- - 
 
 ™
 
 ^
 
 This re-issue of the 1859 History of Randolph County, 
 Illinois, by E. J. Montague, is a contribution of the Ran- 
 dolph County Historical Society to the celebration of the 
 American Revolution Bicentennial, the 200th Birthday 
 anniversary of the United States of America — 1776-1976. 
 
 Randolph County, "Where Illinois Began," the West- 
 ern Frontier during the American Revolutionary War, is 
 rich in history. To have had five flags fly over her lands 
 — French, British, Commonwealth of Virginia, the United 
 States and finally the State of Illinois bespeaks of her 
 importance and her play in United States history. 
 
 In grateful acknowledgement to the 1968 Randolph 
 
 County Board of Commissioners and the members of the 
 
 Randolph County Historical Society, we give you this 
 
 pportunity to gather insight on that which was — and is — 
 
 Randolph County, Illinois. 
 
 First Edition — Book No.
 
 A. DIRECTORY, 
 
 BUSINESS MIRROR, 
 
 AND 
 
 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 OF 
 
 RANDOLPH COUNTY: 
 
 CONTAINING THE NAME, RESIDENCE, AND OCCUPATION OP EVERY CITI- 
 ZEN OF THE COUNTY ; WITH A CONDENSED SKETCH OF KASEASKIA 
 AND PRAIRIE DU ROCHER, COMMENCING WITH THEIR INDIAN 
 HISTORY: A SKETCH OF CHESTER, 8PARTA, RED BUD, LIB- 
 ERTY, 8TEELESVILLE, EDEN, EVANSVILLE, COULTEB- 
 VILLE, LAFAYETTE, PRESTON, FLORENCE, 8HILOB 
 HILL, RANDOLPH AND CAMPTOWN. ALSO, 
 
 A CONDENSED SKETCH OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 
 
 fROM THK TIME OF ITS ORGANIZATION: 
 
 WITH BRIEF NQTES OF THE PIONEER SETTLERS. 
 
 By E. J. MONTAGUE. 
 
 ALTON, ILL.: 
 
 COURIER STEAM BOOK AND JOB PRINTING HOUSE. 
 
 1859.
 
 A Reproduction by Unigraphic, Inc. 
 
 1401 North Fares Avenue 
 
 Evansville, Indiana 47711 
 
 Nineteen Hundred Seventy Four
 
 1114 
 
 NOTICE. 
 
 The matter which this work contains suggests its object, and 
 demonstrates its value and necessity. 
 
 No attempt has been made to write history — only an effort to 
 collect the materials and place them in preservation, to be used 
 by sonje one who shall write that history at some future day. 
 The pioneers, from whom the history must be gathered, *re last 
 passing away; and if the brief sketches here prepared will, pre- 
 serve their memory and the events iu which they figured, until 
 they shall be placed in some more enduring form, the object of 
 the writer will have been fully attained. 
 
 The difficulty which has been experienced in obtaining defi- 
 nite information respecting those early settlers, leads the writer 
 to believe that slight inaccuracies may have occurred, -and some 
 omissions made, but these were unavoidable. 
 
 The imperfect sources from which- the names, residences, and 
 occupation of the inhabitants of the county have been obliged 
 to be gathered, have rendered slight omissions probable. Such 
 imperfections necessarily occur in the preparation of such a work 
 for the first time.
 
 SKETCHES OF KASKASKIA. 
 
 For many years before Kaskaskia was! known to the 
 white man, it was an Indian village, around which the 
 crude natives hunted and fished, boiled their corn and 
 venison, smoked the calumet, and danced to the guttural 
 notes of discordant music. Without a reference, there- 
 fore, to the Indian tribe from which Kaskaskia has 
 taken its name, a sketch of the place, however complete 
 in other particulars, would yet be imperfect. 
 
 At the time when the first white adventurers ex- 
 tended their explorations into Illinois, a confederation 
 embracing five tribes — the Kaskaskias, the Cahokias, 
 the Tammarais (or Tamaroas,) the Peorias and the 
 Mitchigammics — were found inhabiting the Illinois 
 country, .and were called the "Illinois Confederacy." 
 
 The Kaskaskias occupied the country around the 
 village which bears their name, and claimed for their 
 hunting grounds the district which now embraces the 
 counties of Eandolph, Jackson, Perry, Washington, and 
 portions of St. Clair and Monroe. The Cahokias in- 
 habited the region around Cahokia — another Indian 
 village — whose history commences and runs along with 
 that of Kaskaskia — situated on the eastern bank of the 
 Mississippi river, in St. Clair county, a little below a 
 *]
 
 6 HISTORICAL 8KETCHES 
 
 point opposite the city of St. Louis. The Tammartis 
 have left no traces of their locality, except that the 
 Twelve Mile Prairie, in St. Clair county, was formerly 
 called "Prairie Tammarais," which gives foundation to 
 the opinion that that was the place of their residence. 
 It was an Indian tradition that this tribe was nearly 
 exterminated in a battle with the Shawnees, fought on 
 Six Mile Prairie, in Perry county. The bones of the 
 slain, and other evidences of the battle were to be seen 
 there not' many years ago. Sometime afterward, this 
 tribe lost its national identity and united with the Caho- 
 kias. The Peorias ranged along the Illinois river in the 
 region of the now flourishing city of Peoria, and left the 
 evidences of their battles with other tribes in that coun- 
 try, which are yet visible. The Mitchigammies were 
 first found along the shores of Lake Michigan. But 
 they removed in a few years afterwards, and settled 
 about Fort Chartres and Prairie du Eocher. Soon after- 
 ward they ceased to exist as a distinct tribe, and the 
 remnants blended with the Kaskaskias. 
 
 These tribes were once numerous and powerful in 
 war, ^ind successfully defended their claims to the coun- 
 try around the southern borders of Lake Michigan; but 
 a series of disastrous conflicts with the doubly savage 
 Pottowatomics — a powerful branch of the great Cbip- 
 peway nation, who claimed and exercised hunting and 
 fishing dominion over that vast extent of country which 
 now embraces the States of Wisconsin, Michigan, In- 
 diana and the northern portions of Illinois — so reduced 
 their numbers that they were forced southward in search 
 of relief from their cruel adversaries. But even here 
 they were not secure from their savage kinsmen. Pred- 
 atory bands of Kickapoos and Shawnees occasionally 
 -engaged them in war, and reduced them in numbers.
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 7 
 
 One by one these tribes ceased to exist, and united with 
 another, until finally, in the year 1830, the whole Con- 
 federacy was merged into the Kaskaskia tribe, and 
 known only as the "Kaskaskia Indians." 
 
 Thus banded together, and having only about one 
 hundred and fifty warriors, they were in a condition to 
 love peace rather than war, of which they had had more 
 than sufficient to satiate the ferocity of their savage 
 natures. They hailed the advent of the whites among 
 them with joy, and cultivated their friendship as a 
 source of protection against the attacks of their Indian 
 enemies. For this reason, they became the friends of 
 the whites, and often rendered valuable services in the 
 capacity of spies and guides. It was the boast of 
 Ducoagne, or Ducogne, their last chief, that his tribe 
 had never shed the blood of the white man. 
 
 They cultivated some corn in the American Bottom, 
 which, with the game they obtained by hunting, fur- 
 nished them a subsistence. They exchanged their furs 
 with the French traders for such articles of apparel as 
 their habits of life and tastes demanded. Leading a 
 listless, indolent life, with no higher aim or ambition 
 than obtaining sufficient food and raiment to supply the 
 wants of nature, they became lazy, drunken, degraded- 
 and debauched, and lost that noble spirit of dignity 
 and independence which pulses in the veins of the true 
 Indian. 
 
 In the year 1833, finding their hunting grounds occu- 
 pied by the industrious white man, and not fitted to enjoy 
 the privileges of encroaching civilization, they bade fare- 
 well to the land which had been the lifetime home of 
 themselves and their fathers, and joinel that stubborn 
 tide of emigration which has borne away towards the 
 Pacific Ocean all that wild race of men. who once held
 
 8 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 undisputed possession of the Continent. With tear- 
 ful eyes and bitter lamentations, they turned their backs 
 upon scenes familiar and dear, and sought new hunting 
 grounds towards the setting sun. The tribe is now 
 extinct, but a few of the descendants still live with 
 other tribes of the West. The common fate of the 
 Indian race is a source of saddening reflection; but the 
 contributions to Christianity, to science, to industrial en- 
 terprise, and the world's material wealth, and to the 
 political elevation of mankind, which have followed in 
 their retreating wake, sufficiently vindicate the usurpa- 
 tion. 
 
 DISCOVERY AND SETTLEMENT OE 
 KASItASKIA. 
 
 The precise time of the discovery and settlement of 
 Kaskaskia by the whites is not definitely fixed, but the 
 best known data determine it to have been in the year 
 1686. Exploring parties had been traversing the Miss- 
 issippi valley for some time before Kaskaskia was 
 marked for settlement. A brief reference, therefore, to 
 these successive expeditions becomes necessary in com- 
 pleting the chain of events which gave an origin to Kas- 
 kaskia. 
 
 The romantic adventures of James Marquette, the 
 Jesuit Missionary, and Chevalier Joliet, a merchant 
 of Quebec, are familiar to the readers of Western his- 
 tory. These two indefatigable and fearless men were the 
 pioneers of those explorations which opened the Wes- 
 tern wilderness to the ingress of a white population. 
 Their first expedition was commenced on the 10th day 
 of June, 1670. They started from Green Bay, accom-
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 9 
 
 panied by five others, and crossed the country on the 
 head-waters of the Fox river to the Wisconsin, which 
 Btream they descended to its mouth, and floated out 
 upon the broad bosom of the majestic Mississippi, on 
 the 17th of the same month. From the time the he- 
 roic adventurer, De Soto, and his brave followers 
 liscovered this great river, in 1542, its mighty current 
 had swept along unseen by the eye of civilized man, 
 until the day these two Frenchmen entered it at the 
 mouth of the Wisconsin river. They beheld its gran- 
 ieur and magnitude, Marquette remarks, "with a joy 
 [ cannot express." 
 
 Eesolving at once to descend and see where the fresh, 
 3lear waters of this noble river were lost in the ocean . 
 they lost no time in prosecuting their perilous journey. 
 A.s they passed along, they noticed the Piasau — a paint- 
 ad rock standing on the margin of the river, near the 
 present city of Alton; the confluence of the Missouri's 
 muddy current with the pure waters of the Mississippi; 
 the Grand Tower — a high, perpendicular rock standing 
 near the middle of the river, about thirty miles below 
 the present city of Chester; the mouth of the Ohio, 
 which they thought was the Wabash. Finally, readi- 
 ng an Indian village in Arkansas, where they found 
 the natives savage and ferocious, almost beyond control, 
 ind learning it was yet a long distance to the mouth of 
 the river, they determined to return, and accordingly, 
 on the 17th of July, one month from the day they first 
 3aw the river — they commenced their homeward jour- 
 uey. Instead of returning hy the Wisconsin river as 
 they had come, they ascended the Illinois and reached 
 Lake Michigan about the locality of Chicago, from 
 whence they went direct to Green Bay, at which place 
 they arrived in September.
 
 10 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 The pious and holy Marouex** went about his mis- 
 sionary labors with the Indians, and died suddenly noon 
 afterwards. Joliet went immediately to Quebec, and 
 spread an account of their discoveries before the peo- 
 ple, who become so electrified by the thrilling narrative 
 of their voyage that the spirit of adventure rose to 
 fever heat. The news soon reached France, and pro- 
 duced a similar excitement there. Impelled by the 
 feverish zeal which those reports created, came Robert 
 De La Salle, whoso enthusiastic composition was al- 
 most melting with the eagerness of advonturo. Upon 
 his arrival at Quebec, he conceived the project of estab- 
 lishing a line of posts from Canada, through the Illinois 
 country, and down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexi- 
 co. Securing the approbation and influence of Fron- 
 tinac, then the Governor-General of Canada, he re- 
 turned to France, and laid the plans of his enterprise 
 before Colvert, the King's minister. Meeting a fa- 
 vorable consideration from the King, he was created 
 a Chevalier, and received a commission to return and 
 rebuild Fort Frontinac. Upon the reconstruction of 
 the Fort he labored with indefatigable zeal until the 
 Autumn of 1C>77, when he sailed again to France. 
 
 Having fulfilled his mission to the satisfaction of the 
 King, he received an outfit for a voyage, and brought 
 with him thirty-four emigrants to the New "World, 
 among whom was Lieutenant M. Tonti, an Italian, who 
 became the devoted friend and faithful follower of La 
 Salle in all his expeditions and enterprises. During the 
 next five years he traveled the wilderness almost con- 
 stant!}', around the Lakes, and from St. Anthony's Falls 
 to the mouth of the Mississippi, encountering difficul- 
 ties, perils and privations almost beyond human endur- 
 ance. In the autumn of 16S3, he sailed a third time for
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 11 
 
 Fiance: The energetic industry he had displayed in 
 prosecuting his adventurous exploits, secured for him the 
 cordial approbation of the King, who placed under his 
 direction a fleet of four vessels, carrying two hundred 
 and eighty emigrants for settlement in the wild country 
 which he had been exploring. It was the intention of 
 La Salle to make the mouth of the Mississippi river; 
 but, dissensions of a most discordant and disastrous 
 character arising between *"m and M. De Beauoeu, 
 the marine commander, thle fleet drifted slowly and 
 sluggishly acrdss the ocean kind finally, after a voyage 
 of six month's duration, the^ reached Madagarda Bay, 
 in Texas, having drifted southward of the Mississippi. 
 After exploring the coast for a feUv months, the com- 
 mander left L/a Salle and 1/is party to search alone for 
 the "hidden river/' and returned with the fleet to 
 France. "With hope and Courage such as few men ever 
 possessed, did La Salle continue to search for the mouth 
 of the Mississippi, by which he wished to return to 
 Canada. TMsappointment" met him in every expedition ; 
 but his spirit was a stranger to despair, and he contin- 
 ued to traverse the marshy country along the Gulf 
 coast, until his f^ 1 lowers, less courageous than himself, 
 and dying from fatigue and fever; became dispirited 
 and sullenly refused to obey him. Mutiny arose, which 
 •alone would have disappointed the object of the search; 
 but fate had decreed a more tragic termination to the 
 Chevalier's exploits. He was way-laid and shot dead 
 by one of the chief conspirators. 
 
 During the two years which La Salle had been ab- 
 sent, his lieutenant, Tonti, who had been left in com- 
 mand of the Illinois country, was engaged in explora- 
 tions, and building forts. The long absence of La 
 Salle, from whom he could get no intelligence, was a
 
 12 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 source of melancholy speculation for Tonti. Finally, 
 hearing a rumor that La Salle was in the West Indies, 
 he organized an expedition," and descended the Missis- 
 sippi in search of him; hut, on reaching the mouth, he 
 was compelled to return without any tidings of his long 
 lost friend. In making this voyage he established sev- 
 eral trading posts, and the weight of authority estab- 
 lishes the opinion that Kaskaskia was one of them. 
 The presumption, therefore, is irresistable, that M. 
 Tonti was the first white man whose foot pressed the 
 soil on which Kaskaskia was afterward built. As it 
 became a permanent settlement, its existence may date 
 from that period — 1686. 
 
 Father Allous, a companion of La Salle, and a de- 
 voted christian missionary, came to Kaskaskia soon 
 after the visit of Tonti, and established a missionary 
 station. He was probably the first white man who 
 made a permanent residence in Kaskaskia. In a short 
 Lime afterwards the French traders made their advent 
 into the place, and then commenced the transition from 
 an Indian to a French village. This transition, how- 
 ever, was rather slow for several years, as the French 
 who came at that time were chiefly traders, whose avo- 
 cation required them to be transient rather than per- 
 manent inhabitants. Probably Kaskaskia could not be 
 considered anything more than a trading post and 
 mission station, before the year 1712. The mission be- 
 came a very flourishing one soon after it was estab- 
 lished by Father Allous. In 1690, Father Gravier 
 took charge of the station, and christened it "The 
 Village of the Immaculate Conception of the Holy 
 Virgin." A chapel was erected, probably on the east- 
 ern side of the Kaskaskia river, near the residence of 
 Mr. Menard, the remains of which are still to be seen.
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 13 
 
 T\he ruins of another Jesuit chapel, erected just in the- 
 rear of the present church edifice, are also visible, but 
 at what time it was built is now unknown. A Jesuit 
 register, commencing in 1695, has been preserved, and 
 is now among the church papers of the parish. At 
 what particular period the first permanent settlers came 
 to Kaskaskia, and who they were, is a matter more of 
 conjecture than certainty; no record of them having 
 been preserved. It is known, however, that previous 
 to the year 1720, a considerable emigration had arrived 
 from Canada and France, by the way of New Orleans, 
 and made permanent settlements. As to the names of 
 these pioneers there is also an uncertainty, but the 
 most authentic traditions which the writer has been 
 able to gather, coroborates the well established belief 
 among the present inhabitants of Kaskaskia, that the 
 following were among the principal ones of those early 
 settlers, viz : Bazyl La Chapelle, Michael Derouse, 
 (called St. Pierre,) Jean Baptiste St. Gjemme Beau- 
 vais, Baptiste Montreal, Boucher De Montbrun, 
 Charles Danje, Francois Charlesville, Antoine 
 Bienvenu, LoUis Buyat, Alexis Doza, Joseph Paget, 
 Prix Paqi, Michael Antoyen, Lanolois De Lisle, 
 La Derroutte, Noval, and some few others. 
 
 Bazyl La Chappelle was among the first from Can- 
 ada, and came to Kaskaskia in company with eleven 
 brothers, but he alone of the number remained perma- 
 nently. He left four sons — Antoine, Louis, La Chap- 
 elle and Baptiste, from whom descended the family 
 bearing that name; Louis La Chapelle, now living 
 about two miles south of the village, is the son of Bap- 
 tiste. 
 
 Michael Derouse came also from Canada, and was 
 the progenitor of the numerous family of that name
 
 14 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 now living in and around Kaskaskia. This is the most 
 numerous of any descendency of the original settlers. 
 He was the father of Michael, Joseph, Phillip, 
 Jerome, J)k Bardeau, who became prominent and in- 
 fluential men in the community. Pierre Deroise, now 
 living in the vicinity of Kaskaskia, at the age of GO 
 years, is a son of Joseph. 
 
 [It is proper to explain that the names by which many 
 of the French are known are those of the names of the 
 places from whence they came. For instance, "Beau- 
 VAis" was affixed to the name "St. Gemme" because 
 that family came from the city of Beauvais in France. 
 In many instances the real name has been lost, and that 
 of the town from which the person came substituted. 
 The Derou.se family came originally from St. Pierre, in 
 France, which accounts for that affix to their name. 
 The right name of the Montreal family, is now un- 
 known. The first of the name who came to Canada, 
 were called "Montrois," because they came from 
 Montrois, and after they came to Kaskaskia, they re- 
 ceived the name of Montreal, for the reason that they 
 came from Montreal, in Canada. The St. Gemme family 
 dropped the affix " Beauvais" after they came to Kas- 
 kaskia, and arc now known by the original name. 
 Some of the descendants residing in St. Genivieve, Mo.. 
 are now writing the name "St. James."] 
 
 Jean Baptiste St. Gemme was the first of that 
 family who located in Kaskaskia. He was a man of 
 some wealth and became a conspicuous constituent of 
 the place. He lived to a very old age, and died leav- 
 ing six sons ; Raphael, Antoine, Charles, Joseph, 
 Vitol, and Baptiste, and two daughters, one of 
 whom married De Ruisseau, and is the grandmother 
 of Mrs. J. H. Lucas, of St. Louis. Joseph, the third 
 son, died in early life, and was buried in Kaskaskia, by
 
 »P RANDOM*!! OoUNTY. 15 
 
 the side of Uw father and mother; Raphael became a 
 citizen of New Orleans, and died there; Charles died 
 somewhere in Louisiana; Antoine moved to Arkansas 
 where ho died, at an advanced age. Vitol and Bap- 
 tiste were among the first French settlers of St. Gen- 
 evieve, Mo., and died in that place, leaving large fami- 
 lies, some of whom are yet living; Mrs. Jarrot, of St- 
 Louis, now eighty years old, is the daughter of Vitol 
 St. Gemme. Baptiste had fourteen children, three of 
 whom are yet living, viz: Augustus St. Gemme, aged 
 68 years; Eleanor, aged GO; and Julia, aged 76. 
 
 Raphael St. Gemme first located at Fort Du Quesne, 
 and took part in the defense of the Fort, an interesting 
 account of which will he found in Sparks'. He also 
 aided in the celehrated defeat of Gen. BRADDOCKon the 
 9th of Jul}-, 1755. He afterwards came to Kaskaskia 
 and located permanently. His family consisted of one 
 son, Alexis, and five daughters. Alexis St. Gemme 
 was the grandfather of Mrs. Maxwell, now residing 
 in Kaskaskia. 
 
 Baptiste Montreal came from Canada, and was 
 noted for his industry and quiet deportment. From 
 him sprang the numerous family hearing his name. 
 One of his grandsons died a few months ago, aged 
 seventy-seven years. 
 
 Boucher de Montbrun was a man of sprighuy ac- 
 tivity, and became very prominent in Kaskaskia. He 
 married a Miss Langlois, a lady of much beauty and 
 respectability. Some of his descendants are now to be 
 found in that country. 
 
 Charles Dante devoted his life to the quiet pursuit 
 of farming. The oldest land grant on record that we 
 have been able to discover, was made to Charles 
 Danie, on the 10th day of May, 1722. His descendants
 
 16 HISTORICAL 8KETCHE8 
 
 ■became very numerous at one time, but now only a few 
 of them remain. 
 
 Francois Charlesville came among the first from 
 Oanada, and engaged in trading down the river to Now 
 Orleans. He was a man of remarkable shrewdness and 
 •energy, and amassed considerable wealth. Charles- 
 ville left four sons — Francois, Baptiste, Charles, 
 and Louis. Andrew Charlesville, now living in the 
 Point, about 70 j-ears old, is the son of Francois, and 
 grandson of the first Francois. 
 
 Antoine Bienvenu came from New Orleans, and 
 brought with him considerable wealth. He lived for 
 the sole object of enjoying life, and probably no man 
 • ever received a larger share of life's ephemeral joys. 
 He left three sons, Antoine, Henry, and Michael, all 
 of whom lived and died in Kaskaskia. Some of their 
 children are yet living about the village. 
 
 Louis Buyat came direct from France to Kaskaskia. 
 He belonged to a family of some rank, and on his arri- 
 val in Kaskaskia, he took a leading position among the 
 people. The bell which hangs by the church, whoso 
 mellow tones were the first ever heard in the Missis- 
 sippi Valley, and which has announced the hour of 
 worship for more than a hundred years, was sent as a 
 present to Mr. Buyat to be given by him to the infant 
 church of America. His name is intimately connected 
 with the church and the town. From him sprang a 
 numerous descendency, Louis Buyat, the first son 
 of the pioneer, was the father of Louis, Michael, 
 Nicholas, Henry, and Joseph, who became prominent 
 men among the people. Joseph the youngest son is 
 atill living, and is now one of the oldest men to be 
 found about Kaskaskia. Tho family is less numerous 
 now than formerly.
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 17 
 
 Alexis Doza was from Canada, and possessed a re- 
 markable energy and courage. His son, named also 
 Alexis, became one of the most distinguished charac- 
 ters of Kaskaskia. He was fearless of danger, adven- 
 turous, energetic, and possessed a degree of hardihood 
 and endurance which rarely falls to the lot of man. It 
 is related of him that he would start from Kaskaskia at 
 any hour, whether night or day, and make the trip to 
 Vincennes, on foot and alone, in three days. He became 
 a carrier of dispatches between the two posts, and 
 would travel across the country when it was extremely 
 dangerous for any white man to be found outside the vil- 
 lages. Some of his descendants are yet living about 
 Kaskaskia. 
 
 Joseph Paget was probably the father of Prix 
 Pagi, (although there is a difference in the orthography 
 of the names). Prix Pagi erected a mill on the site 
 where Mr. Daniel Reily's mill stands. He was mur- 
 dered in the mill by the Indians. 
 
 Of Michael Autyen, De Lisle, La Deroutte, and 
 Noval, we have been unable to learn anything beyond 
 the fact, that they were among the earliest pioneers, 
 and occupied conspicuous positions in the village. 
 
 Mr. Langlois located and lived in Kaskaskia, until 
 the year 1736, when he joined the expedition under 
 D'Artaguette (then Governor of Illinois,) and Vin- 
 cennes, against the Chickasaw Indians, and with them 
 was taken prisoner and burned at the stake. Some 
 of his descendants are now living about Prairie Du 
 Rocher. 
 
 Though these pioneers in the western world were 
 
 surrounded by a wilderness, inhabited only by Indians 
 
 and wild beasts, with no communication with civilized 
 
 man, except through tedious voyages of the traders 
 
 *2
 
 18 HI8T0RICAL 8KKTCHE8 
 
 to New Orleans, and the occasional visits to and from the 
 villages of Cahokia and Vincennes, yet no people prob- 
 ably ever enjoyed life better than they did. They were 
 frank, open-hearted, brotherly, unambitious, careless 
 of the acquisition of property, contented and joy- 
 ous. Bringing with them the gayeties and vivacity 
 of Paris life, they indulged in every variety of social 
 amusement, and enjoyed more of life's pleasures than is 
 usually allotted to pioneers. Destitute of a pretext for 
 that strife, contention and bickering which a desire for 
 wealth never fails to create, they lived in peaceful har- 
 mony, and culled from each passing hour the larger 
 share of its moments for enjoyment. Their wealth, 
 their time and labor, were matters of indifference. — 
 "With a supei-abundance of wheat and corn, which they 
 reaped from the soil with but little cultivation, and 
 being supplied by the Indians with plenty of venison 
 and bear meat, they realized no cares or anxiety, and 
 were contented and happy. If the unalloyed happi- 
 ness of temporal life has ever been enjoj-ed, it was cer- 
 tainly approached by those early pioneers of Kaskaskia. 
 The}' introduced the French system of agricul- 
 ture, and each family had a parcel of land in the 
 ■''Common Field." A strict community system was 
 observed, and if the head of a family was sick or nec- 
 essarily absent, his crop was attended to by his neigh- 
 bors. Ordinances were made regulating the repairs of 
 fences, time of gathering crops, and opening the field 
 for the range of stock, in the fall. Each plat of land in 
 the Common Field was distinctly marked out and 
 owned in fee simple by the person to whom granted. 
 It was a universal custom among the villagers, when 
 the husband returned in the evening, weary from his 
 ■daily toils, for his affectionate wife and children to meet
 
 Or B4KD0LPH COUNTY 19 
 
 him with a kiss. This domestic interview was at the 
 gate of the door-yard, in full view of the village. It 
 was an evidence of the happiness that reigned within. 
 
 THE CHURCH. 
 
 At what time the first parish priest appeared 
 among the people of Kaskaskia, is now unknown ; nei- 
 ther oan it be ascertained when the first parish church 
 was built. It is certain, however, that the parish 
 congregation occupied the Jesuit chapel until about the 
 year 1721, when the old building which stood for half 
 a century was erected. This was the first permanent 
 church built west of the Alleghany Mountains, upon 
 this continent. The bell which now hangs by the 
 spacious brick church in Kaskaskia, was brought from 
 France and placed upon this old building, and was the 
 first bell to ring out the tidings of christian worship in 
 the Mississippi valley. Its measured strokes have 
 tolled at the buriaj of three generations, and still the 
 towering forest trees and hill sides in the vicinity echo 
 its musical pealing. The church record, now among 
 the archives of the church, reaehos back only to the 
 year 1721 — the previous record, if* there was an}' kept, 
 having been lost. At that time Father Gibault was 
 ithe officiating priest. He resided at Prairie du Rochcr, 
 and was priest of that parish. He performed the duties 
 pertaining to his holy office, for both these parishes, for 
 many years, and died deeply lamented by the people, 
 for whose spiritual good he had lived and labored. He 
 lived a truly ohristain life, and so deported himself 
 as to show that he was at peace with his God, and his
 
 20 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 follow men. Ho was always cheerful, and carried with! 
 him a smile and pleasant word for every one he met. 
 The church to which reference has been made, stood 
 until about the year 1780, when another was erected 
 neai the same spot, which gave place to the present 
 large brick edifice about twenty years ago. It is one 
 of the largest churches in Illinois. Father Perren is 
 now the officiating priest, and though he has attained 
 the age of sixty, he is able to read the ancient church 
 record, which is imperfect French manuscript, without 
 the aid of glasses. 
 
 GOVERNMENT. 
 
 In the year 1708, the French Government sent out 
 D'Artaouette as commissary of Louisiana, with in- 
 structions to put in operation a system of government. 
 
 He made some progress towards the object of his 
 mission, but owing to the remote distances of the set- 
 tlements from each other, he could do but little. In 
 1712, the French Government, believing the object could 
 be best attained through private enterprise, conferred 
 upon a wealthy merchant of Paris, named Crozat, the 
 monopoly of Louisiana for fifteen years, expecting that 
 his commercial operations would be an inducement to 
 a speedy colonization of the country. The nucleus of 
 his operations was in Louisiana, but his trading posts 
 extended throughout the Mississippi valley. A post 
 established at Kaskaskia, was the means of creating a 
 lively trade in deer, buffalo, and bear meat, which were 
 purchased for transportation to New Orleans and Mo- 
 bile. This also stimulated the erection of Mills for the 
 manufacture of flour, to be shipped to the same market]
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 21 
 
 Traces of these mills may be seen to this day; along the 
 bluffs which skirt the cultivated lands, and the remains 
 of a wind-mill were visible a few years ago, in the prairie 
 between Kaskaskia and Prairie du Eocher. The re- 
 mains of a mill (ire j^et to be seen on the eastern side 
 >f the river, near the residence of Mr. Menard. It was 
 probably at this time that a mill was eredtwbtrpon the 
 same site where Mr. Riley's mill now stands. 
 
 Crozat was succeeded, in 1717, by the "Company of 
 the West," organized in Paris, to cooperate with a crazy 
 Scotchman, John Law, in a wild banking and stock- 
 jobbing scheme, and invested in fee simple to the public 
 lands. From this source the villages and individuals 
 obtained grants and titles to such quantities of the 
 public domain as they wanted. This company was 
 uerged into the " Royal Companj r of frhe Indies," in 
 1719, and thereafter transacted business under that 
 name. M. Boisbriant, the representative of the crown. 
 *nd commissary of the Company, and De Ursins, were 
 stationed at Fort Chartres for the purpose of conveying 
 lands to the settlers. A series of articles were enacted 
 in 1721, by a council deputed by the King of France, 
 Foi the government of the Royal Company. Under 
 these regulations the company prospered, and agricul- 
 ture, commerce and population increased rapidly. — 
 H ere a little pebble of civilization had been dropped 
 into the centre of the wild ocean of savage life, and the 
 circling ripple was well started, and beginning to widen 
 out 
 
 Through the agency of this Company, horses, cattle, 
 bogs and chickens were introduced. Cattle were 
 brought from Canada, and were almost universally 
 black. Horses were brought from the Spanish posses- 
 sions in the south. They were of the Arabian stock,
 
 82 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 having boon introduced into Spain by the Moors, and 
 brought to America by the Spaniards. The celebrated 
 French, or "Point Ponies," have descended from this 
 stock. The "Company of St. Phillips" — a branch of 
 the Royal Company, was organized in 1719, in Paris, 
 and Philip Francois Renault was appointed the 
 principal agent. He expected to engage in mining, 
 and brought with him about two hundred miners, me- 
 chanics and laborers. He stopped in the "West Indies 
 and bought five hundred negro slaves, and arrived in 
 Illinois with ample means for prosecuting the business 
 of the Company. This was the origin of the "French 
 slaves" in Illinois, whose numerous descendants can now 
 be found in Kaskaskia, St. Genivievo, St. Louis and 
 many other places. 
 
 The charter of the Royal Company was surrendered 
 in 1732, and the country reverted back again to the Gov. 
 crnment of France. M. D'Artaguette was appointed 
 Governor of Illinois. Under his administration the 
 French settlements enjoyed their palmiost days. He 
 became a very popular man, and was known from 
 Louisiana to Canada. He gave his personal attention 
 and energies to every enterprise whose object was to 
 benefit the poople of his province. 
 
 In 1736, when the French Government decided upon 
 an expedition against the Chickasaw Indians, he col- 
 lected all the military force he could muster in the 
 Illinois and Wabash country, which consisted of a few 
 regulars who had been stationed at Fort Chartros, a 
 few companies of volunteer militia, and about one. 
 thousand redskins, whom he had induced to join his 
 army by his own personal influence among them. He 
 descended the Mississippi to the lower Chickasaw Bluffs, 
 and thon crossed the country to the sources of the TaU
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY- 23 
 
 lahatchie river, where, by appointment, he was to meet 
 Bienville, with the troops from Louisiana. Bien- 
 ville failed to come at the appointed time, and not 
 being able to restrain the undisciplined Indians, D'Ar- 
 taguette was forced to attack the enemy against his 
 own judgment. His little army was forced to retreat, 
 and he and the gallant Vincennes, and some others 
 were taken prisoners and were burned at the stake. 
 Never did Indian fires crackle the sinews of braver and 
 nobler men. La Buissonierre was appointed the suc- 
 cessor of D'Artaguette, and administered the govern- 
 ment until the year 1751. During this period the 
 whole country enjoyed a profound peace. Happiness 
 and prosperity smiled upon the settlements. The Indians 
 throughout the whole length and breadth of the valley 
 were at peace, and the commercial intercourse between* 
 the Southern and Northern posts, which had been inter- 
 rupted by the Chickasaws, was again resumed. Cheva- 
 lier McCarty succeeded to the Governorship in 1751, 
 and continued to hold the position until a short time 
 before the country passed into the possession of the 
 English, in 1763. M. St. Ange de Belle Rive was the 
 last of the French Governors for the Illinois country. 
 On the arrival of Capt. Stirling, of the Royal High- 
 landers, in 1765, Governor Rive retired to St. Louis. 
 Capt. Stirling died at Fort Chartres a short time after 
 his arrival, and was succeeded first by Major Frazier, 
 and soon after by Col. Reed, who become notorious for 
 his military oppressions. His career, however, was 
 short, as he was succeeded in 1768 by Col. Wilkinb, 
 who, by the authority of Gen. Gage, then Commander 
 of the British army in America, established a court of 
 justice. He appointed seven judges who held court at 
 Fort Chartres, commencing on the 6th of December,
 
 24 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 176b. This was the first court of common law juris- 
 diction ever held in the Mississippi valley. In 1772, 
 the seat of government was moved from Fort Chartres 
 to Fort Gage. The British garrison which had heen 
 stationed at Fort Chartres, under the command of the 
 Governor, removed and occupied the Fort. This Fort 
 became the seat of Government, and was occupied for 
 that purpose as long as the English retained possession 
 of the country. M. Kocheblave, a Frenchman, was 
 commandant at the time the Fort was surrendered to 
 Col. Clark, 1778. 
 
 CJL/VRJOJ EXPEDITION. 
 
 The people of Kaskaskia and the West took but little 
 part in tho American Eevolution, during the first years 
 of its existence. Remotely situated from the theatre 
 of war, and menaced by no invading army, they quietly 
 pursued their ordinary avocations, giving themselves 
 but little concern about affairs on the Atlantic coast. 
 Indeed, they knew but little of what was going on, for 
 the means of obtaining news was scarcely sufficient to 
 give them a correct idea of the cause of the war. A 
 small garrison of British soldiers occupied Fort Gage, 
 and passed the time in listless inactivity. 
 
 In„4778, Col. Georoe Rogers Clark, acting under 
 instructions of Patrick Henry, then Governor of Vir- 
 ginia, collected four companies of volunteers in the 
 neighborhood of the "Ohio Falls" and "Corn Island," 
 and set out on an expedition to take Kaskaskia. This 
 little army, numbering one hundred and fifty-three 
 men. descended the Ohio river to Fort Massacre, below
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 25> 
 
 the mouth of the Tennessee, where they landed and 
 commenced their march across the wilderness. 
 
 On the banks of the Ohio they found a party of hunt- 
 ers from Kaskaskia, from whom they obtained impor- 
 tant information about the state of affairs there. Clark 
 secured John Saunders, one of the hunting party, to 
 conduct the army across the country. The distance 
 was one hundred and twenty miles. Beaching the 
 vicinity of the Fort on the eastern side of the river, 
 Clark concealed his men until nightfall, and sent out 
 spies to reconnoitre and report. After dark he took pos- 
 session of the old ferry house, three-quarters of a mile 
 above the village. Here he divided his army into three 
 parties; two were to cross the river and attack the town 
 upon two points, while the third was to capture the 
 Fort. The British had instilled into the minds of the 
 French that the "Long-Knives" — as they called the 
 Virginians — were the most terrible monsters in the 
 world. Clark used this impression to a good purpose 
 in this attack. He directed that the divisions crossing 
 the river should enter the town from two opposite 
 extremes, and as they came in they should frighten the 
 quietly slumbering people into a surrender. These 
 divisions were under the command of the intrepid Cap- 
 tain Helm, and when they entered the town, and were 
 well distributed through it, they set up such a terrific 
 yelling and shouting as frightened the unsuspecting 
 people into the thought that the whole savage race of 
 "Long-Knives" had broken loose upon them. Never 
 did such a hideous, terrifying noise proceed from 
 human beings as those Virginians kept up until the 
 dawn of day. The terrified people were told if they 
 remained in their houses they would not be hurt, but 
 if they came out, or made any resistance, they would 
 3
 
 2i\ HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 be killed in the most barbarous manner. They sur- 
 rendered their guns and every means of defense, and 
 seemed willing to accede to any demand which the 
 invaders should make. Never were people more effect- 
 ually frightened. They believed that they were sur- 
 rounded by a number of these monsters sufficient to 
 exterminate the whole village in half an hour. 
 
 When morning came, the people were not less terri- 
 fied at the appearance of the "Long-Knives," than they 
 had been at their furious noise. 
 
 While the tumultuous uproar of taking Kaskaskia 
 was going on, Clark, at the head of the third division 
 of his little army, was quietly possessing himself of 
 Fort Gage. The Fort was well guarded with regular 
 soldiers, and cannon. Clark had no cannon or any 
 means whatever, of assaulting the Fort. It became 
 necessary, therefore, to resort to stratagem. By ac- 
 cident, an American in the Fort, whose sympathies 
 were with the American cause, met Capt. Kenton, who 
 was leading the detachment to enter the Fort. This 
 American conducted Kenton and his men in by a back 
 gate. The} 7 found a light burning, but all within were 
 sleeping soundly. Governor Rocheblave had no in- 
 timation of what was going on until awakened by Capt. 
 Kenton to be informed that he was a prisoner. 
 
 The annals of romance furnish nothing more singular 
 than this achievement. The origin of the expedition, 
 the journey — with its perils and hardships, the manner 
 of the attack, and the kucccss, possessed the air of 
 fiction. 
 
 With the Fort in his possession, which commanded 
 Kaskaekia. Clark had the means of enforcing any 
 mandate he might issue. The people were in his power, 
 and regarded him with mistrustful awe. The day after
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 27 
 
 the conquest, Clark organized a temporary military 
 government, and put some suspected persons in prison. 
 Governor Rocheblave was refractory, and Clark £ut 
 him in irons and sent him in charge of Capt. M^»ffr- 
 gomery to Williamsburg, then the capital of Virginia. 
 The people, fearfully excited, and seeing these pro- 
 ceedings, concluded that some terrible doom awaited 
 them. Clark designedly remained silent, and appeared 
 to be meditating some mode of awful torture to inflict 
 \ipon the people. On the third day, M. Gibault, the 
 priest, and some others, came to Clark and asked that 
 they might have permission to assemble in the church 
 once more before they were destroyed, and bid each 
 other a last farewell. 
 
 Clark replied, in a very careless manner, that he 
 cared but little how they took their final separation — 
 that they could go to the church if they wished. Ho 
 looked destruction, and his words, which were few, 
 scorched as if they proceeded from out a fiery furnace. 
 The whole population assembled in the church, 
 mournfully chanted their prayers, and took final leave 
 — never expecting to meet each other again in this 
 world. After their parting interview was over — which 
 must have been a scene to melt the savage hearts of the 
 imaginary " Long-Knives" — Clark, regarding the ob- 
 ject of his artful maneuver fully accomplished, called 
 them together, and thus addressed them : 
 
 " Who do you take us to be ? Do you think we are 
 savages — that we intend to massacre you ? Do you 
 think Americans will strip women and children, and 
 take the bread out of their mouths? My countrymen 
 never make war upon the innocent. It was to protect 
 our own wives and children that we have penetrated 
 this wilderness to subdue those British posts, from
 
 28 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 whence the savages are supplied with arms and ammu- 
 nition to murder us. -We do. not war against French- 
 men. The King of France, your former master, is our 
 ally. His ships and soldiers are fighting for the Amer- 
 icans. The French are our friends. Go and enjoy your 
 religion, and worship where you please. Eetain your 
 property — and now please to inform all your citizens 
 for me that they are quite at liberty to conduct them- 
 selves as usual, and dismiss all apprehensions of alarm. 
 We are your friends, and came to deliver you from the 
 British." 
 
 This speech relieved the pressure of anxiety which 
 had weighed so heavily upon them, and a revulsion of 
 the most uproarious joy prevailed throughout the town. 
 To the people it seemed a deliverance from horrible 
 tortures and death. They cheerfully and gladly ac- 
 knowledged CLARK'the Commandant of the country. 
 
 In the winter following, Col. Clark received infor- 
 mation that Gov. Hamilton, commanding the British 
 forces at Yincennes, had determined to re-capture Kas- 
 kaskia. At first Clark decided to defend, and com 
 menced preparing Fort Gage for the siege, but upon 
 mature reflection he resolved to invade Vincennes and 
 take Hamilton, lest Hamilton should invade Kaskas- 
 kia and take him. He reinforced the remnant of his 
 army still remaining, by a volunteer company of 
 Frenchmen from Kaskaskia, under Capt Charles- 
 ville, and another from Cahokia, commanded by Capt. 
 McCarty, and on the 7th of February, 1779, this heroic 
 band, with the brave and sagacious Clark at its head, 
 commenced the perilous march on the "Old Vincennes 
 trace" to Fort Sackville. A boat had been dispatched 
 around by the Ohio river, carrying two four-pound can- 
 aon, four swivels, and a quantity of provisions. Capt.
 
 OT RANDOLPH COUNTY. 2» 
 
 John Rogers, with forty-six men, was entrusted with 
 this boat, and instructed to meet the army near Vin- 
 cennes. When Clark approached the village, he sent 
 a note to the inhabitants informing them of his arrival, 
 and the object of his coming. To make the people 
 think that he had a formidable army, he sent in the 
 names of various gentlemen in Kentucky, to their ac- 
 quaintances in Vincennes, which made them believe 
 that nearly all Kentucky was in the field. He prac- 
 ticed this delusion upon the troops in the garrison, as 
 well as upon the people of the town, by marching his 
 army several times around a mound in the prairie, 
 changing the colors of the flag every time he came 
 around on the side of the mound next the Fort. These 
 several divisions of a fine Kentucky army, carefully 
 watched and counted by the soldiers in the Fort, had a 
 dampening effect upon red-coat bravery. The assault 
 on the Fort was made on the evening of the 23d. On 
 the morning of the 24th, Clark, moved apparently by 
 an amiable desire to prevent further bloodshed, sent in 
 a note ordering Gov. Hamilton to surrender the gar- 
 rison immediately. 
 
 The Governor refused to comply with this peremp- 
 tory order, and Clark renewed the attack with all the 
 force and fury he could summon. An incessant fire of 
 eighteen hours brought forth a note from Hamilton, 
 requesting a truce for three days, and an interview with 
 Col. Clark. To this note Clark briefly replied, posi- 
 tively refusing to grant the truce, but very carelessly 
 remarked that if Hamilton wished to talk with him, 
 he could be found at the church. Hamilton sought 
 the interview, which gave Clark to understand that 
 the Governor was becoming concerned about his situa- 
 tion. Clark was powerfully courageous. He would 
 *3
 
 30 HISTORICAL BRITCHES. 
 
 listen to nothing but an immediate surrender of the 
 garrison at discretion. Hamilton yielded, and on the 
 25th, the Fort, with all its stores, amounting in value 
 to more than fifty thousand dollars, was surrendered. 
 Seventy-nine prisoners were paroled, and went to De- 
 troit. Governor Hamilton was sent under a strong 
 escort to the capital of Virginia. 
 
 This reference to the taking of Vincennes diverges 
 somewhat beyond the limits of these sketches, but it 
 appeared necessary as a connecting link in the chain of 
 events of which Kaskaskia was the prolific source, and 
 to show more fully the operations and character of 
 Col. Clark, than whom no man was better fitted for 
 the conquest of Illinois. High upon the scroll of fame 
 should be registered, in enduring characters, the name 
 of George Eogers Clark. Upon the summit of Gar- 
 rison Hill, amidst the remaining ruins of Fort Gage, 
 Illinois should do honor to a gallant soldier and pure 
 patriot, by the erection of a monument to his memory. 
 
 ILLINOW BELONGED TO VIRGINIA. 
 
 Col. Clark bad now effectually conquered the Illi- 
 nois country, and driven the British from it. Illinois 
 then embraced the territory out of which have been 
 formed the States of Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Wiscon- 
 sin, and Illinois. This territory was claimed by Vir- 
 ginia, and, as a matter of course, it fell under her juris- 
 diction. In October, 1778, the House of Burgesses 
 created "Illinois County" — which included the whole 
 district on the " Western side of the Ohio river." Col. 
 John Todd, of Kentucky, was appointed by Patrick 
 Henry, the Governor of Virginia, Lieutenant Gov-
 
 Or RANDOLPH COUNTT. 31 
 
 ernor, or County Lieutenant, and Civil Commandant of 
 "Illinois County." He arrived at Kaskaskia on the 
 15th of June, 1779, and proceeded immediately to put 
 in operation a civil government, by establishing courts 
 and appointing officers. He administered the executive 
 trust of Illinois County until the year 1782. In that 
 year he went to Virginia, on business pertaining to the 
 county. On his return through Kentucky, finding 
 his old companions, Colonels Daniel Boone, Logan, 
 Cooper, Major McGary, and others, by whose side he 
 had stood in many a skirmish with Indians — going to 
 fight their troublesome enemies again, he could not resist 
 the temptation of joining them. But the romance of an 
 Indian war became a sad reality with him. He was 
 killed in the celebrated battle of Blue Licks. 
 
 The successor of Col. Todd was Timothy de Mont- 
 brun, a Frenchman. His name is attached to deeds of 
 conveyance and other public papers, now among the 
 archives of Eandolph Count}'. 
 
 THE NORTH-AVEST TERRITORY. 
 
 Virginia ceded the North-West Territory to the Con- 
 tinental Congress in 1784, but the bill organizing the 
 Territory did not pass until 1787. General Arthur 
 St. Clair, of Pennsylvania, who had borne a conspic- 
 uous part in the revolution, and filled many civil offices, 
 was appointed Governor of the newly organized Ter- 
 ritory. "Winthrop Sargeant was appointed Secre- 
 tary, and Parsons, Barnum, and Symmes, United States 
 Judges. 
 
 Though these Territorial officers were appointed in 
 1787, they did not reach Kaskaskia until the year 1790.
 
 32 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 Upon the arrival of the Governor and Secretary, the 
 county of St. Clair was organized — the boundary line 
 commencing at the mouth of Mackinaw creek, on the 
 Illinois river, and running in a direct course to the Ohio; 
 thence down that river to its mouth, and up the Mis- 
 sissippi and Illinois rivers to the place of beginning. 
 A Court of Common Pleas was established, and John 
 Edgar, of Kaskaskia, John Baptiste Barbeau, of 
 Prairie Du Rocher, and John de Moulin, of Cahokia, 
 were appointed Judges, each of whom held courts in the 
 district of his residence — the county being divided into 
 three judicial districts. William St. Clair was ap- 
 pointed Clerk, and Eecorder of Deeds, and William 
 Biggs, Sheriff. Thus the machinery of government was 
 set in motion, and continued without interruption until 
 1795, when Randolph County was stricken off from St. 
 Clair, and organized. As a sketch of the county will 
 be given, further reference to it will be omitted here. 
 To preserve the chronological order designed in these 
 sketches, it becomes necessary here to refer to the first 
 English settlers in Kaskaskia. 
 
 ENGLISH SETTLERS IN KASKASKIA. 
 
 At this period Kaskaskia was the most important 
 place west of the Alleghany Mountains, and was the 
 point to which all emigrants to the wilderness Territory 
 directed their course. After reaching Kaskaskia, they 
 would explore the adjacent country and select loca- 
 tions. Some of these, to whom we shall refer, remained 
 in Kaskaskia only a short time. 
 
 Some of the soldiers under Col. Clark remained in 
 the country, or returned to the States and brought
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 33 
 
 their families and other emigrants to the newly con- 
 quered Territory. Among these pioneers were John 
 Dayle, James Piggat, Eobebt "Whitehead, Bowen, 
 Wm. Biggs, James Moore, Shadrack Bond, Robert 
 Kidd, Luke Rutherford, and James Garrison. This 
 band of brave pioneers who opened the way for that 
 influx of emigration which has peopled the West, reached 
 Kaskaskia in the year 1781. Dayle, Piggat, Bowen, 
 Biggs, Kidd, Rutherford, and Whitehead, were sol- 
 diers, accustomed to the privations of pioneer life and 
 travel. They had pursuaded the others to come with 
 them to the wilderness country, and make their home 
 upon the rich soil and amidst the deepened forest of 
 Illinois. 
 
 Dayle located permanently in Kaskaskia, and being 
 a man of some education, he taught school — whether 
 English or French is now a matter of conjecture. He 
 understood both languages. Nearly all of the others 
 were farmers, and settled in the bottom above Kas- 
 kaskia. This was the first settlement of the Americans 
 in the country, and from the fact of their settling 
 here, the name "American Bottom" has been applied 
 to that large extent of alluvial land along the Mis- 
 sissippi,., reaching from Alton to Chester — a distance 
 of about one hundred miles. 
 
 About the same time, a Mr. Huff, with his family, 
 and a few others, left Pennsylvania, and started for 
 Illinois. Huff had married the widow Mooredock, 
 who had three sons along with the party. While as- 
 cending the Mississippi, near the Grand Tower, the 
 party were attacked by Indians, and Mrs. Huff, one of 
 her sons, and some others of the party, were killed. 
 Mrs. Huff was butchered in a shocking manner. The 
 remnant of the party reached Kaskaskia, and settled in
 
 34 HISTORICAL 8KKTCWV 
 
 the American Bottom. A few yeai-s afterwards, Mr. 
 Huff was killed by the Indians, on the road between 
 Kaskaskia and Prairie du Bocher. John Mooredock, 
 (the stepson of Huff,) whose name figures conspicu- 
 ously in the earl}- events of Illinois, harbored a spirit 
 of unrelenting revenge against the Indians for injuries 
 he had received in the horrible death .of his mother — 
 the death of two stepfathers, and the death of a 
 brother. The destruction to Indian life was his ruling 
 passion, and he sought it at all times, whether in peace 
 or war. He was the most deadly foe that ever ap- 
 peared against the Indians of Illinois. He was fore- 
 most in every Indian campaign. His name was a ter- 
 ror to his savage enemies. But notwithstanding the 
 destructive vengeance that burned in his bosom for 
 savage blood in retaliation of injuries received, in the civil 
 walks of life he was kind, benevolent, sociable and gay, 
 and yielded willingly to the fascinations of agreeable 
 society. He married a Miss Garrison — stepdaughter 
 to Shadrack Bond, Sen. He was elected a member 
 from St. Clair county to the Territorial Legislature, 
 which convened at Vincennes in 1803, and served 
 again in the Legislature at Kaskaskia, in 1814. He 
 held the rank of Major in the militia, and was field 
 officer under Governor Edwards, in the campaign of 
 1812. 
 
 About the year 1782, Icdabod and George Camp 
 came to Kaskaskia, and resided for some time in the 
 town. They afterwards made improvements west of 
 the Kaskaskia l'iver, not , far from the residence of 
 James O'Hara and Henry D. Simpson. Camp's 
 Creek, which crosses the Kaskaskia and Bed Bud road, 
 between O'Hara's and Simpson's, took its name 
 from these men. They afterwards moved away, and
 
 or RANDOLPH COUNTY. 86 
 
 ideated at '• Camp's Spring," in Missouri, a few miles 
 vest of St. Louis. 
 
 John and Israel Dodge came' to Kaskaskia about 
 the close of the Revolution. Israel Dodge was the 
 father of Henry Dodge, late United States Senator 
 from the State of Wisconsin. Hon. A. C. Dodge, Ex> 
 United States Senator from Iowa, is the son of the 
 Wisconsin Senator. 
 
 The Dodge family left Kaskaskia in 1794, and went 
 to St. G-enivieve. They manufactured salt at the mouth 
 of Saline Creek, a few miles below St. Genivieve, on the 
 Mississippi. 
 
 John Cook, Jacob Judy, William Music, James 
 Piggat, and Robert Sybald, came to Kaskaskia 
 about the close of the year 1780. Judy remained in 
 Kaskaskia a few years, and then located on the site, of 
 " Judy's Mill," in Monroe County. He erected this 
 mill in the year 1794. It was the first water-mill of 
 any kind built by the American settlers in that region. 
 It did good service for many years. 
 
 In 1784, John Edgar, from the British navy, reached 
 Kaskaskia. The circumstances of his quitting the 
 navy and seeking a home in this wild country, are of 
 sufficient interest to be recorded. During the Revolu- 
 tion he was fighting against the Colonies in their strug- 
 gle for Liberty and Independance. He had courted 
 and married an American lady, whose' sympathies, of 
 course, were warm and deep for the American cause. 
 She was a woman of extraordinary talent and shrewd- 
 ness, and was the projector of many plans by which 
 the soldiers in the British army, who became tired of 
 fighting against the cause of freedom, made their es- 
 cape and joined the Americans. On one occasion she 
 had arranged with three soldiers to desert — she was to
 
 36 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 furnish them guns and uniform, and give them all nec- 
 essary information to enable them to reach the Amer- 
 ican camp. When they came she was absent, but her 
 husband, although belonging to the British army, was 
 her confidant in all her operations, and knowing the 
 object for which these soldiers had come, furnished 
 them with the outfit prepared for them by her. They 
 unfortunately were apprehended, and taken back to the 
 British camp. 
 
 There they were made to reveal the names of those 
 who had assisted them. This implicated Edgar, and 
 he had to fly. He remained awhile in. the American 
 army, where he became the intimate friend of La Fay- 
 ette, but deeming the West a safer retreat for one 
 whose life was in such imminent jeopardy, he came to 
 Kaskaskia. His property was confiscated, but his wife, 
 with her remarkable sagacity, saved from the wreck 
 about twelve thousand dollars, which she carefully hus- 
 banded until she joined her husband, two years after- 
 ward, in his western home. Mrs. Edgar's name merits 
 a high rank among the heroines of Revolutionary 
 memory. 
 
 Leaving the British service for the American cause, 
 was a source of no regret with Gen. Edgar. He was 
 an Irishman by birth, and the wrongs of England 
 towards his native land had made their impress upon 
 his patriotic mind. 
 
 He engaged in business, and stimulated the com- 
 merce of the country by his energy, enterprise and 
 sagacity. He traded extensively in lands, and left, at 
 his death, large tracts in Randolph, Monroe, St. Clair, 
 Madison, Clinton, Washington, Perry and Jackson 
 counties, which are known to this day as the "Edgar 
 Lands." He rebuilt the mill of M. Paget, (which had
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 37 
 
 passed into ruins,) and shipped his flour to the southern 
 markets. When St. Clair County was organized, in 
 1790, he was appointed one of the judges of the Common 
 Pleas Court, and his name appears upon the Court 
 Records in some official capacity for more than a quar- 
 ter of a century. He was elected a member of the 
 Legislature which convened at Chillicothe, Ohio, under 
 Governor St. Clair's Administration. The United 
 States appointed him Major General of the Illinois Mili- 
 tia, which post he filled with dignified ability for a long 
 series of years. 
 
 John Rice Jones, a Welchman, located in Kaskaskia, 
 in 1790, and commenced the practice of law. He was 
 the first lawyer in Illinois who practiced at the bar. 
 Nature intended him for an ornament, and her work 
 was well performed. His career at the bar was brill- 
 iant. He remained in Kaskaskia until 1802, when he 
 moved to Vincennes. In the same year, he was ap- 
 pointed a United States Judge of the Indiana Territory. 
 He afterwards moved to St. Louis, and finally to Wash- 
 ington County, Missouri, and became one of the most 
 conspicuous men in the early days of that State. He 
 was a candidate, in opposition to Col. Benton, for the 
 United States Senate, before the first General Assembly 
 of Missouri, but was defeated. He was elected by the 
 same Legislature one of tho Judges of the Supreme 
 Court of Missouri, which office he held until his death, 
 in 1824. 
 
 Rice Jones, the oldest son of John Rice Jones, hav- 
 ing acquired the profession of law in Connecticut, loca- 
 ted in Kaskaskia in 1806, and commenced the practice 
 with much success. He became conspicuous as a poli- 
 tician. He had a difficulty with Governor Bond, 
 growing out of political differences, which almost re-
 
 3£ HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 suited in » duel. The preliminaries were arranged, 
 and the parties were upon the ground, but Jones' pistol 
 went off by accident, just before the word was given to 
 tire, and Bond refused to fire at Jones. The matter 
 between Jones and Bond was amicably adjusted, but a 
 controversy grew out of it between Jones and Dunlap, 
 Bond's second. This quarrel became bitter and malig- 
 nant. One afternoon, as Jones was standing on the 
 side of the street, leaning against the railing of a gal- 
 lery, conversing with a lady, Dunlap approached and 
 shot him dead. 
 
 Hon. G-. W. Jones, late United States Senator from 
 the State of Iowa, is a younger brother of Eice, whose 
 terrible death has just been narrated, and son of John 
 Rice Jones. 
 
 The same year, (1790,) Pierre, II y polite, and Fran- 
 cois Menard — three brothers — originally from Quebec, 
 arrived in Kaskaskia. Pierre established a mercantile 
 house, and opened a lucrative trade with the Indians. 
 Endowed with rare business talent, a well balanced 
 judgment, and an honest purpose, he rose rapidly to a 
 high degree of eminence and distinction among the 
 people of the West, and became the idol of the Indians. 
 The Federal Government appointed him Indian Agent, 
 which post he held for many years, and gave perfect 
 satisfaction to both parties. No man ever enjoyed the 
 confidence and esteem of the Indians more than he. 
 They worshiped him ; and though he controlled them 
 as a father does his children, he never took advantage 
 of that confidence and simplicity to wrong them. Purity 
 of intention and upright honesty marked the outlines of 
 his character. In private life he was a model. Sym- 
 pathy and benevolence were his ruling traits. From 
 his commercial transactions he realized a fortune, which
 
 Of RANDOLPH C OUNTY. 39 
 
 he cheerfully shared with the needy. No charitable 
 call ever reached his ear without a ready responst 
 
 He was often elected a member of the Legislature, and 
 tvas speaker of the House in 1812. He was elected 
 Lieutenant-Governor of the State, when it was admit- 
 ted into the Federal Union. After the close of this 
 term of office, ho declined to accept public stations, and 
 devoted himself to private affairs. He died in 1844, 
 and was buried in a vault, prepared under his own 
 supervision, in the old grave yard at Kaskaskia. 
 
 He left three sons — Pierre, Ciprion and Edmund. 
 The two former left the county many years ago. The 
 latter lives upon his father's old place, on the eastern 
 side of the Kaskaskia river. The oldest daughter of 
 Col. Menard, Mrs. Maxwell, is yet living in Kaskaskia. 
 She has spent her whole life in the village of her nativ- 
 ity, and has occupied the house where she now resides 
 for more than forty 3 T cars. She has in her possession 
 a Damask rose bush, which was brought from New 
 Orleans more than a century ago. It is the first rose 
 bush that ever bloomed in Illinois, and though it has 
 been swept over by the floods of the last hundred years, 
 it still retains its vigor and bloom, putting forth its 
 sprouts upon the annnal recurrence of springtime. — 
 Many an ardent lover has plucked a gem from its 
 stately stock, to be presented to some loved one, to tes- 
 tify of the heart's devotion. 
 
 Francois Menard became a distinguished and suc- 
 cessful navigator and trader upon the Mississippi. — 
 With an energy that bent before no obstacle, and a 
 courage that defied opposition, he prosecuted his peril- 
 ous voyages upon the river for a long series of years. 
 He died in Kaskaskia. 
 
 Hypolite Menard engaged in farming. He was of
 
 40 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 a very lively and sociable disposition, and became very 
 popular among the people. . He represented Randolph 
 County in the General Assembly one session. 
 
 William Morrison was another of the distinguished 
 characters who came to Kaskaskia in the year 1790. 
 He came from Philadelphia, as the representative of the 
 mercantile house of Bryant & Morrison, of that city^ 
 and established a branch of the business in Kaskaskia. 
 Under his sagacious management the transactions of 
 the house rapidly extended throughout the Mississippi 
 Valley. The field of his operations was vast, but the 
 •capacity of his mind was fully adequate to cover it. 
 From his store in Kaskaskia, the merchants of St. 
 Louis, St. Genivieve, Cape Girardeau and New Madrid, 
 supplied themselves with goods. 
 
 But the mighty machinery of commerce which he 
 managed, did not claim the exclusive control of his 
 capacious mind. Home was never crowded out by the 
 pressure of business. He found plenty of time to en- 
 joy the affectionate society of his family. Sociable and 
 fond of company, his house was the welcome resort of 
 every visitor to Kaskaskia. 
 
 Much of his time was devoted to public enterprise. 
 Every project that promised to advance the prosperity 
 of the country, found in him an energetic advocate. 
 He was the moving spirit in constructing a bridge 
 across the river at Kaskaskia, the piers of which are 
 yet standing, and form an excellent monument to his 
 public spirit. 
 
 He died in the year 1837, leaving a vacancy in life 
 which but few have the ability to fill. His remains were 
 deposited in the old graveyard at Kaskaskia, where all 
 that was mortal of so many of the pioneers has 
 mingled with its original dust.
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 41 
 
 His descendants have occupied respectable positions 
 in community. Joseph was- his oldest son. He went 
 to Ohio, and resided there several years, then returned, 
 and died at Prairie du Rocher in 1845. 
 
 James, the second son, is now a citizen of Wisconsin, 
 having gone to that State many years ago. 
 
 William located in Belleville, and died there in 18i3 
 
 Lewis located in Covington, Washington county, and 
 practiced medicine there until 1851, when he removed 
 to Chester, and engaged in the mercantile business. 
 He died in 1856. 
 
 George is the youngest son, and still resides in Kas- 
 kaskia, where he was born. 
 
 Robert Morrison, a brother of William, came to 
 Kaskaskia in 1793. He was of a friendly, sociable 
 disposition, and became very popular. He was ap- 
 pointed Clerk of the Common Pleas Court in 1801, and 
 held the office for many years. A favorite with the 
 people, he was often selected to fill positions of impor- 
 tant trust. Like his brother, he dispensed hospitality 
 in a liberal manner, and his house became the home of 
 his friends and visitors to Kaskaskia. 
 
 His second wife, who was the mother of his children, 
 was a literary prodigy. Many of her poetical contribu- 
 tions to the magazines of that day, touched the higher 
 order of poetry. She remodeled in verse the Psalms of 
 David, and had the volume presented to the Philadel- 
 phia Presbytery for criticism. The work passed a crit- 
 ical examination, and received much praise, but was 
 rejected, probably more from the fact that it came from 
 an obscure author, than from its merits. She'took a 
 deep interest in politics, and often wielded much influ. 
 ence in a political campaign by her ably written conv 
 munications in the newspapers. 
 *4
 
 42 HISTORICAL 8KBTf)KR« 
 
 The sons of Robert Morrison are Edgar, jambs 
 Lowery Donaldson, John Murray, and Robert. 
 
 Edgar graduated at the West Point Military Acade- 
 my, and entered the army. He died in the home of his 
 infancy, while on a visit to his parents, in 1836. 
 
 James L. D. chose the profession of law, and prac- 
 ticed at the bar for several years. He joined the volun- 
 teers who went to Mexico, in 1846, and was promoted 
 to the office of Lieutenant Colonel of Illinois' second 
 regiment. He has often been a member of the Legis- 
 lature, and was elected to Congress in 1856. His 
 younger brothers emigrated to California, where they 
 now reside. 
 
 Shadrack Bond, from Maryland, arrived in Kaskas- 
 kia in 1794. He was a nephew of Shadrack Bond? 
 whose name was mentioned among the first settlers in 
 the American Bottom. Nature had designed Bond for 
 a Representative man, and though he was surrounded 
 by men of great minds, he soon became a leader. He 
 was elected first to the Territorial Legislature, then to 
 the lower House of Congress, and the first Governor of 
 the State, without opposition. After be retired from 
 the Executive chair, he was appointed Register of the 
 Land Office at Kaskaskia, and continued in that position 
 for many years. He died in "IfloO — the lamented and 
 favorite Statesman of Illinois. With all those noble 
 qualities which adorn mankind, the character of (rov- 
 ornor Bond was richly endowed. 
 
 lie left two sons — Thomas and Bi.niamin. 
 
 Thomas chose the profession of law, and practiced in 
 Randolph and adjoining counties, until the year 1849, 
 when he died, in the very vigor of manhood's youth and 
 promise. Benjamin is a rospectable physician, prac- 
 ticing his profession at Evansville.
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTT 43 
 
 In the year 1798, Dr. George Fisher, from Virginia, 
 located in Kaskaskia, and commenced the practice of 
 his profession. He remained in the town until 1806, 
 when he moved out ahout five miles on the Prairie du 
 Rocher road, and opened a farm. By his sprightly 
 activity, and practical judgment, he became an influen- 
 tial member of the community, and a popular politi- 
 cian. When the Indiana Territory was organized, he 
 was appointed Sheriff of Randolph County. Upon the 
 organization of Illinois Territory, he was elected a 
 member of the first General Assembly, and chosen 
 Speaker of the House of Representatives. In 1818, 
 he was elected a member of the Constitutional Con- 
 vention which framed the first Constitution for the 
 State of Illinois. 
 
 The region in which lie lived has always borne the 
 name of "Dr. Fisher's Settlement," because he \va s 
 the first and leading man there. He died in 1820. on Ins 
 farm :i1 the foot of ihe bluff. JACOB PlSHKll, who 
 improved a farm upon the Western side of the Kaskas- 
 kia river, near the shoal, was the only son of the Doc- 
 tor. He moved away to Arkansas many years ago. 
 
 Dr. Truman Turnim, came to Ivaskaskia in 1 S| '2, 
 with the army, as a surgeon. lie located and practiced 
 fi#r several years in the town, and then moved, to Caho- 
 Uiii In 1809, he was appointed Judge of the Common 
 Pleas Court of St. Clair County. 
 
 Benjamin II. DoVf.E, John Rkotop, and James II.\«i- 
 iian, came to Ivaskaskia in 1' ::n l, and commenced the 
 practice of law. Hao.i.w returned to Kentucky, from 
 whence he came, and afterwards became a distinguished 
 Judge of that Slate. 
 
 Nathaniel Pope first appeared in Ivaskaskia in 1801, 
 but be located and practiced law at St. Genivieve, Mis-
 
 41 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 souri, until 1808, when he returned and became a per- 
 manent citizen of the former place. The year follow- 
 ing, Illinois Territory was organized, and Pope received 
 
 the appointment of .Secretary. In the absence of Gov- 
 ernor Edwards, who had not yet arrived, Secretary 
 Pope, a* Acting-Governor, issued a proclamation 
 formally organizing the Territory. In 1817, he was 
 elected the Territorial delegate to Congress, and 
 became a very influential member of that body. It 
 was by his efforts that the northern boundary of the 
 State was changed from a line running due west from 
 the southern point of Lake Michigan, and fixed upon 
 latitude forty-two and a half degrees north. Upon the 
 admission of Illinois into the Federal Union, Pope was 
 appointed Judge of the United States District Court, 
 and held that office for more than thirty years. Nature, 
 it would seem, had designed him for the bench, and he 
 occupied the position with such abilit}' and dignity aa 
 elevated him to a high rank among the jurists of the 
 country. 
 
 In 1814, he moved from Kaskaskia and located in 
 Alton, where he died in 1850, having attained the age 
 of sixty-six years. He left two sons — William and 
 John. William died in St. Louis some years ago. 
 John belongs to the United States Topographical Ser- 
 vice, and has become somewhat distinguished for his 
 scientific efforts in sinking Artesian wells on the West- 
 ern plains. 
 
 The Rector family, consisting of nine brothers, came 
 to Kaskaskia in the year 1806. They were in the 
 United States Surveying Service, and only remained 
 temporarily in Kaskaskia. 
 
 From this period up to 1830, Kaskaskia was the resi-
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 45 
 
 dencc of many young men who have risen to positions 
 of distinction. 
 
 Sidney Breesk, who is now one of the most distin- 
 guished jurists and statesmen in Illinois, located at 
 Kaskaskia on his arrival in the Territory, and remained 
 there several years. He was often elected a member 
 of the Legislature, and served one or two sessions in 
 the lower House of Congress. "When the judiciary of 
 the State was re-organized, in 1835, he became the first 
 Judge of the Circuit Court whose jurisdiction included 
 Randolph County. He was afterwards elected by the 
 Illinois Legislature to a seat in the United States Sen- 
 ate, and bore a conspicuous part among the stalwart 
 characters of that august body. He is now upon the 
 •Supreme Bench of the State. 
 
 James Shields, an Irishman by birth, camo to Kas- 
 kaskia, and commenced his brilliant career by teaching 
 school. He afterwards studied law, and became a poli- 
 tician. He represented Randolph County in the Legis. 
 lature — was Judge of the Circuit Court, and when the 
 Mexican "War commenced, in 1846, he was appointed 
 Brigadier-General of the Illinois volunteers, and distin- 
 guished himself as a brave and intrepid soldier in several 
 battles. After his return from the Mexican campaign, 
 the Illinois Legislature testified their appreciation of his 
 military services by electing him to the United States 
 Senate. He now represents the new State of Minnesota 
 in the Senate of the United States. 
 
 Elias K. Kane commenced the practice of law in 
 Kaskaskia, in 1814, before the time of the two gentle- 
 men previously referred to. He was a man of brilliant 
 talents, and rose to a high position among the members 
 of the bar. He served in the Legislature, and wai
 
 46 HISTORICAL SKKTCIIKS 
 
 elected by that body to the United States Senate. He 
 rose high, and died early. 
 
 David J. Baker commenced his successful earcor at 
 the bar, in Kaskaskia. He enjoyed a.lucrativo practice 
 for many years. He now livos in Alton, having retired, 
 in his old a^e, from the profession. 
 
 k.aj»i*:a>*k:i,v, wince isoo. 
 
 About the commencement of the year 1800, a differ- 
 ent class of people, bringing different customs and 
 characteristics, began to disturb the quiet repose which 
 the happy people of Kaskaskia had enjoyed for nearly 
 one hundred years, and a rapid transition from a French 
 to an American city was commenced. At that time it 
 was essentially a French village, with all their peculiar 
 customs. The French style of architecture had been 
 adopted and preserved in the erection of their buildings, 
 and though there were some fine and elegantly fur- 
 nished houses, an altitude of one story was as high as 
 they ever rose. The only brick house in the place had 
 been standing for fifty years or more, and at the time 
 it was built, it was the only brick house west of Pitts- 
 burg. The brick of which its walls were made were 
 brought from Pittsburg in flatboats. It is still stand- 
 ing — ;xn interesting relic of Kaskaskia's former days. 
 
 A new order of things was inaugurated by the new 
 class of citizens, and the place began to experience the 
 symptoms of those convulsions in which " junction 
 cities" spring into existence. General Edgar erected a 
 large dwelling, and furnished it in grand style. The 
 ruins of this building still remain — the posts and the 
 chimney are standing — the more interesting as a relic
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 47 
 
 of days gone by, because it was the house in whose 
 spacious parlors General La Fayette was entertained 
 when he visited Kaskaskia, in 1824. William Mor- 
 rison, also, erected a large stone mansion, where he dis- 
 played hospitality in a princely style. The walls of this 
 building are still standing, cracked and shaken, however. 
 It, too, is interesting, because the complimentary ball to 
 General LaFayette was given in its richly furnished 
 parlors. 
 
 In 1809, when Illinois Territory was organized, Kas- 
 kaskia became the scat of Government — the Governor 
 and Secretary resided there, and brought all the con- 
 comitants of municipal regulations. The first session 
 of the Territorial Legislature convened in Kaskaskia, 
 on the 25th day of November, 1812, and continued to 
 hold its sessions there until the. capital was located at 
 Vandalia. Kaskaskia was, and had been since the 
 year 1795, the county seat of Randolph County; where 
 the courts were held, from the Supreme down to the 
 Justices. 
 
 The first newspaper in Illinois was established in 
 1809, by Mathew Duncan, from Kentucky. lie con. 
 ducted it until 1815, when it was purchased by Robert 
 Blackwell and Daniel P. Cook. During its exist- 
 ence its columns were edited by many persons who 
 have become distinguished lawyers and statesmen — 
 Judge Breese is one of them. 
 
 During the period of ten years, from 1810 to 1820, 
 Kaskaskia was the rendezvous of an immense floating 
 population, which gave it the air of a bee-hive. Every 
 emigrant to the Territory directed his course to it as 
 the point from which to explore the country and select 
 locations. A census taken then showed the population 
 to be seven thousand and some hundreds.
 
 48 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 About 1820 other towns began to spring up and 
 claim attention. The confusion, bustle and storm 
 raised by the swarming emigrants in Kaskaskia, began 
 to die away, leaving the village to gradually and quietly 
 resume its original character. 
 
 THE CONVENT. 
 
 Jn 1832 the Sisters of the Visitation came to Kaskas- 
 kia, and commenced the erection of a Convent. By the 
 assistance of Col. Menard the enterprise promised a 
 success, and early in 1833 the foundation of the struc- 
 ture was laid. The main building is one hundred and 
 ten feet long, thirty -two feet wide, and four stories high. 
 The wing, two stories high, runs back one hundred and 
 fifty feet. It was completed and opened for the recep- 
 tion of pupils in 1830, and continued a flourishing in- 
 stitution until 1844. The building cost §30,000 and 
 was the largest of its class in the West, at the time of 
 its erection. 
 
 The err eat flood of 1844 so damaged the building and 
 the prospects of the institution that it was abandoned 
 by the Sisters. Since then it has been yielding to the 
 wear and waste of time, and must soon pass into ruins. 
 It is a stately though crumbling monument of the 
 christian enterprise of these pious and holy women. 
 They came from Georgetown, D. C, and during their 
 stay in Kaskaskia two of them died. The others — four 
 in number — went to St. Louis, where they have a pop- 
 ular institution. 
 
 The flood of 1844 — the most destructive that has 
 occurred since the Mississippi river has been known — 
 blighted the prospects of Kaskaskia, as it did those of
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 49 
 
 every place in the river bottom. 1 is commercial impor- 
 tance was destroyed, and all that, which gives life and 
 vigor to a place was paralyzed. Many of the houses 
 were twisted and racked upon their foundations. The 
 damage to property was incalculable. 
 
 Again, in 1851, the bottom was inundated, and though 
 the water did not reach the higher localities, its effects 
 were damaging in destroying the crops of the vicinity, 
 upon which the trade and life of the town were depen- 
 dent. And again, in 1857, the waters covered the bot- 
 tom, visiting destruction upon the crops and property 
 of the Kaskaskia people. These floods have left their 
 impress deeply marked upon the once beautiful cottages 
 of the village, and but for a few buildings that have 
 been repaired and improved by the more enterprising 
 citizens, it would seem that the work of decay and ruin 
 had commenced; but it may be a century hence ere 
 another flood shall come, in which time the place may 
 fully recover from the shocks it has received. 
 
 But whatever may be the fate which destiny has fixed 
 — whether it shall rise again to eclipse its former great- 
 ness, or whether it shall pass into ruins like Troy and 
 Babylon — it will ever claim an important place in the 
 annals of this country. The past, at least, is secure. 
 It can never pass into oblivion while the history of 
 America remains. All that which imparts, interest and 
 fascination to historic recollections is found in its records 
 and traditions. With an existence stretching back 
 into the darkness of an unexplored wilderness, its his- 
 tory blends the wild romance of Indian life with the 
 thrilling adventures of the French pioneers ; their life, 
 exploits and gayeties, for nearly one hundred years; 
 the pious labors of the Jesuit missionaries among the 
 untamed savages; the founding of the first parish
 
 5U HISTORICAL SKCTCIIKtS 
 
 church in America; the military exploits of the English 
 in 1755; the transfer of the country from France to 
 England; the extraordinary campaign of Col. Clark; 
 and the 6eries of events by which the State Government 
 of Illinois was brought into existence. 
 
 In these sketches, a superficial outline is all that has 
 been attempted. The student of history may form 
 some conception of the prolific fountains, whose sources 
 only have been pointed out. 
 
 KOllT GJ-_-VGm;. 
 
 During the time of the Chickasaw war, in 1886, a 
 Fort was built upon the high hill on the eastern side 
 of the Kaskaskia, opposite the town.' Of its dimensions 
 and the materials of which it was constructed, nothing 
 is now definitely known. Tradition alone is the author- 
 ity for the fact of its erection at that period. It was 
 repaired in 1750, and occupied by a French garrison 
 during the "Old French War." From this time the 
 bluff on which it stood has borne the name of " Garrison 
 Hill." This old structure was destroyed by fire in 
 1766, and another Fort upon the same spot was soon 
 afterwards erected by the English. This new struc- 
 ture was built of immense square timbers, and was two 
 hundred and ninty feet long and two hundred and fifty- 
 one feet wide. Within the main building was a maga- 
 zine constructed of stone, a commandant's chamber, 
 and some smaller houses. When Fort Chartres was 
 abandoned in 1772, the Governor and the British gar- 
 rison moved to, and occupied " Fort Gage" — the Fort
 
 OP RANDOLPH COUNTY. 51 
 
 having received that appellation in honor of General 
 Gage, the then British Commander-in-chief. At the 
 time Col. Clark besieged and took the Fort, in 1778, 
 it was occupied by a garrison of twonty soldiors, under 
 the command of Governor Rocheblave, and strongly 
 guarded by four cannons. It was then the headquar- 
 ters of the British government in the West, and con- 
 tained the records of the Territory from the time the 
 English took possession, in 17G3. When the governor 
 was taken prisoner in his private chamber in the Fort, 
 his wife, with a solicitude that never deserts a woman 
 in the moment of peril, concealed or destroyed the 
 archives, so that the land grants and other valuable 
 documents of that period, have been lost. 
 
 Col. Clark occupied the Fort while he remained, and 
 after he left the country and the war ceased, it was de- 
 serted, and remained without an occupant until 1801 > 
 when Col. Pike's regiment occupied it for a short time. 
 From this date it began to decay, and its walls soon 
 crumbled and fell to the ground. It is now an obscure 
 ruin. The traces of the walls are faintly visible. The 
 outlines of the magazine, and the breastworks thrown up 
 during the time of the Revolution, may yet be seen. 
 
 RILEY'S MILL. 
 
 Some most deeply interesting historical recollections 
 cluster around the place, known in modern days by 
 the name of "Riley's Mill," situated on the eastern sido 
 of Kaskaskia. For aught that is now known to the 
 contrary, the first mill that was erected in Illinois may 
 have stood upon this mill site; for the time previous to 
 the building of a mill there has passed from the tradi-
 
 52 HISTORICAL 8KSTCHE8 
 
 tions of Kaakaskia. Certain it is, however, that a mill 
 was standing there one hundred and fifty years ago. 
 According to the title records; now in possession of Mr. 
 Riley, the name of him that owned the mill at that 
 period was Prix Paot. [This name is somewhat con- 
 founded with that of Paget, and as the French pro- 
 nounce both names the same, it is probable that it is 
 the same name, though spelled differently. Peck and 
 Reynolds both employ Peget, in reference to this mil- 
 ler, but the name in the deed of conveyance which Mr. 
 Riley holds, is spelled Pagi.] He erected a stone 
 building, and manufactured flour for the New Orleans 
 and Mobile markets. How long he continued to run 
 the mill is not known, but he lost his life in one of 
 those tragic scenes common to Indian barbarity. One 
 day while superintending the operations of the mill, the 
 premises were attacked by a band of Kickapoo Indians, 
 and he was murdered in a most shocking manner. 
 When the attack was made upon the mill, a negro es- 
 caped by a back way, fled to the town and gave the 
 alarm. Tho people came and found the body of Pagi 
 upon the floor mangled and cut to pieces. Tho head 
 was severed from tho body, scalped, and thrown into 
 the hopper. 
 
 After the death of Pagi, the mill was abandoned, 
 and became a ruin — the walls only remaining. About 
 the year 1705, General Edgar purchased the tract of 
 land and rebuilt the mill. The mill-pond, situated 
 about three hundred yards distant from tho mill, was 
 made by nature, and apparently designed for the pur- 
 pose. It covers an area of about forty acres, and is 
 surrounded by an irregular range of hills, with an outlet 
 for the water on the side towards the mill, about three 
 hundred feet wide. An embankment, or dam. was
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. •*>$ 
 
 mado across this outlet, and the water forced to pass 
 through an arched culvert, at the end of which is a gate 
 to regulate the passage of the water. During the inter- 
 val in which the mill ceased to run, this dam wan 
 almost destroyed by the wear of the floods, but it was 
 repaired by General Edgar, and made more substantial 
 than before. At the time these repairs were made, Mrs. 
 Edgar, and " Dice," a negrcss belonging to the family, 
 planted some little cotton- wood cions in the mellow dirt, 
 which have grown to be stately trees. The regular 
 order in which these trees are standing upon that em- 
 bankment has prompted many a curious conjecture. 
 Strangers visiting the ground are apt to notice this 
 regularity. 
 
 Gen. Edgar kept the mill in operation for many 
 years, and the pioneers, as they came to the country .and 
 settled in different parts of the county, resorted to U 
 to have their milling done. A few of those relic9 of 
 early days are still remaining, and they retain vivid 
 recollections of the days when they rode astride a 
 horse, with a sack containing two bushels of corn for a 
 saddle, a distance of ten or fifteen miles, to " Edgar's 
 Mill," and waited and fished in the mill-pond until their 
 "turn" was ground. Waiting for "turns" was an 
 interesting epoch for boys whose sociable disposition 
 found but few opportunities for exercise in their iso- 
 lated homes. Many a happy hour has been whiled 
 away around that old mill, by the boys who congre- 
 gated there from the different settlements. "Mill 
 boys" did not require the formalities of an introduc- 
 tion before they joined in a game of marbles or bat. It 
 was a privilege to go to mill, and the longer they had 
 to wait the better it pleased them. With men it was 
 different. They were always in a hurry, and jealous of 
 *5
 
 -54 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 their rights. If one was ever cheated out of his "torn," 
 which sometimes happened, a fight was the result. 
 But these happy days for the hoys, and hours of ner- 
 vous anxioty for the men, have passed away. 
 
 The mill ceased to operate again while yet in the 
 hands of General Edgar, and remained still for several 
 years. In 1832, it was purchased by Messrs. Feaman 
 & Co. It was again repaired and put in good business 
 order. This company conducted it for some years, 
 when it again changed hands. 
 
 It came into the possession of the present enterpris- 
 ing proprietor, Mr. Daniel Riley, in 1842. Formerly, 
 the water was conveyed to the wheel through hollov.- 
 logs. Since Mr. Riley has had it, he has constructed 
 a substantial frame work for this conveyance, and ha- 
 made such other improvements as prevents the waste 
 of water, and secures a sufficient quantity to keep the 
 mill running, with about fourteen horse power, during 
 nearly the whole season. The wheel is an over-shot, 
 and no more water is allowed to escape from the pond 
 than is necossary to drive the machinery. 
 
 Such is a history of this ancient mill. All that now 
 remains of tho original structure is the northeast cor- 
 ner. This part of the building has stood through all 
 the changes of its eventful existence, and its perma- 
 nence would indicate that it may defy the corrosive 
 attrition of another century. 
 
 A short distance in front of the mill stands a beauti- 
 ful little mound, called " Mound Isabella," named in 
 honor of Mrs. Edoar. Some fruit trees, planted by her 
 and "aunt Dick,'' are still growing upon this mound. 
 This negro woman was the house servant of Mrs. 
 Bdoae. She died three years ago, having livod one 
 hum I red years.
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 55 
 
 A spring of pure cool water gushes out of the sido 
 of the bluff, closo to the place where Mr. Riley's store- 
 house is now located, whose clear stream has slaked the 
 thirst of those who brought the germ of civilization to 
 the Western world. A former age may claim it, and 
 the associations of antiquity may cluster around it, but 
 its waters are as fresh and pure to-day as when the 
 first white man drank from its pebbly urn. 
 
 Mr. Riley established a store a few years ago close 
 to his mill, and he has brought around him a very brisk 
 and remunerative trade. In 1855, finding the capacity 
 of the old mill inadequate to the demands of an 
 increased population and the increased growth of 
 wheat, he commenced the erection of a steam-mill 
 which has since gone into operation. Both mills may 
 be kept running most of the year by the water of tho 
 pond above described. 
 
 FORT CHARTRIW*. 
 
 Under the patronage of the Company of tho West, 
 and bearing a charter from the crown of France, M. 
 Pierre Duque Baisbriant, the representative of the 
 government, and Marc Antoine de la Soirk Dk Ur_ 
 sins, the principal Secretary of the Company, came to 
 Kaskaskia, in 1717, with instructions to erect a Fort 
 which should be made the Seat of Government for the 
 Illinois country. 
 
 The site selected was in the American Bottom, one 
 mile distant from the Mississippi river, and about three 
 miles from the eastern range of bluffs, in tho northwest 
 corner of the present limits of Randolph County. The 
 work was commenced in 1717, and the Fort, completed
 
 50 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 in two years. It was called-" Fort des ^hnrtres," for 
 the reason that its erection was authorized by a charter 
 from Louis XIV, King of France. It was built of 
 timber, of ample dimensions for the orection within of 
 a building to accommodate the Executive of the Terri- 
 tory, one for the garrison, a magazine, and some others. 
 The Fort was surrounded with a strong palisade, con- 
 structed of such immense timbers, and finished so sub- 
 stantially, as to be almost impregnable to the assaults of 
 any implements of war known to those early days. 
 
 It was designed for the purpose, and became the seat 
 of government for Illinois. It was the headquarters 
 of the French officers while the country remained in 
 possession of France. The celebrated Francois Re- 
 nault resided here, and directed his extensive mining 
 operations. Baisbriant and Ursins were vested with 
 the power of making grants of land. Some of their 
 records are now in the Recorder's office of this county. 
 For a time, Fort Chartres became the centre of busi- 
 ness, fashion, and gayety. 
 
 The Company of the West was dissolved in 1730, 
 and D'Artaquette was appointed Governor. In 1736, 
 when the Chickasaw war commenced, Governor Bien- 
 ville, of Louisiana, called upon the Governor of Illi- 
 nois for all the troops he could raise. Exerting his in- 
 fluence with the chiefs of the Indian tribes west of 
 Lake Michigan, he collected about one thousand war- 
 riors at Fort Chartres. The gallant Vincennes, of the 
 Wabash country, united his forces with D'Artaciette. 
 All the French soldiers that could be raised were 
 rendezvoused at the Fort. Preparations for the expe- 
 dition to meet Bienville in the South, were hastily 
 made, and the whole army departed from Fort Char- 
 tres down the Mississippi.
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 57 
 
 The unfortunate fate of the brave and chivalrous 
 D'Artaguette and Vincennes has been related. La 
 Buissoniere succeeded to the Governorship of Illinois. 
 In 1739, a further requisition was made upon him for 
 troops. Ho collected about two hundred French sol- 
 diers, and three hundred Indian warriors, and sailed 
 from Fort Chartres down the Mississippi, to join Ihe 
 Southern army. 
 
 In 1751, the Chevalier McCauty became Governor of 
 Illinois, and arrived at Fort Chartres in August, with 
 troops to reinforce the Fort. As war at that time was 
 raging between France and England, and threatening 
 to disturb the Western country, it was decided to 
 rebuild and improve the Fort. This time it was built 
 of durable limestone, quarried in the bluff three miles 
 distant, boated across an intervening lake, and carted 
 to the Fort. The plan of the new structure was differ- 
 ent from the old one, and much larger. It was an 
 irregular square, or quadrangle. The exterior sides 
 were four hundred and ninety-feet, and, therefore, the 
 main building covered an area of five acres and a frac- 
 tion. The walls were two feet two inches thick, and 
 pierced with loop-holes at regular distances, and two 
 port-holes in the faces, and two in the flanks of each 
 bastion for cannon. A banquette around the interior 
 side of the wall was raised three feet high for the sol- 
 diers to stand upon when they fired from behind the 
 parapets. Within the square of the main building were 
 erected a Commandant's and Commissary's house ; a 
 magazine for stores, and two barracks. In the gorges 
 of the bastions were the powder-magazine, a bake- 
 house, and a prison. On the lower floor of the prison 
 were four dungeons. 
 
 The commandant's house was ninety-six feet long,
 
 58 HISTORICAL 8KETCHK.8 
 
 and thirty foot wide. It contained a parlor, dining- 
 room, bed-chambor, kitchen, one small room, five closets 
 for servants, and a cellar. The commissary's houso 
 was precisely similar to the one just described. Oppo- 
 site these was the storehouse, ninety feet long and 
 twenty-four wide. It contained two largo store-rooms, 
 a parlor, chapel, an officers' guard-room, a closet for the 
 storekeeper, and bed-chamber. Beneath the storehouse 
 was. a vaulted cellar. Tho barracks were each twenty 
 feet square, and each contained two rooms for officers 
 and three for soldiers. Over each building spacious 
 lofts extended from end to end, and were used for 
 storing regimental stores and entrenching tools. Capt. 
 Pitman, an engineer belonging to tho British army, 
 visited Fort Chartrcs about the year 1768, and gave it 
 as his opinion that it was the strongest and most con- 
 veniently arranged fortification on the North American 
 Continent. 
 
 When the English took possession of the eountry in 
 1765, (the cession was made in 1708.) Fort Chartrcs 
 w;is made the Seat of Government, and a small garrison 
 stationed there. Capt. Stirling formally took posses- 
 sion of the eountry on arriving at Port Chartrcs, by 
 issuing a proclamation in the name of "His Britanie 
 .Majesty." signed by Thomas (Iaok, then Commander- 
 in-Chief of the British army in the Colonies. Capt. 
 Stirling died in six months after his arrival. He was 
 succeeded first by Major Fraziku, then by Col. Rkki>, 
 then by Col. Wii.kins, each of whom made their resi- 
 dence at the Port. 
 
 When the Fort was first built, in 1718-10, it stood 
 about one mile distant from the river. In 1724, a great 
 freshet overflowed the river bottom, and washed away 
 some of the bank in front of the Fort. The margin of
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 59 
 
 the Mississippi, made by alluvial soil, is ever changing. 
 In 1756, the river bank was half a mile from the Fort. 
 A 6hort time before Capt. Pitman's visit, in 17G8, a sand 
 bar was formed in the river, and directed the current 
 against the bank nearest the Fort, which wore it away 
 rapidly. Two years afterwards the river had approach- 
 ed so near as to alarm the officers about to the safety of 
 their magnificent Fortress. In 1772, another freshet 
 inundated the river bottom, and undermined the west- 
 ern wall of the Fort. The balance of the structure 
 was greatly injured. It was abandoned, and the Seat of 
 Government established at Fort Gage, upon the summit 
 of Garrison Hill, far above the reach of floods. 
 
 Fort Chartres was thought to be the Gibraltar of 
 America, but the turbulent current of the Mississippi, 
 more powerful than armies and navies, worked its 
 downfall. It crumbled and wasted rapidly. It was 
 deserted, and the demolishing elements played familiar 
 with its crumbling walls. In 182U the southeast angle 
 was still remaining. The traces of the front Mall were 
 completely gone, and the northeast sections were in 
 ruins. From this period the process of demolition and 
 dilapidation was rapid. Much of the stone was taken 
 away, and used for building material in other places 
 It was soon a heap of mouldering ruins, and the fata 
 of Palmyra, Persepolis and Balbec, is suggested to the 
 visitor, as he beholds its remaining vestiges, slumbering 
 in the midst of a forest. Trees of stately growth and 
 clinging vines are growing upon its foundations. The 
 river has retreated, and is a mile distant from the ruins 
 Upon the intervening land, which is in the very place 
 where the mighty volumo of the Mississippi's sullen 
 waters swept along eighty years ago, there is a heavy, 
 dense growth of timber.
 
 60 HISTORICAL SKETCH t!« 
 
 l^E&ufVUtl'lB DU UOCUEKi 
 
 The town of Prairio du Roehor was i'oundcd about 
 the year 1722 — one hundred and thirty-seven years ago. 
 About thuo time a few French families gathered to- 
 gether and formed the nucleus for the town. Others 
 coming to the country, cast their lot with them, and a 
 flourishing little village was started. Tho strongest 
 inducements it could hold out to emigrants, was its 
 secluded situation and romantic scenery. It stood at 
 the foot of the Mississippi bluffs — whose picturesque 
 grandeur is unsurpassed by any range along that great 
 river — fourteen miles from Kaskaskia, and three miles 
 from Fort Chartres. Though it never attained that 
 degree of importance which marked the prosperity of 
 its cotemporaneous rivals, yet it acquired, in an early 
 day, ail the concomitants of a healthy, vigorous town 
 The evidences of water-mills in its vicinity, erectcc 
 there in a very early period of its existence, may yet 
 be seen, and the vestiges of stone buildings in the town, 
 evidently the work of wealth and enterprise, are yel 
 visible. 
 
 In the vicinity of the town were many natural objects 
 of curiosity, to attract the attention of those who had 
 a taste tor the wonderful, and probably from this cause 
 many were induced to locate in that place. The natu- 
 ral mill Bite situated in a ravine which abruptly breaks 
 the range of rocky blufts that overlooks the town, was 
 something to attract wonder and admiration, as well 
 as to furnish to some enterprising capitalist the advan- 
 tages of a saw mill more than half constructed. The 
 range of bluffs on one side of thib break, following th< 
 course of the ravine, describes an arc. and a natural
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 61 
 
 ridge starting from a point of the bluff on the opposito 
 side of the ravine, marks the diameter of the circle, and 
 reaches within two hundred feet of the bluff on the 
 other side. This ridge was finished out by artificial 
 means in the days of the Jesuits, and gave a fall of 
 near twenty feet to the water where it, dammed the 
 ravine. The~ area of the mill-pond is about two hun- 
 dred acres, and the stream of water coming through 
 the bluffs is fed by never failing springs. 
 
 There is a spring situated at the foot of the bluffs, one 
 mile above the town, which gushes out at the base of a 
 perpendicular rock, towering up two hundred feet high, 
 and sends forth an immense volume. Form ei-ly*" the 
 -aperture through which the water rose was about six 
 feet in diameter, and its depth could not be fathomed. 
 Latterly, it has been nearly filled with sticks and 
 stones by wanton hands. The crystal purity of this 
 Spring would suggest that it might have been the foun- 
 tain so eagerly sought by the Spanish explorers of this 
 Continent, which they supposed to possess properties 
 that would give immortality to youthful vigor. 
 
 A cave in the side of the bluff not far distant from 
 the spring, is another object of curious interest. The 
 entrance to the cavern is about sixty feet high from the 
 base of the rock; is almost round, and about six feet in 
 diameter. Its interior chambers have been explored 
 somewhat, but nothing is known of their dimensions. 
 There is a legend which relates that at one time the 
 Spaniards hid valuable treasures in the cave. Many 
 an avaricious spirit has searched and shoveled in vain 
 for the possession of those treasures, and the same in- 
 ducement to search remains. 
 
 The Common Field, and Commons of Prairie du Ro- 
 cher were granted to the village in the year 1730, bv 
 6
 
 62 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 Jean Baptiste St. Therse, nephew of Baisbriant, 
 Governor of Louisiana, who obtained the title from the 
 Royal Company of the Indies. The church property 
 was obtained from the same BOOrcc, and the church was 
 erected in the year 1734. The. same building is still 
 standing, and forms one of the most interesting relics 
 of former years to be found about the village. It was 
 constructed in the French style of architecture, by 
 driving cedar posts into the ground, and tilling the 
 space between them with stone and mortar. For a 
 period of one hundred and twenty-five years it has 
 stood against storm and flood, and its walls have echoed 
 the pious articulations of many holy men, who have 
 long since passed to the realms of a brighter existence. 
 Within its portals have been christened the infants of 
 three successive generations, and the marriage vows 
 of the parish people in all that time have been heard 
 at its sacred altar. But mutation has been written 
 upon it as surely as it was upon the minarets of an- 
 cient Nincvah. Though the rites of the church arc 
 yet performed within its ancient portals, the time-worn 
 walls are yielding to the pressure of the roof, and must 
 ere long fall to the ground. Preparations have already 
 commenced for the erection of a new One, which will 
 con trasfc strikingly with the rude structure of the old 
 one. 
 
 Among the earliest of the French settlers in Prairie 
 dn Rocher, appear the names of Etenne Langlois, 
 Jean Baptiste Blais, Jean Baptiste Barbeau, An- 
 toine Louvier, LaCompte, and some others. 
 
 Etenne Langlois came from Canada, and devoted 
 himself to farming. He became a very influential man 
 in the community, and left a very respectable farffily. 
 His oldest son, Etenne, was a wheel-wright, and a very
 
 OP RANDOLPH COUNTY. 63 
 
 useful man in the town. He left three sons — Etennb, 
 Charles, and William. Charles is now living about 
 four miles west of Prairie du Rocher. The other two 
 died several years ago. 
 
 Franqois was the second son of the first Langlois, 
 and the father of Jerard, Ant oine, Francois, Michael, 
 and Benjamin, who were conspicuous members of that 
 community forty years ago and later. Francois Lang- 
 lois, now living about five miles east of the town, is 
 the son of Jerard. The family is very numerous. 
 
 Jean Batiste Blais Avas the germ of that respecta- 
 ble fanlily. He devoted himself to the quiet pursuit of 
 farming, and was a leading man in the village. He 
 reached an extreme old age, and died in the year 1783, 
 leaving four sons — Antoine, Joseph, Charles, and 
 Louis — the latter died in early life. The others were 
 industrious, respectable citizens. Joseph and Antoine 
 died in 1823 ; Charles in 1831. Antoine Blais, who 
 is now merchandising in Praire du Rocher, and Expe- 
 dient, his brother, living seven miles east of the town, 
 are sons of Antoine, and grandsons of Jean Baptiste 
 Joseph. 
 
 Jean Baptiste Barbeau was another of the first em- 
 igrants from Canada, and one of the founders of Prairie 
 du Rocher. He was the father of the respectable fam- 
 ily bearing his name, who have always held a promi- 
 inent position in that community. His sons were 
 Andrew, Antoine, Baptiste and Henry, all of whom 
 are dead. Their descendents are numerous. Andrew, 
 the oldest son, reached an extreme old age, and died 
 suddenly, while walking upon the bluffs, a few months 
 ago. Mr. Cole and Mr. Crane, of St. Louis, both mar- 
 ried daughters of Antoine. 
 
 Antoine Louvier came in early times from Canada,
 
 64 HISTORICAL SKETCHE8 
 
 and engaged in farming. His son Antoine became a 
 very prominent man, and died in 1836, leaving a very 
 numerous family, many of whom are still living in the 
 village 
 
 Damour Louvikr was a branch of tho same family, 
 and lived in the town during a long life. 
 
 A Mr. LaCompte was one of the first settlers, and died 
 about the close of the last century. He left a son who 
 was promoted to the post of Major of the Militia, in 
 1812, which place he filled with much popularity. He 
 was among the first men of Prairie du Rocher during 
 his life. He has a son now residing in St. Genivieve, 
 Missouri. 
 
 Among those who came in later years are the names 
 of Jean Baptiste Du Clais; Erny, Joseph, Alexis and 
 Isadore Godair; Francois and Joseph Tongais; Joseph 
 Champagne; Joseph Lamore; the Fascair family and 
 some others. 
 
 Jean Baptiste DuClais was a blacksmith, and a 
 very useful man to the town, and the surrounding 
 countrj-. He lived to be very old, and died in 1838. 
 He had a son, Michael, who was an industrious farmer. 
 He died in 1839, leaving a large family, many of whom 
 are now living in the town. 
 
 The Godair brothers came from Detroit and engaged 
 in farming. They became somewhat distinguished for 
 hunting adventures. They left a numerous desccn- 
 dency, who are engaged in farming. 
 
 Joseph Tongais lived in Prairie du Rocher until his 
 death, in 1S27, having spent an industrious life. His 
 brother Francois died in 1827, leaving two sons — Fran- 
 cois and Amade — both residing in Monroe County. 
 
 Joseph Champagne was a Canadian, and came to 
 Prairie du Rocher about the close of the last century.
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 65 
 
 He was a carpenter by trade, and built the mansion of 
 Col. Menard, at the foot of Garrison Hill, on the east 
 side of the Kaskaskia river. This house is still stand- 
 ing, but in a state of rapid decay. Champagne died in 
 St. Clair County, in 1828. 
 
 Joseph Lamore was a farmer, and died in 1825, leav- 
 ing no descendents about Prairie du Eocher. 
 
 The Fascair family became numerous, and bore a 
 conspicuous part in the community. Ambrose, John 
 and Henry Kerr, are descendants of this family. 
 
 The history of Prairie du Eocher presents no marked 
 event. It was strictly a French village for more than 
 an hundred years, and the orderly inhabitants quietly 
 pursued their various avocations, enjoying their social 
 amusements undisturbed. They were a happy, con- 
 tented people, unambitious, and careless of wealth or 
 distinction. They were free from that strife, conten- 
 tion and turmoil which attends the pursuit of wealth 
 and political preferment. Their life was an uninter- 
 rupted stream of quiet, joyous happiness. 
 
 About the year 1800, the first English or American 
 settlers appeared among the people of Prairie du Eo- 
 cher. Archibald McNab came from Kentucky and 
 established a tan-yard — the first in the place — and car- 
 ried on that business until 1821. In that year he died. 
 Alexander McN~ab, now living in the town, is a son of 
 of Archibald. 
 
 About the same timo, or probably as early as 1795 
 Clement Drury, from Maryland, came to Prairie du 
 Eocher, and erected a horse-mill. This mill stood near 
 the present residence of Mr. Sprigg. It did a good bus- 
 iness, and was ;i great benefit to the people for many 
 years. Mr. Drury died in 1812, leaving four soys — 
 John, Wim.iam, Clement, and Eaphael. John eiiiS*. 
 *6
 
 66 HISTORICAL 8K1TCHB8 
 
 grated and settled in Missouri. "William and Clement 
 located in town, and died there some years ago, leaving 
 families. Raphael died in California. 
 
 Henry Conner came from Kentucky, in 1812, and 
 settled in the town. Two years afterwards, he was 
 .appointed to the office of Sheriff. He was Marshal of 
 the Territory at one time, and filled other offices. Ho 
 left three sons — Barnet, William, and Edward. Bar- 
 net; IpxKited in Monroe county, and died there in 1852. 
 William lives in Wisconsin. Edward located in Prai- 
 rie du Rocher, where he died, leaving a family, which 
 still reside there. 
 
 In 1814, Henry Kerr, an Englishman, came from 
 Boston, and established a store. He continued in this 
 business several years. Ambrose, John,, and Henry 
 Kerr, before referred to, are his sons. The two former 
 are merchandising ; the latter lives two miles from 
 town, and is engaged in farming. 
 
 In 1824, the population of Prairie du Rocher was 
 about five hundred. In that year, Andrew Barbeau 
 built a mill about one mile below town. In 1825, tho 
 town was incorpoi'ated, but there appearing to be no 
 necessity for an organization, it was abandoned. In 
 1835, it was renewed again, but has since ceased to ex- 
 ist. In 1840, "William Henry, Esq., erected and put 
 In operation a steam-mill upon the same ground where 
 the new mill of Brickey & Lee now stands. In 1850, 
 an impetus was given to the progress of the town, 
 since which time it has been improving rapidly, and 
 promises a healthy and vigorous growth. 
 
 The place now contains one first class flouring mill ; 
 four dry goods stores ; two grocery stores ; two furni- 
 ture stores; one saddlery shop ; one tailor shop; one 
 boot and shoe shop ; one wagon shop ; three blacksmith
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 67 
 
 shops; one wagon manufactory; two carpenter and 
 cabinet shops ; two hotels; one church — no resident 
 priest. Present population about five hundred. 
 
 RANDOLPH COUNTY. 
 
 A special sketch having been devoted to the leading 
 events which precede the existence of Randolph county, 
 and which transpired within its limits ; and, also, a 
 sketch of the towns which have marked its progress, 
 but little remains of its history beyond the transition 
 from a wilderness to the high state of prosperous 
 development which it now enjoys, and the arrival of 
 the pioneers who laid the foundation for that great 
 change. 
 
 1798. — Tradition has it that when Col. Clark took 
 possession of the country, in 1778, he named the district 
 around Kaskaskia " Randolph County," as a compli- 
 ment to Edmund Randolph, the distinguished States 
 man of Virginia. The limits of the county were not 
 defined ; neither was there a county organization. 
 Upon the arrival of Governor St. Clair, at Kaskaskia, 
 in 1790, he established St. Clair County, which em- 
 braced all the southern part of the State below a point 
 on the Illinois river, including the region which Col. 
 Clark had previously named Randolph County. 
 
 1795. — In 1795, however, Randolph County was for-
 
 68 HI8TORI0AL SKETCHES 
 
 mally established, and the machinery of local govern- 
 ment put in operation. It included all that part of the 
 State whioh lies south of a line running upon the par- 
 allel of the New Design Settlement, in Monroe county, 
 due east to the Wabash river. 
 
 At the time the county was organized, the area 
 which it now includes was an almost unbroken wilder- 
 ness, interrupted only by the villages of Kaskaskia and 
 Prairie du Eocher. But the precursors of civilization 
 and refinement were on their way, and the rays of a 
 new era were reaching into its wild woods. The story 
 of its fertile soil, its delightful and health-giving cli- 
 mate, and its crystal streams of water, had gone to the 
 Atlantic coast and awakened a spirit of emigration. 
 Lured by the accounts of a country for which Nature 
 had done so much, the pioneers began to drop in and 
 join the scattering few who had already located amidst 
 its darkened forests. These were a brave and noble race 
 of men, and merit a place in these sketches. They 
 opened the way for the great improvement that has 
 followed, the blessings of which are now enjoyed by 
 those inhabiting the county. They, too, furnished the 
 materials, and with them occurred the events which 
 impart all that is interesting to the early history of 
 Randolph County. 
 
 SETTLEMENT — AND PIONEEUS OF 1 
 RANDOLPH COUNTY. 
 
 1780. — A little colony of pionoers- — some of whom 
 were soldiers under Col. Ci.auk — made a settlement on 
 the east side of the Kaskaskia river, three miles from 
 town, as early as tne year 1780. The names of these
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 69 
 
 settlers were John Montgomery, Joseph Anderson, 
 John Dodge, John Doyle, David Paqon, M. Augustus, 
 James Curry, and Levi Teel. They erected a few 
 rude cabins, and made small farms. John Montgomery 
 located upon the identical spot where Stage McDon- 
 ough settled when he came to the country twenty 
 years later. The settlement was almost broken up 
 before the year 1790. 
 
 These pioneers experienced all the incidents common 
 to frontier life, and encountered perilous adventures of 
 a character so thrilling as to assume the air x>f fiction. 
 One day, James Curry and Levi Teel were out hunt- 
 ing, and being overtaken by nightfall, they encamped 
 in a new house just erected by David Pagon, but not 
 yet occupied. During the latter part of the night the 
 house was besieged by a band of sixteen Piankashaw 
 Indians. Teel proposed to surrender, lest a worse fate 
 should befall them. To this proposition Curry reso- 
 lutely demurred. He was brave, even to desperation; 
 and knowing the house had been built substantial, and 
 that the door was strongly barred, he determined to 
 give battle. Teel went to the door, either to open it, 
 or reconnoitre, and while standing near it, the Indians 
 stuck a spear through a hole in the door into his foot, 
 which fastened him to the floor. Instinctively he seized 
 the spear to pull it out, when another spear was driven 
 into his hand. His heartless enemies now had him 
 fast, and they jagged and cut his hands in a most shock- 
 ing manner. Curry, fearing lest Teel should open the 
 door, mounted the loft and commenced firing upon the 
 assailants. He fired three shots in rapid succession, 
 each time bringing a warrior to the ground. Still fear- 
 ing that Teel would open the door, he descended to 
 the floor, and finding him disabled, he again sprang to
 
 70 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 the loft and renewed his desperate defense. Discover- 
 ing that the Indians had huddled close against the house 
 to avoid his destructive shots, ho tumbled the weight- 
 poles of the roof dqwn upon them, killing their chief, 
 and wounding some others. Tins intrepid feat, and 
 the approach of morning light drove the Indians from 
 the houso, leaving Curry the victorious champion of 
 the siege. By his fearless daring ho saved himself and 
 companion from Indian captivity, and probably death 
 at the stake. 
 
 Curry was one of Clark's favorite soldiers, and dis- 
 tinguished himself in the capture of Forts Gage and 
 Sackville. lie was foremost in every perilous enter- 
 prise, and never quailed before danger. His life was 
 one of thrilling adventures, and fate doomed him to a 
 tragic end. In company with Joseph Anderson, he 
 went out hunting and never returned. The presence 
 of lurking, hostilo savages, left no doubts about the 
 manner of his death. 
 
 JosEPn Curry, now an old man, living at Mr. Riley's 
 Mill, is a grandson of the pioneer hero. 
 
 This little settlement was harrassed unceasingly by 
 the Indians until the sottlcrs were forced to abandon it. 
 But it was renewed again in a few years, and became 
 one of the most important in the county. 
 
 1780. — In the same year that this settlement was 
 made opposite Kaskaskia, another one was commencod 
 on the same side of the river, above the mouth of Nine 
 Mile creek, by some of Clark's soldiers, and a few 
 friends whom they had induced to come to the country. 
 Among the settlers were Daniel Hicks, Henry and 
 Elijah Smith, Hitterbranp, Hayden, Lancepord and 
 some others. Most of these men lived and died in this 
 settlement. They were quiet, industrious people, and
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 71 
 
 took but little part in any thing beyond the limits 
 of their own neighborhood. The descendants of some 
 of them are still living in the county. 
 
 1783. — In the year 1783, Thomas Hughs, Irom Ken- 
 tucky, came to the Territory to select a place with a 
 view of bringing out his family. He marked a placo 
 for settlement on the eastern side of the Kaskaskia 
 river, in the Montgomery neighborhood, and then re- 
 turned for his family in Kentucky. On his return to 
 that State he persuaded some friends to accompany 
 him, and a small party started for Illinois. While 
 crossing the Ohio river, they were attacked by Indians, 
 and Hughs and three others of the party were killed. 
 Mrs. Hughs was sitting in the boat with her child at 
 the breast, and a ball from one of the savages' guns 
 spattered its brains in her face. 
 
 The balance of the party escaped and returned to 
 Kentucky. Some years afterwards, Mrs. Hughs mar- 
 ried James Pillars, and with his two sons — JonN and 
 Eichard, and the surviving son of Hughs — James — 
 they resolved to resume the journey to the wilds of Illi- 
 nois, which had been so suddenly interrupted by the 
 death of Hughs. 
 
 1795. — They arrived at Kaskaskia in 1795, and made 
 a settlement on the east side of the river — on the farm 
 which is now occupied by Henry Hughs, and widely 
 known as the "old Hughs place." Pillars remained 
 upon the farm several years, and was an industrious, 
 quiet and respected citizen. 
 
 James HuGHS-^-son of him who was killed by the 
 Indians — returned to Kentucky and married, and came 
 again to Illinois in the year 1800. He was a man of 
 remarkable energy and sound judgment, and became a 
 very important constituent of the infant settlement.
 
 72 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 He was in the United States. ranging service, in 1812. 
 He obtained possession of his step-father's farm, and 
 lived upon it until his death. His sons have borne a 
 respectable position in this county. 
 
 James Hughs was the oldest, and became a very pop- 
 ular man. He was often elected to fill important offices. 
 He died in Kaskaskia, in 1842. JonN Hughs was the 
 second son, and now lives about ten miles northwest of 
 Chester. Stace located on the west side of the Kas- 
 kaskia river, in the O'Harra neighborhood, and died 
 there in 1857. Felix resides near his brother John, is 
 a farmer, and holds the office of magistrate. Henry 
 lives upon the farm of his father where he was born. 
 
 John Pillars opened a farm about half a mile north 
 west of his father, but moved soon afterwards, and lo- 
 cated on the western side of the Opossumden prairie. 
 He was a man of high standing, having been chosen 
 major of the militia, which position he held for a long 
 term of years. He died in 1851, On his farm, where he 
 had lived nearly half a century. 
 
 Richard Pillars was of a migratory disposition, 
 seldom remaining long at any place. He last lived on 
 Mary's River, near the Little Mill seat, and died there 
 fin 1844. The descendants of the Pillars are still re- 
 siding in the county. 
 
 '„ 1797. — Stace McDonough, one of the most conspic- 
 ous and leading characters of pioneer times, came and 
 located in the Pillars' settlement in 1787. He was a 
 soldier in the Kentucky militia, and was in many expe- 
 ditions against the Indians. He served under Col. 
 Clark in an expedition to the Wabash, in 1786. He 
 was in the disastrous defeat of Gen. St. Clair, in 1791, 
 and miraculously saved himself from that dreadful car- 
 nage. He commanded a boat on the Ohio river, in
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 73 
 
 1793, and while passing down the stream was shot in 
 the shoulder by some lurking savages on the shore. 
 This wound affected him through life. He was also 
 with Anthony Wayne, and suited the character of that 
 General, whose exploits gained for him the sobriquet of 
 "Mad Anthony." During the war of 1812, he carried 
 the mail from St. Louis, by way of Kaskaskia, to Shaw- 
 neetown, and though the ^oute was beset by dangers 
 from the hostile Indians, he made his trips regularly. 
 He was elected Captain of a ranging company, and 
 filled the station with marked ability. He lived on the 
 farm where he first settled, for nearly half a century, 
 and died much lamented. He left two sons — James 
 and David; the former settled in the lower end of the 
 Opossumden Prairie about the year 1820. He died tbere 
 some years ago, and his family are living around the 
 old farm. David lives oij the farm made by his father. 
 
 1798. — Another addition was made to this settlement 
 in the person of Jonathan Pettit, in the year 1798. 
 He was a noble specimen of the pioneer class, and by 
 his enterprising energy he became a valuable acquisi- 
 tion to the little colony in which he located. He 
 erected a mill on Nine Mile creek, at. the point whero 
 the Chester and Evansville road crosses that stream. 
 Some evidences of the existence of this mill may yet bo 
 found. Pettit was an active, industrious man, full of 
 life and energy. Like most of the brave pioneers, he- 
 joined the " Rangers" in 1812, and discharged his mili- 
 tary duties in a manner very creditable to himself and 
 the service. His sons were David, Henry, Jonathan,. 
 and Joseph. The only one of the name of this family 
 remaining in the county is Henry Newton Pettit, who 
 lives about five miles northwest of Chester. 
 
 1795. — About 1795, John J. Whiteside, and some 
 7
 
 74 HISTORICAL SKRTCHKS 
 
 others, laid off a town on the western hank of the Kan- 
 kaekia river, not far from the northern limits of Ran- 
 dolph county, and called it Washington, but it ceased 
 to grow and be called a town in a very few years. It 
 was a town only in name. Some of the Going family 
 located in this town, but they remained but a short 
 time. 
 
 Before the close of the century, another settlement 
 was commenced in Horse Prairie — a name given it 
 because of the great number of wild horses found in it. 
 The settlers here were Samuel and Winder Kinney, 
 Jarrot Brickey, Chance Ratcliff, Gibbons, Robert 
 McMahon, and some others. These men had first 
 located about the New Design, in Monroe County. For 
 a time this settlement promised to become permanent 
 and lasting, but it was harrassed by the Indians until 
 nearly all the settlers left it. 
 
 One of the most shocking Indian butcheries that ever 
 befell the family of any man, happened to that of 
 Robert McMahon. The Indians attacked his house 
 one day, while the family were all at home, and killed 
 Mrs. McMahon and four children. McMahon himself, 
 and two small daughters, were fettered and taken pris- 
 oners. The Indians, with their captives, hurried away, 
 lest the whites should pursue them. Some days after- 
 wards, Mr. Judy went to McMahon's house, and in- 
 stead of finding the family alive and well, as he had 
 expected, he found the mangled bodies of five stretched 
 in a row upon the floor, and the dead body of the baby 
 in the cradle, supposed to have died of hunger. The 
 Bad intelligence was given to the settlements around, 
 and a small party started in pursuit of the Indians, but 
 \hey had made good their escape. 
 
 The people of the surrounding neighborhoods gath-
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 75 
 
 ered together and buried the dead bodies, and after the 
 funeral was over, a religious meeting was held. The 
 solemn devotions, prompted by the awfully sorrowful 
 <K c:i<i>;':. continued until a late hour in the evening. 
 Jn^t ii- the congregation was about breaking up, Mr. 
 McMaiion tamo in, nearly exhausted, and fainting from 
 fatigue and mental anxiety. If some mysterious being 
 fiom the spirit world had appeared in the mid-t of that 
 assembly, no greater surprise could have been pro- 
 duced. He was informed that his family had Been 
 buried that day, and the awful butchery of which they 
 were the victims, had been the. occasion of that. meet- 
 ing. Struggling emotions of piercing sorrow and 
 thankful joy filled his heart. His family had been 
 murdered, but kind friends had buried them, and 
 ningled tears of sorrow with the sod over their graves; 
 nc had escaped from a horrible captivity, and generous 
 friends surrounded him, but the thought of his two 
 lovely daughters, still subject to the will of heartless 
 savages, almost made him frantic. Imagine, if possible, 
 the feelings of that man with such reflections upon his 
 mind. He told the story of the attack upon his house, 
 ami how brutally his lovely family were murdered 
 before his eyes, while he was bound and tied down, 
 unable to defend them. When his wife and four chil- 
 dren lay dead upon the floor, he and the two little girls 
 were marched off, and started under the control of 
 their captors, they knew not whither. The first night 
 after they started, the Indians, tied McMahon down 
 with tug-ropes, stripped him of most of his clothing, 
 and put a belt containing little bells around his body, 
 so that escape was impossible. 
 
 This night a heavy snow fell, and the weather turned 
 excessively cold. The next day they traveled hastily
 
 76 historical SKrrcm;* 
 
 over the snowy, frozen ground, v, • • »< aJiUOsi kilh'd Mc- 
 Mahon and the little girls. The third night the party 
 camped above Sugar Creek, not far from the locality of 
 Lebanon, in St. Clair county. They had nothing but 
 dried venison to cat, and so little of that, thai it did 
 not satisfy the cravings of nature. But McMaiion, 
 although nearly starved and frozen, determined to make 
 his escape if possible. The Indians took the precau- 
 tion to tie and secure him as they had done the previous 
 night, but, after they had all lain down and were asleep, 
 he slipped the cords from his wrists and body, and 
 tied what little clothes he yet had on, around the belt of 
 bells, so that they made no noise. He was just attemp- 
 ting to rise, when one of the Indians raised his head 
 up and looked around, but not noticing McMaiion, laid 
 down again. When the Indian again slept, he rose 
 quietly and escaped, leaving his shoes and most of his 
 clothing. Traveling a short distance, barefooted and 
 almost naked, he thought it would be death to continuo, 
 and returned to the camp and tried to get his shoes, 
 but he could not without waking the Indians. Preferr- 
 ing to die a free man, of cold and hunger, in the 
 woods, rather than risk his life with those who had 
 cruelly murdered his family, he started for the New 
 Design, scarcely expecting to ever reach it. The night 
 following that of his escape, he laid down by a log, and 
 covering himself with leaves, he slept a little, but his 
 feet and elbows were severely frost bitten. The next 
 day, late in the evening, he arrived at Prairie du Rochcr, 
 nearer dead than alive. From there he proceeded to 
 the Lemons' Fort to join his friends as above related. 
 He did not inform his daughters of his intention to 
 escape, fearing they might cry and prevent him fi'v»i»i 
 getting away. He left them, bitter as was the ncccs-
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 77 
 
 sity, to the mercy of the savages, trusting that they 
 might yet be rescued; and so they were. 
 
 One incident connected with this horrible affair should 
 be related to show the sagacity of a little fiste dog. 
 During the few days that McMahon'8 family lay dead in 
 the house where they were murdered, this little dog, a 
 favorite in the family, would come to the New Design, 
 whine piteously, and run back and forth towards Mc- 
 Mahon's house, but no^ one took notice of him. His 
 visits were repeated daily; iVut the object of his coming 
 was not imagined or though? of until the murder was 
 discovered. 
 
 When McMaho* hud returned and gone into the 
 meeting, previously mentioned, this little dog was in the 
 house. He did not recognize his master at first, he 
 was so changed, but after a while he found him out, 
 and thon leaped upon him, and frisked about almost 
 wild with joy. 
 
 Some years after the murder of his family, McMahon 
 married again, and lived in Horse Prairie. He was ap- 
 pointed a Judge of the Common Pleas Court, and a Jus- 
 tice of the Peace in Kandolph Count}', which offices he 
 filled with much ability and satisfaction a long time. 
 He moved first to St. Clair, and then to Madison county, 
 where he died. 
 
 As remarked in a preceding paragraph, the settlement 
 in Horse Prairie was almost broken previous to the 
 year 1800. Besides McMahon, Henry Levens and 
 Jarrot BitiCKEY, were about the only ones who re- 
 mained permanently. The sons of Henry Levens — 
 Thomas, Isaiah, Otho and Bazyl — all located around 
 the home of their father, and became prominent men 
 in that little community; but they, and all their descen- 
 dants, are gone now. 
 *7
 
 78 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 Jarrot Brickey was another of the sturdy, staunch 
 pioneers, who braved the dangers of Indian massacres 
 and midnight assassinations. He lived an industrious, 
 respected citizen of Horse. Traine for nearly half a cen- 
 tury, and during that time he was prominent in all 
 those scenes which msirk the pioneer times of Randolph 
 County. He was a Range]- u. "'i' 1 
 
 His son — Pkehton B. Brk - -located half .1 mile 
 north of Red Bud. and hec. m.o a rotspcctaMn farmer. 
 $f?» eons — John and "\Y:l:.;am — are i;ov<- citizens of 
 Red Bud, and ^\vn n large louring mill. 
 
 lbOO. — Outside of Kaflkuskia and Prairie du Rocher, 
 the two settlements to whiun reference 1ms been made 
 in the preceding paragraphs, included the entire popu- 
 lation of Randolph County, at the commencement of 
 the present century ; but" the way was now opened, and 
 new arrivals became more frequent. JS"ew settlements 
 were commenced, and additions made to those already 
 .established, more rapidly. 
 
 Among the first immigrants to the County, after the 
 -commencement of 1800, was Robert Reynolds, from 
 Tennessee, and formerly from Ireland. After remain- 
 ing in Kaskaskia a few months, he located in the set- 
 tlement of Huans and Pillars, on the east side of the 
 river. He became a leading man in the new settle- 
 ment, and was often elected to fill important offices in 
 the county. He remained in the county upwards of 
 twenty years, and then went to Madison county, where 
 he died. His oldest son, John Reynolds, became a dis- 
 tinguished man in early times — was elected a Judge of 
 the Supreme Court, a member of the Legislature, a 
 i member of Congress, Governor of the State, and is now 
 more intimately known by the people than any other 
 man in Illinois. He now lives in Belleville, at the age
 
 OP RANDOLPH COUNTY. 79 
 
 of sixty-three years. His brother, Thomas Reynolds, 
 became a distinguished lawyer and judge. 
 
 1801. — In 1801, Joseph Heard arrived in Kaskaskia 
 and settled upon Garrison Hill. A few years after- 
 Avard he moved and opened a farm two and a half miles 
 north of Chester, on Grav: 1 "r-; 1 M»o f>a«:c ihat is 
 n v. owned by J. R. Holmes, aud euilivjite.l by J-»hn 
 vlaupick. Heard lived hoc for --me years, and im- 
 proved" 'hi* iV.rcr. and raised large crops. H^on Heard, 
 the oldest son of Joseph, seitlirl-«pon •> 'arm abou t two 
 miles north of his father, whkh is yet known as the 
 "Old Heard Farm/' It is now occupied by Henry 
 Bode. Heard occupied this farm for many years, and 
 then moved away to Wisconsin. 
 
 James Heard, the second son, located still farther 
 north, and made a farm, where he lived to be an old 
 man. Joseph, William, and James Heard, now living 
 in the same neighborhood, are the sons of James. 
 
 1801. — George Franklin came with Joseph Heard, 
 and made the farm on which Lemuel Barker now lives, 
 four miles east of Kaskaskia. Some years afterwards 
 he moved and settled one mile east of the present loca- 
 tion of Pinckneyville, in Perry County, on what is now 
 known as the " Old Baldridge Farm." 
 
 1802.— In 1802, the "Irish Settlement," near the 
 mouth of Plumb Creek, was founded. James Patter- 
 son, from Abbeville District, South Carolina, came vtiiK 
 his family, and, branching out beyond the limits of the 
 other settlement, made a permanent location at this 
 place, which took its name from|the fact that he and 
 subsequent settlers were from South Carolina — or what 
 is sometimes known as " South Carolina Irish." 
 
 James Patterson was a man of remarkable energy 
 and activity, and'always stood high in the community. 

 
 80 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 He often held the offices of Justice of the Peace and 
 County Commissioner. In the ranging servieo of 1812, 
 he bore an active part. He had four sons — John, Sam- 
 uel, Reuben, and James Harvey. John located in tho 
 samo settlement of his father, where he lived for many- 
 years, and afterwards moved to Hill Prairie, where he 
 died in 1837. Samuel settled in Horse Prairie ; Reuben 
 in Hitchcock Prairie, where he now lives. James H. 
 now lives upon the farm first made byhis.&tkc?. The 
 Patterson family. h^ TT c always occupied a prominent 
 position in tlie county, and are well and widely known. 
 
 1802. — John Fulton, from Tennessee, came in 1802, 
 and located in the same settlement. He was a valuable 
 addition to this community — always active, and fore- 
 most in whatever promised to promote the best inter. 
 ests of the public. His sons — Thomas, David, and 
 Cyrus — all located in the samo neighborhood, where 
 Thomas and Cyrus died. Davi"d lives in Marion 
 County. 
 
 1802. — William Roberts, fron* Lv-Aiiigton, Ken- 
 tucky, came in 1802, and settled on the east side of the 
 Kaskaskia river, in the neighborhood of Hughs. He 
 opened a farm, and in addition to this e mployment, he 
 traded down the river, and became well known along 
 the banks of the Mississippi, from Kaskaskia to New 
 Orleans. Having spent twenty years of an eventful 
 and useful life, amidst the pioneer scenes of Illinois, he 
 died in 1822. 
 
 1802. — Thomas Roberts, son of William, who had 
 nearly reached his majority at the time of coming to 
 Illinois, located upon a farm near his father. Ho 
 became a highly respected citizen as he advanced in age, 
 and was often promoted to positions of importance. 
 Ho held the office of Justice of the Peace for a long
 
 Or RANDOLPH COUNTY. 81 
 
 term of years, and was County Commissioner at vari- 
 ous times. Towards the close of his life he became a 
 devoted Christian, and gave his time and means lib- 
 erally to the church. He died in 1858. His descen- 
 dants arc numerous. His sons were Thomas, Darius, 
 "William, John, Daniel Preston, Jacob, Wylet, Vol. 
 net, and Perry. All have families except Darius, 
 who died in early life. 
 
 1802. — Robert Tindall came from Chester County, 
 South Carolina, and settled on what is now known as 
 the Fleming Farm, situated some five miles northeast 
 of Chester. Here he commenced the erection of a 
 water-mill, on a small stream which flows past the 
 farm, but before it was completed the floods washed it 
 away. He then erected a horse-mill near his residence, 
 at whiMi the settlers around were supplied with their 
 breadstuff. The advantage of this mill was felt by all 
 the new comers, and it was a great inducement for 
 them to settle around it. Mr. Tindall was a valuable 
 pioneer in the settlement, and spent a life in some useful 
 •employment to himself and his neighbors. 
 
 He had four sons, two of whom are yet living — 
 Reuben and Robert. The former is a citizen of Chester, 
 and known as one of the oldest natives of Illinois. 
 Robert lives in the vicinity of Steelsville. 
 
 1802. — John and E^hraim Bilderback came to 
 Illinois in the year 18(?2, and located permanently. 
 Ephraim made a farm in She region of the settlement 
 on the east side of the Kask'.askia river, about one mile 
 north of Edgar's — now Riley's mill. JonN settled 
 upon a farm which adjoins, or 'forms a part of the one 
 now occupied by Armsted Jon t es. These two men 
 were intelligent, active, and industrious ; and by their 
 solid, substantial ability, they soon 'became the repre-
 
 g2 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 soutativc men in tho little community of which they 
 formed a part. 
 
 1302. — John was in the ranging service, and dis- 
 played the same traits' of perseverance and bravery 
 there that characterized him in the retired but equals- 
 responsible sphere of life. He died, leaving no descen- 
 dants. 
 
 EniRAiM devoted himself to farming, almost con- 
 stantly, and displayed an industry that is worthy of 
 imitation, lie was the father of "William, Stuart, 
 James, Charles, Franklin, Henry, Ephraim, Thomas, 
 and John, each of whom became respectable citizens of 
 tho county. "William located a short distance below 
 the site of Liberty, near the dividing line between 
 Randolph and Jackson counties, where he lived for 
 many years. Stuart remained on his father's farm a 
 few years, then moved away to "Wisconsin. Charles 
 settled near to his brother William, and died there in 
 1849. Franklin lived at the old place. Ephraim went 
 to Perry County, and remained a few years, but re- 
 turned and made a farm on Mary's river, and remained 
 until his death. Thomas lived at his father's until his 
 death. John settled in Lively Prairie, where he died. 
 James is still living upon a farm about four miles north 
 of Chester. There are many of the descendants of 
 these men now living in the county. 
 
 1800. — Benjamin Crane, with seven sons — Benja- 
 min, Squire, "William, James, Joel, Lewis, and John 
 — came to Illinois about 1802, or probably two years 
 earlier, and settled on Mary's river, about four miles 
 above the mouth. These were men of decided charac- 
 ter, and soon became known in all the other settle- 
 ments. Their traits of character were well adapted to 
 a pioneer country, and their influence in advancing the
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNT*. 83 
 
 new region in which they h;ul decided to live, was suc- 
 cessfully exerted. They were the leading men in 
 settling the country around the mouth of Mary's river, 
 and the Island opposite, which bears the name of 
 Crane's Island. John lived upon this Island for many 
 years, and died there in 1850. Joel died the same 
 year. The other brothers, except Lewis, who now 
 lives in California, died several years previous. James 
 Harvey and Nelson*R. Crane, residents of Chester, 
 are sons of John Crane. 
 
 1802. — PAul Haiielston settled on the west side of 
 the Kaskaskia river, in 1802, near the mouth of Camp's 
 Greek. He became a very prominent man in' those 
 early days, and held the office of Sheriff for a short 
 time. Xo other information conld be obtained about 
 him. 
 
 Abu ah Leavitt was a soldier in Col. Pike's division, 
 which came to Fort Gage in 1803. He obtained a dis« 
 charge from the army, and made a farm one mile back 
 of Garrison Hill. He lived upon this farm until a few 
 years ago, when he died. A quiet, industrious citizen, 
 he enjoyed the esteem of his neighbors. The place 
 where he lived is now occupied by his son. 
 
 1803. — Robert Huggins, from South Carolina, settled 
 in the Irish Settlement, in 1803. He lived there some 
 years, and then moved into the Oppossumden Prairie. 
 James Huggins, son of Robert, settled in Flat Prairie 
 about the year 1817, and made the farm which is bow 
 known as the " Arche McDill place." It was the fil*t 
 farm in that Prairie. Thfe descendants of Hugqinb are 
 now living in Perry County. 
 
 1804. — John Lacy came to Illinois from South Caro- 
 lina in 1804, and settled upon the farm which has been 
 known in later years as the " Major Adair place." He
 
 84 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 lived here some years, until his death. Major Adair 
 married the widow Lacy. John Lacy, now living upon 
 the same place, is a son of the pioneer. 
 
 1804. — In 1804, a numerous and valuable addition 
 was made to the Irish Settlement at the mouth of Plumb 
 Creek. John McClinton, David and James Ander- 
 son, and Adam Hill, from Abbeville, South Carolina, 
 with their families, numbering in the aggregate thirty- 
 one members — nine of whom are yet living — arrived 
 in this settlement, on the 25th day of December of that 
 year. This company infused into the little settlement 
 a life and activity hitherto unknown. 
 
 John McClinton's wife died a few weeks after they 
 arrived, and he died about one year alter her death, 
 leaving three bohs — John, Samuel, and Willam — who 
 were placed under the guardianship of the Hills and 
 Anderson. John and William both died many years 
 ago. Samuel located finally near Sparta, where he 
 lived for many years, and became widely known as an 
 active, respectable citizen. He died four or five years 
 ago, leaving a large family. 
 
 1804. — David Anderson, who afterwards obtained 
 the title of Colonel, was a leading and popular man in 
 the community from the time of his arrival. He was 
 a strong, athletic man, very benevolent and kind in his 
 disposition, and a firm friend of the church. His merit 
 became known beyond the limits of his own neighbor- 
 hood, and he was often called upon to fill stations of 
 official trust. As Colonel of the militia he was a favo- 
 rite, and displayed an ability creditable to himself and 
 the high position he filled. His sons all died while 
 young. His oldest daughter married Uobert G. Shan- 
 non. 
 
 18C4. — Jamkh An deb SON lived but a few years alter
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 8& 
 
 coming to Illinois. He was noted for his retired, unas- 
 suming disposition, and kindness of heart, lie left 
 five sons — James, John, William, Thomas and David, 
 all of whom became respectable citizens of the county. 
 William and David are dead; the other three are still 
 living. Thomas is a prominent member of the church. 
 
 1804. — Adam Hill settled on the farm .now occupied 
 by Mrs. Kelly, near Evansville. Here he lived in the 
 quiet pursuit of farming until his death. His sons, 
 Joein, William, Adam, Robert and Samuel became 
 well known citizens of the county. William is now 
 living rn Marion county. John, Adam and Robert are 
 dead. Samuel is living near the old place of his father, 
 a kind, sociable citizen. 
 
 1804. — The Irish Settlement was increased by another 
 party of emigrants from Abbeville, South Carolina, 
 during the same year, or in the commencement of the 
 year following. Absalom Cox, James and Archibald 
 Thompson, William McBride and Robert McDonald, 
 were the leaders of this party. 
 
 Absalom Cox was elected in later years a Captain 
 of a militia company. He was an important member 
 of the community, and lived a useful life. He estab- 
 lished a ferry across the Kaskaskia river, which is 
 known to this day as "('ox's Ferry." He died on the 
 farm where he settled, leaving four sons: — John, Wil- 
 liam, Thomas and Absalom. 
 
 John is now an old man living upon his father's farm. 
 William lives adjoining the same place. Thomas and 
 Absalom arc dead. 
 
 1804. — James Thompson located upon a farm in this 
 settlement, and lived the life of an industrious, respect- 
 able citizen. He was a man of patriotic feelings, and 
 his country never called for his services without a 
 8
 
 86 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 ready response. His sons were Robert and Archi- 
 bald ; the latter died in youth. 
 
 Robert lived on Plumb Creek, where he died in 1830. 
 His sons were James B., John B., Andrew and Robert. 
 The former two are living in the settlement of their 
 father ;tnd grandfather; the latter two are dead. 
 
 1804 — Archibald Thompson was a man of excellent 
 character, and a very efficient member of the com- 
 munity. He lived some years in the settlement where 
 he first located, and then moved, in the year 1812, to a 
 place two miles south of the present town of Evans- 
 villo. Reaching an advanced age, he died in 1833. 
 His sons were ROBERT, WlLLIAM, Moses, Archibald, 
 John and James. Robert lived upon the farm, made 
 by his father until he grew to be an old man, and died 
 only a few weeks since. William settled two and a 
 half miles south of Preston, where lie still resides. 
 Moses settled about 1816 on the farm now occupied by 
 John M. Thompson. 
 
 lie afterward- moved to St. Clair County, and died 
 there in 1840. AltCHlBALD went to Hitchcock Prairie 
 in 1822, and lived there until his death, in 1856. His 
 descendants are living in the same neighborhood. 
 John Thompson became a prominent man in the county. 
 He was once County Commissioner. In 1836 he was 
 I a member of the Legislature, and died during 
 the session of that body. James Thomtson, the young- 
 est of the brothers, lived upon his father's farm until 
 he died, in 1835. 
 
 1804. — William MoBride was a valuable constituent 
 of the Irish Settlement. He labored much, and lived 
 in a manner which rendered him a favorite in the com- 
 munity. He was somewhat advanced, in age when he 
 came, but he endured the privations of pioneer life very
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 
 
 87 
 
 well. He died in 1818. His sons, Thomas — who had a 
 family when they came, John and William, settled 
 around their father, and were industrious, highly es- 
 teemed citizens. They are all dead now. Thomas left 
 two sons — William and John. The former lives in 
 Washington County; the -latter on the old place. 
 William McBiude was Captain of a militia company 
 in 1813, and once held the office of County Commis- 
 sioner. Mrs. Wilson, now living in Chester, is the only 
 surviving one of John McBride's family. 
 
 1804. — Borert McDonouoh remained in the settle- 
 ment until his death. His family then moved away, 
 and none of his descendants are now in the county. 
 
 1804. — In the same year — 1804 — Samuel Cochran 
 located upon the land which is now known as the 
 "Haskin farm." He was far out from the settlement 
 at that time, and lived somewhat secluded, yet he was 
 very sociable, and fond of company. He was an 
 influential and popular man, and held several impor- 
 tant offices. He died in Jackson County, in 1824. His 
 sons were John, William, George, Alexander and 
 Elisha. John improved a farm near the Bilderbacks,. 
 and lived upon it until his death. William settled, 
 lived and died upon the farm on which Joseph Hardin 
 now resides, one mile northwest of Chester. Mrs. 
 VanZa\i\ now living in Chester at an advanced age, is 
 the daughter of Samuel Cochran. George moved 
 to Jackson County, and there became a very prominent 
 man. The other brothers also went to Jackson County. 
 They were noted for their exploits in hunting. 
 
 180-1. — About this time a man by the name of Ems- 
 ley Jones settled in the region of Liberty. Another 
 man named Reed had settled in the same neighborhood. 
 Jones and Reed got into a quarrel, which finally re-
 
 88 HISTORICAL SKETCH E8 
 
 8ulteo*in Jones killing Reed, for which crime he was 
 hung, in Kaskaskia. This was the first execution upon 
 the gallows in Randolph County. A short time after- 
 wards, an Indian was hung for murdering a white man. 
 These are the only two instances where capital punish- 
 ment has been resorted to within the limits of the 
 county since it had an existence, and it is earnestly 
 hoped that such a proceeding will never again blacken 
 her fair fame. If, however, the necessity should occur, 
 her courts must yield obedience to the requirements o£ 
 imperative laws. 
 
 1805. — Alexander Barber came in 1805 from Ohio. 
 He first settled near the Bilderbacks, on the east side 
 of the Kaskaskia river. Being a man of strong native 
 intellect, a clear judgment, and robust constitution, he 
 took a leading position among the other stalwart char- 
 acters of the settlement in which he located. His 
 employment was farming, but, as the settlements in- 
 creased, he was engaged in building mills. Skilled in 
 this branch of business, and possessing great energy, 
 he was a very useful man in the new country, and did 
 much for its advancement. About the year 1825, ho 
 located on the farm where he now resales, two miles 
 north of Liberty, Here he erected a mill; and he has 
 been engaged with mills nearly ever since. The name 
 of Barber suggests the idea of a mill. More than 
 forty years ago he was elected a Justice of the Peace — 
 a position for which Nature seems to have designed 
 him — and he still holds the office, having filled it during 
 all that time without intermission. There is probably 
 no man in Illinois who lias held that office 80 long, and 
 probably no man that ever filled the office whose official 
 acts have given such general satisfaction. A few 
 months more and he will have attained his fourscore
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 89 
 
 years, yet he retains his intellectual faculties in their 
 vigor and brightness. He has fifty-four years of the 
 history of this county fresh in his memory. He be- 
 longs to a generation past, but lives yet as a noble 
 specimen of his compeers. 
 
 Alexander Clark was another of those who came 
 in 1805. He located three miles south of the present 
 town of Evansville. How long he remained, or what 
 position he occupied, could not be learned. 
 
 1805. — Joseph Lively came, in 1805, from Abbeville, 
 South Carolina, and settled the Seymour farm, three 
 miles north of Kaskaskia. He lived upon the farm until 
 j.323, when he moved and settled in the lower end of 
 Oppossumden Prairie. He moved the next year and 
 settled upon the place where Judge John Campbell 
 resides. He was active, industrious, and benevolent. 
 He died in 1833. His sons were Amos, Shadrack, 
 Enoch, Richard, James, and Reuben, who have be- 
 come well known to the people of the county, and 
 from whom a numerous descendancy has sprung. 
 They were farmers, generally, and good neighbors. 
 Some of them are yet living, though old men. 
 
 1805. — John Lively a brother of Joseph, who came 
 at the same time, settled in the Prairie northeast of 
 the Irish Settlement, from which circumstance the 
 prairie has been called " Lively Prairie." He was the 
 pioneer of that part of the county, and sustained his posi- 
 tion in a manner which excites sentiments of pride in his 
 descendants. He lived in this prairie during his life, 
 which closed in 1826. Reuben Lively, who lives near 
 Athens, in St. Clair County, is the oldest son of John 
 Lively. His other sons were James, Turner, William 
 and Hugh P. — the latter was accidentally killed by the 
 falling of a tree. Turner and William are residents of 
 *8
 
 90 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 the prairie where their father lived. James is dead. 
 
 1806. — In the year 1806, George Wilson and Samuel 
 Crozier, from Abbeville, South Carolina, arrived in the 
 county. George Wilson settled on- Plumb Creek 
 near the forks. From there he went to the mouth of 
 Dozar Creek, and remained until 1812, when he moved 
 into the Fort. He lived in the Fort for some years after 
 the settlers had returned to their homes. In 1827 he 
 moved into Hitchcock Prairie, and lived there until hia 
 death in 1857. ! Mr. Wilson was a man in whom were 
 blended all those noble traits of character which dis- 
 tinguished the early pioneers — high-minded, generous, 
 brave. Through his long life he maintained a high 
 position among his neighbors, and though he had 
 reached the age of seventy -five when he died, his death 
 was a loss felt by the community. His sons are John 
 A., George, William L., James and Andrew. John A. 
 Wilson has filled the office of Sheriff of the county, and 
 is now the Mayor of the city of Sparta. George lives 
 upon the old place of his father. William L. is a 
 citizen of Chester. James lives near the old place in 
 the prairie. 
 
 1806. — Samuel CrOzier opened a farm on Nino Mile 
 Creek, two miles south of the location of Evansville. 
 Ho. was a man of high intellectual abilities, sociable 
 and benevolent, lie rose to position and influence 
 without an effort. In 1827 he was chosen a member of 
 the Legislature. He died in 1831. His sons were 
 John, James, Andrew, Archibald and Samuel B. 
 John Crozier settled upon the site of Red Bud in 
 Horse Prairie, in 1824. He was the father of Samuel 
 Crozier who was one of the founders, and a highly 
 esteemed citizen of Red Bud, and who died a few weeks 
 ago; also James, who is* still living in that town, and
 
 OP RANDOLPH COUNTY. 91 
 
 Thomas. The brothers of John Crozier became citi- 
 zens of the county, and lived in it until they died. The 
 Crozier family has always sustained a very respectable 
 position in the community. 
 
 Mr. Mansker, father of Samuel Mansker, made a 
 settlement on Liberty Island, in 1806, but the farm he 
 made washed away in a few years, and he removed. 
 Samuel Mansker settled upon the farm where he now 
 lives in the same year that his father located upon the 
 Island. He has been a sturdy, persevering and respect- 
 able citizen. 
 
 1807. — John Campbell, from Abbeville, South Caro- 
 lina, settled near the mouth of Nine Mile Creek, in 1807. 
 He lived upon that place until 1820, when he moved to 
 a place four miles east of Evansville, and died there in 
 1827. His life was that of an unassuming, retired and 
 respectable citizen. His sons, John, Samuel, Archi- 
 bald and James all settled in the neighborhood of their 
 father. 
 
 1807. — During the year 1807, John Taqgart, from 
 South Carolina, came to the county. He remained for 
 some time about Kaskaskia, finally joined the ranging 
 service, and after receiving his discharge he settled 
 upon the farm where he now resides, about nine miles 
 north of Chester. Amos Taggart, who lives on the 
 Chester and Sparta road, is a son of John. 
 
 1807. — Daniel Taggart, brother of John, came from 
 South Carolina at the same time. He .was also in the 
 ranging service, and after the company was disbanded 
 he located upon a farm near his brother. His sons are 
 John, William, Amos and Daniel, all of whom are liv- 
 ing in the neighborhood of their father. 
 
 1807. — John Steele, from Tennessee, came to the 
 county in 1807. Possessing a remarkable degree of
 
 92 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 self-reliance and < courage, he passed bejond the limits 
 of the settlements already made, and located near 
 liJiere Steelesville now stands. Here he formed the 
 nucleus of a settlement, which increased rapidly. Dur- 
 i«£ his long life he displayed the same energy in every 
 undertaking as he had done in establishing this settle- 
 ment. He was a man of sterling worth — a noble speci- 
 men of the pioneers. His sons were George, Archi- 
 bald, James, John, and Thomas, from whom the 
 numerous family bearing their namo, living around 
 Steelesville, have descended. George Steele was the 
 founder of Georgetown, since called Steelesville, and 
 the proprietor of Steele's Mills, a point widely known 
 in early times. He was a man of enterprising energy, 
 and a very useful citizen. He was the father of James 
 and Thomas Steele. 
 
 Archibald Steele, the second son ot the pioneer, 
 opened' a -farm one-half mile southwest of Steelesville, 
 and lived there until his death, a few months ago. In- 
 heriting the characteristics of his father, he was a lead- 
 ing, influential member of the community in which he 
 lived. He was the father of Anthony, Jefferson, 
 Eilen, Merrit, Jasper, and Lindsay. Anthony now 
 holds the office of Sheriff. 
 
 James Steele remained a citizen of the county until 
 1849, when he moved away to Iowa. John and 
 Thomas are living near Steelesville. 
 
 1808. — In tliis year, one of the most remarkabio 
 pioneers that figured in the county, came and settled 
 about three miles south of Steelesville. That man was 
 Jacob Bowerman. Decision of character was a lead- 
 ing trait, and shone out in all his operations. He was 
 a representative man, and filled the position of a leader 
 with marked abdity. His ingenuity was unbounded.
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 93 
 
 He was master of almost every trade, and from the 
 fertility of his genius he, could manufacture guns, 
 though he never served an apprenticeship to the trade. 
 Asa marksman, with the rifle he had no superior. He 
 lived on the farm where he first settled only a short 
 time, then opened the farm on which Archibald 
 Steele lived during life, and afterwards settled upon 
 the farm, on the western side of Stcelcsville, which is 
 known as the " old Bowerman place." He had four 
 sons — Jonathan, Jesse, Michael, and William — 
 three of whom are yet living — Jesse being dead. 
 Jonathan resides in Jackson county; Michael lives 
 three miles south of Steelcsville; and William lives 
 three miles north of the same place. 
 
 1808. — In this year, another addition was made to 
 the Irish Settlement. Robert Foster and John An- 
 derson arrived from South Carolina, Abbeville Dis- 
 trict, having made that long journey on horseback. 
 Foster first located near the settlement of Miller and 
 McCormack, where James and George McCormack 
 now live. He afterwards moved on to Plumb Creek, 
 and erected a steam distillery and a horse-mill. With 
 this appendage to the settlement, inducements were 
 offered to immigrants which brought many to it. Fos- 
 ter's mill was the center of attraction — the place for 
 all public gatherings, musters, &c. Mr. Foster, as,his 
 works indicate, was a man for the times — enterprising, 
 determined, and accommodating. Possessing a practi- 
 cal judgment, his efforts were directed to such projects 
 as promised to advance the public interests. He wae 
 sometimes called to fill official stations, which he did 
 with high satisfaction. He was a devoted friend of the 
 church, and a Christian in the fullest sense of the term. 
 He died in 1831. His sons were Samuel, John, James
 
 94 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 A., William, and Damp. Samuel died in Sparta, 
 some years ago. John died before Samuel. James A. 
 Foster was one of the founders of Sparta, and he has 
 been a successful merchant of that place for many 
 years. David and William Foster reside near 
 Sparta. 
 
 1808. — John Anderson settled near tbe farm of his 
 brother, "Col. Anderson, and there lived until bis death. 
 He was a faithful friend of the church, and tilled tbc 
 office of ruling elder from the time tbe church was or- 
 ganized until bis death, in which position he acted well 
 his part. He held the offiec of Justice of the Peace for 
 a great number of years. 
 
 1808. — A Mr. Henderson, from South Carolina, came 
 in 1808, and settled upon tbe farm now occupied by 
 James Walsh, on the western side of the Kaskaskia 
 river, at Evansville. 
 
 1808. — John Clendenin, from Green county, Ken- 
 tucky, came to Illinois in 1808, and settled upon tho 
 farm which for a long time was known by the name of 
 the "Porter place," now an addition to ('bestir. He 
 was a revolutionary soldier, and an excellent represent' 
 ativeoftbat class of brave, patriotic men. It is related 
 pf him, that once while guarding some prisoners, a lady 
 came and asked of him permission to see her brother, 
 who was a prisoner. Too gallant to refuse tbe lady tho 
 privilege of seeing her brother, and confiding in her 
 integrity, be divested himself of bis uniform and 
 loaned it to her. She put it on, made the visit to her 
 brother, and returned it to him according to her prom- 
 ise. Tbis incident is a mirror which reflects tho noble- 
 character of tbe man. His life among tbe pioneers 
 was that of a high-minded, honorable, industrious citi- 
 zen — and to which his descendants may revert with
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 96 
 
 sentiments of pride. James, Henry, John, and Harvey 
 Clendenin, who have filled so large a spaco in the his- 
 tory of Randolph County, wore his sons; all of whom 
 were approaching manhood when they arrived in Illi- 
 nois. James Clendenin opened the farm where Har- 
 vey Lemons now lives, and afterwards moved to the 
 neighborhood of Liberty, where he died, in 1851. He 
 was the father of Simpson and John H. Clendenin. 
 
 Henry Clendenin died in early life, leaving no 
 family. 
 
 John Clendenin is yet living, having spent fifty-one 
 years of bis life amidst the scenes and events of Ran- 
 dolph County. lie is the father of James Harvey, 
 and Henry Simpson Clendenin. 
 
 Harvey Clendenin became a prominent man in the 
 county, and filled the Office of County Commissioner, 
 in which position he distinguished himself as a man oft 
 sound judgment and clear discrimination. Ho was the 
 father of ESphbaim R., John C, Samuel, Harvey ; and 
 Henry Clendenin, who have become well known citiv 
 zens of tho county. 
 
 1808. — Richard Robbison came from South Carolina, 
 in 1808, and first settled in the Bildorback Settlement, 
 but aftewards ho moved into the region of the Steele 
 Settlement. Horo he lived and raised a large family. 
 His sons are John, Joseph, Richard, James, Shadraok, 
 William, Thomas, and Jefferson, from whom the 
 numerous family of that name now living in tho county 
 have descended. 
 
 1808. — Andrew McCormack settled in the Bilder.* 
 back settlement in the year 1808. His sons, James 
 and George, live in tho same neighborhood where their, 
 father located. 
 
 1808.— John Miller settled in the same neighbor- 
 hood about the same time.
 
 98 HISTORICAL SKETCHE8 
 
 1808. — James White came from South Carolina in 
 1808, and settled on the hills one-half mile north of the 
 road from Chester to Stcelesville, where the road 
 Crosses Mary's river. 
 
 1808. — Augustus Davis first settled, in 18d8, near 
 Kaskaskia, and afterwards moved to the Steele Settle- 
 ment. Some of his descendants are still living in the 
 county. 
 
 1808. — William Barnett came from Kentucky, and 
 located in the Irish Settlement. He was a man of in- 
 dustrious habits, retired disposition, yet hold and firm 
 •when necessity required it. He died in 1X18. His sons 
 were John and William Barnett. John lived upon his 
 father's farm, and reared a large family. William M., 
 Alexander C, Samuel, Corrydon and John Barnett 
 were his sons. Corrydon is the only one now living. 
 
 William, the second son of the pioneer, was drowned. 
 He was out in the campaign against the Indians in 
 1813, and when returning home, having reached Plumb 
 creek, only two miles distant from his father's house, he 
 was drowned. 
 
 1809. — John Bkatte was added to the Irish Settle- 
 ment in 1809. He was from Abbeville, South Carolina, 
 and became a valuable citizen in the community. Ho 
 was retired and very quiet, yet a man of much force 
 and decision of character. John, Andrew and Charles 
 BEATTEwere his sons. John and Andrew died several 
 years ago, leaving large families. Charles is still liv- 
 ing. 
 
 1809. — Chest-ey Allen, from Virginia, settled in 
 Horse Prairie, in 1809, and formed the nucleus for a 
 settlement in that region of the county. He was a man 
 possessing all the qualifications of a pioneer leader, and 
 left a memory revered and esteemed by his neighbors.
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 97 
 
 His sons were James, John, Albert, William and 
 Miner, who became highly respected citizens of that 
 prairie. John W. Allen, now a citizen of Ked Bud, is 
 the son of James Allen; and James R. Allen, a mer- 
 chant of the same place; is'the son of John Allen. 
 
 1809. — Raleigh Ralls, settled in Horse Prairie about 
 the same time of Allen. He came from Virginia, and 
 brought with him the characteristics of a Virginia gen- 
 tleman. Edward and John Ralls who became promi- 
 nent citizens of that prairie were his sons. John was 
 known a* a pioneer preacher, and he filled the duties of 
 that sacred office until his death, in 1857. James M. 
 Ralls, who is Clerk of the Circuit Court, is a son of 
 Rev. John Ralls. 
 
 1809. — Edward Faherty located on the southern 
 border of Horse Prairie in 1809, and lived there, a 
 highly respected citizen, until his death. Patrick and 
 John Faherty, now living in the prairie, are his sons. 
 
 1809. — This year came Ezra Owens and Thomas J. 
 V., his son, who settled in the Dr. Fisher neighborhood. 
 Owens became a prominent man. Ho was chosen 
 Major of the militia, and filled the office with credita- 
 ble ability. His son Thomas J. V. Owens filled the 
 office of Sheriff at one time, and was a member of the 
 Legislature. 
 
 During the period of ten years, from 1800, through 
 which the arrival of the settlers have been faithfully 
 chronicled, according to the best available data, no 
 event occurred of special moment. From this time, 
 however, commenced the Indian troubles which con- 
 tinued until after the close of the war of 1812. Fortu- 
 nately, howevor, for the infant settlements of this 
 county, they were free from those midnight butcheries 
 which were visited upon the settlements in other por- 
 9
 
 9^ HISTOHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 tions of the surrounding country. In Washington 
 County the family of John Lively — a relative of those 
 of that name who had settled in this county — foil vic- 
 tims to savage barbarity. One afternoon, when all the 
 family but two were gathered within the cabin, the 
 Indians came, brutally murdered every one in the house, 
 and then set fire to it, and consumed the freshly made 
 corpses with the timbers of the building. As no one 
 present was left to tell the particulars of this horrible 
 tragedy, they have never beon known. A son of Mr. 
 Lively — William — who was then a small boy, was 
 out at the time of the murder, hunting horses. On re- 
 turning he discovered the flames and smoke rising from 
 his father's cabin, and fearing lest the sad reality was 
 true, he went away to a neighbor's house and gave the 
 information -of what he had seen. They went and found 
 only the crisped and charred forms of their friends 
 smouldering in the ashes of the cabin. William and 
 Jane, a little girl, who happened to bo visiting some of 
 her little friends in the neighborhood, escaped the ter- 
 rible fate of their parents, and brothers and sisters, and 
 are yet living. William is one of the oldest citizens 
 in Washington County. Jane married William Cau- 
 dle, of this county and is the mother of a large family, 
 and still living at an extreme old age. 
 
 From 1810, until after the close of the war of 1812, 
 there was but little emigration to the county, and but 
 little advancement of any kind. There was but one 
 arrival in 1811 — that of Michael Harmon, an emi- 
 grant from Tennessee. He explored the country around 
 Kaskaskia, and decided to settle in the region now 
 known as the "Harmon Settlement." He returned to 
 Tennessee and brought out his family. In the ensuing 
 fall he died, leaving his seven sons t<> maintain the
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 99 
 
 ground he had claimed, for cultivation. They all net- 
 tled around the place where their father died, and gave 
 to the region an importance which attracted attention 
 at the time, and which is well known over the county 
 yet. Five of the sons of the pioneer are yet living — 
 Joseph, Abraham, George, John, and James — and 
 around them live their children and grandchildren. 
 This is probably the most densely populated of any 
 settlement now in the county. Twenty-two years ago, 
 a Methodist society was organized in the settlement, by 
 Rev, Lopez, and has been an institution ever since, 
 under the supervision of the Southern Illinois Confer- 
 ence. In 1855, a church edifice was completed and 
 christened " Palestine Church." 
 
 With Harmon's family came John Youno, who 
 located upon the farm now occupied by Mr. Hargus, in 
 the region of Ellis' Grove. Stephen Young, living in 
 the same neighborhood, is a son of John Young. 
 
 1812. — In 1812, William Nelson, (an Irishman by 
 birth,) from Abbeville, South Carolina, settled on 
 Horse Creek. He was a man of enterprising habits, 
 and erected a distillery, which gave to his place an 
 attractive importance. He became a prominent man, 
 and held the office of County Commissioner, and was 
 Justice of the Peace for a long term of years. He 
 died in 184-4, upwards of seventy years of age. He 
 had four sons — John G., Isaac, William, Eobert, and 
 Wilson — all of whom (except the last one,) became 
 citizens of the county. John G. Nelson was often 
 elected Justice of the Peace, and at one time was elected 
 County Commissioner. He died in 1852. Isaac H. 
 Nelson, Clerk of the County Court, is a son of John 
 G. Nelson. Isaac is still living upon the old place of 
 his father, having filled the office of Justice of the
 
 100 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 Peace for many years. William and Robert settled, 
 lived, and died close by the farm where their father 
 settled. 
 
 1812. — Hugh Leslie came from Abbeville, South 
 Carolina, with Nelson; Samuel, and Matthew Leslie, 
 living in Hill Prairie, are his sons. 
 
 During the year 1812, the hostility of the Indians 
 rendered it necessary for all the settlements to seek 
 protection in the Forts. A block house, or fort, was 
 erected in some central position in all the principal set- 
 tlements. One was orected in the Irish Settlement, of 
 convenient size to accommodate all the settlers. An- 
 other one was erected in Dr. Fisher's neighborhood; 
 another at Georgetown; another at Jacob Bowerman's. 
 The settlers on the east side of the Kaskaskia river took 
 refuge in Fort Gage. The people abandoned their pri 
 vate houses, and quartered in these forts, living as one 
 family, adopting for tho time being something of a com- 
 munity system. The men pursued their ordinary busi- 
 ness, but never left the forts without their guns. They 
 were sometimes attacked while in the field at work, 
 but no instance of a murder has been found. 
 
 1814. — James and Samuel Thomson, from Abbeville, 
 South Carolina, arrived at Kaskaskia in 1814. They 
 were both young men. James taught school in Kas- 
 kaskia three years, then located upon the farm where 
 he now resides. He was skilled in surveying, and was 
 employed for twenty years in the United States Sur- 
 veying Service, and has in late years filled the office of 
 County Surveyor, several terms; and he is now the 
 chief deputy in that office, with its full control and 
 management. He commanded a company of militia in 
 the Black Hawk war. Under Governor Reynold's 
 administration ho was appointed Judge of the Probate
 
 'OF- RANDOLPH COUNTY. 101 
 
 Court, in which position he continued during seventeen 
 successive years. In all these stations he discharged 
 his duties in a manner that won universal satisfaction. 
 His profession is that of a surveyor.; and whenever the 
 name of James Thompson is mentioned, the idea of 
 surveying is suggested. His foot has probably made 
 its impress upon every section of land in Randolph 
 county. John P. Thompson, who died in 1851, while 
 holding the office of Sheriff, was the oldest son of 
 James Thompson. 
 
 Samuel Thompson, brother of James, was also a 
 Surveyor, and often held that office in the county. He, 
 too, was employed in the United States Surveying Ser-. 
 vice for many years. He died about the year 1848, 
 leaving a large and respectable family. 
 
 1814. — "William and John Allen, from Georgia to 
 Ohio, from whence they came to Illinois, in 1814, settled 
 adjoining the Irish Settlement. They were upright, 
 honorable men, and highly esteemed by the community- 
 William died at North's Ferry, on the Kaskaskia river, 
 about the year 1840. John died five years later. 
 Aaron M. Allen, a prominent merchant of Sparta, is 
 the son of John Allen. 
 
 1815. — Alexander Gaston, from Kentucky, settled 
 upon the John McFarland place in 1815. Ho was 
 succeeded by his son, Alexander, who lived and died 
 upon the same place. 
 
 1816. — Andrew Barders came to the Irish Settle- 
 ment in 1816. He was then a young man, full of hope 
 and vigor. He lived for a time with Robert Foster, 
 and attended his distillery. Afterwards' he located 
 upon the farm where he now lives. Possessing a 
 strong, robust constitution, a vigorous mind, and clear 
 judgment, he has been the leader of his neighborhood; 
 *9
 
 102 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 and by his industry, economy and. cautiousness in tra- 
 ding, he has become very wealthy. 
 
 1816. — Thomas Mudd, from Kentucky, came in 
 1816, with seven sons — Jamks, Francis. Edward, 
 Joseph, Piielix, John, and Willtam — all of whom 
 settled on the high lands in the prairie hack of Prairie 
 du Pioeher.. This family has always occupied a very 
 respectable position in this county. Three of the seven 
 brothers are yet living — Edward, (who lives in Iowa,) 
 Francis and John live where they settled forty-two 
 years ago. William Mudd, who is an Associate Jus- 
 tice of the County Court, is a son of James Mudd. 
 The family has heroine very numerous. 
 
 Isiij. — Samuel Crawford, from Tennessee, came in 
 1816. His residence was transient until 1819, when he 
 settled in the lower end of Oppossumden Prairie. He 
 became a popular man, and was often promoted to 
 official stations. He held the office of Justice of the 
 Peace, was Receiver of Public Monies in the Land 
 Office, at Kaskaskia, and served one sossiqn in the Leg r 
 islature. His sons were James H., Hugh M., William, 
 tJrACE, and John. James lives in Galena. Hugh in 
 Oamptown, and William in Florence ; Stace and 
 John both died in California. Hugh and William 
 have held the office of Justice of the Peace. 
 
 1816. — William Fowler came from South Carolina, 
 and made the farm on which Abram Harmon, Sr., now 
 livos. Ho was a soldier in the revolutionary war, and 
 a zeniouw patriot. When he died, in 1846, his death was 
 deeply regretted by those who had an opportunity of* 
 ■MRVjihtihg Ms worth. He had three son>, only two 
 tit whom came t i this county — James and Washing- 
 .! \vr>s live 1 ii ar his father some years, nnd then 
 ■n >» '1 to lV:--; ' mntv. TTis tw<> sons, Wit.t.iam and
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 103 
 
 John, became citizens of this county, and died here — 
 the former in 1856, the latter in 1850. "Washington 
 lived and died in the neighborhood whore his father 
 settled. His children live around the old place. 
 
 1816. — John Layne came from Tennessee, and settled 
 near Georgetown, where he died. Elisha Layne, now 
 living in Chester, is the only son of John Layne now 
 in the county. 
 
 1816. — James Slater settled near the residence of 
 Hughs in this year, and lived there until his death. 
 Joseph Slater, living in the same neighborhood, is the 
 only son now remaining in the county. 
 
 1816. — In this year, Cornelius Adkins made a set- 
 tlement in the lower end of Short's Prairie. He re- 
 mained there many years. 
 
 1816. — Benjamin Brown settled in the Bradley neigh- 
 borhood. How long he remained here, or whether his 
 descendants are in the county, could not be ascertained. 
 
 1816. — In the same year, Emanuel Canady came 
 from Tennessee, mid settled near the Steeles. He 
 afterwards moved to the Bradley settlement, where he 
 still resides. Though he has passed through the priva- 
 tions of pioneer Life, and reached an old age, he is still 
 strong and active. 
 
 1817.— In 1817, "the Bradley family settled in the 
 region of Shiloh, and opened the way for the settle- 
 ment of that part of the county. Each member of 
 this family was a tower of strength within himself. 
 In all those enterprises, whether civil or military, 
 which interested the public, the name of Bradley was 
 conspicuous. J amks, Franklin? William and Biciiard 
 Bradley arc now the representatives of the family, an<4 
 arc old men. Their descendants are naiso-'o is. 
 
 1817 — 'txrO'' r.lvv-j n.vn ? i > th? cnnt.y ir*\l317,
 
 104 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 and opened a farm near the Irish Settlement, where he 
 lived until his death. Such was his character that his 
 descendants, who have risen to high positions, may 
 regard him with feelings of pleasure. His sons are 
 John, William, Eobert, and Alexander. John came 
 to the county some years after his father, and lives five 
 miles northwest of Chester. He once held the office 
 of Judge of County Commissioner's Court, from which 
 fact the appellation of " Judge" has been given him, 
 and by that title he is well known. He is the father of 
 a large .and respectable family. William Mann still 
 lives near the place where his father settled, and has 
 his children around hiin, who are active members in 
 the community. Eobert Mann has filled several im- 
 portant offices — was an officer in a company of militia 
 that went out in the Black Hawk campaign, once 
 represented the county in the Legislature, and filled 
 the office of School Commissioner. Alexander Mann 
 lives upon the old place made by his father. 
 
 1817. — Colonel Gabriel Jones, from Adair County, 
 Kentucky, came in the year 1817, and settled on the 
 farm one mile west of Steelesville, which is widely 
 known as the " old Col. Jones place." His talents, 
 energy, activity, and high sense of honor, placed him 
 forward as a leader, and he became a prominent actor 
 in all the public matters of those times. In the Black 
 Hawk war he was promoted to the position of Colonel, 
 and he distinguished himself as an able officer and gal- 
 lant soldier. He has represented the county in the 
 General Assembly, and filled other offices of responsible 
 trust. He is now the Mayor of the city of Chester, 
 and holds the office of Justice of the Peace. Though 
 he has reached the sere of life, he is yet active and vig- 
 orous.
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 105 
 
 1817. — Ignatius Sprigg, an emigrant, from Maryland, 
 settled in the American Bottom, between Kaskaskia 
 and Prairie du Rocher, on the Rector farm, in 1817. 
 He was another of the sound, practical, honorable 
 minded pioneers, and the people often testified their 
 appreciation of his worth by electing him to positions 
 of responsible trust — first to the office of County 
 Treasurer, and next to that of Sheriff, which he held 
 during a period of ten years. He is now a citizen of 
 Arkansas, engaged in the United States Surveying Ser- 
 vice. 
 
 1817. — James and Henry O'Hara came to the 
 county in this year, and settled in the region where 
 James now lives. Both of these men have occupied 
 positions of official trust, and stand high in the estima- 
 tion of the people. They are both still living, having 
 attained an old age. The settlement where they live 
 has taken their name, and assumed a position of note 
 and importance. St. Patrick's Church was organized 
 in this settlement some years ago, and in 1853, a church 
 building was erected under the supervision of Father 
 Hane. Father Gifford, a very old man, is now the 
 officiating priest. 
 
 1817. — Curtis Coon came to Kaskaskia about the 
 year 1817. He was a native of Boston, Massachusetts, 
 and had spent several years in the West Indies engaged 
 in heavy commercial transactions. After remaining a 
 year in Kaskaskia he purchased and settled upon the 
 Haskin farm two miles southwest of Chester. His 
 talents were of a high order, and he possessed an 
 energy and business qualifications which peculiarly 
 fitted him for public office. He filled the office of Judge 
 of the Probate Court for a term of years, and his offi- 
 cial acts in that Court were usually regarded with high
 
 10t> HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 satisfaction. In every station where he presided he 
 was a model. 
 
 1817. — Daniel Alexander, from' Maine, came to the 
 county in 1817. For a time he worked at the mouth 
 of Okaw; then purchased a farm in the Hughs settle- 
 ment, which he afterwards sold to Charles Stratton. 
 Some years ago he went to Texas, and was murdered 
 there. 
 
 1817. — James McFarlanp came from South Caro- 
 lina and settled on the west fork of Mary's river, near 
 the Kaskaskia road, and lived there until his death. 
 Andrew McFarland, who lives in the same neighbor- 
 hood, is the only surviving son of James McFarland. 
 
 1817. — Samuel Nisbet from South Carolina, made a 
 settlement one mile east of Eden, in 1817. He w T as an 
 industrious, honorable man, and a firm friend of the 
 church. But few men ever possessed the faculties of en- 
 during the privations of a pioneer country more than 
 he. He is still living. 
 
 1817. — William Morris, from Ohio, settled in the 
 Oppossumden Prairie in 1817. His son lives upon the 
 same place. 
 
 1817. — In this year, or shortly afterwards, Gwin, 
 Barrows, Houseman and some others, settled in the 
 Bradly Settlement. They were valuable additions to 
 that community, and men of high character. Their 
 descendants are numerous and respectable. 
 
 1817. — Henry Will settled upon the point of the 
 bluff above Kaskaskia in 1817. His character was 
 that of an industrious farmer and good neighbor. His 
 son, Daniel Will, now lives upon the same place. 
 Around this point an important settlement was formed, 
 and a church organization was made several years 
 ago.
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 107 
 
 1818. — Joseph and Thomas Orr, from Virginia, set- 
 tled in the O'Hara neighborhood in 1818. Joseph 
 was chosen Major of a militia regiment, which post he 
 tilled with creditable ability. He was an early citizen 
 of Sparta, and died in that place in 1850. Thomas 
 moved to Pike County in 1829. 
 
 1818. — Benedict Harrel was added to the O'Hara 
 Settlement in 1818; Cornelius and Thomas Harrel 
 now living in the same neighborhood are hts sons. 
 
 1818. — John Brewer, another emigrant from Ken- 
 tucky, came to the O'Hara Settlement in 1818. He 
 brought with him six sons — Thomas, Felix, Vincent, 
 George, Pius, and John, all of whom became impor- 
 tant constituents of the community. John once filled 
 the office of County Commissioner, and is now a Justice 
 of the Peace. 
 
 1818. — The Hull family arrived in the O'Hara set- 
 tlement in 1818. They were from Kentucky — four 
 brothers — Norton, Samuel, Lewis, and Thomas. Nor- 
 ton Hull was a conspicuous man, having conferred 
 upon him the office of Captain of a militia company. 
 He and his brother Samuel died where they located. 
 Thomas and Lewis died in Pike County. 
 
 1818. — In this year, Kev. Silas Crisler, from Boone 
 County, Kentucky, arrived in Illinois, and made a farm 
 six miles east of Kaskaskia, not far from the Harmon 
 Settlement. Possessing strong natural faculties, a 
 large amount of kindness and generosity, and some 
 eccentricity, he became widely known, and highly 
 esteemed. Much of his time was devoted to his sacred 
 calling. Gravel Creek Church, of which he was the 
 founder and pastor for many years, was among the first 
 Baptist churches in Illinois. He died in 1851. His 
 three sons — Abel, Leonard and John are all living,
 
 108 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 tiaving been highly respected citizens of the county dur- 
 ing life. 
 
 1818. — Amasa Aldrich, a native of Worcester Coun- 
 ty, Massachusetts, came to Kaskaskia, in 1818. He 
 remained a few years, and then located upon a farm 
 two miles north of Chester, in a region around which 
 there were no settlements near. He was the pioneer 
 of his settlement. In 1853 he died, having lived to see 
 the country around changed from a wild into a thickly 
 settled and highly cultivated district. 
 
 1819. — Alexander Campbell, from Tennessee, came 
 to the Irish Settlement in 1819. He remained here a 
 few j'ears, then removed to a farm near the Bowerman 
 Settlement. He was a quiet, good, industrious citizen, 
 and died in 1827, leaving a large family. His sons 
 were Edward, John, Andrew, "William and Alexan- 
 der. The latter three are dead. Edward lives near 
 his father's old place. Has been County Commissioner 
 and Justice of the Peace. In 1838, John Campbell 
 was elected to the office of Sheriff, and continued in 
 that position ten successive years; was afterwards 
 elected Judge of the County Court, then Sheriff again; 
 and he now holds the office of Judge of the County 
 Court. 
 
 1819. — Eli Short was an emigrant from Kentucky. 
 He settled on the eastern edge of the prairie which 
 bears his name, and lived there until his death, in 1844. 
 He was a soldier in the war of 1812, having enlisted 
 in a Kentucky regiment, and was at the celebrated bat- 
 tle of Tippecanoe, where he received a wound, from 
 which he never fully recovered. He drew a pension as 
 long as he lived. Seeing the v^ant of Gospel ministers 
 in the new country, he commenced preaching, and con- 
 tinued to discharge the duties of his holy office until he
 
 OF RANDOT.PH COUNTY. 10d 
 
 died. His oldest son, Abraham, remained in Ken- 
 tucky, and died there. Three others came with him to 
 Illinois. Denard Short settled near his father, and 
 died in 1830. John is still living, and occupies a form 
 two miles east of Steelesville* Jefferson Short went 
 out in the campaign against the Indians in the Black 
 Hawk war, and was killed. 
 
 1819. — David Hathorn came from Ohio, and settled 
 first near the present location of Evansville. In 1825, 
 he located in the southern end Of Oppossumden Prai- 
 rie, where he remained until his death. He was a good 
 citizen, and hore the" part of a high-minded, generous 
 man. His sons were Samuel, James, Thomas, David, 
 and William, of whom James alone is living. 
 
 1819. — James Baird, from Ohio, came in 1819, and 
 settled the place three miles south of Sparta, now occu- 
 pied by Alexander Wylie. In his younger days he 
 was strong, athletic, and a leading man. He is now in 
 the sere of life, and his friends are as numerous as his 
 acquaintances. One of his sons, John Baird^ is Judge 
 of the County Court of Perry County. 
 
 1819. — Adanijah Ball made a settlement upon Rock 
 Castle Creek, in 1819 — penetrating a little farther into 
 the wilderness. He lived and died in that region. One 
 of his sons, Franklin Ball, became a prominent man, 
 and once represented the county in the General Assem- 
 bly. He died in 1856. 
 
 1819. — Arthur Parks came out from Kentucky in 
 the spring of 1819, and cultivated a crop during the 
 summer. In the fall he returned and brought his 
 family. He made a farm on the eastern end of Lively 
 Prairie, where he spent the remainder of his life, which 
 closed in 1814. Possessed of a strong, practical mind, 
 and discriminating judgment, he was a man in whom 
 10
 
 110 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 the people placed confidence. He once held the office 
 of County Commissioner, and was a Justice of the 
 Peace for a great number of years. He had eight sons, 
 four of whom are now citizens of the county; James 
 B. Parks, of Sparta, who has held the office of County 
 Surveyor; John Parks, of Chester; Arthur and Al- 
 fred, who live upon the farm of their father. 
 
 1819. — George Stratton came in 1819, and settled 
 in the American Bottom. Soon afterwards he bought 
 the land on which that part of Chester situated upon 
 the hill now stands, and made a farm which embraced 
 what is now known as the Buena Vista Addition. 
 
 1819. — Isaac Bust, a native of Maine, who had spent 
 several years at sea, came to Kaskaskia in 1819. After 
 remaining a few years, he went to sea again, and spent 
 a year upon the "Ocean Wave;" then returned and 
 located permanently in Kaskaskia. He was a wagon 
 maker, and introduced an improved style of that 
 vehicle among the people of that village. In 1836, he 
 purchased and moved upon the farm two miles east of 
 Chester, where he now lives. Firmness, decision, in- 
 dustry and generosity are the leading traits of his 
 character. He is the main pillar of the community 
 around him, and often neighborhood difficulties are 
 referred to him for adjudication. The appeal of want 
 never reached his ear without a cheerful response. 
 
 1819. — Shelton Evans and Levi Simmons, settled on 
 the point below Kaskaskia in 1819, or probably before 
 that date. In 1825 they moved and located permanently 
 in Horse Prairie. Emanuel Evans, living near Bed 
 Bud, is a son of Shelton Evans. Levi Simmons left a 
 large family. One of his sons, William Simmons, was 
 a joint proprietor of Bed Bad. 
 
 1820. — Bobkrt Bratney came from Tennessee to
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. Ill 
 
 the Irish Settlement, in 1820. His life was that of an 
 industrious farmer, good citizen, "and generous neigh- 
 bor. But one of his sons came to this county with him. 
 He settled upon Plumb Creek, and lived a long and 
 useful life in that community. He w T a3 the father of 
 John B., Robert N. and James C. Bratney, all citizens 
 of the same neighborhood where their father lived and 
 died. John.B. Bratney holds the office of Justice of 
 the Peace. 
 
 1820. — Martin Smith, an emigrant from the State of 
 New York, came to the county in 1820. The greater 
 part of his life was spent in Randolph County. His 
 only surviving son, John S. Smith, now well advanced 
 in years, lives two miles from Chester, on the Plank 
 Road. He improved this farm more than thirty year* 
 ago, and he has spent his life thus far upon it. He is a 
 quiet, industrious, intelligent, gooH citizen, and an ac- 
 commodating neighbor. 
 
 1820. — John Thomison made a farm in 1820, four 
 miles west of Sparta, where he lived several years. 
 Towards the close of his life he spent his time with his 
 children, in Short's Prairie. George Thomison, a highly 
 respected citizen and merchant of Steelesville, is a son 
 of John Thomison. 
 
 1820. — Mr. Adams, from Kentucky, settled in Horse 
 Prairie, about the year 1820. He was an excellent 
 representative of the Kentucky pioneers. His son, 
 Samuel B. Adams, is a prominent citizen of that 
 prairie, and has filled the office of Associate Justice of 
 the County Court. He now holds the office of Justice 
 of the Peace. 
 
 1820.— About the year 1820, the McDills— Thomas, 
 William, and John, settled in the region around the 
 present city of Sparta. They became the leading men
 
 112 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 of that part of the county. Thomas McDill is }'et 
 living at an extreme old age, an admirable representa- 
 tive of a past generation. He made a farm one mile 
 and a half west of the location of Sparta, and has 
 lived upon it ever since. William and John settled in 
 Flat Prairie, where they lived, highly esteemed citi- 
 zens, for a long series of years. The descendants of 
 these men are numerous. 
 
 1820. — Alexander Alexander came in the latter 
 part of 1819, or the beginning of 1820. He was from 
 Chester, South Carolina, and located upon a farm one 
 mile south of the locality of Eden. He was the pio- 
 neer of that now populous and wealthy region. His 
 five sons are still living, respectable, industrious citizens 
 like their father. 
 
 1820. — John and Samuel Cochran, from Beliiist, 
 Maine, arrived in the county in 1820. John first set 
 tied upon the farm now belonging to Mr. Darwin. 
 near the mouth of Mary's river. Soon afterwards lie 
 settled upon the farm now occupied by Isaac Rust 
 He moved away to Hancock County about the y<-;, •■ 
 1829. Andrew Cochran made the farm two miles ami a 
 half from Chester on the plank road, which is occupi»"l 
 by the Widow Douglas. He moved to HancotV, 
 County about the year 1830. 
 
 1820. — About this year, or probably the year before, 
 David Carthcart, John Dickey, and John McMillen, 
 came and settled in the lower end of Flat Prairie. The 
 arrival of these three men with their families added 
 much strength to the little settlement, and gave it a 
 prominence and character which induced others to set 
 tie in it. They became influential, highly esteem*. ' 
 citizens. Their descendants are now numerous, acH 
 amonsf the best citizens of that region.
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 
 
 lis 
 
 lsiM. — Kuenezer Alexander, from Chester, South 
 Carolina, and James Anderson, from Pittsburgh, came 
 to the settlement in the lower end of Flat Prairie, in 
 1821. Mr. Alexander is still living, having spent 
 nearly forty years of an industrious, useful life in the 
 same neighborhood. Ih" has a large family. 
 
 James Anderson was an intelligent, honorable, high- 
 minded citizen, and died much lamented. lie left two 
 sons — Francis B. Anderson, Esq., of Sparta, who 
 occupies a respectable position at the Randolph County 
 Bar, and James Anderson, a respectable farmer, living 
 near his father's old place. 
 
 1822. — This year, Samuel Douolas, with James 
 Bean, Thomas McBride, James Redpath, and some 
 others, made a settlement in Hitchcock Prairie. Sam- 
 uel Douolas came to Illinois in 1804, with John and 
 James Anderson. He was then hut ten years old. 
 Having reached man's estate, he married and located 
 as previously stated, and became an influential, leading 
 man in his settlement. He once held the office of 
 County Commissioner. His five sons — John A., Arch- 
 ibald, Georoe V?.. Samuel II., and James T. Douolas, 
 are all living, and their descendants are numerous. 
 
 James Coulter, John and Alexander McKelvey, 
 settled in the Grand Cote Prairie, in the northeastern 
 part of the county, in 1822, and were, therefore, the 
 pioneers of that region. They are all still living, hav- 
 ing gathered around I hem a numerous population. 
 They have always held a respectable, position in the 
 community, and siood high in the church. 
 
 in the same year, Klisiia, Georoe, Charles, and 
 
 Fortiss Hitchcock, settled in that prairie, fxpiu whom 
 
 it has taken its name. There is none of this family 
 
 now remaining in the prairie. 
 *ln
 
 114 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 Sometime previous to 1825, William Gwin, Burke, 
 Houseman, and James Gillespie, hud settled in the 
 region of the Bradleys. The descendants of Gwin 
 are living in the same neighborhood. John K., and 
 Thomas C. Burke, sons of the pioneer, are leading 
 men in that community. James M. Houseman, a 
 respectable farmer in that region, is a son of the pio- 
 neer. James Gillespie is still living, and the people 
 of the county have often testified their appreciation of 
 his worth by electing him a member of the County 
 Court. He now holds the position of Associate Jus- 
 tice. 
 
 [Thus meeting each pioneer as he arrived, and noting 
 the locality of his settlement, a mirror-like view of the 
 settlement of the county has been presented. It is 
 -difficult to decide at precisely what period of time the 
 immigrants ceased to be pioneers, but reference has 
 been made to them just so long as it was required to 
 settle the various districts or settlements of the county. 
 Omissions have probably occurred; indeed, if they have 
 -not, it is remarkable. There may be some inaccuracies 
 respecting dates. The authority which was considered 
 most reliable has been followed, though it has been 
 difficult to decide, in some instances where a difference 
 has occurred, which was entitled to preference.] 
 
 Scattering settlements having been made in nearly 
 all purls of the enmity, the transition from the wild 
 State in which it was found, commenced with deter- 
 mined certainty. Making farms and raising corn was 
 the chief occupation of the settlers until about the year 
 1 *_'.">, when they commenced planting and exporting
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 115 
 
 cotton. During the next five years, much attention 
 was given to the production of this article in the neigh- 
 borhood of Columbus, (now Sparta,) and several cotton 
 gins had been erected. In 1830, about eighty bales of 
 cotton, of good quality, were exported from Smith's 
 Landing, (now Chester.) 
 
 The production of cotton gradually gave way to the 
 raising of castor beans, which, for some years, was the 
 chief article of commerce. Oil mills were erected in 
 various parts of the county, for the manufacture of 
 castor oil, which was shipped to eastern markets, and 
 always supplied the country with money. 
 
 About the year 1839-40, the Messrs. Cole, who had 
 erected a steam flouring mill at Chester, commenced 
 exporting flour to Southern and Eastern markets. This 
 induced the cultivation of wheat, which has gradually 
 increased until now it is the staple crop. Corn, oats, 
 and hay have grown to be important crops, and great 
 quantities above home consumption are annually expor 
 ted to foreign markets. 
 
 In the past twenty years the increase in every de- 
 partment of agriculture has been most wonderful. 
 There are now thirteen first class merchant mills in 
 successful operation, and yet great quantities of wheat 
 are shipped to distant markets. The production of 
 fruit has become an important item of commerce, and 
 the soil and climate are found to be well adapted to its 
 successful growth. Irish potatoes have proved a profit- 
 able crop, and farmers are devoting much attention 
 to its cultivation. 
 
 The county contains about five hundred and sixty 
 square miles of Territory. Its western boundary is the 
 Mississippi river — forty miles in extent. The Kaskas- 
 kia river, navigable during a greater part of the season,
 
 116 HISTORICAL SKKTCI1KS 
 
 divides it nearly through the centre. It> northern and 
 eastern boundaries include the extreme points of the 
 great prairies of the State. Along its southern border 
 stands a heavy growth of timber. The interior is an 
 intermixture of the boundaries. 
 
 Though the agricultural capacity of theeounty is im- 
 mense, its great source of wealth is stone coal. Nearly 
 the area of three townships, in the centre, is underlaid, 
 with a seam of stone coal, of a superior quality, vary- 
 ing from two to six feet in thickness. 
 
 The population of the county is about twenty thous- 
 and. The census to be taken next year will probably 
 show a greater number, as the population is increasing 
 rapidly. 
 
 For more minute particulars of the progress of busi- 
 ness, and its present commercial capacity, the reader 
 is referred to the sketches of the cities ami towns which 
 follow. 
 
 RANDOLPH COUNTY AGRICULTU- 
 RAL SOCIETY. 
 
 In the year 1851, the enterprising farmers of Flat 
 Prairie conceived the idea of organizing an Agricul- 
 tural Society. On the 9th of January, 1852, the 
 Messrs. Addison, Crawford, Ckaiq, Robertson, 
 Brown, Beattie, and a few others, met together and 
 constituted the society. Robert Brown was chosen 
 President. Jacob B. Beattie, Treasurer, and William 
 Addison, Secretary. 
 
 The first Annual Fair, or Exhibition, was held the
 
 OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 117 
 
 third Wednesday in October, 1852, on the farm of 
 James Craig, Flat Prairie. The second Fair was held 
 at the same place, 4th October, 1853. And the third 
 Annual Fair on the farm of William Robertson, Flat 
 Prairie, 25th October, 1854. The members of the 
 Society — and consequent need of additional accommo- 
 dation having greatly increased — the citizens of Sparta 
 joined with those of the surrounding country in rais- 
 ing subscriptions to board-fence a lot in Sparta, which 
 MY Matthew McClurkin handsomely gave free, for 
 five years. On this lot the three successive Fairs of 
 '55, '56, and '57, were held, each surpassing the other 
 in interest and attraction, and in the numbers in 
 attendance. 
 
 In the early part of 1858, the Executive Board pur- 
 chased a beautiful piece of land, of ten acres, at Sparta 
 —and at an expense of nearly two thousand dollars, 
 have had it substantially fenced, with extensive stables 
 for horses, cattle, &c., and buildings erected for exhib- 
 iting ladies' work, mechanical, and other articles. On 
 this ground the Fair of 1858 was held, on the Gth and 
 7 th days of October, and every year they are, add- 
 ing to the improvements and embellishments of the 
 grounds. The grounds and improvements are not the 
 property of any company or of individuals — but be- 
 long to whoever are the members of the Society. 
 The Officei-s, and Executive Committee for 1859, are : 
 John A. TS"elson, President; William Addison, Sec- 
 retary and Treasurer. Executive BoaH : Samuel L. 
 Boyd, Wm. Robertson, James Craio, Aaron M. Al- 
 len, and John Watson — with Vice-Presidents, who 
 are ex-officio members of Executive Committee — for 
 Sparta, James Crawford; for Georgetown, Her. 
 Heightman; Liberty, H. McLaughland; Chester,
 
 IIS HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF BAKDOLl'tl CO. 
 
 Jacob M. Bair; Kaskaskia, Josuua G. Bubch; Prai- 
 rie du Rochcr, Wm. Henry, Esq.; Union Precinct, K. 
 D. Durfef. ; Buroct'd, Wm. Kutiierfori». 
 
 WEMTEBK HANDOLPH COUNTY ,\<i- 
 TJICLLTUKAL ftsOCIE-r^'. 
 
 The enterprising farmers around Evansville organ- 
 ized an Agricultural Society in 1854. After holding 
 four successive and creditable exhibitions, wisdom sug- 
 gested the propriety of uniting with the other Society; 
 hence this one has been discontinued.
 
 DIRECTORY. 
 
 TOWNSHIP i3 SOUTH, RANGE 7 WEST.— KASKASKIA. 
 
 A NDERICK JOHN, fanner. 
 
 BUYAT JOSEPH, fanner. 
 Bauvaia Alexis, do 
 Barker Lemuel, do 
 
 Barker Fayette, do 
 
 Barlow William, clock repairei 
 Beiter Danatus, shoemaker. 
 Beare Christopher, farmer. 
 Beare John, do 
 
 Bilderback James, do 
 Boucherie Edward, coroner. 
 Barnskawky Joseph, farmer. 
 
 Balweizer Daniel, 
 Bond Squire A.. 
 Bode Henry, 
 Brown Charley, 
 Buyat August, 
 Buyat Belonie, 
 Burghard Joseph, 
 Burch J. G., 
 Burk James, 
 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 
 OAPLOT PIERRE, farmei. 
 
 Caplot Antoine P., do 
 
 Caudle Henry, do 
 
 Caudle Gregory, do 
 
 Caudle William, do 
 
 Caudle John, do 
 
 Caudle Elney, do 
 
 Caudle Anderson, Jr., do 
 
 Caudle Harrison, do 
 
 Cannady Henry, do 
 
 Cannady James, laborer. 
 
 Crew John, laborer. 
 Chenoix (Che-nu) Julian, farmer. 
 Chenoix Henry, farmer. 
 Canbery Charles, tailor. 
 Conrad John, farmer. 
 Colbert George, do 
 Conant Nathan, do 
 Conant Sullivan, cooper. 
 Crisler Leonard, farmer. 
 Crawford William II., cooper. 
 Crisler John M., cooper. 
 Cullen Owen, do 
 
 Cullen Daniel. do 
 
 DEPPE F. C, farmer. 
 Derouse Peter, wagonmaker. 
 Derouse Belo J., farmer. 
 Derouse Lewis, do 
 Detrech Conrad, wagonmaker. 
 
 E 
 
 VANS ADAM, farmer. 
 
 FEAMAN JACOB, capitalist, 
 Feaman Adam, farmer. 
 Fisher Henry, farmer. 
 
 GARY THEODORE, farmer. 
 Gant Thomas, farmer.
 
 120 RANDOLPH COUNTY 
 
 DANL REILY. E. A. REILY. HENRY REILY. 
 
 DAN'L REILY & SONS, 
 
 KASKASKIA MILLS, 
 
 North nf tin? Town of Kii>ka*kin. an.l Kast of Kaxkaskia Kiwr. Imy 
 
 WHEAT. CORN, AND COUNTRY PRODUCE GENERALLY ; 
 
 And keej> on hand, and sell at uniform and low prices, a 
 full assortment of 
 
 GROCERIES, 
 
 MENS AND BOYS' CLOTHING, 
 
 BOOTS AND SHOES, 
 
 HATS AND CAPS, 
 H^^iFt nxr ess, 
 
 VWSLJSm WEI, ®WS®SSff l&l* 
 
 TINWARE AND STOVES, 
 
 Dye-Stuffs, Paints, and Patent Medicines, 
 
 STRAW CUTTERS, PLOWS, 
 LATHS, SHINGLES, 
 
 BR ESS ED YiUlQW PtNE FLQQRfNG, 
 
 And Assorted 
 \^HITB FXJHE3 LUMBER; 
 
 And in fait every article thai the must prompt attention to the 
 wants of A growing neighborhood suggests. Have also on hand, and 
 will sell at an extremely low price, the second-hand, single-flue 
 Boilers and Engine. Also, one of Clark's Flouring Mills, complete. 
 A rare chance for getting a cheap Mill "^^
 
 DIRECTORY. 
 
 121 
 
 TOWNSHIP 6 SOUTH. RANGE 7 WJBST._KASK.ASK I A. 
 
 Cant Allied. 
 
 rainier. 
 
 Gant Harvey, 
 
 do 
 
 Gant Wesley, 
 
 do 
 
 Gant Robert, 
 
 do 
 
 Gant William, 
 
 do 
 
 Gant Thomas, Jr.. 
 
 do 
 
 Gardner A., 
 
 do 
 
 Goulding James. 
 
 do 
 
 Gubernntej' G.:rg< 
 
 E-, (arm 
 
 TTULS JOEL, S 
 11 Hals Joel, Jr 
 
 r., farmer 
 
 ^ 
 
 Hartman Michael 
 
 
 Hauey Patrick, 
 
 d 
 
 Hargus James H.. 
 
 d 
 
 Hauey John, 
 
 do 
 
 Haney James, 
 
 do 
 
 Harmon Joseph. 
 
 do 
 
 Harm"ii James, 
 
 do 
 
 Harmon Henry. 
 
 do 
 
 Harmon Elijah, 
 
 do 
 
 Harmon Michael. 
 
 do 
 
 Harmon Abram. J 
 
 r.. coopei 
 
 Harmon John, Sr. 
 
 farmer. 
 
 Harmon Lewis, 
 
 do 
 
 Harmon Felix. 
 
 do 
 
 Harris E.. mere ha 
 
 n(. 
 
 Harris John, do 
 
 
 Heard James, farmer. 
 
 Harmon James, farmer. 
 
 Heard Joseph. 
 
 do 
 
 Heard William. 
 
 do 
 
 Hill Stephen. 
 
 do 
 
 Hock Henry, 
 
 do 
 
 Hunt James, 
 
 do 
 
 Hunt Henry, 
 
 do 
 
 Hughes Henry. 
 
 do 
 
 Hughes John, 
 
 ilu 
 
 High** .T-...n*?. 
 
 do 
 
 o.VKs ARMSTEAD, 
 
 Ji ,i\"-< Aviiwir.-i.l, Jr. 
 
 K 
 
 Kainyuski Otto, physician. 
 
 Kavanaugh John, farmer. 
 Karsfetter Samuel, do 
 Karstotter Martin, do 
 Karstetter William, do 
 
 LA0I1APELLE LEWIS, far- 
 mer. 
 LaChnpelle John, farmer. 
 Labrier Antoine, do 
 Labrier Peter, do 
 
 Leavitt Abijah. do 
 
 Leavitt John, do 
 
 Leavitt Edward. do 
 
 Ledbetter John, do 
 
 Ledbetter Martin. do 
 Lehnherr Jacob, do 
 
 Leming Harvey, do 
 Leniing William. do 
 Link John, do 
 
 Lilly John J., do 
 
 Linch Laae. do 
 
 Lortz Hem v M.. blacksmith. 
 
 A VAN A UGH DAVL&J. 
 K»nc John, farmer 
 
 n 
 
 M 
 
 M KEY . I AMES, farmer. 
 Mackey William, do 
 Mackcy Ga do 
 
 Mann Jonathan "R., do 
 
 Mann W. II.. do 
 
 Mann John, do 
 
 Maun Alfred, do 
 
 Maxwell Robert A., do 
 
 Maxwell William, do 
 
 Maxwell John. do 
 
 Maxwell Ferdinand, merchant. 
 Menard Edmund, farmer. 
 Milligan William A., farmer. 
 
 MilligHji -lames. 
 Milligan Th 
 Morn-. ■, II. II., 
 M-irpl.v William, 
 Murphv ' 'wen. 
 Mulhofhuid Willi 
 
 lMevi ;- rhri-tian. 
 
 ilMonii-.i <,.:.',■■ 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 ;'o 
 do 
 do
 
 \11 RANJJOUMi COUNTY 
 
 KASKASKtA STOKE, 
 
 GEORGE W. STALEY, 
 
 MERCHANT & SHIPPER, 
 
 KASKASKIA, ILL., 
 
 Announces to the public that lie has on hand 
 
 A COMPLETE ASSORTMENT 
 
 OF 
 
 % 
 
 which will he found to embrace every article the mar- 
 ket demands. The ladies are requested to call and ex- 
 amine his 
 
 FINE AND FANCY 
 
 DRESS SILKS, 
 
 Which they will find particularly attractive. A full 
 supply of 
 
 BOOTS AND SHOES, 
 
 HATS AND CAPS, 
 
 COFFEE, SUGAR, MOLASSES, TAR, 
 TOB-A-OOO, 
 
 And every article necessary to the wants of the eunii- 
 trv, always on hand. 
 
 G. W. STALEY. 
 
 KASKASKIA, OCT. 15, 1859.
 
 DIRKCTOUY. 
 
 123 
 
 TOWNSHIP •» solTH. RANCE 7 WEST.— KASKASKIA. 
 
 McDonough Thomas J., farmer. 
 Morrison, Rev. A. A. 
 Morrison Hugh, teacher. 
 
 NIFONG JOHN, farmer. 
 Nifong II., do 
 
 Nixon William J., do 
 Nixon James, do 
 
 Nixon William, do 
 
 OATT JOHN, farmer. 
 Owens Anthony, farmer. 
 Owens George L., do 
 
 Owens Timothy, do 
 
 PEARMAN JAMES, fanner. 
 Pearman Jesse, do 
 
 Pariset P., farmer. 
 Porter Joseph, fanner. 
 Porter II., do 
 
 Prew Francis, do 
 
 j>EILY tMNtEb, aiii.er 
 l\j merchant. 
 Raleigh William, farmer. 
 Roam John, do 
 
 Rnekenberg Henry, fanner. 
 Rocke John, farmer. 
 Rocke Thomas, do 
 Ruckle John, do 
 Roberts Hiram, farmer. 
 Roberts Jacob, do 
 Roberts Perry, do 
 Roberts Wiley, do 
 Roberts Volncy. do 
 Roberts Daniel P., lawyer. 
 Runck Frederick E., fanner. 
 Runek Fred. 
 
 s 
 
 EYMOUR EDWARD, farmer. 
 Seymour George. do 
 
 Seymour Henry, farmer. 
 Seharppell John S., farmer. 
 Seharppcll John. do 
 
 Sinker Henry, do 
 
 Smith William, do 
 
 Smith Stephen. do 
 
 Snow William E.. do 
 
 Spindle John D., do 
 
 Styles David, do 
 
 Stype Henry, Justice of the 
 
 Peace. 
 Staley George W., merchant. 
 Sulser R. M., farmer. 
 Sykes Aaron B., farmer. 
 Stanley Joseph, laborer. 
 
 UHLS ALONZO, farmer. 
 Unger Eli, do 
 
 linger Phillip, merchant 
 Postmaster. 
 
 and 
 
 VERLIN JOSEPH, farmer. 
 Vansan Samuel, do 
 Vansam William, do 
 
 WELCH JOHN, farmer. 
 Weigcl Peter, do 
 Wundt W. H., do 
 
 Williamson Bird, do 
 
 Weir James W., do 
 
 Weir William J., farmer. 
 Wiswell Andrew. 
 Wissal Conrad. 
 Wood A. C. 
 Walster Nicholas. 
 Wright Isaac, Jr., farmer. 
 Wheeler James M., do 
 
 YOUNG ANDREW, farmer. 
 Young Stephen; do
 
 124 
 
 RANDOLPH COUNTY 
 
 OLD STONE STORE. 
 OLDEST ESTABLISHED HOUSE IN (HESTER. 
 
 The proprietors of the " Old Stone Store" would call 
 the attention of the public to their 
 
 HVUVHUHSTfiHE: STOCK 
 
 m.Y^M 
 
 CLOTHING, 
 
 SUPERIOR KERSEYS, 
 
 loofs km shoes 
 
 w — >r i 
 
 Hats and C&ijps, 
 
 Which they offer for s;;le at 
 
 EXTREMELY LOW PRICES. 
 
 Til KIR 
 
 ©L£SS SB® ©WSSUST/i^l 
 
 Is of ;i superior hind, and offered for f^alo at very low 
 rates. A heavy Stock of' 
 
 IRON, NAILS, SPADES, SHOVELS, FORKS, 
 PLOWS, &C, ALWAYS ON HAND. 
 J. H. & G. S. JONES.
 
 CHESTER. 
 
 In the early part of the year 1819, a company was 
 organized in Cincinnati, Ohio, composed of the late 
 Major William Oliver, W. Bart, David Brown, 
 Daniel D. Smith and others, for the purpose of pur- 
 chasing the lands at the junction of the Mississippi and 
 Kaskaskia rivers. Danill D. Smith (afterwards killed 
 by Winchester, at Edwardsville,)came to Illinois as 
 the agent of the company and purchased a large tract 
 of land near the mouth of the Kaskaskia, and com- 
 menced what he intended should he the future metropolis 
 of Illinois, and named it Portland. The year following, 
 the late Benjamin A.. Porter ^afterwards the founder 
 of Helena, Arkansas,) came out and erected a number 
 of dwellings under a contract with the proprietors, and 
 also built a steam mill. But towns in those days were 
 not needed, and despite the prodigious efforts of the 
 proprietors, this town obstinately refused to grow. 
 Ten yoava afterwards it had become a ruin, and now only 
 the faint vestige of the mill may be seen. 
 
 In 182!) Samuel Smith, James L. Lamb and Thomas 
 Mather purchased the land on which Chester now 
 stands, from the late Judge John McFerren who had 
 entered it in the year 1818. In the summer of 1829 
 Mr. Smith built the first house iu Chester, the same 
 *11
 
 126 RANDOLPH COUNTY 
 
 that is now occupied by R. II. Mann as a residence. 
 In the same year Mr. Smith commenced the erection of 
 a mill on what was then known as the "screw anger" 
 principle. This, however, was abandoned before com- 
 pletion. 
 
 In the fall of 1829, Mather, Lamb & Co., (then 
 merchants of Kaskaskia,) built a slaughter house for 
 the purpose of slaughtering and packing the beef of 
 the county, which was then plenty, and of good quality. 
 In the same year Mr. S. B. Opdyke, representing the 
 house of Mather, Lamb & Co., built a storehouse and 
 opened a stock of goods. A large warehouse was 
 erected at the same time. 
 
 In the spring of 1831, Samuel Smith laid off that 
 part of his land below Wall street into town lots, and 
 Mather, Lamb & Co., laid off a few lots above AVall 
 street. The idea of building a town having become 
 fixed, Mrs. Jane Smith gave it the name of Chester — 
 she was a native of Chester, England. At this time the 
 population consisted of Samuel Smith, Setii Allen, 
 R. B. Servant, with their families, and S. B. Opdyke, 
 Elias R elder and Samuel Perry. The late, lamented 
 Setit Allen, had established a cooper shop in 1829, 
 which he conducted for a number of years, manufac- 
 turing barrels for packing beef, and for castor oil. R. 
 B. Servant established a mill for the manufacture of 
 castor oil, in the fall of 1*30, which for several years 
 was the institution of the place, and gave to the young 
 town a considerable commercial importance. In 1831 
 Silas Leland established a blacksmith shop. The first 
 brick house in this place was erected by Amizi An- 
 drews, in 1832. This house was knocked down in 
 1844, by a steamboat. The same year, Horace Francis 
 orccted the stone building which he now occupies. At
 
 DIRECTORY. 127 
 
 this time forest trees were growing around where the 
 mill, Swan wick's Row and Holmes' residence now 
 stand. Tho storehouse now occupied by D. Block 
 & Bro. was built by Holmes & Swanwick in 1833, 
 in which they opened the second stock of goods ever 
 brought to this town. 
 
 About this time, the venerable father Mathews, then 
 in manhood's vigor, commenced holding religious ser- 
 vice, and gave an origin to tho Presbyterian church 
 of Chester. 
 
 The first physician of Chester was Dr. Barree, who 
 located in 1834, but died shortly afterwards. Dr. Fer- 
 ris, who was a prominent physician of Chester for 
 several years, came in 18:45. In the same year Walker 
 & Wilkerson opened a large grocery store. The 
 Messrs. Cole built a mill in the lower part of town, in 
 1837. It was both a saw and grist mill. At the same 
 time a ferry boat, driven by horse power, took the place 
 of the flat boat which had become inadequate to the 
 business. These horse boats gave place to steam ferry 
 boats about 1849. In 1836 a frame school house (the 
 house now used as the African church,) was built and 
 used as a union church and Sunday school room. The 
 Messrs. Cole made improvements in their mill in 1839, 
 and commenced exporting flour to the southern mar- 
 kets. 
 
 In 1840, the name of the Presbyterian church was 
 changed from theKaskaskia to the Chester Presbyterian 
 church, and Rev. C. C. Rir.c.s became the permanent 
 pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. B. F. Spillman, 
 late of Shawneetown. In 1846, the stone church was 
 commenced, and completed the year following. The 
 late Rev. John Kennedy assumed the pastoral charge 
 of the church in the early part of 1850, and continued
 
 128 RANDOLPH COUNTY 
 
 until relieved by death, in the summer of 1851. Rov. 
 P. D. Youno succeeded to the charge of the congrega- 
 tion in tho latter part of 1H52, and remained until 1856. 
 Re*. B. II. Ciiarlks took charge of the church in the 
 latter part of 1857, and he is now the officiating pastor. 
 
 A Baptist church was organized under the ministerial 
 
 labors of Rev. Peters, of Waterloo, as early as 
 
 1842, and probably some years before. Capt. Rogers, 
 a devoted Christian, was an active, zealous member 
 of this church; and contributed much to its prosperity. 
 
 Rov. Jenkins became pastor of the church in 
 
 1845, and continued to labor for (lie congregation nearly 
 three years. After bis retirement the church was left 
 without a pastor, and during a two years absence of 
 Capt. Rookrs, about. 1849-50, tho organization was 
 abandoned. On the return of ('apt. Rookrs, in 1851, 
 'he collected the members together, an 1 fleeted a new 
 organization. Rev. 1). L. Pnn-uis occasionally 
 preached for the congregation. In IS;"); 1 ., the large brick 
 church was erected, and Rev. J. B. Kelly installed as 
 pastor. In the latter part of 1854, Rev. O. L. Barler 
 succeeded Mr. Kelly, and be is now the officiating 
 minister. 
 
 In the year 1840, Rev. II. IIatton, a Methodist min- 
 ister, collected together six communicants of that de- 
 nomination, and organized tho Methodist church of 
 Chester. It was placed under the Rout'icra Illinois 
 conference, and regularly supplied with a preacher. A 
 German Methodist church was organ i .»ui in 1848. Tho 
 two congregations united tlieir oftbi.i and erected a 
 brick church in 1850. 
 
 The Associate Reformed church of Chester was or- 
 ganized by lie". James McAulby in the year 1843. 
 The congiegi i<>ti depended upon the Synod for sup-
 
 DIRECTORY. 129 
 
 plies in preaching until 1858, when Rev. W. A. Pollock 
 was duly ordained pastor of the church. Under his 
 offorts a church edifice is in course of erection which 
 will be :m ornament to the place. 
 
 In 1S4 I, Rev. William Mitchell, a clergyman of tlie 
 Episcopal church, came to Chester, and commenced his 
 labors with the few members of that denomination liv- 
 ing in and near the town. Shortly afterwards, the church 
 was organized. The unceasing, quiet labors of Dr. 
 Mitchell soon gathered strength to the little congre- 
 gation, and in 1848 the fine church edifice in which 
 the congregation now worship was commenced. Four 
 years afterwards it was completed and opened for pub- 
 lic service. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Buttkrman organized the First Lutheran 
 church of Chester, in the early part of 1849. The fol- 
 lowing fall, Rev. M. Eirich succeeded Mr. Butterman, 
 and commenced at once the erection of their beautiful 
 church building, which was completed in a few months. 
 Under the constant labors of Mr. Eirich. the church 
 has gradually increased its membership. 
 
 In 1849 * Father Peren, of Kaskaskia, came to Ches- 
 ter, and, collecting the members of the Catholic Church, 
 first commenced saying mass. lie occasionally visited 
 the congregation, and performed the rites of the church. 
 The church building was erected in 1*52. Father 
 Pf.rf.x continued his visits until a few months ago, 
 when Father Ricpir.s took charge of the church. 
 
 Messrs. Holmes & Swan wick commenced the erec- 
 tion of the stone flouring mill in 1842, and completed 
 it in 1846. This gave a fresh impetus to the prosperity 
 of the place, and its bounds began to expand. In 1848, 
 Chester became the county seat of Randolph County, 
 
 * Died on the -1th of October, 1359.
 
 130 KAMml.l'U COUNTY 
 
 and Lliv large Court House, (an engraving of which may 
 be seen on the front page) was erected. From that 
 time the improvement of the place La* been steady. 
 
 At the session of the General Assembly, in 1*55, a city 
 charter was granted to Chester, which was adopted 
 and went into operation a few months afterwards. At 
 tho first charter election the following City Counc« 
 was elected: 
 
 JOSEFII WILLIAMSON, Ma tor. 
 
 Aid triii tii. — R. II. Crittenden and G. S. Jones, First Ward. 
 I. II. Nelson and Henry Stump, Second Ward. 
 '• Frederick Buckman and Alfred Wiutaker, Third Ward. 
 
 1857. — At the next annual election the Board consisted 
 of: 
 
 FREDERICK BUCKMAN, Mayor. 
 
 Aldermen.— "R. H. Chittenden and A. P. Palmer, First Ward. 
 I. II. Nelson, and Henrv Stump. Second Ward. 
 Alfred Whitaker and J. G. Middendorf, Third Ward. 
 
 1858.— Third Board : 
 
 SETH ALLEN. Mayor. 
 
 Aldermen. — A. Block and A. S. Palmed. First Ward. 
 
 I. H. Nelson and Henry Stump, Second Ward. 
 F. Buckmam and J. G. Middkndorf, Third Ward. 
 
 . 1859.— Fourth Board : 
 
 GABRIEL JONES, Mayor. 
 
 Aldermen.— A. Block and A. Dunn, First Ward. 
 
 I. H. Nelson and Henry Stump, Second Ward. 
 F. Buckman and J. G. MiRRF.snORF, Third Ward. 
 
 The erection by the city of a large public school 
 house, in 1858, closes the leading events of her history. 
 This building. is mi ornament to tho place, and will be a 
 lasting monument to the intelligent spirit of her citi- 
 zens.
 
 DIRECTORY. 131 
 
 Menard is ;t part of Chester, though it lies outside 
 of the city limits. It is the scat of H. C. Cole & Go's 
 extensive commercial operations, which gives it a local 
 character and entitles it to a name. It will probably 
 be brought into the charter limits of Chester before 
 long, and constitute the Fourth Ward.
 
 182 
 
 RANl>ol.»'H CulNTV 
 
 F. BUCKMAN 
 
 Ha* in Store a large and carefully selected Stock of 
 
 FANCY & STAPLE 
 
 Designed for the 
 
 CHESTER MARKET, 
 
 9 
 
 And offered on such terms as must please the pur- 
 chaser. His Stock of 
 
 
 
 {s large and varied, and of the West quality and latest 
 styles. 
 
 Particular attention is invited to his Stock of 
 
 3f 
 
 Which will be found of the latest styles and be^t ma- 
 terial. 
 
 CLOTHING, 
 
 Of material purchased and made by experienced work- 
 men, always on hand. 
 
 ORDERS FILLED ON SHORT NOTICE. 
 
 CATAWBA GRAPE VINES, 
 
 ATV1> 
 
 NATIVE WINE FOR SALE.
 
 CHESTER DIRECTORY. 
 
 ANDREWS AMZI, druggist. 
 Adams Robert, cooper. 
 Allmyer John H., merchant. 
 Allmyer Frederick, stone mason. 
 Allen Thomas G., lawyer. 
 Anderson Charles C, merchant. 
 Anderson A. A., keeps Chester 
 
 hotel. 
 Assman William, Physician. 
 Andrews Truman Rev., farmer. 
 
 BAUMANN JOHN F., cigar 
 maker. 
 
 Barler O. L. Rev., teacher. 
 
 Bewie Carl, shoemaker. 
 
 Beare Joseph, merchant. 
 
 Beare Nicholas, dumber mer- 
 chant. 
 
 Block Charles, grocer. 
 
 Block David, do 
 
 Block Adolph, commission mer- 
 chant. 
 
 Bommelman F., shoemaker. 
 
 Burns William, grocer. 
 
 Bungie William, do 
 
 Brown Andrew J., teamster. 
 
 Brown A. F., laborer. 
 
 Buckman Frederick, merchant. 
 
 Burbes Peter, stone mason. 
 
 COLE H. C, merchant. 
 Cole A. B., do 
 Crissey Morris, salesman. 
 Cole John P., do 
 
 Christian James M., stone mason. 
 
 12 
 
 Clement Judson, Plasterer. 
 Crittenden Richard H., clerk in 
 
 mill. 
 Chapman A. B., Carpenter. 
 Clieman William, grocer. 
 Crain Nelson R., wagon maker. 
 Callaway Thomas H., constable. 
 Charles B. H. Rev. 
 Childs C. J. Dr. 
 Clemens Curtis C, proprietor of 
 
 "Democrat." 
 Crisler John W., clerk. 
 
 DECKER HARMON, teamster. 
 Detmore Lewis, stonemason. 
 Dillon Martin, stone cutter. 
 Dunn Alexander, merchant. 
 Dunn Frank, clerk. 
 Douglas Thomas R., salesmau. 
 
 ELLIOTT ED., engineer. 
 Edwards John L., druggist 
 
 FINNE WILLIAM, farmer. 
 Francis Horace, street com- 
 missioner. 
 
 GIN DRAW PETER, cabinet 
 maker. 
 Gahrs Henry, cabinet maker. 
 Gansman Frank, blacksmith.
 
 134 RANDOLPH COUNTY 
 
 HERMAN C. COLE. ABNER B. COLE. 
 
 H. C. COLE & CO., 
 
 COLE'S MlMf, 
 
 CHESTER, ILIi. 
 
 MANUFACTUBE 
 
 HF. CUB PUIS ULTRA, COLE'S MILLS, k MM 
 
 FLOUR. 
 
 Sell all kinds of 
 
 DRY*** 
 
 9 
 GROCERIES 
 
 HARDWARE, IRON, NAILS, 
 
 And all descriptions of 
 
 LUMBER, LATH, SHINGLES. 
 
 Also, all kinds of 
 
 Agricultural Jmglemnrts. 
 
 MAKE 
 
 CASH ADVANCES ON PRODUCE 
 
 For shipment South or East. Sell Sight Exchange on 
 Xew Orleans and St. Louis. Pay Cash for all kinds of 
 bj^nv Prod uce.
 
 DIBEOTOET. 
 
 135 
 
 Gilster Henry, flour packer. 
 Griswold George R., Farmer. 
 Gray Emerson, cooper. 
 Griss Frederick, porter at Coles' 
 
 mill. 
 Gordon W. A., physician. 
 Gnaigy Jacob, grocer. 
 
 H 
 
 ALL E. J., druggist" 
 Hartenbergor Jacob, wagon 
 maker. 
 
 Hartenbergor Peter, teamster. 
 
 Haskin C. I., keeps livery stable. 
 
 Haskin Charles I., commission 
 merchant. 
 
 Holmes J. B., dealer in real estate. 
 
 Holbrook, J. C, lawyer. 
 
 Hoff Nicholas. 
 
 Horn Casper, hotel keeper. 
 
 Hobbs Thomas, butcher. 
 
 Harmer Geo. W., clerk of wharf- 
 boat. 
 
 Hobls James, butcher. 
 
 JONES Jamais H., merchant. 
 Jones G. S., do 
 
 Jones Gabriel, mayor and justice 
 
 of the peace. 
 Jourdan James B., saddler. 
 
 KIPP JOHN HENRY, sales- 
 man. 
 Knapp J. J., carpenter. 
 Kerr David, druggist. 
 
 LANNAMAN HARMON, clerk. 
 Lakenan William R., gar- 
 dener. 
 Layne Elisha, carpenter. 
 Leittleton John A., engineer. 
 Lish A. P., brewer. 
 Lybarger D. S., blacksmith. 
 Loughran Hugh, merchant. 
 Louguran Charles, do 
 Jieper A. H.. physician. 
 
 MATTINGLY, J. B., steamboat 
 capt. 
 
 Mann Robert, wagon maker. 
 
 Mann Robert H., salesman. 
 
 Middendorf John G., merchant. 
 
 Morey A., lumber merchant. 
 
 Morrison Thomas S., lawyer. 
 
 Montague C, plasterer. 
 
 Montague E. J., publisher of Di- 
 rectory. 
 
 McCullun Uriah, cooper. 
 
 McQuistan John C, inn keeper. 
 
 McNabny John., deputy post 
 master. 
 
 Mann John H., teacher. 
 
 McBrino William, keeps hotel. 
 
 NALER ISAAC, laborer. 
 Nelson Isaac H., clerk of the 
 county court. 
 Neville Harvey, Sr., lawyer. 
 Neville Harvey, Jr., engineer. 
 Nisbet Hugh B., proprietor of 
 "Democrat." 
 
 
 
 CHS ADAM, cooper. 
 
 PALMER A. S., furniture mer- 
 chant. 
 Paulus John, brickmaker. 
 Phillip E., grocer. 
 Phillip A., do 
 Pollock W. A. Rev. 
 
 RALLS J. M., clerk of circuit 
 court. 
 Rader Henry, cooper. 
 Robbe Frederick, laborer. 
 Rehfeldt William, miller. 
 Roberts William, saddler. 
 Robison James W., capt of '• Wild 
 
 Duck." 
 Ritter Valentine, grocer. 
 Reno John W., cooper. 
 Runger Henry, stone mason.
 
 186 RANDOLPH CODNTT 
 
 CLOTHING, 
 
 OF 
 
 EVERY VARIETY AND QUALITY, 
 
 OF THE MOST DESIRABLE STYLES, 
 
 AND 
 
 SUPERIOR WORK, 
 
 RECEIVED FROM 
 
 * 
 
 J±.T 
 
 KSttftY SHUTZ'S 
 
 FRONT STREET, 
 
 CITY MILLS. CHESTER ILLINOIS. 
 
 A full supply of 
 
 BOOTS, SHOES; HATS, CAPS, &0. 
 
 And every description of 
 
 GENTLEMEN'S FURNISHING GOODS, JEWELRY, &C. 
 HENRY SHUTZ.
 
 niEECTORY. 
 
 137 
 
 SONNAM ANN HARMAN, plaa - 
 terer. 
 Bauppe Henry, Dr. 
 Schuchert J. F., merchant. 
 Bchuchert William, salesman. 
 Schuchert J. F. M., blacksmith. 
 Schrader Charles, cooper. 
 Shane Phillip, brickmaker. 
 Servant R. B., justice of the peace. 
 Bhrader £., laborer. 
 Sherman J. G., carpenter. 
 Shardong Charles, do 
 Shutz Henry, clothier. 
 Smith Davis, butcher. 
 Smith Thomas, baker. 
 Sonnanberg Henry, miller. 
 Bpeekman Henry, gardener. 
 Stump David, stone mason 
 Bttunp Henry, carpenter. 
 Btolle H. R., grocer. 
 Bwanwick John. 
 Swan wick Francis. 
 
 TACKENBERY HENRY, tai- 
 lor. 
 
 Trefte Frederick, wagon maker. 
 Threldkell W. H., keeps boarding 
 
 house. 
 Toppe David, carpenter. 
 
 WALKER E., grocer. 
 Widen W. S., 
 
 Warren Stan/ord, carpenter. 
 
 Warren Alfred, teamster. 
 
 Warren John K., carpenter. 
 
 Wassell Charles, merchant tailor. 
 
 Wegner August, cabinet maker. 
 
 Weibuck C, mason. 
 
 Wheerly Raymond, jeweler. 
 
 Whitaker Alfred, furniture mer- 
 chant. 
 
 Wilbern James, wagon maker. 
 
 Wester Frederick,jailor. 
 
 Wegner Christian, carpenter. 
 
 Williamson Joseph, tinner and 
 stove merchant. 
 
 Williamson C. C, keeps ferry. 
 
 Williamson Francis M., tinner. 
 
 Williams J. 
 
 TOWNSHIP 7 SOUTH, RANGE 7 WEST.— CHESTER. 
 
 RPIN MICHAEL, laborer. 
 i Abbey William, farmer. 
 
 BARNES THOMAS, farmer. 
 Burch J. G., do 
 
 Boga Frederick, do 
 
 Benvenn Lewis, cooper. 
 Bair Jacob M. Sr., farmer. 
 Bair Jacob M. Jr., do 
 Bair David, teamster. 
 Bartles C, farmer. 
 Brown A. F., do 
 Burk William, farmer. 
 Browder William M., farmer. 
 *12 
 
 CLAMPICK JOHN, farmer. 
 Clore Harrison, do 
 
 F 
 
 ARLEY DAVID, farmer. 
 
 GROSS FERDINAND, farmer 
 Gindran Franci3 C, do 
 
 Gindran Peter, do 
 
 H 
 
 ESS ANTOINE, farmer. 
 Hanna J. C. Jr., do
 
 138 RANDOLPH COUNTY 
 
 CHESTER & ST. LOUIS 
 
 HEBDLAR TRI-WEEKLY PACKET. 
 
 THE FAST AND COMMODIOUS STEAMER. 
 
 WILLIAM GARVIN, 
 
 Will continue to ply aa a regular passenger and freight Packet be- 
 tween the above named Ports, leaving Chester every "Wednesday, 
 Friday, and Sunday mornings, at 7 o clock; and leaving St. Lou it 
 ■4Very Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings, at 4 o'clock. 
 
 ALEX. ZEIGLER, Master; 
 
 JOE 8. KEITH, ) 
 
 > Clerks. 
 JA8. WINBURN, J- 
 
 WILLIAM SANNEMANNTBRO. 
 
 Would announce to the citizens of Chester, and vicinity, that they 
 have just opened a large Stock of 
 
 m m Hi 
 
 FAMILY* GROCERIES 
 
 'in their new Building, at the angle of the Plank Road, 
 
 OHESTKR, ILLINOIS. 
 
 They have also in Store a variety of 
 
 DRY-GOODS, 
 
 To which they invite especial attention. Their Stock of 
 
 BOOTS A1>TI> SHOESS 
 
 Will be found of the best quality. They have also an extensive 
 Tariety of HATS AND CAPS. They invite a call from every per- 
 40a, feeling confident that they will be able to please.
 
 DIRECTORY. 
 
 139 
 
 TOWNSHIP 7 SOUTH, RANGE 7 WEST.— CHESTER. 
 
 Harden Joseph, 
 Hi.-to Christie, 
 Herbert Peter, 
 Hoff Nicholas, 
 
 farmer, 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 
 JOHNSON ROBERT, farmer. 
 Janna Andrew, do 
 
 Janna Michael, do 
 
 K 
 
 IPP F. W., farmer. 
 Eriege H., do 
 
 AHMANN AUGUST. 
 
 MARLIN WILLIAM, C, far- 
 mer. 
 Miller William, farmer. 
 Mitchell Rov. W., do 
 Montreal Joseph, laborer. 
 Montreal Michael Sr., farmer. 
 Montreal Michael Jr., do 
 Montreal John, do 
 
 Menard Lewis, farmer. 
 
 pETTIT HENRY N. farmer. 
 
 ROCKWELL LAURIN, fanner 
 Rockwell Ephraim D. do 
 Rockwell Justus, laborer. 
 Raville John B., farmer. 
 
 SANDERS CHARLES L., far- 
 mer. 
 Seguin Antoine, farmer. 
 
 TINDALL R. W., teamster. 
 Tindall Nelson, cooper. 
 Thompson William, farmer. 
 
 WEIBUCK CHRISTOFP, 
 mer. 
 Webb Solomon, farmer. 
 
 far- 
 
 TOWNSHIP 7 SOUTH, RANGE 6 WEST.— CHESTER. 
 
 ADAM JAMES, farmer and 
 lumber merchant. 
 A.dam James P., farmer and lum- 
 ber merchant. 
 
 Bisner Henry, farmer. 
 BilderbackS. P., do 
 Brown Lemuel M., farmer. 
 Brooks John, do 
 
 BIERMANN FREDERICK, far- 
 joer. 
 
 CRISLER ABEL, farmer, 
 Crisler Thomas J., do
 
 140 
 
 RANDOLPH COUNTY 
 
 GAHRS & WHITAKEB, 
 
 MANUFACTURERS AND 
 
 % 
 
 % 
 
 IN ALL KINDS OF 
 
 CHESTER, ILXi. 
 
 9 
 
 AMZI ANDREWS. 
 
 JOHN L. EDWARDS* 
 
 ANDREWS & EDWARDS. 
 
 EVE 
 
 at 
 
 DEALERS IN EVERY VARIETY OF 
 
 PAINTS, OILS, 
 
 DYE-STUFFS, 
 
 YARNISHES, 
 
 SPBRillT @AS„ AUB@W@L r TU-RPgNTONi, 
 
 BOOKS AND STATIONERY, 
 
 JEWELRY, PERFUMERY, NOTIONS, &C. 
 
 CHESTER, IUIj.
 
 ntRBCTOBT. 
 
 141 
 
 TOWNSHIP 7 SOUTH, RANGE 6 WEST.— CHESTER. 
 
 Gaesell C, farmer. 
 Caney August, farmer. 
 Clare Abram, do 
 Clare Franklin B., farmer. 
 Cander Martin, do 
 
 Crittenden William, do 
 Crawford Hugh M., do (justice 
 
 of the peace.) 
 Campbell Elisha, farmer. 
 Craige Robert, do 
 
 DIXON MUNGO, farmer. 
 Dame Charles R., farmer. 
 Demack Lewis, do 
 
 Douglas RobortS., do 
 
 Douglas Adam, do 
 
 Douglas Launcay, do 
 
 Douglas Jame3, farmer and mil- 
 ler. 
 Douglas Andrew, farmer. 
 Dravies Henry, do 
 Darwin John G., farmer and wood 
 
 merchant. 
 Dean John, farmer. 
 
 EBERS HENRY, farmer. 
 Emery Robert, do 
 Esselmann Bernard, do 
 
 FEY PHILLIP, farmer. 
 Fleetwood George, farmer. 
 Ful ford Thomas, farmer. 
 
 GRAHAM ROBERT S., farmer 
 and carpenter. 
 Gilchrist Archibald, farmer. 
 Groh Frederick, farmer. 
 Greenawalt Henry, farmer. 
 .Griffith William, do 
 
 HARTENBERGER C, farmer. 
 Hays Joseph C, brickmaker. 
 Hahn Christian, farmer. 
 Hanslek Albert, do 
 Harkness, George, do 
 Heine Henry, do 
 
 Hinkback Girard, do 
 Hillerman Frederick farmer. 
 Hill Thomas, do 
 
 Hindman James H., do 
 Haney John, do 
 
 Holloman Ezekiel, do 
 
 Harnbush, do 
 
 JOHNSON BARTHOLOMEW, 
 farmer. 
 
 KETTLER CHRISTOPHER 
 farmer. 
 Kennedy Eli, farmer. 
 
 Kean Joseph, 
 Knapp Philip C., 
 Knapp Jacob, 
 Knope Lewis 
 Razma Jacob, 
 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 
 LIVELY FLEMING, farmer 
 
 Lively Reuben, do 
 
 Lawson Mason, do 
 
 Lawson Andrew K., do 
 
 Linder Lewis, do 
 
 Lively Richard, do 
 
 Lybarger Edmund S., do 
 
 MASON JAMES W., farmer. 
 Murchencosky Peter, do 
 Miller, Matthew, do 
 
 Miller Henry, do 
 
 Myers Peter, blacksmith. 
 Moore William, farmer.
 
 142 RANDOLPH COUNTY 
 
 THOMAS G. ALLEN, 
 
 gMtortmj and <|0unsetor. 
 
 Will practice Law in the Circuits comprising Randolph and adjoin- 
 ing counties. Also, in the Supreme Court of the State, and in th« 
 United States District and Circuit Courts. Residence and Office, 
 
 JAMES C. HOLBROOK, 
 
 grttonujj and (&0\hw\qx at <&w, 
 
 AND 
 
 NOTARY PUBLIC, 
 
 CHESTER, - - - - ILLINOIS. 
 
 OFFICE IN THE COURT HOUSE. 
 
 Will practice in Randolph and adjoining counties, and Supreme 
 Court of Illinois, and United States Courts, Ac. 
 
 THOMAS S. MDRRISON, 
 
 ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR AT LAW; 
 
 OFFICE ON 
 
 SPARTA STREET, CHESTER, 
 
 RANDOLPH COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 
 
 HARVEY NEVELL, 
 
 OHETSTE5FL, II_.1L.. 
 
 RESIDENCE IN CHESTER.
 
 DIRECTORY. 
 
 143 
 
 TOWNSHIP 7 SOUTH, RANGE « WERT.— CHESTER. 
 OACH SIMON, farmer. 
 
 N 
 
 LDENSLAKER PETER, far- 
 
 0LDE1 
 mer. 
 
 PETTIT THOMAS, former. 
 Peck Jacob Sr., do 
 Pinkerton David J., do 
 Peck Jacob, Jr., do 
 
 Proctor Thomas, do 
 
 RAY WALTER, farmer. 
 Rushka M., do 
 
 Riggs David, do 
 
 Robison Joseph Sr., do 
 Robison Joseph Jr., do 
 Rust George S., keeps hotel. 
 Rust Isaac, farmer and wagiui- 
 
 makcr. 
 Runger Frederick, farmer. 
 
 SHUTZ CHARLES, 
 Shutz Benjamin 
 Schrader Frederick. 
 Schrader Julius. 
 Smith John 8., 
 
 farmer, 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 
 Smith Francis, fanner. 
 
 Sullivan Lesscnbee, do 
 
 Schzirkosky C. L., do 
 
 TAGDER JOHN, farmer. 
 Tindall Reuben Jr., farmer 
 Telfer Charles M., do 
 
 Turner Wilson, do 
 
 Y 
 
 TANOVER SAMUEL, farmer. 
 
 WELGE CONRAD., 
 Whitson H. C. 
 Williamson Bird.. 
 Wilcox William. 
 WiJagala Martin, 
 Wood Enoch, 
 Wood John M., 
 Woolshack Joseph, 
 Woolshack Voluntine, 
 
 farmer. 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 Jo 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 
 YOUNG JOHN, farmer and 
 tailor. 
 Young Richard M., nurseryman. 
 Young James, farmer. 
 Yarres Damon, do.
 
 144 KANl>OLPH COUNT1 
 
 RAYMOND WHEERLY, 
 
 Denier in 
 
 WATCHES, 
 
 Jewelry, Spectacles, Gold Pens, etc. 
 
 Watches and Clocks repaired at short notice, and 
 warranted. Shop in Chester, on the Hill, near the 
 Court House 
 
 D. BLOCK & BRO , 
 
 WHOLESALE k RETAIL 
 
 GROCERS: 
 
 DEALERS IN 
 
 FOREIGN .Nil IIOMESTIC LIQUORS. 
 
 CHESTER, ILLINOIS . 
 
 C. WASSELL, 
 
 MERCHANT TAILOR, 
 
 A. IV 13 DEALER IN 
 
 GENTLEMEN'S FURNISHING GOODS. 
 
 NO. 2 SWANWICKS ROW, 
 _ Chester, IllimQia . 
 
 WHOLESALE AND RETAIL STORE. 
 
 I oft'er for snip, at my two places of business, near the Court 
 House, in Cheater, a good, now. and well assorted Stock of Goods, 
 consisting in part of Men's Boots and Shoes; Ladies', Misses', and 
 Children's Boot*, Shoes, and Gaiters; Family Groceries ; Hardware, 
 Quernsware, Nails, Cedar ware, Stoneware, Tobacco, Notions, Toys. 
 
 Also, a large assortment of Baskets, from a very fine article to the 
 strong feed Basket. Whisky by the barrel and half barrel, together 
 with other articles too tedious to mention. 
 
 Goods will be exchanged for merchantable produce, and the best 
 prices paid, by 
 
 .A. i»:h:x3l.h»je» < i 
 
 CHESTER, Sept. 17, 1850.
 
 DIRECTORY. 14;> 
 
 •§9 *8k '''a V 4 'fe ''®!i 
 
 MRS, E, T. k MR. A. A. ANDERSON, 
 
 Proprietors. 
 
 Un Front street, one square above the Wharf-boat. A good 
 stable in connection with the House. McCutchcon's Hacks leave 
 this house daily lor Sparta. 
 
 BANK OF CHESTER, 
 
 The Bank of Chester allows interest to Time De- 
 positors; buys and sells Exchange on the principal 
 cities of the United States; makes Collections, and 
 does a general Banking Business. 
 
 C. MILTENBERGER, Cashier. 
 CHAS. J. CHILDS, M. D., 
 
 hpician, Jlur^n, 
 
 AND 
 
 OBSTETRICIAN. 
 
 Oflkvi opposite the Store of J. H. A G. 8. Joxrs, 
 
 CHESTER, D!kUI5«@liS. 
 
 JAMES H. WATT, 
 
 ri 
 
 CHESTER, ILLINOIS. 
 
 OFFICE IN THE COUPT HOUSE. 
 
 18
 
 140 RANDOLPH COUNTY 
 
 BOSTON STORE. 
 
 FP.6NT STREET, CHESTER, ILUNOIS. 
 
 M AMMQTH 8T0C K . 
 
 JOSEPH BEARE, 
 
 Who would respectfully announce to the citizens of Randolph, Per- 
 ry, and Jackson, that he has now on hand, one of the largest and 
 most complete Stocks of Goods ever offered in Southern Illinois, con- 
 sisting in part of every description of 
 
 F»LA.1IV VNTI3 FANCY 
 
 gq>-#00k (Ooi|ing t Ciotjs, 
 
 HATS, GAPS, SHIRTS, SHAWLS, MANTILLAS, 
 
 BLACK, FANCY, AND FIGURED SILKS; 
 
 3H, French, o_i : .:.:;.:;, a:;: ;.:.! ... pk:nts, 
 
 Bonnets of the Finest of Texture and Latest Styles ; 
 
 A No. 1 ARTICLE OF 
 
 COFFEE, SUGAR, TEA & TOBACCO, 
 
 HARDWARE, QUEEtfSAYARE, STONEWARE, 
 
 And a thousand and one other articles not enumerated, which trill '.« 
 disponed of cheap for cash or country proo w. 
 
 _ ALSO, A LARGE LOT OF 
 
 PINE AND CYPRESS SHINGLES, 
 White and Yellow Pine, and Dressed Flooring. 
 
 HAVING HURCHA8JSD MV ST<M'K CPOS tiik --CASH SV>TKM. I i w 
 kVVOHD. AND 1 AM DETKIOIINKD To SK1.J. 
 
 BXTKEMEI.Y LOW. FOR CA^H-
 
 DIRECTORY. 147 
 
 WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALER IS 
 
 PLAIN AND ORNAMENTAL 
 
 f U&NIYU&B. 
 
 illf ill, BED STEADS, 
 
 TABLES, DESKS, SECRETARIES, SAFES, 
 
 MATTRESSES, CRIBS, BOOKCASES, 
 
 WARDROBES, CHAIRS, 
 
 CHXTRISrS, MIRRORS, 
 
 CLOCKS, AND TRIMMINGS. 
 
 In short, every description of 
 
 FURNITURE, CLOCKS, *C„ &C. 
 
 BRICK ROW, NEARLY OPPOSITE WHARFBOAT, 
 
 CHESTER, ILLINOIS. 
 
 We will sell as 
 
 CHEAP AS ANY OTHER HOUSE 
 
 In the Western Country, and warrant all that we seli, 
 "Nuf sed." 
 
 A. S. PALMER.
 
 148 RANDOLPH COUNTY 
 
 1859. 1859. 
 
 
 hy 
 
 JOHN C. M QUISTON, 
 
 CHESTER,, ----- ILLIISTOIW. 
 
 PLANTER'S HOUSE, 
 
 Corner Front and Angle Streets, 
 
 CHESTER, - - ILLINOIS. 
 
 WILLIAM McBRINE, Proprietor. 
 
 STABLE IN CONNECTION WITH THE HOUSE. 
 
 TWO MILE HOUSE, 
 
 CAMPTOWN, ILLINOIS. 
 
 The undersigned is prepared to accommodate customers day or 
 night, in the most satisfactory manner. He intends to keep as good 
 a house as can be found in the country. 
 
 j£35^ Horses kept by the dav or week, on reasonable terms. ■'H^ 
 
 G-. S. RUST. 
 
 ILLINOIS HOUSE, 
 
 Opposite Wharf Boat, 
 
 CHESTER, ILLINOIS. 
 
 Travelers will find this a convenient and pleasant stopping place. 
 
 C. HORN, Proprietor. 
 
 Bakery in connection with this House. *Ss^ 
 
 C. EL
 
 DIRECTORY. 149 
 
 The Quickest and most Reliable, and at the same Time, the most 
 Efficacious and Pleasant Article ever Employed for the Hair, is 
 
 PROF. O. J. WOOD'S 
 
 HAIR RESTOR ATIVE. 
 
 The New York Day Book says : 
 
 "The majority of Hair Washes, Hair Dyes, Hair Tonics, Hah 
 Oils, and the numberless preparations which are now before the pub- 
 lic under such extravagant, hyperbolical, and fantastic titles, as we 
 see paraded in show window cards and newspaper headings, as hair 
 preparations, are all humbugs of the first water; their real merit, 
 when they possess any, is : that they do no harm. HOG'S LARD, 
 WHALE OIL, LARD OIL, SWEET OIL, scented and colored, make 
 up, when in beautiful wrappers and white flint glass bottles, the 
 costliest character of tonics ; and when thus costly, are baptized 
 with some trisyllable term, aud caught at by verdant young and old 
 of both sexes. Such is not the character of Professor Wood's Hair 
 Restorative. This gentleman comes before the world without any 
 'high falutin' Xilophlorium, or any other astounding and startling 
 catchpenny terms : he simply advertises a Hair Restorative — what it 
 expresses, precisely — and as a restorative it acts. Buy Professor 
 Wood's Hair Restorative, and as you value your scalp, aye, your 
 very brains, apply nothing else ; for it may be that you will get 
 some worse substance than perfumed lard oil on your cranium. — 
 Remember, Wood's Restorative for the Hair is the best article ex- 
 tant." 
 
 IT WILL, BY NATURE'S OWN PROCESS, RESTORE 
 
 GRAY HAIR TO THE ORIGINAL COLOR! 
 
 Will make it Grow on Bald Heads; 
 
 Will restore the Natural Secretions; 
 
 Will remove at once all itching; 
 
 Will remove all Dandruff: 
 
 Will cure all eruptions — even Scald Head ; 
 
 Will make the Hair Soft and Glossy : 
 
 Will make the old appear young again ; 
 
 Will preserve the Color of Hair to old age : 
 
 Will always Fasten it and stop its Falling ; 
 
 And is one of the best Toilet Articles for the Hair now in use. 
 
 Manufactured by 0. J. WOOD 4 CO., and sold Wholesale and 
 Retail, at 444 Broadway, New York, and 114 Market street, St. Louis. 
 Mo. Also, sold by all Druggists in the City and Country. 
 
 SOLD IN CHESTER BY 
 
 E. J. HALL, and 
 EDWARDS & ANDREWS. 
 *13
 
 150 RANDOLPH COUNTY 
 
 SPRING HILL 
 
 ACCOMMODATION. 
 
 The undersigned is making preparations to devote 
 his exclusive attention to tlio entertainment of those 
 who favor him with their patronage at Spring Hill. 
 
 Will always be supplied in a style thai will render per- 
 fect satisfaction to his guests. 
 
 TH13 STABLE 
 
 Will be furnished with Corn, Oats, and Hay, and kept 
 in the best of order. 
 
 X M. BAIR 
 
 MARTIN DILLON, 
 
 DEALER IN 
 
 ITALIAN AND AMERICAN MARBLE. 
 
 MaNUMEN;T$ 8 TQMBSTONES, gTC, 
 
 Persons wishing to beautify the last resting place of 
 their departed friends with something neat, appro- 
 priate, and durable, can be accommodated on the most 
 reasonable terms, by application at my shop, one door 
 north of J. H. & Or. 8. Jones' Dry Goods Store, 
 
 FRONT STREET, CHESTER, ILL. 
 
 Ah none but the BEST MATERIAL is used, per- 
 sons may rely on being furnished with the best of 
 material. The workmanship will be executed in the 
 most beauttfal style. The public are invited to call 
 and examine'dpeeimens of his work.
 
 DIRECTORY. 151 
 
 C. LOUGHRAN. C. C. ANDERSON. 
 
 LOUGHRAN & ANDERSON 
 
 DEALERS IN 
 
 FANCY & STAPLE 
 
 BONNETS, 
 
 HATS AJKTID OAFS, 
 
 X&S1&&X AX9 H®*X®HS, 
 
 BOOTS AND SHOES, 
 
 HARDWARE AND CUTLERY, 
 
 AND 
 
 QUEENSWARE ; 
 
 TOGETHER WITH 
 
 TEN THOUSAND OTHER ARTICLES 
 
 t@@ NMMte&Qis t@ m emtio m. 
 
 NO. 17 FRONT STREET, 
 
 01a.Qjstox% 111.
 
 152 RANbOLl'If COUNTY DIRECTORY 
 
 ^\\W^> %^$&^%3 
 
 O. I. 
 
 Front Street, Chester, HI., 
 
 Where may be constantly found a good supply of first class 
 
 PROMPT DRIVING HORSES, OPEN AND TOPPED BUGGIES, & CARRIAGES, 
 
 Which will be let on the most reasonable terms. Passengers con- 
 veyed to any point on short notice. Horses fed by the day or week. 
 
 SHANNON HOUSE, 
 
 Corner of Maine and St. Louis Streets, 
 SPARTA, ILLINOIS. 
 
 THIS WELL KNOWN 
 
 3? 5 J& S ff ®i><^SS U ® *!? B &, 
 
 Having recently undergone repairs, now offers superior 
 attractions to the traveling public. Full}' determined 
 that every attention shall be given to the warns of 
 those who favor this House with their patronage, the 
 Proprietor respectfully solicits a call, feeling satisfied 
 that ho will be able to render his guests comfortable. 
 
 $&~ Stages for St. Louis, Belleville, and Chester, 
 leave this House daily. 
 
 J. P. GUTBLIUS, Proprietor.
 
 SPARTA. 
 
 The ground on which the City of Sparta now stands 
 was originally purchased and owned by John Armour, 
 an emigrant from Pennsylvania, who located upon it 
 in the year 1826. He erected a small log house, and 
 made a farm upon the ground. Anticipating the wants 
 of the growing settlements around him, and being a 
 man of enterprise, he erected and put in operation a 
 tread-mill, which stood near the spot now occupied by 
 the Mansion House. The erection of this mill was the 
 " circumstance" to which the city owes its existence. 
 Eobert G-. Shannon, (who was then keeping a store 
 one mile south of the embryo town,) seeing that nearer 
 the mill would be a better locality for selling goods, 
 purchased a small quantity of Mr. Armour's land, and 
 erected a small store house near the locality where now 
 stands the large brick building known as u Shannon's 
 Old Store House." Here he commenced that success- 
 ful business career which so distinguished him through 
 a long life, and which has left an enduring name in the 
 annals of Sparta. 
 
 With a mill and a store as a basis for a town, the 
 enterprising proprietor had his land surveyed into town 
 lots, and proceeded to dispose of them at public auc- 
 tion. The first lot sold was purchased by Samuel
 
 154 RANDOLPH rul'.NTV 
 
 Hill, for the sum of four dollars. This sale took place 
 in the year 1829, from which period the place may date 
 its existence, as it commenced to improve and assume 
 the character of a village from that time. 
 
 Daring the same year, James McClurken, whose 
 name was intimately connected with the progress of 
 the place for thirty years, built a house on the hill 
 southeast of the town. In the same }*ear, Lawson 
 Murphy, another of the prominent citizens of the 
 place, established a brickyard, and commenced making 
 brick. About the same time, Cornhill Ballard built 
 a shop, and commenced blacksmithing. Alexander 
 Campbell established a carpenter shop. Several dwell- 
 ings were erected in the same year. In the spring of 
 1830, Dr. Pyles, then a young man, came to the town 
 and opened a school. The year following, James A. 
 Foster settled in the town, and has been a citizen ever 
 since. Dr. Joseph Farnon, who has been the leading 
 physician of the town and vicinity for many years, 
 located in 1830. In 1833, William H. McDill opened 
 a hotel. In 1834, John A. Wilson, John Little, John 
 Gray, -Thomas Gaston, and John W. Slade, became 
 citizens of the town, and gave it quite an impetus for 
 improvement. Slade & McClurken established a 
 store — the second in the place. 
 
 The prospects of the town induced a steady increase 
 of population and business importance. Sufficient 
 progress had been made to establish the certainty of 
 building a town, and the beautiful location and the rich 
 farming lands around, which have since been reduced 
 to a high state of cull' ration, increased the induce- 
 ments for persons to locate. In 1836, the town received 
 a valuable acquisition in the person of William Ros- 
 borough, who established the well known and exten-
 
 DIRECTORY. 155 
 
 sive mercantile house of which he is the senior partner. 
 He opened his store first in the neighborhood four 
 miles from Sparta, but seeing the advantages of the 
 location and prospects of the place, he moved into 
 town. 
 
 In 1837, the town was incorporated, and received the 
 name of Columbus. The first Board of Town Trus- 
 tees consisted of Dr. Joseph Farnon, Lawson Mur- 
 phy, John A. Wilson, James A. Foster, and John W. 
 Slade. A code of ordinances was enacted, and the 
 town government put in successful operation. The 
 first business transacted by the Board was imposing a 
 fine of one dollar upon Robert G. Shannon for the 
 offense of leaving his wagon in the street during the 
 night. 
 
 The brick School House, known in later years as 
 'Sparta Seminary," was built in 1838, and though 
 somewhat antiquated in appearance now, it was then a 
 magnificent structure, far in advance of the times. It 
 ^ave to Sparta her reputation for schools, which she 
 has always sustained with high credit to herself, and 
 advantage to the youth. 
 
 In 1839, a steam grist and saw mill was erected by 
 James McClurken. This gave an additional import- 
 ance to the commercial interests of the place, and new 
 improvements immediately followed. Mr. McClurken 
 had previously put in operation a cotton gin, which 
 stood south of the town. Cotton was raised and 
 shipped in considerable quantities from this county 
 thirty years ago. 
 
 In the same year — 1839 — the " Columbus- Herald'.' 
 was established by James Morrow. He conducted 
 the paper nearly a year, and sold it to John E. Det- 
 kich. It was during the year 1839 that the name of
 
 156 RANDOLPH COUNTY 
 
 the town was changed from Columbus to Sparta, and 
 Mr. Detrich changed the name of his paper to " Sparta 
 Democrat." 
 
 The first oil mill for the manufucture of castor oil 
 was put in operation by James McClurken, in 1840. 
 The manufacture of castor oil, and the buying of castor 
 beans, formed an important item in the commerce of 
 Sparta for many years. Oil mills were afterwards 
 erected by E. G. Shannon and William Rosborough, 
 and the farmers in the vicinity found a ready market 
 at these mills for their castor beans, of which great 
 quantities were raised. 
 
 In 1843, the members ot* the Associate Eeformed 
 Church commenced the erection of their spacious brick 
 building, which was completed three years after. The 
 congregation had been organized some years before, 
 and the Rev. William M. Graham was the preacher. 
 He was succeeded, in 1847, by Rev. David McDill, a 
 distinguished minister of that denomination. Rev. 
 John F. Stuart succeeded Dr. McDill two years ago, 
 and is now the pastor of the church. 
 
 In 1842, a Methodist Society was organized by Rev. 
 M. Martree. A church building was erected in 1848, 
 and the pulpit has been supplied by the various minis- 
 ters appointed by the Methodist Conference. 
 
 A Baptist Church was organized by Rev. H. S. 
 Deppe, in 1854. A church building was erected the 
 following year. Rev. J. B. Campbell is the regular 
 minister. 
 
 One of the most important additions to the business 
 of Sparta, was the erection, in 1850, of a Woolen Fac- 
 tory, by the Messrs. McClurkkn. It was constructed 
 at a heavy expense, and has been in successful opera- 
 tion ever since. The present proprietor, Mr. Thomas
 
 DIRECTORY. 157 
 
 McClurken, has made additions to its manufacturing 
 capacity during this season, and now the wool growers 
 of this and adjoining counties have a ready market for 
 their wool. 
 
 Since 1853, two large merchant mills have been 
 erected, each one with a capacity of producing two 
 hundred and fifty barrels of flour per day. The con- 
 struction of these mills was the work of joint stock 
 associations, and the enterprises have given a fresh 
 impetus to the raising of wheat, which is now pro- 
 duced as a staple crop. 
 
 At the last session of the General Assembly, Sparta 
 obtained a City Charter, which went into operation a 
 few months ago. At the Charter Election, the follow- 
 ing city officers were elected : 
 
 JOHN A. WILSON. Mayor. 
 
 ALDKRMEN : 
 
 First Ward. — Robekt Gammell and Johx Watso.n. 
 
 Second Ward. — Matthew McCujRKEy and Hugh Kirkpatruk. 
 
 Third Ward. — J. F. McOandi.ess and John W. McCormack. 
 
 Fourth Ward. — Robert J. Harmer and Samikl Niel. 
 
 Street Commissioner. — James LA.ueHi.ix. 
 
 Treasurer. — Joseph McIIevrt. 
 
 Assessor. — H. 0. McCormack. 
 
 A steady increase of all the concomitants of a town 
 has marked the progress of Sparta from its commence- 
 ment. Situated in the centre of one of the most fertile 
 and eligible fanning regions in Illinois, the town was 
 surrounded by a class of industrious, enterprising and 
 practical farmers, who have reduced the soil to a high 
 state of cultivation, which has produced a healthy ad- 
 vancement in every department of commerce. 
 
 The young citv now contains ten dry goods store*- 
 14
 
 158 RANDOLPH COUNTY DIRECTORY. 
 
 three grocery stores; one boot and shoe store and man- 
 ufactory; three boot and shoe shops; two stove and tin- 
 ware stores; three tailor shops; one jewelry store; 
 three millinery shops; two confectionery stores; one 
 bakery; two furniture stores; two saddlery and har- 
 ness shops; two wagon, one plow, and four blacksmith 
 shops; one steam barrel manufactory; two flouring 
 mills; one saw mill; one woolen factory; three hotels; 
 three churches; three school houses; one academy; two 
 literary societies; one library; five physicians; three 
 lawyers; four resident ministers.
 
 SPARTA DIRECTORY. 
 
 ALLEN AARON M., merchant. 
 Abernathy Thomas, carpen- 
 ter. 
 Aitkin Jaracs, carpenter. 
 Anderson Francis B., lawyer. 
 Anderson Noble, farmer. 
 Anderson William, shoemaker. 
 Askins William P., engineer. 
 Askins John, tinner. 
 Allen Andrew, teamster. 
 
 BROWN LEMUEL A. C, stove 
 merchant. 
 Brown M. M., Rev., principal of 
 
 Union Academy. 
 Brown Samuel, tinner. 
 Brown Kinsley, tinner. 
 Brown John Lyman, proprietor 
 
 of '' Herald and Press." 
 Brown Nicholas H., tinner. 
 Brown James C., carpenter. 
 Brown James S.. miller. 
 Baird William M., carpenter. 
 Baird Reuben, do 
 
 Baird George 0., do 
 
 Baty Francis II., trader. 
 Baily Reuben, keeps livery. 
 Baldridge William. 
 Brown Thomas. 
 
 Beaver David, furniture dealer. 
 Brunson Frederick, shoemaker. 
 Bascom Arthur W., teamster. 
 
 CAMPBELL LOUIS H.. painter. 
 Clendenin Henry S., saddler. 
 
 Cowel William, cabinet maker. 
 Camp M., carpenter. 
 Chapman Hiram, shoemaker. 
 Caldwell William J., jobber. 
 Chalmbers William G., saddler. 
 Caruthers Caleb, blacksmith. 
 Caruthers Finley, do 
 Calderwood Hugh, superinten- 
 dant of Sparta mill. 
 
 DETRICH JOHN E., merchant. 
 Detrieh Jacob S. furniture 
 dealer. 
 Dickey James, laborer. 
 Dobbins John S., blacksmith. 
 Dobbins Andrew, wagonmaker. 
 
 EDWARD CROSLEY, spinner 
 in factory. 
 Edgar William, book merchant. 
 Edminston Abner. 
 Eekuph. 
 
 FARNAN JOSEPH, physician 
 and druggist. 
 Farnan James, physician, 
 Fairborn Jolm, laborer. 
 Foster Robert L., expressman. 
 Ferris D. S., minister. 
 
 GARDNER HENRY, trader. 
 Gardner Nicholas, grocer.
 
 1<><» • It.VXltOLPII COUNTY 
 
 SPARTA LIVERY STABLE. 
 
 D. RIGDON & CO., 
 
 'Would respectfully announce to the citizens of Sparta ami the pub- 
 lic in general, that they are now prepared to accommodate all who 
 may favor them with their patronage. Having reeently made large 
 additions to their stock, thpy can now accommodate all' with 
 
 SADDLE HORSES, 
 
 AND 
 
 CARRIAGES, 
 
 Of a supiiior quality, and on the most reasonable term*. 
 
 Persons wishing to be conveyed to different points, can be ac- 
 commodated in good style, on the shortest notice. 
 
 Horses stabled and fed by the day or week. 
 
 SPAETA 
 
 DRUG AND BOOK STORE. 
 
 JOSEPH FARNAQI, 
 
 WHOLBSALI AND RETAIL DEALER IN 
 
 DRUGS, MEDICINES, 
 
 paints, oils, Si|L% VARNISHES, 
 
 gw.p ,8wte,dMa wiaoy giass, 
 
 Stationery, ami Fancy Articles; Patent Medicines; 
 Taints, Oils, and \ r arnishes; Books and Station- 
 ery ; Notions and Fancy Articles ; Win- 
 dow Glass, of the best quality. 
 
 Also. Paint, Varnish and Cloth Brushes; Candies, Spices, Ac. 
 
 ,?S~ Physicians and Country Merchants supplied at a very 
 small per cent, above St. Louis Prices. Prescriptions compounded 
 at all hours. Store on^the corner of St. Louis and Broad streets.
 
 DIRECTORY. 
 
 161 
 
 Gardner Fayette, carpenter. 
 
 Goddard J. H., 
 
 Goddard William B., carpenter. 
 
 Gillebran Adam, laborer. 
 
 Gammill Robert, miller. 
 
 Gerred Hugh, lumber merchant. 
 
 Gorsuch Elijah, boot and shoe 
 
 merchant. 
 Gorsuch M. G., physician and 
 
 druggist. 
 Gordon James, merchant. 
 Gray James, baker. 
 Gray John, tailor. 
 Gutherie Hugh R., physician. 
 Grutelius John F., inn keeper. 
 Gray William. 
 Grenslet E., cooper. 
 Gobsan Robert, stone mason. 
 Graham George, shoemaker. 
 
 HARMER ROBERT J., clurk of 
 union mill. 
 Hood Archibald. 
 Hood James, merchant. 
 Hood Robert, do 
 Hood John. 
 Hood William, mason. 
 Hopkins Richard R., physician. 
 Hudson John, salesman. 
 
 KIRKPATRICK JOHN, miller. 
 Kirkpatrick Hugh, inn 
 keeper. 
 Klene Benjamin, brickmakor. 
 
 LONG ZAOHARTAII, linnr-v. 
 i.exton Matthew, teamster. 
 Luther A. A. 
 
 L&hmann Bartley, butcher. 
 Lafferty Jesse, groom, 
 Lawson Murphy, teamster. 
 Lawson Mary A., confoetiouer. 
 Lattimore Joseph, mason. 
 Little R. B., merchant. 
 Linds iy Samuel,w agon maker. 
 Luther James M. 0,. cabinet- 
 maker. 
 *14 
 
 Laird Isaac, cooper. 
 Laird Martin, do 
 
 MAXWELL JAMES, teamster. 
 Matlock William L., plas- 
 terer. 
 
 Miller Andrew, jeweler. 
 
 Miller James W., 
 
 Minner John W., ambrotypist. 
 
 Monroe Wuliam. 
 
 Morrcw John B., teamster. 
 
 Murphy William P., lawyer. 
 
 Murphy David. 
 
 Murphy John Calvin. 
 
 Maxwell Thomas C, farmer. 
 
 McMillan William H., farmer. 
 
 McLain Theron, carpenter. 
 
 McLain Daniel, do 
 
 McCutcheon John M., express- 
 man. 
 
 McCandless James F. 
 
 McCormack John W., blacksmith. 
 
 McCormack Matthew 8., mer- 
 chant. 
 
 McCormack William, inn keeper. 
 
 McCormack Hugh C, merchant. 
 
 McClurkcn Thomas, factory mer- 
 chant. 
 
 McClurken Matthew, farmer. 
 
 McD< nald Robert. 
 
 Mc T 11 Robert. 
 
 McOill Thomas, printer. 
 
 Mclienry Joseph, merchant. 
 
 He Henry Robert, M., teacher. 
 
 McHenry Francis. 
 
 McKay -lohu L., tailor. 
 
 McMillan John R., teamster. 
 
 M.-D.mald Marshall, do 
 
 NEWSON ARCHIBALD. 
 Newman Augustus, barber. 
 Neill Samuel, harness maker. 
 Neill John, blacksmith. 
 Naylor Presley. 
 
 
 
 RR THOMAS A. K., butcher 
 and tep *Mster.
 
 1G2 RANDOLPH COUNTT 
 
 Hi ^ Hi 
 
 I SELECT SWM 
 
 DRY-GOODS, 
 
 Ulh 
 
 '9 
 
 HARDWARE, 
 C^TJEJE! JXT SW -^ JFL3E3, 
 
 AND 
 
 >^^ *Ja*ib wW @Ca e^-# ^L;# g 
 
 HATS AND CAPS, 
 BOOTS AND SHOES, 
 
 Kept constantly on Imnd hy ilio undersigned, 
 
 MAIN STREET, SPARTA, 
 FOR SALE 
 
 CHEAPER THAN THE CHEAPEST. 
 
 All kinds of Product) will ho lukon in exi-hango for 
 r J(>ods nt Market prices. 
 
 J. B PARKS
 
 DIRECTORY. 
 
 165 
 
 Orr Craton, blacksmith. 
 Osburn E. James, painter. 
 
 F-, 
 
 PATTESON ROBERT 
 keeps livery. 
 Parks James B., merchant. 
 Perkins Jeremiah C, keeps saloon 
 
 and variety store. 
 Perkins Ephraim, blacksmith. 
 Perkins Eli as, do 
 
 Pawel James, oculist. 
 Pyles Lucius, carpenter. 
 Palmer P. W., cooper. 
 
 R05B0R0UGH WILLIAM, 
 merchant. 
 Rosborough Robert, salesman. 
 Raybron Francis, blacksmith. 
 Rea William, teamster. 
 Rigdon David, keeps livery. 
 Rodent an Jlenry, merchant. 
 
 STEVENSON WILLIAM A., 
 wagon maker. 
 Btonnant II. C, carpenter. 
 Stuart Jobn F., minister. 
 Spindle Edward J., laborer. 
 Sherlock Richard, teamster. 
 Smith Henry, tailor. 
 Stevenson William J., merchant. 
 Shannon John R. 
 Shannon James. 
 Shannon Moses F. 
 SUelley Alexander. 
 
 Skelley John, laborer. 
 Skelley William. 
 Skelley James, painter. 
 Simpson George, physician. 
 Shiner John, teamster. 
 Saunders James, carpenter. 
 Sanders Thomas, tinner. 
 Sanders George, wagon maker. 
 
 TAILOR JOHN, justice of the 
 peace. 
 Taylor James H., merchant. 
 Taylor Hugh C, do 
 
 Telfard William, shoemaker. 
 Treat Joseph, laborer. 
 Taylor James, di 
 
 WATSON JOHN", merchant. 
 Wood Sidney, carpenter. 
 
 Wilson Samuel. 
 
 Wilson Samuel, constable and 
 city marshal. 
 
 Wilson John A., postmaster anl 
 mayor. 
 
 Wilson William F. 
 
 Wise Daniel, salesman. 
 
 Wolfington P., laborer. 
 
 Whitim George, barrel manufac- 
 turer. 
 
 Watson .Tames, stone mason. 
 
 White Andrew J., cocper. 
 
 ■VTONTZ JOHN, miller. 
 
 TOWNSHIP 
 
 BAIRI) SAMITEL P.. farmer. 
 Biird P., do 
 
 Beat tie, do 
 
 BeattieJ, M.. do 
 
 Becket A. G.. do 
 
 Blair John M., do 
 
 INGE « WEST.- 
 
 -SPARTA. 
 
 Blair J. H., 
 
 farmer 
 
 Blair D, 
 
 do 
 
 Blair William. 
 
 do 
 
 Blair James, 
 
 do 
 
 Blair Alexander. 
 
 do 
 
 Blackmore. 

 
 184 
 
 RANDOLPH COUNTY 
 
 JOHN TAYLOR, 
 
 CITY Wmi% JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, 
 
 NOTARY PUBLIC;. 
 
 Will attend to collecting claims on commission or otherwise. 
 
 OFFICE ON BROADWAY, SPARTA, ILL. 
 
 Jurisdiction as Recorder in debt or damages, $500 00. 
 
 IVEjps, M. LA'WSOBT 
 
 Keeps constantly on hand Chocolate, Oysters, Crackers, Cheese, 
 Nuts of every kind, Tobacco, Cigars, Mackerel, Soap, Candles, Salt, 
 Tea, Brooms, Baskets, Toys, Hoop Skirts, and Notions, of every va- 
 riety, at her old stand on MAIN STREET, one door east of the 
 Shannon House, 
 
 SPARTA, ILLINOIS, 
 Where she hopes to receive a liberal share of public patronage. 
 
 PEOPLES SALOON, 
 
 Main Street, Sparta, Illinois, 
 J. O. PERKINS, Proprietor. 
 
 Dealer in all kinds of Confectionery ; Foreign and Domestic 
 Frnits ; Nuts, Oysters, and Sardines; Tobacco and Cigars; Fancy 
 Perfumery and Hair Oils. All descriptions of Family Oroceries, Ac. 
 
 Also, Ice Cream, Soda, and Refreshments. 
 
 FRANCIS B. ANDERSON, 
 
 ATTORNEY AID COUNSELOR AI LAW, 
 
 AND 
 
 SOLICITOR IN CHANCERY; 
 
 Will attend with fidelity and promptness to all business entrusted 
 to him, and connected either directly or indirectly with his profes- 
 sion, whether in the United States or elsewhere. 
 
 OFFICII ON MAIN STREET, SPARTA, ILLINOIS.
 
 MRKCTOKY. 
 
 165 
 
 TOWNSHIP •, SOUTH, RANGE li WEST— SPARTA. 
 
 Bordfcl'n Andrew, fill 111* 
 
 Boyd William, do 
 
 Bovd Jamas J.. do 
 
 Boyd Robert. V., do 
 
 Boyd Samuel,, do 
 
 Boyd Thomas, do 
 
 Boyd David B., do 
 
 Boyd James, do 
 
 Brown Joseph Ji., do 
 
 Brown James M., do 
 
 Brown David. do 
 
 Brown Joseph Sr., do 
 
 Brown Henry B., do 
 
 Brown Charles E.. do 
 
 C CHANDLER NOEL, fanner. 
 ; Chalmber3 Thomas A. 
 Chalmbers David. 
 Clendenin James II.. farmer. 
 Couch John, do 
 
 Cooper William, do 
 
 Cooper James A.. do 
 
 Coulter John, do 
 
 Crothers B. L., blacksmith. 
 Cunningham John R., farmer. 
 Cunningham James W., do 
 Cunningham George V., farmer 
 
 and teacher. 
 Cunningham Robert, farmer. 
 
 DIAL ISAAC, farmer. 
 Dillman John, far in t 
 Dickey George. do 
 
 Davver .!••'■ u, do 
 
 FELLERS JOHN G., farmei 
 Einley Francis, do 
 
 Foster William, do 
 
 Flakier William Sr.. do 
 
 Frazii" William Jr.. iln 
 
 GROSS ANDERSON, tarn 
 Gross George. Sr.. 
 Gross George W., 
 
 HENDEUHOFF PETER, far 
 mer. 
 llegens David W.. fanner. 
 Hood John, do 
 
 Hood Alexander. do 
 Houston John do 
 
 KELL JOHN F., farmer. 
 Kinny Alexander, farmer. 
 
 T EMMONS JACOB, farmer. 
 
 Li Lessley R. M., 
 Lessley Alexander, 
 Lively A. P., 
 Lively William, 
 Lively Turner. 
 Lochead J. M., 
 Lvle Thomas. 
 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 
 M ALONE JAMES, collier. 
 Mann John B., farmer. 
 Martin William, do 
 
 Mathews William. do 
 Miller John, do 
 
 Mirott John, wagonmaker. 
 Marrow William, farmer. 
 Marrow James (.'., do 
 Morris Ephrairu. 
 Morris. William -li 
 Morris Isaac. 
 Murphy A. B.. 
 McAnu'llty James 
 
 <lo 
 
 do 
 do 
 
 II.. farmer. 
 
 McAtee John A.. do 
 
 McConaehie David, do 
 
 McDonald David. do 
 
 McDoland James H.. do 
 
 McDonald Levi, do 
 
 Me Daniel James, do 
 
 Me Dill N. B., do 
 
 McDill Archibald M., do 
 
 McDill David A., do 
 
 McGee James, do 
 
 McLaughlan Matthew, do
 
 166 RANDOLPH COUNTY 
 
 N. H. BROWN, 
 
 WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALER IN 
 
 $hm$ mii Tttwm t 
 
 BROADWAY, SPARTA, ILL. 
 
 JAMES FARNAN, 
 
 jjjhpktatt and Jiitrpfltt, 
 
 Tenders his professional services to the citizens of 
 
 OEQoo on :ex*o£ic3Lxn7-«,;y\ 
 
 FINLEY B. CROTHERS, 
 
 BLACKSMITH AND PLOWMAKER, 
 
 BROADWAY, SPARTA, ILL. 
 
 All work warranted, and his Plows not excelled by any. 
 
 8PAETA CITY. 
 J. S. DETRICH, 
 
 Dealer and manufacturer of all kinds of 
 
 Anl^Undortaker of Funerals in all its branches, Ac, Ac.
 
 DIRECTORY. 
 
 167 
 
 TOWNSHIP 5 SOUTH, RANGE 6 WEST.— SPARTA. 
 
 McNeil William Sr., farmer. 
 McNeil William Jr., do 
 MjJHenry William, do 
 
 ORB TMOMAS, farmer. 
 Orr John, 
 Orr John P., 
 
 PARKS JOHN, farmer. 
 Parks James G., farmer. 
 Parks A. W., 
 Parks Alfred, 
 Parks John M., 
 Barks Thomas A., 
 Perkins George H., 
 Pressly Samuel, 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 do 
 
 RITCHEY WILLIAM. 
 Robinan Frederick. 
 
 SINCLAIR ROBERT. 
 Stewart William. 
 
 TEMPLE DAVID, farmer 
 Temple John, do 
 
 Temple William, do 
 
 Townsand David, do 
 
 Toverea Arthor T., do 
 
 WEIR ROBERT Sr., farmer. 
 
 Weir James N., do 
 
 Weir Samuel T., do 
 
 Weir William, do 
 
 Weir Samuel, do 
 
 Weir James B., do 
 
 Weir John, do 
 
 Wilson Henry J., do 
 Wilson William F., farmer. 
 
 Wilson David, do 
 
 Wilson Martin W., do 
 
 Wolford Frederick, do 
 
 Wolford Daniel, do 
 
 Wolford George, do 
 
 Wright Stephen Sr., do 
 
 Wright Stephen Jr., do 
 
 Wylie Samuel M., do 
 
 Wylie John Sr., do 
 
 Wylie James G., do 
 
 YATES E., farmer, 
 Young William, farmer. 
 
 TOWNSHIP 4 SOUTH, RANGE 6 WEST.— SPARTA. 
 
 ANDERSON THOMAS, farmer. 
 Anderson J. A. P., do 
 
 Anderson Archie, do 
 
 Armour James C, do 
 
 B 
 
 LOCK ANDREW, farmer. 
 Block N. N., do 
 
 Borders M. W., 
 Borders Jas. J., 
 Borders Elias K., 
 Boyle Thompson, 
 Boyle Adam, 
 Bolye James, 
 Burnett Wm., 
 Burns Joseph, 
 
 farmer. 
 
 a 
 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do
 
 168 RANDOl.ril COUNTY 
 
 JEWELRY STORE. 
 
 A. MILLER 
 
 Keeps constantly on hand, at his old stand. 
 
 MAINE STREET, - - SPARTA, ILLINOIS, 
 
 A SELECT ASSORTMENT OF 
 
 m mk '^81 ; %» ^ 'Ira ^ ^ 
 
 i 
 
 FANCY ARTICLES, 
 
 Which he offers to the pffcdic 
 
 CHEAP FOR CASH. 
 
 Kepairing Clocks and Watches done on short nor ice. in the 
 beet manner. ""&& 
 
 JOHN W. MINNER'S 
 
 AMBROTYPE, MMm> DAGUERREOTYPE, 
 
 A 
 
 *# 
 
 ptotajgrapltlc <Ialli|rj), 
 
 Keeps constantly on hand nil Photographic Material. 
 
 THREE DOORS "WEST OF PUBLIC SQUARE, 
 
 MAINE STREET, SPARTA, ILLINOIS. 
 
 H. R. GUTHRIE, M. D., 
 
 OFFICE, BROAD STREET, 
 
 SPARTA, tlLCNQt9 %
 
 DIRECTORY. 
 
 169 
 
 TOWNSHIP 4 SOUTH. RANGE 6- WEST.— SPARTA. 
 
 CAMPBELL JOHN, farmer. 
 
 Campbell Thos., do 
 
 Cathcart Wm. J. S., do 
 
 Cathcart Richard, do 
 
 Cathcart R. B., do 
 
 Cathcart C. M., do 
 
 Cathcart James, do 
 
 Cathcart John, do 
 
 Chassells A. M., do 
 
 Christy Jas., do 
 
 Crawford Win., do 
 
 Cuthbertson Alex., do 
 
 Cuthbertson Robert, Jo 
 
 DANLEY THOMAS, farmer. 
 Dunn William M., do 
 Dunn James W., do 
 
 n iuin T ohn, do 
 
 EDGAR A. J., farmer. 
 Edgar W. M., farmer 
 Edgar R. M., do 
 
 Edgar James, do 
 
 Edgar William S., do 
 Ewmg Samuel, do 
 
 Ewing John, do 
 
 FULTON JAMES, farmer. 
 
 Finley William, do 
 
 Finley Thomas, do 
 
 Finley James, do 
 
 Finiey Matthew, do 
 
 Fawlds James, do 
 
 Fulton William, do 
 
 GREER HUGH, farmer. 
 Gregg Samuel, do 
 Gray R. W.. do 
 
 Grav A. F.. do 
 
 15 
 
 HARWELL J. '.'., farmer. 
 Hemphill Matthew, farmer. 
 Hetherington George, do 
 
 Hetherington James, do 
 
 Houston William, do 
 
 Houston William, do 
 
 "OHNSON WILLIAM, farmer. 
 
 KEYS JOSEPH, farmer. 
 Kilpatrick John, farmer. 
 Kirk wood Robert, do 
 
 Kirk wood Matthew, do 
 
 LESLIE SAMUEL, farmer. 
 
 Lackey William, do 
 
 Leslie M. M., do 
 
 Lindsay John H., do 
 
 Lindsay Thomas B., do 
 
 Little William, tic 
 
 Little William C, 4o> 
 
 Lightbody R. W., dm 
 
 Lynn Joseph, do 
 
 Lynn William R., do 
 
 Lynn John, do 
 
 Lyons R. W., do 
 
 Lyons G., do 
 
 MARSHALL R. W., physician. 
 Marshall J. J., farmer. 
 Marshall Adam, teacher. 
 Matthews Joseph B., farmer. 
 Matthews James, do 
 
 Meek Samuel J. B.. do 
 Meek William. do 
 
 Morrison Robert, do 
 
 Murphv James H., do 
 
 McBride A., do 
 
 McBridc John, do 
 
 Mi-Clinton James, do
 
 170 
 
 RANDOLPH COUNTY 
 
 
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 4-> 
 
 < 
 
 P^> <Z 
 
 <-< 
 
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 CD 
 
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 ^ ^ y_ 
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 . "- —
 
 DIRECTORY. 
 
 171 
 
 TOWNSHIP 4 SOUTH, RANGE 6 WEST.— SPARTA. 
 
 McClinton William, 'armer. 
 
 McHatton. Armour, do 
 
 Mclntyre John, do 
 
 Mcllvain A... do 
 
 McKelvey Alex. R., do 
 
 McKelvey S. W., do 
 
 McMasters James. do 
 
 McMillan .James H.. do 
 
 McMillan William T do 
 
 McMurdo John, do 
 
 McMurdo William, do 
 
 pATTERSON R. 
 
 L.. farmer. 
 
 RANKIN ROBERT, farmer. 
 Redpath R., do 
 
 Redpath James K., do 
 
 Ritchey James M., farmer and 
 coal merchant. 
 Ritchey Robert J., farmer. 
 Rieddle Joseph, ' do 
 Rodgers Samuel J., do 
 Rodgera A., do 
 
 Rodgers W., do 
 
 Rutherford William, do 
 Rutherford Robert, do 
 
 SCHR1DER HENRY Rev. 
 Short Thomas, farmer. 
 Smith Moore Jr. do 
 
 Smith James C, do 
 
 Smiley James, do 
 
 Stevenson Michael Sr., farmer 
 
 TEMPLE ROBERT, farmer. 
 Toverea Bartley, do 
 Tweede Hugh, do 
 
 Tweede David, do 
 
 Tweede John, do 
 
 WALKER JAMES, farmer. 
 
 Walker William, do 
 
 Wallace James, do 
 
 Welsh James, do 
 
 White Francis, do 
 
 Wilson Hugh, do 
 
 Wood William, io 
 
 Wylie John, do 
 
 Wylie Alex., do 
 
 Wylie Robert C, do 
 
 VEOMAN DAVID, farmer
 
 172 
 
 RANDOLPH COUNTY 
 
 J. A. FOSTER, 
 
 Sparta, 111. 
 
 DEALER IN 
 
 / J^Xj ^j \^| s^jjf ^z $%jj sie^ ^ 
 
 HATS, CAPS, BOOTS, SHOES, 
 GROCERIES, QUEENSWARE, HARDWARE, NAILS, IRON. 
 
 O-IjASS, 
 
 FARMING ITEII18, READY-MADE ClfflMffli; 
 
 In short, a general assortment of Merchandise, suitable to the wants 
 of the consumer — all of which are offered at the lowest prices. Tin' 
 public are invited to examine. 
 
 JOHN E. DETRICH, 
 
 Main Street, Sparta, Illinois. 
 
 ]>K,VL.TdTR IN 
 
 DRY- GOODS, 
 
 3E3L" ArL3DX\T-A.riEJ, 
 
 QUWARE, GLASSWAKE, BOOTS AID SHOES, 
 
 HATS AND CAPS, 
 
 CLOTHING, GROCERIES, TOBACCO. 
 
 And all kinds of Merchandise suited to the wants of the trade gen- 
 erally.
 
 DIRECTORY. 173 
 
 TO THE FARMERS 
 
 SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. 
 
 SPARTA 
 
 Wflflfet f *tf**g» 
 
 I have made large additions to my Factory, of new 
 
 And am manufacturing and will keep a large stock at 
 all seasons, of the following Goods, manufactured by 
 me with special reference, to durability : 
 
 SlTlllfS, CASSIMERES, 
 
 INDIGO BLUE AND MIXED 
 
 JEANS, 
 
 BED-BLANKETS, 
 
 PLAID, ID, PLAIN MREO k WHITE MEIS, 
 
 KNOTTING 
 
 AND SINGLE YARNS OK ALL SIZKS. 
 
 Custom Carding and Spinning, Fulling, Coloring, 
 and Finishing, done on short notice. Persons from a 
 distance always accommodated at the time they bring 
 their Wool. 
 
 THOS. McCLTJRKEN. 
 
 N. B. — Wool and Grease wanted in exchange. 
 *15
 
 174 
 
 RANDOLPH COUNTY 
 
 WM. ROSBOROUGH 8c CO , 
 SPARTA, BLLI^OiS. 
 
 THE OLDEST HOUSE IN THE COUNTY, 
 
 ESTABLISHED IN THE YEAR 1835. 
 
 Have always on hand the largest and most com- 
 plete Stock of 
 
 CLOTHING, 
 
 
 
 $ 
 
 GROCERIES, 
 3EX A. Y^ ID "\*T j9l n ES, 
 
 HATS AND CAPS, 
 BOOTS AND SHOES, &C, &C, 
 
 That is offered in the market, to which they invite the 
 attention of 
 
 Lilli IliU. 
 
 SPARTA, October, 1859
 
 DIRECTORY. 175 
 
 3» ifii 3ft 
 
 NEW LIVERY STABLE. 
 
 BARTLEY TOVERA 
 
 Would respectfully announce to the citizens of Sparta and vicinity, 
 that he has opeuod a new and splendid Stable on 
 
 ST. LOUIS STREET, SPARTA, ILLINOIS, 
 
 Where lie will keep constantly on hand 
 
 SADDLE AND BUGGY HORSES, 
 
 OPEN AND TOP BUGGIES, 
 
 Of the best quality: and will accommodate all who may favor him 
 with their custom on more reasonable terms than ever offered in the 
 city. He hones, by strict attention to hia business, to merit a liberal 
 xhare of public patronage. 
 
 M. G. GORSUCH, M. D., 
 
 SPARTA, ILLINOIS. 
 
 DEALER IN 
 
 DRUGS, MEDICINES, & CHEMICALS, 
 
 DYE-WOOBS AND DYE-STUFFS, 
 
 QIL§ t PAINTS, AN Q PAINTERS' ARTICLES, 
 
 Window g»lx££ and Vuttii, §>\umvuu, 
 
 FRENCH, EMU, ill AMERICAN PERFIW. 
 
 Fine Toilet anil Shaving Soaps, fine Hair and Tooth Brushes, 
 Paint Brushes. Surgical and Dental Instruments, Spices, Snuffs, 
 Manufactured Tobacco ; all the Patent Medicines of the day ; Pure 
 Wines and Brandies, for medicinal purposes; Choice Toilet and 
 
 Fancv Articles, etc., etc.
 
 170 RANDOLPH COUNTY 
 
 SPARTA & CHESTER 
 
 SPARTA. ATHENS, BELLEVILLE, 
 
 A1UD 
 
 St. Louis Daily Mail and 
 PASSENGER COACH LINE. 
 
 Having secured a Daily Mail Contract between the above points, 
 I have established a Daily Coach Line for the accommodation of the 
 traveling public — leaving Sparta every morning (Sundays excepted) 
 at 6 o'clock, A. M., for Chester : returning, leaves Chester every day 
 (Sundays excepted) at 2, P. M., arriving in Sparta the same even- 
 ing ; leaving Sparta for Athens, Belleville, and St. Louis, every 
 morning, (Sundays excepted,) at A. M., arriving at St. Louis the 
 same evening ; leaving St. Louis every morning at 6 A. M. from No. 
 60 Collins street, King's Hotel, the Post Office, Green Tree Tavern, 
 arriving at Sparta on the same evening. 
 
 I ALSO RUN THE 
 
 BUCKEYE BftY 
 
 FREIGHT & EXPRESS WAGONS 
 
 On the above routes, and will carry Freight at usual rates with 
 promptness and safety, between any of the above points. I will also 
 attend to Express Business of any kind, to any part of the United 
 8tates or Europe. Packages or money forwarded to any part of the 
 world having Express connections. Will buy and sell Drafts and 
 Bills of ExchaDge on any part of the world. Will also attend to 
 making collection of notes and accounts. Business of any kind en- 
 trusted to my care will be faithfully and promptly attended to. 
 Orders respectfully solicited. I can be seen Wednesdays and Thurs- 
 days, at No. 66, Collins' street, and Saturdays and Mondays at my 
 office in Sparta. 
 
 JOHN M. McCUTCHEON.
 
 DIRECTOR 1. 177 
 
 1839. I860, 
 
 FALL AND WINTER STOCK. 
 
 J". c*3 H.. HOOD, 
 
 WHOLESALE AND ROAU MERCHANTS, 
 
 Broadway, Sparta, 111., 
 
 Have received, direct from the East, a large, splendid, and carefully 
 selected Stock of 
 
 FALL & WINTER GOODS. 
 
 Our Stock consists in part of a large and most fashionable 
 Stock of 
 
 GENTLEMEN AND YOUTH'S- CLOTHING AND FURNISHING GOODS, 
 
 All of which they warrant to fit, or no sale. Also, Black, Brown, and 
 Drab Cloths, Doe Skins, Casinetts, Cassimeres, 
 
 BLACK, FANCY, AND FIGURED SILKS, 
 
 Alpaccas, Delai, s, French, English, and American Prints, Ging- 
 hams, Ribbons, D»2ss Trimmings, Lace, Notions, Shawls, Mantillas, 
 Hats and Caps, Boots and Shoes, Hardware, Cutlery, Glassware, 
 Queensware, and a full Stock of Groceries. The highest market 
 price paid for merchantable produce. 
 
 NEW GOODS. NEW GOODS. 
 
 McHENRY & WATSON, 
 
 Cor. of Broad & McMillan Streets, Sparta, 111., 
 
 Are now receiving and opening a large and attractive Stock of 
 Goods from the East, which, for variety and beauty of style, are 
 unsurpassed. Our Stock consists of 
 
 DRY GOODS, 
 
 OLOTHI3STG-, 
 
 HATS AND CAPS, 
 BOOTS AND SHOES, 
 
 HARDWARE, 
 
 QUEENSWARE AND GROCERIES. 
 
 We invite all persons coming to trade in Sparta to give us a call 
 and examine our prices. To cash and produce customers, we offer 
 liberal inducements.
 
 178 
 
 UANHOl.l'U COUNTY DIRECTORY. 
 
 WAG OB, t&iii.4il, Silfif 
 PL01 iVIttillFACTORY, 
 
 EDEN, 
 
 ILLINOIS. 
 
 The underesignecl having ])iu in operation a STEAM 
 EXCiJXK tor <lri viiii;- the machinery in his shop, is now 
 prepare! tot manufacture 
 
 WAGOrn, 
 
 CARRIAGES, 
 
 BUGGIES, 
 
 PLOWS, 
 
 And all kinds of 
 
 gigrittttltnral Jmjjlementjj, 
 
 On short notice. In the manufacture of these articles 
 the very best material is used, and durability is guar- 
 anteed. Only workmen of 
 
 SUPERIOR SKILL m EXPERIENCE 
 
 are employed. My facilities for manufacturing will 
 enable me to suppl}* the larger portion of 
 
 SOUTHERN 1 IIjLINOIS. 
 
 A. H. BURLINGHAMB.
 
 EDEN 
 
 Rev. Samuel Wyi.ik purchased and located upon the 
 site of Eden, in the year 1822-3. Sometime afterwards, 
 Adam Wylie and James Fokd located in the place. At 
 that time there were but few settlers in thft, adjacent 
 country, and the idea of making a town pro&rfbly had 
 not entered into the minds of the proprietors. Rev. 
 Mr. Wylie had collected together a congregation of his 
 church, and held public services in a house down near 
 where the grave yard is. As the immigrants came in- 
 to the county, they were induced to settle around this 
 place, in order to enjoy the privileges of the church. 
 The congregation, therefore, increased as rapidly as the 
 country was settled. About the year 1833, the spacious 
 brick church in which Mr. Wylie's congregation still 
 worship was erected. This was the beginning of the 
 town. About the same time the congregation suffered 
 a division, and the seceding portion erected another 
 large church in three years afterwards. Two spacious 
 churches and a few dwellings around them now stood 
 upon the beautiful little mound in the prairie, and sug- 
 gested to the proprietor, who appreciated the beautiful, 
 the idea of building a town, which should be called 
 Eden. It was then the closest type of Eden of any 
 spot in Illinois.
 
 180 RANDOLPH COUNTY DIRECTORY. 
 
 In the year 1887, a portion of the land was surveyed 
 into town lots, and but a short time afterwards Eden 
 contained a store, oil mill, carding machine, foundry 
 and machine shop, and many other town fixtures. Its 
 churches and its shops have constituted the chief ma- 
 terials of interest, and given the character of a relig- 
 ious, moral, intelligent and industrious people to its 
 inhabitants. The firs*, wagon shop in Eden was estab- 
 lished in 1839, by W. E. B&own. Since then several 
 others have gone into operation. For many years the 
 shops of Eden have supplied a large portion of the 
 southern part of Illinois with wagons carriages and 
 plows. 
 
 Eev. Aa3iuel Wylie, who is the founder of the place, 
 first ca»t? to Kaskaskia in 1817, and was the first man 
 in Illinois to give form and stability to the Eeformed 
 Presbyterian Church. For more than forty years he 
 has proclaimed the words of truth and life to the people 
 of his church. He alone. of the pioneer ministers who 
 appeared in Illinois previous to 1818, is living. He is a 
 distinguished light in the church, and a faithful gospel 
 minister. 
 
 Eden now contains a population of about three hun- 
 dred; has one dry goods store; four wagon shops; one 
 carriage and plow manufactory; one school house; one 
 literary society, with a large library; a saddlery shop, 
 and some other town appendages.
 
 EDEN DIRECTORY. 
 
 TOWNSHIP 5 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST.— EDEN. 
 
 ADAMS G. K., farmer. 
 Alexander Ebenezcr, farmer. 
 Anderson John A. H., do 
 
 Anderson James B., do 
 
 Alexander Walter, nurseryman. 
 Armour A. 
 
 BERGFELDT W., farmer. 
 Bates Joseph C, blacksmith. 
 Banister Oliver, farmer. 
 Banister Jesse, do 
 Beattie Joseph, do 
 Beattie Robert, do 
 Bottom Luke, merchant. 
 Brooks Robert, farmer. 
 Brown George, do 
 Brown Hugh, do 
 Brown W. R., lumber merchant. 
 Brown Lemuel A. C., tinner. 
 Burns Samuel, manufacturer. 
 Burlinghame A. H., carriage and 
 
 wagon manufacturer. 
 Beattie James, fanner. 
 Bottom James, blacksmith. 
 
 CALLIGHEN JOHN, mechanic. 
 Campbell James, farmer. 
 Campbell J. B. Rev., painter. 
 Campbell William., farmer. ' 
 Campbell !!<v.rge. do 
 Campbell Johu! do 
 
 16 
 
 Calvin John, blacksmith. 
 Cruthers F. R., ploughmaker. 
 Crums Adin. 
 Curti3 Augustus, farmer. 
 
 DOBBINS THEODORE A., far- 
 mer. 
 Dobbs Richard, farmer. 
 Dickey John, do 
 Dickey Alexander S., wagon- 
 maker. 
 Dickson Charles. 
 Dickey Alexander, farmer. 
 Dickey, do 
 
 T^NOS JAMES, farmer. 
 
 FLACK J. J., farmer. 
 Foster A. W., farmer. 
 Fulton David, do 
 
 Fulton John, do 
 
 GALLOWAY JAMES, farmer. 
 Gaston Samuel, do 
 
 j Gaston James, blacksmith. 
 1 Gault H. 0.
 
 18l> RANIiOl.l'H COVNTY 
 
 ^3L CARD. 
 
 P B. GAULT. C. B. MULT. 
 
 P. B. & C. M GAULT, 
 
 MANUFACTURERS OF 
 
 mm, smies, ki e, 
 
 :eh>t3jst, - - - HjIjInois. 
 
 This firm has invariably taken the ""BLUE KlJi- 
 ]iON," at the County Kair, on Bii«£ui< *, whenever they 
 have exhibited. 
 
 Orders solicited, and liiled on short notice. Our 
 work is warranted. 
 
 JOHN MICHAN, 
 
 gUtorneti and ^mmsetor 
 
 AT LAW, 
 
 EDEN, - ILLINOIS. 
 
 THOMAS ftELSOft, 
 
 EDEN, ILLINOIS, 
 
 Has Dahlias, Hoses. Tulips. Hyacinths, Bulbs, locen- 
 houde Plants, and Shrubbery. 
 
 ftav' Seeds k 1 1 < » \ v n to he ifenn'ine, can he fl-tained 
 from uie. 

 
 MUKCTuKY. 
 
 183 
 
 TOWNSHIP 5 SOUTH, RANGE o WEST.— EDEN. 
 
 Ganlt 1'. R. wagunittaker. 
 
 Gault ('. M.. " do 
 Gordon William ('. Sr., farmer. 
 Gordon William ('. Jr., do 
 Gordon A. J., do 
 
 Gordon John R., do 
 
 Ga.iL<oi Robert, wagmmaker. 
 
 HARRlS.'iN G. W.. farmer. 
 Hall It. I., do 
 
 Hill Edmund, do 
 
 Hood Joseph, do 
 
 Hughes John M.. do 
 
 Hyndemau (J. b\, carpenter. 
 Holden 11. L., blaek&inith. 
 
 KAVANACG H DAVID, wagon- 
 maker. 
 Kvlc It. J. 
 
 LEWIS JOHN. 
 Lewis I'Mward. 
 Lucas A., fanner. 
 Lylo Jame<. farmer, 
 Lewis Prank. 
 Lewis Abram. 
 
 MILLS STEVEN. 
 Maxw-dl Thomas C, farmer. 
 Maxwell John. 
 
 Miller Charles R., do 
 
 More John, e,i rpen(er. 
 Michael J., farmer. 
 Mcf'orni lek J., farmer. 
 MeCormaek M., do 
 McConeehie David, farmer. 
 McCoughan John, do 
 McCIiu ton John, do 
 McMillan W. II., do 
 McKee Alexander, do 
 McKee R. C. do 
 
 McKee William, farmer. 
 McKee J. 0., do 
 
 McOonac.hic John, do 
 McMillan Milton, do 
 
 N 
 
 IMOCK SAMUEL, cabinet 
 
 Nels;.n Thomas, florist. 
 Nisbet Samuel T., farmer. 
 Nisbet Robert, do 
 
 Nisbet Samuel, do 
 
 Nisbofc James, painter. 
 
 T)ARKER PETER. 
 
 JL Pattan Joseph, farmer. 
 
 Fillers P. W., do 
 
 R0BIJ1N8 CHARLES, farmer. 
 Robison Richard, do 
 
 Kos borough .lames. do 
 
 Uubison John S., do 
 
 SHEEWSREERV BENEDICT, 
 farmer. 
 Snodgrass Reuben, farmer. 
 Snodgrass Rilan, do 
 Snodgrnss Robert, do 
 Stuart Alexander. do 
 
 Stuart Jame.*, 
 Steele. Merit. 
 Steele Martin. 
 Steele Anthony, 
 Stevenson Robe 
 Stevenson Mie"! 
 Stevenson John, 
 Steele Albert. 
 
 Stevenson Robert Jr., wagon- 
 maker. 
 Stevenson Allen, blacksmith. 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 i Sr., merchant. 
 iel, Jr.. eaddler. 
 merchant.
 
 184 
 
 HAND01.PH COUNTV J;IUI.< T< IB V. 
 
 TOWNSHIP 5 SOUTH, RANGE :, WEST. -EDEN 
 TTALENTINE JAMES II. 
 
 WATTRICIIARD, merchant. 
 Ward Josiah, farmer. 
 
 Wilson John, do 
 
 Wilson John, (Irish) do 
 Wilson James R., do 
 Wilson James C, do 
 
 Wylie Samuel Ry\ . 
 Ward Uyly, farinor; 
 
 Wilson Wilson, d<. 
 
 Wilson M. W.. do 
 
 Wilson Joseph, do 
 
 r/UMBRO GEORGE, carpenter
 
 RED BUD. 
 
 This thriving town is situated upon a gradually 
 rising eminence in Horse Prairie, near the line which 
 divides the counties of Monroe and Randolph. Its 
 history embraces no events of early times to give it 
 the interest of antiquity, its origin dating no farther 
 back than the year 1844. The first house upon the 
 ground where the town now stands was erected in that 
 year by Mr. Richmond D. Durfee. The year after 
 he built a storehouse and commenced selling goods. 
 About the same time Samuel Crozier erected a dwel- 
 ling, which at that time occupied a position to the south 
 of where the town afterwards stood, but it is now 
 nearly surrounded with houses. 
 
 In the year 1847, William Simmons, who owned a 
 part of tho town site, had his land surveyed into town 
 lots, and proceeded to dispose of them at public auction. 
 Tho year after, Mr. Durfee had his land surveyed and 
 .made another public sale. Such was the encourao-e- 
 merit received from these two sales that Samuel Cro- 
 zier brought his land into market, and found ready 
 and anxious purchasers. About the same time a flour- 
 ing mill Avas erected and put in operation a little to 
 the northeast of town, which is doing business yet. 
 *16
 
 186 RANDOLPH COUNTY 
 
 From this time tho town commenced a rapid and 
 successful improvement. The first brick building was 
 the school house, erected in 1853, since which time bricks 
 have beon used almost exclusively for building material 
 Soon afterwards followed the erection of a large mer- 
 chant mill within the limits of the town, whose capacity 
 for grinding is about two hundred and fifty barrels of 
 flour per day. This gave an additional impetus to tho 
 business prosperity of the place, and not long after- 
 wards there arose the spacious storehouse of Durfee 
 & Crozier, a row of brick buildings covering a largo 
 portion of a block, a large brick brewery, and many 
 other buildings of note and importance. There is now 
 in process of construction a large hotel, tho cost of 
 which will amount to §12,000, and a large storehouse 
 by Smith, Allen & Co., which will be an ornament to 
 the town. 
 
 Though the growth of the place has been marked bj 
 a rapidity which seldom attends the progress of inland 
 towns, it has not gone in advance of the surrounding 
 country, from which it draws its commercial vitality, 
 As a fanning region, Horse Prairie and it> margin of 
 undulating timbered land, are unsurpassed in beauty 
 and fertility. 
 
 Tho immense crops of wheat, corn, hay, and pota- 
 toes, harvested from the farms in this prairie, would 
 put to a severe test the credulity of the toiling farmer 
 who gathers his eight and ten bushels per acre from 
 the stony hill sides of New England. Among the far- 
 mers around Red Bud arc to be found the most indus- 
 trious, enterprising and wealthy in tho county. In this 
 fact lies the secret of Red Bud's pi'osperity. Every 
 inland town depends upon the progress and advancement 
 of the country around for its own prosperity. The pros-
 
 DIRECTORY. 187 
 
 porou. ito of the surrounding country may, therefore, 
 be inferred from the amount of business done in Red Bud. 
 There are five dry goods stores; six grocery stores; 
 two flouring mills; two lumber yards; six merchant 
 tailors; one drug store; one brewery; one livery sta- 
 ble ; five boot and shoe shops ; three blacksmith shops; 
 three wagon manufactories ; one saddlery and harness 
 shop; four hotels; two brick yards; four carpenter 
 shops; three cabinet shops ; three tin shops; one jew- 
 elry store; one ambrotype gallery; one high school 
 supported by the town, independent of the public 
 revenue.
 
 188 RANDOLril COUNTY PIRKCTORY. 
 
 HEAVY STOCK. 
 
 R D DURFEE & CO., 
 
 At tlic old stand of Durfkb & Crozier, continue to 
 kocp tlic 
 
 And sell at lower prices than any other House in South- 
 ern Illinois. We would say to our friends in 
 
 MOM, RA^DOLFH, AND ST. CLAIR COUNTIES, 
 
 Fetch on your dimes, and we promise to satisfy you in 
 
 STYLE, QUALETX AN© PRCGi. 
 We have always undersold our competitors, and are 
 now trying to undersell ourselves. 
 
 RED BXJ13, October. 
 
 nTsMITH. ~ R. J. SMITH. J. R. ALLEN. 
 
 SMITH, ALLEN & CO., 
 
 DEALERS IX 
 
 iEKOODS, IR01IBIIS, 
 
 HARDWARE, CUTLERY, &C, &C. 
 
 N. W. CORNER MAIN AND MARKET STREETS. 
 
 SED B0D ? ILLINOIS^ 
 
 ■— * 
 
 AGENT FOR /ETNA INSURANCE CO., 
 
 Office near Residence, £n 
 
 RED BUD, ILLINOIS.
 
 11ED BUD DIRECTORY. 
 
 TOWNSHIP 4 SOUTH, RANGE 8 WEST.— BED BUD. 
 
 AUiERS J. T., merchant. 
 A Hon J. R., postmaster. 
 A i ii'n Miner, farmer. 
 Allen .). \V., notary public. 
 ' ililaiuti J. R., fanner and justice 
 
 • i he peace. 
 * !ln •••lit M., plasterer. 
 ^ li'innu Adam, butcher. 
 
 HKUESrfON EARNST, fanner. 
 Bcresson William, do 
 B.-slerbortol Fred, do 
 
 Hill'.ir (icor'*o. do 
 
 Hurtles C. V.. do 
 
 Barker Minor, carpenter. 
 Barker D. M., do 
 BiHHr II ■•nrv, do 
 
 Rlu W.. teamster. 
 Horn John, blacksmith. 
 Rngo Henry, laborer. 
 Bauer Monrv, fanner. 
 Bad.-i Frederick, i! > 
 :im, do 
 do 
 "",- laborer. 
 
 Rrr- -■■ W I 
 B,m Ij.i 
 
 Hr.v 1 i„ ,, : 
 Brim ■■ ■ J..li 
 
 ..per. 
 
 Bricky William, lumber mer- 
 chant. 
 Broekmin J. P., shoemaker. 
 Bosse Antony, fanner. 
 Burgo Louis, do 
 Boelioff G., merchant. 
 Boergherting Henry, laborer. 
 Bush Fred., teamster. 
 Bush John, laborer. 
 
 Brasso Henry, farmer. 
 Brickey John, miller. 
 Brown E. S.. laborer. 
 
 CTiARK REUBEN, farmer. 
 (Mine Wm., do 
 
 Conoly John, teamster. 
 Conoly Charles, do 
 Coleman Henry, lawyer. 
 Crozicr J. L., farmer. 
 Cullin Kil Timorty, farmer. 
 Cardwell W. J., doctor. 
 Crocker James. principal of high 
 
 school. 
 Crouda Josei.b, carpenter. 
 
 D0N01I0 MICHAEL, farmer. 
 Detordiu*' Fred., wason- 
 maker. 
 De.il..... I William, druggist. 
 Dono . ■■ .• John, fji rnter. 
 Deaker William, d 1 
 Durice I!. 0., merchant. 
 Davis E. R., do 
 
 Durlei- Aaron, re! ired. 
 Doo] v Michael, laborer. 
 
 "filBERDING CONRAD, farmer. 
 lli Eppers J. W., barkeeper. 
 IOisse Frederick, cabinetmaker. 
 E herding Henry, farmer.
 
 19U 
 
 RANI <'|.| || coi'M V 
 
 TOWNSHIP i SOUTH, RASGK 8 WEST.— BED BUD. 
 
 E V : 1 1 1 j hi: • ■ i . . . i : 
 
 Eli- ('I,.! .i mill- 
 
 K.l. U ,.i. I .-,.. . 
 
 ]•:■;.• r. i ;..•.- n . '■ ' : 
 
 lit!:. 
 
 Iai.ANJGAX J< 'II N limner. 
 1 KiilH-i-tv Mary do 
 
 FeilTSfi-ill Li 'ill']' T W :slflt- 
 
 llllll 
 
 Faln-m !■: '.v.- ■•!. furnuv. 
 J-' in!i I'luir!*.!-. ilu 
 
 Eric] Hiiir'i. l-nrl i ejw v. 
 
 Fnivsidi- I :•• <\ .. Uv.rnster. 
 
 G^l KS'J J No ii KXriY. runner. 
 J (JuJ)iMt Krod., do 
 
 Gilbert Wiliiaiu. do 
 
 Gilbert Charles, do 
 
 Guru C. <j.. constable. 
 GleiK-r J ill. a, fanner. 
 Guinmol IJi»nry, cabinetmnkc 
 GeisHiunun Heurv, teamster. 
 Gettli'iiiiii] C4oor««. 1'iirmor. 
 Green A. N., tinner. 
 Guborl Henry, farmer. 
 
 Gilbert < liri-L., ilu 
 
 Grittin JI- It., school tieeher. 
 
 HENNA FRED., whool teacher. 
 HiirriHim Ii. c. do do 
 Hank J. P., [Mint 'T. 
 Hinesem August,, i: .'• aetmnkcr. 
 Hulli Charles, labour. 
 Until August, do 
 Haiti' Joseph, carpenter. 
 Ilea (era in (icorge, cnrjiniitcr. 
 Heuer William, tailor. 
 Heuer Henry, brick mason. 
 Helb'ck Jiilin, do do 
 Heigh' Antony, do do 
 Hath Mathia, farmer. 
 Henieker Fred., miller. 
 Hubi r Peter, farmer. 
 
 ITnnk M inc. famicr. 
 II ii._' .. t - = ■ 1 1 William, tanner. 
 Jli.iinl.iili I i, ii„ ilu 
 
 Hank" 1 I 'i ..nl... - .■■!,!■ cutter. 
 Iteming \\ ilii'am, bi tel keeper. 
 I Luynea 0. K.. do do 
 
 lleirly Tbeodorc, n. ne cutter. 
 H< f •). C ear] i nU-r. 
 
 JA1ILE ( URISTIAN, ehoe- 
 mal'i r. 
 Jable Pari; jhoemok. r. 
 Jnhle •''•-• |'ii. dn 
 
 KUK.EK HENRI', farmer. 
 Kuker Fred., do 
 
 Keefcr Antony, stone mason. 
 Roister Charles, Farmer. 
 Kliue John, tailor. 
 Koch Henry do 
 Klepper Henry, carpenter. 
 Elcpper William, do 
 Kreamer Charli ?, farmer. 
 KochDeitrieh do 
 
 Knoka Charles, do 
 
 I KIUTY NICHOLAS, teamster. 
 
 1j bind ess Casper, blacksmith. 
 
 Leifor Conrad, fanner. 
 
 Leiler Fred., do 
 
 Lin'ner Phillip, do 
 
 Lohman August, do 
 
 Lohman Fred., do 
 
 Longitin Henry, do 
 
 Lipkiuian Fred . do 
 
 LeiferDcdorich, do 
 
 Liddv. Tiinodi v. do 
 
 MeCAN HUGH, farmer. 
 McCan, Patrick, farmer. 
 Mann Christian, do
 
 DIRECTORY. 
 
 191 
 
 TOWNSHIP I SOUTH, RANGE 8 WEST.— RED BUD. 
 
 Mohr J. C, barkeeper. 
 Mohrs Henry, farmer. 
 Mohrs Fred., farmer. 
 McBride Isaac, farmrr. 
 McBride 'J. T., do 
 McBride T. J., do 
 Minholhy Charles, brickmason. 
 
 NAGEL C. II., briekmason. 
 Nagel Earnest do 
 Nearger Fred., do 
 
 Nelson Isaac, do 
 
 Nelson William, d<> 
 
 OWEN. Levi, briekmason. 
 Owen C. C, do 
 Outen William, do 
 Outen, do 
 
 Offerding Daniel, hotel keeper. 
 Ortgeison Gehard, shoemaker. 
 Ohlwien David, farmer. 
 Owen W'illiain, do 
 Obst Ferdinand, carpenter. 
 
 pAKROT PETER, I'irmei 
 
 X Parrot Louis, do 
 
 Peach John. do 
 
 Peurggroth Fred.. do 
 
 Pelzer Louis, do 
 
 Prowsc William. do 
 Poetonrt. N-. M. D.. 
 
 RALES J. .t li.. farmers. 
 Ralls William, fanner. 
 Ralls John. do 
 
 Rail John, lio 
 
 Rail Louis. do 
 
 Rathut Charles, carpenter. 
 Ratlnit William, plasterer. 
 Ronnerberger F.. farmer. 
 Rinehardt Chariot, shoemaker. 
 
 Ruhnkorf Conrad, laborer. 
 R ii hnkorf Henry, wagonniaker. 
 Ritter Henry, blacksmith. 
 Raker Fred. Sr., carpenter. 
 Ruker Fred. Jr., farmer. 
 Re.sse Fred., carpenter. 
 Roscon James, farmer. 
 Ronald Earnst, do 
 Ronald Conrad, do 
 Ronald Fred., ilo 
 Rolljjink Fred., do 
 Rose Joseph, cai penler. 
 Roscnmier Fred., do 
 Robbing Wm. S., teamster. 
 Ruppol Leonard, butcher. 
 Reil v Adam, clerk. 
 
 QCHRJEBER CHARLES, Jr., 
 IO merchant. 
 
 Schrieber Charles, Sr., farmer. 
 Schrieber F., Sr., do 
 
 Schrieber F., Jr. 
 Saxonmier George, saddler. 
 Shatter Fred . !al»oiv,r. 
 Shintbeln Margaret, farmer. 
 Sinook August, farmer. 
 Snook William, do 
 
 Shr.idor Coi 
 
 Short .1 
 
 Small Davi< 
 
 io 
 
 do 
 
 Smith Hem 
 
 Smith (Vnr: 
 Smith N.. i< 
 Smith R. ■!. 
 Smith Ltuu 
 
 V. i{'.l 
 d. do 
 
 ^tic.u of pcue.i\ 
 inorehant. 
 ■nee. hotel keej 
 
 Simmons L 1 
 
 1 her, larmor. 
 
 Sinynons s. 
 Simmons il 
 Sipplc ChrL 
 Sippel Hem 
 
 L. do 
 Me., do 
 tian. carpenter. 
 v. fanner. 
 
 Salgor Earn 
 Salger Fred. 
 
 i. do 
 do 
 
 Sliger John 
 Stillborn IV 
 Smith H. 0. 
 
 do 
 •.I., do 
 
 do 
 
 Starnn Will 
 
 :u,i,do 
 
 Swim A"-" ; 
 
 -1. do
 
 192 
 
 RANDOLPH COUNTY lntlKi'TOUV 
 
 TOWNSHIP t SOUTH. RANGE s WEST.— R KI) I'. I'D. 
 
 StOwir John. lawyer. 
 Snyder Christopher, bord* farrier 
 8a .Yank lleury. barber. 
 Seibert J. A.. ambrotypint 
 SeibertH., stone eatter. 
 Stineham Jacob, farmer. 
 Stineham Frank, do 
 Stumph Jacob, D. D. 
 Sturgeon J. R.. D. 1). 
 
 TAYLOR SPENCrJR, niillor. 
 Treaneiler Math i as, laborer. 
 
 Toiler WilliaTii. bulclier. 
 Tummel John, briiknmwn. 
 Tiiinuiel Fr.tiik. <lo 
 
 TTFFUMAN NOTi'I? 
 
 VOGES HO I1Y. Lcauiater. 
 Voges C-.ip-.-ni Si\. (firmer. 
 Voges Conrad .Jr., do 
 
 Vos9 Fred.. du 
 
 Veigbt William, M. D. 
 Vagely S., laborer. 
 
 WALKER FRED., farmer. 
 Wichiien A., do 
 
 Wichlien John L., do 
 
 Wiclilein John, gunsmith. 
 Weaver Daniel, farmer. 
 Weaver Peter, do 
 Wehrhiem Philip Sr., farmer. 
 Wehrheirn Philip Jr., do 
 Winegertnei Charles, carpenter. 
 Weber Jacob, do 
 
 Wundt Charles. M. D. 
 Wagoner Fred , w.igonmaker. 
 V/ipkiu Fred., farmer. 
 Wipkia August, do 
 Wilson James G., farmer. 
 Wilson Gilbert, do 
 
 Weiss Leonard, blacksmith. 
 Wilson R. &.. farmer. 
 Weiss Phil. i'i Adam, tailors 
 and shoemakers. 
 
 Y 
 
 EAGER AR rON V, farmer. 
 Young William, do 
 
 A. B. ACftEW, ¥*. 
 
 §hpii[ian and ^nrpon, 
 
 PRAIRIE DU ROCHER, 
 
 n.£iio.ca.cz>liDlx County, 171.
 
 PRAIRIE DU ROGHER DIRECTORY. 
 
 TOWNSHIP 5 SOUTH, RANGE 9 WEST.— PRAIRIE DU ROCHER. 
 
 AGNEW A. B., physician. 
 Albert Antoine, farmer. 
 Atcher Charles, do 
 
 BACHELIER FRANK, mer- 
 chant. 
 Briekey Frank W., merchant 
 
 miller. 
 Bachelier Philibert, carpenter. 
 Barbeau Benjamin, farmer. 
 Barbeau Andrew Jr., do 
 Barbeau Henry, do 
 
 Barbeau John B., do 
 Barbeau Antoine, 
 Barbeau Baptiste, 
 Brown Matthew, 
 Barber Francis, 
 Bege Leurent, 
 Buyat Ambrose, 
 Benvenu Raynold, 
 Blandford Felix, 
 Blais Joseph, 
 
 Blais Thomas, 
 Boneau Pierre, 
 Brewer John Sr., 
 Brewer George, 
 Brown Albion, 
 Blais Godfrey, 
 Blandheld Albert, 
 Blais Narcissus, 
 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 
 do 
 do 
 
 pAVANAU L. D., farmer. 
 \J Chaudol Theophill, proprie- 
 tor of Union Hotel. 
 
 17 
 
 Chartreau Michael, farmer. 
 Cheoweth Gabriel. 
 Clark James, do 
 
 Connely James, do 
 
 Collegnor Joseph, do 
 
 Curat Alphonse, do 
 
 Carr Benjamin, laborer. 
 
 D 
 
 AVIS H. S., blacksmith. 
 Derouse Edward, farmer. 
 
 Delfry Maxemilion, 
 
 Danane Martin, 
 Danjan John, 
 Dorron Lesen, 
 Dorron Ferain, 
 Drawry Clement. 
 Drapan William, 
 Duelas Eugene, 
 Duelas Rosemond, 
 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 GODAIR PIERRE, farmer. 
 Godair John B., do 
 j Godair Celerin, do 
 
 ! Grevet Danis, do 
 
 , Grainner Johu B.. do 
 
 GuebertC, do 
 
 HARRIS GRAVAIS, farmer. 
 Harris Thomas, do 
 
 Hansbrough Elija do 
 
 Harestend Thomas, do 
 
 HayuesHosea, do 
 
 Henry William, justice of the 
 p '.!> ■ and ii' fcary public. 
 
 ifo ■-• Iv.limiud.
 
 194 
 
 RANDOLPH COUNTY 
 
 TOWNSHIP 6 SOUTH, RANGE 9 WEST.— PRAIRIE DU ROCHER. 
 
 JEFFRY W. M., physician. 
 Johnson John, tanner. 
 
 KERR HENRY, farmer. 
 Kerr John, merchant. 
 Kerr A., do 
 
 LACHAPELLE AMEDEE, far- 
 mer. 
 Langlois Francis, farmer. 
 Langlois Antoine, do 
 Levery Joseph, do 
 
 Levery Godlrey, do 
 Louviere John B., do 
 Louviere Henry, do 
 Louviere Ciprain, do 
 Louviere Baptiste, do 
 Lee A. H., merchant miller. 
 
 M 
 
 ANNING ISADORE, farmer. 
 
 Medeaf Edward, 
 Medeaf Charles B.. 
 Miller William, 
 Mbase Solomon, 
 Mangen Prosper, 
 Mongen Francis, 
 Mudd Thomas L., 
 Mudd Vincent, 
 Mudd Thomas, 
 Mudd James T., 
 Montgomery Thomas L., 
 McNabb Matthew, 
 McGee Augustus, saddler. 
 
 N 
 
 EAL JOSEPH, farmer. 
 
 0' 
 
 WEN CONSTANTINE, far- 
 mer. 
 Owen Croewell, farmer. 
 
 PERRAT FERDINAND, far- 
 mer. 
 Perrat Francis, farmer. 
 Phegly Jacob, do 
 PheglyJohn, do 
 
 Panpar Pelazie, do 
 Pairier Frederick, farmer. 
 
 ROBBINS WILLIAM. 
 Ray Ely A. 
 Ray Antoine. 
 Ray Adolphus. 
 Ray Ferdinand. 
 Ray Phelix, 
 
 SANTEAN JOHN B., farmer. 
 Shea Michael, do 
 
 Simmons Henry M., do 
 
 Skedmore H. M., do 
 
 Steinkop Frederick, Mason. 
 Sprigg, James D v merchant. 
 Sprigg John, do 
 
 Schrider, Dr., farmer. 
 
 THIBEAU ISRAEL, farmer. 
 Timpton Sias, do 
 
 Tuller John B. do 
 
 Thibeau Francis, do 
 
 W 
 
 ENTHER GEORGE, farmer. 
 
 TOWNSHIP i 3., RANGE 10 W., FR.— PRAIRIE DU ROCHER. 
 
 ^NGLAND ROBERT. 
 -i Elliot Joseph, farmer. 
 
 G 
 
 ODAIR ALEXIS, fanner.
 
 DIRECTORY. 
 
 195 
 
 TOWNSHIP 5 S.. RANGE in W., FR.— PRAIRIE DU ROCHER. 
 
 LANGLOI8 ETIENNE, C. 
 mer. 
 Louviere John N., farmer. 
 Louviere Eugene, do 
 Louviere Vital, do 
 
 Louviere Benjamin, do 
 
 fcr- 
 
 ^lEARS S. S., commission mer- 
 
 chant. 
 
 WALDRON WILLIAM, far- 
 mer. 
 
 TOWNSHIP 7 P., RANGE 8 W., FR — I'KAIRIE DU ROCHER. 
 
 BIENVIENU FRANCIS E. 
 farmer. 
 Bienvienu Lewis, farmer. 
 
 CASSON ANTOINE B., farmer. 
 Casson Felix, do 
 
 Charlivillc Charles, do 
 
 Charliville Francois, do 
 
 DEROUSE JOSEPH T.. farmer. 
 Dobbs W. K., do 
 
 Dobbs Jonathan, do 
 
 Dobbs Richard, do 
 
 Doza Alexis. do 
 
 Doza William. 
 Dunis Antoine. 
 
 G 
 
 ENDROU LUKE. 
 
 >UJOL LOUIS P. 
 Planase Antoine. 
 
 THOMAS FULTON. 
 Thomas Matthew. 
 Thomas Plumer. 
 
 farmer, 
 do
 
 196 
 
 KANDuLrii COUNTY DIRECTORY. 
 
 S. TURNER, JONES & CO,, 
 
 Ilavc in Store a carefully selected Stock of 
 
 ^mjmmmmmmc 
 
 09 
 
 sr fsstii 
 
 f 
 
 Which they offer at 
 
 MY WW PRICES FOR CASH. 
 
 Attention is called to their Stock of 
 
 BOOTS AND SHOES, 
 
 Which will be found extensive, and of the best make 
 and material. 
 
 Are selected to answer the wishes of regular custo- 
 mers, and can be relied upon for quality. 
 
 *w Suli 'S '-SS '■'Si ''fill ; >8 IBji 
 
 CONSTANTLY KEPT IN STOEE. 
 
 Liberty, Illinois,
 
 LIBERTY. 
 
 About thoyear 1805, John Hickman built a house in 
 front of tho present location of Liberty, on land which 
 has long since given place to the current of the river. 
 In 1806, Mr. Mansker, father of Samuel Mansker, 
 built a houso on the island opposite the town, and 
 opened a farm. Samuel Mansker built the first 
 house within the limits of the present town — the same 
 that is now occupied by Mr. Tuthill as a chair manu- 
 factory. The first store was established by James 
 McCormack. 
 
 In the year 1832, John Stearns, an emigrant from 
 Tennessee, purchased the land and laid off the upper 
 part of town into town lots. A sprightly improvement 
 followed, and the place rapidly assumed town propor- 
 tions. About the year 1836, Capt. W. B. Charles, 
 James Dean, Dr. Mannino, Harvey Clendenin, 
 Samuel Barber, Thomas Frazier, E. G-. Hall, Brew- 
 ster, and some others located in the town, and gave 
 it quite a start towards a high destiny. Mansker, 
 Clendenin & Barker established a store and carried 
 on a heavy business in buying and shipping grain. At 
 this time there was probably more corn shipped from 
 Liberty than from any other port in Randolph County. 
 
 Tho town was incorporated in 1837, and the local 
 *17
 
 198 RANDOLPH COUNTY 
 
 government sot in motion. The first board of town 
 trustees consisted of William B. Charles, Nathaniel 
 Manning, John D. Stearns, John Stearns and Jacob 
 Parks. John Stearns was elected President, and 
 Harvey Ciendenin, Clerk. 
 
 The place maintained a gradual improvement until 
 about tho year 1842. From that period there was but 
 little progress until about four years ago. In 1855, 
 the enterprising citizens of the town and vicinity or- 
 ganized a joint stock association, and commenced the 
 erection of a large flouring mill. This was the signal 
 for other improvements, and during the next two years 
 a great many now houses were built. The mill was 
 completed and set in operation in 1856. It is of the 
 largest class of merchant mills, capable of producing 
 two hundred and fifty barrels of flour per day. 
 
 The town now contains five dry goods stores; two 
 grocery stores; one chair factory; one wagon shop; 
 two blacksmith shops; one boot and shoe shop; one 
 cooper shop; one hotel; three physicians; one school 
 house. 
 
 Liberty is ono of the largest wood markets on the 
 Mississippi river. About ten thousand dollars' worth of 
 wood is sold from her numerous yards annually. 
 
 A church was organized in Liberty, about the year 
 1844 by Rev. C. C. Riggs. Tho congregation usually 
 occupy the school house. Rev. B. II. Charles supplies 
 the pulpit occasionally. 
 
 Liberty is situated in tho southeast corner of Ran- 
 dolph County, upon a strip of level land, with the Mis- 
 sissippi in front and a range of. wild, cragged bluffs in 
 the rear. The river at this point is probably narrower 
 than at any other place between New Orleans and St. 
 Anthony Falls, measuring in an ordinary stage of
 
 DIRECTORY. 199 
 
 water something less than four hundred yards. Tho 
 country surrounding Liberty is somewhat broken, and 
 heavily timbered. The soil on tho uplands is well 
 adapted to tho production of wheat, of which the far- 
 mers raise large quantities. 
 
 F|i ^sl fli 
 
 J. P. MANN, 
 
 Liberty, Illinois, 
 
 JONES' CREEK POST OFFICE. 
 
 Keeps on hand a large Stock of 
 
 HARDWARE, QUEENS WARE, 
 
 BOOTS AND SHOES, 
 
 HATS AND CAPS 
 
 MUG, WOODEN AND WILLOW WARE, 
 
 All of which he sells low to cash or prompt time pur- 
 chasers.
 
 - - KANDOLPH COVJITY DIRECTORY. 
 
 3 BoCTH, RA>'>JE « WE>I.- LIBERTY 
 
 LP": ~ v BG LLOM, farmer 
 Law X I do 
 
 MINSK E R ] " 
 \\" iiMr. 
 
 V - v- - \> do 
 
 V- - --. "t. iO J,-, 
 
 >'- • "• A- " r \.- - r 
 
 B. N. BOND. 
 
 PHYSICIAN. SURGEON. AND ACCOUCHER, 
 
 gVANSVIllg, ILLrHQfS. 
 
 ■ -
 
 ILLE 
 
 y *■ 
 
 
 i^~n. v. A3* 
 ••M is t» Levi 
 
 ^. ^ . i. — . 
 
 
 : .i- I",*: 
 
 I".: --- - -- ? =.71 
 
 .-- 7. 
 
 N ~-
 
 204 RANDOLPH COUNTY DIRECTORY. 
 
 liam McNeal. The next year, 1840, William and 
 McKee O'Melvany brought to the town a stock of 
 dry goods and commenced merchandizing. At this 
 time the flourishing aspect of affairs induced the opin- 
 ion that Evansville must become a place of some busi- 
 ness importance, but under the heavy financial embar- 
 rassment which almost crushed out the energies of 
 western prosperity about this time, there was no more 
 improvement until the year 1847, when a new impetus 
 was given the town by Volien "Weiriiam, who erected 
 a store house and commenced selling goods. Other 
 acquisitions were made to the town as time passed 
 along. In 1*54, Jonathan Chetsnutwood, from Ohio, 
 came to tho place and established a dry goods store. 
 Soon afterwards came David Hartzell, the now busi- 
 ness partner of Chestnut wood. The same year Evans 
 & Weiriiam erected and put in operation a steam flour- 
 ing mill. In 1857 Wundsbliok erected a brewery, in 
 which is brewed the celebrated "Evansviile Beer." 
 
 The growth of the place thus far has depended upon 
 the improvement of the country around it, — but the 
 successful navigation of the Kaskaskia river, during the 
 past season, is giving advantages to the place which 
 will create much improvement. In addition to what 
 has been mentioned the town com tains two wagon 
 manufactories; two blacksmith shops ; five cooper and 
 one saddlery shop ; two hotels; two physicians; sev- 
 eral carpenters and masons; one tailor; a good school 
 house in which a permanent school is kept by James 
 A. J. Martin. Ferry kept by James Walsh. 
 
 Tho Methodist denomination have two church organ- 
 izations — Bngliah and German — both organized in 1858. 
 Taylor preaches for the former. Baah for the latter. 
 Catholics, are building a house of vrorship.
 
 EVANSVILLE DIRECTORY. 
 
 TOWNSHIP 5 SOUTH, RANGE 8 WEST.— EVANSVILLE. 
 
 A NDERSON JAMES P. 
 
 BERTH A.L MICHAEL, farmer. 
 Bart John, farmer. 
 Blais E., do 
 
 Braise Henry, do 
 Braise Frederick, farmer. 
 
 Bruzer Lewis, 
 Brown John, 
 Brown George T., 
 Brewer Felix, 
 Brewer Thomas, 
 Butler Thomas, 
 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 
 Bond B. N., physician. 
 
 CAMPBELL ARCHIBALD, far- 
 mer. 
 Carroll Martin, farmer. 
 Clase John W., do 
 Crorgon James, do 
 Chestnutwood J., merchant. 
 
 DEGNER FREDERICK, far- 
 mer. 
 Derouse Phillip, farmer. 
 Divers Andrew, do 
 Dawling Michael, do 
 Douglas G. W., do 
 Douglas John A., farmer and jus- 
 tice of the Peace. 
 
 18 
 
 ECCLES EDMUND, grocer. 
 Evans William, farmer. 
 
 FAIIARTY MANNS, farmer. 
 Flawlcy Michael, do 
 Flam Gasper, do 
 
 GUEBLE JOHN, farmer. 
 Giberding Debrich, farmer. 
 Gross Nicholas, do 
 
 HASEMIRRER LATTIS, far- 
 mer. 
 Hannaman Henry, farmer. 
 Hannibutt Charles, do 
 Hannibutt Frederick Jr., farmer. 
 Hermiss Phillip, do . 
 
 Hindmann Frederick, do 
 
 Haman Rudd, do 
 
 Hopka Henry, do 
 
 Horrel Benedict, do 
 
 Horrel Benedict J., do 
 
 Horrel Cornelius, do 
 
 Horrel John M., do 
 
 Horrel Francis E., do 
 
 Horrel Thomas L., do 
 
 Hull James, do 
 
 Harstead John, do 
 
 Hartzell David, merchant.
 
 206 
 
 RANDOLPH COUNTY 
 
 TOWN8HIP 5 SOUTH, RANGE 8 WEST.— EVANSVILLE. 
 
 TEFFRY C 
 
 farmer. 
 
 KERSTOB JEENRY, farmer. 
 Knott Killery, do 
 
 Kucker Frederick H., do 
 Eucker William, do 
 
 M 
 
 ARTIN JAMES A. J., teacher. 
 Marlin Fleetwood, farmer. 
 
 Mitchell Robert, 
 Mudd Henry, 
 Mudcl Francis, 
 Mudd Charles, 
 Mudd John, 
 Murphy Michael, 
 McCraw John, 
 McCann James, 
 McDermot James, 
 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 
 
 
 HARRA JAMES. 
 Ohmes Charles. 
 
 PAULTER JOSEPH 8r. 
 Paulter Joseph Jr. 
 Paultcr Paul. 
 
 RABE DEDERICK, farmer. 
 Ready Edward, do 
 Runger Frederick, do 
 
 s 
 
 IMPSON JOHN C, farmer. 
 
 Simpson H. D., do 
 
 Simpson Thomas A., do 
 
 Simpson James D., do 
 
 Simpson Thomas L., do 
 
 Smith Lyman, do 
 
 Skeudmore A. G., do 
 
 Stiffens Otto, do 
 
 TILLMAN FREDERICK. 
 Thompson John M. 
 
 T7INSAN JOHN. 
 
 WALSH JAMES. 
 Walsh Nicholas. 
 Wegner Dedrich. 
 Weherheim John. 
 Welshire C. H. 
 Whalen Jonathan. 
 
 YOUNG ANDREW. 
 Yum Peter. 

 
 DIRECTORY. 
 
 207
 
 208 
 
 RANDOLPH COUNTY DIRECTORY. 
 
 THOMISON & HARMON, 
 
 STEELESVILLE, ILL. 
 
 DEALERS IN 
 
 w m ifyt m 
 
 oj w in rra hy 
 
 BOOTS AND SHOES, 
 
 HATS AND CAPS, GROCERIES, 
 
 HARDWARE A&Q CUTL&RY, 
 
 And nil other articles necessary lo constitute a eompli lc ns<'»rfment 
 of such Goods as the country demands. 
 
 Our business is transacted on tho mutual principle and we invito 
 our friends and tho public generally to bring us every article of 
 merchantable produce, and exchange it for Goods. Give us a call 
 when you visit Steclcsville. 
 
 CHEAP CASH STORK 
 
 J. M EXAXiONB & BRO , 
 
 Ilavin ; established themselves in (ho 
 
 DRY-GOODS & GROCERY BUSINESS, 
 
 Would respectfully solicit a share of the patronago around St< * los- 
 villc. In our Store will ;it all times bo found a complete variety of 
 
 di& Jl <3ar v-^ vi> J^ @ ^ <&& -u Ji> G*i ; ^ -.si Js \& 9 
 BOOTS, SLIDES, 
 SUGAR, MOLASSES, COFFEE, L'EA t 
 PSFPER, SPIOS, &8., &5. 
 
 Our Stock is 'open for inspection, and everybody is invited t« 
 call ci.d sec us.
 
 STEELESVTLLE. 
 
 Steole.vrllie, forrn.vI, r :iam ! and yet eallod George- 
 town, is .-i; mtcJ towards the e i.stern boundary of tho 
 county, fifteen miles from Chester, on the road leadin •; to 
 Pinekncyville. The oh I Indian trail and road leading 
 from Shu .vnoeLo v i '■> ! l.'.-^i-kin passed over the ground 
 on wlii . !i the town is m ale. and for many years beforo 
 there was any prospect of a town, it was the prin 'ipal 
 thoroughfare of travel for (he Southern District of 
 Illinois. Emigrants, from beyond the Ohio, crossed tho 
 river at Khawneetown, and came this route to Kas- 
 kaskiu. 
 
 Gbojiok Rtkklh, the original proprietor of Steeles- 
 villc, located upon the land where the town stands, in 
 1810, and male a small farm. The most important 
 event in the early history of this place was the erection 
 of a Port or " Block House.'" in the year 1812, in which 
 the neighboring settlers took refuge from the Kickapoo 
 Indians, whose hostilities towards the Americans had 
 been excited by t ho British During one whole season 
 the people lived in thin PV>i*t. and never left it without 
 their guns and arm-; of defense. 
 
 The foundation of the town was laid in 1825, by the 
 erection of a tread-mill by Mr. Stekltc. The mill 
 machinery was driven by the weight of oxen treading 
 *18
 
 210 RANDOLPH CODNTT 
 
 upon an inclined wheel, which created sufficient power 
 to drive and run the burrs. The mill created the neces- 
 sity for a store. This necessity was supplied two years, 
 afterwards by Col. Gabriel Jones, who opened the first 
 stock ot goods ever brought to Georgetown. In tho 
 same year — 1827 — a post office was established, and Col. 
 Jones appointed Postmaster. The post offico was 
 named " Steele's Mills," and it still retains the original 
 name, though the town was first called Georgetown, 
 and afterwards, by Act of tho Legislature, changed to 
 Stcelesvillc. 
 
 With a mill, a store, a post offico, a hotel, and a black- 
 smith shop, as a basis to start upon, tho enterprising 
 proprietor proceeded in 1832, to have his land surveyed 
 into town lots, which he offered for sale at public auc- 
 tion. Among the purchasers at this first sale of lots, 
 were Capt. Rogers, Col. Jones, Dr Jones, Robert 
 Jones, and Tanner Briggs. From this time the town 
 commenced growing, and its progress has been slow 
 and gradual — additions being made just as fast as tho 
 advancing country around increased the demands of 
 trade. 
 
 In 1838-0, Mr. Steele erected a brick residence, the 
 first brick building in the place, which was an orna- 
 ment to the town. It is now owne»d and occupied by 
 Harry Jenkins as a hotel. 
 
 In the year 1842, the old mill becoming worn and 
 unstoady from the dilapidation of age, Mr. Steele 
 built another one, near where the first one stood, upon 
 the same plan, but much larger. It did excellent ser- 
 vice for several years, but its din and noise are heard 
 no more — only the wreck of it remaining. 
 
 The first church of Georgetown was organized in 
 1834, by Rev. Eli Suort. The congregation continued
 
 DIRECTORY. 211 
 
 to worship regularly for sorao yoars, but finally the 
 members bocoming scattered, tho organization was 
 abanJonod. Another church was organized in 1838, by 
 Rev. J. B. At.cott, a Baptist minister, and this may be 
 called tho first Baptist church of Stcclesvillc. A school 
 bouse, standing a little to tho eastward of town, was 
 usod for 'church purposes by the congregation until 
 1848, whon a now building was erected in tho wostern 
 part of town. 
 
 In 1854, this congregation divided upon somo ques- 
 tion of difference, and tho dissenting portion erected a 
 now church building, and have become a distinct organ- 
 ization. Rev. II. S. Gordon supplies the pulpit of th© 
 now church, and Rov. II. S. Deppk that of the old ono. 
 
 Tho Methodists havo an organization, (the dato of 
 whoso commencement has been lost,) and proaching 
 occasionally by Rov. Mr. J a v. 
 
 Tho Presbyterian Church was organized about cighl 
 months ago, by Rev. B. II. Ciiarlks, of Chester. Th» 
 congregation occupies the old Baptist Church, and Rov. 
 A. A. Morrison fills tho pulpit. 
 
 Stcelesville has one school house, in which a school is 
 kept regularly. It is a good, substantial frame build- 
 ing, and stands a little to the northward of town. A 
 new flouring mill has just been put in operation, with a 
 capacity of grinding one hundred and fifty barrels of 
 flour per day. They have a good steam saw mill ; four 
 dry goods stores ; one wagon shop ; two cabinet shops ; 
 one boot and shoe shop; one cooper shop; one black- 
 smith shop; one tailor shop; one hotel, and two physi- 
 cians.
 
 STEELESVILLE DIRECTORY. 
 
 TOWNSHIP SOUTH, RANGE b WEST.— STEELESVILLE. 
 
 DAMS TILFORD. 
 L Arnold Elias, farmer. 
 
 I)AT)GLEY DAVID S.. fanner. 
 ) Bvrnor John II., miller. 
 Bcrn^r JoEfpIi W.. <lo 
 
 Berner Frederick, f;irmcr. 
 Ban-i n I Robert. 
 ]$cn>on Christopher, farmer. 
 ]1 jgjjeman Henry Sr., do 
 Bc^;;oman Henry Jr., do 
 B v , mum An .rust. do 
 
 ]V:i« 1. t!i ' ;ri' F.. physician. 
 Blair James 11 , farmer. 
 BlairR-oherl II., do 
 Jit worn i in i Michael, fanner. 
 Brown Joseph, do 
 
 Brown P.;\id, do 
 
 Brown Isaac- 15.. merchant. 
 Brown Pi cMon, do 
 
 Brown William II.. farmer. 
 Brown Samuel N., blacksmith. 
 Brown James T., farmer. 
 Brown Allrod A.. do 
 Brown William. do 
 Brown Midiae-l, do 
 Blashear William W., fanner. 
 Blackclsby Thomas, do 
 Busher Henry, do 
 
 CAMPBELL WILLIAM E., far- 
 mer. 
 Caatellnw Alfred, farmer. 
 Caatellow John T., blacksmith. 
 Cross Francis, farmer. 
 
 DEPrE II. S. Rev., farmer. 
 Dennis Charles J., do 
 Dennis .lames, do 
 
 Dc.ppc Au msliis, do 
 
 Dosj>et K< v.. farmer and teacher. 
 Dun ran Jacob, do 
 
 [^REUS FREDERICK, farmer. 
 J Edwards Thomas B., do 
 
 FORSFE NAPOLEON, farmer. 
 Forsie Richard, do 
 
 GLAPFORD REUBEN, farmer. 
 Gordon Gcorgo, do 
 
 Gordon II. S., Rev., do 
 
 Green Carter, do 
 
 Guyinou Thomas, do 
 
 'NGLAES B. F., carpenter. 
 
 JERNIGAN W. R., farmer wad 
 brick maker. 
 Jenkins R. II., hotel keeper. 
 
 KAMPEN CnARLES, farm« 
 Korn Abraham, d»
 
 DIRECTOR*". 
 
 218 
 
 TOWNSHIP 6 SOUTH, BANGE 5 WEST.— STEELESVILLB. 
 
 Korn Elijah. farmer. 
 
 Korn Jacob, do 
 
 Korn John, do 
 
 Kane James, <lo 
 
 Kendall xdward, wagon maker. 
 
 LEIINHOFF LEWIS, farmer. 
 Lehnburg Christopher, far- 
 mer. 
 
 Lively Lewis, farmer. 
 
 Lively Shadrick. farmer. 
 
 Lickcas Robert, merchant. 
 
 Lickess John, farmer. 
 
 Lofton Eli. farmer and school 
 commissioner. 
 
 Luhl'singer Henry, shoemaker. 
 
 M ALONE JOHN T... fanner. 
 Malone Jamed M., merchant 
 Malonc J. A.. do 
 
 Mathews John, Rev. 
 Math is Leonard, fanner. 
 Math is John, do 
 
 Marion J. 
 
 Martin William C. farmer. 
 Mossburg Frederick, do 
 Missel horn William, do 
 Mi ntcr Jacob, do 
 
 Morgan J. F., do 
 
 Morgan G. S.. physician, 
 Morns James, cabinet maker. 
 Morrison John, farmer. 
 Morrison Robert., do 
 Monteith John A., larmer. 
 Myerholf Henry, do 
 
 PAHLMAN IIEN T RY, carpen- 
 ter. 
 Parker Senaea, merchant miller. 
 Perily Henry, farmer. 
 
 ROBISON WILLIAM, farmer. 
 Robison Cyrus, cooper. 
 
 Robison Daniel, farmer. 
 Rossindall Frederick, farmer. 
 Rnhrede Frederick, do 
 
 Russell Leonard, do 
 
 Rnizcde Henry, do 
 
 Rihnheart August., cooper. 
 
 SHAFER DANIEL H., brick- 
 maker. 
 Short. John T., farmer. 
 Short. John K., do 
 Short Thomas E., farmer. 
 Short Richard J., do 
 Km i tli Lewis M., do 
 Sowe.-by A. G., carpenter 
 
 cabinet maker. 
 Soaper Robert, farmer. 
 Stevens Wi'liam II., farmer. 
 
 and 
 
 Stillwaugli Jacob 
 Stillwaugli Albert, 
 Stok r . I. noes M., 
 Sto sie Albert, 
 Steele Rilen, 
 Steele Thomas, 
 Steele James. 
 Steele John Sr., 
 St'-.i le .lame., C, 
 Sto >le Harvey, 
 Sto< le Ja.-per, 
 Steele Elvis, 
 Steele Thomas, 
 Steele M. E., 
 Steele Carroll, 
 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 
 ivsberry George W., cooper. 
 Slaley Jacob, fanner. 
 
 rnATUTM WILLIAM B., farmer. 
 JL Tato William, do 
 
 Thomson George, merchant. 
 Thomas John W., farmer. 
 
 u 
 
 HLES JAMES H v farmer.
 
 914 
 
 RANDOLPH COUNTY 
 
 TOWNSHIP 6 60UTH, RANGE 5 WEST— 6TEELESVILLB. 
 
 farmer. 
 
 r AUGHAN JAMES, farmer. 
 
 W 
 
 EATTE HENRY, fanner. 
 Whitford S. C, 
 
 Wilden B. r 
 
 YOUNG EPHRAIM J., black- 
 smith. 
 
 TOWNSHIP fl S., RANGE 6 W.— HARMON SETTLEMENT. 
 
 ARNOLD ELIAS, farmer. 
 Addlcr William, do 
 Adair William, farmer and 
 
 teacher. 
 Albert John, farmer. 
 
 BEGGAMANN Augustus, far- 
 mer. 
 
 Baird A. P., do 
 
 Barnet Martin B., do 
 
 Bean James J., do 
 
 Bean David, do 
 
 Bean Benjamin, do 
 
 Bean William, do 
 
 Boswell Timothy, do 
 
 Burrows Ezckiel, do 
 
 CAMPBELL EDWARD, farmer. 
 
 Campbell John, do 
 
 Caudle John, do 
 
 Caudle Sampson, do 
 
 Caudle Richard, do 
 
 Carstatter David, do 
 farter Julian, teacher. 
 
 •ieckmever John, do 
 Colman R. E. 
 
 Clawson Frederick. do 
 
 Dagener Henry, farmer. 
 Dillard William, do 
 Dillard John A., do 
 Ditty Amos, do 
 
 Demising F. Sr., Rev., farmer. 
 Demising F. Jr., do 
 
 Dresemyer Henry, do 
 
 Delany A., do 
 
 Dolany John A. do 
 
 Dunsing F. M. do 
 
 EBERS WILLIAM, farmer. 
 
 Elsey William, do 
 
 Elliot Joseph, do 
 
 Exum William, do 
 
 Exum Crawford, do 
 
 Exum John, do 
 
 Ewbanks John F., do 
 
 FAXSLOW FREDERICK, far- 
 mer. 
 Ficne Henry, farmer. 
 Flanagan Michael, farmer. 
 Fleming Janus, do 
 
 Fleming John, do 
 
 Foster John. do 
 
 Fleming William, do 
 
 DETMORE FREDERICK, far- 
 mer. 
 
 GANT JOHN H, farmer. 
 Gramels Henry, do
 
 DIRECTORY. 
 
 Sit 
 
 TOWNSHIP 6 8., RANGE 8 W.— HARMON SETTLEMENT. 
 
 Glenn Amos H., farmer. 
 Gant Thomas, do 
 
 HACKMASTER HENRY, far- 
 mer. 
 Hanna James H., farmer. 
 Harmon John C, do 
 Harmon Jonn Jr., do 
 Harmon William, do 
 Harmon Phillip, do 
 Harmon George Sr. do 
 Harmon George Jr. do 
 Harmon Abraham Sr., farmer. 
 
 Hanjfion Abraham Jr., do 
 
 Harmon Michael, do 
 
 Harmon James Jr., do 
 
 Harmon Jacob, do 
 
 Harmon George T., do 
 
 Harris John, do 
 
 Harris Samuel, do 
 
 Harris Eli, do 
 
 Hartraan John H., do 
 
 Hathorn James, do 
 
 Hathaway Milton, do 
 
 Hathaway James, do 
 
 Heard William, do 
 
 Hesemeyer Frederick, do 
 
 Heitmann Harman, do 
 Henderlighter W. J. G., do 
 
 Hagranee Frederick, do 
 
 Hoppc Frederick, do 
 
 Hughes Felix, do 
 
 Hartley Daniel, do 
 
 Heitman Detrick, do 
 
 JAY C. F., Rev., farmer. 
 Johnson Peter, do 
 Jorgens Detrick, do 
 
 KARStfWS FREDERICK. 
 K arsfenEr .Le v$. 
 Keller John P., carpenter. 
 Knope Frederick, farmer. 
 Knope George, do' 
 
 Knope Henry, farmer. 
 Kern Phillip, do 
 
 Kakle Henry, farmer and b^Mk> 
 smith. 
 
 LOIIRDING HENRY, farmer. 
 Lively Reuben, do 
 
 Lawrence Job, do 
 
 Lawrence Charles, do 
 
 Lawrence Joseph, school teacher. 
 Lacy John, farmer. 
 Lelmherr Isaac, merchant. 
 Lendweill H., farmer. 
 Lively Edward, cooper. 
 Lively Joseph, farmer. 
 
 MAXWELL JAMES, farmer. 
 Maxwell William, do 
 Marlin John M., cooper. 
 Marlin Thomas, farmer. 
 Marlin William Jr., farmer. 
 Malone William D., farmer and 
 
 blacksmith. 
 Mahan A. J., farmer. 
 Mahan John, do 
 Mahan David, do 
 Menis William, do 
 Miller Frederick, farmer 
 Miller Augustus, do 
 Moore Levi, 
 Moore William, 
 Moore James H., 
 Moore Joseph S., 
 Morrow James Jr., 
 Meyers Lewis, 
 
 Meyers Henry, 
 Meyers George, 
 Meyers John H., 
 Meyers John, 
 Meyers Valentine, 
 McCan James B., 
 McDonald Marshall, farmer. 
 McDonald W. W., do 
 
 McDonald John T., d» 
 McFarlin Andrew, 4ff 
 McK.ee Samuel, 4.0 
 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do
 
 116 
 
 BANDOLPH COUNTY D1RJL.CTOKY. 
 
 TOWNSHIP 6 8., RANGE 6 W.— HARMON SETTLEMENT. 
 
 McLaughlin Robert, farmer. 
 McMannis William, do 
 McMannis Joseph, do 
 McNulty Joseph ,M., do 
 McNabuey J:imes, do 
 
 McNabney Robert, <i<> 
 
 N 
 
 
 EFF GEORGE, farmer. 
 Neemeyer August, farmer. 
 
 LIVER ADAM, farmer. 
 
 pECKET WILLIAM, farmer. 
 
 REIMER PETER, farmer. 
 Rinkle Henry, do 
 Rotrock D. S., do 
 
 Runger Jergins, do 
 
 Ray M. R., do 
 
 SIMMONS DAVID M., farmer. 
 Shack Peter, do 
 
 Bhernback Henry, do 
 
 Bonnenberg William, do 
 
 Steruback Lewis, farmer. 
 
 Sternback Henry, do 
 
 Stcrnbaek Frederick, do 
 
 Sternback William, do 
 
 Snaker Henry, do 
 
 Snider William, do 
 
 mAGGART JOHN, Sr., farmer. 
 A Taggart John, Jr., do 
 Taggart John L., farmer. 
 Taggart David. do 
 
 Taggart Amos, Sr., do 
 Taggart Amos. Jr., do 
 Thils Frederick, blacksmith. 
 Teitze Frederick, farmer. 
 
 V 
 
 INYARD WILLIAM, 
 gate keeper. 
 
 toll 
 
 WELSHANS LEWIS, farmer. 
 Westernian Henry, do 
 Were Charles, farmer. 
 Wilson James C, do 
 Wilson Hugh M., do 
 Wilson Alexander M., farmer. 
 Were John, farmer. 
 Were Frederick, farmer. 
 Weiding Henry, do 
 Wheitbush Henry, farmer. 
 Wilson John, do
 
 RANDOLPH. 
 
 About the year 1842, Mr. Capman, late of Kandolph 
 County, laid off and attempted to fan the breath of life 
 into a place on the old Sparta road, seven miles from 
 Chester. But the sequel shows the progress was slow. 
 In 1855 thero was nothing to be seen of the town ex- 
 cept the small grocery establishment of John Wood, 
 and a few farm houses in the vicinity. The Germans, 
 however, in the meantime, had settled the surrounding 
 country, which they were cultivating with a great deal 
 of industry and prudence. In 1856, Mr. Isaac Lehn- 
 herr went to Kandolph and erected a building in which 
 he placed a stock of goods, and at once commenced 
 doing a brisk business. A post office was established 
 the ensuing winter, which was called Bremen. 
 
 Mr. Buckman has since opened a store, and several 
 workshops are in operation in the vicinity* 
 
 About the year 1840, the Lutheran Germans built a 
 church near Randolph, where regular service has been 
 held ever since. This church was organized by Rev. 
 Mr. Dunsing, who still continues to preach for the con- 
 gregation. Another Lutheran church was organized 
 in 1849, by Rev. M. Eirich, of Chester. There are now 
 about sixty families belonging to the congregation of 
 this church. Rev. Mr. Teotmeyf.r is the minister. 
 19
 
 COULTERVILLE. 
 
 Coulterville is situated in Grand Cote Prairie, some 
 eight miles northeast of Sparta. The beautiful region 
 which the town now occupies was in a state of nature, 
 and afforded pasturage for the wild deer of the prairie 
 until the year of 1822, when James Coulter, John and 
 Alexander McKelvey, James Dickey, Samuel Boyd 
 and James Strohan came and located in the immediate 
 vicinity. 
 
 Under the management of these industrious and en- 
 terprising farmers, Grand Cote Prairie began a rapid 
 change from a forest of waving prairie grass to a 
 prosperous rural settlement. These improvements con- 
 tinued until nearly the whole of this fertile region has 
 been subdued and made to teem with the productions 
 of civilization. 
 
 In 1850^ James Coulter had a portion of his land 
 surveyed into town lots, which he offered for sale. 
 The beautiful locality of the proposed town, and the 
 fertility of the surrounding country soon attracted at- 
 tention. Two years afterwards, the place commenced 
 improving. In 1852-3, two churches were erected, and 
 Henry Taylor commenced the mercantile business by 
 opening a dry goods store. 
 
 The place contains at the present time, two churches ;
 
 DIRECTORY. 219 
 
 two stores; one wagon shop; three blacksmith shops; 
 one merchant mill ; one saw mill; one shoe shop; one 
 drugstore; three carpenter shops ; one tin shop; one 
 saddlery ; two hotels ; one brick yard ; one brick school 
 house, and two physicians. 
 
 It is a remarkably healthy place. During the last 
 five years but one death has occurred within a mile 
 and a half of the place.
 
 STEELESVILLE DIRECTORY. 
 
 TOWNSHIP 6 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST.— STEELESVILLE. 
 
 A 
 
 DAMS TILFORD. 
 Arnold Elias, i'armi 
 
 I}ADGLEY DAVID S., fanner. 
 3 Kerner John II., miller. 
 Bcriirr Joseph W.. do 
 
 Bernor Frederick, farmer. 
 Barrsm I Robert. 
 Ben.-on Christopher, farmer. 
 1; sgg< 'in;iu Henry Rr., do 
 Bcggoman Henry Jr.. do 
 Bcggemaii An -,i^t. do 
 
 B'ai k G< i :;:>' F.. physmian. 
 Blair Jtmios 11 , I. inner. 
 Blair Kill icrl II., do 
 Bowcrman Michael, farmer. 
 Brown Joseph, do 
 
 Brown David, do 
 
 Brown Isaac. B., merchant. 
 Brown Preston, do 
 
 Brown William II.. farmer. 
 Brown Sanmcl N., blacksmith. 
 Brown James T., farmer. 
 Brown Alfred A., do 
 Brown William, do 
 Brown Michael, do 
 Blashear William W., farmer. 
 Blackclsby Thomas, do 
 Busher Henry, do 
 
 CAMPBELL WILLIAM E., far- 
 mer. 
 
 Caetelltiw Alfred, farmer. 
 Castellow John T., blacksmith. 
 Cross Francis, farmer. 
 
 DEPPE II. S. Rev., farmer. 
 Dennis Charles J., do 
 Dennis James, do 
 
 Deppe Augustus, do 
 
 Doggol Rev., fynncr and teacher. 
 Dun 'an Jacob, do 
 
 I TUBERS FREDERICK, farmer. 
 J Edwards Thomas B., do 
 
 FORSEE NAPOLEON, farmer. 
 Forstc Richard, do 
 
 GLAPFORP REUBEN, farmer. 
 Gordon George, do 
 
 Gordon II. S., Rev., do 
 
 Green Carter, do 
 
 Guymou Thomas, do 
 
 "NGLAES B. F., carpenter. 
 
 JERNIGAN W. R., farmer and 
 brick maker. 
 Jenkins R. H., hotel keeper. 
 
 KAMPEN CnARLES, farmer. 
 Korn Abraham, d» 

 
 DIRECTORY. 
 
 213 
 
 TOWNSHIP 6 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST.— STEELESVILLB. 
 
 Korn Elijah. farmer. 
 
 Korn Jacob, do 
 
 Korn J oli a, do 
 
 Kane James, do 
 
 Kendall x.dward, wagon maker. 
 
 LEHNIIOFF LEWIS, farmer. 
 Leh n burg Christopher, far- 
 mer. 
 
 Lively Lewis, farmer. 
 
 Lively Shadriek. farmer. 
 
 Lickess Robert, merchant. 
 
 Lickcss John, farmer. 
 
 Lofton Eli. fanner and school 
 commissioner. 
 
 Luhfsingcr Henry, shoemaker. 
 
 M ALONE JOHN T... farmer. 
 Mabmc James M., merchant. 
 Malone J. A.. do 
 
 Mathews John, Rev. 
 Math is Leonard, farmer. 
 Math is John, do 
 
 Marion J. 
 
 Martin William O. farmer. 
 Mossburg Frederick, do 
 Missel horn William, do 
 Mi nter Jacob, do 
 
 Morgan J. F., do 
 
 Morgan G. S.. physician, 
 Morris Jam 's. cabinet maker. 
 Morrison John, tanner. 
 Morrison Robert, do 
 Monteith John A., larmer. 
 Mverholf Henry, do 
 
 PAHLMAN HENRY, carpen- 
 ter. 
 Parker Senaea, merchant miller. 
 Perily llen:y, fanner. 
 
 Robison Daniel, farmer. 
 Rossindall Frederick, farmer. 
 Rnhrodc Frederick, do 
 
 Russell Leonard, do 
 
 Ruizcde Henry, do 
 
 Rihnheart August, cooper. 
 
 SHAFER DANIEL H-, brick- 
 maker. 
 Short John T., farmer. 
 Short. John E., do 
 Short Thomas E., larmer. 
 Sliort Richard J., do 
 S; lit ii Lewis M , do 
 Sowe.'by A. G., carpenter and 
 
 cabinet maker. 
 Soap r Robert, farmer. 
 Stevens Wi'Iiam II., farmer. 
 
 Still wan ;h Jacob. 
 Stilhvangli Albert, 
 Sfcofc :• James M., 
 Ste s! • Albert, 
 Steele Rilun, 
 Steele Thomas, 
 Steele James. 
 S:.eelc John Sr., 
 Stei le James C, 
 Ste :le Harvey, 
 St.' !,■ Jasper, 
 Steele Elvis, 
 Steele Thomas, 
 Steele M. E-, 
 Steele Carroll, 
 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 
 •.hewsborry George W., cooper. 
 Staley Jacob, farmer. 
 
 rilATUM WILLIAM B., farmer. 
 JL Tate William, do 
 
 I Thomson George, merchant. 
 Thomas John W., farmer. 
 
 R 
 
 OBISON WILLIAM, farmer. 
 Robison Cyrus, cooper. 
 
 u 
 
 HLES JAMES H., farmer.
 
 COULTERVILLE DIRECTORY. 
 
 TOWNSHIP 4 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST.— COULTERVILLE. 
 
 ADDISON WILLIAM, capi- 
 talist. 
 Anderson John, Sr., farmer. 
 Anderson John, Jr., do 
 Atkin John, do 
 
 Anderson James W., do 
 Alston Andrew, do 
 
 Alexander William R. 
 Alexander W. S., farmer. 
 
 B 
 
 AIRD ALEXANDER, farmer. 
 Becket Garvin, farmer. 
 
 Beatte Jacob B., 
 
 do 
 
 Beatte R. S., 
 
 do 
 
 Boyd Samuel L., 
 
 do 
 
 Brown Robert, Sr., 
 
 do 
 
 Burns John S., 
 
 do 
 
 Burns Stewart, 
 
 do 
 
 Burns Archibald, 
 
 do 
 
 riATHCART JOSE 
 \J Cathcart Robert, 
 
 PH, farmer 
 
 do 
 
 Campbell D. C, teacher. 
 
 Carmichal John, farmer. 
 
 Campbell Alexander 
 
 do 
 
 Coulter John W., 
 
 do 
 
 Coulter James, Sr., 
 
 do 
 
 Coulter James, Jr., 
 
 do 
 
 Craig William, 
 
 do 
 
 Craig James, 
 
 do 
 
 Crawford Henry, 
 
 do 
 
 Crawford William B., 
 
 do 
 
 Crawford James, 
 
 do 
 
 Crawford Benj. C., 
 
 do 
 
 Crawford Bryce. 
 
 do 
 
 Curtis William H., farmer. 
 Curtis S. G., do 
 
 Cunningham Win., do 
 Cuthbertson Robert, do 
 
 DICKEY J. L., merchant. 
 Dickey W. J., farmer. 
 Dickey Alexander, do 
 Dickey John A., do 
 
 Jamison Samuel W., merchant. 
 Dickson J. J., farmer. 
 Duckworth James, farmer. 
 Dunlap Robert, do 
 
 EAST JAMES, farmer. 
 EasdaleHugh, do 
 Edmiston William, Sr., farmer. 
 
 Edmiston William, Jr., do 
 
 Edmiston A. G., do 
 
 Edmiston Rufus, do 
 
 Edmiston James A., do 
 
 Elliotte R. B., do 
 
 FINLY JOHN, farmer. 
 Foster David A., do 
 
 GAULT R. II., farmer: 
 Gault James C, do 
 Garvcr Daniel, do 
 
 Garvin George, do 
 
 Goring Peter, do 
 
 ^ ^don Nathaniel, do
 
 DIRECTORY. 
 
 221 
 
 TOWNSHIP 4 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST.— COULTERVILLE. 
 
 HAWLEY SAMJEL, farmer. 
 Hays Isaac H., " 
 
 Hair John B., farmer. 
 Herrick John, do 
 Hood James, do 
 Hood William, do 
 Hughes John, shoemaker. 
 
 ■AMISON JOSEPH, farmer. 
 James Rohert, do 
 
 KEYS ROBERT, farmer. 
 Kirkpatrick John S., farmer. 
 Kerr John, farmer. 
 Kcan Christopher, farmer. 
 Kennedy Hugh, do 
 King Alexander, do 
 
 LEMMON ISAIAH S., farmer. 
 LiUle Samuel, farmer. 
 Lynn Charles E., do 
 
 MATTHEWS R., farmer. 
 
 Matthews W. J., do 
 
 Miller John G., do 
 
 Moore Thos. C, do 
 
 Moore William B., do 
 
 Moore Alexander, Sr., lo 
 
 Moore Alexander, Jr do 
 
 Morton Andrew, do 
 
 Muir Rohert, do 
 
 Murphy John, do 
 
 Murphy T. G., do 
 
 Munford David, do 
 
 Munford William, -do 
 
 McDill James, do 
 
 McDill Thomas, do 
 
 MeDill John, do 
 
 McMillan Matthew, do 
 
 McMillan S. W., do 
 
 McMillan Randell, do 
 
 McMurrav James, do 
 
 *19 
 
 Mclntyre Daniel, farmer. 
 McLaughlin John, do 
 McKelvey James W., do 
 McKelvey Charles, do 
 McKelvey A., do 
 
 McKelvey Robt. B., do 
 McKelvey T. E., do 
 
 McKelvey J. C, do 
 
 McKelvey Sam'l W., do 
 McRill 0. G., do 
 
 McNeill John, blacksmith. 
 
 PINKERTON JOHN, farmer. 
 Pinkerton Luther, do 
 Pinkerton Benjamin, student. 
 Pinkerton James H. 
 
 ROBERTSON ROBERT, farmer. 
 Robertson William, do 
 Rice H. H., Dr. 
 Robison John, farmer. 
 Russell Alexander, farmer. 
 
 SELFRIDGE JOHN, farmer. 
 Sinclair John, farmer. 
 Sloan John J., blacksmith. 
 Smith Robert, farmer. 
 Smith A., do 
 
 Smith Moore, do 
 Sproule James, wagonmaker. 
 Strahan Blair, farmer. 
 Stephenson Robert, farmer. 
 
 rpAYLORIIENEY, farmer. 
 1 Taylor W. B., blacksmith. 
 Thompson J. S., merchant. 
 Thompson W. L., farmer. 
 Thompson A. M., do 
 Thompson John M., cooper.
 
 222 
 
 RANDOLPH COUNTY DIRECTORY 
 
 TOWNSIIir 4 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST— COULTERVILL1. 
 
 WATTERS CHARLES, farmer. 
 Whitaker W. B., wagon- 
 maker. 
 White William, farmer. 
 Wilson James, Sr., do 
 Wilson Peter C, do 
 Wilson David, do 
 Wisely James M., uo 
 
 Woodside Samuel, Sr., farmer. 
 
 Woodside Samuel, Jr., do 
 
 Woodside James, do 
 
 Woodside John J., do 
 
 Wright John, do 
 
 Wyley James, do 
 
 Wyley John, do
 
 FLORENCE. 
 
 This place is situated in Township 6 South, of Range 
 7 West, some three miles northeast of Kaskaskia, and 
 about two miles from the Kaskaskia river. It has an 
 elevated situation, and surrounded by springs of pure 
 water. The region in which this village is situated has 
 many natural advantages. It has a heavy growth of 
 excellent timber, and a fertilo soil, adapted to the culti- 
 vation of all the vegetables, grains, grasses and fruits 
 peculiar to Southern Illinois. The Kaskaskia river 
 which is now navigated by small steamers during the 
 greater portion of the year, servos as a highway for the 
 transportation of its surplus produce. 
 
 In 1852, George ELLrs purchased a portion of the 
 old Hunt farm, erected a house and opened a store. A 
 post office was also established, and Mr. Ellis appointed 
 Postmaster. During the same year, a Union Meeting 
 House was erected, and a school house having boon 
 previously built, the place began to assume the air of 
 a village. Mr. EriLis now had his land surve} r ed into 
 town lots, and the place was called " Ellis Grove." 
 
 In 1855 the Baptists erected a large meeting house. 
 This church is well attended, and the society is in a 
 flourishing condition. Rev. W R. McClure is the 
 present pastor.
 
 2i4 
 
 RANDOLPH COUNTY 
 
 Mr. Ellis' Store being destroyed by fire, iu 1857, he 
 sold his property in the place and removed to Urbana. 
 Mr. William Crawford now removed to the place and 
 took charge of the post office, and opened a small stock 
 of goods. A shoe shop was soon after established, a 
 cooper shop has 6ince been built, and Messrs. Buckman 
 & Peters are erecting a store house in which they in- 
 tend to open a dry goods store during the coming fall. 
 In all probability a brisk trade will be conducted in 
 Florence at no distant day. 
 
 TOWNSHir 6 SOUTH, RANGE 8 WEST.— FLORENCE. 
 
 A NDREWS CHARLES, farmer. 
 
 BROWN PETER, farmer. 
 Besson Joseph, do 
 Ban sen Clark, do 
 
 Brewer John W., do 
 
 Burkhardt John, cooper. 
 Brown Pias, farmer. 
 Boyle Wm., do 
 
 CECIL E. S., farmer. 
 Cecil Piers R. D., farmer. 
 Chencx Mitchell, (Che-nu) far- 
 mer. 
 Chenoux Joseph, farmer. 
 
 DAVIS JOHN, farmer. 
 Deninger George, farmer. 
 Derouse Charles, do 
 
 Dcrouse Louis C, do 
 
 Derouse Pierre R., do 
 
 Derouse Joseph J., do 
 
 Derouse Fmnris J., do 
 
 T^ISHER JAMES G., farmer. 
 J? Fisher Archibald, wagon- 
 maker. 
 Fisher Henry, farmer. 
 
 GRADIE AMOS. 
 Glain Elizabeth. 
 Gentry Jas. C, wagonmaker. 
 Gerner Andrew, farmer and 
 cooper. 
 
 HAMILTON BRIDGET W., 
 farmer. 
 Heckmann F. Gabriel, carpenter 
 Ileckmann Fhillip, farmer. 
 Heckmann Matthew, do 
 Hargus Jos. II., do 
 
 Hargus Hamilton, do 
 
 JONES ARMESTEAD, farmer. 
 James Griffith, do
 
 DIRECTORY. 
 
 225 
 
 TOWNSHIP 6 SOUTH, RANGE 8 WEST.— FLORENCE. 
 TZALER GEORGE, farmer. 
 
 MUDD FELIX, farmer. 
 McGuire William, farmer. 
 
 OPPERMAN GRISPARD, far- 
 mer. 
 
 PAVARD ETIENNE. 
 Penney Joseph, farmer. 
 Phigley William, do 
 
 T>OB] 
 
 S 
 
 Roots George. 
 
 NIDER PHILLIP, farmer. 
 
 THOMSON L. R., farmer. 
 Tilman Charles, do 
 
 W 
 
 ILL JOSEPH, farmer. 
 Will Daniel, do
 
 LAFAYETTE: 
 
 Is situated on the loft, bank of the Kaskaskia river, 
 about ten miles above Evansville. It was laid off at quite 
 an early day, although there was not much business 
 done there in consequence of its isolation, until a recent 
 day, when the successful navigation of the stream on 
 which it stands, linking it in the chain of communica- 
 tion with other places, rendered it an important ship- 
 ping point. 
 
 Large quanties of grain are shipped from this place 
 and conveyed to the Mississippi river, there to be trans- 
 ported to different markets ; find a large share of the 
 flour manufactured at Red Bud is shipped from this 
 point. 
 
 Also a considerable is done here in the lumber busi- 
 ness, and something in the dry goods line ; a store of 
 this description and a saw mill being in operation. 
 
 PRESTON. 
 
 James Patterson settled upon the town site of Pres- 
 ton in 1804, and opened a farm. In 1816, Washington 
 Stehiut bought the farm, and lived upon it until 1820,
 
 DIRECTORY. 227 
 
 when he sold it to John Rankin, who shortly after- 
 wards sold to James Pollock. Mr. Pollock estab- 
 lished a tan yard in 1823, and for several years carried 
 on an extensive business in that line. Samuel B. 
 Stranky opened a store in 1833. Two years after- 
 wards, Pollock & Bratney opened a store — the second 
 one in the place. In 1836, James Pollock laid off his 
 land into town lots, from which -the town may date its 
 existence. 
 
 It has always been an unobtrusive, quiet town, fur- 
 nishing such accommodations as the surrounding coun- 
 try demanded. It tai'isually consisted of a church, 
 store, post office, blacksmith shop, hotel, and a physi- 
 cian. 
 
 Its history consists chiefly in the church. Rev. S. 
 BROW4*»f Kentucky, visited the Irish Settlement about 
 the yea* 1810, and organized the congregation. Some 
 time afterwai'ds, Rev. S. Crothers visited the congrega- 
 tion and preached a short time. But the church could 
 claim no more than a nominal existence until the year 
 1818, when Rev. Samuel Wylie was regularly installed 
 pastor of the church. "When his services were secured 
 a church building was erected, probably the first Prot- 
 estant church in Illinois. It was built of logs, in the 
 usual style of all houses in those days. The house was 
 erected and finished for use in two days. Rev. Samuel 
 Wylie was succeeded in the ministerial charge of this 
 congregation by Rev. Alexander Porter, he by Rev. 
 S. P. McGraw. In 1826 Rev John Reynolds took 
 charge of the congregation, and continued in, that station 
 until 1829. In 1831 Rev. S. C. Baldridge succeeded 
 to the charge, and remained five years. He was suc- 
 ceeded by Rev. James McAuley, in 1840, the congrega- 
 tion having been without a pastor during an interval
 
 228 
 
 RANDOLPH COUNTY 
 
 of four years. The large church edifice was erected in 
 1842. Rev. M. M. Brown became pastor of the church 
 in 1849, and remained until 1854. The year following 
 Rev. James W. Glenn took charge of the congregation, 
 and he is yet the pastor. 
 
 This is the mother of Associate Reformed Churches 
 in Illinois. 
 
 Union Church, located three miles south of Sparta, 
 was a branch of the Preston Church. Rev. John Rey- 
 nolds and Alexander Porter, from 1826, occasion- 
 ally preached in a school house in the neighborhood. 
 Rev. S. C. Baldridqe was chosen pastor in 1830, and 
 organized the church. The year after, the brick church 
 now standing, was erected. Arthur Parks, Maxwell 
 McCormack, and William McKee, were the first 
 Ruling Elders. In later years this church has keen sup- 
 plied with preaching by the minister of the Sparta 
 church. 
 
 TOWNSHIP 5 SOUTH, RANGE 7 WEST.— PRESTON. 
 
 ANDERSON JAMES W, far- 
 mer. 
 Ahuhizer John, farmer. 
 Alexander John, do 
 
 BARNETT CORYDON, farmer. 
 Beatte Robert T., do 
 
 Berthall Daniel, do 
 
 Been James A., surveyor. 
 Been E. M., farmer. 
 Beatte Charles, farmer. 
 Blam John, do 
 
 Bratney J. B., merchant and jus- 
 tice of the peace. 
 Bratney R. N., farmer. 
 Bratney J. C. teacher. 
 
 CARR A BNER, farmer. 
 Campbell James C, farmer. 
 Campbell James, do 
 
 Campbell John C.. do 
 
 Canck James B., do 
 
 Cochran M. E., do 
 
 Crozier A. II., do 
 
 DASHNER PETER, farmer. 
 Detinhifer Henry, do 
 Douglas John, do 
 
 Douglas S. B., do 
 
 "TIAYETT FRANCIS, farmer.
 
 lllRKOrnllV 
 
 2W 
 
 JOHN B. BRATNEY 
 
 Would r»sj).;<;tt'ully call attention to his well asHorted 
 Stock of 
 
 Which he proposes to sell on terms that will induce 
 tho people of 
 
 To purchase ol' him. In his Store will be found an 
 assortment of 
 
 Suited especiall}' to tho wants of his customers. All 
 kinds of 
 
 SUGAR, COFFEE, MOLASSES, TEA, 
 
 MACKEREL, 
 rioe, x*e:jf»i»esh, spices, 
 
 TOBACCO, &C-, 
 
 Constantly on hand. Every article usually wanted in 
 the community, will be found in his Store. 
 
 All kinds of Merchantable Produce wanted in ex- 
 change for goods. 
 
 Preston, ill. 
 
 20
 
 2i](J 
 
 RANDOLPH COUN'l V 
 
 TOWNSHIP 5 SOUTH, RANGE 7 WEST.— PRESTON. 
 
 GREER HEMP A., fanner. 
 Glenn James W., Rev. 
 Glasgow John, farmer. 
 Greer Jefferson, do 
 Gray William, • do 
 James Gray, do 
 
 Gucher Frederick, farmer. 
 Glessner Lawrence, do 
 
 TJACKET GEORGE W. 
 
 farmer 
 
 JX Haynes William 
 
 L.. 
 
 do 
 
 Hommil Jacob, 
 
 
 do 
 
 Hommil Nicholas, 
 
 
 do 
 
 Henderson M. M., 
 
 
 do 
 
 Hinchback Godfrey, 
 
 
 do 
 
 Hill Samuel, 
 
 
 do 
 
 Hogg Archibald, 
 
 
 do 
 
 Haly William, 
 
 
 do 
 
 JOHNS ROBERT. 
 
 
 
 KARR RICHARD, former. 
 Kemper Christian, do 
 Kelly James, do 
 
 Kinsler Jacob, do 
 
 Kook Phillip, do 
 
 LOUGHAR'T JOHN, farmer. 
 Long Henry. do 
 
 MANN JAMES, farmer. 
 Mann Robert C. farmer. 
 Mann W. M., do 
 
 Mann C. P., do 
 
 Mann L. A., do 
 
 Mann R. H„ do 
 
 Mann William C. blacksmith 
 Mann R. C, farmer. 
 Miller 8. B.. do 
 
 Miller Jo.-iab, farmer. 
 
 Morrow James F., fanner. 
 McAuly D. T., Rev., do 
 McCormack George, do 
 MeCormack A. A., do 
 McCormack James C, farmer. 
 McCoard William, do 
 
 McCarty John H., do 
 
 McDonald Thomas, do 
 
 VTIFONG FRANCIS, fan 
 
 /yjERLY 
 
 MARTIN, farmer. 
 
 POLLOCK T. C, farmer. 
 Pollock James, farmer. 
 Pollock W. W., do 
 
 Patterson James, 
 Prebley Robert, do 
 
 Pritty Jacob, do 
 
 RATLIFF .10HN, farmer. 
 Ratliff John. Jr., do 
 Ratliff Daniel, do 
 
 Ray Adam, do 
 
 Regnault William. do 
 Rath Leonard. d<> 
 
 SHAPPELL NICHOLAS, far- 
 mer. 
 Shuline John, farmer. 
 Smith Theresa, do 
 Stolle Gustavo, do 
 Stevenson William, farmer. 
 Spurgeon Lewis. do 
 
 Stanly George, do 
 
 Skinner John. do
 
 IMKKCToKY. 
 
 231 
 
 TOWNSHIP S SOUTH, RANCH 7 WEST.— TRESTON. 
 
 THOMPSON JAMES B.. far- 
 racr. 
 Thompson John B.. farmer. 
 Thompson Adam H., do 
 Thompson William, do 
 Thompson Archibald C. farmer. 
 Thompson John C, do 
 
 Thompson John R.. do 
 
 Thompson James, do 
 
 Thompson A. J.. do 
 
 Thompson Robert M.. do 
 
 WUNDERLEY MARTIN, far- 
 mer. 
 Wilson Ed. H., farmer. 
 Wettenbrink Maxwell, farmer. 
 Wyley John, do 
 
 Wiley Joseph, do 
 
 Wiley Samuel, do 
 
 Wright Isaac Jr., do 
 
 Wright John K., do 
 
 Williamson J. K... do 
 
 Wright A. C do 
 
 TOWNSHir t SOUTH, RANGE 7 WEST.— BURNETT'8. 
 
 ADAMS SAMUEL B., farmer. 
 Allen Andrew, do 
 
 Allen William, do 
 
 B ESSEN GEORGE, farmer. 
 
 Bilyeri Michael, do 
 
 Bern William, do 
 
 Bern James A., do 
 
 Black Thomaa, do 
 
 Barbeck Thomas, do 
 
 Boak Godlip, do 
 
 Bowers Aaron, do 
 
 Boyd John II., do 
 
 Boyd John V., do 
 
 Boyle Thomas. do 
 
 Boyle John, do 
 
 Bean Reuben. do 
 
 Burghans Edwin. do 
 
 Burnett Alexander. do 
 
 Burnett Andrew. do 
 
 OAMPBKLL THOMAS, farmer. 
 Cox Absalom. do 
 
 Cox William. do 
 
 Cox Jose j> h M., do 
 
 Cowan Ja-aaes, 
 Cowan John J. 
 
 farmer, 
 do 
 
 DANNUSE LEWIS, farmer. 
 Douglas A. T., do 
 
 Doaly John, do 
 
 EWING CHARLES, farmer. 
 Ewing William J., 
 
 H 
 
 AYS GEORGE, farmer. 
 Hents Christian, do 
 
 Henderson M. Cr. 
 HillW. M., 
 Hill John, 
 Harden Frederick, 
 Hay Bartholomew, 
 Hoppe Michael A., 
 Hulcher William. 
 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 
 K 
 
 ELLER ANDREW, farmer
 
 232 
 
 Randolph county directory. 
 
 TOWNSHIP 4 SOUTH, RANGE 7 WEST.— BUM HTT'9. 
 
 LEMING JOSEPH E., farmer. 
 Leming Thomas, do 
 
 Lorning Hamilton. do 
 
 Liddy Timothy, do 
 
 Lawson David. do 
 
 Lyons Joseph, do 
 
 MABE LARKIN, farmer. 
 Mathews Robert, do 
 Marvin William 0., do 
 Marvin Joseph M., do 
 Montgomery Joseph, do 
 Mudd William, do 
 
 McMurdo Thomas, do 
 Mulherrn Luke, do 
 
 McAuley James, do 
 
 McAuley George W., farmer. 
 McDonald James II., do 
 McCormack James C. do* 
 
 NELSON WILLIAM R.. farmer. 
 Nelson George W., do 
 Nelson Robert L., do 
 
 Nelson John A., do 
 
 Newel James, do 
 
 PRESTON ROBERT H., farmer 
 and justice of the peace. 
 Preston David C., farmer. 
 Preston William B., do 
 
 R 
 
 HULE FREDERICK, farmer. 
 Rhule Jared, d» 
 
 
 
 'HARRA HENRY, farmer. 
 
 SCUDDER ISAAC Jr., farmer. 
 
 Scudder Henry, do 
 
 Shanback Ernest, do 
 
 Snodgrass John M., do 
 
 Spitz Conrad, do 
 
 Stockwell John, do 
 
 Stively Voluntine, do 
 
 TAYLOR CHARLES W., far- 
 mer. 
 Thompson Archie, farmer. 
 Thompson A. W., do 
 Thompson Daniel C, do 
 Thompson James, do 
 Thompson Robert, do 
 Telbert Wesly, do 
 
 WEIDLING WILLIAM, far- 
 mer. 
 Wilson Absalom, farmer. 
 Wilson.
 
 SHILOH HILL 
 
 About the years 1851-2, Mr Durkee began selling 
 goods at Gillespie's Prairie, which he continued until ho 
 was succeeded by S. P. Mace, in 1856. Mace conducted 
 the business until 1858, when he discontinued, and Mr. 
 James Picket opened a store, and is now merchandizing 
 in that neighborhood. In the autumn of the year 
 1856, there was a sale of lots which had been previ- 
 ously laid off, and which belonged to the eighty acre 
 tract ceded by the Legislature of Illinois to the people 
 of this neighborhood, for the purpose of establishing a 
 College, to be entitled " Shiloh College," a charter for 
 the College being given at the same time. 
 
 A good school has been supported for a number of 
 years at this place, although as yet they have no build- 
 ing fitted for conducting a school of high grade ; yet, 
 as the country is improving rapidly, and gaining 
 strength with age, and the inhabitants in general being 
 of industrious habits and literary turn of mind, we 
 may safely predict that ere long a Seminary of high 
 character will be in successful operation. 
 
 The progress of the times will also demand that a 
 town of more or less importance shall arise, that the 
 people may dispose of their marketing, and obtain their 
 purchases without the inconvenience of traveling to a 
 distant place. 
 *20
 
 SHILOH HILL DIRECTORY. 
 
 TOWNSHIP 7 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST.— SHILOH HILL. 
 
 BARROW NEWTON, farmer 
 
 Bildcrback James F., do 
 
 Bilderback William H.. do 
 
 Broughton Abel, do 
 
 Burke T. 0., do 
 
 Burke J. K., do 
 
 Burke John B„ do 
 
 Burke E. B., do 
 
 Butler Leamau. do 
 
 CARUTHERS JOHN. Dr. 
 Cannady Emauuel, farmer. 
 Carson David, do 
 
 Chapman Jeremiah, do 
 
 Clark John, do 
 
 Clifford Cunningham. do 
 Crisler Owen F., do 
 
 Crisler William, do 
 
 D 
 
 ENNI8 JOHN W., farmer. 
 Dennis R. F., do 
 
 EMERY STEVEN, wagon- 
 maker. 
 Emery Henry, farmer. 
 Emery John, do 
 Emery Robert, blacksmith. 
 Erchelmann Henrv, farmer. 
 
 F 
 
 RAY MOSES, farmer. 
 
 GILESPIE JAMES, farmer. 
 
 Glorc Jeptha, do 
 
 Greer John R., do 
 
 Grcenawault Joseph, do 
 
 Gray William, do 
 
 Gray Jasper, do 
 
 Gray William B., do 
 
 Gwin James, do 
 
 Gwiii William C, do 
 
 TJALWORTH PAUL, farmei 
 
 XI Hagler John, 
 Hartman Henry. 
 Haney Hiram, 
 Haney Daniel, 
 Haney Douglas, 
 Helmns Henrv. 
 Hobbs R. S., 
 Houseman J. M., 
 Hornbustle John H. 
 Husband Harmon. 
 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 
 IRELAND Martin, Justice of 
 the Peace. 
 Ireland A. T., blacksmith,
 
 RANDOLPH COUNTY DlRKCTOttV. 
 
 235 
 
 TOWNSHIP 7 SOUTH. RANGE 6 WEST.- SHILOH HILL. 
 
 .1 
 
 ►JKS JOHN 0., fanner. 
 
 .ohnson Isaac R., do 
 ■ i. .son William L., do 
 '■•Iwson John C, do 
 
 K 
 
 BLLY THOMAS. 
 Knope John P., 
 ope Henry P., 
 
 farmer, 
 do 
 do 
 
 ASTER WILLIAM, 
 r. 
 iilti-rg Clement, farmer. 
 
 far- 
 
 i. . 
 
 Lnwo-v 'lu^h, 
 
 I- ■ ' 'e'.nU Hugh. 
 
 do 
 do 
 
 y 
 
 }. ■ 
 i 
 
 J. :. 
 
 }■'■ I 
 
 f I. 
 
 f 
 
 Mi-N 
 
 •. S. P., merchant. 
 
 ■a ore. Francis, farmer. 
 
 in John S., do 
 
 iiKey Robert, do 
 
 mghlin James, Sr., farmer. 
 mghlin James, Jr., do 
 vughlin H. II., do 
 
 aughltn John W.. do 
 cill Robert, do 
 
 cill Harvey, do 
 
 N 
 
 EELY JOHN, farmer. 
 Neal Thomas F., farmer. 
 
 1>ARKIIILL JOHN, farmer. 
 J Peters F. C, do 
 
 Vi 'cr John, do 
 
 Pillars Andrew J., 
 Fierson William, 
 
 farmer, 
 do 
 
 11 
 
 EED WILLIAM W., farmer 
 Rickenberg Dclrick, do 
 
 SA88E ADOLFH, farmer. 
 Sheldan R, do 
 
 Short William A., farmer and car- 
 penter. 
 Shaffer John H., farmor. 
 Simmons George, do 
 Steele Wilson, 
 
 Steele Alfred, 
 Steele John T., 
 Steele Andrew, 
 Steele John M., 
 Stone Joseph, 
 Stone John, 
 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 
 11H0MPS0N ANDREW, for- 
 mer. 
 Tudar Thomas, farmer. 
 
 VOWEL WYLIE, farmer. 
 Vowel Jason, do 
 
 W 
 
 ALDER CONRAD, farmer. 
 Welga Henry, do
 
 CAMPTOWN. 
 
 On the completion of the Randolph County Plank 
 Road in 1854, a toll gate was established about two 
 miles from Chester. The next year Mr. G. S. Rust 
 being appointed gate keeper, erected a building and 
 commenced selling goods. Mr. Rust soon after pur- 
 chased a fractional part of Mr. Smith's farm which was 
 cut off by the Plank Road, which he has recently laid 
 off into lots and sold to private bidders. 
 
 A hotel was built by Mr. G. S. Rust in the spring of 
 1858. A workshop was also built by Rust & Farly 
 for the purpose of manufacturing and repairing farm- 
 er's implements. 
 
 During the past season Mr. Alexander Lockead and 
 Mr. H. A. Crawford have erected for themselves neat 
 and substantial dwelling houses. Some other dwellings 
 are in contemplation.
 
 TOWNSHIP TREASURERS. 
 
 Town. 4 S., E. 5 W., David Munford, Treasurer. 
 John Median, " 
 
 Marshal W. Doggett, " 
 Harmon Husband, " 
 Samuel Clendenin, •• 
 William Rutherford, * 
 James Parks, Acting " 
 Edward Campbell, " 
 Isaac Rust, u 
 
 Samuel Manskor, " 
 
 Francis Boyle, " 
 
 John B. Brantney, " 
 Wiley Roberts, " 
 
 R. B. Servant, " 
 
 J. R. Allen, u 
 
 II. P. Simpson, 
 Charles Tilman, " 
 
 Never was organized. 
 William Henry, 
 The greater part of this Town- 
 ship is in Monroo county, and the Treasurer, O. M. 
 Matingly, resides in Monroe county ; his post offico 
 address I have not learned. Mr. Bricky, of Prairie du 
 Roeher, has transacted business for him. 
 
 5 
 
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 10
 
 COURT DIRECTORY. 
 
 COURT OF COMMON PLEAS— Org amizeh 17U5. 
 
 Names of Judges. 
 
 John Edgar, 
 William Morrison, 
 Pierre Menard, 
 Robert McMahon, 
 George Fisher, 
 John Beard, 
 
 Eobert Reynolds, 
 Nathaniel Hull, 
 Antoine Louvier, 
 John Grovenier, 
 James Finney, 
 Samuel Cochran. 
 
 This Court was superseded in 1809 by the County 
 Court, composed of Justices of the Peace, three of 
 whom were necessary to constitute a quorum. 
 
 Justices' Names. 
 
 Phillip Fouke, 
 Henry Levens, 
 William Arundel, 
 Samuel O'Melveny, 
 John McFerrcn, 
 Paul Harrelston, 
 
 David Anderson, 
 Archibald Thompson, 
 John Phelps, 
 Alexander Wilson, 
 Robert Gaston.
 
 RANDOLPH COUNTY DIKKCTORY. 239 
 
 The County Court was superceded by the 
 
 COURT OF COMMON PLEAS IN lsll. 
 
 Names of Judges. 
 
 John McKerren, 
 William Morrison, 
 . James Finney, 
 David Anderson, 
 Phillip Fouke, 
 
 George Fisher, 
 Archibald Thompson, 
 Antoino L. Chenett, 
 Miles LTotchkiss, 
 Pierre LaCampte. 
 
 THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT— Established in 1819. 
 Nanus of Commissioners. 
 
 1811). — Curtis Conn, David Anderson, James Patter- 
 son. 
 
 1820. — David Anderson, James Thompson, Miles 
 Hotehkiss. 
 
 1822. — Gabriel Jones, Francois Menard, John Miller. 
 
 1824. — Arthur Parks, Josiah Betts, Franklin P. 
 Owen. 
 
 1825. — Arthur Parks, Josiah Betts, John C. Crozier. 
 
 1820.^Arthur Parks, R. H. Fleming, Pierre R. De- 
 rouse. 
 
 1827. — R. H. Fleming, Pierre R. Derouse, James S. 
 Guthrie. 
 
 1828.— James S. Guthrie, Thomas Roberts, Felix St. 
 Vrain. 
 
 1830.— Thomas Roberts, William G. Hizer, John 
 Thompson. 
 
 1832.— Thomas Roberts, William G. Hizer, John G. 
 Nelson.
 
 240 RANDOLPH COUNTY 
 
 1834. — Jobu G. Nelson, James Gillespie, James S. 
 Guthrie. 
 
 1835. — John G. Nolson, James Gillespie, Robert 
 Clark. 
 
 1336. — James O'Harra, Gabriel Jones, WiUiam G. 
 Hizor. 
 
 1838. — William G. Hizer, Samuel Douglas, Harvey 
 Clendcnin. 
 
 1839. — William G. Hizer, Harvey Clendcnin, Lawson 
 Murphy. 
 
 1841. — Harvey Clendenin, Lawson Murphy, Henry 
 O'Harra. 
 
 1842. — Harvey Clendenin, Henry O'Hara, John 
 Mann. 
 
 1844. — John Mann, Edward Campbell, ffm. McBride. 
 
 The Record from 1844 to 1848 was destroyed by 
 fire. 
 
 Under the existing Constitution of Illinois, which 
 went into operation in 1848, the County Court super- 
 seded the County Commissioners' Court. 
 
 1849. — John Campbell, County Judge. 
 
 Reuben Bailey, Associate Justice. 
 John Brewer, " " 
 
 18."<ii. — William P. Uaskiu, County Judge. 
 James Gillespie, Associate Justice. 
 Samuel B. Adams, " " 
 
 1854. — A vacancy occurring in 1854 by the death of 
 Judge HasUin, Richard B. Servant \v:is elected for the 
 remainder of the term. 
 
 1857. — John Campbell, County Judge. 
 
 James Gillespie, Associate Justice. 
 William Mudd, " "
 
 DIRECTORY. 241 
 
 COURT OF QUARTER SESSIONS. 
 
 Thin Court was composed of Justices of the Peace, 
 and held its sessions once in three months — hence the 
 name of " Quarter Sessions." 
 
 (GENERAL COURT. 
 
 Upon the organization of Illinois Territory, in 1809 
 a higher Court, called the General Court, -was estab- 
 lished. The following named gentlemen appear to have 
 acted as Judges of this Court, viz : 
 
 Jesse B. Thomas, 
 Obadiah Jones, 
 Alexander Stuart, 
 Stanley Griswold, 
 
 William Sprigg, 
 John Reynolds, 
 Daniel P. Cook, 
 John Warnock. 
 
 SUPREME COURT. 
 
 The Supreme Court of Illinois held its first Session in 
 Kaskaskia, in 1819. Upon the records pertaining to 
 Randolph County, the following named gentlemen ap- 
 pear to have acted as Judges, viz : 
 
 Joseph Phillips, 
 Richard M. Young, 
 Thomas Reynolds, 
 John Reynolds, 
 
 Theophilus W. Smith, 
 Samuel D. Lockwood, 
 Thomas C. Browne. 
 
 CIRCUIT COURT. 
 
 The judiciary of Illinois was remodeled and reor- 
 ganized in 1835, at which time the Circuit Court was 
 established. 
 '21
 
 242 
 
 RANDOLPH COUNTY 
 
 Names of Judges. 
 
 1835.— Sidney Lreese, , 1849— W. H. Underwood, 
 
 1843. — James Shields, , 1855. — Sidney Breese, 
 
 1845.— Gustavus Koerner, ' 1858.— H.K.S. O'Melvcny 
 
 PROBATE COURT. 
 
 This Court was established under the Constitution oi 
 1818. Curtis Conn was appointed Probate Judge, and 
 
 held the office ten years. He was succeeded by 
 
 Hunt, who remained in office but a short time ; and he 
 was succeeded by James Thompson, who held the office 
 seventeen years in succession — until the adoption of 
 the new Constitution in 1848, since which time the 
 County Judge has been ex-officio Judge of the Probat-; 
 Court. 
 
 SHERIFFS OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 
 
 1801. — James Edgar, 
 
 1838.— John Campbell, 
 
 1803.— George Fisher, 
 
 1848.— John A. Wilson, 
 
 1805. — James Gilbreath, 
 
 1850.— Jno. P. Thompson. 
 
 1806. — Benjamin Stevens, 
 
 1852.— Sevenain St. Vrain, 
 
 1814.— Henry Conner, 
 
 1854. — John Campbell, 
 
 1821.— Samuel C. Cristy, 
 
 1856.— Sevenain St. Vrain, 
 
 1823.— T. J. V. Owens, 
 
 1858.— Anthony Steele. 
 
 1828. — Ignatius Sprigg, 
 
 
 CL1BK8 OF THE GENERA 
 
 lL and circuit courts. 
 
 W. C. Greenup, 
 
 John M. Langlois, 
 
 James. Hughs, 
 
 Charles Kane, 
 
 William Gutherie, 
 
 E. Leavenworth., 
 
 James Quia, 
 
 James M Balls.
 
 DIRECTOR*. 243 
 
 CLERKS OF THE COMMON PLEAS AND COUNTY COURT. 
 
 1795. — Robert Morrison, 
 1809.— Wm. C. Greenup, 
 1827.— Miles A. Hotchkiss, 
 1832.— James Hughs, 
 1838,— A. J. Dickison, 
 
 1841.— R Maxwell, 
 1845.— John W. GOlis, 
 1851. — James M. Cole, 
 1853. — Isaac H. Nelson. 
 
 COUNTY SURVEYORS. 
 
 James Thompson, 
 Samuel G. Thompson, 
 Ferdinand Humphreys, 
 Ezekiel "W. Robbing. 
 
 James B. Parks, 
 James Thompson, 
 Joseph Noel. 
 
 MEMBERS OF THE RANDOLPH COUNTY BAR. 
 
 Thomas G. Allen, 
 Francis B. Anderson, 
 James C. Holbrook, 
 E. G. Hallowell, 
 
 John Michan, 
 W. P. Murphy, 
 Thomas S. Morrison 
 James H. "Watt. 
 
 COUNTY OFFICER8. 
 
 John Campbell, County Judge. 
 
 James Gillespie, Associate Justice. 
 
 William Mudd, " " 
 
 Isaac H. Nelson, Clerk County Court. 
 
 James M. Ralls, Clerk Circuit Court, and Recorder 
 
 Joseph Noel, Surveyor. 
 
 James Thompson, Deputy Surveyor. 
 
 Hugh B. Nisbet, Treasurer and Assessor. 
 
 ElfLofton, School Commissioner.
 
 244 
 
 RANDOLPH COUNTY 
 
 Kaskaskia Pr'ct. 
 
 Chester Precinct. 
 
 Liberty Precinct. 
 
 Mill Creek. 
 
 Georgct'n Prec't. 
 
 Sparta Precinct. 
 
 Burnett's Prec't 
 
 Union Precinct. 
 
 PRECINCT OFFICERS. 
 
 r John Stype, Justice of I he Peace 
 J Louis. Dcrotise, " l< H 
 
 1 Edward Boochcrie, Constable. 
 [ James Hunt. Constable. 
 
 Felix Hughs, Justice of tho Peace. 
 Leonard Crisler, u " u 
 
 H.M.Crawford, " " 
 Amos Taggart, Constable. 
 Amos Ditty, " 
 
 John Harmon, Jr., " 
 
 Alex. Barber, Justice ofthe Peace. 
 B. J. Ward, " " " 
 
 W. B. Jernigan, Constable. 
 
 S. P. Mace, Justico of the Peace. 
 Martin Ireland, Justice of the Peace. 
 Isaac R. Johnson, Constable. 
 Elijah Stokes, " 
 
 A. G. Sowcrby, Justice of the 
 
 Peace. 
 Mathias R. Ray, Justice of the 
 
 Peace. 
 Cyrus E. Robbison, Constable. 
 John T. Steele, " 
 
 {John Taylor, Justice of the Poace. 
 W. R. Brown, rt " " 
 
 Hugh C. Gault, Constable. 
 Andrew "Wilson, " 
 
 f R. H. Preston, Justice ofthe Peace. . 
 J J. J. Borders, " " « 
 
 j William North, Constable. 
 ( James McMillan, do 
 
 ( John R. Adams, Justice ofthe Peace. 
 J Nathaniel Smith, « " " 
 
 1 John F. Outcn, Constable. 
 { Charles G. Gore, "
 
 DIRECTORY. 
 
 245 
 
 PRECINCT OFFICERS— Comtinukd. 
 
 « j t> r f Wm. Henry, Justice of the Peace. 
 Pra. du Mocker. | Jolm Brow ^ „ « 
 
 ( J. A. Douglas, Justice of the Peace. 
 
 r* -ii » . / ) J- B. Bratney, " " " 
 
 EvansvillePrct-l John M Thompson, Constable. 
 
 [A. C. Wright, Constable. 
 
 (" R B. Servant, Justice of the Peace. 
 m. -rLu 1 Gabriel Jones, Justice of the Peace 
 
 Chester City < Thomas H. Callaway, Constable. 
 
 I John C. McQuiston, "
 
 2-H) RANDOLPH COUNTY DIRECTORY. 
 
 Illinois mutual 
 FIRE INS URANCE COMPANY, 
 
 INCORPORATED IN 1839. 
 PRINCIPAL OFFICE AT ALTON, ILL. 
 
 O-AJPIT.A.X*, ©1,000,000. 
 
 4 » • > > 
 
 Stores and Merchandise, Dwelling Houses and Furniture; Barns 
 and Hay and Grain : First Class Mills, Shops, and other Buildings, 
 with their contents, insured against 
 
 LOSS OR DAMAGE BY FIRE. . 
 
 This Company has now beem in existence over twenty years ; — 
 does not issue Policies out of this State ; — has paid nearly Half a 
 Million Dollars for Losses ; — has furnished Insurance to its members 
 for less than two-thirds the price charged by the best Stock Com- 
 panies. It has the largest and best secured Capital of any Insur- 
 ance Company in the West 
 
 Arrangements have now been completed, which enables the Di- 
 rectors to pay all Losses within ninety days! Merchants can now 
 have their Stocks insured in the Illinois Mutual, and in case of 
 loss, actually get their money as soon as is promised by any other 
 Company. 
 
 To the Farmer and the Mechanic, this Company has become a 
 State Benevolent Association, in which, at a moderate cost, their 
 Homes and Shops may be insured against the ravages of Fire, with 
 a certainty that, if destroyed, they will receive the WHOLE 
 AMOUNT INSURED, without litigation, or unnecessary delay. 
 
 It has become the Insurance Company for the People of Illinois, 
 — annually saving large sums of money in the 8tate that would 
 otherwise be taken out by foreign Companies. With all these in- 
 ducements, who can now afford to remain uninsured in the Illinois 
 Mutual ? 
 
 BOARD OF DIRECTORS. 
 B. K. IIart. M. D.. Alton. I John Atwoop, Esq., Alton. 
 
 J. W. Schweppe. Esq., Alton. 
 Benjamin F. Long, M. D., Monticollo. 
 
 ELIfS IIlDBARD, Ehq., Alton. 
 
 no.v. Francis A. Hoffmann, Chicago. 
 Lewis Kei.lenberger, Eeq., Alton. 
 M. G. Atwood, Esq.. Alton. 
 
 Hon. Samuel Wade. Alton. 
 Hon. H. W. Billings. Alton. 
 .Tons James, M. D., Upper Alton. 
 Timotiit Turner, E«j.. Monticello. 
 Hon. Lyman Trumbull. Alton. 
 Hon. Robert Smith. Alton. 
 Henry Lea, E«q., Alton. 
 
 Benjamin F. Lono, President. I >f. O. Arwoop, Secretary. 
 
 L. Kelllnblrger, Treasurer. | Joun Atwood. A^istnnt Secretary. 
 
 JOHN BLAISDELL, General Agent. 
 A. C. Hankinson, Assistant General Agent. 
 
 Agrati li.ive been appointed in every County, mid io ill the principal Cities and 
 Town* m the State, to whom application f"i IiiMiranc may he made.
 
 ALTON COURIER 
 
 STEAM 
 
 100ft ana Job fjtmtrag #§«, 
 
 STATE STREET, OPPOSITE THIRD. 
 
 THE LARGEST A\D BEST 
 ESTABLISHMENT IX THE 
 WEST! 
 
 BOOKS, PERIODICALS, 
 
 )• VMl'III.ETS, 
 
 BILLS OF LADING, 
 CIRCULARS. 
 
 PO 8TER8, 
 
 Ami cvi rv description of 
 
 BLANK WORK, 
 Printed in a superior manner, 
 ;md in the shortest possible time. 
 
 TVi- rirenuw constantly running 
 three uf I!. Hoe & Co.'h justly 
 cMfbmtHd Cylinder Presses ; 
 also, one of GORDON'S 
 
 FIRE-FLY CARD PRESSES, 
 
 Which Feeds. Prints, Cuts, and 
 Counts its Cards at tlie Rate of 
 
 10,000 PER HOUR! 
 
 AT PHICE3 VARYING FROM 
 
 $1 25 to $7 50 
 
 PER THOUSAND. 
 
 All description 1 of 
 
 COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL BLANKS, 
 
 Constantly on hand and for sale. 
 
 Orders respectfully solicited, and promptly attended to.