L I E> R.APCY OF THE UN IVERSITY or ILLINOIS 911. i^B -rr HISTOKY OF MERCER COUNTY TOGETHER WITH BIOGRAPHICAL MATTER, STATISTICS, ETC. GATHERED FROM MATTER FURNISHED BY THE MERCER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INTERVIEWS WITH OLD SETTLERS, COUNTY, TOWNSHIP AND OTHER RECORDS, AND EXTRACTS FROM FILES OF PAPERS, PAMPHLETS, AND SUCH OTHER SOURCES AS HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE. CONTAINING ALSO A SHORT HISTOBY OF HENDERSON COUNTY. CHICAGO: H. H. HILL AND COMPANY, PUBLISHERS. 1882. Shepard & Johnston, Printebs. 140, 142, 144, 146 Monroe St., Chicago. Si LIST or PORTRAITS. i ^ William Drury, Vashti Drury, J. M. Emerson, Frederick Frick, B. C. Taliaferro, . William Gayle, . Daniel Mowry, Samuel Cabeen, . James Heaton, Dennis Murto, Richard Kiddoo, . James Vernon, John Glancey, Martin Bear, Mrs. Martin Bear, Jacob Bear, G. D. Miller, . George McPherren, Thomas Candor, 33 51 69 87 105 123 141 159 177 195 231 249 267 285 303 321 339 357 375 Dan W. Sedwick, . J. C. Cabeen, S. P. Cabeen, . John Seaton, William Retherford, Joseph Glancey, Daniel Jones, J. W. Kimel, LoRiMER Johnston, Harison Brown, Thomas Likely, John Lafferty, William Stuart, H. B. Frazier, • S. F. Everett, . Samuel Clark, A. J. Streeter, A. P. Petrie, 393 429 447 465 501 519 555 591 609 627 645 663 681 699 717 735 753 771 INDEX. Abington Township 512 Adams, John B 740 Additional Matter 820 Aledo, Merc-er Connty 539 Aledo Pubhc Schools 564 " Aledo Weekly Record," 552 Allen, John S ." 204 Aly ea, Thomas 99 Anderson, Joseph 505 Ansley, Dr. J. M 738 A Scrap of Ancient History 99 , Associate Reformed Branch, Suez Township 630 Attig, Nicholas 510 Baker, Dr. Jacob Russell 529 Banking in Keithsburg 152 Bassett, Isaac Newton 832 Bay, James E 293 Bear, Jacob 293 Bear, Martin 287 Bell, John 252 Bell, John 263 Bentley, James L 604 Beverlin, Thomas 293 Biographical — Abington Township 515 Duncan Township 498 Eliza Township 287 Greene Township 671 Keithsburg Township 118 Ohio Grove Township 444 Miller>burg Township 205 Mercer Township 583 New Boston Township 72 North Henderson Township . . 809 Perryton Township 324 Preemption Township 713 Richland Grove Township. . . . 737 Rivoli Township 763 Suez Township 634 Bishop, Edwin 289 Bissell, Ammi 690 Black Hawk War 23 Blue, George A 813 Boise, Milton S 618 Boone. George 248 Boone, Hopkins 059 Boone, Washington 607 Bopes, David 327 Borutf, Milton 506 Boyd, Joseph P 251 Boyd, Martin 597 Boyd, William C 259 Bradford, W. W 336 Brady, John, Jr 242 Brain, William 326 Bras, Charles W Ill Branch t, Jacob 247 Braucht, John 503 Breckenridge, Hugh 748 Breckenridge, William C 691 Brewer, Louis AValdo 527 Bridger, G. W 116 Bridger, Henry T 644 Bridger, James 742 Bridgford, Oliver A 241 Bridgford, W. A 238 Brooks, Isaac 782 Brown, Allen S 811 Brown, Benjamin F 809 Brown, Harrison 637 Brown, John H 451 Brown, Joshua H 643 Bi'own, Loami 622 Brown, Samuel 622 Brownlee, David S 650 Brownlee, James H 648 Brownlee, Willium C' 46] Briggs, William 723 Bristol, C. Beeeher 738 Bruington, George 648 Bruington, Gus (i43 Bullock, John Y 529 Burgett, Frederick P 1 54 Business of Aledo 548 Cabeen, Hon. Robert J 525 Cabeen, John W 445 Cabeen, Sanuiel 445 Cabeen, Samuel P 444 Cabeen, Thomas B 153 Cable, Ricbland Grove Township. 737 Calhoun. Henry G 180 Campbell, Alexander 2(»2 Campbell, Dr. James A (ilO Campbejl, INIatthew S 639 Campbell, Robert 647 Campbells, The 199 Cameron, Peter 725 Candor, ("apt. Daniel M 3:>4 Candor, Josiah 334 Candor, Thomas 446 Cannum, Mark ()03 8 INDEX. Carver, Jesse 720 Carver, Redding L 720 Castle, Edward M 504 Cemeteries of Ohio Grove Town- f^hip 443 Cemetery of Greene Township. - . . 668 Cemetery of Suez Township 632 Chidester, Nelson 745 Chidester, Sidney 100 Childs, Augustus B 823 Chowning, Dr. John P 264 Church, Beard 472 Churches of Aledo 575 Churches of Duncan Township. . . . 495 Churrhes of Millersburg 217 Chun hes of New Bo.ston 86 Churches of Rivoli Township 755 Clark, James G 739 Clark, Samuel 737 Clark, Sarah 737 Clarke, David Andrew 719 Clarke, G. R 20 Cofflan. :\rartin L 605 Cole, William Anderson 620 Coleman, John 780 Collins, J. H 510 Collins, William P 674 Commissioners' Record 56 Cook, Henrv C 188 Cool, George M 616 Cooper, David H 329 Cooper, Hamlet 329 Cooper, Levi 338 Company E, 9th Regiment 701 Company A and G, 13th Regiment 788 Companv I, 17th Regiment 730 Company C. 26th Infantry 7^03 Companv G, 27th Regiment 787 Company C, 36th Regiment 729 Company A, 37th Regiment 729 Company B, 6oth Regiment 853 Company D, 83d Regiment 794 Company D, 83d Regiment 854 Company G, 124th Regiment 794 Company G, 124th Regiment 856 Company B, 126th Regiment 795 Company B, 126th Regiment 858 Company F, 140th Regiment 796 Company F, 140th Regiment 859 Company C, 11th Cavalry 859 Company H, 11th Cavalry 860 Connell, James H 833 Connolly, William 722 Conway, Joseph 721 Corns, Warner 344 Cox. Richard 744 Crabs, George D 325 Cramer, R. S 112 Crane, J. H 244 Creighton, Samuel M 460 Crosby, Edwin T 680 Criswell, Dr. M 333 Cummins, Thomas S 190 Cullison, William B 778 Damp, Michael 341 David, Dr. E. B 619 Davison, D. A 260 Deets, Joseph 819 Denison Family 73 Denison, Henry W 92 Democratic Press in Aledo 554 Description of Mercer County 31 Detwiler, Charlds W 622 Detwiler, Lewis Cass 621 Dillev, John Webster 620 Dilley, William 458 Dingwell, John 647 Discoveries 17 Ditto, John W 522 Doak, Daniel F 174 Doak, William 345 Dool, John 262 Dool, Robert 343 Doughty, Lucien B 613 Doughty, Thomas L 103 Doughty, T. H Ill Douglass, Andrew J 517 . Downey, Joseph A 259 Downing, John 265 Drury, Coiirtney 94 Drury, Silas 289 Drury, William 93 Dryden, Gary 252 Duncan, Jonathan 454 Duncan Township 492 Dunlap, Isaac N 593 Dunn, Henry 498 Dunn, John 191 Dunn, J. M 336 Durston, Charles F 597 Durston, Samuel L 775 Durston, Sidney 774 Early Courts 820 Early History of Richland Grove Township 732 Early Settlement of Greene Town- ship 656 Earlv Settlement of Suez Town- ship 623 Early Settlements 45 Eckley, George 738 Edgar, Richard S 247 Education in Perryton Township. • 347 Edwards, Nicholas 590 Egbert, W. W 261 Eighty-fourth Reg. 111. Inf 363 Election — Ohio Grove Township. . 439 Eliza Township 269 Ellett, Benjamin D 172 Emerson, Dr. Edward Ij • ' 780 Emerson, James ^l 822 Emerson, Oliver P 175 Emerson, William S 179 Engle, Charles 741 Episcopal Church 711 Episodes — Greene Township 665 INDEX. 9 Epperly; William 499 Evangelical Lutheran Church 734 Evans, George M (541 Everett. Samuel F 719 Faran John 2.")5 Feather, James 480 Felix, M. F 017 Felton, Herchel 234 Felton, J. B 343 Fender, Jonas oUO Fires in Greene Township 602 First Settlers in Duncan Township 493 Fisk, H. W 338 Flehartv Family 802 Fleharty, Bennett E 809 Flehartv, Govert S 805 Fleharty, H. C 804 Flehartv, J. Q. A 804 Fleharty, Rev. J. J 805 Flehartv, S. F 805 Flehartv, Stephen W 803 Flehartv, S. W, Wm. D., Mary A., and William 806 Fleharty, William L 804 Fleming, Marshall 116 Florv, Moses K 675 Forsvth, Elijah 480 Foster. Robert 728 Frazier, Jesse V 071 Frazier, Hugh B 673 Frazier, j\Iiss Amanda E 354 Frew, AVilliam B 607 Frick, Clarence 192 Frick, Frederick 510 Fuller, Jefferson 234 Fuller, William 638 Garber, Leonard 507 Gardner, John C 088 Garrett, Richard 819 Garrett, William C 775 Gaunt, Jonathan 332 Gayle, William 128 Geiger, John 580 Geology of Greene Tow^nship 052 Gilmore, Edwin 241 Gilmore Familv 588 Gilmore, J. G.'. 326 Gilmore, J. M ' 244 Gilmore, Joseph C 511 Gingles, James 342 Gilbert, John G 088 Gillespie, William C 090 Gladman, William H 834 Glancey, John 292 Glancev, Joseph 515 Glover; Allen F 184 Goding, Joseph A 076 Gore, George 117 Gorman, James 337 Graham, James 459 Gniham, William F 639 Gray, George 336 Green Bower Nursery 669 Greene Township 652 Greenwood, Thomas J ()44 Greer, Minerva A 518 (iriflin Brothers' Tile Works, Rich- land Grove Township 734 GrifHu. John 695 Grifhth, Edward. 233 Gruwell, Benjamin F 174 (iuffy, Theodore 340 Gustin, Lemuel ■ ■ 479 Guthrie, Jacob 474 (luthrie, Robert 078 Habits and Customs of Pioneers.. . 36 Halstead, C. B 327 Hamilton, Robert 470 Hamlet, Perryton Township 317 Hammond, William 720 Hardin, Alvis. 190 Hardin, P>enjamin L 179 Harison, W. II 22 Harriott, Van R 676 Harroun, J. E 570 Hartman, Frederick 328 Harts(m, John L 108 Harvey, J. F 230 Hawkins, John J 188 Heaton, .tames 185 Heaton, William H 140 Helwig, John 203 Henderson, William 457 Henry, John 525 Henry, AVesley 521 Heriford, John 467 Hicks, Robert 725 Hindman, Daniel T 000 Historical Society 60 History of Henderson County 863 Hoaeland, Francis A 677 Hoisted, David M 193 Holister, Lee 325 Holmes, Louis D 615 Holmes, William Henry 000 Howe, Lucien B 240 Hoye, Rev. John F 021 Huffman, Henry 250 Humbert, Robert 191 Humes, Joseph H 813 Humi)hrey, John C 192 Indian Implements 29 I.O.O.F., Rivoli Township 701 Irvin, Dr. George 611 Ives, Gideon 1 1 1 Jackson, Isom 115 Jackson, Thomas J 115 Jenne, Lansing K 20-i Jewel, Zachariah 204 Johnston, Dr. D. R 015 Johnston, John Y 721 Johnston, John Y 722 Jol)nston, Lorimer 035 Johnston, M. H 814 Johnston, Peter W 816 Jolinston, Thomas L 722 10 IKDEX. Joueri, Daniel 747 Jones, Milton M o23 Jones, Orson 747 Jordan, Capt. John A 741 Keithsburi: Township 118 KeHogg, James -^-1 Kellogu, James A 477 Kellv, l^otter 724 Kendall, A 330 Kelly, S.imuel 199 Kennedy, Matthew K <)79 Kidd0 Retherfcrd, William '. 509 Reynolds, Gov 25 Reynolds, J. Warren 778 Reynolds, William D 188 Richey, Cornelius Springer 828 Richland Grove Township 732 Riddell, S. H 255 Riggs, H. M 238 Riggs, William H 229 Rivoli Township 742 Roads, Eliza Township 2S1 Robb, Thomas S 455 Roberts, Henry H 1 00 Robinson, George L. F 686 Rosenberry, Dr. James S 742 Rosenbum, Andrew J 777 Rubert, John 261 Russell, Sanu:el E ()89 Rural Places in Eliza Township. . . 282 Sapp, George B 203 Schools of Eliza Township 284 Schools of Greene Township 667 Schools of Keithsburg 144 Schools of Millersburg 228 12 IXDEX. Schools of New Boston 85 Schools of Preemption Township.. 713 Schools of Rivoli Township 749 Schrader, August 293 Scott, Notley 817 Scott, Siunuel 197 Scudder, Lyman H 114 Seastone, John 110 Seat of Justice, Mercer County. . . . 572 Seaton, Duncan 523 Seaton, John 459 Seaton, John J 524 Secret Societies of New Boston .... 89 Sedwick, Dan. W 634 Sedwick, George W 620 Sexton, John G 774 Sexton, Roswell C 694 Shafer, Aaron P 258 Sharer, Cliristian 468 Shaw, Clinton 776 Shearer, George A 634 Shearer, Nicholas 472 Sheese, Samuel 500 Sherer, A. A 254 Sheriff, Paul 173 Sherrard, David 739 Shevler, Dr. James H 726 Shields, William 291 Shingledecker, P. D 263 Shroyer, A. P " 786 Signor, George H 117 Simi)son, William H 640 Slocumb, C^harles G 203 Smith, Alfred H 337 Smith, D. C. C 467 Smith, George 727 Smith, Hugh 194 Smith, John B 693 Smith, Lucius E 698 Smith, Nathan P 784 Smith, Stephen 745 Smith, Warren L 697 Smith, William H. H 477 Societies of Aledo 581 Societies of Keithsburg 155 Soldiers of Eliza Township 282 Soldiers' Monument 837 Southern, Charles W 696 Speculators, Eliza Township 279 Spicer, Reuben H. Sr 763 Spicer, Thomas 638 Sprowi, Samuel 475 Steam Mill, (ireene Township 670 Steele, David A 246 Stephens, Prof. Alex 569 Stewart, William L 644 St. JoKeph Catholic Church 711 Stratton, J. D 254 Streeter, Hon. Alson J 769 Strong, Luke 616 Stuart, William 685 Suez PostotHce 626 Suez Township 623 Swafford, Jacob H. 99 Swartwout, Cornelius 331 Swezy, Jerome A 187 Talliaferro, Benjamin Coleman. . . . 830 Terrv, William 696 Thede, C. F 608 Thirtieth Regiment 791 Thornton, H. W 235 Thornton, J. D 245 Thompson, Benjamin F 621 Timber in Eliza Township 282 Townsley, Benjamin F 594 Townsley's Tile and Brick Factory 583 Tracy, Victoria CM 783 Tragedies in Keithsburg 162 Trask, Andrew 638 TurnbuU, Rev. Thomas B 617 Unangst, Jacob Wilson 605 United Brethren, Richland 734 United Presbyterians, Suez Town- ship 629 Valentine, William 257 Vance, James 524 Vance, William R 474 Vandalsem, W. C 335 Vatcr, George 503 Venable, Joseph 182 Vernon, Caleb 505 Vernon, James 239 Vetter, Michael 328 Villages of Millersburg 211 Village of Swedona 733 Viola, Greene Township 661 Viola Vinevard 6()8 Vdlkel, Fred 508 Wade, Josephus 176 Wait, F. G 330 Wait, Meigs 324 Walter, George 343 War Record of Greene Township. . 670 Watson, Abram 746 Webster, Hammond 458 Werts, George W 469 West End Creamer}', Millersburg. 583 White, Snowden K 605 Whitehall, Thomas 526 Whitham, Kenneth M 608 Whiting, George W 197 Whitsitt, John 715 Willits, Dr. T 97 Willits, Isaiah 171 Willits, Levi 583 Willits, Mary D 101 Willits, Milton L 96 Willits, Mrs. Sarah G 527 Willitt, Thomas 114 Wilitts, Thomas 254 Willits, Thomas T 836 AVillits, William M 523 Willis, J. M 621 Wilmerton, William 714 Wilson, David 741 Wilson, James McCormick 829 INDEX, 13 Wilson, William A 94 Winchester, W. A 526 Winders, William 596 Wirt, Martin 176 Wolf, George S 823 Wolfe, Jacob 181 Wood, J. W 246 Wood, W. A 345 Woodhams, T. G 786 Woods, Alexander M 608 Wordin, Charles C 599 Wright, George A 607 Wright, James C 596 Wycoff, J. P 192 York, Charles 240 Zentmire, Wilson P 257 PREFACE. In presenting the history of Mercer County to the public the editors and publishers have had in view the preservation of certain valuable historical facts and information which without concentrated effort would not have been obtained, but, with the passing away of the old pioneers, the failure of memory, and the loss of public records and private diaries, would soon have been lost. This locality being com- paratively new, we flatter ourselves that, with the zeal and industry displayed by our general and local historians, we have succeeded in rescuing from the fading years almost every scrap of history worthy of preservation. Doubtless the work is, in some respects, imperfect ; we do not present it as a model literary effort, but in that which goes to make up a valuable book of reference for the present reader and future historian, we assure our patrons that neither money nor time has been spared in the accomplishment of the work. Perhaps some errors will be found. With treacherous memories, personal, political and sectarian prejudices and preferences to contend against, it would be almost a miracle if no mistakes were made. We hope that even these defects, which may be found to exist, may be made available in so far as they may provoke discussion and call attention to corrections and additions necessary to perfect history. In this work we have been greatly aided by the officers and mem- bers of the Mercer County Historical Society, and to Messrs. Tyler McWhorter, I. N. Bassett, C. S. Richey, Graham Leq, and John Geiger, we are indebted not only -for valuable advice, but for articles on various topics that cannot but prove interesting and acceptable to our patrons. Messrs. L. B. Doughty, C. E. Shove, J. S. Fugate, J. V. Frazier, R. H. Spicer, Hopkins Boone, William Marsh, E. S. Ricker, 16 PREFACE. Dr. A. W. Hyde, E. Mathews, Miss Amanda Frazier, and many others, have placed Mercer County under lasting obligations for valuable matter rescued from the fading years. The biographical department contains the names and private sketches of nearly every person of importance in the county. A few persons, whose sketches we would be pleased to have presented, for various reasons refused or delayed furnishing us with the desired information, and in this matter only we feel that our work is incom- plete. However, in most of such cases we have obtained, in regard to the most important persons, some items, atid have woven them into the county or township sketches, so that, as we believe, we cannot be accused of negligence, partiality or prejudice. HISTORY OF Mercer and Henderson Counties. DISCOVERIES AND EXPLORATIONS. That our readers mav have a full understanding of the history of Mercer and Henderson counties, it will be necessary to take them back, not merely to the time of their earliest settlement by the whites, but a time far anterior to that. This part of the State of Illinois has at different periods been in the possession and under the dominion of various persons and powers, whose acts play an important part in the history of this section. Of course we fully realize that, to the present population, the present history will prove much more interesting than that which precedes, but as the foundation of the house is much less appreciated by the occupants and is yet one of its very important parts, so that part of history which forms the basis for what follows must necessarily be of the utmost value as a foundation or root on which to develop the complete work. Though but a little more than half a century has passed since the soil of this part of the Mississijtj^i valley was occupied and cultivated by white men, three times that length of time had elapsed since its first discovery. During that 150 years it was occupied by various tribes of Indians, and was under the dominion of several powerful governments, who contended for its possession with varying success, with but little aj^parent design of occupation other than for the purpose of trading with the original owners, in furs and such other natural products as they could easily gather, and their simple and indolent habits required. Indeed the fur trade seems to have been not only the chief object, but eventually to have led to the peo])ling of the country with those who added to the industiy of fur catching that of agriculture. The first white men to visit Illinois with a view of making extended explorations were Louis Joliet and Jacques Marquette, their travels in this state beginning in 1673. Joliet was born at Quebec in 1645, and educated for a priest of tlie 2 18 HISTORY OF JbfERCER AJSTD HENDERSON COUNTIES, Roman Catholic Church, but at the time of which we write had aban- doned his profession, and at the age of twenty-eight was engaged in the fur trade. Father JNIarquette was born in France in 1637. He was also a priest of the same church and of the order of Jesuits. It was with a view to promulgate the doctrines of Ms church that he left comparative comfort in his native country, crossed the Atlantic and braved the western wilderness, hundreds of miles beyond the boundaries of civili- zation, to convert the Indians to the faith he professed, in which, by his kindness, he made many enduring friendships. These t^'o men, with their several objects in view, set out from the Jesuit Mission on the Sti-ait of Mackinaw with five other French com- panions on their journey, May 17, 1763, their objective point being the Mississippi river, of which they had but a vague idea. Coasting along the northern shore of Lake Michigan, they reached Green Bay, on the west side of the lake, and the mouth of Fox river, in Wisconsin. Up this river they pushed their canoes as far as the depth of the water would pemiit. IIa\dng reached the head waters of the Fox, it was but a few miles to the waters of the "Wisconsin, which flows thence into the Mississippi. Across this stretch of prairie they carried their small boats and scanty outfits, and again launched them. On the 17th of June, just one month after their embarkation at the Mackinaw, they found theraseltes on the broad bosom of the Father of Waters (mean- ing of the Indian words composing the name Mississippi). Down the river they glided rapidly and easily, touching frequently at difterent points on either shore, and doubtless the soil of these counties was pressed, for the first time by white men, by the feet of Joliet and Mar- quette and their companions. On landing at one place their journal shows that they went ashore and remained several days with the natives. This could not have been far from this part of the river's course — probably near Rock Island on the west side. They were treated kindly by the Indians, and given all the supplies at their dis- posal for the further prosecution of their explorations. They continued tlieir course imtil they came near the mouth of the Arkansas river, where, finding Indians who showed some signs of hostility, they deemed it expedient to return. They now entered the mouth of the Illinois river, up which they toiled to Lake Michigan, whose western shore they followed to Green Bay, where they arrived the latter part of September. In this journey they had spent about four months and traveled nearly 3,000 miles. Joliet had accomplished his purpose of discovering a route to the great water thoroughfares and opening up friendly relations with the inhabitants along their shores, and Father DISCOVERIES AND EXPLORATIONS. 19 Marquette had made known the gospel to those with whom his brief visits brought him in contact. The formal occupation of the Mississippi and Illinois valleys was. accomplished in IBS**, in the name of the French, by Robert La Salle, who came, with about thirty followers, for the i)urpose of building forts on the Illinois river at different points, and establishing trading points with the natives in the name and for the benefit of the French govern- ment, which he represented. Even at this early date the English and French were disputing the rights of each other to the trade of these valleys, and this expedition was watched with suspicious eyes by the former. Not only so, but the enterprise which bid fair to be popular and profitable was jealously viewed by the order of Jesuits, who had been excluded from it, and their rivals of the Recollet order selected as spiritual counsel and companions. Of the last was father Hennepin, after whom, 150 years later, was named a town on the Illinois river. OwiTig to these, and unfaithful members of the expedition, ti'eacherous guides and hostile Indians, with many unforseen mishaps, the story of La Salle's travels sounds more like fiction than truth. Often, almost alone, he traveled for many days through the wilderness in the dead of winter and almost without a mouthful of food. His forts and trading posts were built and destroyed and rebuilt by turns, until at last, having formally taken possession of the country and traversed the Illinois river from Lake Michigan, the Kankakee to its junction therewith, and the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico, he was basely assassinated by his own followers in January, 1687. In taking possession of the country he gave it the name of his reigning monarch and called it Louisiana, so that what is now Mercer and Henderson counties and Illinois was once called by that name. Very much that would be interesting to the general reader concern- ing La Salle's voyages must necessarily be omitted, as our work has not so much to do with the State of Illinois and the great water-courses explored by him as with the locality under immediate consideration. Father Llennejnn, whose name has already been mentioned, made by La Salle's order an excursion from the mouth of the Illinois up the Mississippi as far as the Falls of St. Anthony, and may have touched at points bordering on this section. Henry Tonti, one of La Salle's companions, figures largely in the early explorations of this part of the country. He spent over twenty years in establishing posts and build- ing fortifications for their protection. Under his command was all of the territory from the Allegheny to the Rocky Mountains, and from the Gulf of Mexico as far north as imagination could carry. Although the French had, as noted, taken possession of this large 20 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. tract of country, it was not an undisijuted occupation. The English, having settled the Atlantic coast, were gradually pushing their settle- ments toward the west, and finding the fur trade a profitable soui-ee of revenue to individual enterprise and also to the government, disputed with the French who inhabited the shores of the great lakes, the right to the monopoly. To cany out then- plans it became necessary for either to enlist the Indians in their schemes, as from them they were to derive their profit. Accordingly, the natives of the Alleghenies and the Ohio valle}' were naturally arrayed against each other and many and bloody wars were the consequence. In the mother countries the French and English were engaged from time to time in combat, which naturally extended to the colonies of America, and thus were the strug- gles for the fur trade, which might otherwise have been confined to active comj^etition, transformed into long-continued and bloody conflict. These wars in history are termed the French and Indian wars, and lasted for a period of more than fifty years. At last, in 1763, at a ti'eaty between these nations, all that portion of the Mississippi valley east of the river was ceded to England, and thus for a time, imtil the war of the revolution, this section of country remained a province of Oreat Britain. The great struggle of the colonists, commencing in 1775 and ending with then- independence in 1783, though mostly confined to the shores of the Atlantic were not wholly so, for while a fierce conflict was going on at the east, the valleys of the Mississippi, Wabash and Ohio were receiving some attention from both the English and Americans. At the beginning of that war the whole northwest was in the possession of the British. Tlie brilliant achievements which wTested these beautiful valleys from English rule were brought about by Gen. George Rogers Clarke, of Virginia. He well understood the relations existing between the Indians and the mother country, and though the natives had been stirred up to jealousy by the rapid encroachments of white settlers upon their domain, he wisely judged that if the British posts and forts could be wrested from them, the subjugation of the Indians would be a com- jjaratively easy matter. Accordingly he applied to the authorities of Virginia for men and means for the accomplishing of the enterprise, and though they could at that time ill be spared, they were granted, and Clarke set out upon the undertaking. Though many hardships conse- quent upon hunger and fatigue had to be endured, the whole line of forts, including Kaskaskia, Cahokia and Vincennes, was taken with scarcely a show of resistance, the inhabitants of the posts aj^jjarently being desu-ous of coming under the new government. In February, 1777, DISCOVERIKS AND EXPLORATIONS. 21 Yincennes was taken, and tlins hostilities for this region, not only between tlie Americans and English, but for the time being between the Americans and Indians were terminated, and the possession of the northwest made secure. But for these brilliant strokes of Gen. Clarke it is hard to conceive what would have been the history of this part of the country. Possibly a union of all the tribes from Maine to Florida might have been effected, which in conjunction with foreign foes, though then somewhat discouraged, would have retained jDOSsession of the whole Mississipi)i valley even to this time. The close of the war of independence left this portion of the coimtry under the government of the United States, and as a part of Virginia. In 1778, the legislature of Virginia formed, from the ter- ritory under that dominion, all of the country now embraced in the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, AVisconsin and Michigan, the county of Illinois, so that what is now embraced in Mercer and Henderson counties was once a part of Virginia. Illinois continued a part of Virginia until March 1, 1784, when that state ceded it with all other territory north of the Ohio river to the United States. In 1787, the whole country under consideration was, by an ordinance passed by the government, set apart and named the Northwestern Ter- ritorv. After a while the terntory was divided into smaller territories, and what is now the state of Illinois fell into that portion called Indiana Territory as one of its counties, with its old name of 1778 — Illinois county. In 1809, the country now known as Illinois and Wisconsin was erected into a separate territory with the name of Illinois Territory. The population of this vast region was then only about half that of Mercer and somewhat less than Henderson county, being all told 9,000. Many of the oldest citizens of this region, but then residents of other states, doubtless remember, if not the event itself, many incidents of as early a date. Now there are 102 counties in the State of Illinois, few of which contain a smaller population than did both these great states only seventy-iive years ago, one of which has residing within its limits a population sixty times as great. At the time of which we write, the territory was divided into two counties — St. Clair and Randolph. Though the valley of the Mississippi was a part of the United States,^ and though it belonged to the government, it was occupied almost exclusively by the Indians, and they claimed it as their rightful possession in which to live and derive support, not from the culti\'ation of its soil, but from its natural products. In 1801 William Ilemy Harrison, authorized by the general government, made a treaty with 90 HISTORY OF ^tERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. the chiefs and head men of the Sac and Fox nations who were then the occupants of all this region, whereby all the country on both sides of the Mississippi and including all the country west of the Illinois, was given up to the government for purposes of settlement by the wliites. Out of this treatv, a number of years later, gi-ew what is known as the Black Hawk wai-. GENERAL HARRISON. In 1816 all that portion of the state between the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, and extending from the mouth of the latter about 170 miles north, and including the counties of which we now wi'ite, was surveyed by the government and subsequently set apart as bounties to soldiers of the regular anny who had served in the war with Great Britain, and which had just preceded the date just given. The whole tract contained 207 entire townships and several fractions. These land grants or bounties became a kind of currency in this part of the coun- try, and were used not only by actual settlers in making homes for themselves, but large numbers were bought by speculators for a trifling part of their face value. From misunderstandings as to their real value and of their validity, many claims were put in jeopardy, and much litigation in regard to the land titles in the parts of the counties •embraced by the military tract have been the result. "Wlioever has held successfully a disputed title in the Bounty lands, from bitter expe- rience has learaed the history of these land schemes and speculations better than any but the attorneys engaged in unravelling them can know or cai*e to learn. BLACK HAWK WAR. 23 In 1818 the territory now embraced in Illinois became a separate organization and was admitted into the Union as a State. As yet but fifteen counties had been formed in the state and all of these in the southern part. None had been formed in the military tract, nor indeed was there much necessity for such organizations, as there was scarcely a lamily permanently established. However, a few years later, Pike county, embracing all of the wilderness of Warren, Mercer, Henderson and a number of other counties, was organized. From and after the Black Hawk war, settlements were quite rapid west of the Illinois river, and new counties were accordingly as rapidly authorized. The army which went forward to suppress the uprising of the Indians under that chief in 1832 had much to do in settling the section between the mouth of the Illinois and Eock Island. It was then discovered by many of the soldiery that the warden of Illinois lay along that line of march. Many of them profited by their experience by themselves selecting homes in the section under consideration. Information sent by others to friends in the east and south brought many more, so that in 1825 the county of Warren, embracing all ot the territory now included in Warren and Henderson, and Mercer with its present limits, were formed and attached to Peoria for })olitical i)ur- poses. Subsequently, Warren county was organized and Mercer was attached to Warren for a few years. In 1835 Mercer was organized, and in 1841 Henderson with its present limits was cut oft' fi'om the west side of Warren and immediately organized. This then brings us to the consideration of the several counties as separate organizations, and as such we shall refer to them as separate items of historical interest. BLACK HAWK AVAR. Tliough this was not the battle-field of the Indian troubles, yet its proximity to the scenes of the stniggle makes the Black Hawk war a peculiarly interesting topic for consideration ; indeed this petition of the valley of the Mississippi was the home of the Indian. On its banks and those of the Edwards, Pope and Henderson rivers, and the smaller streams of the two counties, he built his wigwam, hunted game and fished in theu- waters. Tlds country was dear to him and for it, though not in it, he made his last desperate struggle. The rich mines of lead at and in the \'icinity of Galena had for some time been worked. That section, about fifteen miles square, had been bought by the government in 1804, and its occupation by the whites had been the source of some ill-feeling on the part of the Indians, which was resented by the whites. In 1825 or thereabouts real trouble be£:an to show itself and confiicts between the two races 24 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. were common. At this time the number of miners had increased to more than 1,500 and they were not always careful to avoid crossing- the Indian claims, nor were they always particular about holding sacred the rights of Indians to their property, or of shooting their game or stealing their ponies, and it finally came about that an Indian's scalp was considered as much of a trophy as was a white man's to an Indian. These gi-owing animosities hnally culminated in an attack by the "Winnebago Indians on the 30th of July, 1827, on two keel-boats which were passing up the Mississippi river with supplies for Fort Snelling. Several of the crew were killed and others wounded. The state gov- ernment being apprised of the outbreak ordered forward, to the tlireat- ened portion of the state, military to quell the hostiles. The whole countiy roundabout was in confusion and alarm, and settlers, throughout the northern part of the state fled to distant points where had been erected fortifications for safety. At Galena 3,000 people, men women and children from the surrounding country were gathered for protection. Several hundred men at Galena were armed and equipped, and in Sangamon and Morgan counties a regiment was foraied and sent foi*ward, but before they arrived the Indians had been driven far north and some of the leaders captured. Hardly had the excitement occasioned by this outbreak died out, however, until trouble began with the Sac and Fox tribes. Tlie leaders, and chiefs of these were Keokuk and Black Hawk, whose names have been perpetuated in different localities in this vicinity by places which bear their names. These men were not friends ; had they been, the war which was soon to follow might have been a much more serious affair than it proved. Keokuk was loyal to the government and con- trolled much the larger portion of the people, though they were anx- ious for war, and in accordance with the stipulations of a preceding treaty he with a majority of the two tribes remained on the west side of the Mississippi river. Black Hawk, however, claiming that the treaty alluded to was void, crossed the river with 300 warriors in the spring of 1831 with a view of occupying his former home near where the city of Kock Island now stands. Here had these people lived for more than a hundred years and this was the principal town of the Sac nation. According to one provision of the treaty the Indians had a. right to occupy the lands until wanted by the government for actual settlement, and though the Indians had been ordered to vacate them no actual settlers were very near — in all of Mercer and Henderson counties perhaps not more than five or six families, and in the whole county of Rock Island not one. However, in those times people liv- BLACK HAWK WAK. 25 ing witliin forty miles of each other were neighbors, and the two races could not well exist within twice the distance without encroaching on each other. Doubtless both parties were much to blame in bringing about this final conilict, and doubtless both were anxious that the iinal test should be made. It is not our province to discuss causes or details, but simply relate facts that seem to have a close connection with the territory whose history we set out to write. On the 30th of April, 1831, a petition signed by forty persons was sent to the executive of Illinois representing that the Indians had done much damage to their property, and that their lives and homes were in constant danger. John Reynolds was then Governor of Illinois and believing from this petition and other information received, that Black Hawk was determined to retain possession of the dis- puted territory to the detriment of tlie state, resolved to ex-pel him. He accordingly made a call for volunteers. In a vdry short time 700 militia were assembled at Beardstown on the Illinois river ready to take up the line of march toward the camp of Black Hawk. Before moving, however, Gen. Gaines, who was then stationed at St. Louis, passed up the river to Rock Island in command of a regiment of United States troops, with the hope of returning the Indians to the west side of the river without the necessity of calling upon the militia. The Indians were obstinate and refused to move, and according to previous arrangement the volunteers from Beards- town were advised to go forward, which they did with much enthu- siasm, their numbers having in the meantime been swelled to twice the original call. The brigade was accompanied by Governor Reynolds ; and Joseph Duncan, whose name appears on the records of Mercer and Henderson as a large land-holder in the early times of this section, was appointed brigadier-general. On the loth of June, this, the largest body of military that had ever been seen in the state, left their encampment at Rushville, just west of the Illinois river, and marched to within a few miles of the Sac village. This line of march took them directly through the centi'al part of Mercer county, and the exact route is still known and pointed out, it being on the old Indian trail (which was nearly on the Henderson and Warren county line) and extending through Mercer county northward between Aledo and Joy. When the Indians found that the government and state were in earnest, and that they were nearly surrounded with bristling bayonets and cannon, and were about to be cut off, they took the alarm, and the night before the intended attack escaped to the west side of the river. Doubtless their retreat was known and could have been cut off, but Gen. Gaines was "26 HISTORY OF >rERCER AXD HENDERSON COUNTIES. anxious that the aftair should end without bloodshed. The soldiery were somewhat disai)pointed, and in a spirit of revenge burned their town, though the wigwams and cabins were needed to i)roteet them- .selves from the rain which was falling incessantly. Thus bloodlessly terminated the campaign, but the war was not yet at an end. Black Hawk had promised to submit to the government of the country and to the counsel of the friendly chiefs, but he still had the defiant \vi\\ which ere long must needs break out in the act which did not terminate so favorably to him and his braves. During the fol- lowing winter he was busy inciting the Indians to hostility, and by spring had succeeded in raising a force of 500. His headquarters were at the site of old Fort Madison, just on the west side of the Mis- sissippi. From thence they proceeded up the river on horses, the women and childi'en in canoes, to a point just opposite the present town of Oquawka. Here they were met by White Cloud, the prophet, who, at a council held at the place named, advised them to go torward and cross the river, and that numerous other tribes would surely join them in a war against the whites. Accordingly the Indians crossed the Mississippi at Rock Island and ascended the Rock river to the ■country still occupied by the Winnebagos, near its source. Couriers were sent to warn them to return, but with no effect. The attitude of Black Hawk looked so alarming that the settlers of the whole of the north half of the state fled precipitately to the southern j^art and to the more thickly settled jjortions of Indiana. Governor Reynolds at once called for volunteers to meet at Beards- to^vn. About 2,000 men assembled upon this call, and on the 27th of April the army started on their march to Oquawka, whei'e they were joined by two companies from Shelby county. Here the army encamped for several days awaiting supplies and provisions, which were furnished them from Rock Island and St. Louis. As soon as they could be supplied, baggage wagons were loaded and all was got in readiness for a march to Dixon, where they had been informed the ■enemy was encamped. When the army was ready to start a letter was brought from Gen. Atkinson, who commanded several com})anies ■of the regular army at Fort Armstrong, that Black Hawk had descended the Rock river, and requesting tlie governor to march immediately with troops to Fort Armstrong. The army was then put in motion and moved to the mouth of Rock river, where they were received into the service of the United States, and Gen. Atkinson .assumed command. The volunteers now took up their course along Rock river toward Dixon, where they were joined a few days later by Gen. Atkinson and BLACK HAWK WAR. 27 tlie regulars. From this point ]\rajors Stillman and ]*>aik'v liad been detailed to protect the pioneer border, and having as yet seen l;ut little service they were anxious to go farther up the river to reconnoitre. Accordingly orders were given to proceed up the river for this purpose, and with nearly 300 men tliey advanced about thirty miles, where they captured a few Indians and pursued some others, who had tied, into the very ambush of Black Hawk, who with only about forty warriors put them to flight and killed several of them. The retreat was as inglorious as it was confusing ; ammunition, food, horses and wagons were left in the precipitate flight, and the fugitives did not stop running until they arrived at Dixon, in squads of from two or three to a dozen. The war was now fully inaugurated, and the next day the army started for the fleld of action. They found the ground strewn with their comrades in a horribly mutilated condition, with heads and limbs sundered from the bodies and hearts plucked out. The fragments were gathered together and buried in one common grave on the sjjot. The Indians had fled, well knomng that the fury of the whites would be fully aroused upon the discovery of the atrocious deeds. The Govermnent now sent Gen. Scott with 1,000 United States troops to superintend operations in the future campaigns. New levies of troops were made and sent forward by the State. On the 6th of June Black Hawk made an attack with about 150 warriors on the fort at Apple river, near (xalena. There were only twenty-five men in the fort, but they defended it witli desperation for fifteen hours, and the Indians were finally compelled to retire, the only damage sustained being the loss of one man, the burning of the houses of the village, and the destruction of other property. Other conflicts followed rapidly in succession between bands of Indians and detachments of American troops, but as the engagements did nf>t occur in the vicinity of the counties of which we wi'ite, we shall but mention them. The battle at Kellogg's Grove, and other conflicts in the northern portion of Illinois and the southern part of Wisconsin occurred during the months of June and July. At last, about the first of August, the Indians were completely hemmed in at a point on the Mississippi called Bad Axe, where they were driven into the river, many being killed and many others being drowned in the attempt to gain the opposite shore. The loss of the Indians was not far short of 300, and near 100 more were wounded and taken prisoners. The war \'irtually ended with the battle of Bad Axe, -and the further pursuit of the hostiles was not deemed necessary. Many of the names of those engaged in the war, such as Anderson, Turney, Ewing, Breese, Dement, Ford, Duncan, Dodge and Lincoln, 28 HISTORY OF >rERCER AND HENDERSON COrNTIES. afterward became noted in the history of the state and of the nation. Among the many who distinguished themselves, none made a more brilliant record than did Gen. James D. Henry, of Springfield, after whom has been named an adjoining county. A few weeks subsequent to the battle of Bad Axe, Black Hawk and the Prophet were captured by some friendly Indians and turned over to the United States authorities. They were held in custody for about one year, when they were set at liberty ; subsequently Black Hawk settled dowTi in Lee county, Iowa, for a short period, and then moved to the vicinity of the Des Moines, twenty miles above its mouth. In 1838 he contracted a disease which ended his life when he had attained the age of seventy-two years. Abraham Miller, formerly a resident of Mercer county, says, in a letter to the Historical Society of Mercer county, that he frequently saw Black Hawk after his expulsion from this section, in the neighborhood of New Boston, where, Mr. Miller says. Black Hawk's daughter lies buried. Quite a number of citizens of Mercer and Henderson counties yet survive who were per- sonally acquainted with this great chief, notably amongst whom is Colonel Patterson of Oquawka, whose intimacy with him and his his- tory we shall notice at length on a subsequent page. MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF THE INDIANS. The Indians inhabiting this portion of the state at the time of the advent of the white settler, and for many years previous, were the Sac and Fox nations, and consisted of the Ottawa, Ivickapoo, Chippewa, Shawnee, Mascoutin, Piankeshaw aud Pottawottamie tribes. They had obtained possession of this part of the State by conquest from other tribes who had lived here before the occupation by these nations. The Sacs and Foxes were at the beginning of the present century indeed but one nation in reality, intermarrying, li\nng, hunting and fighting together as an individual nation. As their history is so closely connected with this section, doubtless many of our younger readers, whose fathers and mothers and elderly fi'iends have recollec- tions reaching back to the closing scenes of the Indian's last years on the east side of the Mississippi and their final departure, will be inter- ested to read something relating to their modes of life. Before the arrival of the Europeans and their intercourse with them, their manners, implements of agriculture, hunting and war, were much more rude than after contact with the more enlightened whites. They were at first found in possession of the most simple utensils ; the fiint dart, of which many have been found along the timber lands of the streams, were the points for the arrows, which, shot from the bow, brought down the game which was their principal subsistence. The MANNERS AND CUSTOilS OF THE INDIANS. 29 "boys as soon as they were strong enough were given tliis instrument, and their education consisted in its use and the knowledge of the habits of the animals it was designed to destroy. This, too, was theu- instrument of warfare. For the difterent pur- poses different shajjed points were used. Some were fashioned with barbs at the base, so that the arrows ha%'ing entered the object would not be easily withdrawn, which, possibly were used for shooting fish ; some were made broad at the base, and were no doubt designed to make a large wound, and were perhaps used for the slaying of the larg-er animals and in war ; and vet others were e^-identlv intended for small game, and where it was not desirable to injure the flesh more than ^ absolutely necessary. Of these three principal varieties cuts are here given, but there were numerous modifications of these, as can be seen by reference to the collections in the possession of a number of persons 30 HISTORY OF MEKCEK AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. in this section. For knives and axes they also used iiint and granite stones fashioned into proper shapes. Mr. Tyler McWhorter has in his valuable and extensive cabinet Si very large number of these and other implements used by these people. These rude implements were, after the iur trade was established, gradually supei-seded by knives and guns procured fi-om the traders in exchange for furs, and many of the Indians soon became as skillful in the use of the rifle as the white men, and afterward made eftectual and savage use of it against the race by whom it had been supplied. However, when our fathers and grandfathers found these people here they were still anything but cultured in then* ways. Tlieir houses consisted of a few poles ten or fifteen feet in length, planted in the ground in circular form and approaching each other at the top, and covered with the skins of animals. In the winter the fire was kindled in the middle of the area inside and the smoke found its way out at the top, where an opening had been left. At this fire they cooked their food by roasting animaFs flesh held on the ends of sharp- ened sticks, and by baking cakes of meal that had been made by breaking the grains with stones on flat, heated stones. A common food was made by boiling the carcass of an animal ^vith kernels of corn and such vegetables as they could find. Abraham Miller, an early settler at the town of Millersburg, relates that he saw Black Hawk and a few of his friends regale themselves on a stew prepared from a polecat thrown into the kettle without any dressing whatever. Skins of ani- mals taken in the chase constituted their beds, and around the smoul- deiing embers of the camp-fire they smoked their pipes and recounted there the incidents of the chase or war, and slept the long winter nights upon these primitive couches. The business of the Indian was to kill game and spear fish, while that of the wife was to till the soil in summer, gather and chop the wood for the fires and do the drudgery for the simple household. Cleanliness was by no means essential to respectability, neither did the clothing nor the person of the Indian receive so many ablutions but that all these events in his life could be easily remembered. Marriage with them was not even a matter of form, unless it be considered in the light of a bargain and sale, for such it really was, ponies, and bear and deer skins being almost always given in exchange- for wives. In general they had but few children. The women were treated as slaves and were subject in consequence of exposure to many and severe attacks of sickness. The stories found in novels of the wooing of the dusky nuiiden by the noble waiTior or daring hunter, and of their tender attachment for DESCRIPTION, 31 their wives and children, are in tlie main very much overdrawn. A few rare exceptions are known. It is said tliat Bhick Hawk was a most devoted husband, and was, througliout his h)ng Hfe, true to hi* marital relations. The amusements of the Indians were the war dance, athletic sports, and the narration of their hunting and war experiences, but in none of these did the females take any part. Though filthy in their habits to the extreme they were nevertheless proud, and were fond of decorating their dirty bodies with paint, feathers, and such bits of ribbons and beads as they could obtain. After its introduction by the whites the Indians grew very fond of whisky, and drunkenness became much more common with them than with their pale brethren. Sometimes when a fresh supply of liquor was obtained, a whole band, with the exception of two or three, who- were required to remain sober for the puqjose of keeping the rest from murdering each other, would get on a grand big drunk, which would not end until the whisky was all gone or they got beyond the power of locomotion. DESCRIPTION. Mercer county lies on the northwestern border of the state and em- braces a little more than fifteen townships, or about 550 square miles. It is bounded on the north by Rock Island county, on the east by Henry and Knox, on the south by Warren and Henderson, and on the west by the middle of the Mississippi river. The fourth principal meridian passes along the eastern border, and it embraces townships 13, 14 and 15 north, and ranges 1, 2, 3, 4, and a part of 5 and 6 west. It is inter- sected fi'om the east to the west, through the northern portion, by Edwards river, which, near the western border, changes its course, and running in a southwesterly direction, empties into the Mississippi about a mUe and a half below New Boston. A few miles south of the Edwards is Pope creek, which passes through the county in the same direction, and enters the Mississippi at Keithsburg. In addition to these there are in the northwest, Eliza creek, which empties into Swan lake, and Camj) creek, a tributary of the Edwards. South of these is North Pope, a tributary of Pope creek, and in the southeast are North Henderson and Duck creeks. These, together with some smaller streams, farnish an abundant supply of water. A large portion of the county is prairie, while along the borders of the streams are the so-called barrens. The soil of the prairie is a deep black or chocolate colored loam, with a yellow or dark bro%vn clay subsoil. The soil of the barrens is similar to that of the prairie, only lighter colored and of 32 HISTORY OF SIEECER AJJD HENDERSON COUNTIES. less depth, while along the upper part of the slope it is of a light hrown or yellowish color, owing to the character of the subsoil, which comes near the surface. In some portions of the barrens there is but a thin covering of the soil, and in these places it is quite light colored. The most extensive allmdal deposit is along the Mississijipi bottom. This extends along the whole western border of the countj, with a varied width of from two to five miles. Of this, that portion which is situated on the northwest and extends as far south as New Boston, is much cut up by swamps, lakes and bays. Through a large j)ortion of these bottom lands there are one or more low ridges of sand. The soil of this sandy portion is of but little value, there being but few seasons when it is wet enough to produce. In other portions the soil is a deep black loam and very productive. [Narrow alluvial belts are also found along nearly all the water-courses, the soil of which is very dark colored, but more or less intermingled with sand and peb- bles. Coal of a good quality is found in various parts ; the veins are fi'om three to five feet thick. The mines furnish a large amount of good coal. The seam furnishing the largest portion of the coal of this county extends over most of the northeastern half of the county, but is most extensively mined in the townships of Greene, Rivoli, Rich- land Grove and Preemption. In the township sketches, devoted to these townships, will be found more extended notices of these mines. The soU of this county is well adapted to agricultural purposes, and is in nearly every part of the county productive of large crojjs of corn, oats and hay. Wheat is not much raised. Formerly, spring wheat was grown to a considerable extent, but of late 3T^ars its cultivation has greatly decreased. Recently, considerable attention has been given to producing winter wheat. The land along or near the water-courses, though of a lighter character, is valuable for the production of fruit. Nearly all the lands along the streams were formerly hea^ily timbered, but here the first settlers built their cabins, and in consequence of habits acquired in their eastern and southern homes, much of the orig- inal forest has disappeared. In the early times coal was not used for fuel ; indeed it was scarcely known to exist, and its value as a fuel was overlooked for a number of years. Fencing and house-building also required much timber, and so the once heavily timbered portions of the county now resemble much more than formerly the oi)en prairies which lie beside them. The kinds of timber most abundant are white, burr, black, red and laurel oak, red and white elm, blue and white ash, hickory, maple, wild cherry, and occasionally a black walnut. In the bottoms are also locust, sycamore, cottonwood, box alder, wild plum WILLIAM DRURY. A SCRAP OF ANCIENT HISTORY. 35 and crab-apple, and occasionally pecans and buckeyes. Grape Wnes and other climbers are abundant. In later years the hand of man has added many varieties of fruit and ornamental trees, which thrive apparently as though in their native soil. The osage orange grows well here, and many of the most tasty farms are now fenced with this shrub. The climate is rather cold for it, however, and its fruit scarcely ever comes to perfection. In the larger rivers, especially near their mouths, are abundant supplies of fish, and formerly in the timber along their banks were found many wild animals, such as deer, squirrels, raccoons, turkeys and chickens. The game has almost all vanished from before the face of the white man. The description of the county will be given more in detail in the several township sketches. A SCRAP OF ANCIENT HISTORY. The following, wi'itten nearly half a century ago, by a visitor to this section, will doubtless prove interesting to many readers. It is from Augustus Mitchell's description of Illinois in 1837. "Mercer county is situated in the northern part of the Military Bounty tract. It lies north of Warren, south of Eock Island, west of Henry, and east of Louisa and Musquitine counties, ^Wisconsin terri- tory, from which it is separated by the Mississippi river. The town of Mercer is located in the exact geogi*apliical center and wdtli the ex]Dres8 \dew of becoming the county seat of Mercer county. It is situated midway between Pope and Edwards rivers, wliich run through the county parallel to each other, and at this point are n<^t more than five miles apart. The site is healthy and elevated, com- manding a beautiful Aiew of the smTounding country, which is as rich and as well adapted to the culture of wheat, and indeed of all kinds of grain, as any in the state. The county is settling rapidly with a moral, industrious and enterjjrising population. The water-power afibrded by Pope and Edwards rivers is equal to that of any county in the state : a circumstance of much importance, not only for fur- nishing lumber for building, but for the erection of grain and flouring mills. There is one saw mill now in operation wdthin two and one- half miles of Mercer, and several others will be built the approaching season, also within a few miles of the town. The situation of Mercer admits of the convenient access to the timber, stone and stone coal of both Pope and Edwards rivers and their branches. Mercer is situa- ted about fourteen miles from New Boston, on the Mississippi, at which there is an excellent landing. It is also on the direct route from the *Now Iowa. 36 HISTORY OF MERCER AXD HENDERSON COrNTIES. latter place to Heiinepiu. and from Oquawka to Rock Island. New Boston, the seat of justice, is the only other town in the county, and is situated at the upper Yellow bank, just above Edwards river, nearly opposite the mouth of the Lower Iowa, a considerable stream of the Wisconsin territory. This place has a good landing and a fine harbor, and when the opix>site territory becomes settled it cannot fail to become a town of considerable impoitimce, as it will be the commercial entre- pot of a large extent of feitile covmtiy." HABITS AND CUSTOMS OF THE PIONEERS. Perhaps most of the grown people of this section have some knowl- edge, either by actual observation or fi-om the lips of the few worthy pioneers who still linger on the shores of time, of the eai'ly modes of life which obtained during most of tlie first quarter of a centmy of its historv. But the last original settler will soon have left us. and then these things, but for the historian's pen. would become but matters of tradition. Even now. amonsrst the voun^er class, the stories of the early hardships, tiials and triumphs of this worthy class of heroic men and women, are not so verv ftdlv realized, and in the neai* future an account of what were once considered **atilictions gi-ievous to be borne." will, without doubt, prove interesting reading to the gi-and- children of those whose voices will have been hushed, and whose weai-v bodies will have been lain awav in the soil thev first tm-ned to the sun. Hotc they came. — A single instance would almost answer for the history of the emigi-ation of all of the early settlefs to this section. We will give it in substance, though not exactly in the words of one who came to this connti'v in 1S3S : Far across the dense woodlands of Indiana, neai* where Ohio's broad watei"S roU onward to join the Mississippi in its com'se to the great ocean, among the gi-aceful forest trees, and gushing spi-ings and fertile fields of Oliio, rests in quiet beauty a shady liillside, a bright green valley, and a dancing water-brook. Xear the lane which passes this spot and crosses the little stream of water just beyond, may be seen a fine old farm house surroimded with towering elms and fronted with evergreens of difierent varieties. But not with this place, as it exists to-dav. has our narrative to do. True, the surroundmors have changed but little in half a century. The trees are much larger, and the house has been so metamorphosed that its former occu]»ant would not recognize it ; but the hillside and the brook, the valley and the forest, present the same appearance as when forty-odd years ago the scene which we are about to describe might have been witnessed. HABITS AN-D CUSTOMS OF THE PION-EEES. 37 It was no uncommon ocenrrence that was taking place Aere, but because of its being a usual circumstanc-e it becomes of the greater importance and is described the more minutely. To the parties c-on- cemed. h<:»wever. it was a matter of the greatest moment. The family who had for years occupied this place had caught a glimpse of the wonderful country in the Bounty tract, one of the number having the year before made a trip to the new State of Illinois and brought back glowing acti-ounts of the broad prairies, the fine belts of timber, the richness of the soiL the abundanc-e of game, and the many other real and fancied advantages to the emigrant bold enough to face the dan- gers and privatirins incident t«:> a pioneer life. The matter had been talked over for many months. The children talked it over and won- dered at the length of the j< :»umey. the exciting incidents of the trip, and the novel scenes that awaited them in their new home, little c-om- prehending the hardships to which they would be subjected. The mother and wife had said but little, but naturally shrank from the trial of leaving relatives, friends and home, and taking up her abode in the wilderness. She could scarcely rec-oncile herself to the life of priva- tion, and perhaps danger, that awaited her and those she loved. But the father argued that the little farm on which they lived, and rented by the year, but barely gave them a support : that the prospect, as much as he liked his neighb<:>rs, and much as he prized the social and other privileges, was very feeble for an independence. He was advanc- ing in years, and the children would soon arrive at manhc« :>d and wom- anhood with no prc> vision for old age for himself and wife, and with nothing for the young f«:>lks with which to begin life. And s<:» it was decided to remove to what seemed to be the land of prcimise. Acc«:»rdingly, their plans had been announced to their neighbors, a sale had been made of what they found to be superfluous articles, though f>erhaps with a view to realize a little ready money, with which to make a substantial start in their new location and to liquidate a few debts that had been contrac-ted at the stores, and all was ready for the journey. The wagon had been backed to the fi^^nt darts of the old world implements of agriculture have not changed nmcli in some thousands of years. Tlie 46 HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. pioneers of this county were used to a wooded country. Tliey were used to having stake and ridered fences ; houses and barns made of logs ; used to liaving large, blazing fires of wood in the large chimney place in the winter, and used to wasting large quantities of fine logs by burning in great heaps every year. So when they came here, with all these habits and predispositions, it must naturally have occurred to them that the supply of wood was limited and everyone sought for a good piece of timber, which should adjoin another piece of prairie, whether that prairie was of the best or not. So we find all of the first settlers hugging close to the water-courses upon whose banks grew the only reminder of their former southern or eastern homes. One need not in this respect be told the early history of any locality in the state. The same rule governed all over, and Mercer county waa no exception. Of course, navigation had something to do with settling the shores of such sti'eams as were large enough to allow the steamboat to ply back and forth upon its waters. Steamboats began running along the Mississippi in 1823, and to tliis circumstance, doubtless, we can trace very many of the first settlements in the valley. The vicin- ity of New Boston was permanently occu])ied first by paities who sup- plied the boats with wood, and this, indeed, was the very first settle- ment made by white men in the county. It was in the year 1827 that the Dennison family came to that point to supply the boats with fuel, and in the plat of the towTi of New Boston they as proprietors reserve the right to the monopoly of that trade, and of running a ferry. The Dennisons were a large and respectable family, who had come origi- nally from Lidiana, but had lived a year in Sangamon county. These were the first to make what is now embraced in Mercer county a permanent home. Through the influence of this family others came in, a year or two later, and settled in the immediate neighbor- hood. Indians were still plenty on this side of the river and some of them were quite unfriendly to the encroaching settler, though they endeavored to keep up a show of friendship with the government. This hostile disposition on the part of the Indians made it not only desirable, but imperative, that settlers should keep within a reasonable distance of each other, and of the river, and for this reason, more than any otlier, no settlements were made far up the Edwards or Pope rivers until after the Lidians had been removed in 1832. Among the earliest records of Warren county we find the names of parties who voted once or twice in this vicinity, but of whose identity all other trace seems to have been lost. Tlie earliest settler cannot now even remember the names. These were ])robably steamboat men, hunters or laborers, who possibly may have been here but a few days.. EARLY SETTLEMENT. 47 III those times the ballot was not guarded so closely but that a man could have deposited his ballot, even if he had not been in the precinct the prescribed number of days. The names of such cut no iigure in the history of the county, and need not be even repeated here. We have to do especially with those who came here to reside, to subdue the forest and the soil, to pro\ide for families who have since made themselves known and felt in the comnninity, who founded society and moulded opinions, and who, in a general way, have left their mark upon the county. They are yet kno\\ni, or if de])arted, they are remembered for their bravery, their endurance of hardshii)S, tlieir virtue and honor. Of such we desire to write, and of such we desire to peq^etuate the memories. The Dennison family came originally from Ohio, and lived a short time in Indiana. In 1826 they came to Sangamon county in this state and stayed about a year, and in the year above named came to the vicinity of New Boston. For two years the Dennisons and Shaunces, who at that time lived a few miles farther north, and the Vanatas at Keithsburgh, were almost the sole occupants of the county. In 1830 the census reports show Mercer county as ha^dng a population of only twenty-seven persons, and these nearly all belonged to the two families named. In 1831 the Indian troubles began, and did not end until the fall of 1832, and of course no additions were made during that time, nor indeed for a year or so after, when confidence in the peaceful solu- tion of the troubles was fully restored. The year 1834 brought a number of settlers, not only to the Den- nison neighborhood, but to other portions of the county. In the spring of the year named, several persons fi*om Indiana came in and took claims, planted sod com, and went back in the fall and brought out their families. Among those worthy of record were Joseph Glancey, Wm. Dniry, William, Newton J, and Joshua Willits, Isaac Drury, Joseph, Jolm S. and Lewis Noble. Several of the names mentioned will be found in future pages with extensive and numerous notices, as they proved to be valuable acquisi- tions to the then new but growing community. Jesse Willits was after- ward first probate judge, with his appointment from the governor. His name appears on the poll book as the first man to deposit a ballot, after the county was organized in 1835. Silas Drury was the first sherifi", and Isaac Drury was one of the first county commissioners. Other prominent settlers in the west end of the county (and then con- sidered in reality the same neighborhood), were Jolm Long, first school commissioner, Wm. L Ne^'ius, Eli Reynold's, a physician, and Isaac Dawson, a carpenter. 48 inSTORY OF MERCER AND HEKDERSON COUNTIES. In the meantime a new and distinct settlement was forming, some ten miles np the Edwards river, at a point then and for years aftei*ward known as the Sngar Grove settlement, and after the organization of the county, called the Sugar Grove precinct. A large family, consisting of four brothers, John, Isaac, George and Abraham Miller, wath several rel- atives and friends, settled at tliis point in 1834, completely surrounding the grove. The Miller family was originally from Crab Orcliard, Tennessee, whence they had removed to near Crawfordsville, Indiana, in about 1820. From that place several members of the family came on here, in the latter part of April, 1834, bringing Avith them several yoke of oxen and some agricultural im]>lements, for the pui-pose of making claims and of planting sod corn. AH but Abraham Miller, Junior (son of George Miller), and his wdfe and wife's sister, returned to Indiana and came out subsequently. Abraham Miller, Jun., proved to be a man oint and the Rock ri\-ci-, nor for many miles to the east, and but one family on the south, between that and Monmouth. The next spring (183(1) Rev. John Montgomery, a Presbyterian minister, and James ORGANIZATION OF MERCER CONUTY. 49 Boone, came out t'roni Pennsvlvania and located in the Ricliland neiirh- borliood. (-rabriel Barklev, Rev* Joseph Jones, a Baptist minister, and C. IMiller, came the same year from Indiana and settled in the vicinity of Farlow's Grove. Thus have we traced the main settlements of the Edwards valley, from the mouth of that river to near the eastern line of the county. In the same way the banks of Po])e creek were being occupied, but not quite so rapidly, nor were the neighborhoods quite so distinct, but were considered somewhat as branches of the three principal settle- ments named. Up the North ITenderson, from the vicinity of Oquawka, the pioneer was gradually extending his domain, until the banks of these streams were lined on either side, where grew the native forests, with the pioneer's cabins and the pioneer's patches of corn and other crops. As the settlements grew older and more populous they gradually divided in interest, and centers began to form at points which at the first were considered as being in the same neighborhood, and thus two or more new neighborhoods were by common consent, and by conven- ience, formed from one. Keithsburg and Eliza, on the west side of the county, separated their interests from ]Vew Boston. Ohio Grove, farther up the Pope, and North ITenderson, became more dis- tinct and held less close relations with Sugar Grove or the Miller neighb