Elizabeth, widow of James Moir, now resides in Paris, France ; John, present postmaster of Aledo ; George, doing business in Chicago, and resides in one of the suburbs ; Collin, resides near Hot Springs, Arkansas ; and William, died in infancy. The two first named were born in Kentucky, the others on the farm in Hender- son county, Illinois. Collin volunteered in 1861 in the 10th 111. Inf, Co. E. ; was commissioned second lieutenant, and rose to the rank of captain. With his regiment he re-entered as veteran, and served throughout the war. Children by his second wife were : Adelaide, still at home ; Lucretia, died in infancy ; James, married, cashier of Aledo bank ; Archie, loan clerk for his father ; Mary Isabel, at home y Maggie, died in infancy; and Robert Riley, still at home. These were all born in Oquawka. Mr. McKinney united with the Cumberland Presbyterian church in 1833, but on coming to Aledo he connected himself with the First Presbyterian church (known as the Old School), of this place. He is an earnest christian, rigid in the observance of all the rules and religious customs of the church, a regular attendant upon all her ordinances, and a liberal supporter of church and Sabbath school. He has for many years served his church as deacon or elder, and as trustee. He removed to Aledo in May, 1873, and in April, 1874, pur- chased an interest in the Aledo bank, where he is still the senior member of the lirm. He was an old line whig, until the organization of the republican party, since which time he has acted with the latter. During the war he was, a strong union man, and was appointed by President Lincoln commissioner of enrollment for the then sixth con- gressional district, comprising the counties of Adams, Hancock, Hen- derson, Mercer, Rock Island, and AVarren. Cornelius Springer Richey, son of John and Mary (Douglass) Richey, was born September 9, 1 828, in Salt Creek township, Muskin- gum county, Ohio ; father born in Pennsylvania ; mother in New Jer- sey. His parents had emigrated from Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in 1814. His youth was spent on the home farm until the age of twenty. His education he received in the common schools and in Muskingum college. New Concord. He taught school in the vicinity of his home until 1854, when he came to this county, settling in Ohio Grove township. He was elected county surveyor in 1855, and fol- lowed surveying, teaching during the winter months, until 1862, when he went into the mercantile business, first at Bridger's Corners, Suez ADDITIONAL MATTKR. 829 township, for about a }'ear, and at Sunbeam, Oliio Grove townsliip, until 1868, wlien he removed to Aledo, and lias ever since continued the business here, first as a member of the firm of C. S. & J. C. Kichey, with his brother, J. C; next with Richey Bros. & McGufhn, J. (t. McGuffin having jmrchased an interest ; then alone ; again with Jesse Markee and I. jST. Dunlap, as Richey, Markee & Co. ; with Dun- lap, as Richey & Dunlap, and now as senior member of the firm of Richey, Frew & Dunlap, S. J. Frew having recently purchased an interest in the business. The firm deal in dry-goods, clothing, millin- ery, and groceries, and have a good custom. January 17, 1865, he married Miss Susan IL, daughter of Joel Lee, Esq., of Galesburg, Illinois. They have two children living, Arthur, aged thirteen, and Olive, aged five years. He was reelected county surveyor in the fall of 1879 and still holds the office. He has always voted the republican ticket. J.oiES MrCoRMicK WiLsox. About the close of the last century David B. AYilson, then only about sixteen years of age, emigrated from his native place in the Shenandoah Yallcy, Virginia, and settled on a partially opened farm near Fayette City, in the Rehobath valley, Pennsvlvania. The location was about thirtv miles above Pittsburtfh, and ten miles below Brownsville, the point where the old national road crossed the Monongahela river. Here he married Mary McCormick, raised a family, and remained until his death in 1863. Among his children was James M., the subject of this sketch, who was born December 1, 1822. James remained upon his fathers farm until twenty-four years of age, receiving only the educational facilities of the public schools of that day, which would illy compare with those of the present. Upon leaving the farm he learned the carpenter's trade and followed it for five years, and could frame a barn or finish a parlor in good style, as occasion might require. November 23, 1853, he was married to Miss Mary Smith, of Flat Woods, Pennsylvaipa, and in the folhjwing May he came to Galesburg, remaining during the summer and returned to Fayette City in the fall. In the spring of 1855 he re- moved with his family to Galesburg, where, with W. B. Patterson, he went into the furniture business, under the firm name of Patterson & Wilson, continuing until July, 1857, when ^Ir. Wilson removed to Aledo, erected, with Mr. D. V. Reed, the building on the corner of College avenue and Eighth street, now occupied by L. F. Jt)busch, and opened a furniture store in one-half of the building, in connection with undertaking, continuing until 1862. In 1861 he was appointed post- master by President Lincoln. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. K, 102d reg. 111. Vol. Inf , and in the s]>ring of 1863 was honorably dis- 830 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. charged at Gallatin, Tennessee, on account of disabilit^s and returned to Aledo. He was elected supervisor of Mercer township in 1860, 1863 and 1864. In the fall of the latter year he was elected circuit clerk, and resigned the offices of postmaster and supervisor to enter on his duties, being succeeded as postmaster by Horace Bigelow, of the "Record." Pie served as circuit clerk until December, 1868. Not- withstanding his limited educational advantages in youth Mr. W. early resolved to become a lawyer, and with this end in view he availed him- self of all means of improvement within his reach by general reading and persistent study. During his last 3'ear as circuit clerk, upon appli- cation, he was admitted to the bar and licensed to practice in the sev- eral courts of the state. During the same year he was appointed master in chancery by Hon. A. A. Smith, then circuit judge, and re- appointed in 1870 for the succeeding two years. In May, 1869, he formed a partnership with John C. Pepper, one of the oldest as well as ablest attorneys of the county, under the firm name of Pepper & Wilson, which continued until April, 1882, when it was dissolved by mutual consent, both continuing to practice, however, in their own names. During the residence of himself and wife in Aledo, nearly a quarter of a century, they have reared a family of five children : Sarah C. (wife of James II. Pamsey, dealer in jewelry and silverware, Aledo), Mary R. (wife of Joseph Boyd, firm of Boyd Bros., dealers in groceries and hardware, Aledo), Nannie M. (wife of Joseph M. Wal- lace, M.D., of Coal Valley, Rock Island county, Illinois), Cora C, and Fannie L., both at home and attending the public schools of Aledo, in which their sister Nannie once held a position as teacher. While Mr. W. has not attained great wealth, he has a commodious and com- fortable residence, occupying an entire block of ground between Fourth and Fifth streets, west of College avenue, so highly cultivated and im- proved as to make it among the most desirable homes in the village, and in addition to the complete furnishing pro]>er, in his house may be found one oflhe best and perhaps one of the largest private libraries in the county. Politically he is a re23ublican. He has for years been connected with the Presbyterian church. He is a Mason of high degree. Benjamin Coleman Taliaferro was born October 9, 1821, in King William county, Yirginia, and is the son of Robert B. and Cecelia H. (Ellett) Taliaferro. His youth was spent on a farm in Virginia until 1836, when, with his parents, he came to Illinois and settled in what was then a part of Warren, but now Henderson county. Here his father died in 1847, and his mother died in 1859, at Young America (now Kirkw(^od\ Warren county. His father was a native of King ADDITIONAL »LV1TKR. 831 William, and his mother of Goochland county, Virginia. Mr. Talia- ferro remained on the farm, working and managing it, until the age of twenty-two, when, surrendering it to a brother, he entered the law ofKce of Hon. Charles M. Harris, of Oqnawka, as a student. His early education was limited to the common schools of Virginia and one year in an academy, before coming to Illinois ; since then to what he could "pick up'' by judicious reading and practical business experi- ence. After being admitted to the bar he removed to Keithsburg, and was for a number of Acars in partnership with John (\ Pepper ; then alone; next with J. E. Griffin, and again with Benjamin F. Brock, of Aledo, Mr. Taliaferro having his office in Keithsburg, and Mr. Brock in Aledo. In 1881 Mr. Taliaferro removed to Aledo, and formed a partnershij) with James II. Connell in law and abstract business, which \vas dissolved upon Mr. ConnelFs removal to Pueblo. Colorado, in the spring of 1882 ; and Mr. Taliaferro associated his son, Bobert B., with him in the abstract department of his business. In 1848 he was appointed master in chancery for the circuit court in Mercer county, a position he held for nine consecutive years. During his residence in Keithsburg he held a number of municipal offices, and is the present village attorney for Aledo. In 1876 he was elected to the state senate from the then twenty-second senatorial district, comprising Mercer and Knox counties, and served in the thirtieth and thirty-first general assemblies. He had the honor of presenting to the latter tlie great home-protection petition containing 175,000 names, and of being its special champion in the senate. He has been prominently connected for years with the temperance work, in which he has been ably assisted by his wife, both having frequently lectured on the subject in this and adjoining counties. He was the author of the farm drainage law now in force in this state, and of several other laws, of equal importance, now on our statute books. He also introduced a bill to "establish the Western Institution for the Deaf and Dumb," which failed to pass for want of time for its consideration. He became a Mason in 1850, and is still a member, having attained the Royal Arch degree, and frequently filled important offices in the order. March 15, 1852, he was married to Mary A. Pepper, of Utiea, New York. They have four children : ( 'ora B. (at home), Frank E. (married, resides in Springfield ; secretary State Board of Health), Ralph E., and Robert B. (both still at home). Mrs. Taliaferro and daughter belong to the Baptist church, of Aledo ; no others of the family connected witli any church. Mr. Taliaferro and his sons are all i-epublicans. Mr. Talia- ferro is one of the early settlers; has a wide circle of acquaintances and friends ; stands high socially, professionally, and politically. 832 HISTORY OF SfERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. Isaac Newton Bassett was horn in Lewis county, Kentucky, Sep- tember 8, 1825. His early life was spent on his father's farm, where he received such educational advantages as were afforded by the com- mon schools of that day. He tried merchandising for a while, but not finding it as remunerative as he had hoped, studied law, and has practiced for over thiity-tive years, attaining a name and reputation tliroughout the state ; one of prominence and honor of which he may well feel proud. In 1852 he removed to Mercer county, settling in Keithsburg, and as a member of the firm of Johnson, Willits & Bassett commenced the practice of law here. In 1855 he was elected county treasurer, holding the office for four years. He removed to Aledo in 1857 when the county seat was removed, and has ever since been a leading and honored resident of the village. In 1847 he married Miss Scienda T. Moore, by whom he had six children, five of whom are still living : Fletcher S., lieutenant United States navy; Thomas W., attorney at law, Lacqui Parle, Minnesota; Flora, wife of William IST. Graham, cashier of Farmers' Bank, Aledo ; iS^ota, and Lulu, both at home. His wife died in 1861. In 1862 he married Mrs. Caroline H. i erty, a sister of J. E. Harroun, who had one child. Miss Clara, who is still at home, and who, with Miss Xota Bassett, is conducting a book, station- ery and millinery business, under name of Bassett cfe Yerty. By his second wife Mr. Bassett has liad four children, two of whom have died; Victor Hugo, a boy of eleven years, and Bessie, a girl of eight years. From 1847 to 1870, he was connected with the Methodist Episcopal church, but in the latter year joined the Congregationalists, to which he still belongs. He has also been a Mason for many years. While not what is termed rich, Mr. Bassett has made for liimself a good home, surrounded by the comforts and luxuries of life. His family hold a leading and enviable position in society, and in the church which is honored by their membership. Mr. Bassett is at present the senior member of the firm of Bassett tfc Wharton, the latter now serving his second term as state's attorney, and they enjoy a large and lucrative practice in the circuit, appellate, state, and federal courts. Samuel Marquis was born in Washington count}-, Pennsylvania, October .2, 1834, and is a son of Thomas and Sarah Ann (Lysle) Mar- quis. His early life was spent on a farm, where he received a common school education, or so much- of one as could be obtained during the winter months. His mother died about thirty years ago, and his father died in Galva, Kansas, in 1880. In 1855 he came west, stopping for a while in Davenport, Iowa, and in 1857 he came to this county, locating on the home farm in Mercer township. In 1 862 he settled in Aledo, and went into the dairy business, in which he has ADDITIONAL MATTER. 833 ever since been engaged. He was married to Miss Anna Signor, November 16, 1867. They have liad six children, all of whom are still living : James Lorell, Dappie, Sarah Kate, Vance, Carrie, and Mavnard M. Mr. Marquis is industrious, honest and conscientious, and while not wealthy he has acquired a comfortable home and his business is sure and safe, fairly remunerative and free from great risks or temptation to speculation. He is a good citizen; one of the kind to honor the place of his residence. J^uiEs H. CoNNELL was bom in Toronto, Canada, November 5, 1843. His father's name was William Connell, his mother's Isabella Leishman. They were both born in Scotland, and moved to Canada in 18-12. In 1818 they moved to Chicago and from there to Sycamore, DeKalb county, Illinois, in 1819. Mr. Connell's education is such as he received at the Sycamore high school and a commercial college in Chicago. He worked in the "'True Republican" office, in Sycamore, three years ; went to Chicago in 1801, and kept books in the whole- sale drug house of H. Scovil. In 1861 he enlisted in Co. F, 132d reg. 111. Inf., and served until the war closed. He went to Aledo in 1865, at the close of the war, and studied law in the office of J. R. and I. N. Bassett, and was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court of Illinois, in March, 1868. He then went into partnership with I. N. Bassett, in March of that year, and continued until January, 1874. He was married to Lallie Arthur June 8, 1870. She is the daughter of Mrs. M. C. Geiger, and step daughter of John Geiger, of Aledo, Blinois. Mr. Connell was appointed master in chancery, of Mercer county, Illinois, in November 1879, and resigned the same in May, 1882. He owned the abstract books of Mercer county, from 1868 to 1874, with I. X. Bassett, and from 1874 to May, 1882, was sole pro- prietor, when he sold them to B. C. and R. B. Taliaferro. He was one of the originators of the Mercer County Scientific and Historical Association, and was elected secretary of the association when it was organized, and was re-elected from year to year until the spring session, 1882, when he declined further election as he was preparing to move to Colorado. He was tendered the position of attorney-general of Montana, by President Garfield, in 1881, but declined the office. In August, 1881, he formed a partnership with Senator B. C. Taliaferro, and dissolved the same in May, 1882, for the purpose of removing to another field farther west. ,He left Aledo in May, 1882, and moved to Pueblo, Colorado, where he is now engaged in the practice of law. To Mr. Connell, as one of the members and secretary of the historical society, the publishers are under many obligations, and much of what 834 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. is valuable in this work is due to liis kindness. Mr. Connell carries with him to his new home the good wishes of numerous friends. William H. Gladman, New Windsor, was born in Fulton county, Illinois, July 30, 1843. His father, Washington B. Gladman, was a native of Ohio, and was among the early pioneers of Fulton county in this state, having come to that county about the year 1820, where he resided until the spring of 1853. He removed to Henry county, Iowa, where he died in the fall of the same year. His mothei*, whose maiden name was Catherine Druinm, was a native of Yii-ginia, and survived her husband until 1879. In 1862 AVilliam H. enlisted in Co. K, 25tli reg. Iowa Vol. Inf., commanded by Col. Stone, and served with that regiment in the Fifteenth Army Corps until the close of the war. He was in twenty-three engagements and escaped without a scratch until the last one, which was at Bentonville, North Carolina, where he received a slight wound in the shoulder. When mustered out of the army he returned to his old home in Henry county, Iowa, remaining there until the following year (1866), when he removed to Oneida, Illinois, where, in connection with his brother, he established a wagon and carriage shop. In 1869 he moved to New Windsor, where he engaged in the same business, which he has continued until the present time. Mr. Gladman is a man of excellent natural meehan- icai ability, being able to do what but very few men can accomplish, namely: manufacture a carriage complete, doing the work of the wheelwright, the blacksmith, the painter, the top builder, the trimmer, and upholsterer, and when done it will compare favorably in quality, style and finish with the workmanship of specialists in any of the departments. He was married April 16, 1868, in Oneida, Illinois, to Miss Lizzie T. Conyers, who was a native of Bath county, Kentucky. Her father, Thomas Conyers, was a native of the same county and state, and died there when only twenty-five years old, shortly before the birth of his daughter, which event occurred August 4, 1843. On this account her mother gave her the name of her father for a second name. Her mother, whose maiden name was Nancy Kerns, was a native of Bourbon county, Kentucky. She came from Kentucky to Oneida in 1864, and now resides with her daughter, Mrs. Gladman, in New Windsor. A sister of Mrs. Gladman also makes her home with her. Mr. and Mrs. Gladman have four children living: EmmaF., born January 25, 1870; William K., born December 16, 1871; Lucy E., born April 29, 1873 ; Nellie A., born January 4, 1876. John C. Pepper was born in Cambridgeshire, England, September 21, 1829. He came to this country with his parents when about seven years of age, the family settling at Amboy, Oswego county, New ADDITIONAL MATTER. 835 York, where he passed his early life. When sixteen he left home to attend the academy at Vernon, New York, where he remained two years, after which he entered the Wayne County Institute, pursuing his studies there three summers, and teaching school during the winter seasons. In 1848 failing health induced him to come west; and after staying a year in Peoria he settled in Keith sburg, where he was admitted to the bar January 6, 1851. In the same month he celebrated his nuptials with Miss Mary Ann Martin, who has borne him seven children, three of whom are deceased. In 1862 he raised Co. H, 84th reg. 111. Vol.; being elected captain, he commanded his company with deserved credit at Stone river, and was three times wounded in that battle. Since 1869 he has resided in Aledo. In 1880 Capt. Pepper ran as an independent candidate for circuit judge, but fiiiled of elec- tion. During the last two years he has been earnestly and promi- nently engaged in the temperance movement in this state. W^ith the cooperation of a few friends he started the Illinois State Temperance Alliance, and was president of the organization from September, ISSO, till January, 1882, when it was consolidated with the Illinois State Christian Temperance Union, under the name of the Illinois State Temperance Union. Dr. Elisha L. Marshall was born near Trenton, New Jersey, September 24, 1823 ; was educated at City University, of iSTew York, and located at Keithsburg, Illinois, August, 1850, at which place he still remains in practice of his profession ; was connected with the 84th reg. 111. Vol. Inf., as a medical othcer in the war of 1861. As a prac- titioner of medicine and surgery. Dr. Elisha L. Marshall stands de- servedly high in the estimation of all, and not the least so in the esti- mation of his professional brethren. But it is in the department of surgery, perhaps, that the doctor has done his best work, and earned his highest triumphs. But few practitioners outside the larger cities have done a larger number of intricate and capital operations, or met with a more uniform success in operative surgical procedures than has the subject of this sketch. His close observations of pathological con- ditions, his success in weighing the relations of cause and effect, and his almost intuitive judgment and decision at the bed-side, have secured for him a reputation as consulting physician and surgeon second to none in the county. Generous and hospitable in his home cir- cle, courteous and affable in every day life, strong and enduring in his personal friendships, thorough in his professional attainments, earnest in his warfare against disease, with an almost cliivalric fidelity to the sick and afflicted consigned to his care, Dr. Marshall has stamped the 836 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. impress of liis stalwart individiialitj upon the history and daily life of the large community in which he has lived and labored for nearly the third of a century. As the oldest physician and earliest settler as such now resident of this county, we offer the subjoined sketch of the professional life of Dr. Thomas T. Willits, who was born in the state of Ohio December 6, 1805 ; spent the early part of his professional life in the state of Indiana, removing from that state and establishing himself in the vicin- ity of his present home in 1837, his first location being had a few miles southeast of Keithsburg, at the base of the Mississippi bluffs, at which place he remained in the practice of his profession up to 1840, at which time he removed to tlie town of Xew Boston, where he still resides. Dr. Willits has thus been actively engaged in the practice of his pro- fession for a period of about fifty-four years, forty-five years of which time has been spent, practically, in the same community of people, thus actively in the same avocation for nearly the half century in which he has lived and labored with the co-workers of his profession, inaugu- rating its inception, as it were ; moving ever in its front ranks ; stamp- ing the impress of liis own ideas and thoughts upon others with whom he came in contact ; all of whom, as members of the medical fraternity, having acknowledged the chieftainship of their great leader and awarded to him the chief place of teacher, tutor and friend, delight to honor him as "the noblest Roman of them all." Having attained more than the allotted "three score and ten " of years, we find him to-day in the fullest possession of a mind sturdy, clear and unclouded, with all of his wonderful power of intellection, without a seeming shadow as reflected from the vast accumulation of hours, days and years since he first saw the light. AVe have but recently had the pleasure of passing a few hours in the society of the subject of our sketch, and although impressed with something of a knowledge of the grandeur of the old veteran's character, through the representations of friends who have known him long and well, we cannot but add our own great admiration of this venerable man, all of which we will try to condense into the one sentence of much meaning when we write that in the person of Dr. Willits we have a fine specimen of an almost extinct species of the c/enus homo, "the typical old school gentleman." THE SOLDIERS MONUMENT. 837 THE MONUMENT, AND THE SOLDIERS' AND SAH.ORS' ASSOCIATION. CONTRini'TKI) I!Y I,, li. DOrOH'Ti', The history of tlie monunient is so interwoven with that of the association, that it woukl be incomplete if treated separately ; but a history of the association would necessarily include all that can be told of the monument. As one who has been intimately connected with the movement looking to the erection of the monument from its incip- iency up to the present time, we will endeavor to give a brief and con- cise history, albeit, much that we nnght wish to say must necessarily be omitted. TlIK MuM .\li;.\T. About the last of May, 1875, some half a dozen ex-soldiers casually met, and one of their number suggested that it would be a good thing to have a soldiers' reunion at our next fair. After some informal dis- cussion it was decided to call a meeting of the ex-soldiers to further discuss the question, and the Aledo "Record" of June 2, contained a call for a meeting in Aledo on June 11, which call was also published 838 HISTORY OF ArERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. in all the county papers. The dav proved wet and disagreeable and the attendance was small. An adjournment was had to July 1, when the attendance was much larger, but mainly from the central portion of the county. Desiring that the entire county should participate in the arrangements, it was deemed best to call a delegate meeting, and all the townships were requested to choose delegates from among their ex-soldiers to represent them at a meeting on August 12, 1875. At this meeting nine of the fifteen townships were represented. Up to this time the object contemplated was only a reunion, and possibly the formation of a permanent association, but on August 4: the "Record" published a communication from R. H. Day, of Millers- burg township, suggesting that steps be taken to erect a monument, and the suggestion met at once with popular favor. At the meeting on the 12th a number of short speeches were made in its favor, com- mittees appointed to solicit funds, and the amount fixed, to be asked for, at $20,000. A temporary organization was effected, with the fol- lowing officers : president, Maj. D. W. Sedwick, of Suez ; ^^ice-presi- dent, J. E. Harroun : secretary, Capt. E. B. David ; corresponding secretary, L. B. Doughty ; treasurer, J. E. Gilmore ; the last four all of Aledo. It being deemed inadvisable to hold a reunion during the fair, October 15 was chosen as the date, and the necessarj' committees were appointed to make proper arrangements. It was hoped that the money could be raised and the monument be erected by July Ir, 1876. The work of procui-ing a list of the soldiers from this county who had fallen in the service, was placed in the hands of the officers, who in turn delegated it to the writer. We procured a list from the adjutant general's office in Springfield, but it was necessarily incom])lete, and full of errors, and in order to secure its correction we published it in the "Record'* and "Banner," for a number of weeks, adding names and making cor- rections as received. The list first appeared in the "Record," of Octo- ber 13, 1875. Reports were received from canvassers from time to time, and it became evident that $20,000 was too much to ask for, and at a meeting of the executive committee on September 28, it was de- cided to reduce the figures to $8,000 or $10,000. The re-union was very largely attended. Through the courtesy of the adjutant general, we were permitted the use of the battle flags of the different regiments represented, and the history of the flags, given briefly by those who fouglit under them, was one of the most interest- ing features of tlie occasion. Rev. S. Brink made the address, and was followed briefly by lion. A. J. Streeter. Permanent organizatic^n was effected, with the following officers: ])resident, D. W. Sedwick; THE SOLDIKKs' MONIMKNT. 839 vice-president, W. ( ). Dungjui ; secretary, E. B. David ; corresponding secretary, Eli Detwiler ; treasurer, J. E. (Tilmore. Books were opened, and 110 ex-soldiers registered their names as members. Constitution was ado])ted and the "■Soldiers and Sailors Association " was inaugur- ated. When the meeting adjourned it was to meet again in reunion on July 4, 1S76, at the unvi-iling of the monument, if it was read}' to unveil. !Mr. Detwiler declined to serve as corresponding secretary, and the writer was aj)pointed by the executive committee at their first meeting. On March T, 1ST6, Major K. W. McClaughrey, warden Illinois state penitentiary, delivered an address in the court-house, in the interest of the monument, and in the evening of the same day spoke in Viola. Meetings were held at diti'erent points in the county, but the work of raising funds was slow, and on April 28 the executive committee employed Mr. Hiram Parkman to make a thorough canvass of the county ; and local canvassers were employed from time to time. In order that the association might purchase and hold grounds for the monument, it was incoi*porated under the general laws of the state, the charter being issued August 21, lS7f'>. This rendered some changes necessary in the constitution, which were made accordingly. We give the following sections I'elating to the object and membership : ^''Preamble. — We, the undersigned, desiring to perpetuate the memory of our fallen comrades and friends, do unite in forming a per- manent association for that purpose. ''''Article I. Title. — This association shall be known bv the name and title of "The Soldiers' and Sailors' Association of Mercer County." ■ ''''Article II. Object. — The object of this association shall be the erection and keeping in repair of a monument to the memory of the deceased soldiers and sailors of Mercer county, Illinois, and to buy and hold land for that purpose. '''•Article III Meinher.'>'D HENDERSON COUNTIES. steps for the unveiling of the monument July 4, and it was decided to hold a grand reunion, in which all the citizens of the county were cor- dially invited to participate, and all soldiers and their friends from adjoining counties. The secretary announced that Maj.-Gen. John A. L(;£ran had been eno;ao;ed to deliver the address. In addition to the publication of the list for corrections in 1875, it was re-published during the summer of 1877, week after week, and we believe it to be as nearly correct as it is possible to make it. The reunion and unveiling on July 4, 1878, was an occasion well worth rememberino;. The citizens of Aledo and vicinitv ioined with the executive committee of the association in making the preparations, and everything was perfect. The gathering was the largest ever held in the county for any purpose whatever, the number being estimated foirly at 12,000 to 15,000. Through the courtesy of Col. W. D. Flag- ler, commander at Rock Island arsenal, and of the secretary of war, a section of artillery, manned by a sergeant and eight men, were sent from the arsenal and lent their aid in the observances of the day. Gen. Logan made a grand address ; the monument was unveiled, toasts given and responded to, and the usual exercises followed, the whole enlivened b}' music from one of the many bands in attendance. It was at once a reunion and a celebration, and as such was enjoyed by all participants. It would be a pleasure to give a list of the subscribers to the monu- ment fimd, but that is impossible, and we will mention none, for many who gave but little, gave, like the widow with her mite, "more than all these " whose gifts were much larger. One source of revenue, however, from which nearly one-fourth of the entire amount raised was realized, will bear brief mention as the "tax-list fund." In the fall of 1875 the publishers of the "Record" offered, under certain conditions, to donate the proceeds of the tax list for the next year to the monument fund. A spirit of rivalry led O. P. Arthur, of ^the "Banner," to offer the proceeds for two years, if the list was given to him. His offer was accepted, and tlie amount realized was over $600. In the spring of 1879 Porter igalow Kile, L. ^McManus, George McPherren, Mack Tirney, II. Welliver, Robert Whan, John A. Preston, Almon AVilber, ^lichael Conway, John H. Gillespie, Marvin Sullivan, J. R. Eckley, George ^I. Haney. Conqjany C. — William Whiting. One Hundred and Second Reg., Compimy A. — John K. Holmes, Albert P. Cooper, Robert F. Carl, Eli Judd, AVilliam Miller, any G. — Lee James, Oliver G. Swafford, Amos C. Goddard, John Fitzgerald, George Mid- dleton, Charles Shafer, Joseph S. Dungan, B. F. Noble, Levi Lan- dreth, John T. Bates, John D. Linn, John Shaw. Henry Sloan, George Sloan. One Hundred and Tirenty-Sixth Reg.., Company B. — Henry ■',/ Debaun, Isaac A. Linn, Andi-ew Landreth, J. Martindale, David Yan Meter, James ]\L Rodgers, Jacob Fender, George Lavery, (t. Lan- dreth, James Swartwout, George Yolkal. One Hundred and Fortieth Reg., Company F. — Edward B. Har-. ris, Jonathan Mounts, Joseph W. Shawyer, John W. Maury, Alfred F. Noble, Z. P. Warren. Eleventh Cavalry Reg., Company C. — F. T. Crane, William H. Gilliam, B. F. Mahaney, Stephen Bartan. C. E. Mclntp-e, William J. Simpson. MhcelhuieouH.—Y.. R. Cooper, !»th 111. Cav., Co. A; D. A. Moler, 10th 111. Cav., Co. C; Robert Morgan, 12th 111. Cav., Co, G ; George Edgerly, Sth IlL Cav., Co. C\ Sila^s Yalentine, Uth 111. Cav., Co. L; W. D. Swift, 9th Iowa Cav., Co. A; John Stevenson. 9th Iowa, Co. D; Samuel Boice, 9tli Iowa, Co. D; G. L. Moore, 2d Iowa Cav., Co. A; H. M. Boone, 1st Col. Inf., Co. C; Eli C. Crosley, 1st Miss. Marine Brio;. ; (^-rus W. Treffo, Sth Kan.. Co. H; John A. Robinson, TIIK soldiers' M<)N['>[KXT, 851 8tli Kan., Co. I; J. D. Aslienlmrst, Stli Kuii., (\). II ; F. M. Carroll, 8th Kan., Co. H;'john L. Arnold Utli U. S. Inf., Co. I : .1. W.War- wick, 155tli 111. Inf., Co. II; Edward Bruner, 55th 111. Inf.. Co. I; W. Kennedy, J. Alberson, M. Moroe, 7tli Iowa Inf, C'o. A; E. C. Crosley, 1st Miss. Marine Briii:ade; G. W. Nevius, Iowa Cav.; .1. Keed, 93d 111. Inf. ; II. ?)illings, W. C. C^itlicart, M. Ilutcliinson, C. M. Clarke, T. Camp])C'll, A. D. Streeter, D. A. Felton, J. P. Insted, 7th Mo. Cav.; William Swarts, 29th 111. Inf., Co. I; Luther Water- man, 2d Iowa Cav.; D. C. Bartlett, 9th 111. Cav., Co. C; A. Cook, 51st 111. Inf.. Co. K. Gen. Logan continued: "What a glorious roster to transmit to posterity I Well might thert^ have been i-ngraved upon the stone as representing the united sentiment of Mercer county, the memorable words of the Roman mother: 'These are my jewels." Three hun- dred and tifty-seven men who deliberately walked up to the rebel can- non's mouth, and swore upon their lives that the union of our fathers should be presented ! That oath was registered on high, and it has been graven upon the works of men. It is here as the indorsement of our o;eneration. Mav it stand for more than a thousand vears, to re-echo it through the future centuries. Three hundred and lifty-seven heroes about represent in number the Spartan band under Leonidas who defended the i)ass of Thermopylae, and gave up their lives for their country. Let this monument speak to the coming ages, as did that of the Spartan heroes, in words which shall bid the traveler go tell their countrymen that they lie upon the iield of battle in obedience to their country's welfare. Such a tribute as is conveyed by this bea\i- tiful work is an expression of the patriotism of the living in ap])Iaud- ing the patriotism of the dead. It is a shaft to conmiemorate the virtue of the departed, but also signalizes the appreciation of virtue by the living. To the dead it is a token of remembrance, to the living a testimony of character. Valuable as is this work of art, its worth is far greater to the living than to the dead. No panegyric which we may make can reach the body in its luirrow house, nor the spirit in that land where the clash of arms and sound of strife mar not the un- broken peace. But to the living it stands as the representative of a sentiment; it is a declaration of principle, it ratifies a past act, it ])r(> claims a future i)olicy, it enunciates in words which cannot be mistaken the patriotism of Americans and their determination to ]>erpetuate their free institutions, and to u]>hold their motto of "Many in One." It is a token of grief for the departed, but it is also a warning to those who remain I It is a tear of sorrow for the slain, l)ut the promise of })un- ishment to the future slayer. The men whose names we are hero 852 HISTORY OF MERCER A^D HENDERSON COUNTIES. to-day to honor are forever hidden from our view beneath their mother earth, but from their sacrificed bodies this cohimn rises as a tree from the root, and gives another ilkistration of the truth of the aphorism sanctioned by all the ages of the past, that 'the blood of the martyr is the seed of the church/ Here we understand the purport of this monument and the motive which prompted its creation. As fellow- citizens of our great commonwealth, as fi-iends, we are here to drop a tear of sorrow over our loss, and to extend the word of comfort to the weeping relatives, whose loss is greater than our own. ' ' Does this mass of people come here to-day in obedience to a meaningless formality, or is their presence the representative of a senti- ment? Shall these names upon this monument stand as the simple enumeration of 357 unfortunates who rashly rushed to their death ? Or shall they receive the homage of that tribute so beautifully rendered in the lines of the poet Collins : " ' How sleep the brave who sink to rest, By all their country's wishes blest; By fairy hand their knell is rung,. By forms unseen their dirge is sung; Their honor comes, a pilgrim gray, To bless the turf that wraps their clay, And freedom shall awhile repair, To dwell a weeping hermit there.' " Fellow-citizens of Mercer county, you have done a noble act ; you have proven that you worthily belong to that great bulwark of our nation's safety, its citizen soldiery. At the sound of danger you left the pursuits of peace and threw yourselves into the breach of war, and when you conquered a principle, you erected an enduring shaft of honor to those who have lost their lives in maintaining it. As one who stood upon the field with those brave fellows, I am here co re-echo your declaration, that their deaths have not been in vain. I am here to mingle my sorrow with yours, and to say, come weal, come woe, I am with you to the end in placing the flag of our country so high as to be beyond the reach of its despoilers, which, in proudly floating on the breeze, shall say to all the world : ''Here dwells the undivided luition of peace. ' '"■ SIXTY-FIFTH REGIMKNT. 853 SIXTY-FIFTH KEGniEXT. COMPANY B. This was called the "Scotcli Regiment,"" from the number of that nationality who marched in its ranks. It was organized at Camp Douglas, Chicago, by Col. Daniel Cameron, Jr., and mustered for serv'ice May 1, 1862. In company B were thirty-eight soldiers from Mercer county, belonging to tlie townships of Greene, Mercer, Millers- burg, Preemption, and New Boston. The regiment was ordered to Martinsburg, Virginia ; and when Col. Miles surrendered at Harper's Ferry, September 15, it was among the prisoners taken. Being next day paroled, it returned to Chicago and remained there till April, 1863, when, having been exchanged, it was ordered to the Eastern Kentucky army, and, returning to Camp Nelson via Cincinnati, joined Burnside's expedition into East Tennessee for the pur]K)se of co-operation with Gen. Rosecrans, who was at that time mrK.NT. 855 few wounded men. Four rifled guns and u 82-[)oundei- pivot siege gun, mounted on the northeast corner of tlie fort, com])rised the battery. At two o'clock on tlie afternoon of the 3d the enemy, coming down the river, confronted the fort on the east and began the attack in force, being 8,000 strong. The fort contained but a small supply of anmiu- nition, and the men, instructed by their cool and calculating com- mander, liusbanded what they had with effective care. They wei-e directed to iire steadily and deliberately, so that every shot should count ; while the battery was handled with skill and j)recisioii, single pieces being moved about as circumstances required. Col. Ilai-ding displayed the finest spirit and best judgment, and was at all })<)ints overseeing the defense (a defense sure to be historic), animating and encouraging his followers. The cavalry was dismounted and fighting on foot. The battle had raged with fury for several hours ; in the meantime the rebels had made a number of ineffectual charges, sup- ported by their artillery, which was skillfully used. At length a shout went up in the rebel lines, which told that they had completed the investment on the three sides undefended by the river. And now came a flag of truce from Gen. AVheeler demanding a surrender. This was promptly refused. Then followed a confident and furious onset of the enemy; in charge after charge the rebels rolled u]) against Harding's blazing line, but each time they staggered back with bleed- ing ranks. The artillery rained destruction upon the thick-set columns, and especially the 32-])ounder was galling the foe with severity, when lie decided u])on its capture. Before the attempt was made a second flag was sent renewing the demand for a surrender, which was met with a firmer refusal, if that were possible, than before. A storming force advanced rapidly ujion the saucy gun. The gunners double- shotted the piece and waited. AVhen the assailants were close upon the works they swung it round, trained it full in their faces and let go the savage charge, which made a ghastly, gory lane through the solid formation of the terrified foe. They fled in complete rout. No further attempt was directed against the big gun. At eight in the evening help came at the moment of extremity, when the rebels were massing for a final assault. When Col. Lowe at Paducah received Harding's appeal for succor his forces were away on a scout, but knowing that Capt. Fitch was going uj* the river with his fleet, he sent him word to co(")perate with Col. Harding, and instructed the latter to hold the fort till dark, when assistance would reach him. Fitch divided his gunl)oats, and stationing a ])art above and the i-est below the fort, while Harding ensconced his men in safe places out of 856 HISTORY OF MERCER AiND HENDERSON COUNTIES. reach of the naval missiles, poured grape and shrapnel in enliladiug and pitiless torrents into the writhing lines of rebels. They could not stand it. In twenty minutes not one, except slain and wounded, was left on the Held. Of the former there were 250, of the latter 600. The besieged had taken 105 prisoners. The 83d had 13 killed, 51 wounded, 20 captured. Xot long after, as a recognition of this gallant defense. Colonel Harding was wearing the single star of a brigadier. Lieutenant-Colonel A. A. Smith was immediately promoted to the vacant colonelcy. The former soon resigned to accept a seat in congress. For nearly two years subsequent to the second battle of Fort Donelson the 83d was patroling and guarding communications, of which it had not less than two hundred miles to protect, and at the same time was doing a heavy scouting service, which was prolific of much small fighting. In 1864, when Forrest and AVheeler were mak- ing daring efibrts to sever Sherman's communications, the 83d formed a part of the efiicient force so energetically employed by General Rous- seau in driving those rebel leaders, with their commands, from Ten- nessee. In the winter of 186-1-5 the regiment went to Xashville on provost duty, and on the 26th of June it was mustered out in that city, and on the 30th arrived in Chicago where it was finally paid and dis- banded. Of 1,050 men who went to the field, 640 returned. The only change in the line ofiicers of Company D was when second lieutenant Sykes resigned in August, 1864. Hugh B. Frazier, who had been pro- moted from the ranks to sergeant and then to first sergeant, was at once commissioned to fill the vacancy. ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY- FOURTH REGIMENT, COMPANY G. This was sworn into the United States service at Camp Butler, September 10, 1862, with Col. Thomas J. Sloan in command. Com- pany G was raised at New Boston by Lyman H. Scudder and Ezra S. Benedict, of that place, in the last half of July and the first part of August. The members were principally from New Boston township ; some were residents of Eliza and Millei-sburg, and a very few of adjoining townships. The organization took place August 15, and the company was officered as follows : L, H. Scudder, captain ; E. S. Benedict, first lieutenant ; and Benton Pratt, second lieutenant. On the 28th, taking wagons, the company drove to Oquawka Junction, O^'E IIUNDKED AND TWENTV-FOUKTII REGIMENT. 857 then the nearest raih-oad station, and proceeded from there by way of Galesburg and Camp Point to Springfield. There each man received forty dollars in cash, this being one-fourth of the $100 bounty, two dollars premium, and one month's pay of thirteen dollars, all tendered by the government. Uniforms and arms were drawn, the latter xVus- trian muskets, barely tit for practice in the manual of arms. On Octo- ber (3, the regiment started for Cincinnati ; but on arriviug at J3ecatur the order was countermanded, and its destination was changed to Cairo, from whence it went to Jackson, Tennessee, arriving on the l>th. It advanced to La Grange November 4, and on the 28tli, as a part of Gen. Grant's expedition to the Yocona river,, drove the rebels across the Tallahatchie. The regiment had been assigned to the first brigade, Col. John E. Smith ; thii-d division, Gen. Logan ; seventeenth corj)S, Gen. McPherson. Returning from the Yocona, it reached the Talla- hatchie December 24, and La Grange January 7, 1863. The same month it marched to Memphis ; from there it went, February 22, to Lake Providence; and April 18, moved to Milliken's Bend. It was reviewed on the 22d by Gov. Yates and staff, and on the 25th started on the i^^icksbui'g campaign. It was in the engagement at Port Gib- son (Thompson's Hill), May 1 ; Raymond, May 12 ; Jackson, May 14 ; Champion Hill, May 16 ; and the siege ofYicksburg, including the fearful assault of May 22, and the still more terrible one of June 26, when the mine at Fort Hill was sprung. The regiment went on the brief campaign to Monroe, Louisiana, under Gen. Stephenson, which left Yicksburg August 21, and returned September 2. From October 14 to the 20th, it was with Gen. McPherson on the Brownville cam- paign, and participated in the battles at that place on the 16th and 17tli. In January, 1864, the 124th competed for a i)rize banner offered by Gen. Leggett to the regiment in his division which should excel in drill, and present the most cleanly appearance and soldierly bearing. It bore the legend, " Excelsior Regiment, Third Division, Seventeenth Army Corps," and the 124th received it from the hands of Gen. McPherson. In February the regiment acconipanied Gen. Sherman on his famous raid to Meridian, and at Chunky Station, on the 14th, had a severe fight with the rebels. It returned to Yicksburg, and on May 4, moved with the expedition under Gen. Mc Arthur to Yazoo city, returning the 21st, having fought on the 7th and 10th at Benton. Between July 1st and 9th it was operating on the Jackson campaign under Gen. Slocum, and was in brisk engagements at Jackson Cross Roads on the 5th and 7th. In October it went on the White river campaign, under Gen. Dennis, and was absent from Yicksburg- from 858 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. the 14th to the 26th. It did provost duty until February 25, 1865, and then was ordered to j^ew Orleans and was assigned to the third brigade, Col. Geddes ; third division. Gen. E. A. Carr ; sixteenth corps, Gen. A. J. Smitli. It embarked, March 12tli, for Mobile, and on the 29th began the siege of Spanish Fort, occupying the left of the investing line and driving the enemy within his works. On April 8 the third brigade and one other of Carr's division, stormed the fort, mounted the ramparts, secured a lodgment three hundred yards in ex- tent, and, darkness having come on, waited for the morning light to continue their progress, but at one o'clock tlie rebels offered to capitu- late. Away oft' in Virginia Lee followed suit a few hours after. The regiment marched the 13th with the expedition to Montgomery. There it remained till July 17, when it started for Chicago, where it was mustered out August 15, 1865. The 121:th fought ten battles and four- teen skirmishes ; it went through two sieges of forty-seven days and nights and thirteen days and nights, respectively, and traveled by land and water 7,000 miles. It was drolly called by ''the boys" in the army, " The Bully One Hundred and Two Dozen.*' ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SIXTH REGIMENT, COMPANY B. Company B had thirty-four enlisted men, and one commissioned officer from Mercer county, all except one private belonging to Duncan and Perry ton townships. The original officers were Henry D. Cline, ca]3tain; John B. Mitchell, first lieutenant, and James H. Coff'man, of Perryton, second lieutenant. The i-egiment was organized at Alton by Col. Jonathan Richmond, and was mustered into service September 4, 1862. It moved November 20 to Columbus, Kentucky, and from there to Bolivar, Tennessee, reporting at the latter place to Gen. Bray- man. On December 11) six companies were dispatched to Jackson, Tennessee, as a reinforcement, and afterward advanced to Humboldt, skirmishing some, being joined there by the other four com})anies early in 1863. On March 25 the regiment returned to Jackson, and was assigned to the second brigade, second division, Sixteenth Army Corps. It was transported by rail to Memphis, where it embarked down the river to assist in the siege of Vicksburg, and landed at Haines^ Bluft" June 2. It did honorable service to the end of the campaign, and on Julv 24 embarked for Helena, Arkansas. From thence it KLEVENTII ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 859 moved with (ien. Steele's army against Little Rock, figliting on the way, and occupying the ])lace on Sei)tember 10. The regiment went next to DuvalFs Bluif', and remained there on (^arrison dutv, with Col. Richmond as i>ost commandant, until August 11>, 1804. On June 26 it was in action at Clarendon. It nuirched to Pine Bluff, going by way of Little Rock; on February 12 it moved to the mouth of White river, and June 4 returned to Pine Bluff', where it was mustered out July 12, 1865. ONE HU.XDKEl) AND FORTIETH liEGBfEXT. LXFAMTRY, (^OMPANY F. Company F of this regiment was raised in Mercer county, in May, 1864, by A'^an R. Harriott, of Viola, and George Boone and R. S. Os- born, of Aledo, and was mustered in June 18th, with eighty men, for lOO days. The othcers were : (Jsborn, captain ; Boone, tirst lieuten- ant, and Harriott, second lieutenant. The company rendezvoused at Rock Island, ]\Iay 9th ; from there it went to Dixon, and thence to camp Butler. The regiment was stationed at Lafayette, Tennessee, and also did duty at Memphis, but was never in action. Some mem- bers of company F had a ffght at Lafayette, August 8th, with bush- whackers, and Edward B. Harris, of Perryton, and John W. Maury, of Aledo. were killed, and Alfred F. jXoble, of New Boston, Robert Breakey and Milton M. Jones were wounded, the former mortally. The following died of disease : Jonathan Mounts, Joseph M. Sawyer, and Zachariah T. Warren. The 140th was mustered out October 29, 1864. ELEYENTH ILLINOIS "CAVALRY, COMPAJs^Y C. This regiment was raised by the famous orator and philanthropist Col. Robert G. Ingersoll, and was rendezvoused at Peoria, and mus- tered into service in December, 1861. In company C were fifteen or more men from Mercer county, nearly all of them from Suez to\^Tiship. George W. Freeman, then of Galesburg, now of Ambov, Lee county, Illinois, was cajjtain ; Charles E. Johnson, of Ionia, first lieutenant ; and Moses T. Lewman, of San Jose, second lieutenant. George W. Greenwood, of Po])e Creek, was first sergeant, and rose regularly to the ca])taincy. 860 HISTORY OF NfERCEK AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. Company H had in its ranks several men from Henderson county. Capt. John C. Knowlton was a Henderson county man. All the first lieutenants that the company ever had (Francis Le Clair, Henry M. Cornell, James G. Hull, and James R. Reasoner) belonged to the same county. Cornell was first sergeant, and once promoted. Reas- oner was second duty sergeant, and promoted first and second lieu- tenant. Hull was the last of the three captains. Unhappily no mem- oranda of the movements of the Eleventh have been oflicially pre- served, and time is too short for the research that would be necessary for a sketch, brief as it would have to be. HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY. CONTRIBUTKD HY .1. SIMPSON, ESQ. Henderson eountv, which once formed a part of Warren county, is situated upon the western border of the state, and is comprised of eight full townships and six fractional townships, aggregating about 400 square miles. It is bounded on the north by Mercer county, on the east by Warren county, on the south by McDonough and Hancock counties, and on the west by the Mississippi river. Numerous streams break the surface in their passage from the eastern part to their outlet, the Mississippi nver. The largest of these streams is Henderson river, which rises north and east of the county, and passes in a southwesterly direction, and empties into the Mississi])pi about midway between Oquawka, the county seat of Henderson county, and Burlington, Iowa. Cedar creek rises in Knox county, and empties into the Henderson in township 12 N., 4 W., in the northeastern part of the county. It is a small stream, but in times of heavy rains it leaves its banks and spreads over a large space, doing great damage. Fall creek, North and South Smith creeks are small streams which empty into Hender- son a little east and north of Oquawka. South Henderson rises in the eastern part of the county and enters Henderson a half of a mile north of the town of Gladstone. Farther to the south Ellison creek runs from east to west through the county, and empties into the Mississippi above the town of Carman. Still farther south in the county are Honey and Dugout creeks, running in a westerly direction. The prairies of this county comprise something less than half of its area. The soil of the prairie is excellent for agricultural purposes, consisting of a blackish loam underlaid with a brown clay. On the high lands that bound the streams the soil is lighter and less productive. These high lands were formerly covered with timber ; but improvidence in its use and ravages of lire have, in a great measure, denuded these ridges, and the process of destruction still goes on. The common growth was the different varieties of oak, with some hickory, with an under- growth of hazel interspersed with some sumac. On the lower lands, and in the bottoms we find the various species of elm, linden, ash. 49 864 MISTOKY OF MERCEK AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. maple, box-elder, cottonwood, buckeve, black walnut, butternut, honey and black locust, aspen, wild cherry, hackberrv, nnilberrv, coiFee tree, crab-ap})le, redbud, and many other varieties of small growth of tim- ber. From the north end of the county to near Camp creek on the south extends a belt of bottom land of an average width of about two and one-half miles. A portion of this belt is rich black loam, very fertile and producing heavy crops. However, the overflow of the Mississippi in spring time renders business of farming these lands very uncertain. Along this belt extends between the bluflf and river, for nearly the entire length of the county, elevations or sand ridges, embracing many square miles of unproductive land, although a portion of these sand lands are cultivated with success, producing remunerar tive crops. This sandy soil is especially adapted to the culture of sorghum or sugar cane, which is at the present time being (juite exten- sivelv cultivated. And in view of the success attending the use of improved machinery in other portions of the state, there is every reason to expect that the future value of these sand lands will be greatly enhanced. This county is favored with numerous springs of excellent water, furnishing a constant and copious supply, sufficient for the necessities of large herds of cattle. Little difficulty is found in obtaining a water supply in wells at a very moderate depth, varying from ten to fifty feet. There have been found some mineral springs of some value, but few, if any, have been subjected to a chemical analysis, so as to deter- mine their medicinal qualities. However, it is known that copperas is the mineral most commonly held in solution by their waters. Hender- son county has an abundant supply of building stone, which may be said to be inexhaustible. It is of the species called by geologists Bur- lington limestone, and is found in and along the blufl^s, extending the entire length of the county, and to some extent along the bluffs of the creeks which find their outlet in the Mississippi. This rock is found to be light colored massive limestone, standing exposure well and the effects of the weathei". There are many quarries of this stone open and worked along the bluffs of Ellison and Henderson creeks. The most extensive (juarry in the county is on South Henderson, and is worked by August Wallbaum, Esq., near the town of (iladstone, on the line of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad. Here an extensive busi- ness is carried on in quarrying and finishing stone for buildings of all kinds. Many of the best buildings in the state are furnished with material from this (quarry. The court-houses in Freeport and Macomb are built of this stone. The government buildings at Omaha are like- wise built of stone from this quarry. As many as seventy -five hands HENDERSON COUNTY. 865 are constantly eniployt'd tlie greater portion of the year in carryino; on this business. This county is so unfortunate as to tind but a yery small supply of coal within her limits. On Sees. 24 and 26, T. U N., 4W., a thin seam has been found, ])Ut this supply is but a scant amount and that of an inferior quality. IVIany hope yet to find coal in adecpiate suj>ply, but scientific examination giyes small })romise for the realiza- tion of their ho])es, and this county may expect to depend upon more favored localities for her sup])ly of coal. The soil of the county is well adapted to the prt)duction of corn, wheat, and other grains, and fruit of all kinds, ada])ted to this latitude, is ]>roduced in abundance, although along the bluff lines orchards thriye better than on prairie or bottom lands, and in the bottoms and upon the timbered ])ortion of the sand ridges, the wild grape grows luxuriantly, yielding a grape that produces an excellent wine. ORCJANIZATION OF THE COt'NTY. With this brief geograj)hical view of the territory, it is proper now to pass to the organization of the county. As stated in the beginning, this county was formerly embraced in, and formed a part of, Warren county. In the year 1S41 an act was ])assed by the general assembly, and duly ap])royed, creating the county of Henderson, the following being a correct copy of the act : A/i Act to EstdhJish the County of ITendermi) : — Si:( tion 1. J3e it enacted by the people of the State of Illinois, represented in the gen- eral assembly : that all that part of the now county of Warren lying west of range three of the third principal meridian, be, and the same is hereby created, into a new county, to be called the county of Hen- derson. Sec. 2. The county seat of said county of Henderson shall be, and is hereby permanently located at the town of Oquawka, in said county of Henderson ; pvovidrd^ the pro])rietors of said town of ( )(juawka shall donate and convey to the count}' commissioners of Henderson county, (for the time being) for the use and benefit of said county in fee sim})h' not less than two hundred of the average of the unsold or unim])roved lots, in said town of Oquawka, the proceeds of the sale of said town lots, or so much thereof as may be required, shall be appropriated exclusively to the erection of public buildings. Sec. 8. In case of the removal of the county seat from said town of Oquawka, the public buildings and the lots upon which they may stjind shall revert and become the property of said proprietors and their heirs forever thereafter, and also all lots remaining unsold at the the time of removal. 866 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. Sec. 4. The legal voters of the county of Henderson shall meet at the usual places of holding elections in said countj^, on the first Mon- day in April, 1841, and proceed to elect all county officers, except one commissioner and the justices of the peace and constables at present residing therein, who shall continue to discharge the duties of their offices, respectively, in and for the county of Henderson, in the same manner as though Warren county had not been divided. The officers elected under the provisions of this act shall hold their offices until the next regular election, and until their successors are elected and qualified. Sec. 5. The county commissioners of said county of Henderson shall meet in the town of Oquawka, on the third Monday of April, 1841, and after being duly qualified, shall proceed to hold court and perform such duties as are required by law of other county commis- sioners' courts. Of the commissioners elected under the provisions of this act, the one receiving the highest number of votes shall hold his office for the term of three years from and after [the] first Monday in August next; the one receiving the second highest number of votes shall hold his office for the term of two years from and after that period. Skc. 6. The county commissioners shall, whenever in their opinion the interests of the county may demand and require the sale of the whole or any part of the lots donated as aforesaid, proceed to sell the same, in such manner, and on such terms they may deem advisable for the interests of the county. Sec. T. The election returns for the officer herein provided to be elected, shall be made in the same numner, and within the same time as all other elections, except that the returns shall be made to John B. Patterson, an acting justice of the peace, of said county, or in case of his death or inability to act, any other justice of the peace of said county, who shall call to his assistance two other justices of the peace of said county,, and proceed to open the returns of the election, and in all things perform the duties required of the county commissioners' court and justices of the peace in like cases. Sec. 8. The county commissioners' court at their first term to be holden on the third Monday of April, 1841, shall proceed, together with the proprietors of the said town of Oquawka, to select the num- ber of town lots herein before provided to be donated, and so soon as the selection shall be made and agreed upon, the jiroprietors shall im- mediately thereu])on execute a deed in fee simple for said lots to the county commissioners for the time being, for the use and benefit of said county, which deed when so made and acknowledged and received shall be entei'ed upon the records of said court, and also be recorded as other deeds are in the office of the count}^ recorder. EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 867 Sec. !♦. The school commissioner of Warren county shall pay over to the commissioners of Henderson county, upon demand being made by said county commissionei-s, or their legally constituted agent, all moneys, notes and other papers which may be in his hands at the time of such demand, and which may rightfully belong to said county of Henderson, by reason of the sale of any school lands located within the county of Henderson, and also its proportion of the interest arising from the college and seminary fund, the basis of which payment shall be made upon the late census of Warren county. Sec, lU. All officers elected under and ])ursuant to the jjrovisions of this act, shall be required to take such oath or affirmati(jn and give such bond and security as are or may be required of like officers in other counties, and upon a failure so to do, the same penalties and for- feitures shall ap[)ly as in similar cases under the laws of this state. Sec. 11. It shall be the duty of the county commissioners' court of Henderson county, at their first meeting on the lirst Monday of A])ril next, as provided in tlie tifth section of this act, to proceed to levy a tax for state and county ])urposes, as required by the law in relation to the ])ublic revenue, in the same manner as though they had met on the tirst Monday of March, as now re(|uired, and shall also do and per- form all other things necessary and lawful to insure the collection of the state and county revenue in said county of Henderson. Approved January 20, 1841. The general assembly of the state also passed an act, approved February 19, 1841, entitled, ''An act to authorize the election of an additional county commissioner in Henderson county." Section 1. Be it enacted by the people of the State of Illinois, repre- sented in the general assembly, that on the first jNIonday in August next, there shall be elected in the county of Henderson, one county commissioner for said county in addition to the members already })ro- vided to be elected by the act entitled "'An act creating the county of Henderson, approved January 20, 1841," who shall hold his office for one year from and after said first Monday of August next, as aforesaid ; and thereafter election for county commissioners shall be held, notice given, and returns made thereof in the same manner as now re- quired by law. Approved February !'.♦, 1841. The bouiularies of the county remain as at first designated by the general assembly. E A R L Y SETTL !•: .M ENTS. Did time and sjjace, and the limits of the writer of this article pemiit, a volume could be written of the early settlement, growth and prosperity of this county. The struggles and ])rivations of the pioneer 868 HISTORY (IF MKRCEK AXD HENDERSON COUNTIES. are but repetitions of experiences of frontier life, which are full of inci- dents that, portrayed in all their minuteness, would form volumes of instructive and interesting history. The vast west, the continually re- ceding frontier demanded then, as now, daring, self-sacrificing men and women, who were willing to make sacrifice of the pleasures derived from the society of the older and populous states, and seek in western wilds to assist in laying the foundations of new empires. It is well that it is so. How else could these almost limitless i-eo-ions have ever been settled ? That spirit of enterprise, that love of adventure, that reckless braving of all dangers, seems to have been an inheritance of those men and women peculiarly raised up to meet the demands of the great west, in filling her borders with a vigorous, intelligent and self-reliant people. Looking back into the past we have seen genera- ti(m succeed generation in the older states, men content to live where their iiithers lived, and die where their fathers died, without that restless desire for roaming that has characterized our people in later days. With the opening of new states and territories we have witnessed a new S])irit infusing itself into our population. The home of childhood, the graves of ancestors, have been but feeble ties to bind the restless spirit whose vision was fixed in the direc- tion of the setting sun, and saw spread out before him the field where wealth and honor were to be won. The world has looked on and wondered, as they have seen the mighty tide of emigration moving westward with such quiet and resistless force, breaking down all bar- riers, overcoming all obstacles, and oi'ganizing states as if by magic, filled with intelligent, thrift:}' and orderly people. Powerful Indian tribes have melted away and given place to a refined commercial peo- ple. Neighboring nations who seemed to stand in the path of our on- ward progress, have, after short conflict, or direct diplomacy, given ground and souglit })eace at the price of dismembered territory, which was added to our almost boundless empire. No wonder that tlie poet sang : " Oh, vale of Kio Bravo, let tliy sinii)le children weep, Close watch about their holy tires, let maids of Pe>-os keep. For lo, the i)ale land seeker comes with eaY SETTLEMENTS. 871 this time his second wife died, and he married for his third wife a widow lady by the name of Record, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Heaton. From Indiana he removed to Illinois and settled near Joliet. where lie lived for a short time, when he again moved and took up his residence in Rock Island county, in an old block house built by an In- dian chief. Black Hawk. He raised one crop at this point and then removed to a point on Henderson river, about three miles northeast of Oquawka. where he made his tinal settlement and liome. The ]>lace has ever ^nce been known by old settlers as the "Old Pence Farm." This was in 1n29 that he made his last settlement. In ls3o the county of Warren was organized, and Judge Pence was elected commissioner with Adam ( Sandy » Ritchie, and John B. Talbott. Warren county was then divided into two election precincts ; the eastern being what is now Warren coimty, and the western being composed of what is now Hei derson county, then known as the Yellow Banks precinct. In the latter precinct Judge Pence and Daniel McXeil, Jr., were elected justices. In 1830 the hostilities were com- menced by the Indians under the great chief. Black Hawk, and the settlers along Henderson river, near Judge Pence's place, feeling inse- cure and fearing the attack of savages, assembled and erected a i-ude but substantial fort on the farm of Judge Pence, which immediately became the refuge of settlers in that neighborh<^)od. who gathered in to be in readiness to repel anticipated raids of the savage foe. The site of the old fort is well remembered by the old settlers of this section of country. At this fort, during those stormy times, a son was bom to the judge, who was known, until he became a young man. by the name of Black Hawk. Judge Pence was one of those noble, great-hearted men. always to be found upon the frontiers, ever ready to aid those around him in need. He lived and died loved and resj^ected by all who knew him. His daughter. Mrs. Catharine Shores, thus remembers and speaks of her father : "Often he would bring the sick and afflicted home with him and take care of them, as though they were members of his own family, free of charge. I well remember the sides of bacon, sacks of tiour and potatoes, the gallons of hone}', that he from time to time, distributed among his needy neighbors. Our father, by industry and economy, always manaired to have a jrood supply of necessaries of life around liim. but he always felt that he held this world's goods only in trust for his suti'ering fellow man, as well as for himself While he resided in Ohio and Indiana he was an ordained Baptist preacher, and sometimes, after he took up his residence in Henderson county, he occupied some unj)rovided pul})it and })reached to his neighbors. He was a Christian, and at all times endeavored to live up to the teachings 872 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. of the bible. He was the father of sixteen children, and raised six orphans besides. He died in 1841, at his old homestead, and his wife survived him two years.*' Dr. Isaac Garland came to the present site of Oqiiawka, then knowi] as the Yellow Banks, and erected the first honse at that place in 1827. We find in the account compiled for the historv of Warren count V, that the doctor, in giving an account of his building of his house, ■ says : "There were no white men to help him, save his teamster, and in the emergency he hired six or eight Indians, who were encamped at a point of timber below. He had to pay for each log as it was rolled to its place, and then give them a drink all around. As they were unused to such labor, and particularly after they had imbibed two or three drinks of liquor, thereby becoming unsteady in their movements, they were unable to perform heavy work. Often at this stage of the labor, the logs, which were unhewn and of black- jack variety, and coming down on their bare arms and breasts, would tear off great flakes of skin. They would give an ejaculatorv 'ouch,' and at once quit work for the day. Their love of the 'fire-water' was so great, 'however, that they would always return the following day, thereby repeating the process until the house was completed." A few other houses were built during this year (1827). In 1828-9 quite a number of settlers came and located in different pai-ts of the county. Judge John Pence settled on Henderson creek, at what is known as the " old Pence place ;" Jeremiah Smith settled on Henderson creek, about two miles east of Oquawka, near what was afterward known as the "Devil's Half Acre." James Ryason located a little lower down the creek. Stephen S. Phelps in 1828 purchased the improved claim of Dr. Garland, at the Yellow Banks, and removed his family to their new home. Jeremiah Smith and Beatty settled nearly about the same time. At the election held in Warren county in the year 1830, Stephen S. Phelps was duly elected sheriff. At that election there were cast in the county of Warren, including the present territory of Henderson, forty-seven votes, and every voter in the county was present, save three. John Reynolds received thirty-four votes for governor, and for the same office, William Kinney received eleven votes, Mr. Phelps was a native of the state of New York. As a full biographical sketch will appear in this volume from the pen of Mrs. Phebe Button, his daughter, who is in possession of his journals and papers, it is not necessary here to speak more at length of one who performed a prominent part in the early settlement of the county. William R. Jamison settled in Henderson county in 1829. He EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 873 was bom in (jrayson county, Kentuekv, January S, 1808, and removed to Perry county, Indiana, with his parents. Here he remained until he became a man. lie married in Perry county. In 1820 lie came to Henderson county, landing at the Yellow Banks in the summer of that rear, and made a settlement on a farm about seven miles southeast of the latter place. He succeeded, as all enterjtrising and industrious settlers did, opening a large farm and making tine improvements of buildings, orchards and nurseries. In 1847 he removed to Oquawka and engaged in mercantile business with Alexander Moir. He closed his business in Ocjuawka and in 1865 removed to the state of Florida, where he engaged in the cultivaticm of an orange plantation, at which place he died on the 17th (^f June, 1882. Two of his sons still reside in Illinois, one in Minnesota, one in Nebraska, and one in Florida. In 1838 Messrs. Robinson and Hopper built the first flour mill on the South Henderson creek, at a point where now Biggsville is located, and operated it as a toll mill to accommodate other settlers in the sui-- rounding country. The property changed owners until it became the property of John Biggs, who, after years of experience in running a mill in a new country, disposed of his interest to Messrs. Moirs, of Oquawka, who continued to operate it until about 1 860, when it passed into the hands of others. Mr. Hopper had, prior to the year 1836, built a lumber mill at the place now known as "Hopper's Mills." Afterward it was changed to a flour mill and has continued as such to the present time. Lambert Hopper, son of the original proprietor, succeeded his father in business at ''Hopper's Mill." He engaged extensively in mercantile business and carried on his business in all its A-aried branches with marked success. He established a woolen mill for the manufacture of woolen cloths, and by his enterprise aided in building uj) a thriving village. He was a man respected and trusted by all his neighbors, and his death was a great misfortune to the community in which lie resided. No one succeeded him to carry on the business he had built np, and it gradually went to decay, and now there is little left to tell of the thriving business of which he was the life. In 1836 Isaiah J. Brook came to this section of country, seeking a location for a home. He purchased the N. E. ^ of 8ec. 34, in T. 10 N., P. 5 W., in the present limits of Henderson county, and the fol- lo-w-ing year removed with his family to his purchase, and made it his future home. The country' was new, and he improved his lands, and from time to time added to the same until he could claim the owner- ship of many broad acres. Industry, economy, and a peculiar apti- tude for business soon placed him among the foremost business men 874 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. of the county. His fauiilj of sons and daughters grew to maturity beneath the family roof, and are now all situated in homes of their own. Only a few weeks since his two remaining single daughters wedded husbands of their choice, and Mr, Brooks, finding himself and his estimable wife again alone, disposed of his home-farm and now will seek that repose and freedom from active business cares which his merited success will enable him to enjoy. Another of the early settlers of the county was Matthew Findley, who settled near the Yellow Banks. He was of Irish parentage and born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, January 11, 1793, where he resided with his yjarents until he was seventeen years old, when his family removed to Muskingum county, Ohio. In the latter place on reaching manhood he married Miss Elizabeth Blackburn, and settled down to farming. In October, 1835, he removed to Warren county, and spent the following winter on a farm near the present site of Kirkwood. In the spring of 1836 he removed to and settled in Sec. 36, T. 11 N., R. 5 W., in then Warren county, where three of his sons and one unmar- ried daughter still reside. He raised a family of six children, four sons and two daughters, all of whom survive him: David M., Alex- ander, Matthew M., John Q., Sarah, and Eliza Jane. David, one of the brothers, resided near the old homestead, a prosperous and re- spected citizen, until 1875, when, on account of his health, he removed to San Luis Obispo county, California, where he now resides, engaged extensively in farming. The other three brothers still reside on or near the place upon which their father first settled, engaged in extensive and successful farming. The father died at his home, surrounded by his family and friends, April 1, 1863. He had been chosen by the votes of his fellow citizens to county ofiices, the duties of which he discharged with signal fidelity. He was justly entitled to the reputa- tion he enjoyed among his fellow citizens of an honest man. His wife did not long survive him, and in her death a tragic event occurred. It was on September 25, 1863, that Mrs. Findley, who resided with her son and daughter on the old home place, told her daughter that she was going out to pick some wild gra])es that grew near the edge of a corn field not far from the house, in a skirt of timber, as she was very fond of them. Her daugliter sought to dissuade her from going, as she was old and feeble, although in good health, but the old lady replied that she could go alone, as the distance was short, and she would not be absent long. She took her little tin bucket and started out at about three o'clock in the afternoon. Her daughter being KARLV SErrr.KMENTS. 875 engaged in work did not fear any danger, although her motlier was absent for a considerable length of time. At last, her mother not returning, the daughter grew anxious, looked out for her. She became alarmed and sought her brother and told him of the mother's absence. The}', together wnth other members of the family, went in haste to make search for their mother. Kiglit set in and they found her not. They searched every path and jdace where she might have wandered, the friends assisting, and with lanterns and torches they still continued their efforts until at last some time after (hirkncss had set in they came upon the lifeless remains of their mother. She lay near a small tree, uj)on the ground where she had been picking grapes, her bucket by her side. At first it was supposed that she had fallen, perhaps with some sudden attack incident to old age, and had thus died. They took her up and mournfully proceeded to carry her to their home. She was buried in the family cemetery. The friends felt that a mys- tery was connected with her death. On the day following her burial it was learned that two boys from Oquawka had been in the vicinity where the body was found, on the afternoon of her death, huntins:, and that they had told that one of them had fired at something in a grapevine or tree in the thicket, that he thought was a turkey, and that he saw something like a person fall. The boys were frightened and fled without looking to see what they had shot. The body was exhumed, and K. "VV. Eichey, county judge, acting as coroner, held an inquest on the body. Upon surgical examination being made, it was found that a leaden shot had penetrated through the upper lid of the eye and entered the brain, causing death in a short time. The boys, Frank Dallam and Greely Mathews, aged res])ectively fourteen and and ten years, admitted being in the \icinity and shooting as above described, but claimed that they had no knowledge or intention of doing an3-thing wrong. The friends of ]\Irs. Findley never charged or believed that the act was an intentional one, but felt that it was the result of that reckless habit of neglect on the part of parents in permit- ing such mere boys to have the control of fire-arms to use at their pleasure. Many casual ities, for we cannot call them accidents, have occurred in this county by allowing such reckless, not to say criminal, use of fire-arms by inexperienced boys. This should have been a sufficient lesson, teaching those who have charge and care of such boys, to lay a more careful restraint upon them in this dii-ection. The coro- ner's jury, in this case, found a verdict in accordance with the facts herein stated. John Carts came to this county prior to the year 1836, and settled on Sec. No. 35, T. 9 N., R. 6 AV., about three miles east of Sho- 876 HISTORT OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. kokon, on the Mississippi river. At first he engaged in farming and stock raising as it was carried on in that early day. He had come from the State of Pennsylvania, and was educated in early life in those habits of industry and economy, which lay the sure foundation of com- petency and wealth. He had three sons and five daughters all of whom reached the age of majority. He rapidly, by his business capacity, acquired property, and, assisted by his two sons, Horatio and John Fredericks, he managed a large farm to which he gradually made additions. To make a better market for the products of his farm he shipped his pork and grain to the Wisconsin })ine regions, taking in exchange pine lumber which he brought by river to Shokokon and established a lumber trade. Finding this a profitable trade his son Horatio located in Wisconsin, purchased largely of pine lands, and thus with his two sons Mr. Curts carried on a successful and profitable business. Three of his daughters married and settled in Henderson county. One married in Texas, and one in Iowa. His son Thomas lived and died in Pennsylvania. Horatio died in Shokokon. The father, John Curts, purchased' a beautiful home in Burlington, Iowa, just south of the railroad bridge, and removed there to spend the eve- ning of his davs, leaving John Fredericks Curts, his son, in possession of the home place known as the "Bear Grove'' farm in Henderson county. In 1874 the old gentleman met with a severe accident bj falling down the basement stairs of his dwelling which resulted in his death in a few days. He died at Burlington March 12, 187-1. Upon opening his will it appeared that he had left nearly all of his property, which consisted of lands in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin and Arkansas, bank stock, and other personal property to his son, John Fredericks Curts. For so doing he felt his reasons were sufficient. His son thus favored had been a true and faithful son, companion and assistant to his father, and his loyalty to liis father found this return. The other legal heirs, feeling that they had been dealt unjustly with by the terms of the will, commenced in the circuit court of Des Moines, Iowa, legal proceedings to set aside the will on grounds of undue influence, and mental incapacity. The case was tried before Judge Drayer and a jury, in the city of Burlington, in 1875, and attracted much attention in this county on account of the magnitude of the amount involved, the interest mani- fested by the citizens of this county, the length of time consumed, and the array of counsel })articipating in the trial. The trial lasted about four weeks, and on account of the engagement of attorneys in the case belonging on this circuit, the Henderson county cir- cuit court was compelled to adjourn for one week to enable them to ORG-\_N'IZATION OF THE Ct)UXTY GOVKRNMENT. 877 complete the case. Mr. Jolin Curts had Umg resided in tliis county, and a deep interest was felt in the determination of the contest. For the proponents of the will there appeared Hon. B. J. Ilall, of Burling- ton, Charles M. Harris, Jonathan Simpson, James H. Stewart, and J. H. Jennings, of Illinois. For the complainants there ap])eared Hon. P. H. Smytlie, Messrs. Tracy cVr Son, Thomas Hedges, and Mr. Antrobus, of Burlington, and Hon. John J. Glenn, of Illinois. After a long contest, as above stated, the case was finally submitted to a jury, who, after a deliberation of two days, were unable to agree, and were discharged by the court. Then a change of venue was applied for, and the case sent to Fairlield, Jefferson county, Iowa, for trial. Not long after, the attorneys, with the consent of all parties interested, made an amicable adjustment of the matter by dividing the property. By this decision John Fredericks Curts received two-thirds of all the estate of his deceased father, and the other heirs received the other third, to be di^dded among them. Thus ended a contest which gained more notoriety than any case that had been tried in any of our courts for manv vears. John Fredericks still lives on the old home farm, known as Bear Grove farm, happy, prosperous, and contented. On an eminence near his house he has laid out and beautified a private cemetery. In this spot repose the remains of his father, mother, and brother Horatio, (^n their graves he has erected three costly marble monuments, to mark the spot where rests all that remains of that father, mother, and brother, whom in life he loved so weU. It is his constant care to adorn and beautify this place, and thus keep green the memories of his departed ones. May he long live to enjoy his surroundings, which he has so justly earned. ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT.' In accordance with said, act of the general assembly of the state, the first meeting of the commissioners met at Oquawka, the county seat, April 19, 1841, and organized a term of the county commis- sioners' court of Henderson county, by entering upon their records the following proceedings : "State of Illinois, 1 ^^ i r .i /- ^ /- • ■ - /• *^ \- i t > Re'.'onls of the County ( oiiimi.ssioner.s Court, \ol.l. Hexder-sox County. ■• "•According to the provisions of an act of the general assembly of the State of Illinois, passed at the session commencing the first Mon- day in December, A.D. 1840, entitled 'An Act to Establish the County of Plenderson,' an election was held at the different precincts of said county on the fifth day of April, 1841, when Preston Martin and Benjamin C. Coghill were duly elected county commissioners, who, 878 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. together with James C. Hutchinson, who had previously been elected county commissioner of Warren county, and being included in the new county of Henderson was retained in office by said act, met at the town of Oquawka, the county seat of said county of Henderson, on Monday, the nineteenth day of April, 1841, agreeable to a further provision of the above-recited act, to hold a term of the county com- missioners' court therein provided for, and the said Preston Martin and Benjamin (\ Coghill, being duly qualified as the law directs, pro- ceeded to business." Alfred Knowles, who had at said election been elected clerk of the county commissioners'' court, tiled his bond and was duly qualified. William D, Henderson, who was elected sheriff of said county at the same time, was duly qualified as sheriff. John McKinney, recorder- elect, was likewise duly qualified as recorder of the county. Then after transacting some routine business adjourned until the following day, when it again convened for the transaction of business. On this day an order was entered of record for a venire for the first grand jury that convened in the county. As these names are among the early settlers of the county, and are composed of a class that will ever be remembered as pioneers of sterling worth, whose examples in life are worthy of being imitated, we give the list in full : Isaac Cren- shaw, James Scott, William Rhodes, Edward R. Adams, Sidney Owens, Matthew Findley, Michael Crane, Daniel Drew, Frederick Davidson, George P. Rice, Obadiah Edmunds, Joseph AYatson, Isaiah J. Brook, S. S. Leet, Jonathan Perkins, James Jamison, Hugh Lee, John R. McQuown, William L. Stockton, Samuel W. Lynn, Thomas D. Wells, Ebenezer Chapin, Jesse L. Ellett. These were men of ster- ling qualities, well qualified by nature to perform the duties of pioneers, who would lay properly the foundations of society in a new country. The most of these men have gone, after attaining an honored old age, and left bright examples of a well-spent life to be imitated by those who have succeeded them. A few of this list still reside among us, with lives bounteously lengthened out in order that they might behold the almost magicial prosperous change in the country of their adoption. At this first meeting of the commissioners of the county, Stephen S. Phelps and Alexis Phelps, the proprietors of the town of Oquawka, in compliance with the conditions of the location of the county seat at Oquawka, as set forth in the act of the general assembly, presented to the board a deed, conveying to the county 200 town lots, of average value of the lots in the town of Oquawka, for the purpose of erecting public county buildings from the proceeds of the sale of the same. ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT. 881 It was at this first meeting of tlie board, that the first sah)on license was issued for Henderson county ; John A. Lynn, thus, for the sum of twenty-five dolhirs, being authorized to vend at retail in Oquawka intoxicating liquors, without having attached the dangers that beset the dealers of to-day, by virtue of the provisions of the dram-shop act. April 21, 1841, at the same session of the board, "William R. Jami- son, who had been elected treasurer of the county, filed his bond and was qualified. The board appointed William D. Henderson collector of taxes for the current year. The board also appointed Samuel McDill assessor of the county for the same time. At a regular meeting of the board September 5, 1841, Joseph B. Jamison filed his bond as school commissioner and was duly qualified. William C. Rice who was elected county surveyor at the same time as other county ofticers were elected, was duly qualified. At this meet- ing of the board Thomas McDill, "William Graham and James Jamison were appointed trustees of school lands for townshij) No. 10 N., 5. West. Jeremiah Baker, John Hopkins and William P. Toler were appointed to like offices for township 12 N., 4 West. Thomas M. Bonham, Wil- burn AValker and Joseph DeHague were appointed to like oftices for township 9 N., 6 West. Peter Nichols, Obadiah Edmunds and John A. Smith were appointed to like offices for township 8 N., 5 West. Asahel Johnson, George W. Penney and George Huston* were appointed to like offices for township 8 N., 4 West. Alexander Rankin, Frederick Davidson and John Pogue were appointed to like oflices for townshi]:> 9 N., 4 West. Abner Drew, John Bay and T. Morgan were appointed to like offices for township 10 N., 6 West. Matthew Find- ley, Thaddeus Fames were also api>ointed to like offices for townshij) 11 N., 5 West. At this meeting the clerk of the county court and the clerk of the circuit court were authorized to procure seals for their respective offices, the design of the seal for the county commissioners court to be an Indian in a canoe, and that for the circuit court to be the temple of liberty. At this meeting of the board the first action was taken look- ing to the erection of a court-house, as appears by the following order entered of record : " Ordered, that the clerk give public notice that on the 28th day of October the commissioners will contract at iniblic sale for the delivery of 175,000 of brick and 227 perch of stone in the town of Oquawka, on lot Nos. 13 and 16 in block 58 ; one-half of the brick to be delivered the first of July next, the other half by the twentieth of the same month ; the stone to be delivered by the middle of April next. Also twenty-two window frames and six door frames." 50 882 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. At tliis time the first ferry license was granted by the board, to keep and maintain a ferry across the Mississippi river at Burlington, Iowa, to land on the east bank of said river at any accessible point, to William H. Mauro, not however to trespass upon the established rights of others engaged in ferrying at the same point. Called meeting of the board of commissioners August 15, 1842; the following proceedings were had : the court proceeded to open and compare the proposals received for building the court-house, according to a notice previously given, and Alexis Phelps offered to do the work proposed for the sum of $1,219, which was the lowest offer; it is there- fore ordered that Alexis Phelps have the sum of $1,219 for laying the walls and putting on the roof of said court-house, and that he receive payment therefor eight months after the work is done, and if not then paid to receive eight per cent until paid. Said Phelps filed his bond, with James Pyason and Samuel Darnell for sureties, for the completion of the work. Ordered further that the foregoing contract is approved by the court, and filed by the clerk in his ofiice. James C. Hutchinson continued to hold the ofiice of county com- missioner until the September term of the commissioners' court, when he was succeeded by Francis J. C. Peasley, who held the ofiice until September, 18-12, when he was succeeded by Michael Crane, who, with commissioners Martin and Coghill, constituted tlie board until Septem- ber, 18^3, when Mr. Cogliill was succeeded by Isaiah Brook. The court remained thus constituted until Se23tember, 1844, when William Cous- land succeeded Preston Martin on the board. In September, 1845, Ira Miller succeeded Michael Crane. In September, 1846, Matthew Findley and Jeremiah Rose succeeded Brook and Cousland. In September, 1849, Ebenezer Chapin succeeded Matthew Findley, and Charles S. Cowan having been elected clerk succeeded Alfred Knowles. In September, 1848, Matthew Findley succeeded Ira Miller, and the board thus constituded continued until December, 1849, when the county government was organized under the new constitution. Township organization has not been adopted in this county, but the old system of county government is still maintained, the county being divided into precincts for election purposes, and the county govern- ment composed of a board of three commissioners, manage the affairs of the county. This constituted the county government until the adoption of the constitution in 1848, when, under a provision of which, the general assembly of the state passed an act in relation to the government of coun- ties, in force April 13, 1S49, by which each coimty elected a county judge and two associate justices of tlie peace, who were directed to hold a regular term of court for the transaction of county business, on the first CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTS'. 88? Mondays of March, June, September, and December, in each year ; the county judge being authorized and directed to hold a probate term of court on the third Monday of each month for the transaction of business pertaining to the estates of deceased persons, and for the pur- pose of attending to all cases that might arise under general jjrobate jui-isdition. The two associate justices of the peace so elected by the voters of the county at large, were county justices of the peace, and were vested with justices' jurisdiction for the whole county. The county judge was likewise ex-officio justice of the peace for the entire county. On the third day of December, 1849, William C. Rice, county judge, Daniel Edmunds, and George W. Penny, associate jus- tices of the peace, and Charles S. Cowan, clerk of the county court, filed their respective bonds, and were qualified for the offices to which they had been elected. The court thus constituted, organized and pro- ceeded to the transaction of business. Robert Cronover, county treas- urer, took the oath of office, and his bond was fixed at $2,000. At this meeting of the court. Earl Frizzell, a revolutionrrv soldier, pre- sented his declaration, as required by the war department, to secure a pension from the United States government, and after complying \dth the requirements prescribed by law. the court issued the required cer- tificate. At the December term. ISoO, of the county court, Boothe Xettleton, who had been elected sheriff, filed his bond, took the oath of office, and entered upon the discharge of his duties. A company having been organized under an act of the general assembly, April 19, 1851, under the name of the '"Burlington and Warren Plank Road Company," for the purpose of constructing a plank road across the Mississippi river bottom, from Hoppers mills, in Hen- derson county, to a point on the river bank opposite the city of Bur- lington, Iowa, the county court, at its September teiTn, 1850, granted said company a license to run a ferry across the river from a ])oint where their plank road touches the river on the east bank, to the city of Burlington, upon paying into the county treasury the sum of $10. At the December term of the county court, 1852, Samuel P. MaGaw, sheriff elect of the county, filed his bond and was duly qualified. CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY. Henderson county was, on its organization, in the fifth judicial circuit, and the first term of the circuit court was held in Ocpuiwka, May 28, 1841, in a store-room belonging to Co\. Patterson, on Second street, near the present location of the brick block of Robert Moir. Hon. Stephen A. Douglas j)resided as judge, John S. Pollock, clerk, William D. Henderson, sheriff, and H. L. Bryant, state's attorney pro 884: HISTORY OF MERCEK AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. tem. At this term Henry B. Harbinson filed his bond and qualified as the first coroner of the countj. Of the character of Judge Douglas as a judge, lawyer, and statesman, it is needless here to speak. His char- acter and achievements, both on the bench and in the national councils, have passed into history ; and when passion and prejudice shall have had their day, and the impartial historian shall take up his pen, the record shall then assign the name of Stephen A. Douglas its true i)lace in the list of statesmen and jurists of our country. Judge Douglas continued to preside in our circuit until the November term, 1843, when he was succeeded by Jesse B. Thomas, who continued to preside until the November term, 1845. Richard M. Young succeeded Judge Thomas at the June term, 1845, and then Norman H. Purple came to preside in this circuit, and continued until the June term, 1848, when he was succeeded by William Minchell, who held the same position until the September term, 1851, when Onias C. Skinner, of the county of Adams, who liad been elected by virtue of an act of the general assembly of the state, passed in pursuance of a provision of the consti- tution adopted in 1848, dividing the state into judicial circuits, and providing for the election of judges by vote of the people, became judge of this circuit, and continued to preside with signal ability at each term of the court in this county until the year 1855. Judge Skinner won a deserved reputation as a learned and upright judge, and soon after retiring from the circuit bench he was elected to fill a place on the supreme bench from the central grand division of the state, where he fulfilled the expectations of his legal friends and maintained the high character he had so justly won. Judge Skinner died at his home in Quincy about three years ago, his death being caused by having been thrown from his carriage by a frightened team while riding- through the street near his residence. Hezekiah M. Wead, of Peoria county, next held court in this county for one year, when Jolm S. Thompson, of Mercer county, was elected in his place, and continued to preside as judge of our circuit court until 1861, when he resigned, and Aaron Tyler, of Knox county, was appointed by the Governor to fill the unexpired term for which Judge Tliom])Son had been elected. Judge Thompson came upon the bench with but little legal experience at the bar, but the possession of a sound legal mind, great industry and an unfaltering determination to deal justly with all questions submitted to him for adjudication, enabled him to discharge the arduous duties devolving upon him with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the legal friends with whom he asso- ciated. His decisions and rulings while on the bench bore well the scrutiny of the higher court, when taken there for review. CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY. 885 In 1861 Charles V>. Lawrence, of Warren county, was elected judo:o. Of him we need only say that he brought to the discharge of his judicial duties that ripe scholarship, that well trained judicial mind, that has made for him a place in the front ranks of the legal jn-ofession in the state and also in the entire west. This circuit was favored with his able judicial administration until the year 18(;-1, when he was elected judge of the supreme court from the northern grand division of the state. At the election of 1864 John S. Thompson was again elected judge to till the vacancy made by the resignation of Judge Lawrence, and continued to preside until he was succeeded by Arthur A. Smith, who was elected in 1868. Judge Smith was a resident of Knox county, and had served in the army as a lieuteiuint-colonel of the S'M reg. 111. Vol., and has been twice elected to fill the position of judge of the cir- cuit in which Henderson county is embraced, and still continues to preside as one of the tliree judges who compose the judiciary of the circuit. This long service and repeated choice of the voters of the cir- cuit speaks louder in behalf of his merited popularity with the people of his circuit than any eulogy tliat can be written in this brief review. In 1877 the general assembly passed an act re-organizing the judi- cial circuits throughout the state, and Henderson county with Warren, Knox, Henry, Mercer, and Rock Island counties, became the tenth judicial circuit, entitled to elect three judges. Judge (Treorge W. Pleas- ants, being the judge of the circuit in which liock Island county was em- braced, and residing in that county, became one of the judges of this circuit, and at the election held in August, 1877, John J. Glenn was elected as the associate of judges Pleasants and Smith. Judge Glenn is a resident of Warren county, and brought to the discharge of his judicial duties large experience at the bar, a clear analytical mind, great industry and unquestioned integrity, which has won for him the confi- dence of the people of his circuit, and the warm esteem of his many friends. Although an active partisan he has never been accused of allowing his partisan predilections to sway his judicial decisions, but has sought to hold the scales of justice in equal ])oise for each and all men alike. Judge Pleasants, in 1877, was designated as one of the judges of the appellate court of the first district, comjjosed of Cook county, and upon his re-election in 1 879, was again designated as one of the judges of the appellate court for the second district, composed of all the counties of the northern grand division except Cook county, which position he now fills with credit to himself and to the satis- faction of the members of the bar, and the j)ublic generally. I shall not be accused, I know, of invidiousness by any who are acquainted with Judge Pleasants, when I speak of him as an ornament 886 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. to his profession, and a judge possessed of rare judicial ability. His legal attainments, his clear, discriminating mind, are all of the highest order. Always self-possessed upon the bench, patient with wearisome arguments that do not instruct, ever ready to listen to any suggestions or authority presented by counsel, he possesses that rare faculty of eliminating from a case before him, almost by intuition, all extraneous matter, and coming at once to the true issues to be deteiTnined, and when he has reached a legal conclusion in a case ujion which to base a judgment, his reasons are so convincing that few suitors go from his court dissatisfied with his adjudications. It is to be regretted that his health is impaired, and all join in the hope that his physical strength may be renewed, and that he may be spared yet for many years to grace the position which he now so ably and worthily fills. In 1879 jugdes Smith. Pleasants and Glenn were elected for a full term, and still hold the courts of this circuit. POLITICAL PARTIES. At the formation of the county the political parties were divided into whig and democratic, as understood in the national divisions, the whig party having about 200 majority in the county. There were during the early history of parties a small number of radical anti-slavery men in the county, who could not subscribe to the doctrines held by either of the other parties on the slave question, and held aloof from their organizations. Too feeble in numbers to eifect the object desired, having but little countenance or support anywhere in this state or the west, they bore the reproach everywhere heaped upon the head of a man who dared declare that slavery was wrong, and that the onward march of events and the light of civilization proclaimed its . early downfall. To be an abolitionist in those days was to abdicate all hope of political advancement, and all claims upon the suffrages of voters at the polls. The war with Mexico and the large acquisition of territory on our part as the price of peace, the agitation consequent upon the passage of the compromise measures of 1850 by congress, aroused tlie atten- tion of the people of this county as well as those of other sections, and led to the formation of a third party in Henderson county, which for the first time entered the field and contested at the polls for public favor in 1852, under the name of the "free soil" party. These dis- tinctive organizations continued until the formation of the republican party in 1856, which was composed of the bulk of the defunct whig party and the anti-slavery element combined. This new ])arty in the presidential campaign of that year, under the candidacy of John C. TOWNS. 887 Fremont, contested with the democratic party for supremacy. Since that time the republican party's majority in the county upon all test votes has ranged from 100 to 300. It is true that the small anti-slavery element cast a few votes by way of protest in the year 1S48, and the organization denominated the "know nothing," or American party, made some show of strength at the polls in the year 1854, but all these fragments became finally con- solidated with one or the other of the great parties of the day in 1856. From 1856 to the present time the republican party, when an issue has been sharply made, has usually had about 350 majority in the county. TOWNS. The town of Oquawka was laid out in 1836, by Alexis Phelps and his brother, Stephen S. Phelps, who purchased a claim and im- provement that had been made upon the grounds now occupied by the town. Oquawka owes its name to the Indians with whom it was a noted point in their travels and tribal convocations. The word is said to signify the lower end or termination of the Yellow Banks, the point indicated being situated at the termination of a series of high sand bluft's along the river, extending at intervals to a point above the town of New Boston, eighteen miles above Oquawka. Upon the laying out of the town it at once became a place of commercial im- portance, a large trade centering upon its levees. It was for many years, and until the opening of railroads revolutionized trade, the ship- ping point for a large country around, including AVarren, Knox and a part of Mercer counties. Extensive warehouses lined the river landing in which the products of the surrounding country was in the winter stored, to await the opening of navigation in the spring, when shi|> ments w^ould begin for St. Louis and oS^ew Orleans, about the only two market points relied upon at early periods. Goods shipped from east- ern cities for this market came generally by way of Pittsburgh and the Ohio river to Cairo, and thence up the Mississipjji to our landing. Some shipments of heavy goods were made by sea to !New Orleans and up the river. Upon the oi)ening of the Illinois and Michigan canal a new route w^as opened by Erie canal, and lakes, thence to the Illinois river and up the Mississippi. Oquawka contained, in 1852, about 1,800 population, but has since fallen off, so that it contains not more at present than 1,000. Like many other towns and cities, she in an evil hour, and under the guidance of bad counsel, encumbered herself with burdensome debts, beyond her ability to liquidate, which resulted in the necessity of levying taxes that became burdensome upon the business of the place, and capital, alarmed at the future prospects, lied 888 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. the town to avoid taxation, while manufacturing and other entei-prises sought more favored locahties. The debts thus incurrad were first the issue of bonds to the amount of $10,000, to aid in the construction of the "Washington and Oquawka Plank Road," an enterprise in the state of Iowa, the projected plank road terminating at a point on the river opposite Oquawka. The corporation and the road long ago were counted among the tilings of the past, and remembered only as a warn- ing to others to avoid like follies. The next enterprise in which the authorities of the town took stock, and thus added burdens to those already borne, was in May, 1857, when the issue of $25,000 uf bonds was secured to pay Messrs. Phelps and Jamison for work and labor performed on that part of the Peoria & Oquawka railroad lying between the town of Sagetown and Oquawka. The "work and labor" consisting of partially grading the line between these two points, the people being led to believe that in so doing they would secure railroad facilities by connection with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy line. But it proved a failure. The people incurred the indebtedness without any guaranty of a return for their money, and the debt is to-day out- standing and will be left as a legacy to the next generation. These debts, together with the share of the county indebtedness which the town has to pay, makes the burden a heavy one. Of the towns in this county Oquawka is the oldest. It was laid out July 9, 1836, by the brothers, Alexis Phelps and Sumner S. Phelps. Its territory, before any additions were attached, was comprised of fractional Sees. 15 and 22, T. 11 K, R. 5, W. of the 4th P. M., as shown by the records of Warren county. Vol. II, p. 34-1:. William C. Butler was the surveyor for the proprietors. In the deed of dedication the proprietors, in addition to liberal reservations of lots for school pur- poses, set apart and dedicated for use of the Methodist Episcopal, Baptist and Presbyterian cliurches, eligible and valuable lots for the erection of church edifices. Some years subsequently Abrani D. Swarts laid out two additions to the town, upon the east side. In order of date, tlie next town laid out in the county was the town of Shokokon, upon the Mississippi river, about five miles below the city of Burlington, Iowa. The original proprietor of this town was Robert McQueen, who laid it out July 16, 1836, on the N. W. J of Sec. 27, T. 9 ]^., R. W., as will be seen by referring to the records of Warren county, Vol. II, p. 344. John B. Talbott was employed as surveyor. Although a fine and fertile country lay adjacent to this town, it did not prove a success. The river at this point proved to be too shallow for steamers, except at times of high water, the channel or deep water running near the Iowa shore, tlius leaving this town TOWNS. 889 upon a slough, with but poor sliipping facilities. It, however, became a great point for lumber, annually rafted down from the Wisconsin pineries, and finding a market in the country lying east of Shokokon. Its population never exceeded 300. The town of Olena was laid out by Robert Kendall August 14, 1838, on Sec. 11, T. 9 X., R. 5 W., and the record of the survey by Benjamin Thomkins is recorded in Warren county, in Vol. II of records, p. 215. This town is situated near the geogra])hical center of the county, and contains a population of about 300. It is situated in nourishing farming country, and is the center of considerable trade. It has no railroad facilities. Wolf creek, a small stream, Hows west- ward near this place. Warren, laid out March 25, 1840, by Lambert Hopper, on the N. W. 1 and the N. E. i of Sec. 8, T. 9 N., R. 5 W. The plat of this town will be found recorded in AVarren county, Vol. VII, of recoi-ds, p. 345. Benjamin Thomkins was the surveyor. Some years later Josiah Dunn laid out an addition to this town. At one time during the lifetime of its enterprising proprietor this town carried on quite an extensive trade. A good flouring mill and a woolen factory drew trade and business from a long distance. The land in the immediate vicinity is of a poor quality, the mills have been allowed to run down since the death of the proprietor, and its former prosperity has in a measure disappeared. Dallas Cit}', lies partly in Henderson and partly in Hancock county. That part in Henderson county lies in the extreme southwest of the county, Sec. 35, T. 8 N., R. 7 W. It is a flourishing town of about 500 inhabitants. The Carthage and Bui'lington division of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad passes through this town. The town has a fine landing for steamers, which carry away large shipments of produce from the surrounding country. It is a neatly built place, upon the bluflf front, facing the river. Its population are intellig'ent and enterprising, and carry on an extensive business in general trade and lumber. Among its enterjjrising citizens we may here make mention of John M. Finch, who was one of its original proprietors and who still continues to reside in his early home, active as in his boyhood days, allowing no enterprise to be undertaken for the improvement of his town without giving it his active aid and support. The town has two churches and its schools receive the active and intelligent su|)port of its citizens and are kept up to a high standard. The town was laid, out and surveyed August 11, 1849, by William II. Rollinson and John M. Finch ; J. Wilson Williamson was the surveyor employed. The 890 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. record of the survey and deed will be found in Vol. IV, p. 176 of record of deeds in Henderson county. The town of Terre Haute is situated in the prairie region of the county, on Sees. 20, 21, 28 and 29, T. 8 N"., R. 5 W. It was sur- veyed and platted by William C. Eice, suryej^or, March 27, 1854, and the plat recorded in Vol. VIII, p. 184 of records in Henderson county. It contains about 250 inhabitants and is the center of considerable trade. It has no railroad or river facilities for shipping, Lomax station, on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad, being its principal point of shipment. It is the center of a rich farming country and sur- rounded by lands of extraordinary fertility. East Burlington lies upon the bank of the Mississippi opposite the city of Burlington, Iowa. It was laid out March 12, 1855, on Sec. 33, T. 10 N., E. 6 W., by A. D. Green, as trustee for the proprietors, Maj. A. N. Armstrong, acting as surveyor. Prior to the construction of the railroad to that point, it had a small population, but after that time, witli the erection of the railroad bridge leading to the city of Burlington, the business of the place was transferred mainly to the op- posite side of the river, and little remains of the former town. The railroad company have erected large stock yards upon the ground, and made other extensive improvements. Large sums of money have been expended in grading up the river front to a point above high water mark. At this point the Carthage division of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad forms a junction at the east end of the bridge with the main line. The land back of, and eastward from the town, is low and cut up with sloughs, and nearly the whole is subject to over- flow for miles inland during the river floods. Biggsville is situated on Sees. 16, 17, 20, 21, T. 10 K, E. 4 W., upon South Henderson creek, and was laid out by Andrew Douglass and Samuel Douglass, October 3, 1855, William McChesney, surveyor. It now contains about 550 inhabitants. The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad runs through this place. The town is surrounded by the flnest quality of farm lands, which are kept in a high state of culti- vation. The town contains three churches, one United Presbyterian, one Methodist Episcopal, and one Cumberland Presbyterian, all of which have a large membership of highly intelligent christian people. The schools of the town have always been its particular pride, and have been of a high order. The citizens have reason to look with pride upon their churches and schools. Near this town resides a gen- tleman whose business success in life deserves at least a brief mention. David Eankin is a man still on the sunny side of three score years, who has his home about four miles south of Biggsville, upon his farm TOWNS. 891 of almost countless acres. He began life a poor farmer boy near the place where now his fine residence stands, and bv industry, persever- ance and an extraordinary business capacity, lie gained step by step until his possessions in lands and herds seemed almost marvelous. He purchased large tracts of land along the Illinois Central railroad, in Illinois, and operated them successfully ; then extending his enter- prises westward he invested largely in lands in Atchison county, in the State of Missouri, which he improved and stocked with swarming herds of cattle, laid out the town of Tarkio, wliich has filled with an active population, and is rapidly rising in business importance. At this point he has established a national bank which has proved a com- plete success. In addition to these enter])rises he has purcliased and is operating a vast ranche in the State of Colorado, ui)on which his im- mense herds of native and Texas cattle are fattened for market. These vast enterprises, besides many smaller ones, he manages and super- vises himself, showing himself a veritable Kapoleon in his line of business. In all his various and extended enterprises and his large transactions, he has so conducted his business as to gain the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has been surrounded. His integrity is never called in question, and his employes find him a kind hearted and just employer. In this town also resides Preston Martin, an aged citizen of the county, who has been identified with its history and its development from its organization. One of the earlier commissioners of the county and afterward associate justice of the county court, he filled each office with fidelity to the people and with credit to himself A man of un- swerving integrity, with a high moral stiindard, he justly won the esteem of his fellow citizens, and the high regard of all. This town at present writing is contending for the locating of the seat of justice within her borders. The canvassing of the vote of the county for the election to be held in November goes on with great earnestness. The advocates of removal to Biggsville claiming that their town is nearer the geo- graphical center of the county, and thei'efore it is for the interest of the county to secure the county buildings at this point. Gladstone (formerly Sagetown), was laid out by Gideon Sage, May 16, 1856, in Sees. 15 and 16, T. 10 K, R. 5 W., James R. White sur- veyor. The town is situated on the Chicago. Burlington ife Quincy railroad. The Galva branch of the same road terminates at this point from the north. The town contains about 400 inhabitants. At this point is located the Excelsior sugar refinery, a large and costly estiib- lishment, owned principally by Amos T. Ilall. of Chicagt). It seems not to have been a success so far, although the works and machinery 892 HISTORY OF MERCER A^^D HENDERSON COUNTIES. are of the most elaborate kind. Some glucose has been manufactured, but now the owners of the premises are preparing the works for work- ing sorghum cane, of whicli the surrounding country produces largely, Gideon Sage, the original proprietor of this town, although far ad- vanced in years, still resides here, hale and hearty, and bids fair to yet renew his lease of life and outstrij) in the race many a younger com- petitor. The town has one Catholic, one Presbyterian, and one j\[eth- odist church, and is well provided with school-buildings. Karitan, a town in the southeastern part of the county, was laid out by Isaac V. Kelley and James Hixton April 16, 1856, in Sees. 10, 11, 14 and 15, T. 8 K, E. 4 W., James R. Wliite acting as surveyor for the proprietors. The record of its plat and survey may be found recorded in Vol. XII of deeds, p. 255, Henderson county. It is a beautiful and thriving village. Situated in the midst of an undulating, fertile prairie, surrounded by finely improved farms in a high state of cultivation, upon which means have been lavishly expended in the erection of fine buildings, this place presents an attractive aj^pearance. The houses of the town are of a neat and commodious structure, and so neatly kept in all their surroundings that they tell at once the char- acter of its inhabitants. Although possessing no near railroad or river facilities for ship- ping, they yet carry on a large trade in merchandise and stock and agricultural products. R.oseville and Laharpe stations are their nearest railroad points. One will hardly find in days of travel anywhere a town sun-ounded by so many natural advantages, and which exhibits such thrift, unaided by artificial means. Among the enterprising business men of this place I may mention William Tharp and Robert Barnes, but space prevents the naming of others equally enterprising and deserving of mention. Mr. Tharp has an extensive store, filled with a general stock of merchandise, which he purchases in Chicago and eastern cities. Making his own selections and purchasing from first hands when possible, he has been enabled to offer his numerous customers their supplies at such rates as to leave no inducement on their part to go to larger places to make their pur- chases. By energy and business tact, by fair dealing and unquestioned integrity, he established a busuiess of great magnitude, and won for himself an enviable reputation. He is still a yoimg man, with the ability to grow and advance with the enterprising and thrifty people by whom he is surrounded. Robert Barnes began business here a few years ago. From small transactions at first his business has increased until at the present his sales are very large. His stock embraces almost every article of TOW.NX. 893 necessity or luxury required by the customers \yitli whom he deals. Besides a general stock of merchandise, a line of agricultural machin- ery suited to all the wants of the country is carried in large stock. In addition to his mercantile business he is the proprietor, publisher and editor of the "Itaritan Bulletin." a weekly news])aper of fair size, which is ably edited and constantly gaining in circulation. It is inde- pendent in all things, and deseryes the success that has thus far attended it. The town contains four churches : Dutch Reformed, Baptist, Meth- odist, and Roman Catholic. It has two hotels. The town of Lynn, on the Chicago, Burlington tt Quincy railroad, adjoining Gladstone, was laid out by Ezekiel W. Lynn on Sec. 10, T. 10 X., 5 W., June 28, 1S58. It was suryeyed by James R. White. The plat and record will be found in Vol. XV. j>. 213. of deeds, in Henderson county. The tOAyn of Carnuin was laid out and platted by Joseph Carman, September 3, 1870, in Sec. 27, T. 9 N., 6 W., and recorded in A^ol. XXIV, of deeds, p. 344, Henderson county. It is situated on the line of Carthage Diyision of the Chicago, Burlington dc Quincy rail- road, about one mile from the Mississippi riyer, and contains a pojiu- lation of about 300. Shokokon lies between this town and the riyer. Carman is a flourishing town, and the center of a large grain trade. Large quantities of corn are annually stored at this point for distribu- tion to the different markets. It is flye miles by railroad to Burlinirton, Iowa, and about fifteen miles to the county seat. About two miles east of this place resides John Fredericks Curts, on his place known as tlie "Bear Groye" farm, of which further mention will be made in this sketch. Near this place many of the earlier settlers of the county found a home. Alfred Knowles and Dr. Freeman Knowles came from the State of Maine soon after the laying out of the town of Shokokon. in 1836. They remained for a short time ujton lands they had entered. The fever and ague, the pest of our bottom lands at that time, was more than they could successfully contend with, and they removed to more healthy locations. Dr. luiowles going to the town of Keokuk, Iowa, which then contained but a few hundred inhabitants, where his practice grew with the growth of that thriving city. He became one of the professors in the medical college of that place. He died in 1880, after a successful professional career. His brother, Alfred, removed to Oquawka, where, upon the organization of the county, he became county clerk. In 1855 he removed to the city of Galesburg, this state, where he still resides. The last town laid out in the county is Lomax, on the Chicago, Bur- 894 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. lington & Quincy railroad. It was laid out by Robert Lomax, May 11, 1882, in Sec. 15, T. 8 K, E. 6 W., J. Wilson \Yilliams acting as sur- veyor; plat and deed recorded in Yol. I, of plats, p. 64, Henderson county. At this point there has been a railroad station and business point for many years. Prior to the opening of the railroad, William Lomax, the father of the present proprietor, owned and cultivated a large farm, through which the road was located and a station established at the point where the town is now laid out. The senior Lomax errected a dwelling and store, and also other buildings at the station, so that in fact it became quite a town years before any town was marked out in a regular way. The proprietor had resided on the place for many years ; in fact he was among the early settlers of the county, and owned this valuable property before railroads came to further enhance its value. Although the population of the town is small, it has become an im- portant shipping point. Large shipments of cattle, hogs and grain are made at this station, and there is no reason why this should not, in in the near future, with such an enterprising business man as its pres- ent proprietor, become a flourishing town. The elder Lomax died in the year 1879, at an advanced age, loved and respected by all who knew him. He had lived to see the frontier upon which he had settled become a cultivated, populous community. He had, as a citi- zen, lent his aid to advance every laudible undertaking for the advancement of the interest of the county. He had served four years as associate justice in our county court, and well and faithfully did he discharge the duties of his oflice. With hands clear of official corrup- tion, with consciousness of having j)erformed his duty, he retired from office and his remaining years were made pleasant with the kindest regards of his fellow citizens. His worthy son Robert succeeds him in the estate and business established by his father. The position has fallen to able hands. The father's wishes and plans will now be car- ried out by the son. Possessing youth, vigor and fine business capacity, he still retains that same modesty of character and moral conviction that endeared his father to the people among whom he lived. Mr. Lomax is at present, as will be seen elsewhere in this sketch, one of the commissioners of the county. Just north of this place the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw railroad forms a junction with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad, and over the track of the latter runs on to the city of Burlington. NEWSPAPKRS, S95 NEWSPAPERS. The lirst new!?paper published in the county was the "Oquawka Spectator," founded by Coh John B. Patterson, in the month of Febru- ary, 1848, at Oquawka, who issued the first number in February of that year. It was neutral in politics, and issued weekly continuously to the present time. Its founder. Col. Patterson, is still its editor and proprietor, and bids fair to continue its management for many years to come. Since the foundation of the paper, E. H. N. Patterson, a son of the present editor, was for many years associated with his father as junior editor. The latter severed his connection with the paper in the year 1859, and with the great army of gold seekers who set their faces westward, left his native state and took up his abode in the then territory of Colorado. Mining was not to his taste. He was ])0S- sessed of a fine intellect and was a brilliant writer. These qualities could not long be concealed and he was induced to attach himself to the editorial staff of the ''Colorado Miner," one of the leading papers of the state, in which position he gained high rank by the ability he displayed in his editorials. He, in a short time, became one of the proprietors of the paper and its chief editor, in which position he died in the month of April, 1880, at- Denver, Colorado. He married, in 1851,^Laura Phelps, the daughter of Stephen S. Phelps, one of the founders of the town of Oquawka. His wife died in the year 1867, leaving three children: Harry N., Mattie, and Norman. Not only as a newspaper writer did the subject of this sketch ex- hibit marked ability, but many of his publications in verse, as well as in prose, bore testimony of the peculiarly fine literary cast of his mind. A specimen is here quoted as illustrating the stjde of liis writings, and the sentiments of its author. It was written nineteen years ago, and is now published for the first time. The original is in the possession of the writer : '• THE PATRIOT MOTHER. " Dead I No, no ! surely you do but mock me ! He's but sleeping ; — Why all these tears, this agony of mourning? Why such weeping? Death has not come to rob me of the lad. 'Tis only gentle sleep — Deadlike perchance, in being dreandess ; yet only slumber, wherefore weep? When first the tocsin rung the battle blast, Charlie, brave boy, stepped out, Full panoplied, in triple armor clad ; his voice in the great freedom-shout Rising a])Ove all others — louder, clearer. Idled with grandeur of the Cause For which he fought : his nation's constitution, the supremacy of its laws ! 'Twas but as yesterday I saw him girding his loins for the fight, Conscious of vic;tory, confident of success, because the Right. Ne'er fell before the oi)posing hosts of Treason's clan — Ne'er failed because opposed by jaundiced Error's ban ! 896 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. Then say not he is dead ! He lives — his faith, example, deeds. Will nerve his patriot-brothers' arms ! Away with funeral weeds ; I will not wear them I Charlie lives — his spirit is away. In hottest battle — men will feel its power ; death cannot mark him for its prey 'Till war shall cease in all the land — 'till peace resume her sway — And Treason's cloud obscure no more the brightness of the Nation's day." It should be stated that the "Spectator,'' which commenced its career as a neutral, was, in the year 1863, transformed into a democratic organ of its party in the county, and to this time has been an advocate of conservatiTe democratic principles, through the long pilgrimage of defeat to which its party has been subjected. Its venerable editor stands high with his professional brethren and earns the esteem of his political opponents. Few men have wielded the editorial pen for so many consecutive years, as editor and proprietor of one newspaper. All his acquaintances join in wishing him many happy years of success in the path he has so long and successfully traveled. The " Oquawka Plaindealer" was the next newspaper enterprise started in the county. This was a weekly publication, commenced July 24, 1852, by Francis A. Dallam, editor and proprietor, and so continued until March 6, 1855, when Horace Bigelow, Esq., purchased a half interest in the establishment; from that time until May 6, 1856, when Mr. Dallam sold his interest to James H. Reed. The firm of Reed & Bigelow continued the publication of the paper until May 1, 1857, when they sold the whole concern to J. K. Magie and David Mitchell. It was whig in politics at its commencement and after the defeat of Scott, in 1852, it shared the fate of its party, and drifting with the wreck until the formation of the republican party in 1856, when it cast its fortunes with that organization, to which it ever afterward adhered. Magie & Mitchell disposed of their interest and the paper was next under the control of Lewis Leslie ; then of M. H. Jamison, when, under the editorial control of a Mr. Chamberlain, it was removed to Biggsville, in this county. Shortly after Chamberlain retired from the paper and Judson Graves became its editor. Subse- quently Graves removed the paper to Kirkwood, in Warren county, when, after a brief period, he again moved, and this time to the city of Galesburg, in this state. The " Clipper'' is a small weekly paper, established in Biggsville by M. M. Rowley, editor and proprietor, about the year 1874. It is republican in politics, and still continues under its first management, and is meeting, as it deserves, with A^ery fair success. Its editor is an excellent writer for such a paper and earns the deserved success he has enjoyed. COUNTY OFFICERS. 899 The " Raritan Bulletin,'' a weekly paper, is published in the town of Raritan, in the southeast part of the county, by Robert Barnes, as editor and proprietor. It was established in the year 1875. It is inde- pendent in politics and is meeting with deserved success. Its editorials evince marked ability and its circulation is rapidly increasing. "The Henderson County Journal " was established in Oquawka by Eugene A. Hail, editor and proprietor, in the month of May, 1872. It was a weekly paper and republican in politics. In June, 1872, Mr. Hail, its editor, removed the establishment to Macomb, in McDonough county, in this state, where he continued its publication until August, 1878, when he returned with his paper to this county and again com- menced its publication at the county seat, under the name of the "Henderson County Journal," a weekly issue, devoted to the interests of the republican party. The paper is ably edited by Mr. Hail, its proprietor, a gentleman of refinement and sterling worth, and is prov- ing for its owner a good investment. All the papers here named have received not alone from their party friends, but from the general public of the county, a generous support, which bears evidence of the intelligence of the inhabitants. COUNTY OFFICERS. The names of the county officers from the date of the organization of the county is shown in the following table, with the date of their election or appointment : NAME. OFFICE. DATE. John S. Pollock Clerk Circuit Court April 5, 1841. Alfred Knowles Clerk County Commissioners' Court April 5, 1841. John McKinney Recorder April 17, 1841. William C. Rice, Surveyor April 17, 1841. William Cowden Probate Justice of the Peace April 22, 1841. William Elliott State's Attorney May 20, 1841. Alfred Knowles Probate Justice of the Peace June 30, 1841. Joseph B. Jamison School Commissioner Aug. 2, 1841. W. D. Henderson Sheriff April 5, 1841. Francis J. C. Peasley . . . .County Commissioner Aug. 2, 1841. Joseph B. Jamison School Commissioner Aug. 2, 1841. Preston Martin County Commissioner April 5, 1841. Benjamin C. Coghill County Commsisioner April 5, 1841. William D. Henderson. .Sheriff Aug. 1, 1842. Michael Crane County Commissioner Aug. 1, 1842. John F. Morgan Coroner Aug. 1, 1842. Isaiah J. Brooks County Commissioner Aug. 7, 1843. Alfred Knowles County Commissioner's Clerk Aug. 7, 1843. Wilson M. Graham Recorder Aug. 7, 1843. William C. Rice Probate Justice of the Peace (.. Aug. 7, 1843. 51 :900 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. NAME. OFFICE. DATE. William E. Hopkins Surveyor Aug. 7, 1843. Alexander Marshall School Commissioner Aug. 7, 1843. William Cousland County Commissioner Sept. 12, 1844. S. S. Leet Sheriff D. B. Rice Coronor Feb. 5, 1845. J. B. Jamison School Commissioner Jer. Rose County Commissioner Aug. 1846. Matthew Findley County Commissioner Aug. 1846. Julius Gifford Sheriff Aug. 1846. David B. Rice Coroner. . , Aug. 1846. Ebenezer Chapin County Commissioner Aug. 1847. Charles S. Cowan County Commissioners' Clerk Aug. 1847. Harvey Russell Probate Justice of the Peace Aug. 1847. Samuel Mitchell Recorder Aug. 1847. John S. Peasley Treasurer Aug. 1847. Joseph B. Jamison School Commissioner Aug. 1847. A. N. Armstrong Surveyor Aug. 1847. Robert S. Blackwell States Attorney Nov. 1847. Matthew Findley County Commissioner Aug. 1848. William C. Rice County Judge Nov. 6, 1849. Daniel Edmunds County Justice of the Peace Nov. 6, 1849. George W. Penny County Justice of the Peace Nov. 6, 1849. Charles S. Cowan County Clerk Nov. 6, 1849. Robert Crownover County Treasurer Nov. 6, 1849. A. N. Armstrong Surveyor Nov. 6, 1849. William McMillan School Commissioner Nov. 6, 1849. Booth Nettleton Coroner Nov. 6, 1849. Booth Nettleton Sheriff Nov. 5, 1850. James A. Maury Coroner Nov. 5, 1850. John S. Pollock Clerk of the Circuit Court Nov. 2, 1852. James H. Stewart State's Attorney Nov. 2, 1852. Samuel P. McGaw Sheriff Nov. 2, 1852. James A. Maury Coroner Nov. 2, 1852. Peter Downey County Judge Nov. 8, 1853. Lambert Hopjier Associate Justice Nov. 8, 1853. John Logan Associate Justice Nov. 8, 1853. Charles S. Cowan County Clerk Nov. 8, 1853- George W. Connelly Treasurer Nov. 8, 1853. A. N. Armstrong Surveyor Nov. 8, 1853. Wm. L. Stockton School Commissioner Nov. 8, 1853. Richard W. Richey County Judge Feb. 18, 1854. Jonathan Simpson School Commissioner Nov. 1855. Richard W. Richey County Judge Nov. 3, 1857. Asahel Johnson Associate Justice Nov. 3, 1857. Melzer C. Paul Associate Justice Nov. 3, 1857. Charles S. Cowan County Clerk Nov. 3, 1857. George W. Connelly County Treasurer Nov. 3, 1857. Garrett Nevins County Surveyor Nov. 3, 1857. Jonathan Simpson School Commissioner Nov. 3, 1857. George W. Cowden Sheriff Nov. 2, 1858. COUNri' OFFICERS. 901 NAME. OFFICE. UATK. Wm. B. Jamison County Surveyor Nov. 2, 1858. •Charles E. Birdsall Coroner Nov. 2, 1858. J. Elclridge Barnes Scliool Commissioner Nov. 8, 1859. Geo. W. Connelly Asse.ssor and Treasurer Nov. 8, 1859. Wm. B. Jamison County Surveyor Nov. 8, 1859, James H. Stewart State's Attorney 1 SfJO. John M. Wilson Slierifi' 18(>0. Hugh L. Thomson Clerk Circuit Court 18()0, Z. D. Fanning Coroner 18(50.- Richard W. Richey County Judge Nov. 5, 18G1.. Preston Martin Associate Judge Nov. 5, 1861^ Wm. Hartford Associate Judge Nov. 5, 1861, Wm. Hopkins .County Clerk Nov. 5, 1861. J. Eldridge Barnes School Commissioner Nov. 5, 1861, Moses McElhinney Assessor and Treasurer Nov. 5, 1861. Wm. H. McChesney County Surveyor Nov. 5, 1861,. R. S. McAllister County Clerk (appointed) Aug. 15, 1863, R. S. McAllister .County Clerk (elected) Nov. 8, 1863. Francis A. Raper Assessor and Treasurer Nov. 3, 1863. J. E. Barnes School Comnussioner Nov. 3, 1863. Isaac N. J. Hartford. . . .Surveyor Nov. 3, 1863, Hugh L. Thomson Clerk Circuit Court Nov. 8, 1864. James A. McKenzie. ... State's Attorney Nov. 8, I8W. Davis S. Brainard Sheriff Nov. 8, 1864. Samuel H. Ruple Coroner Nov. 8, 1864. Wm. Ingerun School Commissioner Dec. 8, 1864. Cornelius D. Eltinge. . . .County Judge Nov. 7, 1865. Wm. Lomax Associate Justice Nov. 7, 1865. Wm. H. Mills As.sociate Ju.stice Nov. 7, 1865. Robert S. McAllister County Clerk Nov. 7, 1865. Simeon Donaldson County Treasurer Nov. 7, 1865. Isaac N. J. Hartford County Surveyor Nov. 7, 1865. Marion F. Button County Superintendent of Schools Nov. 7, 1865. Simeon Donaldson County Assessor Nov. 7, 18(55. Wm. Bunger Sheriff and Collector Nov. (i, 1866. Hinton Park Coroner Nov. (i, 1866. Matthew H. Jamison. . . .County Superintendent of Schools Sept. 14, 18()7. Simeon Donaldson County Treasurer Nov. 5, 1867. Simeon Donaldson County Assessor Nov. 5, 1867. Isaac N. J. Hartford County Surveyor Nov. 5, 1867. John A. Summers Suj)erintendent of Schools Mar. 6, 1868. Joseph Braden Sheriff and Collector. Nov. 3, 1868. Harry F. McAllister Clerk Circuit Court Nov. 1868. James A. McKenzie State's Attorney Nov. 1868. Joseph Brader Sheriff Nov. 1868. Jonathan Simpson School Superintendent Aug. 18(59. Richard W. Richey County Judge Nov. 2, 1869. Preston Martin County Justice of the Peace Nov. 2, 18(59. Robert W. Goddis County Justice of the Peace Nov. 2, 1869. Roswell P. Randall County Superintendent of Schools Nov. 2, 1869. 902 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. NAME. OFFICE. DATE D. C. Hanna County Clerk Nov. Wm. B. Jamison. County Surveyor Nov. George Bell Sheriff Nov. Daniel I. McMillan Coroner Nov. Jefferson H. Jenings State's Attorney Nov. H. F. McAllister Clerk of Circuit Court Nov. George Bell Sheriff Nov. W. K. Smith Coroner Nov. William C. Rice County Judge Nov. D. Caswell Hanna County Clerk Nov. John A. Brook County Treasurer Nov. James McArthur Superintendent of Schools Nov, Joseph Allen County Commissioner Nov. Robert A. McKinley County Commissioner Nov. John B. Holliday County Commissioner Nov. George Bell Sheriff Nov. Francis M. Jackson Coroner Nov. Isaiah J. Brook County Commissioner Nov. W. A. M. Crouch County Commissioner Nov. Joseph Allen County Commissioner Nov. Eli W. Smith County Treasurer Nov. William H. McChesney. .County Surveyor Nov. George Currv County Commissioner Nov. H. F. McAllister Clerk of Circuit Court Nov. James O. Anderson ...... Sheriff Nov. Jefferson H. Jenings State's Attorney Nov. Millanl F. Brown Coroner Nov. William C. Rice County Judge Nov. G. F. Wm. Froehlich .... County Clerk Nov. Eli W. Smith County Treasurer Nov. J. M. Akin Superintendent of Schools Nov. James Duke County Commissioner Nov. Elijah Beal Count}^ Commissioner Nov. James O. Anderson Sheriff Nov. Isaac P. Cowdon Coroner Nov. George Curry County Commissioner Nov. Adam B. Hamill County Treasurer Nov. Pitt K. Jagger County Surveyor Nov. Harry F. McAllister Clerk of Circuit Court Nov. James O. Anderson Sheriff Nov. Rauseldon Cooper State's Attorney Nov. James A. Caswell Coroner Nov. Samuel Pickering County Commissioner Nov. Robert A. Lomax County Commissioner Nov. Appleton Park County Surveyor Nov. James M. Akin Superintendent of Schools Dec. Among the old citizens of this county there is one who should not be overlooked in these brief biographies. It is the colored man com- monly called "Nigger Dick," Eichard being his true name, and, like 2 , 1869. 2 , 1869. 8, . 1870. 8: , 1870. 1872. 1872. 1872. 1872. 4, , 1873. 4, , 1873. 4, , 1873. 4, , 1873. 4, , 1873. 4, 1873. 4, 1873. 3, 1874. 3, 1874. 3, 1874. 3, 1874. 2, 1875. o 1875. 9 1875. 7, 1876. 7, 1876. 7, 1876. 7, 1876. 7, 1876. 6, 1877. 6, 1877. 6, 1877. 6, 1877. 6, 1877. 5, 1878. o, 1878. ^ 1878. 4, 1879. 4, 1879. 4, 1879. o 1880. 1880. 9 1880. 9 1880. 9 ■^1 1880. 8, 1881. 8, 1881. 5, 1881. COUNTi' OFFICERS. .908 many others who were the offspring of the slave system, he had but tliat one name, for family he had none. The existence of slavery for- bid the cultivation and perpetuation of family ties. The absence of all those sanctified relations included in the family circle was essential to the per{)etuation of what was teimed, in tlie days of its power, the "institution of slavery.'' liichard was born a slave in Greenville, Kentucky, in 1815, as the property and chattel of Solomon Rhodes, At the age of twelve years he was sold to J(^lm Billings. Mr. Billings took him to the State of Missouri and sold him to Capt. William Phelps for the sum of $1,000, which, Dick remarked to the writer, was more than the average white man would sell for in Missouri at that time. Capt. Phelps, who is a brother of the late S. S. Phelps, and engaged at that time with him in the Indian trade, brought Dick to Oquawka with him. Afterward Dick became a valuable assistant ^vith the Phelps brothers in their Indian trade in Iowa and on the frontier. He at one time saved the family of S. S. Phelps, at their trading station in Iowa, from death in their burning home. In doing so he risked his life, and was seriously injured by the explosion of gunpowder in the burning building. Ever afterward he was treated with the greatest kindness by the Phelps brothers. He was always welcome in the families of the Phelps brothers. In their trading expeditions in the west among the Indians, Dick was always their valued aid and faithful companion. For many years Dick enjoyed the fniits of his fidelity. He may be said to have been put on the retired list, with pay and rations. Many are the good stories that are related at Dick's expense, growing out of journeyings among the red men. Many a thrilling scene is related of his dealings with these natives ; whether in the deadly encounter, where personal bravery was a large factor in selt-preservation, or in the swift race for life, where fieetness and endurance were essential to success, Dick never found his superior. He possesses rare natural abilities. Although the child of slavery, he has gathered a rare stock of practical every-day education, and fur- nishes us evidence of the truth that his race is capable of receiving that training that shall fit them for those duties devolving upon men who would perpetuate that system of government where all "just powers are derived from the consent of the governed." Dick still lives among us, and, although well advanced in years, happy and cheerful. With his horse and his gun, he is the same good-natured, jolly, honest Dick that he was when first his foot trod the free soil of Illinois. He was never freed in any formal manner, and he says that he does not know but what he would still be in law a slave, if had not been for tlii.' proclamation of President Lincoln freeing the slave. 904 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. RAILROADS. The lirst railroad enterprise in which the citizens of Henderson county engaged, looking to the building of a road in the county, was the Peoria & Oquawka, a project to build and equip a road from Peoria, on the Illinois river, to Oquawka. On February 12, 1849, the general assembly of this state passed an act incorporating the com- pany, when, on December 20, 1849, the first meeting was held to organize. Alexander Turnbull, James W. Davidson, Wyatt B. Stapp, Preston Martin, John McKinney, Robert M. Patterson, Samuel B. Anderson, James Knox, Daniel Meek, William Moss, Alfred G. Cur- tinius, and Isaac Underhill, the commissioners, opened the books for subscriptions to the capital stock. The shares were fixed at $100 each, and five per cent payable at the time of subscription. At that time the managers of the enterprise estimated the cost of the road, includ- ing rolling stock, at from $6,000 to $10,000 per mile. The county commissioners ordered an election for the first Monday in May, 1851, of the legal voters of the county, to vote upon the proposition for the county to subscribe $50,000 to the capital stock of said company. The election was held and resulted in the proposition for such subscription being voted down by a large majority. By an act of the general assembly the charter of this railroad com- pany was amended, and by one provision of the amendment it was provided that a branch road, extending from Sagetown (now Gladstone) might be constructed to a point on the Mississippi river opposite the city of Burlington, Iowa. The town of Oquawka, under a mistaken idea of the imj)ortance of the completion of the road to that point, gave to the enterprise no encouragement, and Burlington, seeing her oppor- tunity, at once set about raising the means to secure the completion of the work to her over the branch. In this she succeeded, and Burling- ton became what Oquawka might have been, a great commercial point and a railroad center for a large portion of the roads through Iowa. The Peoria & Oquawka railroad was completed to Monmouth in 1855, on the first of January. The Chicago 6z Quincy railroad was completed to Galesburg at that time, and that company leased the Peoria & Oquawka line and completed the work to Burlington, and commenced running their trains over the whole route, and in a short time afterward purchased the entire line, when the name was changed to the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad, and as soon as the Quincy branch was completed to Galesburg, 110 miles, this name became universally known as one of the most popular railroads in the United States. That portion of the road from Sagetown to Oquawka the company never completed. The town of Oquawka graded, tied, RAILROADS. 905i and bridged the five miles of road between the two last named points, in 1856, under some kind of an expectation that the road would be operated by the company, but after the expenditure of $25,000 these expectations proved to be without basis, and the work remained use- less and of no value to the town. In 1849 the general assembly granted a charter for the "Warsaw & Rockford Railroad Company, for the purpose of constructing a road from the town of Rockford, Winnebago county, Illinois, to the city of Warsaw, Plancock county, Illinois, neai" the foot of the Des Moines Rapids. The route of this proposed road passed from north to south through Henderson county. In 1853, at an election, the county commissioners were authorized to subscribe $100,000 to the capital stock of said company, to aid in the completion of the enterprise. In November, 1855, the commis- sioners, in accordance with the authority thus given, proceeded to make the subscription. The road was never completed, nor indeed was much, if any, valuable work done on the line, but the aftairs of the company fell into incompetent hands, and the subscriptions were frittered away, leaving no results of value to those who had, in an evil hour, placed their means at the disposal of these managers. Henderson county, however, succeeded after some years in recover- ing back $21,000 of unexpended bonds, and thus saved this much from the wreck of this wretched, bankrupt concern. The county sub- sequently refunded the remaining portion of the indebtedness, and at this time has paid a greater part of the same, and will in the early fiiture be entirely free from this debt. The Cai'thage & Burlington Railroad Company was chartered in 1867 by the general assembly, and authorized to construct a road from Burlington, Iowa, to Carthage, Hancock county, Illinois, a distance of about twenty-six miles. In about ISTO the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company purchased this road, and added it to its already lengthening lines, and commenced operating it under the title of the Carthage & Burlington division of that road. The Rockford, Rock Island & St. Louis railroad was commenced by a company organized under the laws of this state in 1865, with intent to build a road from Rockford through the counties of Rock Island, Mercer, Henderson, and so on to St. Louis, touching Keiths- burg and Oquawka as river points. That part of the I'oad between Keithsburg via Oquawka to Sagetown was completed and put iu oper- ation in 1869, when the company changed its route, running south from Rock Island through the eastern portion of Mercer county to Monmouth, Warren county, and thence to St. Louis. Subsequently, 906 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Company purchased the entire line of road from the Rockford & St. Louis Company, and now operate the whole line. The short piece of road from Sagetown to Keithsburg was extended six miles farther north to New Boston, where it connects with the Galva branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy road. That part of the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw railroad within the limits of this county crosses the county line on leaving Hancock county, extending in a northwesterly direction, and foiTns a junc- tion with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy road at Iowa station, be- tween the towns of Lomax and Carman. Thus it will be seen that Henderson county has in operation about fifty miles of railroad, viz : the east and west main line of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, ex- tending from the Warren county line to the Mississippi river, seven- teen miles ; the Burlington & Carthage branch of the Chicago, Bur- lington & Quincy road, extending from Burlington to Dallas City in this county, fifteen miles ; the Galva branch of the last-named road, extending from the south line of Mercer county by way of Oquawka to Gladstone, where it forms a junction with the main line, fourteen miles ; the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw railroad from Iowa Junction to the south line of the county, a distance of four miles. There are other lines of projected railroads, the routes of which touch the territory of Henderson county, none of which, at the present time, give promise of an early completion. The Peoria, Farmington & Keithsburg road, running by way of Monmouth, touches the northeast- ern part of the county. This road is completed and running cars from Peoria to Farmingtom. Much grading has been done in Mercer county, from Keithsburg, eastward, and along the line much money has been expended, but work has ceased on the west portion of the line, and there seems at present no indication of an early completion of the road. Two other lines of railroad are projected, running thi'ough the county from east to west, pointing to the Burlington bridge, but whether these paper enterprises are merely speculative or not, there is no visible indications of active work upon them at the present time. These enterprises probably are only speculative.* SENATORIAL AND REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICTS. NAMES OF SENA- TORS AND REPRESENTATIVES. In 1844, for the first time, Henderson county appears in districting the states into senatorial and representative districts. At this appor- tionment of the general assembly, Warren, McDonough and Hender- son counties composed a senatorial district, and William McMillan, of * See page 62 for further information. SENATORIAL AND REPRESENTATIVE: DISTRICTS. 907 Henderson county, was elected senator. In the same year Henderson and Warren counties composed a representative district, and William D. Henderson was elected representative. In the general assembly of 1846-8, William McMillam still held the office of senator, and John Ourts, of Henderson county, was elected representative. The consti- tutional convention of 1848 made the counties of Hancock and Hen- derson a senatorial district, and Azro Patterson, of Henderson county, was elected senator. At the same time the counties of Warren, Mercer and Henderson became a representative district and entitled to two representatives, and Abner C. Harding, of Warren, and Gilbert Turn- bull, of Henderson, were elected rej^resentatives. In 1850 Jacob C. Davis, of Hancock county, was elected senator, and Thomas Willits, of Mercer county, and Azro Patterson, of Henderson county, were elected representatives. In 1852 J. C. Davis still held the office of senator, and Samuel Darnell, of Henderson county, and Eleazer A. Paine, of Warren county, were elected representfatives. In 1854 J. C. Davis still held the office of senator, and William C. Rice was elected repre- sentative. In 1856 Gen. Hiram Pose, of Henderson county, was elected senator, and A. V. T. Gilbert, of Warren county, represented the district composed of Warren and Henderson counties. In 1858 John P. Pichmond, of Schuyler county, was elected senator of the dis- trict to which Henderson county belonged, and William C. Pice, of Henderson county, was elected representative. In 1860 John P. Richmond still held the office of senator, and William C. Maley, of Warren|county, was elected representative. In 1862 Henry K. Pef- fer, of Warren county, and Thomas B. Cabeen, of Mercer county, were elected representatives from the Henderson representative district. In 1864 James Strain, of Warren county, was elected senator, and Jona- than Simpson, of Henderson county, was elected representative. In 1866 James Strain still held his seat in the senate, and Francis M. Bruner, of Warren county, was elected representative. In 1868 Isaac McManus, of Mercer countv, was elected senator from the Henderson senatorial district, and David M. Findley, of Henderson county, was elected representative. In 1870 Harvey S. Senter, of Mercer county, was elected senator from the same district, and William A. M. Crunch was elected representative. In 1870, by the adoption of the new con- stitution framed by the convention of that year, the state was divided into fifty-one senatorial districts, each electing one senator, and each senatorial district constituting a re])resentative district, entitled to three representatives to the lower house of the general assembly. The constitution also provided for the cumulative system of voting for members of the lower house. In the districting by the general 908 HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. assembly, in pursuance of this constitutional authority, the counties of Henderson and Hancock became one senatorial and representative district, entitled to one senator and three representatives. In 1872' Benjamin Warren, of Hancock county, was elected senator, and Da%'id Rankin and William Scott, of Henderson county, and Edward E. Lane, of Hancock county, were elected representatives. In 1874 Benjamin Warren still held the office of senator, and David Ran- kin and Paul D. Salter, of Henderson county, and Wellington Jenney, of Hancock county, were representatives in the lower house. In 1876 William Scott, of Henderson county, was chosen senator, and Charles F. Gill, George F. Walker, and John J. Reyburn, of Hancock county, were elected representatives. In 1878 William Scott held over as senator, and Thomas B. Brumbrack, John J, Reyburn and Brooks R. Hamilton were elected representatives. In 1880 John Fletcher, of Hancock county, was elected senator, and James Peterson, Robert A. McKinley and Henry M. Whiteman, of Henderson county, were chosen representatives. CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. The first constitutional convention that ever assembled in Illinois, was convened at Kaskaskia, in July, 1818. It remained in session until August 30, 1818. This convention was composed of thirty-three delegates, and adopted a constitution which the convention did not see fit to submit to a vote of the people. This constitution was ratified by congress December 3, 1818. In 1847 a second constitutional conven- tion convened in this state. It assembled on June 7, 1847, and ad- journed August 31, 1847. It was composed of 162 delegates. The convention adopted and submitted a constitution to a vote of the people, who ratified it on March 6, 1848. Abner C. HaMing, of Warren county, was the delegate chosen from the district composed of AYarren and Henderson counties. The next constitutional convention that convened in this state assembled at Springfield, January 7, 1862, and continued in session until March 24, 1862. It adopted a constitution and submitted it to the people for ratification or rejection, on the Tuesday after the third Monday in June, 1862. The people, by a decided major- ity, rejected the constitution thus submitted. The rejection of this consti- tution did not result so much from any real defects in the provisions of the constitution thus submitted, as from other causes combined. It will be seen by the date of the assembling of this convention, that it was during the second year of the war of the rebellion. Psission and prejudice held at that time high carnival. A war of gigantic propor- tions confronted the northern states. The federal government waa CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. 909 menaced as never before had it been menaced. Many saw in the dire calamity of war only ruin to our whole country. Vast armies were being raised and concentrated at different points, preparatary to being sent forward to meet the advancing foe. While the heart of the great mass of the people, without regard to party lines, beat true to the lawfully-authorized government and the old liag, there was a small number of malcontents to create alarm. They made up by their clamor in caucuses, conventions, and secret organiza- tions, what they lacked in numbers. No doubt the representations of their actings and doings in the North to some extent encouraged the rebels of the South. It was at such a time that this convention assem- bled. Some of the early acts of this body, although perhaps springing from honest and patriotic motives, caused alarm in the public mind, already aroused and inclined to suspect danger in every unusual move- ment, and especially in a body so potent for evil as was this convention. The majority of the members of the convention assumed that upon its organization it was no longer bound by any legislative enactments, but was sovereign in the exercise of supreme power of the state ; that it was virtually an assemblage of the people, with foil and necessary power for a peaceable revolution of the government of the state. The law authorizing the calling of the convention prescribed the oath for members to take : to support the constitution of the state. This a majority of the convention refused to do, holding it to be inconsistent to take an oath to support a constitution that they were about to do away with. It was claimed tliat the convention had the right to declare itself permanent and exercise all the power of the people of the state. The debates upon these subjects created in the minds of a large portion of the people distrust and alarm. The convention lost the confidence and moral support of the people, and a powerful o])position was organ- ized to wdiatever the convention might do. The final work of this body was much superior to what the people had been led by the debates to believe it would be; in fact, the constitution by them adopted, and submitted to the people for their ratification, was of high character as an organic law ; but such was the prejudice that had been engendered against the convention, and such was the party spirit which had been aroused, that tlie people refused to look at the merits of the instrument, and the constitution thus submitted was defeated by a large majority. In this connection a fact should be rec\i •'■:j:^-^;ivJ:;:l j^l^inJ^H ;::^^::-:;:in:'":^.ii ■H ^■■'i.:K^-. '■■v.,«i !::vk::;:ui:;::^i:!« ^H :!■-:• ii i',. :>; in m Mn ,:,''! il \^z^^-m n; ■.r-^^'^:''":i i -:':?:l BAii ■ 1 ' f ■ . ■ 1 ' ■ . ' '' \ ' ' ^ i '* ' ■ ■■' ' ' . • • . '. i ; t , / i r " ■ ' ■ f f -} 1 m