-
■
■
. *
:
|
■ ■ imm i |
||||
|
*";• |
■ i |
|||
|
.' |
||||
|
1 ft ft JTtfl |
||||
|
• *. - . «; ,.- ' |
• \ ■ |
|||
|
;, :> |
||||
|
. |
||||
|
-m W |
||||
|
- . - " . • ■ , |
- |
. :*'\'.. ! |
||
|
• |
- |
|||
|
-9 3 |
;v; ■'... : |
. |
.:• :;' |
|
\\ |
||||
|
• -~-v |
-> ~- . yj , |
ItU! |
||
|
1 -•p**'" |
^ »>r **•> |
|||
|
\.^^W |
. |
|||
|
-."'■; . i *' |
•»v. |
• |
r. |
|
|
■? > |
- |
..- |
||
|
1 |
||||
|
\ |
||||
|
I |
-
::
-
-
..
*,
.
REMINISCENCES
OF
BUREAU COUNTY.
IN TWO PARTS,
WITH ILL U STRA TIOKS By N. MATSON.
PRINCETON, II,LIM>ls:
REPUBLIC \n BOOK \N1> JOB OFFICE
IS .
4-
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
4 5 9 8 0 5 A
A6T0R, LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
r 1929 *•
Entered according to an act of Congress in the year JN72, by
N*. M A T S O N ,
In the Clerk's office of the District Court of the United States, in and for Northern District of Illinois.
• • ■> •
• • . . . • » . .
INTRODUCTION TO PART FIRST.
The writer ot the following story came to Bureau soon after the settlement had been commenced, and experienced some of the inconveniences common to the settlement of a new country. At that time, the prairies of this county were in a state of nature, without roads, fields, or dwellings, a part of which had aot yet been surveyed. The only marks of civilization to be seen were a few log cabins, built here and there in tin- edge of the timber, and throughout the county there was Sv a Bchool, or meeting house: aot one
-in- 1 road, nor one stream bridged. Indian trails
were still t<> ho seen, and traveled buth by whites and Indians.
The writer was well acquainted with the first settlers, and from them much of this Btory was obtained. Be I o had frequent interviews wifh Indians, who had Bpenl their youthful days on Bureau, and from them many important facta were gathered.
There are Borne incidents narrated in this story, which were unknown to the early settlers, but the most of
theiu were well known, and will be confirmed by persons still living. Efforts were made to harmonize the early traditions of this county, as well as the state- ments of Indians, with well established facts, and with a few exceptions it has been successful.
In historical sketches, discrepancies in narratives will occasionally appear, which must necessarily be supplied by inference of the writer, and this story is not an exception to the rule.
Neither monev nor emulation induced the writer to offer these pages to the public ; the necessarily limited circulation would prevent the former, and the criticisms common to local publications the latter. But another motive more laudable in its nature, and more useful in its effects, caused this work to appear, that is the great desire to preserve the early history of the county. The testimony of many of the early settlers, who are now in their graves, as well as of Indians that have long since passed away, was alone in possession of the writer, and justice required that it should be given to the public.
The labors of the writer may not at present be appreciated, but the time will come when these facts, although crudely expressed, will be regarded of great importance, forming as they do the connecting link of history between the past, present and future.
N. M.
Princeton, March, 1872.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Pagk. The Missionary and the Outlaw — The Indian Feast — Black Hawk's Appeal to the Pottawatamie Warriors — Speech of Senachwine — Senachwine's Death and Burial — Visit to hi?
Grave 15
CHAPTER II. American Fur Company — Mike Girty, the Outlaw — The In- dian Village — Gen. Cass in Council 85
( HAPTER III. Bureau Comity in a State of Nature — Pioneers — Religion
Among the Pioneers '■>''>
CHAPTER IV. Rev. James Sample Preaching to Sinners — Th< Parson Turns Jockey — Job May, the Hunter, ami his Beautiful
D iter— Misfortune of Old Blind Bob W
CHAPTER V. Thoma Hartzell, the Indian Trader — Conspiracy to Murder the st ttlers — Tin- Murderers Detected, and the Lives of the
Saved, 44
CHAPTER VI. An old Land Mark— Murder of Simmons— The Disputed Claim, 49
CHAPTER VII.
A Search for a Lead Mine — Patrick O'Lear and his Wonderful Revelation — False Alarm and Flight of the Settlers — Pat O'Lear Killed, Scalped, but conies to Life Again — Escape of Dave Jones and Family, 58
CHAPTER VIII. The Great Indian Council — Indians Leave Bureau — Indians at the Graves of their Fathers, tffi
CHAPTER IX.
Dad Joe — Frightened by the Indians — Indians Approach the Grove — The Lone Traveler — Approach of Stillman's Army — Camp Attacked — A Joke of Capt. Hackleton, . .74
CHAPTER X.
Commencement of Hostilities — Flight of the Settlers — Lieut. Jones' Wonderful Account of Stillman's Defeat, . . 82
CHAPTER XI. Rev. James Sample and Wife — Flight and Capture — The Ex- ecution, ... 98
CHAPTER XII.
Bui bona — The Fair Maiden and her Two Lovers — The Wed- ding— The Wedding; Dinner — Four Travelers Arrive — The Dance and Tragedy , .104
CHAPTER XIII.
Military Forces Organized — Fort Thomas — Scare at Hennepin and Search for Indians — Fort Wilburn and Ayres' Black- smith Shop, 11^
CHAPTER XIV.
Explanation — Shaubena — Adventure of Shaubena at Chicago, 124
CHAPTER XV.
Indian Creek Settlement — Indians Leave Bureau — The Massa- cre— Fifteen Persons Killed and Two Girls Captured — Sheriff Walker's Two Indian Prisoners, .... 133
CHAPTER XVI. Captivity of Sylvia and Rachel Hall, 146
CHAPTER XVII.
Girty's Band Visit Fox River Settlement — Adam Paine, the Missionary — Murder of Rev. Adam Paine, .... 154
CHAPTER XVIII.
Bearer of the Governor's Dispatch — Girty and His Band Re- turn to Bureau — Indians on a Scout — Flight of General Atkinson's Party, 162
CHAPTER XIX.
Boyd's Grove — Organizing the Militia — Arrival of the Potato Birgade — Peculiarities of Old Ben — The Attack and Re- pulse— Failure of an Indian Raid, 172
CHAPTER XX.
Settlers Return to Look After Their Cattle— Phillips Killed, and Ament's Cabin Attacked — Flight of the Indians and Pursuit by the Rangers. 184
CHAPTER XXI. Gen. Scott's Army Passes Through Bureau County — The Captive's Return — Retribution, 196
CHAPTER XXII. Girty's Arrival at Princeton — Two Great, Paper Cities — The
Lust of Girty, . 200
( ontentfl of Pari Second. See Page 811
ILLUSTRATIONS.
Page.
Portrait of Michael Kitterman, - - 57
Flight of Settlers, 87
Execution of Sample and Wife, - 101
Portrait of Shaubena, - - 127
Flight of Gen. Atkinson, - - - 167
Killing of Phillips, - - - 187
Girty's Arrival at Princeton, - - 201
Portrait of John H. Bryant, - - 213
" " Abram Stratton, - 255
" " William Hoskins, - - 285
" " Sylvester Brigham, - - 305
" Cyrus Langworthy, - - 337
Eli Smith, - 359
Joel Doolittle, - - 377
James G. Forristall, - 389
a u u
a
CHAPTER I.
THE MISSIONARY AND THE OUTLAW.
On the morning of the 25th of June, 1830, two men were seen riding across the prairie between East and Main Bureau, one of whom was a large, portly man. with a high forehead, black, piercing eyes, and win black beard hung in waving clusters over his breast. This man was Adam Paine, a missionary among the Indians, who was well known by many of the early settlers of the northwest. The appearance of his trav- eling companion was the opposite in almost every particular, being a Luge, bmad-shouldered, heavy-fi ' man, with high check bones, a Hat pug DOSe, black
eagle like eyes, ami whose general appearance indicated a low savage character. The reader will recognize in this description Mike Girty, a half-breed Indian, ami an outlaw. The travelers, at the time we introdu them, were returning from a tour among the India on tin- Kankakee river— Paine a- a preacher, and Girt j
a> an interpreter — and they were DOW <>n their way I
16 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
Bureau creek to attend an Indian feast. After having swam their horses across the Illinois river, they were slowly pursuing their way across the prairie, and over the very spot the city of Princeton now stands. Instead of a populous town, surrounded by well cultivated farms, with fine buildings and thriving orchards, as we now see it, forty years ago it was in a state of nature, where the deer and the wolf roamed undisturbed by human habitation. No whistling of steam engines, clattering of machinery, nor musical notes of school or church bells were then heard in this wild region. The beautiful rolling prairie at that time, covered with flowers of every hue, extending to the northeast as far as the eye could reach ; while to the southwest, the view was obstructed by a large grove of timber, not yet dis- figured by the woodman's axe.
THE INDIAN FEAST.
On Main Bureau creek, near the mouth of Epperson's run, were collected a large body of Indians for the purpose of holding their annual feast, and to attend this feast our travelers were bound. A number of chiefs from a distance were here; among them were Black Hawk, Senachwine, Shaubena, Waba, and many other distinguished chiefs and warriors from the sur- rounding tribes. The principal object this large dele- gation of chiefs and warriors had in attending this
THE INDIAN FEAST. 17
feast, was to unite the different tribes of the west in a war against the whites. This union was intended by them to he inaugurated under religious influences, and thereby cause the warriors to believe that they were acting in accordance with the will of the Great Spirit. The Indians had killed a number of their favorite dogs, and roasted them whole, on which they were feasting. In the midst of their encampment, an altar was erected. on which were burning sacrifices, that had been offered up to the Great Spirit to appease his wrath, and thereby insure their success in war, hunting, fishing, etc. Skin>. war implements, and various kinds of trinkets were burned on the altar while the Indians danced around it,
lingatthetop of their voices. A number of priesl dressed in long robes, faces powdered, and their head ornamented with turkey feathers, were directing I
[ercises. With uplifted hands, and their eyes turned heavenwards, they invoked the blessing of the Great Spirit on the assembled multitude. Many of the Indian.- were dressed bo as to represent different kinds of animal.— some in the skin of a deer with large hoi - on their heads, .-landing out in bold relict': others in a -kin of a dog, or wolf, running about on all fours, with
their aose to the ground, tail dragging behind, and howling iu imitation of the animal they represented; many of the Indians had painted their faces in rep
itatioii of the BUU, moon and BtaTS, and the place t!
cupied in the performance was in accordance with
their idea- of tin- Bolar By stem. Their religious
18 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
cises consisted principally in lond demonstrations of joy and grief; sometimes running around a circle on their hands and knees, jumping up and down, clapping their hands together, while their whoops and yells could be heard for miles away.*
When the Indians had completed their feast, and the ceremonies connected with their religious exercises, Paine mounted a log and preached to them the words of life, while Girty stood by him interpreting his sermon to the Indians. Paine, with that energy and zeal pe- culiar to him, explained to his hearers the many errors of their heathen religion, and the great importance of embracing Christianity. Those who have heard Paine preach will recollect his peculiar manner of address, with his body erect, hands uplifted, voice toned to its highest key ; his features gleaming with enthusiasm, while his thick, coal black beard extended down to his waist, giving to him a very impressive, as well as rever- ential appearance. He explained to his hearers the principles of the Christian religion, which enjoined on all its votaries peace and good will to all mankind ; admonishing them never again to make war on their white brethren ; that war was wicked, the work of the devil, and would result in their ruin. Many of the Indians were converted under his preaching, and de- clared their intention of giving up the religion of their
* For an account of this Indian feast the writer is indebted to Peter Demott, an old pioneer hunter, who was an eye-witness to these strange performances.
BLACK HAWK'S APPEAL. 19
fathers for that of Christianity. A number of warriors in the audience said that they would forever bury the tomahawk, and no longer be under the control of wicked chiefs who were trying to lead them astray.
BLACK HAWK'S APPEAL TO THE POTTAWATAMIE WAR- RIORS.
The main object of Black Hawk in attending this feast, was to induce the Pottawatamies to join him in a war of extermination against the frontier settlers of the northwest. Many of the chiefs had already pledged themselves to his support, and the scheme was fast gaining favor with the warriors. While Paine was preaching, Black Hawk sat on the ground in front of him, watching the effect of his word.- upon the warriors. But when he found that the eloquence of the speaker was about to ruin his cause, lie sprang to his i\>vt in a terrible rage, and waving his tomahawk over hi> bead. he denounced Paine as an enemy of the red man, bi> religion as coming from the evi] one, and only fit for white men and squaws. He appealed t<> the warriors for the Bake of their fathers to Btand by him in his grand scheme for exterminating the white-, and thereby Bustain the honor of their race. I d this appeal he said : "The white- have already ordered me and my people away from our beautiful home at Rock [aland, com- pelling us to give up our wigwams, cornfields, and
20 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
hunting grounds, and leave the graves of our fathers to be plowed over by our enemies. The land which the Great Spirit gave unto our fathers as a pos- session for themselves and their children forever, is now about to be taken from us. We are compelled to leave our country, the haunts of our youth, with its big rivers, beautiful green prairies, its shady groves, and go away into a strange land, leaving all that is dear unto us in the possession of the conquerors. And before many moons you too will have to leave your homes and seek a refuge beyond the ' Father of Waters.' Already the whites are building wigwams among you, and the sound of their axe is heard cutting down the forest to scare away the deer. Soon the game will leave — your trails will be fenced up, and you will be driven from the land of your fathers. Therefore rise in your might, tomahawk the intruders — cut the throats of their squaws and little ones, so that in future no pale face will settle among you."
SPEECH OF SENACHWINE.
Seated on the ground in front of Black Hawk, and listening to his speech, was an Indian stricken in years, but whose countenance, at the remarks of the last speaker, became flushed with excitement, and for the time being showed some of the vigor of youth. For more than fifty years the voice of this Indian had been heard in council, and by his wisdom and goodness lie
SPEECH OF SEN ATCH WINE. 21
had long since been styled the father of his people. He had acquired great celebrity throughout the west, and his fine oratory had eulogies from writers, both in pro.se and poetry. This Indian was Senachwine, the principal chief of the Pottawatamies. At the conclusion of Black Hawk's speech, he rose to his feet, his face glowing with enthusiasm, while around his massive brow, and blowing to and fro by the wind, were long lock.- of hair whitened by the snows of eighty-six winters. Throwing his blanket from his shoulders, and straightening himself up to his full height, he said : " For more than seventy years I have hunted in this grove and fished in this stream, and for as many year- I have worshipped on this ground. Through these groves, and over these prairies in pursuit of game, our fathers have roamed, and by them this land was left unto us an heritage forever. No <>ne is more attached to their home than myself, and no one among you is so grieved to leave it. But the time is near at hand, when the red men of the forest will have to leave the land of their nativity, and tind a home towards the Betting Bun. The white man of the east, whose numbers are like the sand of the sea, will ov< run and take possession of this country. They will build wigwams and villages all over the land, and their domain will extend from Bea to Bea, In my boyhood days I have chased the buffalo across the prairies, and hunted elk in the grove; but whore are they now? Long since they have lefl us; the near approach of the white man ha red them away. The deer and the
22 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
turkey will go next, and with them, the sons of the forest. Resistance to the aggression of the whites is useless ; war is wicked and must result in our ruin. Therefore let us submit to our fate, return not evil for evil, as this would offend the Great Spirit and bring ruin upon us. The time is near at hand when our race will be extinct, and nothing left to show to the world that we ever did exist. As for myself I have no re- flections for the past, nor have I any misgivings for the future ; my race is nigh run, and soon I will be gathered .to my fathers. My bones will be laid away in that beautiful green knoll, which overlooks the valley of Senachwine, and my spirit will go to that happy hunting ground, where my fathers before me have gone. Our white friend (Paine) has been telling us of a Savior who died to save the world. Of this Savior I know nothing ; but this I do know, the monitor within my breast has taught me the will of the Great Spirit, and now tells me that good Indians will be rewarded, and bad ones punished. My friends do not listen to the words of Black Hawk, for he is trying to lead you astray. Do not imbrue your hands in human blood ; for such is the work of the evil one, and will only bring retribution upon your own heads.'1 At the conclusion of Senach- wine's speech, the warriors with loud acclamations, declared their intention of following his advice, and remain at peace with their white neighbors. By this speech Black Hawk's cause was ruined, and when he found the Pottawatamies would not join his
SENACHWINES'S DEATH AND BURIAL. 23
standard he leit for his home, when the feast broke up.
senachwine's death and burial.
About one year after the events above narrated, as Senachwine was returning from a neighboring village where lie had been spending a few days, as he came cantering his pony into his own village, old and young ran out to meet him, and welcome his return. But as he raised his hand to address them, he fell to the ground, and expired almost instantly. To his people it was like the falling of a mighty oak in the stillness of the forest. All mourned his death as that of a father, for long since lie had been regarded as the benefactor of their tribe. His three wives, with his numerous children and grand children, painted their faces black, and accompanied by the whole village, with loud wailing, followed his remain- to its long resting place. According to Senach- wine's request, he was buried on the bluff overlook; the village and valley of Senachwine, and for many
are afterwards Indian.- from a distance made an annual pilgrimage to the grave of the sainted dead. The fol- lowing lines are supposed t>> represent Senachwine's lasl farewell to his beloved people, as lie departed for the spirit land :
Senachwine vUl nreU as the stream,
Has echoed my name :i^ sounded in my dream : in Beard] of deer across i be prairies I bave strayed, \ n- 1 rested my limbs beneath the cottonwood sha
urewel] ye loved haunts, and you, i"" each B My i. [ leavi pou while sadlj [go;
m> bod] they will bury '>n yonder green bill, m> iplrll : bee si 111.
24 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
VISIT TO SENACHWINE'S GRAVE.
In passing down the valley of Senachwine a short distance below the county line, a curve in the bluff may be seen, and below which is spread out to the view a small fertile plain, or bottom prairie, now under a high state of cultivation. On this little plain, by the side of a small creek, whose rippling waters are heard as they glide onward to Senachwine lake, once stood the village of Senachwine. High above the plain, overlooking the valley and surrounding country, is a beautiful green knoll, shaded by a few outspreading oaks, beneath whose boughs is still to be seen the grave of Senach- wine.
" He sleeps beneath the spreading shade Where woods and wild savannas meet. Where sloping hills around have made A quiet valley, green and sweet." — Bryant.
A few years ago, as I stood by the side of Senach- wine's grave, while taking a view of the valley and surrounding country, I thought how well the old chief's prophecy had been fulfilled. The puffing of steam- boats on the river, and the rattling of cars on the railroad, as well as the tine farm.- and farm buildings in the surroundings, all go to show a different age from that in which Senachwine lived. The same bluffs and valleys over which he roamed, while in pursuit of game*
AMERICAN FUR COMPANY. 25
.-till remain, and the same stream where he used to fish continues to run as in former days. But not a vestige of Senach wine's village remains, nor is there one thing left to mark the spot where he lived, or show to the world that he or his people ever did exi>t. While these old land marks have all passed away, and are almost forgotten, the memory of Senaehwine remains, and by many held sacred. For it is now quite evident that it was through his friendship for the whites, and in counseling his people to remain at peace, that many of the early settlers of this county owe the pre- servation of their lives.
CHAPTER II.
AMERICAN FUR COMPANY.
On the east side of the river, a short distance below the mouth of Bureau creek, was standing in the fall of 1821, a double log cabin, which belonged to the Amer- ican Fur company, and occupied by its agent, Gerdon S. Hubbard.* Close bv stood two other cabins, which were built by the Fur company. In one of these lived Rix Robinson, a Connecticut Yankee, and in the other the well known Bulbona. Both of these men had married squaws, and raised a large family of half-breed children. Some years afterwards, Bulbona established a trading house at Bulbona Grove, where he conducted business on his own footing. A farther account of him will be given in a subsecpient chapter. Robinson and Bulbona were not settlers, but employees of the Fur
*In 1818 Mr. Hubbard, then a boy of sixteen years of age, came to this country, and was employed as a clerk at this trading post. He hunted on Bureau, and traded with the Indians on Green river, ten years before a white person had settled here. Mr. Hubbard was one of the Commissioners to locate the canal, and he is now living in Chicago. To him the writer is indebted for many of the incidents related in this story.
MIKE GIRTY, THE OUTLAW. Li
company, whose trading posts were found along the principal rivers of the northwest. A few years previ- ous to the time of which we write, Antoine Deschamp-. a Frenchman, of Fort Clark (now Peoria), while acting as general agent of this company, established trading posts, at short intervals, along the river between St. Louis and Chicago. The goods to supply these posts were brought up the river in bateaux: and furs, pelts, &c. returned in a like manner. At that time there was no permanent settlement north of Springfield, and the whole northern part of the State was without white peopli . e . • ept the trading post above alluded to. G-erden S. Hubbard, in conversation with the writer. said in passing down the river from the trading post, near the mouth of Bureau creek, he did not see a white person, except those engaged in the fur trade, until he came within eighteen miles of St. Louis.
MIKK UIIJTY. THE OUTLAW.
Aja Mike Girty figures somewhat extensively in our story, it maybeof interest to the reader to know some thing of his history. Mike is said to have been the son of Si ii im i Girty, a well known and notorious outlaw, who, in the year 1 780, escaped from justice in Western
Pennsylvania, and found refuge a ng the Indian.- in
Ohio. Among the [ndians Girty exercised greal influ- ence, and l)v liini they were induced to make war on
28 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
the frontier settlements. At different times he led a party of warriors against defenceless settlers on the Ohio river. Even his former place of residence was visited in one of these raids, and some of his former neighbors carried off prisoners to be burned at the stake. Col. Crawford, when a prisoner among the In- dians, and bound to a tree, beseeched Girty to shoot him, and thus save him from the torture of the flames. But Girty only laughed at his sufferings, and with the Indians, danced around their victim, while he was being consumed by the flames. Xot only Col. Crawford, but many others of the earlv settlers, on the Ohio river, fell victims through this outlaw. For many years the name of Girty was a terror to border settlers; and persons are still living, whose parents were sacrificed by this white savage.
Mike Girty, the subject of our sketch, was born of a squaw, and his early life was spent among the Indians, in the wilds of Ohio. On arriving at manhood, he left his Indian friends, for a home among the whites on the Muskingum river, near Zanesville. But the influence of civilization did not change his savage nature, for soon afterwards he committed a cold-blooded murder, and fled his country to escape punishment. In the fall of 1821, Girty came to this country, and for some time afterwards was employed as an interpreter by the agent of the Fur company. Soon after coming here he married a squaw, and raised a number of sons, one of whom the writer met a few years ago in the city of
THE INDIAN VILLAGE. 29
Washington, being there on business for his tribe, who now live in Western Kansas. Although the name of Girtv was unknown to the earlv settlers, vet inanv of them knew him bv sight, under a different name, and they will recollect depredations committed by him, without ever suspecting the author.
THE INDIAN VILLi^GE.
On the present site of Tiskilwa was located an Indian village, called by the natives Wappe, but known among the whites by the name of Indiantown. This village
ntained some three hundred wigwams, or lodge.-, and at some seasons of the year, about fifteen hundred inhabitant.-. The lodges were constructed of bark or reeds, with an opening in the south, and a hole in the top, to let nut the smoke. Street.-, or alley-, were dis
regarded, as the lodges were built close together, and on both Bides of the Bpring branch, which run.- imme- diately west of the Tiskilwa hous< On a little green knoll, by the creek hank, ami between the depot and Stevens1 mill, was Located their council house, and b\ side of which was their dance -round. In the bottom prairies above and below the village, was locati their cornfield. These corn fields consisted of small patcl need in by drivin :ks into the ground,
and tying on poles with hark or withes to prevenl the ponies from destroying their crop. In the fall the\
30 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
would gather and dry their corn, and bury it in the caches (caves in the ground), where it would be safe for future use ; after which a large portion of the Indians would leave the village, and scatter all over the country, some along Bureau timber and Illinois river, others on Green river, for the purpose of hunting and procuring furs.
The principal chief of the village was known by the name of Autuckee, and the next in authority under him was called Meommuse. Both of these chiefs were well known to many of the early settlers. Such was the condition of things at Wappe, or Indiantown, when Girty became one of its inhabitants. Understanding well the English language, he acted as interpreter of the band in many of their transactions with the Indian traders. For a number of years, Girty tried to gain the confidence of the Indians, so that he might become a leader among them, the same as his father had been among those of Ohio. But in this he did not succeed, being regarded by them as a treacherous half-breed, and unworthy of their confidence.
GENERAL CASS IN COUNCIL.
In the spring of 1827, an effort was made to unite the different tribes of the West in a war against the whites. The trouble originated among the Winne- bagoes, but disaffection had extended to other tribes,
GENERAL CASS IN COUNCIL. 31
and they, too, commenced preparing for war. Councils were held at different places, and the --moke of signal fires were seen to ascend from every village throughout the country. In order r<> pacify them. Gen. Cass, who was at that time general Indian ag or the north-
west, descended th< Mississippi river, in a keel bo and ascended the Illinois river, in a bateau, as far the month of Bureau creek, at the trading post of the American Fur company. he remained a r
da riding out runner- to the Indian rill _ r<>
notify their principal chiefs to meet him in couni ( >■ e of the runners came to Indiantown, and its chiefs, withma : -war- including Girty, attended the
council. TL - held on the river hank, n
the* mouth of Crow creek, on the 21st day of Jn wa >er of the Pottawa
chii Gi . in hi iech to the chiefs, proinis
them, in beha timenl plian< i ad
of all their demands, iding they would remain at
pea re also made by many of tin- clii<
declarin eir willingness to i:- i \ c up their allian with tin W'imich continue their |>e.
rel i the •anient. lip
• ween the chiefs and ( ren. < Jass, which pres< ong them. A,
imcil, Gi inter] chiefs, and for t i rvice I I . ( him a -if
medal, i [' friendship. 1
B
82 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
by a buckskin cord around his neck, was carried by Grirty until the day of his death.
Twenty-eight years after this event, the great Michi- gander stated, while in conversation with the writer, that the Indian council on the Illinois river, was to him the most agreeable of any that he had held in the west. He spoke of Senachwine, Shaubena, Waba, Wabonsie, and others. The names of the two former, he said, were signed to the great Indian treaty of St. Louis, in 1816, whereby the Indian title to all the military tract was relinquished. Gen. Cass also spoke of the personal appearance of Senachwine ; of his fine oratory ; pleas- ing address, &c, but said much of his speech was lost to him on account of his interpreter having only an imperfect knowledge of the Pottawatamie tongue. This defect, he said, was remedied in the speeches of other chiefs, by having them interpreted by a half- breed.
This half-breed spoken of by Gen. Cass is supposed to have been Mike Girtv, the outlaw.
CHAPTER III.
»
BUREAU COUNTY IN A STATE OF NATURE.
At the time our Btory commences, the territory which [g now embraced within the limits of Bureau, as well ae the adjacent counties, was in a state of nature. Scarcely a house or cultivated field could be seen Oil those western prairies. Roving bands of Indians were the occupants of the country, and over which roamed undisturbed by the marks of civilization, herds of deer and pack- of wolves. Different localities through* tin- countrv* were only known by streams, groves, or points of timber, and these localities were unconnected hv roads. Bave here and there an Indian trail. The country, in a Btate of nature, presented a wild, romantic appearance, without a house or field, or ;m\ eviden • of civilization on which the eye could rest. The prairies, during the summer, were covered with flow* of even hue. presenting a beauty of landscape seldom met with at the present day. Here and there
34 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
were seen groves of timber, which acted as landmarks to guide the traveler in his rambles across the great -aval inns of the west. The water in the streams was clear as crystal; at all seasons of the year ; no plow- man had yet broken the sod to muddy their fair current. Almost ever day deer were seen feeding on the prairies, and the gobbling of wild turkeys Was heard in the groves. At night the howling of wolves and the shrill notes of the catamount would remind a person that he was among the wilds of the west, tar from the abode of civilization.
PIONEERS.
Two years before, Henry Thomas, the first >ettler of this county, had built a cabin on the Galena road, and on the west side of West Bureau timber. The same spring John L. Ament. and brothers, >ettled at Red Oak Grove. A year or two later, Dad Joe, (Joseph Smith), settled at Dad Joe Grove: Charles Boyd, at Boyd's Grove, and Elijah Epperson a short distance north of the present site of Princeton. About this time Amos Leonard, Daniel Dimmick, John Hall, and Tim- othy Perkins, settled in the east part of the county. John M. Gay, Ezekiel Thomas, and Abram Stratton, between the Bureaus, and William Hall at Dimmici Grove, his cabin being located on the present site of La Moille. Subsequently, others came in. many of
PIONEERS. 35
whom built their cabins in the timber by the side of -j>rin Most of the early settlers were poor, possess
ing nothing but their teams and their scanty household furniture; being pioneers, or adventurers, who had left the land of their nativity for a home among the savages of the we<t. For some years they lived in constant fear of the Indians, not knowing at what moment thev would be attacked and murdered by them. In times the greatest danger, some carried their guns with them while at work in the field, and would leave their cabins at night to sleep in the grove, in order to avoid being surprised by savages. At different time.- the settlers were compelled to leave their homes and >eek refuge in forts, or settlements further south, leaving crops to be destroyed, and their horses and cattle t<> run wild on the prairie. Such was the appearance of the country at the time our story commences, and bucIi were the character of the persons who figure in it.
RELIGION AJfONG THE PIONEERS.
Many of the pioneers were professors of religion, two whom, Elijah Epperson and grandfather Hall. w\ preachers of the gospel, h wascommon inthosedayn for missionaries from different denominations to make \'\-(- recursions through the new settlements, hold
ing meetings, and establishing societies. I »ut no churcli
«
wa persevering in their efforts, and would carry ou1
36 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
their plans with so much energy, as the Methodist. It lias frequently been said, in regard to the settlements of the west, as soon as a squatter builds a cabin in any of the unsettled groves, the next day he was sure to be called upon by a Methodist preacher, in search of a place to hold meetings. And it was not uncommon in those days for them to have appointments forty or fifty miles apart, traveling back and forth on horseback, and carrying in their saddle-bags a pocket bible, hymn book, and a change of linen. These pioneer ministers preached free salvation, almost without money and without price. At their own expense, they traveled from settlement to settlement, proclaiming the gospel to all those who were willing to hear. Sometimes on foot, at other times on horseback, they traveled through a thinly settled country, frequently swimming streams, sleeping in the open air. and suffering from cold and hunger, at a time when a paid ministry could not be sustained. Among the Methodist ministers of note in those days, were the Revs. Jesse "Walker, John St. Clair, Rufus Lumery, Stephen R. Begg, William Royal and A. E. Phelps. These men possessed talent and energy, and did much in shaping the destiny of the church in Northern Illinois. Their lives, too, were models of piety and energy, worthy of imitation at the present day.
CHAPTER IV.
REV. JAMES SAMPLE PREACHING TO SINNERS.
There was a man by the name of James Sample, who preached a number of times in Hall's settlement, a! id was known by many of the early settlers. He was a young man of preposessing appearance, being tall and Blim, with a pleasing countenance, and good address; but in intellect and education he was sadly deficient. His sermons had no connection with his text, but con- sisted of a disconnected exhortation, which was always delivered on a high key: holloing at the top of his voire, and clapping his hands and stamping his feet in a furious manner. lie would always take bis stand by tin- side of a do«»r, or window, and commence his sermon on a low kr\ : but as be advanced, be would become en- thusiastic, retreating backwards, always in bad order, into one corner of the room, among the pots and kettle.-, : and on one occasion be upset the dinner-pot, to the ereal annoyance of tin- lady of the bouse.
38 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
Sample was not a regular ordained minister, but was operating on his own footing, and, according to his own
Ltement, he was especially called by the Almighty to reprove sinners of the errors of their ways, and warn them to flee from the wrath to come. Sample lived on the east side of the Illinois river, and as there was no ferry in those days, it became necessary for him to swim his horse across it, to meet his appointments. In ah his sermons, he would allude to the fact of his havi
ivcd his life, by swimming the river, in order to warn sinners of the errors of their ways, and point out to them the waj salvation. Meetings were held at the bouse of John Hall, and were attended by almost every person in the settlement. Everybody was captiva with the preaching of Young Sample: his earnest manner of presenting the subject, would frequently cause the women to shout, and the men to respond by loud acclamations of joy.
THE PARSON TURNS HORSE JOCKEY.
Mr. Hall had a beautiful horse, which he had broughl with him from the east, and on account of his good qualities, man d tried in vain to buy him. Sample had noticed this horse on his first visit to Hall's, and as the sequel shows, he thought more of cheating him out of the horse than he did about the conversion of sinners. Sample tried various plans to get possession
THE PARSON TURNS HORSE JOCKEY. 39
of this horse, but all to no purpose. Notwithstanding Hall was a great admirer of brother Sample, believing him to be a model of righteousness and piety, and was willing to serve him in almost every way, with the exception of parting with his favorite horse. Sample, to accomplish his ends, thought it best to use a little strategy, and thereby approach Hall in an unguarded moment. In his travels he bought, for a mere trifle. an old, broken-down, worthless horse, but which was at the time fat and sleek, being put in order for the pur- pose of cheating some person. This horse he brought over to Hall's at hie m-xt appointment to preach, saying that he had bought him of brother Aaron Paine, at an exhorbitant price, and would warrant him sound in vYvry particular. Although Hall was a shrewd man. and a good judge of a horse, the great confidence which he had in Sample's integrity threw him off' hie guard, and he exchanged his favorite horse for the worthless • ■lie. But on the next day he discovered the cheat, ae
1/
the horse proved to be both balky, blind and Bpavined, besides being afflicted with almost everj malady that horse flesh is heir t<>. Hall was in a terrible rage when he discovered the cheat, denouncing the minister
- an impostor, and a ra.-cal -saying thai thifi tiunfi
action showed to him the depravity of human nature,
and had almost destroyed his confidence in the honesty
•
of mankind. In quoting scripture on this point, he referred \>> a passage applicable to this case. Solomon
in hi.- wisdom hae laid "There is <>in' honest woman
c
4U REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
among a thousand, but an honest man cannot be found in all the multitude of Israel." Sample preached no more in the Hall settlement, and his trumpet voice, in warning sinners to repent, and flee the wrath to come. was never again heard on the west side of the river.
JOE MAY. THE HTNTER. AND HIS BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER.
On the river bluffs, above the mouth of Bureau creek. lived a man by the name of Job Ma v. who was well known by some of the early settlers. May was an easy, good-natured fellow, disliking work, but had a great fondness for hunting. Each morning, [Rip Van Winkle like], he would take his rifle, and accompanied by his dog, cross the river in a canoe, and spend the day in hunting through the bottom or along Bureau creek. Mrs. May, his wife, was an intelligent, high- spirited woman, and used every means in her power to make her home comfortable, notwithstanding the shift - lessness of her husband. Their eldest daughter, Lucy, was at this time about sixteen years of age, a girl of remarkable beauty and intelligence. She was tall and graceful in her movements, with fair skin, and finely moulded features, while her long black hair hung in ringlets over her shoulders, giving to her a queenly appearance. Lucy was regarded the belle of the settle- ment, and she had many suitors, all of whom she treated with indifference. The Rev. Mr. Sample, in his ministerial excursions, made the acquaintance of Lucy
JOB MAY THE HUNTER. 41
May, and as a matter of course, tell in love with her. Mounted as he was on a fine horse, the one he cheated Hall out of. and his tall manly form set eft' in a new suit of clothes, lie was not long in captivating the heart of the young maiden. Sample's visits to May's house were of frequent occurrence, and these visits were much appreciated by the mother and daughter, hut May himself did not approve of them. Being an unbeliever in the Christian religion, and taking but little stock in preachers, he tried to prevent his daughter receiving the addresses of Sample. But Mrs. May, being the head of the family, doing all the thinking for herself and husband, would have things her own way. Matters continued in this wise for >ome months. May, dressed in his suit of buckskin and his coon cap. with the tail hanging down behind, (looking for all the world like Davy Crockett), would each day take his gun and dog for a hunt in the woods ; sometimes bringing home a deer or wild turkey as the result of his labor. Mrs, May and daughter would apply themselves to house- hold duties, in providing food and raiment for the family, and was always certain to have everything in tine order to receive the Rev. Mr. Sample at the time of hie weekly visil
May's cabin was built on tin- side of the river bluff, the Bite of which was partly made 03 an excavation
into the bank, SO that the root' on the upper side wa>
elevated but little above the ground. The fire-pl was about -i\ t'eet wide, composed of earthern-jams.
42 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
The chimney, equally large, built of mud and sticks. did not extend above the ground, never having been topped out, so that the cabin looked more like a bank stable than a dwelling. On one of Sample's visits to May's house, he introduced the subject of religion, and proposed to have prayers in the family; but May was in a bad humor, having that day met with poor success in hunting, and said to Sample, until he returned Hall's hurse, his prayers would not be acceptable. After the family had retired for the night, all sleeping in one room, as there was but one apartment in the house, Sample and Lucy sat chatting before the open fire, which had now burned down to a few coals, when an incident occurred which startled the lovers, awoke the family, and frightened the household almost out of their senses.
THE MISFORTUNE OF OLD BLIND BOB.
Some time before, a neighbor had given May's boys an old blind horse, which was worn out and worthless. The little boys were much pleased with their present, and during the summer months they would ride old blind Bob after the cows. But winter was now coming on, and the grass getting bad, old Bob had become poor and weak, and while searching around the house for something to satisfy his hunger, pitched headlong down the chimney into the fire. The old horse, on landing in the fire-place, commenced snorting and floundering
MISFORTUNE OF OLD BLIND BOB. 43
about at a terrible rate, throwing the hot ashes and coals all over the room. The women screamed with all their might, the children cried, and all of May's doubts about there being a devil were now removed, for here he was, sure enough. Old Bob soon extricated himself from the coals and hot ashes, and with his hair badly singed on one shoulder, was led limping out of the door. A short time after the adventure of old blind Bob, Sample and Lucy were married, and their honey- moon had scarcely passed away, when they met with a tragical end, an account of which will be given in a subsequent chapter.
CHAPTER V.
THOMAS HARTZELL, THE INDIAN TRADER.
In the fall of 1828, Thomas Hartzell, an Indian trader from Pennsylvania, came to this country, and built a trading house on the river bank, a short distance below that of the Fur Company. In this house was held the first County Commissioner's session, as well as the Circuit Court of Putnam count v. Mr. Hartzell was a very successful trader ; being popular with the Indians, he extended his trade into other localities. He built a trading house at Devil's Grove, and one at Trading House Grove, which were conducted by agents, and by his energy he took a large share of trade away from the Fur Company. There being no ferry at that time, goods were taken across the river in a canoe, while the horses were made to swim across. When on the west side of the river, the goods were loaded on the horses backs to be carried to their destination, and the furs and skins returned in like manner. Mr. Hartzell. by his trade, accumulated a large fortune, and on retiring
INDIAN CONSPIRACY. 45
from business, he moved to Waukegan, where he died a few years ago, at an advanced age.
CONSPIRACY TO MURDER THE SETTLERS.
In the year 1831, Amos Leonard built a cabin, and also a mill, on the creek, a few miles below Indiantown. and about the same time Michael Kitterman made a claim, where he now lives, built a cabin, and occupied it with his family. Robert Clark, with a large family of children, occupied a cabin on Bureau bottom, three miles above the Indian village. The same year Dave Jones, who afterwards became notorious, both among the whites and Indians, built a cabin on the present site of Tiskilwa, and close to the Indian village. "With the three former settlers, the Indians lived in perf harmony, but between them and the latter a bad feeling existed. Jones liked whisky, and hated Indians, and he was not backward in making his likes and dislikes known. He had brought with him into the country a breechy yoke of cattle, which were in the habit of breaking into the Indians' cornfields. Although their pole fences were sufficient to keep out their ponies, it was no barrier to Jones' breechv cattle. Girtv was one of the sulV> from the depredations of Jones' cattle, and therefore went to work to be avenged. Jonee and Girty mei one day at Bartzell's trading house, and the former being under the influence of whisky, was de termined to fight. Jonee Btruck Girtv with his fist,
46 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
and in return, Girty knocked Jones down with the breech of his gun, making a severe wound on his head, and leaving him for dead. Girty's enmity was not only against Jones, but against all the settlers, whom he regarded as trespassers on Indians' rights, and, in accordance with his savage nature, believed it his duty to rid the country of them. He was joined in his mur- derous designs by twenty warriors, who were as depraved as himself. With them he entered into a conspiracy to murder all the whites within their reach, and thus rid the neighborhood of intruders. Their plan was to go to each house in the dead hour of the night, kill all the inmates, allowing none to escape to give the alarm, and then set the house on fire. To carry out their plans successfully, Girty visited each house of his intended victims, under the pretext of selling some skins; but his real object was to examine the doors of the cabins and means of defense. Must of the settlers were un- prepared to make any defense, having only a clapboard door to their cabins, and in some instances a bed-quilt supplied its place. But at the cabin of Elijah Epperson he found things very different. Bv the side of the house he saw heavy split puncheons for the purpose of bar- ricading the door at night, and on the inside of the cabin, hanging on pegs drove into the wall, were three or four rifles, and about the premises were as many young men capable of using them. Seeing these preparations for resistance caused Girty to leave the Epperson family out of his list of intended victims, and
CONSPIRATORS DISCOVERED. 47
as he was a great coward himself, nothing could induce him to hazard bis own life. The murderers were very sly in maturing their plans, not letting any other Indians know anything about them. Their intentions were to kill the families, and make people believe that the murders had been committed by a band of Sao and Foxes, from Rock Island, who had been threat- ening a raid on the settlers. The time had come, and everything was ready for the attack. The warriors, armed with their rifles, tomahawks, and scalping knives, were only waiting for the settlers to retire for the night, when thev would commence their work of horror. But an incident occurred which defeated their plans, and thereby saved the lives of their intended victims.
THE MURDERERS DETECTED, AND THE LIVES OF THE
SETTLERS SAVED.
On the night in question, Thomas Hartzell, on re- turning from the Winnebago swamps with four horses loaded with skins, stopped at the village t«> transact some business, after which be continued on bis journey homewards. In company with Hartzell, was a young half-breed, by the name of Holdav, who had been for some time in bi- employ. This young half-breed bad a Bweetheart in the village, and called to see her ae be passed through, and in conversation t<»M her that !h<-\ did not intend t<» go home that night, owing to the difficulty of Bwimming their horses across tin- river
D
48 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
after dark, as it was then about sundown, but should stay all night at the cabin of Amos Leonard, which was on their way. It so happened that the father of Holday's sweetheart was one of Girty's conspirators; and a short time after Hartzell and the young half-breed had left, she overheard him in conversation with others of the gang, talking about killing the settlers. Knowing that Hartzell and her lover must fall victims to their savage barbarity, the young squaw ran with all haste to the principal chief, Autuckee, and told him what she had heard. Autuckee had no sympathy with the settlers, regarding them as intruders, and would like to have their throats cut, but knowing that the rash acts of G-irty and his followers would only bring vengeance on himself and friends, thought it best to prevent it. He collected a number of his faithful warriors, and with them went to Girty's lodge, where they found him prepared for war, his face painted, and his tomahawk and scalping knife secured in his belt. Girty, finding himself betrayed, did not deny his murderous intentions, but justified himself on the ground that the welfare of the Indians required the expulsion of the settlers. The chief, Autuckee, gave orders for Girty and two of his companions in crime to be bound hand and foot, and kept in confinement for two moons. Thus the expe- dition was broken up, and thereby the lives of the settlers saved.
CHAPTER VI.
AN OLD LAND MARK.
Everybody has noticed the little round grove, south of the Princeton Court House, where Mrs. Cyrus Bryant now reside-. This beautiful little grove, occu- pying, as it doe>. a slight eminence, and isolated from the main timber, was a noted land mark in the early settlement of the county, being everywhere known as Round Point. The tine rolling prairie, lying to the north and east, at that time unobstructed by houses and farms, presented a beauty of landscape scenery seldom met with in any other section of the country. Bv the side of Round Point once passed an Indian trail, which had been traveled for ages by warriors and hunters; and the firs1 wagon track ever made on the Princeton prairie led to it. Tn 1831, when the settlers on Bureau were fleeing from the country t<» escape the tomahawk and
ilping knife of the savages, they halted al Round Point, and senl t\\<> of their number to confer with Shaubena in relation to remaining Longer at their homes.
50 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
There is a history connected with this little grove, which may not be without interest to the reader, and therefore will be given, without note or comment. In the spring of 1830, a man from Ohio, by the name of Henry Simmons, came to this country in search of a home. He stopped for a few days with Timothy Perkins. who lived in Leepertown ; and accompanied by Leonard Roth, lie made a number of excursions along Bureau timber in search of a claim. Many localities were examined, but none of which pleased him so well a.- Round Point. Although there was but one family living in Princeton township, (that of Mr. Epperson), many claims were taken — the claimant cutting the initials of his name on the witness-tree, at the section or half mile corner. This was considered a preliminarv step, and by common consent among the settlers, it would secure the ri^ht of the claimant to the land, until such time as a cabin could be built, There were many claims made in this way for the purpose of speculation, and with the expectation of selling them to new comers. A man having a number of sons would make claims for all of them, and sometimes for sons in prospect, or for some imaginary friend, who was expected to come soon into the country. From this cause, bad feelings among neighbors frequently occurred, some of which were settled by arbitration. It was a common saying in those days, that Adam Paine, who lived east of Hennepin, had claimed all the
MURDER OF SIMMONS. 51
land between the Illinois and Wabash rivers, and Elijah Epperson all between the Illinois and Mississippi.
MURDERING OF SIMMONS.
Simmons made claims in the grove for himself and all his sons, and to make his intentions known to oth< in search of claims, he cut the initials of his name. "EL S.," dee]» into the wood of a witness-tree, at the south west corner of the south east quarter of section twenty, which initials, I believe, are .-till to be seen. Simmons had spent some days in looking after corners, marking witness-trees, and had taken formal possession, (for himself and sons), of all the timber and adjoining prairie between Princeton and Deacon Reeve's. After -[.ending some time in. exploring the country, Simmons made arrangements to return home by the way of Peoria; and early in the morning he bade farewell to Perkins' family, mounted his horse and left, going by the way of his claim to make some further discover} ; and while alone in the grove, west of the present resi- dence of Mr. Douglas, unconscious of danger, the report of a rifle was heard, and he fell lifeless to the ground, pierced to the heart by a rifle hall. Nothing was known of the murder at the time, and the sudden disappearance ot* Simmons attracted hut little attention, a- it was
thought he had returned t<» hie home in Ohio. Week-
ami months passed away, and Simmons did n<>t return
with hie family to take possession of hi- claim. a> was
52 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
expected, until the affair was almost forgotten, and other parties had taken his claim. On the day of the murder. Mike Girty was hunting in the grove, and seeing Simmons alone and unarmed, shot him for his money, clothes, and horse. After killing Simmons, Girty took off all his clothes, and left the body where it fell, unburied, to be devoured by wolves. Girty arrayed himself in the murdered man's clothes, and mounting on his horse, returned to his home at the Indian village. His squaw, seeing him dressed in the clothes of a white man, and mounted on a fine horse, knew at once that a murder had been committed. She commenced crying, and refused to receive him into her lodge. But, on Girty showing her >ilver coin, which he had taken from the murdered man, with which he promised to buy her ear-rings and other trinkets, she became reconciled to his conduct. His comrades in the village, knowing that he had committed a murder, would shrug their shoulders as he passed them, saying. " Bad Injun."
Girty was wearing Simmons's clothes, and riding his horse, at the time we introduce him at the commence- ment of our story. Five years after Simmons was murdered, a skull was found in the woods near where he wa» killed, and this skull came into the hands of Dr. Wm. O. Chamberlain, who always supposed it to be that of an Indian. For many years afterwards, the doctor kept this skull laying on a shelf in his office, and probably some who read this account will recollect
THE DISPUTED CLAIM. 53
seeing it. Mr. Simmons, not returning home at a
proper time, his friends were alarmed at his long
absence, and his brother came west in search of him :
but nothing was known of t)\e missing man. after leaving Perkins' house, and his fate to them was unknown.
THE DISPUTED CLAIM.
Although poor Simmons never returned to make good his claim to Round Point, such a desirable location was imt long without a claimant, and the sequel shows its possession was a matter of controversy for a numb of years afterward. Shortly after the murder of Sim- mons, Curtis Williams made a claim here, and cut the initials of his name, *k C. W.," on the witness-tree, . t the south west comer of section sixteen, which was * be seen for many years afterwards. Time passed on. and Williams made no improvements on his claim, and it was reported that he was holding other claims, for the sake of speculation. These facts coming to the knowledge of Michael Kitterman, who was also capti- vated with the beauty of Round Point, he "jumpi William-'.- claim. At that time Mr. Kitterman v working for John Hall, at nine dollar.- per month, and unwilling to Lose any time in hifl engagements with Hall, occupied Sunday- in improving his claim. Each Sabbath he would take hie axe, with his horse, harm h
54 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
and chain, go over to his claim, eight miles distant, cut
and haul a few logs, and put them into the building,
until he had raised the walls of a cabin as high as a
person's head. One day, Williams, on looking after
his claim, was surprised to find a cabin commenced on
the south side of the little round grove, and he notified
Kitterman that he was trespassing on his rights. In order to avoid trouble, Mr. Kitterman abandoned his
improvements, and made a claim on Bureau bottom,
where he now lives.
Two vears after Kitterman had abandoned his claim
t/
to Round Point, Cyrus Bryant selected it for his future home. With the permission of Kitterman, whom he considered the proper claimant, he took possession of of it, and completed the cabin which had been com- menced. While at work on the cabin, Williams gave him notice of his prior claim, but Mr. Bryant paid no attention to it. When the cabin was completed, Mr. Bryant was much surprised one morning, on returning from Roland Moseley's, his boarding place, to find that Mr. Williams, with his large family, had moved into it. Beds and clothing, tied up in quilts, were lying in one corner of the cabin, while pots and kettles occupied another corner ; but not one chair or stool could be seen. Mr. Williams met Mr. Bryant at the cabin door, appearing glad to see him, and invited him in to take a -oat; but Mr. Bryant, not seeing anything to set on, and not feeling in a very good humor, did not set down.
THE DISPUTED CLAIM. 55
The case was arbitrated, and Williams was allowed twenty-five dollars for his claim. On receiving the money, he moved out of the cabin, and thereby - ave up possession of the long disputed claim.
E
CHAPTER VIT.
A SEARCH FOR A LEAD MINE.
In passing over the road between Mr. Pendleton's and Stevens' mill, the traveler will notice near the top of the bluff a circular embankment, which resembles sua ancient earth fortification. Many persons have noticed this embankment, and manv have been their conjectures concerning its origin. Instead of its being a relic of antiquity, the work of mound builders, as a contributor to one of the Chicago papers sometime ago would have us believe, it was done at the time of the early settlement of this county, and under the following circumstances :
In the first settlement of this county, a report was current among the settlers, that a lead mine existed somewhere on Bureau, and from which the Indians obtained their supply of lead. But when the whites came here, they covered up the mine, secreting all trace.- of it, so that it should not fall into their hands. These rumors, coming to the ears of John Hall, Amos
MH'IIAKL KITTERMAN.
jAtT0«,LfcNQX
Ttt.Pt* Fo*»i,»T^m
WONDERFUL REVELATION. 59
Leonard, Timothy Perkins, and others, they organized themselves into a mining company, and set about investigating it. On the subject of lead mine discovery, they became much excited, and for the time being everything else was laid aside. Indians were applied to, and rewards offered them for information on this point, but all to no purpose.. Some time previous, John Hall gave a party of Indians five bushels of potatoes to show him the lead mine. Hall, with two hired men, dug three days, at the place pointed out. but found no lead; consequently he lost his labor, as will as his potatoes. On account of the impending war. the Indian.- suddenly disappeared from Bureau : and after their departure, our friends of the mining company examined their village, with its surroundings, \\)V tlic hidden mine, but without success. A.mos Leonard professed to be a water witch, and he applied hi- magic power in searching for lead. Different pla wore found where the forked stick would turn in his hand, but on Binking a Bhaft at these places, do lead
mine was found.
PATRICE "I.kai: and hi-, WONDERFUL REVELATION.
At the time of tin- load mine excitement, a jolly, red faced, and red headed [rishman, l»v the name of Patrick O'Lear, came into the settlemenl in search of his fortune. There were no canals or railroads building in those days, and Pat found work in his line very scarce.
60 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
Working on a farm, at low wages, slow pay, and without whisky, was regarded by him poor business, and he longed tor something favoring his fortune to turn up. At that time the lead mine excitement was at its height, and Pat thought of many plans how he might turn it to his own account. But all of his plans were more or less objectionable. At last he caught a bright idea, and slapping his hands on his thighs, he exclaimed : "Be jabers, me fortune is made/' A meeting of the mining company was called, and Pat laid before them his revelation, in the following words : k' A few nights ago, while laying on me back, fast asleep, I thought what a poor miserable critter I was, far from home and friends, and without one cent in me pocket. And while in a trance, I prayed to the Holy Virgin, for the love of St. Patrick to assist me for this one time. And in me dream a still small voice whispered in me ear. saying, arise, as soon as it is light, and go to Oshaw, an Indian, whose wigwam stands on the bank of the creek, near the village council house, and he will reveal unto thee great tilings. Next morning, after taking a wee drap of the critter, I went to Oshaw's wigwam, as directed in me dream, and he said to me that he and his people were about to leave the counthry, perhaps never to return, and the Great Spirit had impressed it on his mind to make a confidant of me." He continued, " If I would give him the bottle of whasky which I had in me coat tail pocket, he would tell me all about the lead mine. You know, yer honors, it was a trying ordeal
WONDERFUL REVELATION. 61
for me to part wid me best friend, but for the love ot me eounthrv, and the advancement of your interest, jintlemen, I made this great sacrifice, by giving up me whaskv. Oshaw then took me into the woods to show me the mine, but before he would point out the .spot. he made me sware upon me honor, that I would not let the bloody barbarians, (meaning the settlers), know where it was."
The mining company believed Pat's revelation, or at least that part of it in relation to his knowledge of the lead mine, and they offered to take him in as a partner, giving him a Large percentage of all the profits from the sale of lead. Pat said he did not want to be bothered with a lead mine, as he was going back to Ireland -
he could obtain money enough; but if th would give him ten dollars in hand, pay him wages each night for his labor, with all the whisky he could drink, he would point out the mine and commence work immediately. Pat's terms were acceded to, and the next day a number of hand.- commenced work. Whisky was brought there in a keg, ami some of the operatives, including Pat O'Lear, Mike Leonard, ami Dave Jones, would net beastly drunk every day. Shaft
after -haft was Sunk, and the \fin <>f lead was m >t
-truck. Pat would scratch bis head, at every fail: Baying that he had made a slight mistake in hi- reck- oning, and commence a new one, extending around in a circular form a- we m.u -«•«• it. While the mining
62 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
operation was progressing finely, an incident occurred which put a stop to the work, broke up the company, and from that day forward all hope of finding lead on Bureau was abandoned.
FALSE ALARM AND FLIGHT OF THE SETTLERS.
One dav while Mike Leonard was hunting deer on East Bureau, near where Mr. Fox now lives, he con- cocted a plan to frighten the settlers, by raising a false alarm. Taking off his hat, he put it up for a mark, and shot two ball holes through it. He then run with all haste, out of breath, and much excited, to the house of Mr. Hall, savins: that he had been attacked by a large bodv of Indians: many shots were fired at him, and he barely escaped with his life. To confirm this statement, he exhibited his hat with two ball holes through it. This affair created a great panic among the settler-. People were seen running hither and thither, conveying the news from cabin to cabin. Women, with children in their arms, were running to and fro. crying at the top of their voice, and beseeching every one they met to save them from the tomahawk of the savages. Within one hour from giving the alarm, every person in the neighborhood had left for Hennepin : some on foot, others on horseback, all of whom were going at the top of their speed, expecting every moment to be overtaken and murdered bv the Indians.
KILLED, SCALPED, AND AL1YE AGAIN. 63
PAT O LEAR KILLED AND SCALPED, BUT COMES TO LIFE AGAIN — ESCAPE OF DAVE JONES AND FAMILY.
While the miners were having a jolly time of it. between digging, smoking, and drinking whisky, uncon- scious of danger, Amos Leonard's oldest son, Eli, a lad of fifteen years of age, come running, much excited, with tears flowing down his cheeks, and said the country was full of hostile Indians; that his uncle Mike had four rifle halls shot through hi.- head; the families of John Hall, William Hoskins, and others, were mur- dered; and while <>n the way he saw a large body of Indian- coming in the direction of the lead mine. ( ro the reception of this new-, the miners dropped tin r spades, and fled for their lives. As Pat O'Lear crawled oul of the pit where he was at work, he exclaime " Be jabers, if the bloody savages take off me scalp, me mother won't know her darling son when he goes hack
Ireland." Although Pat at the time was quitedrunk, the thoughts of Losing his scalp put new life in him. and at the top of hi- speed lie started tor Hennepin. As lie fan down the bluff, and through the thick timber bottom, he siw. (in his imagination), an Indian behind every tree, Se also heard the report of the rifles, they shot at him, and fell the balls at each >h<»t pi through his body. Ai Last, overcome by wound* lossof blood, he fell down dead, while at the Bame ti i
84 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
lie felt the Indian's big knife grit against his skull bone as the scalp was being taken off. For some time Pat lay there, believing himself dead and scalped, having sacrificed his life, while advancing the interests of the mining company. But when the effects of the whisky and the fright passed off, Pat came to life again, and putting his hand on his bushy red locks, was surprised to find that his scalp was not gone ; and not being able to find any holes in his body where rifle balls had entered, he was convinced that he was not killed, and started again on a run for Hennepin.
Dave Jones was working at the mine when news came that Hall's and Hoskins' families were massacred. Dropping his spade, he ran for his cabin. His family, without hat or bonnet, left on foot for Hennepin, Mrs. Jones, with the children, running at the top of their speed, while Jones followed after, with the youngest child in his arms, cursing the red skins at every jump.
PANIC SUBSIDES, AND SETTLERS RETURN TO THEIR
HOMES.
When the settlers were safely landed on the east side of the river, they began to investigate the cause of alarm. A committee was appointed to examine Leon- ard's hat, and it was found that the ball holes were too low down, and could not have passed through the hat while wearing, without passing through the head also. All came to the conclusion that Leonard had shot his
THE PANIC SUBSIDES. 65
own hat, and therefore the alarm was a false one. On the next day the settlers returned to their respective homes, with loud denunciations against Leonard for causing them so much trouble.
Pat O'Lear did not fully recover from his fright, appearing wild and confused, believing that the Indians were still after him. In his flight he had left his hat and coat at the lead mine, but nothing could induce him to so after them: not even the keg of whisky which was left behind could tempt him to cross the river again. With a knapsack on his back, lie left next day for the east, swearing that he would stay no longer in a country that was full of bloody savages.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE GREAT INDIAN COUNCIL.
In February, lb32, were collected at Indiantown, a large number of' chiefs, belonging to the surrounding tribes ; among them were Black Hawk, Waba, Sliau- bena, and the great Winnebago chief, known as the Prophet.* Previous to this meeting, runners had been sent to all the principal villages throughout the West. notifying their chiefs to meet in council. This meeting was held in the village council house, and its delibera- tions lasted three days. The object of this council was to effect a union of the different tribes, for the purpose of war. Black Hawk, and the Prophet, made long
* This chief lived at Prophetstown, on Rock river, and is said to have exercised great influence over his people, dictating for them in spiritual as well as temporal matters. Leonard Roth saw the Prophet at Indian- town during the deliberations of the council, and describes him as follows : "He was a large Indian, in the prime of life, tall and straight, with a broad face, eagle-like eyes, and long coarse hair, which was black as a raven. He was dressed in white buckskin, fringed at the seams, and ruffled at the waist. His head dress was also made of white buckskin, raising high above his head, and on the top of which was ;> bunch of eagle feathers. Around his ancles he wore small wreaths of bells, and in his nose and ears were large gold rings."
THE GREAT INDIAN COUNCIL. B7
speeches in favor of this anion, explaining to the Pot- ratamie chiefs that their only means i >f retaining: their homes and hunting grounds, was by a union of all the tribes of the West, and thereby carry on a war of extermination against the settlers. All the Sacs and Foxes, and Winnebagoes favored this union, but the Pottawatamies opposed it. Waubonsie* was the only chief of note among the Pottawatamies in favor of war. ECe had a village near the mouth of Fos river, but was compelled to leave it a short time before, on account of encroachment of the whites: and himself and hand found a home at Paw Paw Grove. En his speech, he called on his brother chiefs to raise their tomahawks to drive hack the intruders, and maintain their rights.
But little did the settlers on Bureau think as they set at night around their cabin fires, that these savages were debating among themselves the propriety of tut- ting their throat-, as well as those of their little on.-. Although Senachwine, the great apostle of peace, was uow in his grave, there was one left to till his place. This was Shaubena, the white man- friend. Shanbena was not a greal orator, but the earned manner of his appeals more than counterbalanced the
kubonsle was a large, fleshy [ndian, over sis feel in height, and u;is well known by many of the early settlers He and nl! band oi follower! remained a1 Paw Paw Grove until the fall "t l$3ii, and then went weal of the Mississippi, where tnosl <>\ their tribe hid previously gone, in the summer oi 1888, Waubonsie oame to Princeton, boughi of M' •• rripletl a beautiful spotted hone, for which he paid
three hundred dollart In illver, all of which was in twenty-flve ceni plea
68 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
eloquence of others. A few years after the holding of this council, Shaubena said to the writer, if he had favored this union, the whole Pottawatamie nation, from the lake to the Mississippi, would have taken part in the war. Waba, Autuckee, Meommuse, and other Pottawatamie chiefs took part with Shaubena, in opposing the war.
During the deliberations of the council, an Indian was sitting on the ground in the back part of the coun- cil room, listening to the speeches of the Potta- watamie chiefs, his teeth occasionally gritting, and his face black with rage. This Indian was Mike Girty, the outlaw. Not being a chief, he had no right to speak in council, but overpowered by rage, he sprang to his feet, and waving his tomahawk over his head, he denounced the Pottawatamie chiefs as cowards and squaws, and unfit to represent their tribe in council. Autuckee raised his tomahawk, and was about to strike Girty dead on the spot, but was prevented from doing so by the interference of others. Through the influence of the Sacs, and Foxes, and Winnebago chiefs, Girty was allowed to make a speech. In this speech he proposed to head a party of warriors, and attack the settlers on Bureau, as soon the Sacs and Foxes had crossed the Mississippi. But his proposition met with no favor from the Pottawatamie chiefs, they re^ardinu him as a treacherous hall-breed, and unworthy of their confidence. Girty, seeing that he would receive no support from his tribe, raised the war whoop, and left
THE INDIANS LEAVE BUREAU. 69
the council. The uniting of the different tribes proved a failure, and the council broke up, when the chiefs returned to their respective homes.
THE INDIANS LEAVE BUREAU.
About the first of May, 1832, Black Hawk, with hie warriors, accompanied by their families, crossed the Mississippi, and commenced ascending Rock river. The squaws and papooses were in canoes, and the warriors, mounted on ponies, followed along the bank- of the river. At Prophetstown they were joined by the great Winnebago chief, known as the Prophet, with his band of warriors. Here they remained two days, to hold a feast and a war dance. From here, runners were sent to the different bands to induce them to join Black Hawk's standard. Two of these runners, one of whom was a son of Black Hawk, came to Bureau. notify the Pottawatamies that hostilities were about commence, and also to induce them to take part it: war. At that time, Bhanbena, with his band <>t' fol- lowers, was encamped on Corse run. east of I Doolittle farm, near where the road now crosses t: I branch. Mr. Doolittle was, at that time, engaged bnilding his cabin, and Borne of the [ndiane cami assisted him in handling the ]<• Nexl day two
inge [ndians, who proved t<» be emissaries from Black EEawk, with painted faces, and wearing a peculiar head dress, were -'-en in camp. There appeared t«> be . .:■ I
70 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
excitement in Shaubena's camp, and the Indians broke up their encampment, caught their ponies, and left in great haste. The next day signal fires were seen lighted all over the county, and in every grove where Indians were encamped, the smoke of these fires were seen to ascend. The settlers noticed these signals, and became much alarmed. Some of them left the country imme- diately, without further warning. Others remained some days longer, but were on the alert to avoid being surprised by the savages. At different places Indians were seen skulking around people's houses, with their laces painted red, a token of war. These Indians appeared shy, unfriendly, and unwilling to hold com- munications with the whites. A party of warriors came to the cabins of Eli and Elijah Smith, in the absence of the men, and their conduct was such as t<» frighten the women. Thev went into the house, took down the guns to examine their locks, as well as the doors of the cabins, and other things about the premises. They also sharpened their knives and tomahawks on the grindstone, with the intention, no doubt, of using them in murdering the settles. Many Indians were seen riding at full speed across the prairie, conveying the news from one to another : and within two days from that time not a red skin could be seen in the Bureau settlement.
INDIANS AT THE GRAVES OF THEIR FATHERS.
When the Indians on Bureau were notified by
INDIANS AT THE fcKRAVES OF THEIR FATHERS. 71
runners from Black Hawk's band, that hostilities were about to commence, they were greatly alarmed, knowing that their lives would be endangered by remaining longer in the country, and they prepared for a hasty departure. At their village, where Tiskilwa now stands, about seven hundred had collected, to deliberate on the means of making their final exit. After making the necessary preparations, the Indians en masse, old and young, repaired to their village burying ground, to pay their respects to the graves of departed loved one-.
Indians everywhere are attached to their home.-, the land of their nativity ; and it was with feelings of regret that they gave up their cornfields and hunting grounds ; but there is another place still more sacred to them, and from which they departed with BOrrowful hearts, Th:- was the graves of their fathers.
< )ii the bottom prairie, a short distance below Tiskilwa. i.- an oblong knoll, which overlooks the valley, and presents a line view of the surroundings. This knoll had been tlte village burying ground for many gene
DO • ■
tions. Here were buried their prophet- and gri
warriors, ;t> well a> their fair maidens, and of their gra\ e& the Indian.- wen- about to take their lasl farewell. The
ceremonies connected with this affair, is described 1»\ an eve witness, (Amos Leonard) as being verj solemn. The taces of all the Indians, old and young, were painted
black, an emblem of mourning, and the young squaw*
had powdered their hair, making it white as -mow. in
(2 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
representation of their purity. In the midst of the group was seen the tall form of Autuckee, the principal chief of the village. On the head of this chief was a crown of turkey feathers, and from his neck was .-uspended an Indian drum. At the tap of this drum, all the Indians fell on their knees, while the chief with uplifted hands, and eyes rolled back in their sockets, prayed to the Great Spirit, for the preservation of the bones of departed friends. For some time the Indians remainded on their knees chanting, while the squaws >od by beating their breast with their hands, weeping and wailing with loud acclamations of grief for departed loved ones. Again the chief tapped his drum, when the Indians sprang to their feet, and commenced singing a song to the dead. This song was sung on a low plain- tive key, and sounded like a funeral dirge ; while thus engaged, the squaws with baskets of flowers, which had been gathered for the occasion, strewed them over the graves. After the conclusion of these exercises, the Indians a^ain returned to their village. One of their number, an old man of more than four score years, refused to leave the graves, saying: "Here lie my father, my squaw, and my papooses, all that was near and dear unto me ; no one is now left to love or care for me, and my blood no longer runs in the veins of any human being." Over the graves of his departed friends, the old mans form was bent, and here he wished to die: no persuasion could induce him to leave this
INDIANS AT THE GRAVES OF THEIR FATHERS. 73
spot, and by force alone he was taken away, and placed
on a pony, to be carried westward with the rest of the
band.
At the village, the Indians loaded their ponies with
camp equipage, preparatory to their departure. On
some of the ponies were placed willow baskets, filled
with papooses, and these ponies were turned loose,
without bridle or halter, to follow the procession. The
squaws rode astride of their ponies, many of whom
carried an infant on their back, placed in a pocket in
their blanket, with its head sticking out. Everything
being ready, the procession started for the west, when
old and young joined in singing their farewell song. a
CHAPTER IX.
DAD JOE.
At Dad Joe Grove lived Joseph Smith, who was generally known by the name of Dad Joe. For many years he had been a pioneer, living at different places among the Indians, and was well acquainted with their customs and habits. In advance of the settlement, Dad Joe had lived at Peoria, Rock Island, and at the lead mines, near Galena ; and two years before the time of which we write, had settled at the grove for the purpose of entertaining travelers.
Dad Joe was a thick, heavy-set man, of great physica 1 power, and was always clothed in loose garments, with a rope or leather girdle about his loins. He had a heavy bass voice, and in common conversation spoke so loud as to cause strangers to look at him with astonishment. His remarkable personal appearance. peculiar manners, and his lion-like voice, gave him great notoriety, and there was but few people in tho^e days, living in Illinois, who had not heard of Dad Joe.
FRIGHTENED BY THE INDIANS. 75
He was kind and benevolent, almost to a fault : and he is probably the only man who lived and died in Bureau county without ever having an enemv.
FRIGHTENED BY THE INDIAN-.
About two miles west of Dad Joe's residence, and at the east end of Red Oak Grove, lived a man by i name of James Magby, who had a wife and a large family of children. Besides these two families, there was no one living within twelve miles. One day while Mr. Magby's two daughters were on the prairie engaged in gathering flowers, they saw a large body of [ndians approaching them, and believing that they were about to be murdered, fled with all haste to the residence of Dad Joe. On arriving at the house, they stated that the Indians had killed their mother, brothers and <i>ter-. 1 Mi-. Magby being absent at the time). This announce- ment created a great panic in Dad Joe'- family, as they too expected to he attacked within a few minutes. I )ad Joe, whose courage never forsook him. made a hasty preparation to protect himself and family from the Tomahawk's and scalping knives of the savages.
Although at that time Dad doc was laid ii]> with a lame
hack, through the excitement of the moment, he sprang from hifi couch, caughl his rifle, which hung on pega above the door, and prepared himself to give the [ndians a warm reception.
^ ounfij Joe, a lad of fifteen years of age, mounted
76 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
his horse and started for Bureau, to notify the settlers of their danger. In his haste to be off, he forgot to let down the barn yard bars, and urging his horse forward to make him jump them, he fell, throwing the rider over his head. Joe again mounted his horse, and pur him at the top of his speed for Bureau settlement.
This affair turned out to be a false alarm. The In- dians, (about three hundred in number), were Potta- watamies. from Bureau, and were on their way to a country west of the Mississippi. When the Indians saw the frightened condition of Magby's family, they did not stop at the grove, but continued on their wax- westward .
A few davs after this Indian fright, Dad Joe sent his family off to a place of safety, while himself and son, (Young Joe), remained on the farm in order to put in a crop. Each day they carried their guns wTith them while at work in the field, and they also kept their saddles close at hand, so thev could mount their horses at a moment's notice. For many days they saw no one, as traveling: through the country was now at an end. The great Galena road, that passed by the house, over which formerly had ran a daily mail coach, as well as crowds of people passing to and from the lead mines, was now deserted : no traveler would risk his life in passing through a country then thought to be full of hostile savages.
INDIANS APPROACHING THE GROVE.
One day while Dad Joe and son were at work in the
INDIANS APPRN ACHING THE GROVE. (7
field, they saw on the prairie, in the direction of East Grove, about sixty Indians approaching them. These Indians were armed with guns, were mounted on ponies, and their faces painted red — a sign of war. On seeing the Indians, Dad Joe and son gathered up their rifles, mounted their horses, and fled southward. But as the Indians did not discover them, they returned to a high piece of ground, where they could watch their move- ments, and also be ready to flee if pursued. The Indians went to the house, but finding no one there. they helped themselves to what they wished to eat, and carried away with them such articles as thev could use. They also took with them four young pups, which they no doubt intended to roast for their supper. After leaving the house, the Indians discovered Dad Joe and his son on the prairie, and started toward.- them ; but prudence required that the enemy should be kept at a proper distance, and they retired as the Indians ap- proached. At last one of* the Indians dismounted from hi.- pony, and laving down his gun and tomahawk, approached them for the purpose of holding conversa tion. But as he came nigh to where they were standing, seeing the determined appearance <>t" Dad Joe, who
Stood with a rifle in his hand, the Indian's courage failed
him, and he tuned pair and Btopped; but <>n being
addressed by Dad Joe in a friendly manner, be took courage, and came forward t«» offer bis band.
This Indian wished t<> know if any army bad gone north, and it' it was tin* intention <>t* the whites to fiffht
78 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
them. Dad Joe, in reply, said no army had passed that way, and he had not seen a person for twelve days. The Indian said they did not wish to fight, but if attacked by the whites, they would carry the war into the settlement, and tomahawk every woman and child they could find. By the Indian's dress and lanouiacre. Dad Joe recognized him as one of Black Hawk's band, having lived at Rock Island among them a few years before. While living there, one of these Indians (being exasperated on account of the whites settling on their land, and also being under the influence of liquor), tomahawked Dad Joe's wife, and she was only saved from instant death by Young Joe, then a lad of twelve years of age, riding his horse on the Indian. These things, coining fresh to Dad Joe's mind, he felt like raking revenge on this Indian. He said afterwards to the writer, that he was tempted to shoot him on the spot, and trust to the fleetness of their horses to make their escape.
THE LONE TRAVELER.
The night after their adventure with the Lilians. Dad Joe and son, as usual, had barricaded the door of their house with puncheons, and with loaded guns by their side, they retired to the attic to sleep. They had \)een asleep but a short time, when they were awakened by a person holloing and rapping at the door, asking admittance. Dad Joe suspected that it was an Indian
THE LONE TRAVELER. 79
in disguise, and had taken this plan to gain admittance to the house, so that he and his comrades could murder the inmates. The man at the door said he \va> a traveler, and wished entertainment only. After a long parley, Dad Joe said he would O] en the door, hut ii' betrayed, his life should pay the forfeit, as he would shoot him down on the spot. He removed the barn, cades, and opened the door with one hand, while in the other he held his trusty rifle ready for use if betrayed. The man at the door proved to he a lone traveler from the lead mines, and on his wray home at the south. Being mounted on a fleet horse, and armed with a large holster pistol, he had undertaken the hazardous task of passing through a country which was thought to be full of hostile savages.
APPROACH OF STILLMAN'S ARMY.
On the 12th of May. Stillman's army, consisting of about Beven hundred mounted rangers, mostly from the southern part of the State, arrived at Dad Joe Grove. The troops made no halt here, hut continued on their way to Dixon's ferry. The baggage train, consisting of Bix wagons drawn by oxen, remained at the grove over night. This train \\ as guarded l»\ fill y mounted rangers, under the command of Captain Hackleton. In this
mpany of rangers, was a young man from Sangamon county, thai every one called Abe. 1 1 « • was tall Blim, with long black hair, heav) eyelashes, and who
80 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
general appearance was awkward and unprepossessing, but his witticism, as well as his peculiar gift in telling stories, kept his comrades all the while in a state of merriment. This young man was a private in Hackle- ton's company, but before the close of the war he rose to be a captain, and thirty years afterwards he became President of the United States. His name was Abraham Lincoln. The wagons, belonging to the baggage train. were left in the edge of the grove, and the oxen, with bells on them, turned out on the prairie to feed. About midnight, the bells were heard to ring, and a party of rangers went in pursuit of the oxen. Between Dad Joe and East Grove, they overtook a party of Indians, driving off the oxen ; and on coming up with them, they fled in great haste, by putting their ponies at full speed. The night being dark and rainy, the rangers did not pursue them, but returned to camp with the stolen cattle. Means were used to guard against a surprise, as they were now in an enemy's country, and liable to be attacked at any moment. Rumors were afloat that a large body of Indians were seen that afternoon in the direction of the Winnebago swamps. Picket guards were established around the encampment, and the men ordered to sleep on their arms. The horses were tied to trees by the camp, so they could be mounted at a moment's notice.
THE CAMP ATTACKED — A JOKE OF CAPTAIN HACKLETON.
Captain Hackleton was a man fond of fun, always
THE CAMP ATTACKED. 81
enjoying a good joke, and lie now fell upon a plan of having some sport at other's expense. He also wished to test the courage of his men, and thereby ascertain whether or not they were reliable in case of emergency. He made his plans known to the guards, and a few Mends, and immediately went to work to execute them. About an hour before day, the plans being all matured, a number of men went back in the grove, and raised the Indian war whoop, and at the same time the picket guards tired off their guns. Captain Hackleton, and others who were in the plot, called on the men as they were sleeping in their blankets, to flee for their lives, as they were attacked by over one thousand Indians. Nothing could exceed the panic among the troops. Some prayed, others swore, but all sprang for their horses, with the intention of fleeing for their lives.
The surgeon of the company, who for many years alter the war was well known in this community as a skillful physician, mounted his horse, but in his haste forgot to untie him from the tree; under the spur the horse sprang forward the length of the rope, then back again, bringing the doctor's head against the limb of a
tree. The doctor, believing himself .-truck by an Indian war club or tomahawk, abandoned all hopes <»t
ami at the top of hi- voire he sang "lit : " M
Injun, I surrender, Bpare my life."
Next morning Dad Joe and bod left with the troops, for Dixon's ferry, and returned to the grove no more
until the war was over,
II
CHAPTER X.
COMMENCEMENT OF HOSTILITIES.
The Indians had now left Bureau for other localities, some going to Chicago to claim government protection, others west of the Mississippi, while a few joined Black Hawk's band, and fouarht against the whites. Anions those who fled to Rock river, to "join the hostile Indians, was Mike Grirty, the outlaw. His principal object in doing so was to avenge himself on the settlers, for some imaginary injury; two of whom, John Hall and John L. Ament, he told a short time before that he intended to kill them as soon as the oak leaves became as large as a squirrel's ear, having, no doubt, reference to the breaking out of the wrar. On the 14th of May, Still - man's army was defeated at Old Man's creek, after which Black Hawk sent out war parties all over the country, from the lake to the Mississippi. Occupying with their guerrilla bands many of the principal groves, waylaying thoroughfares, and skulking around the frontier settlements.
THE SETTLERS WARNED OF THEIR DANGER. 80
Next day after Stillman's defeat, Girty, at the head < >f about seventy warriors, left for Bureau settlement. with the intention of murdering the settlers. The first house thev came to was that of Daniel Dimmick, at Dimmick's Grove, but found that their intended victims had fled. The Indians continued their way down the timber until they came to the cabins of John L. Anient and Elijah Phillips, and were much surprise 1 to find them gone also. Anient and family had only left a few hours before, and the fire on the hearth wag still burning. The Indians next visited the cabins of Elijah and Eli Smith, and that of Mr. Epperson, but with uo better success. Crossing the Main Bureau, thev went to the Thomas settlement, but found it deserted likewise. The Indians were much disap- pointed by their ill success, as it was now evident that the settlers had left the country, and their expedition must prove a failure, without being graced by a single scalp. By a spring in the edge of the timber where Oscar Knox now lives, the Indians made their encamp- ment, hobbled and turned out their horse.- to graze. Here they remained two days, sending out spies in various directions in search of victims.
THE 8ETTLKUS WABNED OF THBIB DANGER.
h was a warm bright day, <>n the 10th of Maw L832 the sun was >lnning in all its brilliancy, without a cloud in the >k\. The prairies were now green with early
84 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
spring grass, intermixed with blue bells, and other May flowers of various hues. The forest trees were in full leaf, and the balmy air was made fragrant bv the bios- soms of the plum and crab apple. All nature appeared clothed in her beautiful garment, and everything in the surroundings was calculated to fill the pioneer's heart with bright prospects for the future. The settlers along Bureau timber were busy with their crops, plowing, sowing and planting, unconscious of immediate danger from their red foe. While thus engaged, a lone Indian was seen cantering his pony across the Princeton prairie, in a southwestern direction. He was without £un or blanket, and from his uncovered head, locks of long hair were streaming in the wind. His jet black pony was white with foam, and from its extended nostrils came forth loud puffs of breath. This lone Indian was Shaubena, the white man's friend, and he was now on an errand of mercy.
Two day's before, Stillman's army had been defeated on Old Man's creek, and a band of hostile Indians were then on their way, as the sequel shows, to Bureau settlement, for the purpose of murdering its inhabitants. Shaubena, being unwilling to trust this important mes- sage in the hands of others, mounted his pony and rode with all haste to warn the settlers of their danger. He gave notice to Daniel Dimmick, John L. Anient, Dr. N. Chamberlain, and others, after which lie left with his pony, still on a canter, for Indian creek settlement, giving warning likewise to the people of that region.
WHY t^*^ ■If -.
lilt ' '' f^Z v>,\ «/-.
L !
r.
C
-
/ -
y
XBE
££«*c.
!£»»•.
FLIGHT OF THE SETTLERS. 85
When the settlers on Bureau were notified that hostilities had commenced, there was a great panic among them. People were seen riding on a gallop across the prairie, conveying the tidings from cabin to cabin, and within a few hours not a soul was left in Bureau settlement. It was well they left in haste, for, as the sequel shows, a few hours of detention would in all probability have proved fatal to many of them. Some of the settlers went off on foot, others on horse- back or in wagons, while a few left on sled-, drawn by ox teams. Some going to Hennepin, others to Peoria or Springfield, while others left the country never to return. Squire Dimmick, who lived at Dimmick's Grove, on being warned of his danger by Shaubena, said lif would not leave until he had planted his corn : that he had left the year before, and it proved to he a false alarm, and lie believed that it would ho 80 this time. To which Shaubena replied: "If you will remain at home, -ond off your squaw and papooses, or thev will ho murdered before the rising of to-morrow,s sun/1
Shaubena had now mounted his pony, and was about ;.» leave, when lie raised hie hand high above lii- head, exclaiming, in a loud voice: " Auhaw pud The
meaning of which i-. •• Y<>n must leave;" ami Shau- bena'e pony was again <>n the gallop to notify other.-. Wlirii Dimmick noticed the earnest manner in whicl Shaubena addressed him, he changed hi- mind, un- hitched tin- horses from the plow, put his t-miih into •11, and within two hours left hie claim, nev<
88 REMINISCENCE8 OF BUREAU COUNTY,
again to return to it. John L. Anient was planting- corn when lie received the tidings, caught his horses, which were feeding on the prairie, placed his wife on one, and mounting the other himself, with his son Thomas, then an infant, in his arms, in this way they started for McLean county. After going about two miles from their home, they discovered on the prairie, what they supposed to be, a band of Indians approaching them. Believing their only means of safety was in flight, they put their horses at the top of their speed. In their flight. Ament's hat flew off, and with his hair streaming in the wind, they urged forward their horses under the whip. On arriving at Joel Doolittle's cabiu. the matter was explained ; the supposed Indians proved to be a party of rangers, who had come over from Hennepin to look after the settlers. Without a hat, but with a handkerchief tied around his head, Anient continued on his way to McLean county. The settlers in the bend of the timber, southeast of Princeton, which was known at that time as the Moseley neigh- borhood, fled across the Illinois river, and sought protection in different places.
Henry Thomas was with Stillman's army when it was defeated, and many of the volunteers slain in the light. The Indians pursued the trooj)S nine miles from the battle-field, overtaking and killing many on the way. Mr. Thomas, being mounted on a fleet horse, soon outstripped the Indian ponies, but one of his companions in the flight was not so fortunate. In
FLIGHT OF THE SETTLERS. 89
crossing a branch, his horse stuck fast in the mud, throwing the rider over his head, and before he could mount his horse again, the Indians came up and toma- hawked him. Mr. Thomas continued the flight, making no halt until he reached home, a distance of fifty-two miles.
On the same day that Shaubena o-ave warning to the settlers, Henry Thomas returned home from the scene <>f horror, and all prepared to leave the country forth- with. In the West Bureau settlement there were four families, namely: Henrv and Ezekiel Thomas, Abram Stratton, and John M. Gav. Among these four families there was only one wagon in running condition; some put their children, with a few household goods, on sirds. which were drawn by oxen, and by dark that same night they were on their road southward. Eli and Elijah Smith took a large box, containing carpenter tools and other valuables, into the woods, hiding it in a thick cluster of ha/el brush, and then lied in ail haste toward Peoria. Mi-. Epperson's family left about the
tie time, and they f'll in with tin* fugitives from Wi Bureau near the present site of Providence. About midnight, as tli • sams were slowly dragging the
sleds along on the grass, and the men and women walking by their sides, looking after their children who were sleeping on blanket- or quilts, unconscious of danger, when all of a Budden behind them were lies the clattering of b< trees' feet, and the Indian war whoop ounded through the -till uighl air. The women
90 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
screamed, and the men sprang for their guns, but instead of it being, as they supposed, the deadly foe, it was Pete Bulbona and another half-breed, who only thought of frightening them.
Mr. Epperson and John M. Gay, walking ahead of the teams, came to Boyd's Grove about sun up next morning, and having their blankets wrapped around them, they were mistaken for Indians. Kat, the youngest boy, on seeing them was much frightened, and ran into the house, exclaiming : " Good jemmeny, here are two Injuns." Mr. Boyd picked up his rifle, and was prepared to shoot, when they threw back their blankets, showing themselves to be white men.
LIEUT. JONES WONDERFUL ACCOUNT OF STILLMAN S
DEFEAT.
When the Bureau settlers arrived at Peoria, it created a great panic among the people, as their flight had left them on the frontier ; and to make the matter worse, a rumor was in circulation that a lar«;e body of Indians were seen that afternoon going southward, with the intention, no doubt, of attacking the place. That evening a tall, raw-boned Kentuckian, a resident of Tazewell county, calling himself Lieut. Jones, arrived at Peoria. Jones had been with Stillman's army when it was defeated, and in the flight became separated from his companions, lost his reckoning, and had wandered about for three days, without seeing a living soul. He
JONES' ACCOUNT OF STILLMAN's DEFEAT. 91
believed that all of Stillman's army were slain, and he alone left to tell the sad story. Lieut. Jones had an Indian scalp tied to his left arm, which he swung to and fro in order that the bystanders should appreciate his bravery. Jones being surrounded by a crowd of listeners, in a boasting manner, gave the following account of Stillman's defeat: Said he, " While our army was encamped on Old Man's creek, Black Hawk, with some twenty thousand warriors, came marching down in solid column, like Wellington's army at the battle of Waterloo, and at once attacked us on three -id* Our troops fought bravely, hut soon they we overpowered, and all slain. Major Stillman, Major Hack- leton, Col. Stephenson, and myself, with other officers of high rank, wort- engaged in leading the troops forward t<> charge the enemy, hut almost within a twinkling of an eye, these brave officers, with all the troops under their command, were slain; and I found myself alone on the field of battle, surrounded by lar< ht-ao- of dead bodies. At a distance I saw a body of troops who appeared in good order, not having suffered much from the ravage- .»f battle, 30 1 hastened t<« join them, with the intention of putting myself at their head, and avenge the death of my brave comrad Bu1 .i- I drew nigh, 1 discovered that these gentlem wore no hat-, and their faces were painted red; bo I inferred from that circumstance that they were no friends of mine. Soon rifle hall.- commenced buzzing
about my ear.-, each on.- a- it passed Beemed t«> whisper
i
92 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
in my ear, saying, in language that I well understood, ' Stranger, you had better get out of here.' So I wheeled my horse about, and throwing my head on his withers, I broke for tall timber, followed by some five hundred Indians, nourishing their tomahawks over their heads, and yelling like demons. Tiie race continued for many miles, across prairie and through timber, when all of the Indians, except one, were left far behind. This one, who was a great war chief, mounted on a fleet pony, came up by my side, and as he was about to tomahawk me, I shot him dead ; and here, gentlemen, is his scalp," at the the same time raising his arm to exhibit his trophy. " Out of that brave army under Stillman, that marched north a few days ago in defense of their country, I alone am left to tell the sad story/' Jones' story, although highly colored, was believed by many, and the panic among the people increased. On the bank of the river, a short distance above the ferry, stood an old dilapidated block house, surrounded by barricades, and called by courtesy, "Fort Clark.'* Into this fort, both citizens and strangers went, so they would be protected, should the town be attacked during the night. Owing to the crowded condition of the fort. Eli and Elijah Smith, with their wives, took lodging in the bushes close by. Daring the night they thought of their exposed situation, in case the Indians should come, and concluded to go to the fort. As they approached the fort, some of its inmates mistook them for Indians, and raised an alarm. The matter, however, was soon explained, when all went to sleep again, to dream of Lieut. Jones' wonderful adventure.
CHAPTER XL
REV. JAMES SAMPLE AND WIFE.
Soon after the marriage of the Rev. James Sample to Luev May, as narrated in a previous chapter, and before the honeymoon was over, he concluded to go farther west to seek hie fortune, on the banks of the Father of Water.-. At that time, there was no wagon POad between the Illinois and Mississippi rivers; the Indian trail, over which people passed, was only ace. g Bible for foot and horseback travelers. Everything being prepared for their journey, Sample and his young
wife left for the west, each mounted on a horse, while
on th<- third one was packed nil of their household Lro<»d Sample Bettled near Rock Island, and built a cabin on the site of the old Indian village. Everything wont off smoothly during the winter, but in the spring
the war <tv wa- raised, and people were alarmed at the
situation of thin<_'-. Rumors were in circulation thai
the Sac< and Foxes were aboul to crOSS tic river, and
take possession of their old rillagi People were not
94 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
long kept in suspense, for on a bright morning in the latter part of April, it was discovered that the river was full of Indian canoes, and the water was darkened by their ponies swimming the stream. The return of the Indians created a great panic among the settlers, all of whom left their cabins, and took refuge in Fort Armstrong:, which was situated on the Island. The Indians did not molest any one, nor take possession of their old village, as was expected, but continued their way up Rock river, with their squaws and papooses in canoes, while the warriors, mounted on ponies, followed along the banks.
Sample and wife had been in the fort a few weeks, when thev concluded to leave it, and return to their friends east of the Illinois river. Having heard of no Indian depredations, it was thought perfectly safe to make the journey. Accordingly they disposed of all their effects, except two horses, and on them they left Rock Island.
It was a bright, clear day, on the 18th of Mav, when Sample and his wife left Rock Island for Hennepin, a distance of about seventy miles. Being mounted on fine, spirited horses, which were full of mettle, and as they cantered proudly across the prairie, the tourists expected to reach Bureau settlement before dark. The road traveled by them waa the Sac and Fox trail, which extended from Lake Michigan to Rock Island, and was at that time a great thoroughfare from east to west. being traveled both by whites and Indians. For ages
REV. JAMES SAMPLE AND WIFE. 95
this trail had been the great highway for Indians from st to west. Over it Black Hawk, with his warriors, passed to join the British forces in Canada, at the time of the late war with England; and for twenty years afterward they made annual trips over it, to receive annuities from the British government in Canada. This trail passed through Bureau county, almost in an east and west direction — crossing Coal creek imme- diately north of Sheffield, Main Bureau east of Dr. Woodruff's, passing near Maiden and Arlington, in the direction of Chicago, Tn some places on high prairie. the trail was worn down from one to two feet below the surface, and its course can still he traced through many of the farms of this county, although thirty-five pears have now passed away since it ceased to be used. There was no settlement along tin's trail between the Mississippi river and Bureau, which made it necessary to perform the journey in one day.
It was about sundown when the travelers arrived at the residence of Henry Thomas, where they intended to stav over night, but unfortunately they found the house deserted, and the doors and windows barricaded with heavy puncheons. Again they mounted their
•
horses to pursue their journey, with the intention, no doubt, of Bpending the night at Smith's cabin, whi w : of Bnreaucreek. Soon after leaving Thomas', nighl came on, and with it a terrible rain Btorm,and in the darkness they lost the trail, and were enable to find it again, 1 »u t thev continued eastward until they
^6 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
came to Main Bureau, which they found so high as to make it hazardous to cross in the dark. Tliev had now rude about sixty miles, were tired and hungry, their clothes wet, and the rain still continued to pour down in torrents. But here they were compelled to spend the night, without one dry spot to lay their heads. Tying their horses to a tree, and taking their saddles for pillows, they laid down to rest until morning. After a long, dreary night, morning came, and with it a bright sun and clear sky, but the creek was still high, not being fordable. This obstacle must be overcome, so they selected a place where the banks were favorable, swam their horses across, and continued their journey. On the top of the bluff, by the side of the trail. stood, at that time, a double log cabin, which belonged to Eli and Elijah Smith. Here the travelers intended to rest, dry their clothes, and have something to eat. But they found the cabins deserted, the families having fled from their homes the day before. On leaving the trail here, and going south one mile, brought them to Epperson's cabin, which they also found deserted. The premises were searched for something to eat, as well as feed for their starving horses, but without success. It was with heavy hearts that our travelers again mounted their horses to continue their journey, being fatigued, hungry, and their clothes still wet from the drenching rain, as well as from swimming the creek. But on reaching the prairie, the beauty of landscape scenery which was there presented, dispelled their gloomy
THEIR FLIGHT AND CAPTURE. 97
feelings. Tlie prairie was now covered with early spring grass, intermixed with flowers of various hues, the forest trees were in fall leaf, and the air was made fragrant with the blossoms of wild fruit. Birds were singing among the branches of the trees; around them were sporting meadow larks, with their musical notes, while on the distant prairie was heard the crowing of prairie chickens. This enchanting scenery of the sur- roundings, had a good effect on the travelers, and their despondent spirits were now revived. Over sixty miles of their journey had already been made, and a few hours more would terminate it. Their jaded horses were slowly plodding their way across the prairie, and over the very spot where the city of Princeton now stands. The travelers, unconscious of danger, were talking of the perils of the past night, and the happy termination of their journey, when they would be embraced by kind friends. When all of a sudden they heard a noise behind them, and on looking back, they saw some twenty Indians pursuing them at full speed.
THEIB FLIGHT AND CAPTURE,
While Sample and wife were al Epperson's cabin, [ndian, who was on the lookout, saw them, and imme diately gave notice to Ins comrades, who started in pursuit The Indians approached quietly without being discovered, until almost within gun shot of the
travelers, when they raised the war whoop, and put their
9^ REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
ponies on a gallop. Sample was riding the horse
which he had of John Hall, and his wife was
mounted on one equally spry, but owing to the
jaded condition of these animals, the Indians came
within a few yards of them before they were brought
to a gallop. Many .-hots were fired at the fugitives.
one of which slightly wounded Sample, and his wife
was also wounded by a tomahawk thrown by one of
the Indians. The horses, on getting their mettle
up, went off at great speed, leaving the Indian
ponies far behind: but the Indian.- continued the
chase, urging their ponies forward under the whip,
and yelling at the top of their voice. The fugitives
had so far outstripped their pursuers that they
regarded their escape as almost certain ; but an accident
occurred which blasted their fond hopes, and caused
them to fall into the hands of the savages. As they
approached the timber, Mrs. Sample's horse, while
crossing a small branch, stuck fast in the mud, floundered
and fell, throwing the rider over its head. Mr. Sample.
at the time, being so far ahead of the Indians, he
could have made good his escape, but unwilling to leave
bib wife to her fate, returned, and thereby sacrificed his
own life. While Sample was assisting his wife to
remount her horse, the Indians, with deafening yells.
came up with them. Knowing that escape was now
out of the question, Sample only thought of selling
his own life as dear as possible, and drawing forth a
pistol, shot one of the Indians dead on the spot. The
EXECUTION. 99
Indians bound their victims with strong cords, put them on their own horses, and carried them back to cam]).
On arriving at camp, the warriors held a council over their prisoners, and it was decided, in order to avenge their dead comrade, they should be burned at the stake. Sample was well acquainted with Girty, having met him a number of times on Bureau, while on his ministerial excursions, and offered him all he possessed as a ransom for the life of himself and wife. But all to no purpose, nothing but revenge could satisfy tl blood-thirsty savage.
THE EXECUTION.
A few rods south of what is now known as the Knox graveyard, stood, thirty years ago, an old burr oak tree, isolated from other forest trees, and around which was a beautiful grass plot. Some of the early settlers had noticed this tree, and probably still recollect it, as it was burned at the root, as though a camp fire had been built against it. To this tree the victims were taken, and to it they were bound with large deer skin thongs. Diverted of all their clothing, bound band and font, they stood waiting their doom. A lire of dry limb.- was kindled around them, while the [ndiane stripped themselves of their clothing, with their face- painted red, id preparation for a dance. Every thing being now ready for the iitio]i, Girty took lib long knife and
/lernon
100 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
scalped the prisoners, saving the scalps as a trophy ol war. Taking the scalp of Mrs. Sample, and tying the long hair around his neck, leaving the .bloody scalp to hang; on his breast. In this way, Girtv, assisted by the other Indians, danced around their victims, jumping up and down, and yelling like demons. Mr. and Mrs. Sample, being bound to the tree, surrounded by burning fagots, their scalps taken off, with the blood running down over their faces, and covering their naked bodies with £ore. Soon the flames began to take effect on the victims, and in their a^onv tliev besought the Indians to shoot or tomahawk them, and thereby terminate their sufferings But their appeals were in vain; with fiendish laugh the Indians flourished their tomahawk- over their heads, dancing and yelling in mockery of their sufferings. Mrs. Sample, whose youth and in- nocence ought to have moved the hardest heart, appealed to G-irty, for the sake of humanity, to save her from this terrible death. But her appeals were without effect ; nothing could change the purpose, or soften the heart of this devil incarnate. When life was extinct, more fagots were put on the fire, until the remains were consumed. Nothing was known of these murders at the time, and for more than thirty years the sudden disappearance of Sample and wife remained a mystery to their friends.
The next year after this tragedy occurred, James Hayes made a claim here, and built a cabin by the side of the spring, where the residence of Mr. Knox now
EXECUTION. 103
stands. Around the tree where Sample and wife were
burned, Mr. Haves had noticed many human bones, and in a ravine, close by, a human skull was found.
But little was thought of this affair at the time, as these
bones were supposed to be those of Indians, it being
well known that they were in the habit of burying
their dead so near the top of the ground that wolves
frequently dug up and devoured the corpse.
Nearly forty years have now passed away since the murders were committed, and this place, with its sur- roundings, has underwent a great change. Herewhere timber once grew, is qow cultivated land. Instead of
dng surrounded by a wild, uninhabited region, it now shows everywhere the marks of civilization. To the
*
east, and in plain view, lies the city of Princeton, with its beautiful landscape scenery, its shade trees and parks, while its tall spires are seen to glitter in the sunbeams. The old burr oak tree, where the victim- suffered, and around which the Indians danced, has lone since fell by the woodman's axe, but its stump still remains as a relic <>f the past. And as you look on this stump, and the scene around it. you will be reminded of the awful tragedy which took place on this spot.*
came principally through [ndlan sources, and
was unknown to the earls settlers of this county. The manner <>t
capturing and executing the victims was narrated to the writer, a R w
. ii.v two Pottawatamle chiefs, named Hall I >:<>' and Olrty.
During the time oi the Black Haws war, a rumor was current among
the people, that a man and his wife was losl whue traveling from the
pi to the niinols river. Four years after tfa Shaub*
i the writer thai the indlana had burned a man ana woman, wh
Dames were unknown to Dim. Also, Squire Holly, -i well known
CHAPTER XII.
BULBONA.
At the south end of Bulbona Grove, where the residence of David A. Jones now stands, is a slight eminence, skirted on three sides by trees, while the fourth side opens out on the prairie. On this spot Bulbona built a cabin, in the summer of 1828, and occupied it as a residence for a number of years. Bul- bona was born of French parents, and was reared and spent his youthful days among the Indians, in the wild-
pioneer, and whose face was familiar to many of the Bureau settlers. Many years ago, a young man named Britt Sample, lived north of Dover, and for some time made his home with James G. Forristall. Sample said his uncle and aunt disappeared at the commencement of the Black Hawk war, and were thought to have been killed by the Indians.
The writer has spent much time in the investigation of this tragical affair, corresponding with those who would be likely to have some knowledge of the matter, also visiting the place where the friends of the victims are said to have lived, and find the accounts conflicting, One account says the parents of Mrs. Sample, whose names were May, lived in a hovel, partly dug out of the bluff, on the site of an ancient Indian village, nearly opposite the mouth of Lake Du Pue. They had lived in the country but a short time, and at the commencement of the war they boarded a steamboat at Fort Wilburn, and went to Missouri, where they had formerly lived.
BULB ON A. 105
of the west. He was a large, raw-boned, dark com- plexioned man, and had a coarse bass voice, and at the time we refer to was far advanced in life. His wife was an Indian squaw, of thePottawatamie tribe, with whom he had lived many years, and raised a number of half- breed children. Their habit- and dress, as well as their language, was a cross between the French and Indian, understanding and speaking the English language very imperfectly. For many years Bulbona was employed by the American Fur Company, on the Illinois river; and on leaving them, he commenced trade on his own footing. After establishing himself at the Grove, he had a large trade, as Indians from a distance would patronize his trading house, in preference to that of the Fur Company. He built a cabin for a store room, on the west side, adjoining his dwelling, some of the logs of which, I believe, are still to be seen, or were a few years ago.
Bullioua was thought to be wealthy, and among tin- [ndiane he exercised great influence. Black Hawk, aware of his influence over the Indians, visited him on one occasion, and with arguments and bribes, tried t<> induce him to favor a union of the Pottawatamies witli 3 « and Foxes, for the purpose <>f making war on the frontier settler . Bu1 Bulbona would nol listen t<> these entreaties, as he was on friendly terms with the
tie)-.-, and did much t<> Bave them from the tomahawk
Of hi- reel friend-.
106 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
THE FAIR MAIDEN AND HER TWO LOVERS.
Bnl buna had a daughter named Zeffa, who was at
this time about eighteen years of age, and a girl of remarkabl e personal attracti on . Being tall an d graceful , with large, expressive black eves, ruby cheeks, and beautiful long wavy hair, inheriting from her white father and red mother some of the best qualities of each. Zeffa had two levers, one of whom was a young hall-breed, who lived at Indiantown, and the other a French trader, of Peoria, Between the rival suitors bad feeling existed, each claiming exclusive right to the young maiden. The father favored the suit of the Frenchman, while the mother that of the Indian. The girl appeared to have an equal attachment for both, and could not decide in her own mind which of the two to marry. While things were in this condition, the two suitors, by chance, met at Bulbona's. The Frenchman was a small, dark-complexioned, hump-shouldered man. unprepossessing in appearance, but was dressed in a new suit of clothes, corresponding with the fashion of the day. The Indian was the opposite in personal appearance, being tall and straight, and his manly form was decorated in a buckskin hunting shirt and leggins, while around his head Avas a wreath of eaide feathers. In his belt he always carried his tomahawk and scalping knife, and a rifle on his shoulder, which caused him to
THE WEDDING. 107
look more like going to war than a courting. Things had now come to a crisis, and it must be decided, as h insisted on marrying the maid. The Indian proposed to fight a duel with the Frenchman, using rifles at ten p and let powder and ball decide their
3pective claims. Mrs. Bulbona favored this method of settling the matter, a- she contended that the world was not large enough to hold both of them, and if one was killed, her daughter would he at liberty t<> marry the other. At the proposed duel, the Frenchman shrugged his shoulders, believing his chance- poor with an adversary who had handled the rifle from his boy-
» *
hood. In return, the Frenchman offered to compromise
the matter with the Indian, and buy out his claim to
»
the girl, and thereby save the effusion of blood. This proposition was agreed to, and the arrangements were mad*- in the presence, and by the consent of. the whole family. The price and pay d upon consisted of
twenty-one blankets, and fifty strings of beads, to he delivered at the Frenchman's trading house in Peoria. T ie rival suitor being uow disposed of, they set about making preparations fur
THE WEDDING.
< hi the day appointed for the wedding, the intruded •'••in, accompanied by a French Catholic priest, from I '• . irrived at Bulbonfi A number of friends, nsisting of French, [ndians, and half-breeds, we
108 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY,
invited, and great preparations made to celebrate the nuptials. On the day of the wedding, Col. Strowbridge, Dad Joe, and Henry Thomas, on returning from Peoria, where they had been on business, called at Bulbona's house, and, being old friends, they were invited to stay and witness the marriage ceremony, which invitation was accepted. The priest, wearing on his head a gold- laced cap, and his body wrapped in a ruffled white robe, with a red ribbon around his neck, on which was suspended and hanging on his breast, a heavy gold cross. With all the pomp and dignity of his position, he was about to celebrate the sacred rights of matri- mony, according to the Catholic church. While standing, leaning against the wall, engaged in prayer, a dog came into the room and seated himself in front of the priest, and probably being astonished at his fine regalia, commenced barking. Four or five other dogs, that were standing at the door, on hearing the dog baiking in the house, no doubt thinking that some wild animal was treed within, rushed in, and all commenced barking at the priest, as though he was a stag at bay. Bulbona commenced kicking the dogs, in order to drive them out, but it only set them to righting ; and, in the melee, they threw down the priest, soiled and tore his robe, and scratched his face. This affair threw the wedding party into confusion. Much loud talk and hard words were used toward the dogs. The priest, in particular, gave vent to his feelings in loud denun- ciations against the brutish curs, but everything was
THE WEDDING DINNER. 109
said in French or Indian dialect, which was not under- stood by Col. Strowbridge and others, of his party. Things were again put to rights, and the marriage ceremony performed, after which came
THE WEDDING DINNER.
Mrs. Bulbona was a good cook, and knew how to prepare a sumptuous dinner, but she still adhered to the Indian method of serving it up. Her Indian friends had previously furnished her with various kinds of game for the occasion, so that her guests could have their choice of meats. In the center of the table was placed a large tin pan, filled with soup, and in which were various kinds of meat. In this soup pan were the feet of prairie chickens, ducks, squirrels, and coons, cooked with the claws and hair on. In this way they were served out to the guests, according to Indian custom. Col. Strowbridge, who was always full of fun, took the la<llc and fishing in the Boup until he brought up a chicken's fool ; then addressing Dad Joe, he Baid : "Dad, shall I help you to some of the fowl ?" towhich Dad replied; " No, God bless you !" A^m fishing up a fool of a coon, with the hair and claws on it. Bang out : "Dad, shall I help you to some of the coon?" "No, Gk>d bless you, Colonel; I will wait on myself.'1
• *
110 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
FOUR TRAVELERS ARRIVE.
On the wedding eve, preparations were made to celebrate the nuptials with a dance: and, in order to have music on the occasion, a fiddler was brought from Peoria. The store room was converted into a dancing hall, and the dancers were a motley set, consisting of French, Indians, and half-breeds. The bride and groom took part in the dance, enjoying themselves very much, being the centre of attraction, and were the gayest of the gay. In addition to the invited guests, Bulbona had sent invitations to many of his Indian friends, to visit the house on the wedding evening, for the purpose of receiving presents, a treat, etc. And as soon as it was dark, the cabin was surrounded by some fifty Indians, who were furnished with all the whisky thev could drink, and many of whom soon became drunk and noisy.
It was now after dark, being a beautiful September night, and the wedding party at Bulbona's was about to commence the dance, when a light covered wagon was drove up to the door, and the travelers, four in number, requested entertainment. Bulbona did not keep a hotel, but as his residence was a half-way house between Boyd's and Thomas', travelers sometimes stopped with him. The host informed the guests that his house was full, and he could not entertain them : but seeing by
FOUR TRAVELERS ARRIVE. Ill
their uniform that they were army officers, he invited them in to take something to drink, and see the wedding party. The invitation was accepted, and the party entered the house, where they remained several hours. For the names and description of the travelers, and what was done at Bulbomvs house, the writer is indebted to Mr. Kilgore, who was one of the party, being along with them as teamster. Mr. Kilgore was at that time living near Peoria, but at the present time lives, or was a few years aero, living west of Dixon. The travelers were dressed in United States uniform, and the straps <>n their Bhoulders showed their rank to be as follows: A Lieutenant, a Captain, anda Colonel. Th<- Colonel was a middle aged man, heavy set, broad
oulderes, dark complexion, prominent nose, under lip projecting, which indicated a person of great decision
d force of character. This man was Zachariah Taylor, late president of the United States. The Lieutenant was a young man, tall and slim, with a high forehead, a large Roman nose, irregular, hut prominent features, ad the appearance of a man with fine
mental facultii This young man was no other than .!■ V. Davis, ex president of the lati S >uthern confed ration. Th< : >tain, whose name was Smith, bel< to Col. Tay] jiment, at Prairie du Chien, but
nothing is known of bis history. These officers w< mii :i leave «»t' absence, in order to visit friends at the iv now "ii Hi' ir return t<> their regiment, then quartered :it Prairie du Chien. There were but
112 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
few steamboats running on western rivers in those clays, and the party had ascended the Illinois river, as far as Peoria, in one of these. Here they employed Mr. Kilgore to carry them, in a two-horse wagon, to Galena, from which place they intended to take a boat for their destination, which was a common way of traveling from south to north in those' days. Bulbona was always very polite to strangers, but on the present occasion he was unusually so. introducing the officers to the wedding guests, and presenting them with various kinds of drinks, which had been prepared for the occasion, and the officers, as well as the wedding party, were soon under its influence.
THE DANCE AND TRAGEDY.
The style of the dance was partly French and partly Indian, and with the dancers, all was joy and mirth. Above the sound of the violin, and the merry laughs of the guests, the dancers' feet were heard to rattle on the rough puncheon floor. The Indians, on the outside of the house, fronting the doors and windows, becoming animated by the music within, carried on a dance in their own way. jumping up and down, and yelling at the top of their voices. Lieut, Davis took part in the dance, and soon became the leading spirit of the party. His tall form was conspicuous among the dancers, sometimes imitating the French style of dancing, then the Indian, then again going it on his own footing, like at an old-fashioned Kentucky hoe-down.
THE DANCE AND THE TRAGEDY. 113
Among the wedding party was a niece of Mrs. Bulbona, a young squaw of great attraction, and she danced in her Indian style with much grace. Lieut. Davis was fascinated with her charms, and danced with her in almost every set. Beinir under the influence of liquor, he would do many remarkable things; some- times changing the order of the dance, to suit his fancy. When quadrilles were danced, he would change it into a waltz. so he could have hi.- arm around the waist of the young squaw. Then freeing himself from her, he would dance with all his force, causing his tall form to wriggle as ir swayed to and fro: sometimes jumping up and down in quick succession, and yelling at the top of his voice, in imitation of the Indians at the door. Col. Taylor and Capt. Smith took no part in the dance, but -at in one comer of the room, looking on, and almost splitting their >ide> with laughter.
Lieut. Davis was now under the influence of liquor, ami being fascinated with hi.- fair partner in the dan<-<-. made to her a dishonorable proposition, which was resented with contempt. Notwithstanding this resent- ment, the Lieutenant took improper liberties with her; such liberties a- politeness will not tolerate in a ball room. The young squaw considered herself insulted, in the presence of the company, and told her brother of the insult- Her brother, who was a tall, athletic Indian, was very angry on accounl of the insult to his sister, and was determined to punish the offender. I'" ing quite drunk, ami hi- brain frenzied by anger, he
114 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
went up to Lieut. Davis, and in broken English, accused him of insulting his sister; and, at the same time, pulled his nose. Lieut. Davis, who never lacked courage, pushed the Indian from him, and drew forth a pistol. The Indian, with a fiendish smile, drew his long knife. The dancing stopped, the women screamed, and all was confusion, as it was expected in a moment to see the death of one or both of the parties. But in an instant Col. Taylor sprang between the combatants, and thereby prevented the effusion of blood.
It was no doubt from acts like the one above narrated, that caused Col. Taylor to denounce Jeff. Davis as a wild, unscrupulous profligate, and unfit to be a husband fur his daughter. But notwithstanding the Colonel's dislike to Davis, forbidding him ever again to enter his house, in less than one vear from that time, he ran off with, and married his daughter. In this act, Davis left his regiment, forfeited his commission in the army, and settled in the State of Mississippi. Col. Taylor did not become reconciled to the conduct of Davis, and for fifteen years they never met or corresponded.
On the battle field of Buena Yista, Davi- at that time commanding a regiment of Mississippi volunteers, stormed and took possession of the Mexican batteries, and therein' saved the battle. Then, for the first time since Davis left Prairie du Chien, Gen. Taylor rode up to him, and taking him by the hand, expressed, his approbation of his heroic conduct, saying after all his daughter was a better judge of his ability than himself.
THE DANCE AND THE TKAGEDY. 115
After the trouble between Lieut. Davis and the Indian, the travelers left Bulbona's for Henry Thomas', which was <>n their road, and about six miles distant. Here they remained over night, and next morning they continued their journay towards Galena. At the com- mencement of the Black Hawk war, Bulbona left the grove, and aever returned to it again, but settled in the eastern [tart of the State, in Kankakee county, at a grove which still- hears his name.
The little hump-backed Frenchman, who married Bulbona's daughter, was a successful Indian trader, and accumulated a large fortune. Soon after his marriage, he went to St. Paul, where he continues to live, and by whom many of the incidents related in this story will be confirmed.
CHAPTER XIII.
MILITARY FORCE ORGANIZED.
Forty years ago Putnam county was not such a diminutive affair as it now is, but included within its boundaries the territory which at present constitutes Bureau, Stark, and Marshall counties. "Within this vast territory, there was not over five hundred inhabi- tants, who were scattered along the principal groves, known as settlements. But two towns had been surveyed within the limits of Putnam county — Hen- nepin and Columbia, (now Lacon) ; each of these contained but a few log cabins. Not one frame building, school or meeting house, nor one surveyed road could be found within the limits of Putnam county. On tw< > occasions only the placid waters of the Illinois river had been ruffled by a steamboat, its commerce having been carried on by keel boats and bateaux. Such was the state of affairs at the commencement of the Black Hawk war, when people were compelled to leave their cabins, rude though they were, and take refuge in block houses, called forts, by courtesy.
MILITARY FORCE ORGANIZED. 117
Governor Reynolds issued a proclamation, notifying the frontier settlers that thev must defend themselves, as all volunteers would be needed in active service.
In accordance with this proclamation, runners were sent to the different settlements in the. county, notifying all persons fit for military duty, to meet at Hennepin, on the 20th of May, to organize military companies. Previous to this meeting, John Strawn had received a colonel's commission, and had been notified to call for volunteers, under the militia law. On the day ap- pointed, people from various parts of the county appeared at the place of rendezvous, all of whom wen- clothed in their working dresses, and carrying guns on their shoulders. Col. Strawn made his appearance among them, in rail military dress, wearing a laced coat with epaulets on his shoulders, and a cocked hat of the Bonaparte pattern. Volunteers were numerous, and three companies of rangers were organized, among whom were many of the early settlers of Bureau
* *
county. Col. Strawn made a speech to these volun- teers, exhorting them to deed-, of bravery, and threatened to shool down the firsl man thai turned his back on the painted fur. Forthe firsl time in Putnam
mlv was heard the fife and drum, and niueh enthn-
Biasm was manifested among the rangers, some of whom Bang patriotic song Dave Jones ; I through the crowd, Blapping his hands on hie thighs, and dancing "Jim ('row." The rangers were all mounted on horseback, finding their own horses, arms, provisions,
L
118 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
camp equipage, eVrc, and were on duty about one month. Some twenty years after the war, these rangers received for their services, a military land warrant.
It was agreed at the first meeting of the rangers that the Illinois river should be the line of defense, and an order was issued, forbidding all persons crossing the river without permission from the proper officers. Hennepin was made the headquarters for military operations, and a fort was ordered to be built for that purpose. Hartzeirs old trading house was torn down, and its timbers used in the construction of a fort. This fort was located on the river bank, opposite the ferry, (now Front street), and consisted of a two story block house. The upper story projected over the lower one, and above and below were port holes, so the inmates could lire on the enemy, in case they were attacked. Within this fort, or encamped around it, were the families of many of the first settlers of this county, among whom were the families of Dr. N. Chamberlain, Roland Moseley, John Musgrove, Joel Doolittle, and Widow Electa Smith.
FORT THOMAS.
About the 20th of May, two companies of mounted rangers, principally from St. Clair county, under the command of Maj. Baxter, came to Bureau, and built a fort. This fort was located on Henry Thomas' claim, and occupied the very spot where Thomas Yaughan's
INDIAN SCARE AT HENNEPIN. 119
house now stands, being about four miles north oi Wvanet. Fort Thomas consisted of a Mock house. surrounded with barricades, which was constructed of puncheons, set into the ground, and about fifteen feet high. On the southwest angle of the fort, there was an entrance through the barricades, guarded by a heavy swing irate. While the fort was being built, a file of soldiers stood guard over the workmen, to prevent their being surprised by the Indians. The horses belonging to the rangers, were hobbled during the day time, while feeding on the prairie, and at nighl they were tied to posts around the fort. There were about one hundred and forty men belonging to this battalion, and they remained here on dutv until the war was over. I hiring their stay, they killed and ate some of Thomas' cattle. used his crib of corn, and burned his rails for fuel, sides robbing the cabins of some of the settlers. It is said while here they drank two barrels of whisky, had seventeen fights among themselves, and returned
to their home- without bavin-- seen an Indian.
SCARE \ l HENNEPIN- \ SEARCH FOR INDIANS.
It was near sundown, on the 25th of May, L832, when a steamboat came down the river from Fori W ilburn. and landed at Hennepin. The captain and crew of the boat said, about two miles ibove, on the -t Bide of theriver, they saw a body of Indiana run into the woods, and skulk behind trees. This report created
120 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
a great panic among the people, and preparations were made for defense. The fort, at that time, was in an unfinished condition, and therefore would afford but little protection. The women and children were put on board of an empty keel boat, which lay at the wharf, with three men to manage it. The men having the management of the boat, were instructed to push it out into the middle of the stream, and let it float down stream, should the town be attacked. In this boat were the families of Mr. Moseley, Mr. Musgrove, Widow Smith, and others belonging to Bureau settle- ment. During the excitement, Mr. Blanchard and wife, unobserved by any one, went on board of a pirogue, and started down the river. After going a short distance, and hearing no fighting at the fort, they laid to ; and about daybreak next morning, returned up the river to Hennepin. Those on board of the keel boat, heard Blanchard rowing his craft, and believed that the Indians were coming. Through the dim morning light they saw the red bow of the pirogue. which was mistaken for Indian blankets. The men prepared themselves for defense, while the women and children commenced crying, thinking their time had come. A challenge was given from the boat, but it was not heard by those in the pirogue ; a second one was given, and the men in the boat were about to fire, when Blanchard let himself be known.
For some days it was believed that the Indians were secreted in the river timber, and a company of rangers
FOKT WILBURN. 121
went in search of them. Some of the rangers ascended the river in canoes, while others pursued their way on horseback. After passing the mouth of Bureau creek. and seeing no Indians, nor Indian signs, the party in canoes concluded to fire off their guns, in order to frighten rln.se on horseback, while the party on horse- back had conceived the same idea, and both parties tired almost simultaneously, to the great astonishment of each other. The joke was a good one, and both parties acknowledged that they were beaten at their own game. John Hall, with three hired men, had returned to his claim, to look after his crops, which had been neglected in consequence of the war. As Indians were reported to have been seen in the river timber, it was thought best to notify Hall and his men of their danger. Consequently, Williamson Durley and Mr. Simpson
volunteered for that purpose. The messengers, in a
canoe, ascended the river as far as Spring Lake, and from there they went on foot to Hall's cabin. It was after dark when they arrived, and were much surprised to find the cabin deserted. On holloing, they were answered by Hall and party, off in the grove, who had taken quilts and were deeping some distance from the »in, so i- i" avoid being surprised, should Indians tack the cabin during the night.
•i:t WILBURS and \yi:i- BLA4 KSMTTH SHOP.
M.ip of the earh Bettlerswill recollect John Hayi who kepi a store in a log cabin under the bluff, win
122 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
Peru now stands. Mr. Hayes had a farm here by the side of the river, and had occupied it for three years previous to the Indian troubles. When the war broke out, Hayes, Lapsley, and Burton Ayres, with others, commenced building a fort on the present site of La Salle; but on being notified of immediate danger, thev abandoned it, boarded their canoes, and went down to Hennepin. A few days afterwards, Mr. Hayes' two hoys, Harrison and Jonathan, (the former now living in the town of Manlius), took a canoe, and went up to their farm to finish planting corn. Next day, about four o'clock in the afternoon, the steamer Caroline came up the river, with Capt. Wilburn's company of volun- teers on board. When the captain of the steamboat saw the boys at work in the field, he fired off a cannon, rounded to. and sent out a yawl to take them on board.
7 *
Tlie boat ascended the river as far as the mouth of Biu Vermillion, where she lay all night, anchored in the middle of the stream, with steam up, and soldiers with loaded muskets prornenadi ug the deck. Next morning, the troops were landed on the south side of the river, and they commenced building Fort Wilbnrn.
William Tompkins and Sampson Cole, with their families, and John Cole, now a resident of Tiskilwa. were the only people at that time living in the eastern part of this county. When the war commenced, they became alarmed at their exposed situation, liable at any moment to be attacked by the Indians. Each tnigh they would take quilts and blankets, cross the river in
FORT WILBUKN. 12o
their canoe, and sleep in the thick timber of the bottom. In the morning, they would return to their cabins, and spend the day at work on their claims; hut at night, cross the river as before. After spending a number of nights in the woods, they became afraid to return to their homo, and in their canoes went down to Hen- nepin, where they remained for some days. As soon as Fort "Wilburn was built, they took quarters in it. where they remained until the war was over.
On the "north side of the river, almost opposite Fort Wilhurn, now within the limits of La Salle, stood a l<»e; blacksmith shop, which was occupied by a young man named Burton Avres. For three years, Mr. Avre- had done a lucrative business here, as his shop occupied a central position between Bureau and Fox River settle- ment, and received the patronage of both. Mr. Ayres was a very industrious man. and had accumulated quite a .Mini <>f money for those days. On a warm spring morning, the day before the Indian Creek massacre, as Mi-. Ayres was engaged in welding a plow share, Shan-
bena called at his shop, and told him to flee for his life. or he would he killed by the Indians, probably before
the settingof the sun. Mr. Aviv- at once removed his
anvil block, dug a hole in the und, wrapped his
money which was all in Bilver in hie leather apron, and buried it ; then replacing hie am il block, and closing the door of his Bhop, lie left mm foot for tin- Btate <»i <)hi<>. A hunt -i\ months afterwards, Mi. Ayres re turned, resurrected his money, and continued I
husilii befbl i .
CHAPTER XIV.
EXPLANATION.
It may be of interest to the reader to know by what means many of the facts relating to the Indians of this county were obtained, as some of them were unknown to the early settlers, — therefore an explanation of this matter becomes necessary :
A few years ago, while in the city of Washington, I met a number of Pottawatamie chiefs, from Western Kansas, among whom was Col. Barrassa, an educated half-breed, and author of a book, entitled, " Indian Life and Customs." Through the politeness of Col. Barrassa. I was introduced to two other chiefs, and from whom many of the incidents related in this story were obtained. One of these chiefs was the well known Half Day, a son of Autuckee, and the other represented himself as a son of Grirty, the outlaw. These chiefs said they were born on Bureau, but left it while in boyhood; nevertheless they had a distinct recollection of some of the early settlers, and described the personal
EXPLANATION. 125
appearance of Michael Kitterman, Elijah Epperson, and others.
These chiefs inquired if I was connected with any of the people killed by the Indians: and being answered in the negative, thev went on to describe the manner of killing Phillips. Sample, and others. These acts were justified by the chiefs, contending that thev were done in defense of their rights. On hearing tli chiefs describe the manner of killing women and children on Indian creek, and burning at the stake of Squire Holly, as well as Sample and his wife, I said to them their people were really savage barbarians; to which thev replied, "No act of their's was bo barbarous as that of the soldiers at the battle of Bad Axe, all of which is a matter of history. When squaws, with infants in their arms, asked for quarter, their appeals were disregarded, being shot down like brutes. A soldier ran his bayonet through the body of an infant. holding it up above his head, <>n the end of his gun, while the child was Bcreaming in the agonies of death, and this act of barbarity was applauded by his comrades. Manv <>t* the squaws, on finding no quarter could be obtained from the Boldiers, threw themselves into the river, and there mel a water}' grave.* Eight or ten
I ii.iv< h.nr.i it Rtated bj an eye-witness, and It is also a matter oi history, thai b iqua* named Ne-wa-se, a slstei oi a distinguished chief, during the hottest <»t 1 1 » • - battle, trapped a blanket around her infant,
I holding 11 In her teeth, plunged Into the Mississippi, seised hold of the tall of vpony, whose rider wras swimming the river, and 03 that meant she aran taken safely acron . II
126 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
small childreu took refuge under the river bank, but were found by the soldiers, and murdered in cold blood.1
SHAUBENA. *'v
A few years after the Black Hawk war, Shaubena, with his band of followers, consisting of about one hundred and forty in number, were encamped for some weeks on Bureau, near the crossing of the Dixon road. At that time the writer was living close by Shan- bena's encampment, and was frequently in his wigwam, and from him learned much of his history, as well as other facts relating to the Indians of this county. Shaubena .-aid that he was of the Ottawa tribe, but 'in his youth he married the daughter of a noted Potta- watamie chief, whom he succeeded at his death, which occurred a few years afterwards, as one of the principal chiefs of the tribe. In 1811 he accompanied Tecumseh in his mission to the Creek Indians, in Mississippi, and was with him at the council of Vincennes. At the time of the British war, in 1812, he was made a war '■hief. was an aid to Tecumseh, and stood by his side when he fell at the battle of the Thames.*)" Shaubena
This name has been spelled in various ways; such as Shaubena. Shabbona, and Shawbonee. The former mode of spelling has been adopted, on account of its appearing, so in the Indian treaties.
When Dick Johnson was Vice President, Shaubena visited Wash- ington, and iiad an interview with him. in relation to the killing of Tecumseh. After this interview, the Vice President took the old warrior by the arm, introducing him to the heads of the departments, on separating, Johnson gave Shaubena a heavy gold ring, as a token of friendship, which lie wor« on his tinger until the day of his death.
SIIAUBEN \.
•in part km-
•II
. i - ihi
id
i'er tbrpu e w ir to join
•®E»
TILDE* F04J*n*r,„^
.-.I'll, on
t When Die ington, and hj Tecumseh. warrior by th ' >ii separating of friendship,
SHAUBENA. 129
was a fine looking Indian, tall and straight, with broad shoulders, a large head, and a stranger could sec by his general appearance that he was no ordinary personage. He spoke the English language very imperfectly, and was uot celebrated as a great orator in his native tongue, but bis superior knowledge of men and things, gave him great influence over his people. After the death of Senachwine and Black Partridge, no chief between the lake and Mississippi exercise*] so much influence over the Indians, as Shaubena. His home was at aubena Grove, now DeKalb county; but for thirty vears he had made Bureau his hunting ground, and .<•!! known by many of the early settlers. Shau-
* « >
bena had two wives, one of whom was the partner of his youth, and bv her he had many grown up children. A . later period, he had married a young squaw, and bv whom he had three small children. Between tin- old and young squaw, quarrels were very common, some of which would result in open hostility. One day Shaubena said to the writer, ii was strange thai his squaws could not agr< there were onh two of
them, while other chic!'- could have a do/en or more. and all of whom would live together in perfect harmony, § [aubena said at the commen it of the Black
rlawk war. seventeen of hie young warrior- pan oft imd joined the Sacs and Foxi s, two of whom partici- i in the Indian ( In ek in well as the
killing of Phillips. I or this offense lie never forgave them, and tic\ were not allowed after the w join
130 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
his band. One of these only, a brother of his young squaw, he pardoned, and again reinstated him in favor with the band. This Indian was tall and lank, with a savage look; had one hand shot off in the battle of Wisconsin river, and was present at the Indian Creek massacre; and through him the writer obtained many facts relating to that event.
At the commencement of the Black Hawk war, Shaubena went to Dixon's ferry, to offer the services of himself and warriors of his band to Gov. Reynolds, r<- tiirlit against the Sacs and Foxes. Mounted on his pony, and alone, he arrived at Dixon's ferry on the same day that Stillman's army reached there. The soldiers, believing Shaubena to be an enemy in disguise, dragged him from his pony, took away his gun and tomahawk, and otherwise mistreated him, telling him they had left home to kill Indians, and he should be their first victim. A man, running at the top of his speed, came to Dixon's house, and told him that the soldiers had taken Shaubena prisoner, and were about to put him to death. Mr. Dixon, in all haste, ran to the rescue, when he found the soldiers (who were somewhat under the influence of liquor), about to stain their hands with innocent blood. Dixon, claiming the prisoner as an old friend, took him by the arm and conducted him to his own house, when he was after- wards introduced to Gov. Reynolds, Gen. Atkinson. ( Jol. Taylor, and others.
Shaubena, with his warriors, joined Atkinsons army,
shaubena's ADVENTURE AT CHICAGO. 131
and participated in all the battles during the war. In the fall of 1836, he and his hand abandoned their reservations of land at the grove, giving way to the tide of emigration, and went west of the Mississippi. But Shaubena's fidelity to the whites, caused him to be persecuted by the Sacs and Foxes. In revenge, they killed his son and nephew, and hunted him down Like a wild beast. Two years after goine; west, in order to save his life, he left his people, and with a part of his family returned to this county. For Borne years he traveled from place to place, visitinga number of eastern cities, where he was much lionized, and received many valuable presents. Many of our citizens will recollect his last visit to Princeton, in 1857, while on his way eastward. At that time Shaiibena came to the residence <>f the writer, and an old acquaintance of twenty-two \ear- standing was renewed. He inquired after many of the old settlers of his acquaintance, ami on being told that they were in their graves, tear.- filled his eyes. Shaubena died in July, L-s59, on the bank of the Illinois river, near Seneca, in the eighty fourth year of hie age; and contrary to hie wish, he was buried in Morris cemetery. No monument marks the last resting
* *
place of this friend of the white man.
-iia I i;i:n Lfi w<\ in I I RE vi I HIC kG< >.
Shaubena, while in con^ creation with the writer, ga\ e
an are,, nnt of a Visit t<. Chicago, in L812. at the time
132 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
of massacreing the troops under Capt. Heald. He said : " It was in the afternoon of the fatal day, a few hours after the battle, when in company with twenty- two warriors, he arrived at Chicago. Along the beach of the lake, where the battle was fought, lay forty-one dead bodies — the remains of soldiers, women and children, all of which were scalped, and more or less mutulated. The body of Capt. Weils was lying in one place, and his head in another: these remains were gathered up by Black Partridge, and buried in the sand near where he fell. The prisoners were taken to the Indian encampment, and closely guarded, to prevent their escape. John Kinzie, an Indian trader, whose house stood on the north side of the river, opposite Fort Dearborn, had been for some years trading with the Indians, and among; them he had many friends. By special favor, lie was allowed to return to his own house, accompanied by his family, and the wife of Lieut. Helm, who was badly wounded.
"That evening, about sundown, a council of chiefs was called to decide the fate of the prisoners; and it was agreed to deliver them up to the British com- mander at Detroit, in accordance with the terms of capitulation. After dark, many warriors from a distance came into camp, who were thirsting for blood, and were determined to murder the prisoners, regardless of the stipulated terms of surrender. Black Partridge,* with
:: Black Partridge had a village on the Illinois l'iver, a short distance below the present site of Henry. According to the statement of Shan-
8HAUBENA8 ADVENTUKE AT CHICAGO. 133
a few of liis friends, surrounded Kinzie's house, to
protect the inmates from the tomahawks of these blood- thirsty savages.'1 Shaubena further said, "that he, with other warrior-, were standing on the porch, wi their sruns crossing the doorway, when a body of hostile warriors, with blackened faces, rushed by them, forcing their way into the house.
"The parlor was now full of Indians, who stood with their tomahawks and scalping knives, awaiting the signal from their chief, when they would commence the work of death. Black Partridge said to Mrs. Kinzie. "We have done everything in our power to save you, hut all is now lost: you.and your friends, together with all the prisoner.- at the camp, will be .-lain." Art moment a canoe was heard approaching the shore, wi, Black Partridge fan down to the river, trying in the darkness to nuke out the new comer.-, and at the same time shouted, " Who are you, friend or foe?'" In the
bena, he was an Indian >i more than ordinary intellect, and v alwaye a friend ol the whites. The reader will recollect an accouni bin u In Mrs. Kin >ok, saving the life of Mrs. Helm, at
Chicago n e, by taking tier away from a and bearing h
off, wounded and bleeding, inc. the lake. Uso bis lntervl< w « 1 apt. Heald, on the morning ol th< day. On entering the i
Bla ; to the commanding officer, Capt bleald: '•] h»
come to'deliver ap to \ rou this medal, which \\ m i" me bj >
i" »ple, a token ol friendship. Our young warriors are resol Imbrue their hands in blood; I can nol restrain them,' and [ will i wear an emblem <>i friendship while I am compelled to enemj " Notwithstanding IllackPartrid lendshlp for the whil
\\ \« e< k» after* .-. and cornfield w<
md camp equipage curried off, many ■>! h pie K i : l « -< I . and
remainder <>i ins band driven off i" ;i itrange country \ h account ol the destruction ol Black Partridge's vill immunlcated
the writer i> ■ n Wh i it! be fonnd
another i>:in <>t t * • i — u oi
134 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
bow of the approaching canoe, stood a tall, manly
personage, with a rifle in his hand ; and as the canoe came to shore, he jumped off on the beach, exclaiming, in a loud, clear voice, the musical notes of which rang forth on the still night air: "I am the Sau-ga-nash !"* "Then," said Black Partridge, "hasten to the house, for our friends are in danger, and you alone can save them.'1 Billy Caldwell, for it was he, ran to the house, entering the parlor, which was full of hostile Indian.-, and by threats, and entreaties, prevailed on them to abandon their murderous designs: and by him Kinzie's family, with the prisoners at the fort, were saved from death.
* Billy Caldwell, called by the Indians Sau-ga-nash, was a half-breed, and said to have been a son of Col. Caldwell, a British officer. He was one of the principal chiefs among the Pottawatamies, and was well known by the early settlers of Chicago.
CHAPTER XV
INDIAN CREEK SETTLEMENT.
After Shaubena had warned the settlers on Bureau of their danger, he went to Indian creek and Holder- man's grove, and irave notice to them also. Bui unfortunately, some of the settler.- disregarded hi- warning, and thereby paid the forfeit with their lives. This tragedy, which we are about to relate, occurred outside oi the limits of Bureau county, and therefore
<
might he regarded by the reader as foreign to our storv. But it nni-t be remembered that some of the victims were resident- of this county, others had been previ- ously, and the surviving members of the murdered families resided here for many years afterwards : s< i that it is properly one of Ha- incident- connected with the <arl\ settlement of Bureau county. It is also evidenl tiiat these murders were committed l»\ Indian.-, who belonged on Bureau, being the same guerrilla hand thai bad searched in vain for victims along Bureau timber, a few davs before. The account of this massacre
N
L36 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
is taken from statements made to the writer, by the surviving members of the murdered families, a short time after it occurred, and also from the statement of au Indian who participated in the murder.
In the spring of 1830, William Daviess made a claim on Indian creek, twelve miles north of Ottawa, and had built his cabin close by the creek bank. A few rods from his cabin he had built a blacksmith shop, he being a blacksmith by trade. He had also commenced building a mill, and the dam for that purpose was already completed. Some miles up the creek, was an Indian village, and its inhabitants were angry at Daviess for building this dam, as it prevented the fish from ascending the stream. Each day the Indians were in the habit of coming down below the dam to fish, and on one occasion they threatened injury to Daviess" family if it was not removed, so the fish could come up to their village. A number of days had now passed away since the Indians were down to fish, and none had been seen along the creek, or in the neighborhood. The absence of the Indians caused Daviess to fear that they intended revenge on him and family, for what they considered a trespass on their rights. In order to compromise this matter, Daviess, accompanied by one of his neighbors, named John Henderson, went up to the village for the purpose of making the Indians some presents, and thereby retain their good will. But on arriving at the village, they found it deserted, and no Indians could be discovered in the vicinity, so they
INDIAN CREEK SETTLEMENT. L31
started homewards. On their return home, night over- took them, and in the darkness they lost their way, consequently they were obliged to lay out all night. Daviess not returning at night as was expected, his family believed that he had 'been murdered by the
• #
Indian-, and the next morning, before it was light, they left for the fort at Ottawa. When Daviess came home and found his family gone, he followed after and over- took them in their flight, causing the fugitives to return again to their home. On their way homeward, thev were met by the family of William Hall, who were
* •
also On their way to the fort, but through the persuasion of Mr. Daviess, they returned with him to his house.
William Hall, who is referred to in a previous chapter of this story, had a short time before sold his claim, where La Moille now standi, to Aaron Gunn. and with hi- family moved to Indian creek. He had been at his new home but a few weeks, having made claim.- for himself and sons, and was engaged in building a cabin when the war broke out.
Mr. Pettigrew had a claim in the neighborhood, and with hi- family, had. been two day- in the fort at ( Ottawa. B ilieving that* there was no danger of Indian depred i tions, he returned t«> Daviess1 house, about noon on tin- <la\ of tin- massacre. T vo young men, Robert Norris ami [enn George, were al Daviess house al the time «>t" the massacre. The former lived with Mi-. Hend< -on. a neighbor, and wa- .it tin- blacksmith shop at the time, in order ti> have some work done. The latter.
188 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
Henry George, belonged to the Bureau settlement,
owned a claim, and had bnilt a cabin on the present site of Bureau Junction. He was at the time on a visit to Hall's family, and gossip said that he was courting one of his daughters. Mr. Phillips, a mill- wright by trade, who was engaged in building a mill for Daviess, with his wife and child, were among the victims. Both Daviess and Hall had grown up sons, and with the other visitors at the house, they considered, themselves of sufficient strength to repel an attack of the Indians.
On the morning of the fatal day, Shaubena, with his pony in a foam of sweat from excessive traveling, called at Daviess' house, and told the inmates that a band of hostile Indians had been for some days on Bureau, and on the evening before they were seen crossing the prairie in the direction of Indian creek timber. On receiving this information, Hall was in favor of leaving immediately lor Ottawa, hut Daviess, who was a very resolute man, opposed it, saying that lie did not fear the Indians, and that no red skin could drive him away from home.
INDIANS LEAVE BUREAU FOR INDIAN CREEK.
After the murder of Sample and wife, as narrated in a previous chapter, rhe Indians broke up their camp at the Knox spring, and left for Indian creek settlement. Grirty dressed in Sample's clothes, and mounted on his horse, with the scalp of ]lv±. Sampie suspended from his ueck, considering himself " The Big Injun." On
THE MASSACRE. 189
arriving at the Indian creek settlement, they secreted themselves in the thick timber, and from here they sent out spies in various directions, to make discoveries. One of these spies visited the residence of Mr. Davie—. and by crawling on Ins hands and knees through the underbrush, he came close to the house, so that he learned the number of inmate-, a.- well as their means of defense. On returning to his comrades, and re- porting hi.- discovery, the Indians mounted their ponies, and followed down the creek timber, until they came within one mile of Daviess1 cabin. Here, in the thick timber they dismounted, tying their ponies to tre< and then proceeded on foot, in order to carry out tic murderous designs; being conducted by two Pottawa- mie Indians, who were raised on Indian creek, and who were well acquainted with the surroundings of the house. These Indians led the attacking party with great caution, crawling along under the creek hank, until they approached within a few rods of the hous< . without being discovered by their victims.
THE MA88AORE.*
It was about four o'clock in the afternoon of May
* Shaubena, in conversation with (he writer, stated thai the depre dations <>u [ndlao creek and i'<»\ river, were committed by [ndia wh<» belonged ">n Bureau. In this band werea f< - and Fo>
with two warriors belonging t" Bhaubena's band, one ol whom * his own brother-in-law. Indian chiefs, whom the writer met In Washington, made the same statement, and It I • h<
two Mil n.-iiK, who tat m«>v| of the Indians al the massaer*
were Pottawatamles, two "i whom thej had seen '
»ra conducted the captive Hall girls »>■ I Hawk t camp, while the Pottawatamles continued their depred I
. i her loculll
140 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
21st. while the men were at work in the blaekmith shop, and the women busy with their household affairs, unconscious of danger, a dog barked, and on looking out at the door, about seventy Indians, with painted faces, were seen entering the door yard. Mr. Petti- grew, who was in the house, attempted to shut the door, but was shot down while in the act of doing so. Part of the Indians rushed into the house, killing the women and children with their tomahawks and scalping knives, while the others, with deafening yells, attacked the men at the blacksmith shop. The assault was so sudden, that the men were unprepared to make a successful defense; although thev had their "runs with them, there was not sufficient time for their use, as the savages were among them in a moment, using their guns and tomahawks on their victims. William Hall was shot down instantly; Robert Norn's had grabbed his gun, and was in the act of shooting, when he too was killed. William Daviess, who was a large, resolute man. defended himself for some time, using the breech of his gun over the heads of the savaires, bending the barrel in the struggle, but was at last overpowered and killed. Blood and hair were found on Daviess's gun barrel, and the ground where his remains lay showed the marks of a desperate struggle. Near by was a pool of blood, where an Indian was thought to have been killed, and carried away by his comrades. Henry G-eorge jumped into the mill pond, but was shot while swimming across it. One of Dalies-1 sons, a lad of
THE MASSACRE. 141
fourteen, was caught by an Indian, while crossing the mill dam, tomahawked, and his remains thrown into the water. John W., a son of William Hall, ran and jumped off the creek bank, as many shots were tired at him. By keeping close under the hank of the creek, out of their sight, he succeeded in making his escape. Three young men, Edward and Greenberry Hall, and a son of Mr. Daviess, were at work in the field; hut on seeing the Indians killing their people, they unhitched their oxen from the plow, and tied with all haste for Ottawa, which place they reached in safety. When the Indians entered Daviess1 house, they with fiendish yells commenced killing the inmate-: some were Bhot down, others dispatched with knives, sp< or tomahawks, Mrs. Phillips was found with her infant clasped in her arms, both having their heads split open by a tomahawk, and werelyingin theirgore. An Indian snatched an infant out of its mother's arms, and knocked its brains out against the door frame. Sylvia and Rachel Hall, and Miss Daviess, jumped on a bed in order to escape the tomahawk of the Indians. Mi— Daviess was immediately shot, while R he! Hall's fa<-e was bo close to the muzzle of the gun as to hum it to a blister. The [ndians afterwards told, with infernal glee, how the women and children squawked like duck-, when the) felt the cold BteeJ pierce their bodies.
A short distance from Daviess cabin lived two fami- lies, by the name of Henderson, grandfather and uncle
142 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
of Gen. Henderson, of Princeton. Two days before the massacre, thev were notified of their danger by Shaubena, and had taken their women and children to the fort at Ottawa, while the men returned to work on their claims. On hearing the firing of guns at Daviess1 cabin, and knowing that the Indians were murdering their friends, thev hurried to their assistance, but <>n seeing the strength of the attacking party, thev knew that assistance would be useless, and only throwing away their own lives, so they turned back and tied for Ottawa.
FIFTEEN PERSONS KILLED, TWO GIRLS CAPTURED.
After the Indians had completed their work of horror, leaving fifteen dead bodies scalped and dreadfully mutilated, they returned to the place where they had left their ponies. They took with them a number of horses, which belonged to the murdered families; also clothing, provisions, and everything they could use. They shot horses, cattle, and hogs; even chickens in the barn yard did not escape their fury. Two daughters of Mi'. Hall, Sylvia, aged eighteen, and Rachel, aged fourteen, were taken prisoners, and carried off into the Indiai i country.
When the massacre was completed, four Indians took hold of the girls, one holding on to each arm, and hurried them off as fast as possible, through the woods, to where their ponies were tied. Here the Indians had
KILLED AND CAPTURED. 143
collected together, and over the prisoners they held a council to decide about the disposition of them. Girty wa> in favor of killing the girls on the spot, and thereby save the trouble of taking them to Black Hawk's camp, which was about ninety miles distant. But the will of Girtv was overruled by a majority of the warriors, who had in view, no doubt, the large reward that would be paid tbr their ransom. The girls were placed on horses, Sylvia on one which belonged to her father, and Rachel on a ^rav horse, that was owned by one of the Hendersons, and had been rode to the blacksmith shop bv Robert Norris, a few moments before the massacre.
■
Two Indians rode bv the side of the girls, holding the reins of their horses to prevent their escape, and in this position they galloped away.
A son of Mr. Daviess, named James, a lad seven or eight years of age, was taken prisoner with the Hall girls. But after going a short distance through the
w Is, in the direction of their ponies, the boy gave
(»nt. no t being able t<> travel sofasl a- the rest of the party, and the two Indian- who had him iii charge, made him Btand up to be >h«»t. Little Jimmy, as lie
wa> called, pale a- death, Stood like a marble statue,
without moving a muscle, to receive the fatal -hot. While the boi was -till struggling in the agonies of death, the savages took oil' hi- scalp, leaving the bod}
where it fell. t<» be devoured l.\ Wol\e-.
Two days after the massacre, a company of rangers, many of whom belonged t.. Bureau settlement, went to
144 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
Indian creek to bury the dead. All the bodies of the victims were found, and buried, except that of little Jimmy, the fate of which was not known until some time afterwards.
SHERIFF WALKER S TWO INDIAN PRISONERS.
Next spring, after the Black Hawk war, two Potta- watamie Indians were charged with taking part in the Indian creek massacre, and were indicted for murder by the Circuit Court of La Salle county. Sylvia and Rachel Hall testified that thev knew these Indians having been to their house before the war, and proposed buying them of their father. These Indians were arrested, and bound over to court; but the time of holding court having been changed, the prisoners, thinking that they would not be wanted, went west with their band. George E. Walker, an Indian trader, was at that time sheriff of La Salle county, and he, with others, was security for the appearance of these Indians. Walker went alone in search of the prisoners, and found them west of the Mississippi, far out in the Indian country. A council of chiefs was called, and it was decided that the accused Indians should accompany Walker to Ottawa, to stand their trial for murder. The Indians bade farewell to their friends, believing that they would be executed upon their arrival at Ottawa, and to all appearance were reconciled to their fate. For many days the sheriff, with his prisoners, traveled
SHERIFF WALKER'S TWO INDIAN PRISONERS. 145
through an Indian country, camping out at night, and all -sleeping together. Sometimes the Indians would go off on a hunt, in order to supply the cam}) with provisions, and could have made their escape at any time, but they had pledged their honor to give them- selves up at Ottawa, and not even the preservation of their lives, could induce them to forfeit this pledge.
As Sheriff Walker was returning with his prisoners, he was met on West Bureau by Peter Demott, an old pioneer hunter. The party was traveling on the Sacs and Fox trail, mounted on Indian ponies, and carrying guns on their shoulders. — the sheriff leading the way, and followed by the Indians in single file. Demotl recognized one of these Indians as an old friend, with whom he had hunted on Green river two years before.
This Indian appeared dejected in spirits, saying that he was going to Ottawa to die, expressing himself willing to he shot like a brave, hut disliked the idea of being hung by the neck, like a dog.
Court came on, and the Indians were tried, hut having their faces painted in sucli a way that the Hall girls could not swear positively to their identity, conse quently they were acquitted, and allowed to return t«» their friends.
CHAPTER XVI.
CAPTIVITY OF SYLVIA AND RACHEL HALL.
The following account of the captivity of the two Miss Halls, was principally taken from statements made to the writer by one of the captives, (Rachel Hall), a short time after the Black Hawk war. Although this account differs in many particulars from others heretofore pub- lished, it will, nevertheless, be found correct in the main. It is given in language as though narrated by the captive, and in some instances her own words are used :
After being placed on horseback, and guarded by two Indians, who rode by our side, holding on to the reins of the bridles, as narrated in the preceding chapter, we commenced our long, tedious journey. We rode most of the time on a canter, and the Indians frequently looked back, as though they were afraid of being followed by the rangers, who were at that time roaming through the country. We continued to travel at a rapid rate, until near midnight, when we halted to rest our horses. After resting about two hours, we continued
CAPTIVITY OF SYLVIA AND BACHF.L H,\LL. 147
our journey, traveling' all night, and next day until
noon, when we again halted. Here our captors turned
out their horses to graze, built a tire, scalded some beans.
and roasted some acorns, of which they offered us some
to eat, but we declined tasting. We remained in
camp a few hours; during that time the Indians were
engaged in dressing the scalps, by stretching them i m
small willow hoops. Among these scalps I recognized
my mother's, by the bright color of the hair — the sight
of this produced in me a faint ness, and I fell to the
ground in a swoon, from which I was soon after aroused,
in order to continue our journey. After leaving the
camp we traveled more leisurely than before, until
about nine o'clock at night, we reached the camp of
Black Hawk, after having rode near ninety miles in
twenty-eight hours.
We found the Indian cam]) on the hank of a creek,
surrounded by marshy ground, over which were scat- tered burr <>ak trees, being, as we afterwards learned, near the Four Lakes, (now Madison City, Wisconsin). On our arrival in camp, a number of squaws came to i >ur assistance, taking ns from our horses, and conducted us int«> a wigwam. These squaws were very kind to as, and gave as some parched corn and maple Bugar to cat, it being the tirst food that we had tasted since <»ur
■
captivitj .
Our arrival in camp caused greal rejoicing among the [ndians. A large body of warriors collected around as, beating on drums, dancing and yelling, al the top of
148 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
their voice. Next morning our fear of massacre or torture had somewhat subsided, and we were presented with beans and maple sugar for breakfast. They also offered us coffee to eat, which had been taken out of Daviess' house, not knowing that it required to be ground and boiled before being used. About ten o'clock, the camp was broken up, and we moved five or six miles, crossing a creek, and encamped on high ground, which was covered with timber. We were provided with horses to ride, and behind us was packed camp equipage, which consisted of tents, kettles, pro- visions, &c. On arriving at our new camp, a white birch pole was stuck into the ground, on which were hung the scalps of our murdered friends, being exhibited here as trophies of war. About fifty warriors, who were divested of clothing, and their faces painted red, danced around this pole to the music of drums and rattling gourds. Every day during our stay with the Indians, this pole containing the scalps was erected, and the dance repeated.
One morning, a party of warriors came to our lodge, and took us out, placing in our hands small red flags, and made us march around the encampment with them, stopping and waving the flags at the door of each wig- wam. After this we were taken to the dance ground, by the side of the white pole containing the scalps, and by the side of which a blanket was spread. After painting our faces, one half red, and the other black, we were nude to lav down on the blanket, with our faces to the
CAPTIVITY OF SYLVIA AND RACHEL HALL. 149
ground. The warrior.- then commenced dancing around us, flourishing their tomahawks and war clubs over our heads, and veiling like demons. We now thought our time had come, and we quietly awaited our fate, expecting every moment to be our last. When the dance was over, we were taken away by two squaws, who we understood to be the wives of Black Hawk. Bv
*
these squaws we were adopted as their children ; although separated, we were allowed to visit each other Frequently. Each day our camp was moved a few miles, always traveling in a circular route. Along the trail, at short intervals, the Indians would erect poles, with tufts of grass tied on one side, showing to the hunter.- in what direction the camp could be found. Our tears of massacre had entirely disappeared, being- adopted into the families of these squaws, not being required to do any work, but watched closely in order to prevent our escape.
Some days after our arrival in Black Hawk's camp, we were told that we must go with two Winnebago chiefs, who had come for us. The squaws with whom
we lived, were greatly distressed at the thought of parting with us. The Winnebago chiefs tried t<> make us understand that they were about to take us o- white
■
people, but we did not believe them. Thinking that they intended f<» take as further from home and friends, we clung to the squaws, and refused t<» go. Contrary to our wish, we were placed on horses, behind each
the chiefs, and with n> they galloped away, traveling
L50 REMINISCENCES OF BUREA.U COUNTY.
twenty miles that same night. The chiefs said that they were afraid of being followed by some of the Sacs and Foxes, who were displeased at our departure. Every few moments the chiefs would look back to see if thev
i
were pursued, then whip their ponies again into a gallop. Some time after dark, we arrived at the Win- nebago camp, where we remained over night. Early next morning we continued our journey, traveling all day, when we arrived at an encampment on the bank of Wisconsin river, where there were about one hundred warriors. During next day a party of Sac Indians, dressed in the clothes of murdered white men, came into camp. These Indians commenced talking to us. but the Winnebago chiefs told us to turn away from them, and not listen to what they said, which we did.
It was afterwards ascertained that a petty chief, who had captured the girls, was off on a hunt at the time they were given up to the Winnebago chiefs, and not receiving his portion of the ransom, immediately started with a party of warriors to retake them, or kill them in the attempt. These warriors did not overtake the girls until they arrived safe at the Winnebago camp.
One of the chiefs asked us if we thought the whites would hang them if they took us to the fort, to which we replied thev would not, but would give you many presents for your trouble. Next morning the two chiefs who had us in charge, accompanied by about thirty warriors, started with us. Crossing the river, we traveled southward all day until after dark, when we
CAPTURE OF SYLVIA AND RACHEL HALL. 151
camped for the night. Early next morning, as soon as it was light, we continued our journey, and in the afternoon we reached the fort, at Blue Mounds. Before our arrival thither, we were convinced that our pro- tectors were taking us to our friends, and we had done them great injustice. About three miles from the fort, we came to a halt, and the Indians cooked some venison, and we all set down on the ground and eat it. After dinner, one of the Indians took a white handkerchief winch I wore on my head, tied it on a pole, and pro- ceeded to the fort. We followed after this Indian untii we came within a half-mile of the fort, when we were met by a Frenchman, on horseback. The Indian.- formed a circle, and the Frenchman rode into it, and had a talk with them. The chiefs were unwilling to give us up until they had. seen Mr. Gratiot, the Indian
•tit, who was then absent. After being assured by the Frenchman that we would be well treated until Mr. Gratiot's return, we were delivered up to the French- mail, and taken to the fort.
A few days alter the capture of the two Miss Halls, their oldesl brother, John W. Hall, went with a regi- ment of volunteers, marching from Fort Wilburo uorth to join the army in pursuil of Black Hawk. (>m arriving ai tin- lead mines, and Informing Mr. Gratiol and (icn. Dodge of his Bisters1 captivity, Mr. Gratiol emploved t\s<> friendly Winnebago chief'-, named Whirling Thunder and Fit <» poo, t<» buy the prisoner
152 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
from the Sacs and Foxes ; and the chiefs left for Black Hawk's camp, on their mission of mercy.
It was agreed that the prisoners should be delivered up on the payment of two thousand dollars in cash and forty horses, besides a large number of blankets, beads, &c. After buying the girls, a difficulty arose, which came nigh defeating their plan s. A young chief claimed Rachel as his prize, intending to make her his wife, and was unwilling to give her up, saying that he would tomahawk her rather than let her go. The matter was finally compromised, by giving him ten additional horses; but on parting with her he drew forth his scalping knife and cut off a lock of her hair, to keep as a trophy of his warlike exploit.
A short time after this affair, Major, now Colonel Dement, of Dixon, while in command of a spy bat- talion, was attacked by a large body of Indians at Buffalo Grove. The troops retreated into a block house, where they held the Indians at bay. A young chief, while leading his warriors forward to storm the block house, was shot by the Rev. Zadoch Casey, who was afterwards Lieutenant Governor of Illinois. On the head of this young chief was a wreath of laurels in acknowledgment of his bravery, and around his neck was lock of braided hair, which was afterwards found to be the same taken from the head of Rachel Hall.
When the girls arrived at the fort, their clothes were torn almost into rags, and having no protection
CAPTURE OF SYLVIA AND RACHEL HALL. 153
for their heads except handkerchiefs, they were badly sunburned. The women at the fort furnished the girls with clothes, and they were greatly rejoiced to meet their brother, John W., whom they supposed was killed
at the time of their captivity.
An account of the captivity of these girls was heralded throughout the United States, and there was great rejoicing at their rescue. The girls were much lionized by the people at the fort, and received from them many presents. Nicholas Smith, now of West Bureau, being engaged in teaming for the army, took the girls in his wagon, and carried them to a fort near Galena, at which point they were put on board of the steamboat Winnebago, and carried to St. Louis, where they were received and entertained by Gov. Clark. While at St. Louis they were met by the Rev. Erastus Horn, an old friend of their father, who frequently ] (reached on Bureau while president of the Protestant Methodist Church. Mr. Horn took the girls to his home, in Morgan county, and acted the part of a father to them. Soon after, their brother John W., married and settled on the Seaton place, now in the town of Selby, and the girls came and lived with him. The legislature gave them a quarter section of canal land at Joliet Congress also voted them money as a donation.
Svlvia married the Rev. William Horn, a son of their protector, and now lives at Lincoln, Nebraska. Rachel married William Mhiimhi. and moved to Freehold, La Salle county, at which place she died a few months
ago.
Rachel Hall, at the time of her captivity, wa> sixteen years of age instead of fourteen, as previously stated.
CHAPTER XVII.
GIRTY S BAND VISIT FOX RIVER SETTLEMENT.
Shaubena had sent his nephew, a young brave by the name of Pvps, to Fox river settlement to warn the settlers of their dano-er."* On being notified of their danger, George Hollenback, Mr. Ackley, Mr. Harris, and others, left immediately for a place of safety. Mr. Hollenback, with his family, left in a wagon ; but Mr. Ackley, having no wagon, himself, wife and two children , fled on horseback. It was about sundown when the settlers fled from their cabins, and made their way across the prairie, in the direction of Plainfield. After
* For this act of kindness in giving notice to the settlers, young Pyps lost his life at the hands of those savages who were robbed of their victims. Those who have visited Shaubena's camp, must have noticed two young Indians of remarkably fine appearance, and whose physiognomy showed more than ordinary intellect. One of these young Indians was Pyps, a nephew, and the other Pyp-a-gee, a son of Shaubena, — the latter known among the settlers by the name of BiU Shaubena. Pyp-a-gee had a great desire to marry a white squaw, as he termed it ; for that purpose he frequently visited the cabins of settlers and on different occasions attempted to make love to white girls.
In the fall of 1836, Pyps and Pyp-a-gee went west with their baud, and soon afterwards these noble noung Indians were hunted down and shot like wild beasts, by those savages who were prevented by them from murdering the settlers of Fox river and Bureau.
gikty's band visit fox river settlement. 155
aroing about one mile, Hollenback's wagon stuck fast in a slough, and lie went Lack to his house to get a pair of double-trees, so that Acklev's horses could be hitched on to the end of the wagon tongue. It was quite dark when Hollenback reached his house, and as he came nigh he saw a bright light shining through the cracks in the clapboard door. A moment afterwards a person was seen coming out of the house, with a blazing torch in his hand, the light of which showed that the door vard was full of Indians. Mr. Hollenback being within a few yards of the Indians, was discovered by them, and he lied at the top of his speed, followed by the savages, yelling at the top of their voice; but being smart on foot, and acquainted with the ground, he succeeded in making his escape. Mr. Hollenback, in his night, losl his reckoning, and after rambling about for Borne time, he came to the house of his brother, Clark Hollenback. As became nigh the house, he saw three men approach it on horseback; not knowing whether they were friends or foes, he secreted himself so as to watch their movement-. These three men proved to be Kellogg. Cummings, and Holderman, settlers at Elolderman'fl Grove, who bad heard of Indians being Been in the settlement, and bad come to Clark Hollenback's, (who was an Indian trader), to inquire about it. A> the men rode up to the house, they holloed, when they were answered bv Borne BeventY shots from the Indians, who were lying in ambush. Although at Bhort range, their shots took no on the party, except slightly
156 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
wounding one of their horses. On receiving the fire, thev wheeled their horses about and fled, followed by the Indians, who were on foot. The Indians in pursuit of the fugitives, passed within a few feet of where Hollenback was lying, but in their anxiety to capture their prey, did not discover him.
It has already been stated that the Anient family settled at Red Oak Grove, in the spring of 1828 ; and with one exception, they were the first settlers of this county. About two years afterward, John L. and Justus Anient built cabins on Bureau, while Edward, with his mother and younger brothers, went to Fox river. Soon after going there, Edward married a daughter of Mr. Harris, above referred to, and old Mr. Combs, Mrs. Harris's father, was living with them. When the settlers were notified of their danger by young Pyps, as previously stated, Mr. Harris and his two sons were off hunting their horses, which had strayed away the day before; and the family had no means of escape except on foot. At that time, old Mr. Combs was confined to his bed with inflammatory rheumatism, and was therefore left behind. The family regretted to leave him, but the old man's reply was, "Flee for vour lives, and leave me to my fate ; I am an old man. and can live but a short time at any rate." Soon after the family left, a party of Indians entered the house, and instead of killing Mr. Combs, as might have been expected, they administered to his wants, and for nearly a week they visited him daily, supplying him with food
ADAM PAINE, THE MISSIONARY. 157
and drink, as though he was their friend. Some days afterwards, a company of rangers visited Harris's cabin, where they found old Mr. Combs, much improved in health, and they took him with them to Plainfield, and from there to Chicago, where his friends had previously fled.
ADAM PAINE, THE MISSIONARY.
The Rev. Adam Paine, a missionary among the Indian-, whom we introduced at the commencement of this story, had been stopping two days in Chicago, on his return from Ohio. At that time the commander of Fort Dearborn was pressing horses, in order to mount part of the garrison as rangers. Paine having a horse, which he prized very highly on account of hie good qualities, was afraid of its falling into the hands of the government, and to avoid it he left Chicago for the home of his brother Aaron, who lived near Hennepin. Paine was warned of the danger of traveling through a country which was in the possession of savages, hut he believed the Indians would not molest him. as he had been preaching among them for many year.-, and
was known by most of them a.- Buzee, Cha-mo-co-ma/i.
which means a hairy white man.
( )n the morning that the Rev, Adam Paine left Chicago, he mounted a Store DOX which Wtt Standing
at the further end of the military parade ground, (now the corner of Water street and Michigan Avenue), and
commenced Hinging a h\mn. Hi> lood and inu.-ical
158 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
voice soon brought forth a large crowd of listeners, including most of the people then living in Chicago, and for about two hours tliev were held spell bound bv the eloquence of the speaker. This was Paine's last sermon, and it is described bv an eve-witness as ex- ceeding in eloquence and power anything that he had ever before heard. The whole audience, consisting of traders, soldiers, citizens, and Indians, at the conclusion of the sermon were left in tears.
About six weeks previous to the Indian war, the writer heard Paine preach to a large audience, on the public square of a town in Ohio, and his peculiar appear- ance formed a picture in his then youthful imagination which never can be erased. His long wavy beard, as black as a coal, reached to his waist, and covered his breast, while the hair of his head, equally long, hung down over his back, together with his high, marble- like forehead, and tall, manly form, gave to him a very imposing appearance. His words and manner of address had a magic effect on his hearers, and a number of hardened sinners were converted under his preaching. Although nearly forty years have passed awav since hearing Paine preach, his sermon is as fresh in the mind of the writer as though it was onlv delivered yes- terdav.
V
MCRDER OF ADAM PAINE.
It was about two o'clock in the afternoon of a bright May day, as the Rev. Adam Paine was slowlv pursuing:
MURDER OF ADAM PAINE. 159
bis way alone; an Indian trail, and through a grove of timber, humming a favorite time, unconscious of danger, when all of a sudden the report of guns wen- heard, and on looking around, lie saw three Indians approaching him with uplifted tomahawks, while yelling at the top of their voice. One of the ball> had entered Paine's shoulder, and another had pierced the lungs of his horse. The horse was put into the gallop, and for a time was fast leaving the Indians behind. But from lo- ot' blood the horse soon stopped, staggered and fell dead. In a moment the savages, with deafening yells, and uplifted tomahawks came up with him ; Paine, with his bible in one hand, and the other pointing heavenward, appealed to the Indians for mercy. Two <>t' them moved by this appeal, lowered their tomahawks, saying that his lite should be spared, but the third one coming up behind, struck him on the head, and he fell to the ground, and expired in a few moments.
One of the Indian.- nit off Pained head, and taking the beard, which was about two feet in length, in bis bands, I \ the head over his shoulders, and in
this way it was carried into camp. The Indian- i greatly delighted with their trophy, and they placed the I icad on a pole, around which they commenced to da
Girty, i some twenty other warriors, were at that time ofl <»!i :i Bcout, and on returning to camp they foui their comrades rejoicing over tin:!- late su This
was food t"!' their savage nature, and imbibing tb "it of the other warriors, thej to«. t <>. »k part in this barbarous
160 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
exercise. Around the pole they danced and yelled, and yelled and danced, while the woods rang with their wild whoops, the sound of which were re-echoed back from the surrounding bluffs. Girty had supposed the head on the pole to be that of a woman, mistaking the long beard for the hair of the head. But on making an examination, he recognized the head of Adam Paine, his old friend, with whom he had traveled years before. On making this discovery nothing could exceed the grief of Girty ; with loud sighs and groans he beat his breast with his hands, and for a few moments gave himself up to feelings of remorse, then grasping his tomahawk he was about to slay the murderer of his friend, but was prevented from doing so by the inter- ference of the other warriors.
Girty ordered the head of Paine taken down from the pole, and with the body buried on a knoll near where the murder was committed, and over the grave he burned a sacrifice, which consisted of his most valu- able articles, in order to appease the wrath of the Great Spirit.
The murder of Paine was at the time heralded bv newspapers throughout the Union, as he had been known to be the leading spirit among the missionaries of the west, and for his death a missionary paper of Boston appeared in mourning.* His brother Aaron.
* The accounts relating to the murder and burial of the Rev. Adam Paine are contradictory, and all efforts of the writer to harmonize them have been a failure. One account says Paine's family, at the commencement of the war, was living at Holderman's Grove, and
MURDER OF ADAM PAINE. 161
who lived east of Hennepin, on receiving the sad new-. although a man of wealth and a minister of the gospel, left everything to avenge his death, — shouldering bis gun, and serving as a soldier in a company of volunteer-. While in pursuit of Black Hawk, he was shot in the shoulder by a small Indian boy, and from this wound he still remains a cripple. Paine with other.- of his company, while pursuing the retreating Indians came up with a squaw and a small boy, who had crouched behind a fallen tree, hut they passed by without mo- lesting them. Ai'ter the rangers had passed, the hoy raised his rifle, and shot Paine from his horse; and in return, the boy and the squaw were riddled with balls. Paine was thought to he mortally wounded ; and when intelligence of his fall reached his family, they mourned
for his death. About three mouth.- after this event. Paine, pale, and emaciated, rode up to his cabin door, and w:i> hailed by his family and friend- a- one risen from the dead.
Aaron Paine i- now living in Oregon, and for a
Dumber of years has been a member of the legislature
• ■
<>f that new state.
with others, fled to 01 tawa for protection. Paine being on his way t" Ottawa, Btopped al Plalnfleld on the day thai the block house was abandoned, and the settlers fled to Chicago. The people tried to prevail "ii Paine to accompany them to Chicago; bul believing thai I Indlaus would noi molesl him, contlnuedon hlswaj Paine • eared, Gerton R. Hubbard, In command of a com pan 3 <•!
Col Moore s range™, found n dead body on the prairie, near Holder ive, and some < I i ■- 1 :« 1 1 « •< • off" the bea 1 was round stuck <>n a pol( 1 . emalns were tboughl :it the time to !>•• those <>t Adam
Mf, us the pt Ion. having long, block beard. [Jul
it is n<>\\ l>eileved thai the i>ody found by th< was that "i n
Dunkard. who lived In Pulton « nty, being on his waj home from
Chicago, bul in- ehed It, The bodj found .- 1 1 1 < I burled bj Huh
bard's company of ran the <1 tlon of th< nu
Dunkard, as well a« that ol Vdam Paine, which makes It quite prol hie that 11 1 remains, and the Indlai I I on In relation to the
burial ol Pain ■•(.
CHAPTER XVIII.
BEARER OF THE GOVERNOR'S DISPATCH.
As the Indians were returning to Bureau from the Indian creek settlement, they stopped at Lost Grove, for a few hours, in order to rest their ponies and prepare their dinner. They were encamped in the thick timber near the center of the grove, while two of their number were stationed as sentinels at the edge of the prairie. While here on the lookout, they discovered a lone traveler going in the direction of the Illinois river. Notice was given to the band, when they all mounted their ponies, and started in pursuit. But on arriving at the head of the grove, they found the traveler far in advance, and mounted as he was, on a fleet horse, which would without doubt far outstrip their ponies, they abandoned further pursuit.
The lone traveler, above alluded to, was a lad of about fifteen years of age, by the name of Joseph Smith, a son of Dad Joe, who has been referred to in a previous chapter of our story. This lad was a bearer of a
BEARER OF THE GOVERN ORS DISPATCH. 163
dispatch from Gov. Reynolds, then at Dixon's ferry, to the commander of volunteers at Fort Wilburn, a temporary fortification which was located on the Illinois river, opposite Pern. The Governor found great difficulty in getting- this dispatch carried, as the country was thought to be full of hostile savages; even veteran soldiers, who made war their profession, could not be induced to undertake this perilous journey. But this boy alone and unarmed, without any road, traveled forty-five miles through an unsettled country, regardless oi danger, and accomplished the journey without being molested. Before sundown that same day the Gov- ernor's dispatch was safely delivered to the pro] officer, when the soldiers at the fort swung their hats, giving three cheers to its hearer. Gov. Reynold.- has frequently been heard to speak of this affair as one of the most heroic exploits of the Black Hawk war.*
GIRTY AM) HIS BAND RETURN To lil'RKAU.
After the [ndian creek massacre, and the attack on Fox river settlement, the Indians returned to Bureau, with the intention of burning the bouses, and killing the stock belonging to the settlers. But <>n their return bere th«-\ were mel by a runner from Black Hawk, instructing them t<> remain on the frontier settlements,
♦An Lncidenl In connection with this aflhlr, showing the terror existing among 1 1 1 « - people '>n account "i Indian depredations, Is described t>> an eye-n n ness: A R s daj - prei m,us to this aflhlr, fifteen persons were kiii«<i <>n Indian creek; Mr Dnrley, Mr. Winter, Sqaire Holly, with many others, were known t<> have (Mien victims ;«> the
164 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
in order to pick off the settlers as they returned to look after their property. Accordingly, they secreted them- selves in the thick timber on Main Bureau, about four miles north of Princeton, and from this place they sent out small guerilla bands in various directions in search of victims.
John Hall and William Hoskins, accompanied by two hired men, left the fort east of Hennepin, and came over to their farms, to look after their crops. Mr. Hoskins was engaged in plowing corn, when his horse, on coming nigh the timber, became frightened, and refused to go further. He suspected that Indians were lying in ambush, for the purpose of shooting him ; so he unhitched the horse, and left the field as quick as possible. Next year, after the war, an old squaw told Mr. Hoskins that a party of Indians were, at that time, concealed in the thick bushes, and could have shot him, but were afraid of alarming John Hall and his two hired men, who were at work in the adjoining held, and whom tliev wished to kill at the same time. Dav after day, small squads of Indians would lay in ambush near cabins, or in points of timber, where people would
savage brutality of the Indians. Col. Taylor rode through the camp, calling for a volunteer to carry the Governor's dispatch, but no one was willing to risk his life in making the perilous journey. Dad Joe, who was dressed in his long hunting shirt, with a large rope tied around his waist, and speaking so loud as to be heard all over camp, said : " God bless you, Colonel , I'll have that dispatch carried for you," and turning to his son, he said, "Joe, put the saddle on Pat, and carry these papers to Port Wilburn." As the boy left on a canter, Dad Joe shouted to him, in a voice that could be heard for a mile distant saying, "Joe, keep away from the timber, out of gun shot of Indians, and see that the saddle does not hurt Pat's back."
INDIANS ON A SCOUT. 165
be likely to pass. Some of the settlers, on returning home after the war, found places near their cabins where Indians had undoubtedly laid in ambush to watch their return. The doors of many of the cabins were broken
»
open, and household goods carried oft' or destroyed. Mounted rangers from Hennepin made frequent excur- sions to Bureau settlement, but they would avoid the timber as much as possible, so as to be out of the reach of gun shots from Lurking Bavages. The Indians used great caution in secreting themselves, to prevent their presence being known, as this would keep the settlers from returning to their homes, and thereby defeat thi plans. During the daytime they would keep their ponies hobbled while feeding, and at night tie them to trees around their encampment. As they needed provisions, they would kill fat cattle or hogs, which belonged to the settlers, and also use grain and such things a- they required. Chickens, turkey.- and young
pigs, appeared to be their great favorites, and the premises «>t' some of the settlers were robbed of tin • articles.
IN I MANS ON A SCOUT.
While Girty and his band of cut throats were encamped on Bureau, nine of his party, who were ambitious to acquire Game by taking scalps, Btarted oil <>u a scout At the mouth of Bureau creek thei found an old canoe, and tieing their ponies t<> tree-, t! crossed the river. It was near Bundown, when the
166 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
Indians landed on the east side of the river, and as thev left the canoe to secrete themselves in the timber, thev were discovered bv Dr. Ha vs. who came running into town, with the utmost terror depicted in his counte- nance, saying, "that he saw a dozen or more Indians a short distance above the fort, skulking in the woods.'" The presence of Indians alarmed the people very much, as it was thought that a large body of them were secreted in the timber, with the intention of attacking the town that night. Hennepin, at that time, contained but a few log cabins, but there were many families from Bureau and other places, who had come here for pro- tection, and were living in tents. Although they were people enough here to have held at bay half of Black- Hawk's army, they were taken by surprise, which had created among them a perfect panic.
People were seen riming hither and thither, holloing at the top of their voice, " Injuns, Injuns." Women, with babes in their arms were hurrying to and fro, crying and asking each person they met for assistance, to save their little ones from the scalping knife of the savages. Men, without hats or coats, armed with guns, pitchforks, axes, &&, were seen running towards the fort. Williamson Durley, in his haste, left his store door <>pen, but soon ran back again, taking his money, which consisted of seventy-eight dollars in silver, tore up one of the puncheons of the floor, and with a spade dug a hole in the ground and buried it. After replacing the puncheon in the floor, he hurried back to the fort.
j
Mi
THEN?; TOLICLIt
'AtTOR, LtNQX TH.DEW FOWHOATiOMk
FLIGHT OE GEN. ATKINSON AND PARTY. 169
Hooper Warren and Mr. Blanchard, having no guns, armed themselves with three tined pitch forks, taken from Durley's store, and with them were prepared to give the Indians a warm reception. All the al>le bodied men were on duty all night, but no Indians appeared. The Indians, knowing they were discoverer I . re-crossed the river as soon as it was dark, pursued their way southwest, and were next heard of at Boy* I Grove.
FLIGHT OF GEN. ATKINSON'S PARTY.
About the middle of June, 1882, Gen. Atkinson. accompanied by Gov. Reynolds and Col. Taylor,* with an escort of twenty-five soldiers, belonging to the regular army, crossed the country from Dixon's terry to Fort Wilburn. While this party was on the prairie, between Perkins' and Lost Grove, they encountered I tpt. Willis' company of rangers. Each party mistook
At that time, Gen. Taylor, Late President of the United states, was a Colonel In the army, and commanded a regimenl thru quartered al Dixon's ferry. He accompanied (Jen. Atkinson to Fori Wilburn, t«»
Lai in organizing the volunteers, a Bhorl time previous, Gov. i:> -\ Qolda bad i^-u<-.i a cai] for three thousand volunteers, who were to rendezvous al Beardstownand Hennepin, all <>t whom were aft< rwards ordered to Fori Wilburn, where they were mustered Into sen Ice, us the supervision ol Gen Atkinson. Col. Taylor mel -'>m.' of thee* volunteers al Hennepin, and escorted them t" Fori Wilburn, wh they remained .-■ few dayi These troops marched to Dixon's ferry, and the trail made by them through Bureau county, could t • for
rs afterwards. This trail passed aorth ol Lost* , through the
south end ol Perkins' Qrovo, and crossed the inlet a) Rock} ford. 1:
170 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
the other for Indians, and both prepared for action. After some maneuvering on each side, the regulars, with Gen. Atkinson at their head, gave way, and were pursued by the rangers. The race continued for a number of miles across the prairie, in the direction of the Illinois river, both pursuers and pursued urging their horses forward under the whip. The rangers, having gained on the fugitives, discovered that they were soldiers, when they raised their blankets, and blew their horns, in order to stop them. At last the regulars found that their pursuers were not the painted foe, as they had supposed, so they came to a halt, and sent back two of their number to reconnoitre, when the whole matter was explained.
Gov. Reynolds and Col. Taylor were in camp dress, with rifles on their shoulders, having no distinction from a private soldier; but Gen. Atkinson was in full uniform, and wearing a cocked hat of the revolutionary pattern. Gen. Atkinson, being mounted on a fleet horse, which was urged forward by his sharp spurs, and with his sword raised above his head, was seen far in advance of his comrades.
When Capt. Willis came up with Gen. Atkinson he rebuked him for his cowardice, which had caused all parties so much trouble ; and probably it was the first time that a commander-in-chief of the north western army was reproved by a militia captain.
Capt. Willis was a resident of this county for a
FLIGHT OF GEN. ATKINSONS PARTY. 171
number of years, heing owner of a mill which was located on the present site of McManis' mill, and he has frequently been heard to relate this incident. In his company of rangers were Judge Hoskins, John Hall, Charles Leeper, Michael Kitterman, James G. Forristall. and many others of the early settlers of this county.
CHAPTER XIX.
BOYD S GROVE.
There is scarcely a grove or point of timber in Bureau county, but what is more or less identified with its early history. At some of these places material enough might be collected to form a history of its own. One of the most noted land marks of early days was Boyd's Grove, which is located in the town of Milo, and in the south part of the county. This beautiful belt of timber, extending out into the prairie, cone- shaped, occupied for many years a conspicuous place on the State map, and it was generally known by travelers throughout the west. With this grove many incidents are connected, some of which are so much identified with the earlv settlement of the countv, as to be of interest to the reader. In the summer of 1828, John Dixon, then a resident of Peoria, built a cabin at the head of the grove, where Mrs. Whipple now lives, and soon afterwards he occupied it with his family. Three years previous, Mr. Dixon was carrying on the tailoring
bond's grove. 173
business in Springfield, when the Governor appointed him Recorder, and the Circuit Judge gave him the clerkship of the new county of Peoria, and he moved thither to assist in its organization. At the first election, Mr. Dixon was made County Clerk, Judge of Probate, and a Justice of the Peace, which position he held for some years.
Notwithstanding Peoria county, at that time, included within its jurisdiction all the north parr of the State, with Chicago and other trading posts on the lake, extending east as tar as the Indiana State line, and wesl to the lead mines at Galena. With this vast territory, the proceeds of these county offices only averaged thirty-eighl cents per day. The Bix offices which were held by Mr. Dixon, did not BUpport his family, hut he made up the deficiency by the needle ami goose, as In was a taih.r by trade. At the presenl time, the h< of county offices give them up only when compelled to, hut it was not m» with Mr. Dixon; he readih exchanged them tor a claim at Boyd's Grove, where he contented himself in cultivating the soil.
AJbout this time, an Indian trader al Chicago, by the name of Bowen, wished to enter into matrimonial bonds, d being obliged to make a tri|> to Peoria, a distance <>f one hundred and miles, t-» procure the
license, com eived the novel idea of 1 i the intended bride with him, «»u a wedding tour. The weddi party, consisting of four persons, left ( Jhicago in a small trading boat, ascended the Chicago rn er t«> the porta
174 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
in iiats, which were crossed in high water into the Desplaines river, and down that stream and the Illinois to Peoria, reaching their destination on the eighth day from Chicago. Mr. Dixon issued a license to these candidates for matrimony, and John Hamlin, then acting as Justice of the Peace, married them, when the wedding party returned to Chicago the same way they came.
About the time Mr. Dixon settled at Boyd's Grove, the great north and south road, connecting Peoria with the lead mines, was opened, and his cabin was made a place of entertainment. Mr. Dixon had a contract for carrying the mail from Peoria to Galena, once in two weeks, but this line was soon afterwards changed to a tri-weekly mail. In addition to farming and keeping tavern, Mr. Dixon spent much of his time on the road in the capacity of a stage driver. The travelers to and from the lead mines, experienced great difficulty in crossing Rock river, as the Indians were in possession of the ferry, and their only method of taking wagons across, was by placing two canoes together so as to support the wheels. In this way they were paddled across, while horses and cattle were made to swim the river. The second year after the road was opened, a Frenchman, by the name of Ogee, who had a squaw for a wife, and a number of half-breed children, came in possession of this ferry, but as he was drunk most of the time, his accommodations were but little better than the Indians. In the spring of 1M30, Mr. Dixon
ORGANIZING THE MILITIA. 17o
moved to Hock river, bought out Ogee, and built a good terry boat, hence the origin of Dixon's ferry. Mr. Dixon is still living in the citv of Dixon, and although far advanced in life, he still retains much of the vigor of manhood.
In April. 1830, Charles S. Boyd, having bought Dixon's claim at the grove, moved to it with his family, and resided here for fourteen years. His nearest neighbors for many years were Henrv Thomas, who lived sixteen miles north, and J. B. Merrideth twenty miles south. A post office called Boyd's grove, was established here, and it was a kind of a head center for travelers, in passing from north to south. In those days but few travelers passed the grove without stopping for refreshments or lodging.
ORGANIZING THE MILITIA.
*
People "ii the border settlements, being apprehensive <>r further trouble with the Indians, thought it besl to organize companies under the state militia law, sothej would be prepared to make a defense in case of war. A meeting of the citizens of Bureau was called, and it
was agreed to unite with 8j n river and ('n>\\
Meadow settlements, and form a battalion on the west side of the river, which would consisl of two or mo (•Mm panic.-, [n accordance to the decree of the meeting, runners were Bent to the different settlements, which arc now included within the limits of Bureau, Stark,
176 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
Putnam and Marshall counties, notifying all persons liable for military duty to meet at Boyd's Grove, on the L8th of April, 1833, for the purpose of organizing militia companies, and receive instructions in training. On the day appointed, people were seen in various directions on the prairie, heading towards Boyd's Grove, some in wagons, others on horseback, or on foot, and all carrying guns on their shoulders. Many of them were provided with camp equipage, including tents, provisions, &c, as it was thought that the training would last two or more days. The meeting was well attended by people from the various settlements, a large portion of whom were aspirants for military honors. Two skeleton companies were formed, one for Spoon river and the other for Bureau settlement. After a spirited contest, officers were elected for each ; Nathaniel Ghamberlin, who lived one mile south of Princeton, was elected major, and was therefore the commanding officer of the battalion. The captain elected for the Bureau company was Abram Musick, who afterwards owned a blacksmith shop, four miles north of Princeton, and Dr. William O. Chamberlain was made lieutenant. The drummer of the company was Alexander Boyd, who was at that time a lad of fifteen years of age, and is at present a resident of Princeton.
The election of Musick as captain, gave great offense to part of the company, it being alleged that he was an escaped convict from the penitentiary, and had therefore forfeited his citizenship. Some refused to obey the
ORGANIZING THE MILITIA. 177
captain's orders, which threw his company into confu- sion. When orders were given to halt, they would go ahead; when ordered to file to the right, they would tile to the left, and vice versa. Notwithstanding the animating peals of the fife and drum, and the loud commands of the officers for the men to follow the martial music in military array, some would lag behind, others go ahead, Bwearing that they would not be led by a penitentiary convict. The major, having no -word, had supplied its place by a small cottonwood cane, and with this deadly weapon waving over his head, he was seen running to and fro, giving orders t<> those out of lino. With his heavy bass voice keyed t<» its highest note, he warned them of the consequence of disobeying a military officer, and in the excitement of the moment, he threatened to run his sword (cottonwood cane), through any man who doubted his authority to command the battalion. But his efforts were all to Q0 purpose, some of the men swore they would not muster under Capt. Musick; much quarreling and a number of fights was the result, when all broke dp in a row. and further training was abandoned.
Before the battalion separated, ;i speech from the commanding officer was called for, and in compliance with this call, the major, while using a rail fence for a rostrum, made a speech, which was much applauded. It was expected that he would reprove the men for their bad conduct, telling them lew disgraceful they had acted, bul he done do Buch thing. < h\ the contrary,
178 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
he eulogized them for their good discipline, military knowledge as well as their gentlemanly conduct towards their officers, telling them if they continued in the discharge of their duty as they had began, it would certainly lead them to military fame. In conclusion, he exhorted them to further deeds of heroism, by saying, " With such troops as now stand before me, the women and children on the west side of the Illinois river, are in no danger of suffering from an attack of ruthless savages.''
Commissions were issued by the Adjutant General to all the officers elected, but the battalion never met again, and on that day all of these brave officers finished their military career.
ARRIVAL OF THE POTATO BRIGADE.
About the 20th of May, 1832, a company of rangers from the south part of the State, arrived at Boyd's Grove, while on their way north to join Atkinson's army. This company was commanded by Capt. Posey, and was called the "Potato Brigade," on account of the foraging propensity of some of the soldiers. During the night, the guards on duty discovered what they believed to be an Indian crawling on his hands and knees, in order to get a good shot at them. Three of the guards fired, and the supposed Indian fell dead, after which the guards ran into camp to give the alarm. The soldiers, who were asleep in their blankets, were
ARRIVAL OF THE POTATOE BRIGADE. 179
thrown into a panic at the presence of the supposed Indians, and they made a hasty preparation for an attack, a defense, or a flight, as the case might demand. When the company were under arms. Capt. Posey, his voice husky from fright, gave orders to charge on the enemy, who were believed to be lying in ambush. "With their gnms cocked, ready to tire, they advanced cautiously, until they came to the late scene of action, but instead of finding the remains of an Indian warrior, they found a dead dog. Old Bounce, a dog belonging to Mr. Boyd, with a large bone in his mouth, was on his way to hide it, when he was mistaken for an Indian, and Bhot. After making this discovery, the soldiers were ordered back to camp,*and had no further excitement during the night.
During the Black Hawk war, every settler within the limits of Bureau county, left the country for a place of safety, except Charles Boyd. When hostilities commenced, Mr. Boyd sent his wife and small children to Peoria, while himself and three son-, ranging in age from twelve to seventeen, remained at home to raise a crop. The great Galena road, which passed by the house, was dow deserted, and the welcome sound of the stage horn was do longer heard in the grove. The only mail route from north to south was over this road,
■
but it was dow discontinued, as do person could be
found willine; to risk his life in carrying it. The <i.c ;rnor of the State, with the volunteers under hie
180 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
command, were at the north, and all communication between them and the settled part of the State was now cut off. An effort was made to keep open a com- munication between the north and south, and for this purpose two companies of rangers were stationed at Henry Thomas' (four miles north of Wyanet), two at Dixon's ferry, and one at Apple river. The stage, guarded by a file of soldiers, made two trips over the road, but on being attacked at Buffalo Grove by Indians, the enterprise was abandoned, and from that time all communication by mail was at an end.
PECULIARITIES OF OLD BEN.
Mr. Boyd and sons remained at the grove, working on the farm, as previously stated, but they took the precaution to carry their guns with them while engaged in the field. Sometimes one of the boys would stand imard while the others were at work, so he could give warning if the enemy approached. One day while Mr. Boyd was plowing in the field, notice was given him that Indians were approaching the grove. Mr. Boyd and sons picked up their guns, and prepared themselves to give the Indians a warm reception. The supposed Indians proved to be two of Stillman's men, on their way from the battle-field, having rode sixty miles without stopping.
At night they would leave their cabin, carrying with
THE ATTACK AND REPULSE. 181
them blanket.- and quilts, and sleep in the grove. With their loaded enins by their side, they felt more secure than sleeping in the house.
Mr. Bovd had an old red work ox, named ''Ben."' which became noted on account of some of his pecu- liarities. Inheriting from his dam. being frightened when a calf, or from some other cause unknown to the writer, this ox had a great dread of Indians. If hitched to a plow or wagon, and an Indian came in sight or in scenting distance, old Ben would raise his head, roll hie eve.- wildly in their sockets, commence bawling, and start to run, if not prevented. In crossing a trail. where an Indian had recently passed, old Ben, on -renting the track, would jump over it, bawling with all his might. A large bell was put on this ox, and ho was allowed to lav by the house at night, bo if Indians approached, he would give the alarm.
THE ATTACK AND REPULSE.
A war party, consisting of nine Indian.^, belonging t<> Qirty's band <>f cut throats, after having crossed the [llinoifi river, and scaring the people at Hennepin, con- tinued their scout southeast, until they came t«. Boyd's grove. Here they concealed themselves in the thick timber, while one of their part} reconnoiteredtheposi tion, That same night, aboul L2 o'clock the Indians made an attack on Boyd's house, believing that the family were sleeping within. Having collected, and carried witli
182 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
them bundles of dry sticks, with which they intended to set the house on fire, and shoot the inmates as thev came out to extinguish the flames, or escape from the burning building, as the case might be. The Indians approached with great caution, until they came within a few rods of the house, when old Ben on scenting them, jumped up with a loud bawl, and rang his big bell at a furious rate. This strange conduct of old Ben frightened the other cattle, and they too jumped up and ran in various directions. The dogs barked, the horses snorted, the Indians thought they had aroused a regiment of rangers, and could not have been more frightened had they encountered all of Atkinson's army. Old Ben's strategy worked like a charm, the repulse was complete ; the Indians being panic stricken dropped their bundles of sticks, and fled with all haste for their camp. Mr. Boyd and sons were asleep in the grove, some distance from the house, and at the time knew nothing of the fracas between old Ben and the Indians.
FAILURE OF AN INDIAN RAID.
The next morning after this affair, an Indian came to Boyd's house, and secreted himself close by, anions the thick bushes, in order to shoot the inmates as thev came out. The dwelling stood in the edge of the grove, and about three rods from it was a thick cluster of undergrowth. Mr. Boyd had gone on the prairie after his horses, and the boys were in the door yard
FAILURE OF AX INDIAN RAID. 183
cleaning their rifles, unconscious of danger. While they were thus engaged, this Indian advanced quietly into the cluster of undergrowth, and seeing the boys' guns were unloaded, he raised his rifle to shoot the largest boy, with the intention, no doubt, of springing forward and tomahawking the two smaller ones. But his rifle missed fire, and the boys, hearing the click of the lock, ran into the house, thus defeating his mur- derous intentions. When the Indian found that his raid was a failure, he fled for his camp, and by skulking among the brush, he made his way out of the thicket without being discovered by the boys.
On Mr. Bovd's return to his house, and Learning these facts, he thought it best to leave the grove immediately, as their lives would be jeopardized by remaining longer. Accordingly they mounted their horses, and rode to Fort Thomas, sixteen miles distant, where they remained over night. Next morning, accompanied by a file ot soldiers, they returned to the grove to search for the Indians. In the thick timber of the grove, Borne distance from the house, the\ found where the Indians had encamped the night 1m fore, and the coals of their
camp lire were Mill alive. By the tracks <>t" their ponies, and 1»\ the marks on the butt of a tree against which their gun- were leaned, it was thought there were eighl or ten Indians, bul the\ could n<>t be found,
< ■ •
and it was dow quite evidenl thai the) had left the -\ c tor other iields of depredation.
CHAPTER XX.
SETTLEKS RETURN TO LOOK AFTER THEIR CATTLE.
On the 17th of June, seven persons, named Elijah Phillips, J. Hodges, Sylvester Brigham, John L. Anient, Aaron Gunn, James G. Forrestall, and a boy of sixteen by the name of Ziba Dimmick, left Henne- pin for Bureau settlement, in order to look after their cattle, which had been left to run at large on the prairie." On arriving at Ament's cabin they prepared
* A week or two previous, the same party came over to Bureau, after their cattle, with the intention of driving them east of the river. While at Ament's cabin, they had a controversy as to the propriety of remaining all night; some favored returning to Hennepin, and others remaining. Failing to agree, Mr. Phillips, who was somewhat of an eccentric character, placed a clapboard in an upright position, saying, "This must decide our cause; if it falls to the north, we are safe, and will remain ; but if to the south, we must be off." The board fell to the south, and by common consent, they prepared to leave forthwith. Their cattle, however, became unmanageable, running towards the timber, which the settlers wished to avoid for fear of Indian*, and leaving their cattle near Mr. Musgrove's, they returned to Hennepin.
Many things relating to the killing of Phillips, and an attack on Ament's cabin, was communicated to John L. Ament, some years after it occurred, by a French Indian trader, who obtained bis information from those engaged in this affair. From this account many facts are taken, as well as from statements made to the writer by one of the Indians present at the time. On this authority, incidents are given which were unknown to the early settlers.
SETTLERS RETURN. 185
and ate their dinner, after which they made prepara- tions to return to Hennepin. Ament's cabin was situated in the edge of the timber, about one and a half miles north of the present site of Dover, and on the farm now occupied by Matthew Taylor. After dinner was over, it commenced raining, so they con- cluded to stay all night. They believed it perfectly safe to do so, as no Indians, nor Indian signs had been seen in the vicinity for some time. Accordingly they barricaded the door and window of the cabin, with heavy puncheons, and with their loaded guns by their side, they laid down on the floor to sleep.
Immediately west of Ament's cabin, was a place known by the settlers as "Big Sugar Camp," a part of which was included within his claim. This sugar camp had been for many years a kind of headquarters for the Indians, and here lived during the winter and spring of each year, a petty chief by the name of Meommuse, who had in his band ten or twelve lodges, or families. They and their ancesters bad made sugar here for forty-two \ear> in succession, and they were very much displeased at the whites settling so close, regarding them as trespassers on their rights. A bad feeling existed li.-t ween these [ndiansandsomeof the Bottlers. Between some of these Indians and John L. Anient, angry words
bad passed and to make the matter worse, Anient had
killed one of their do
A few days before the incidenl occurred which we are about to relate, the Indians, who were encamped in
186 REMINISCENCES OF BUKEAU COUNTY.
the bend of the creek, above the crossing of the Princeton and Dixon road, moved to this big sugar camp, in order that their ponies might have better range on the little bottom prairie close by. Spies, who were on the lookout for victims, discovered this party of settlers as they approached the timber, and they immediately gave notice to their comrades, who made a hasty preparation to attack and murder them. Ac- cordingly they approached with great caution, crawling on their hands and knees among the hazel brush, until thev came within a few rods of the cabin, with the intention of tiring on the settlers as they came out of the house, and kill them all at one stroke. After the settlers had ate their dinner, some in the cabin, others around it, talking and laughing, unconscious of danger, not dreaming that a deadly foe was concealed within a few rods of them. While thus engaged, it commenced raining, when the settlers went into the cabin, and seated themselves around a blazing fire. Notwith- standing the rain, the Indians remained in ambush until thev were satisfied that their intended victim- were going to remain over night, when they left for their cam]).
Among this band of warriors, were a number of Pottawatamies, who had been raised on Bureau, one of whom was a son of Meommuse, the chief above alluded to. This young chief was well acquainted with this party of settlers, who were now selected as their victims. Two of these, Sylvester Brigham, and James
THE NEW YC
PUBLIC LiBh
.
DEATH OF PHILLIPS. 189
G. Forristall, he had received presents from, and there- fore wished to spare their Uvea Towards John L. A merit and Elijah Phillips, bad feelings were entertained on account of former difficulty, and these two only, the young chief washed to kill, and let the others escap Girty, whose savage nature knew no difference between former friends and former foes, was in favor of killing the whole party, and to this proposition all the warriors tin all v agreed.
PHILLIPS KILLED, AND AMEXT S CABIN ATTACKED.
The Indians had decided to make an attack in the • lead hour of night, while the inmates were asleep ; -ft the cabin on lire, and kill all within, but it continued to rain all night, which defeated their plans. For two hour.- the Indians remained around the cabin, de\ ising plans to murder the inmates without endangering their own Lives, The doors and window.- were examined, and fonnd bo well barricaded that they could not enter
■
without awakening their intended Victims. \e\t morning, their moccasin track.- were Been around the Cabin, and mud WW noticed on the wall- of the house,
where they had climbed up to look through a crack between tin- logs. After holdings consultation among themselves, the Indians decided t" abandon further operations thai night, and returned to their camp, with the intention of attacking the Bottlers next morning, as they would leave for Hennepin. To carry out tl
190 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
plan, the Indians concealed themselves in the thick
hazel brush, the same as they had done the day before.
Phillips being the first one to leave the cabin, came
upon the Indians as they lay in ambush, and was in the
act of turning around to run back, when the report of
many rifles was heard, followed by a shrill war whoop,
and poor Phillips lay a corpse, pierced by two balls?
The Indians, with deafening yells, rushed forward from
their hiding places, tomahawked their victim, and
surrounded the cabin. The settlers, in great haste,
closed the door, and pointed their guns at the Indians
through cracks in the wall. A gun in the hands of J.
Hodges, coming in contact with Girty's breast, caused
him to break for the timber, and he was followed by all
of his comrades. Young Diminick called a horse to
the window, caught, mounted, and put him at the top
of his speed for Hennepin, sixteen miles distant, at
which place he arrived safely.
When Dimmick arrived at Hennepin with the sad
tidings, it created a great panic among the people, and
rumors were circulated that Black Hawk's whole force
was about to attack the frontier settlements. On the
west side of the river, and feeding along Bureau creek,
were seen about three hundred ponies, and it was thought as many Indians were secreted in the thick bottom timber, with the intention of attacking the town.* On that day a part of two companies of
* It was afterwards ascertained that these ponies belonged to Atkin- son's army then on Rock river, having ran off, and were makingtheir way south to their former grazing grounds.
DEATH OF PHILLIPS. 191
rangers were in Hennepin, for the purpose of being mustered out of service, and among them a call was made for volunteers to go to the rescue. Timid men were in favor of leaving the settlers at Ament's cabin to their fate, as an attempt at their rescue would only result in further sacrifice of life. Some of the women com- menced rino-ino' their hands and crvinjA beseeching the men not to leave them unprotected, to be tomahawked by the Indians; while others, of more courage, urged their husbands and sons on to the rescue, while thev set about running their pewter spoons into bullets, to supply them with cartridges.
About thirty persons volunteered to go the rescue, among whom were Capt. Haws, Capt. Willis, Lieut. Garvin, and other resolute men. who were willing to risk their lives to save their friends. Among the volunteers, was Dave Jones, who was always full of tight when under the influence of liquor; with hat and coat off, he would jump up and down, cracking his heels together, swearing that he would go alone to the rescue, it he was certain of encountering all of Black Eawk's army.
Tin* small ferry boat would only carry >i\ persons,
with their horses, .it a time, and as B i :;- all the
volunteers were landed od the weal side of the river, thev |»ut their horses on a gallop for Anient'.- cabin. Before reaching their destination, the horse on which Dave Jone mounted, gave out, but Jones continued th<- race on foot, keeping up with those on horseback.
192 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
On the arrival of the rangers, they found. the remaining live safe in the cabin, not having ventured out since the murder. When the rangers came within a short distance of the cabin, they called a halt, not knowing but it was full of Indians. On seeing this, John L. Anient made an opening through the roof of the cabin, and displayed a white cloth, a signal that all was right. The body of Phillips, undisturbed since his death, was lying in the door-yard, with his lace turned upward. One bullet had entered his breast in the region of the heart, and another had pierced his stomach. There were marks of tomahawk strokes across his temples and also on the neck. In their haste to leave, the savages had failed to scalp him.*
FLIGHT OF THE INDIANS — PURSUIT BY THE RANGERS.
The Indians did not notice young Dimmick leave the cabin for Hennepin, to give the alarm, and there- fore regarded themselves as perfectly safe. They remained in ambush, watching the cabin, until the rangers came in sight, then they left in such haste as
* There are several remarkable incidents connected with this affair, one or two of which could not be credited, if they were not well authen- ticated. Brigham and Phillips, being the first up in the morning, stood for a moment on the porch, engaged in conversation, when Phillips said he would go over to his own cabin, which was about a half mile distant, and write a letter. Mr. Bringham said he would go along, but from some cause unknown to himself, he turned and entered the house, while Phillips stepped off the porch, and was shot dead. Mr. Brigham has often said that it appeared to him a striking providential circumstance, that he entered the cabin as he did, instead of going immediately with Phillips, having no errand whatever
DEATH OF PHILLIPS. Itt'S
to leave many of their blankets at their hiding place. They fled to their camp which was distant about three quarters of a mile, and on arriving there they picked up their camp equipage, and left for a place of safety. Part of the Indians having charge of their ponies scat- tered themselves through the timber in various direc- tions, so their trail could not be followed bv their pursuers, while the larger portion of the warriors, left on foot, and in a northwest direction. After crossing the creek, they came to a thick cluster of undergrowth, which they considered a proper place to make a defense. Here they lay in ambush, concealed by the thick brush, awaiting the arrival of the rangers.
The rangers remained at the cabin sometime, un- decided what to do; some were in favor of pursuing the Iii'iians, while others opposed it. At last Capt Willi-, called for volunteers, and about twenty-five came forward, who were willing to undertake the haz- ardous task of following the Indian.-. At the big sugar
within. Had he not entered the cabin then, tie would in all proba- bility liavi- shared the same Gate as bis companion.
The horse thai Dimmlck rode i<> Hennepin, belonged to Sylv< Brigham, and could n<>i becaughl on the prairie, at other times, but on this occasion, it was called to the cabin window, and allowed Itself to be bridled and mounted.
Abonl one hour after PhiUips was killed, a very remarkable Incidenl occurred, which is vouched for by Porristall and others. The cattle belonging to the settlers came to the dead body of Phillips, and com- menced BmeUlng It Among the cattle was a yoke ••! Bteers, which belonged to the deceased, and teas afterwards owned by James G ristall. These steers appeared to stand guard over the bodj of their master, and as other cattle came nigh, they would iin\«- them awaj After which tb.-s.- steers laydown, oneon each side ol the corpse, and so close t'> 11 thai the slobben from their mouth was found on the clothes, After lying here abonl two hours, the Jte< rs go1 up and wenl with the ot her catl le <>n th< ed.
194 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
camp, they took their trail, and followed it across the creek, and within one hundred yards of the place
where the Indians were concealed. Here thev held a parley, being undecided which way to go, and by mere chance turned their course, and thereby avoided the ambush. Had they continued on their course, the probabilities are most of the rangers would have lost their lives, as the Indians were so well secreted in the thick undergrowth, at short range, but few, if any could have made their escape.
The rangers continued on a short distance, in a northwest direction, but having lost the trail of the Indians, they gave up the pursuit, and turned back. On returning to Ament's cabin, they immediately left for Hennepin, taking with them the remains of Phillips, which was prepared for interment at the house of Hooper Warren. A large number of citizens and soldiers, attended the funeral, which took place next day. Elijah Phillips, was a young man of industry, and en- terprise, and his loss was much regretted by the settlers on Bureau. The year before, he had left his parents, and friends in Massachusetts, to seek his fortune on the prairies of the west, where he met his death at the hands of savages, as above stated.
CHAPTER XXI.
SCOTT S ARMi' PASSES THROUGH BUREAU COUNTY.
On the 8th of July, 1832, Gen. Scott, with about one thousand soldiers of the regular army, arrived at Fort Dearborn, (now Chicago.) The two steamboats that brought this army, were the first that ever plowed the waves of Lake Michigan, and their arrival at Fort Dearborn, was heraled by newspapers throughout the United Stai With Scott's army were six companies from Fortress Monroe, who suffered severely from cholera, which broke out among them while on the lakes. Out of four hundred young men. who left the tort in health and vigor, only eighty lived to return again to their old quarters. Among these soldiers wh<>
Burvived the ravages of the cholera, was Lewie Cobb,
(now a resident of Wyanct.) t<» whom the writer i.-
indebted tor these lad
Scott's army remained .-it Fort Dearborn about three
weeks, waiting for transportation, and during that time
a large portion of the soldiers died with the cholera, o
196 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
With the army was Gen. Twiggs, then a colonel and the rebel Gen. Joe Johnston, at that time a lieutenant, with many other officers who have acquired notoriety in the late rebellion. Among the troops was the noted surgeon, Beaumont, accompanied by his more noted servant, who had a wound in his stomach. This re- markable man, received sometime previous, a gunshot wound, which opened a cavity in his stomach that never healed. Into this cavity the doctor had placed a glass tube, so he could watch the progress of digestion. By experimenting with this man's stomach, it had been ascertained the length of time required to digest different articles of diet, an account of which has been published in different medical works of the day.
The soldiers, by way of derision, would frequently inquire of this man how much he would ask for a peep into his stomach.
About the first of August, the army left Fort Dear- born for Rock Island, one hundred and seventy miles distant, and each day, while on the road, some of the soldiers died with the cholera. Accompanying the troops, were many baggage wagons, and a large drove of cattle, for army supplies. There was no road across the country at that time, and the course of the army was shaped by the compass. Not a dwelling of a white man, nor one mark of civilization, was seen on the entire route. Many of the streams and groves had not yet been named, so that the exact route taken by the army is not known. Greenberrv Hall, who lived for
THE CAPTIVE'S RETURN. 197
a number of years in the town of Dover, said the next spring after the passage of Scott's army, their trail was plainly to be seen between Perkins' and Paw Paw Grove. This being the case, makes it quite probable that the army passed through the northern part of Bureau countv, and on this probability we erive it a place in our story.
THE CAPTIVES RETURN. — RETRIBUTION.
Soon after the killing of Phillips, the Indians left Bureau, to join Black Hawk's band, which, at that time, was fleeing before Gen. Atkinson's army. While on their way thither, and in the vicinity of Galena. they killed a number of persom. and attacked a block house on Apple river, which contained a few families of miners. After joining Black Hawk's forces, the\ participated in the battle of Bad Axe. where many of
them were killed, and others drowned while attempting to Bwim tin- Mississippi river.
When the war was over, many of the Indians returned
\>< Bureau, and among them were the squaw and
pai 368 of Girty. Bui Girtv himself did nol return,
and his fate, ;it that time. was unknown, hut it w.i- ■j'-M' rally believed thai he was killed in battle.
A f' .. pears after the Black Hawk war. the writer
in c pany with Dad Joe, found a lone [ndian in the
w Is, near where the Dixon road crosses Bureau
ci-rek. This [ndian was Bitting by a small camp fire,
198 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
where he had spent the night, his head bowed down, and his blankets wrapped closely around his shoulders. He had a violent cough, was pale and emaciated, evidently in the last stages of consumption. Dad Joe addressed him in the Pottawatamie tongue, but lie replied in good English, and made to us the following statement. His home, he said, was at Indiantown, where he was then going, and had fought at the battle of Bad Axe, and was there taken prisoner. Having on his person at the time the badge of a chief, caused him to be placed on board of the steamer Warrior, and carried down to Prairie du Chien, where he was con- lined in the barracks. A few days after his arrival in the fort, while in a drunken spree, he killed one of the guards, and for this offense was sentenced to imprison- ment for life. With a ball and chain around his leg, he was for four long years compelled to do the drudgery work of the garrison, but when his health failed, and could be of no further service, he was set at liberty. Here he showed us a silver medal, which he wore on his breast, suspended from his neck by a large buckskin cord. On this medal were engraved the following words : " A Token of Friendship, Lewis Cass, U. S. I. A." For nine years this talisman had been sus- pended from his neck, and after his death, when his body was partly devoured by wolves, it was found attached to the remains.
In conversation with this Indian, he said that he had a squaw and five papooses living at Indiantown, and
THE CAPTIVE^ RETURN. 199
was in hopes that his strength would hold out until he reached them; then said he, " I will die contented." Dad Joe told him that no Indians were then living at Indiantown, as they had a short time before gone west of the Mississippi. At this announcement, tears fell from his eyes, and bowing his head between his knees, he repeated a short prayer in his native tongue. After remaining in prayer a few moments, he raised to his feet with a loud groan, while despair was pictured in his emaciated face, he made preparations to continue his journey. His camp kit consisted of two blanket.-. a small copper kettle, a pot, a gun. a tomahawk, a large knife, and a piece of venison. With our assistan these things were gathered up and placed on his hack, while reeling to and fro from weakness, and without st\ ing another word, he continued his journey.
This Indian, as the reader may have already con- jectured, was no other than Mike Girty, the outlaw, and the retribution which followed his crimes is one of the most remarkable incidents connected with the early settlement of this county.
CHAPTER XXII.
OIRTY's ARRIVAL AT PRINCETON.
Girty, in his journey homeward from Prairie du Chien, traveled on the Winnebago trail, which ran east of the lead mines and Dixon's ferry, a distance of one hundred and eighty miles. The country through which he passed, was, at that time, an unbroken wilderness, and not a white's man's habitation could be seen on the entire route. But here on Bureau it was quite different — people had built cabins along the margin of the timber, and in some places their fences had already crossed the Indian trails. Instead of the Indiantown trail passing through the timber — down Epperson's run and along Bureau creek, as in former days, it was now changed to a great wide road, over which passed a dail v mail coach and emigrant wagons, as well as droves of cattle, hogs, &c. Along this road Girty traveled, meditating, no doubt, on the great changes a few years had produced. It was a clear, bright day, in the early part of June, 1836 — the prairies were covered with
-
y:
-
pffi&s^
ar-
GIRTY'S ARRIVAL AT PRINCETON. 203
wild flowers, and people everywhere busy with their
crops, as Girty, on his homeward journey, passed along
this road. But great must have been his surprise when
he came in sight of Princeton, to see a group of buildings
here on the prairie, where a few years before not a
house could be seen. On the east side of Main street.
stood a frame building, and in front of it hung a large
painted sign, which read, ''Princeton Hotel, by S.
Triplett.'1 Opposite the hotel, on the west side of the
street, was a small one story building, and over the
door of which were the words " Post Office.'1 Above
the sign of Post Office, was a larger one, reading thus,
" Dry Goods and Groceries ; John M. Gav." Outside
of the building, and fronting the door, stood a tall,
spare, dark-complexioned man, known by every one as
the proprietor of the establishment, and post master,
and by his side stood a medium sized, good looking
man, wearing a white beaver hat, and a blue dress coat,
who was earnestly engaged in explaining to the ]><»t-
master the great importance of baptism. This man,
the reader will recognize as Thomas S. Elston, who was
for many years a citizen of Princeton. On the open
commons, near where Elijah Dee's dwelling now Btandft,
was a small log cabin, over the doo rot" which, andclose
under its clapboard roof, was a large Bign, painted m
Roman Letters, and reading thus, " Templeton'e New
Store." <)n a Blab bench, fronting the cabin, were
ated three young men, engaged in conversation, and
whose nanws were Noah Wiswall, R. T. Templeton,
204 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
and Dr. Willian O. Chamberlain. While these young men were discussing the all important topics of the day. which were dividing the county, and constructing the canal, Girty, the outlaw, came along the road. He was carrying on his back all of his camp equipage, including gun, blankets, kettles, provision, &c. His once straight. manly form, was now bent, not from ase, but bv disease and great fatigue. His head was without covering, and on his shoulders and down his back were hanging, in confused masses, locks of coarse, black hair. The appearance of Grirty was comical, in the extreme, and the young men were having considerable merriment at his expense, saying that "He was un- doubtedly the last of the Mohegansr" The traveler was asked many questions, but he appeared sullen and morose, and not inclined to impart much of his history. On the public square, now occupied by the Court House, stood the Hampshire Colony Church, which was at that time the important land mark of Princeton. Situated, as it was, out on the green, open commons — elevated high above the ground on wooden blocks — painted white, with a projecting cornice, which was in strong contrast with the small unpainted buildings in the surrounding. This notable structure attracted the attention of Grirty ; probably it was the first painted building that he had ever seen, and pointing to it, In- said, "Big wigwam; great chief lives in it, I 'spect." Mr. Teinpleton told him it was a church. ]S"ever having heard of the name church before, Grirty paused
TWO GREAT PAPER CITIE8. 205
a jnoment, and then continued, "I 'sped lie is a biff warrior, a great brave." At Girty's last remark, JDr. Chamberlain laughed lona* and loud, when he was reproved by Mr. Wiswall, who said to him. "Now what i& the use of laughing at the poor, ignorant creature." Mr. Templeron explained to Girtv that the building was not a wigwam, as he had supposed, but a place where white people went to pray to the Great Spirit. On receiving this information, the sad face of Girtv was changed to mirthfulness, and he laughed heartily at the fanaticism of white people Going to so much trouble to build a fine wigwam to pray in. appeared to him ridiculous, and he pitied their igno- rance. Slowly and feeblv, while bending under hi- burden, Girtv continued his way toward Indiantown. On Bureau bottom he passed the cabins of Robert Clark and Michael Kitterman, the Bight of which mufll have brought fresh to his mind a conspiracy which he entered into a few years before, to murder the families.
TWO GREAT PAPEB CITIES.
If Girt\ was surprised on seeing Princeton, in- in have been more so on his arrival at [ndiantown. In stead of finding a quiet Indian village, containing the wigwam of bis squaw, and those of hi.- friend-, which
*
he had left a tew years before, he found Strang buildings and strangi All was now changed;
206 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
every relic of the Indian village had disappeared, and on its ruins stood the great city of Windsor. Rip Yan Winkle, after sleeping twenty years, found things very much changed ; but with Girty the same had been done in one fifth of the time. Here was a great city, which extended for a long ways, up and down Bureau bottom, including within its boundaries, timber, prairie, Indian village, corntields, dance grounds, caches, &e. Running up and down the bottom, and crossing each other at short intervals, were many wide streets. Here, too. were boulevards, connecting together important places, and intended as great arteries of the city. At the crossing of these were large public parks, to which the inhabitants could retreat from the crowed streets of the citv. Near the center of the city was the sreat countv square, intended for the court house, jail, and other county buildings. To the left of the County square, was Market, and to the right was Liberty square. both of which were intended for public parks. In various parts of the city, were reservations for churches, cathedrals, seminaries, colleges, and other public build- ings, all of which had been donated by the generous proprietor for pubi ic use. Passing through the northern wards of the citv. and following the windings of the Bureau creek, whs the great ship canal, connecting the Illinois witli the Mississippi river. By the side of this canal, was a large haven, or harbor, which w;is intended to hold much of the shipping of the west, and around it was room for large business blocks. State roads
<■>! l~
TWO GREAT PAPER CITIES. 20
branched off in various directions, 03 which Windsor was connected with all the principal cities of the west.
Adjoining Windsor, on the west, and including that part of Tiskilwa. whicli lays in Indiantown, was another great city called jWest Windsor. Its boundaries ex- tended from the bluff, on the south, to the Kinney farm, on the north, and at the west far up Rocky Run. Many of thestreetsof this city were named after the Presidents — great statesmen and warriors of past age>N It also contained many parks, the niosr conspic- ous of whicli were, Judicial and Pleasant, intended no doubt, as breathing places for its (prospective) crowded population.
We have described these cities as they appeared on paper; but their real appearance was different. In West Windsor, south of Bocky linn, in a double i cabin, lived Sampson Cole, and boarding with him was R. R. Pearce, who was a cabinent maker, a surveyor, a justice <>t' the peace and post master. Close by Col,-' residence, Bodrick Owen, had a Blab blacksmith shop, and these constituted all the buildings, and all the inhabitants of Wesl Windsor, This city existed only a tew months, it- proprietor, J. W. Kinney, lias in"- mortgaged it to the Btate bank for money, and in order to beat the mortgagee, bad the town plal vacated, when it fell int.* ruin and nothing more was heard of it.
In Windsor proper then were two Log cabin-, and
208 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
two board shanties, and its inhabitant were Dr. Lang- worthy, Amariah Watson, and Ferrill Dunn. This town was laid off a few months before, by Dr. A. Langworthy, and slakes, marked at the top with red keel, and with the few shanties above referred to, was all that could be seen of this great paper city.
Such was the appearance of Indiantown when Girty returned to it; wigwams and cornfields were no longer to be seen ; even the great council house, where chiefs and warriors had met for deliberation, had disappeared. The little green knoll by the creek bank, which had for ages been used for a dance ground, where young warriors and timed maidens, at the sound of drums, or rattling gourds, had danced around their trophies of war, was now fenced in by Mr. Watson for a goose pasture. With a sorrowful heart, Girty passed through the town ; his old haunts were scarcely recognized by him, and not one familiar face could he see. His worst tears were now realized; sick and alone, he found himself a stranger at his own home. At a spring, near the foot of the bluff, Girty camped for the night, being overcome by sickness and fatigue, he gave himself up to feelings of despair. The smoke of his camp tire, and his loud coughing, attracted the attention of Dr. Langworthy, who visited his camp, and offered him provisions, as well as medical treatment, Out of curiosity others visited Girty's camp, and tried to learn something of his story; but he appeared sullen and
THE LAST OF GIRTY. 2< >9
morose; to all their Inquiries lie would only shake his head. Probably the murder of Simmons, Sample and wife, Phillips, and other victims, were still fresh in his mind, and if known lie could expect no mercy from people who had suffered so much at his hands.
THE LAST OF GIRTY.
On the third day after Girty arrived at Indiantown, he was seen to take up his line of march for the west, .-till carrying his camp kit on his hack. X. ar the present site of Sheffield, he was met by Caleh \[o<>re. slowly and feebly plodding his way westward. About one week after Girty started west, a man. while traveling on (he old Sac and Fox trail, saw on the prairie, north of Barren Grove, two wolves eating a carcass. I kit >•! curiosity he rude out to see what they were eating, and found it to he the remains of an Indian, partly devoured. Near the remains were found a gun, knife, tomahawk, two blankets, a -mall copper kettle, and a pot. Around
the neck of the remains, which was almost a skeleton,
was a Large buckskin cord, to which was attached .•■
silver medal. This medal was taken i >ff by the traveler, and the other trinkets, with the remains, wviv left on the prairie where they were found.
This was the la>t of Girty j although his crimes were great, the retribution was equally bo.
f
THE NEW YORK
UBLIC LIBRARY
Mion, LINOX
<N FOtmDATfOHi.
■■ i ■
JOHN H. BRYANT.
PART SECOND.
H I S T ( ) R I. 0 A L S K K T ( ' B
OF THE
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
-'■'/.
**»7f
•
I 707
(M)NTE N T s .
Page.
Arrival of Emigrants, - 251
Bureau County Organized. - 334
Banditti, - - - - - - 341
Civil Authority Superseded by an Armed Force, 356
Churches and Schools, - - - 375
Ohenoweth Prairie and Lone Tree Settlement, - 3
Destruction of Black Partridge's V\ 11 age,
Dave Jones, - - 296
Exploring the Country , - - 266
Early Settlement, - - 237
Early Settlement in the North part of the County, •"■
Early Settlement of La Moilleand Perkins1 Gr • •
! trly Settlement of Princeton,
Fir - ad Old Uncle Peter, - 217
False Alarm, ----- 804
Geography of Bureau County, - 281
Hampshire ( lolon^ , - 26J
Hickory Ri<L . - -274
[ndiana of Bureau, - - 241
Jerro and Friends Saved from Starvation, 808
Justice Court, 848
Lost Grove Settlement - - - BBfi
Little Johnny, the Indian Captive, - - 310
Moseley Settlement, - 280
Marriage under Difficulties, - - 295
Mirage and Sounds, - - - - 318
Murder of Rev. John Williams, - - 319
Murder at Lost Grove, - 342
Meteorological Table, - 374
Miscellaneous, - - - - - 400
Old Putnam County, 233
Putnam County Organized, - 287
Peoria and Galena State Road, - - 291
Providence Colony, - - - 331
Progress of Settlement, - 396
Politicians on a Rampage, - - - 353
Roads at the Time of Early Settlement, - 343
Settlers Flee from their Homes, - - 268 Settlement of Leepertown and Hoskins' Prairie, 278
Settlement in the East part of the County. 328
Settlement at Bovd's Grove, - - - 323
Settlement on Green River, - - - 383
Settlement on Main Bureau, - - - 388 Settlement east of the River — First Steamboat, 282
Settlement of Princeton Prairie, - - 374
Settlement in the Xorth part of the County. - 391
The Magician, - - - 371
Third Indian War, - - - - 301
Undei-ground Railroad, - - - 360
Wild Animals, - - - - - 313
West Bureau and Center Grove Settlement, - 329
INTRODUCTION TO PART SECOND.
It could not be expected that a full and complete history of the county would be given in a book of this size, consequently no attempt of the kind has been made The main object has been to collect and preserve facts connected with the early settlement, that were aboul to be lost, leaving things of a more recent date, and that which is a matter of record, for a subsequent publication. The political, commercial, financial and
rial history, as well as that of towns and villa- may, however, appeal- in another volume at some future
day.
In the early settlemi Qt of the country, there was a class of people called squatters, who kept in advance of permanent settlers, making claims, and selling them at the first opportunity. These frontiersmen, who were fund of border life, obtained their Living bj making and ig claims, hunting, trapping, & .. ind would
go westward people Bettled around them.
of thi.- class bad temporary residences in this
county, but their history is so obscure as to bear no part in this work.
Many persons, no doubt, will be disappointed to find no mention of their names, claiming priority to others whose names do appear, but they must recollect that all necessary facts were not in possession of the writer, and names, in a few instances, may have been omitted by accident.
It is to be expected that some persons will criticise the statements herein made, point out errors (or sup- posed to be such), but it must be remembered that many conflicting accounts were given, and to throw out the spurious, and retain the genuine, was a difficult matter to do. The collecting of facts connected with the early settlement, has been the work of years, and the statements herein made are not based on the sayings of a tew persons only ; but different accounts have been compared and revised, by which correct conclusions have been arrived at. It would be too much, however, to presume that no errors have escaped detection.
CHAPTER I.
GEOGRAPHY OF BCREAF COUNTY.
Tln> county contains twenty-three whole, and two fractional, towns; eighl hundred and sixty-four square miles, making five hundred and fifty-three thousand acres of land, about one-ninth of which was originally
aber. The land throughout the county is neither
hilly nor flat, but undulating, and raises in the north
part, where the water.- between the Illinois and
Mississippi divides, to near three hundred feet abo
the Illinois valley. Bureau county contains no high
peaks, capped with overhanging rocks; n<> <h sep, narrow
valleys; no roaring cascades, nor mountain inn-cut-.
shrouded in foam; still it i> nol without picturesque
-i enery. The bigh, rolling prairie, which extend*
through ihf towns of Bureau, Walnut, ami ()!'u>.
affords :i view of laii<lscaj>c scenerv probabh unsur
•I h\ ;im_\ in the State. This prairie overlook*
Bureau timber on the east, and Green river timber on 2
232 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
the west, and presents to the eye a beautiful prospective view of the .surrounding country, for many miles in extent.
On the elevated land, near Providence, called at the time of early settlement, " High Land Point," the surface of nearly half of Bureau county is visible. When the atmosphere is favorable Buffalo Grove, north of Rock river, forty -six miles distant, can be seen. The Illinois river forms fourteen miles of its eastern boundary : Bureau creek, with its tributaries, waters the central portion, while Green river, and the head waters of Spoon river, flows through the western part. Coal banks and stone quarries are found in the central part of the county, while peat and mineral paint abounds in the northwestern towns.
The old Indian Boundary Line, which extends from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi river, passes through the northern towns of this county, running almost in an east and west direction. This line was surveyed in the spring of 1819, in accordance with an act of Congress, and it was made one of the standard lines in surveying the military district. Wisconsin, in 1840, made a claim under the ordinance of 1787, to all that part of Illinois lying north of this line. The surveys south of the Indian Boundary Line, were commenced in 1816, and completed in 1823. The surveys north of this line were commenced in 1834, and completed in 1843. South of the boundary line, the land came into
OLD PI IX A.M CO L'NT Y . 23 3
market in 1835, and north of it. in 1844. The land office for this district was originally at Galena, but was afterwards removed to Dixon's ferry.
The line that bounds the Military District, com- mences at the great bend in the Illinois riv< r, near the mouth of Lake Du Pue, and runs due wesl until it reach< the Mississippi river, a short distance from X Boston. The towns of Wheatland, Macon. Milo, and Neponset, had in them a large quantity of military land, but the towns of Arispie, Leepertown, and Indiantown, which lay within the military district, contained none of these lands.
OLD PUTNAM COUNTY.
In January, 1825, a hill passed the ! ture for
dividing the military district into counties, and provided their organization, as Boon as the;) contained a suffi- cient number of inhabit! Putnam, being the most northern of the new counties, wa6 made to include
[thin its jurisdiction ail of the northeast portion lie State, and was bounded as follow Commencing .-n the west bank of the Elliuois river,a1 the north line of town eleven, following up the Illinois and Kankaki rivers to the Indiana state line, thence north along the w< shore of Lake Michigan to the m < »ri It easl corner
of the State, thence wesl to range four, thence south to town eleven, thence easl to the pi ginning.
234 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
This territory, at the present time, contains twenty- seven counties, or parts of counties. The act provided, as soon as this county contained three hundred and fifty inhabitants, they were authorized to organize; and elect county officers, tor which the Circuit Judge of the district was directed to issue his order. Chicago was the only village in the new county, and outside of which it is believed there was not a white person living, with the exception of Indian traders along the Illinois river and its tributaries.
Five years after Putnam county was set off, it was found to contain about seven hundred inhabitants, the most of whom lived on Bureau, about the mouth of Fox river, and at Chicago. These settlements being so far apart, scattered, as they were, over a territory more than one hundred miles in extent, made organization impracticable, and for six years all the legal business of Putnam county was transacted at Peoria. The settlers on Bureau had but little to do with legal matters, as they had no titles to real estate to look after, and no law suits to prosecute or defend. One marriage license only was issued at Peoria to settlers on Bureau, — that being to Leonard Roth, who married a daughter of Timothy Perkins. In the spring of 1881. Charles S. Boyd paid seventy-live cents tax to the collector of Peoria county, which was the only tax collected of settlers within the limits of this county, previous to the organization of Putnam.
DESTRUCTION OF BLACK PARTRIDGES VILLAGE. 235
A short distance below the present site of Henry, formerly in Putnam, but now in Marshall county, once stood the village of Black Partridge, a celebrated Indian chief. The destruction of this village, and the hilling of many of its inhabitants, I believe has never fully entered into history, and but few people are familiar with the tacts therein connected. An account of this affair was communicated to the writer thirty-six years ago, by the "Old Ranger," Gen. Whitesides, who was one of the attacking party, and was acquainted with all the tacts. In September, 1812, Gov. Edwards fitted out an expedition against the Indians, on the Illinois river, in order to avenge the ma-acre of the troops at Fort Dearborn, which took place a short time previous. The volunb mder Edwards, were on borseback, and
pursued their way through the unsettled country from Bellville te Fort Clark, where they were met by then- comrades, who had ascended the river in small boats. From Fort Clark the volunteers went up the river for e0f attacking the village of Black Partridge.
In their march, they used great caution, so the [ndians would be taken by surprise, and unprepared to make a
defenBe, When they arrived within four miles o1 tl Ullage, Whitesides, with three other young men, volun
teered to go forward and reconnoitre the position, He the army remained over night, the soldiers sleeping < their arms, to be prepared in case the) should be
attacked< Nex1 morning, a1 daylight, Gov. Kd ordered the troops forward to attack the village, lx
236 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
the Indians were aware of their presence. Capt. Judy's company of spies, to which Whitesides belonged, was leading the van, and had proceeded but a short distance, when they came suddenly upon two Indians, on horseback, who raised their hands in token of sub- mission. Capt. Judy raised his rifle to fire on them, when some of his companions begged for mercy ; but the captain replied that he did not leave home to take prisoners, and in a moment the dust was seen to raise from the Indian's buckskin hunting shirt, as the rifle ball entered his body. The Indian fell from his horse, and being mortally wounded, commenced singing his death song, while the blood was streaming from hi.- mouth and nose. The rangers rode up to the dying Indian, who was reeling to and fro, under the torture of pain, when all of a sudden he presented his rifle to shoot. The rangers sprang from their horses to escape the shot, but one of their party, by the name of Wright, not being quick enough, was badly wounded. The other Indian, who proved to be a squaw, set on her horse, spell bound, making no attempt at defense or escape. Many shots were fired at her, none of which. however, took effect, when she commenced crying, and was taken prisoner.
The Indians at the village were unaware of the approach of the army ; many of the warriors were off on a hunt, the squaws were busy preparing breakfast, while the papooses were playing on the green, uncon- scious of danger. The rangers pushed forward in great
EARLY SETTLEMENT. 237
haste, shooting down squaws and papooses,as they fled
panic-stricken from their homes. But little resisistance was made by the Indians, who lied up the river, leaving behind them their ponies, camp equipage, and every- thing valuable. Some of the Indians, being badly wounded, were unable to make their escape; these, together with a number of small children, were butchered in cold blood.
The village, with all its contents, was burned and the ponies, about one hundred in number, were taken off by the rangers, who considered them trophies of war. While the village was burning, an Indian, said to have been Black Partridge himself, walked boldly along the bluff, within one hundred and fifty yards of the soldiers, and tired his gun at them, after which he laughed long and loud, as he walked slowly away. Many shots were fired at this Indian, but without effect, and some of the rangers -tarred in pursuit, but he made good his escape.
LBLT SETTLEMENT.
Bui few people, at the presenl time, are aware of the hardships that were endured by the earl) settlers of thig couni \. I deprived of every comforl of civilization, without schools, churches, and almosl withoul ty,
in many cases, having only the Indian- for their neighbo Their dwelling
cabins, with a puncheon floor, and clapboard door, hung "ii . n hii 9 'in.- v o liv<
2 38 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
a tent until a cabin could be built; others lived for months in a pole shanty, without a floor, chimney or door, a bed quilt supplying the place of the latter. Their living, too, was also plain, being deprived of almost every luxury of life ; for weeks at a time without bread in their house, living on hominy and potatoes, while their supply of meat was obtained from wild game. The place for getting milling done, was at a horse-mill near Peoria, where some of the pioneers went, and waited days for their grist. Many of the settlers pounded their corn in a hominy block, and ground their wheat in a coffee mill, taking out the bran with a common meal sieve.
Three years in succession, the early settlers of Bureau were driven from their homes on account of Indian hostilities, leaving their farms to grow up in weeds, and their horses and cattle to run at large on the prairie. Living in constant fear of the Indians, not knowing at what moment they would be attacked and murdered by them. Sometimes they would carry their guns with them while working in the field, and at night leave their cabin to sleep in the grove, so they might i sc tpe should their dwellings be attacked.
Ague and intermittent fever were very common in the early settlement of tire county, some seasons the inmates of almost every house would be down sick, one not being able to assist the other. For the first three years of the settlement, there was no physician in the county, and the sick were obliged to rely on such
EARLY SETTLEMENT. 21
remedies as they could obtain. An old lady, by the name of Archer, Living cast of the Illinois river, practiced midwiferj on Bureau, and in some instances attending patients who lived twenty or thirty miles from her residence. James G. Forristal] being afflicted
■
with the ague, went to Peoria for medical treatment, and received of Dr. Langworthy, the only physician of the place, a prescription which was intended to last him three months, and with this prescription in his pocket he returned to his cabin.
William Hoskins, one of the early settlers of this county, came here with his family late in the fall of
* r
1830, and during the greater part of the cold winter
that followed, he lived in a cabin without door or window, a bed quilt supplying the place of the former. After moving here, Mr. Hoskins had but fifty cents in money left, and for the first six months the family Lived
* •
on hominy and meat; but one peck of meal was used, and that was ground on a hand mill.
[nstances without number might be recited, showing the hardships endured by the earlv settlers, but tin • •an be supplied by the reader's imagination.
More than forty Near- have now passed away since the settlement of Bureau was commenced, and greal lias been the change in the countn during thai time.
*
Ti i\ pioneer the hunter, and Indian fighter, with
h lev eptions, have | i aw; the report «»t
240 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
their rifles, and the barking of their dogs, are no longer heard in Bureau timber. Their rude log cabins have gone to decay, and their places supplied by line build- ings, in which people live in the enjoyment of the comforts and luxuries of life.
CHAPTER II.
INDIANS OF BUREAU.
The number of Indians that lived within the limits of this county is not known: but it is estimated, by those best posted, to be about fifteen hundred, all <>{' whom wen- Pottawatamies. The line between the country of the Pottawatamies and Winnebaeoes, was the OM Indian Boundary Line, which passed through the northern portion oi this county. In the timber of main Bureau and Green river, the Indians ha<l land mark.- designating tins line — the Wlnnebag hunting north, an<l tin- Pottawatamies south of it, and tln-\
•
lom trBspaessed upon each other's righl Their principal chief was named Antuckee, and lie lived mo at Indiantown. I [e w I ill, athletic
man, with ; physical powers, and exercised much
inrluenc ir his 1 1 muther chief,
:>v mosl of tin M lei's, w inc w
\b mi he \\ hick, he md spoke
tlit- English I. ven well. I chief, with his
j!42 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
band of followers, lived part of each year at the Biu Sugar Camp, on Main Bureau, (now in the town of Dover), where he and his ancestors had made sugar for forty-two years in succession. Wasseaw was a chief of
» * •
some note, and was known by a few of the early settlers. He is described as being tall and slim, pre- possessing in appearance, and he claimed to be a son of Senachwine.
The Indians of Bureau, were low and filthy in their habits, possessing (with few exceptions), but few of those noble traits which sometimes elevate the savage character, and make their history worthy of record. But they were peaceable and quiet, living on friendly terms with the settlers, and frequently visiting their cabins to exchange commodities. As the settle- ment increased in numbers, the Indians became dis- satisfied with their situation, and left at different times from 1832 to '36, t<> occupy lands assigned them by the government in Western Kansas.
Many incidents are given by old settlers, illustrative of the peculiar habits of these Indians, and a short account of some of them may interest the reader. Amos Leonard one day met an Indian, with a deer which he had shot, tied to the tail of his pony, and in that way was dragging it into camp. The pony was puffing and sweating with fatigue, while the Indian sat quietly on his back smoking his pipe. At another time, Mr. Leonard saw an Indian dragging a canoe across the prairie, in the direction of Green river. A
INDIANS ON BUREAU. 248
buckskin string was tied to the canoe, with the other end around the Indian's waist; then Leaning forward and 'holding on to the pony's mane, the canoe was drawn along on the grass.
Many Indian feasts and war dances were witnessed by <>ld settlers, the most remarkable of which took place at Indiantown. in the fall of 183<». Black Hawk, with many of his warriors, were on their return from Canada, where they had been to receive their animal
annuities from the British government. Leaving the
■
great Sacs and Fox trail, near the crossing of the Galena road, Black Hawk and his warriors went to Indiantown, stopping and conversing with Mr. Epperson, as they passed hie cahin. It is said that about one thousand warrior- were present at this great war dance and the performance is described by an eye witness, John L. Anient, as exceeding anything of the kind ever witnessed by the Indian.- <>t* this county. This dance lasted three days, and the yelling of the [ndians could
be heard for miles away.
A.mong the many curious customs of tin- Indian-.
■
the medical dance is probabl} the mosl remarkable With the Pottawatamie Indian-, a doctor and a prii
one and the same person, and when hi.- -kill in root* and herb- fiii, he appeals t.» a ! act I
istance. The friends of the patient are called together to assist in invoking the Great Spirit to expel the demon from the Bick person, [f the patient is . chief, or a person off importance, the warriors off the
244 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
whole band collect to take part in the ceremony. Nicholas Smith, of the town of Bureau, was present at one of these dances, which took place on Green river, and he describes it as follows: A large number of warriors were formed into a circle, and commenced dancing to the music of drams, and rattling gourds. In the center of the circle stood the priest, or medicine man, with the skins of different animals stuffed, so as to appear life-like. When the music and dancing stopped, the priest took an otter skin in his hand and passed around the circle, until he came to one possessed of a devil, when he ran the nose of the otter against his breast, yelling " hoa" at the top of his voice. The victim fell to the ground, and to all appearance remained lifeless. Again the music and dancing commenced, as before, and as the dancers marched around the circle, they would flourish their tomahawks and war clubs over their fallen comrade, in order to drive the devil out of him. When the dancing again stopped, the medicine man took the skin of a large rattle snake, with the rattles singing as though alive, passing around the circle until he came to another victim, and brought him also lifeless to the ground. This performance was continued until every warrior, having a demon in his breast, was made pure by the skin of a certain animal- Then the dance broke up, and the patients pronounced safe.
Indians generally bury their dead in a shallow grave, and deposit with the corpse, knives, tomahawks, and
INDIANS ON BUREAU. 245
such articles as the deceased would be likely to need in the happy hunting ground to which it is believed he has gone. Man y of the graves were covered over with poles, to prevent wolves from digging up and devouring the corpses. Early settlers had noticed in Black Walnut Grove, an Indian grave surmounted with a wooden monument, curiously constructed, intended to prevent the wolves from digging up the corpse, as well as to perpetuate the memory of the deceased. Nothing was ever known of the person buried here, but it was supposed to have heen a chief, or great warrior. On one occasion, about thirty Indians were seen to visit this grave, and with their faces painted black, they weeped and wailed over this departed loved one.
On Green river, about two milt- above New Bed- ford, was an old Indian camping ground, where Win nebago Indians, from Rock river, lived during the winter hum-. In the winter of 1831, a chief of some note died here, and out of respect for the remain.- it was sepulchered above ground. On a sandy knoll, a short distance from camp, the corpse, in a setting po- tion, was tied to a tree, and by the Bide of which was placed a rifle, knife, tomahawk, pipe, tobacco, &C
Around the corpse high palisades were erected to prevent the wolves from devouring it, and in this position
it was lefl t<» decay.
Children, who died in infancy, were sometimes de posited on trees, the corpse being placed in a trough, and fastened by withes to a limb, where they were let) t<>
246 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
decay, or until the trough containing the bones would tall to the ground. As late as 1835, two of these sepulchers were found among the branches of trees on Green river, which attracted much attention among trappers and hunters.
Marriage rites among the Indians are held sacred, and the squaw who violates them is subjected to corporeal punishment. Among the males, no odium appeal's to be attached to improprieties, but a female is sometimes publicly whipped, and disgraced in society, by cutting off her haii' or branded on the check. Youiiir maidens, for this offence, are made to do penance until they are purified, and the evil spirit driven out of them, after which they are restored to favor. Early settlers say north of Indiantown, in the thick bottom timber, once stood a very large cottonwood tree, which was fenced around with poles. When a maid had transgressed the laws of propriety, she was compelled to remain in this pen two days and nights, without food or water, in order to drive the demon out of her; when this was accomplished, she was again restored to friends and society.
Young maidens were bought and sold for wives, the same as a pony or rifle ; a handsome one would be equal in value to a number of ponies. The first year George Hinsdale spent on Bureau, he raised a fine crop of potatoes, which were at that time in great demand, and could be sold to the Indians at a good price, in exchange for furs, pelts, &c. One day a party of
FIRST SETTLER. OLD UNCLE PETER. 24?
Indians came to him, and proposed to swap a handsome young squaw for his potatoes. Mr. Elinsdale, being at that time a single man, and in need of a wife, declined the offer: as he could not think of exchanging hi- potatoes, which cost him a hard snmmer's work, for one.
FIRST SETTLER OF BUREAU, AND OLD UNCLE PETER.
On the 5th of May. 1828, Henry Thomas, with his family and scanty household goods, in an ox wagon, arrived <»n Bureau, and made a claim lour miles north of the present site of Wyanet, on a farm now occupied by Thomas Vaughan. His cabin was built near a Bmall branch, at that time skirted with timber. Near the cabin was a spring, and by its side passed the great Galena road, which had been opened the year before. At the time Thomas settled here, there was not a permanent resident within thirty miles of him, being alone in a wild, uninhabited country, then in the pos- session of Indians. A year or two previous, ;i few
families had settled on the Ox Bow Prairie, east of
the river as well as <>n the La Salle prairie north <»f
Peoria, and a few miners aboul Galena; with the
exceptions, all of tin- State lying north of Peoria, h
an unbroken wilderne Mr. Thomas built a shanty
with cotton wood poles, and covered it with bark, in
which his family found shelter, until ;i cabin could be
built. His cabin was constructed with -mall log .
thai himself and a hind man could raise it. as do
distance from neighbors could be obtained. While 4
248 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
they were engaged in building this cabin, a party of Indians came to them, none of whom could speak or understand English, and by signs and motions, they gave Thomas to understand that his building was not wanted in that locality. These Indians, with angry looks and threatening gestures, left, but soon returned with an interpreter, to ascertain the object of this building. Mr. Thomas told the interpreter that he was not building a fort, as they had supposed, but a wigwam for his squaw and pappooses to live in, and he intended to be their friend and neighbor. The Indians appeared satisfied with this explanation, and some of them went to work and assisted them in handling the logs of the cabin. Before the cabin was completed, Mr. Thomas commenced breaking prairie, which was the first sod broke within the limits of Bureau county. In the fall, his wife, being in a delicate situation, went to visit her friends, in Tazewell county, and returned soon after- wards, witli her niece, Miss Elizabeth Baggs, now Mrs. Geo. Hinsdale ; who is the oldest settler now living in this county.*
Soon after Mr. Thomas came to Bureau, an Indian chief of some note came to his house, and proposed to buy his niece, Miss Elizabeth Baggs, a handsome young Miss of fourteen summers, to make a wife for his son. Mr. Thomas, who was always fond of a joke, agreed to swap the girl for the chief's favorite pony. Next day
:: Mr. Thomas' second daughter, Mary, now Mrs. Sells, was the first white child born within the limits of Bureau county.
FIRST SETTLERS. OLD UNCLE PETER. 249
the chief, with some of his friends, and accompanied bv his son, who was along to claim his bride, called on Mr Thomas to carry out the conditions of the trade. Mr. Thomas then told him that the girl did not be! one t<> him, and he could not exchange herforapony withoul her parent's consent. But the chief insisted on the swap, and when he found it would not be earned out, he became angry, saving, as he left, that there was no reliance in the promise of a white man.
Soon after Mr. Thomas came to Bureau, he and his family were sitting before a blazing fire, one dark. rainy night, when a stranger called at the (\n>>\\ asking admittance. He did not ring the bell, nor rap on the door, for the cabin contained neither, but with his ramrod he struck a bed quilt whirl) supplied the place of a door. Thomas asked who was there, and the reply was, a friend; as the vx)ice was recognized, he replied, "Come in Uncle Peter, as long as 1 have a home I will share it with you." Peter Demott, for it
*
was he. was an old pioneer hunter, who had spent
much of hi- !if<- in the wilds of thewest. Mr. Thomas had made hi- acquaintance the year before, while <-\ ploring the country, and now regarded him a- an old friend. For twelve pears, Demott, made lib home with Thomas, and occupied hi- time in bunting and trapping. With his gun and blanket, he would sj>end week'- at a time hunting on Green river, or al grov< iii tin- west part of the county, camping out at night, nietimes, sleeping in a hollow log, or bunking with
250 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
Indians. Uncle Peter, as he was generally called, was a man of line education, a surveyor by profession, but in his youthful days was crossed in love, when he left the abode of civilization to live the life of a hermit, a way from kindred and friends. Uncle Peter spent m uch of his time with Indians, speaking their language, and learning much of their history. He was a man of general intelligence, a close observer of nature, and to him the writer is indebted for many things relating to the Indians of this county, as well as other matters connected with the earlv settlement.
CHAPTER III.
ARRIVAL OF EMIGRANTS.
In the spring of May, 1828, a covered wagon, drawn by four vokc of cattle, was seen on Kellogg's trail, going northwards, in the direction of the lead mines. This wagon belonged to a family by the name Ament, and consisted of Bix brothers— three of whom were men grown, and the other three were boys, ranging in age from twelve to seventeen. At Boyd's ( trove they found John Dixon, with some of his friends from Peoria, engaged in building a cabin, which cabin was occupied Borne weeks later by his family. At ■ little point of timber, which extended out from West Bureau, thev came across BLenn Thomas, with his family, living in a tent, havingarrived there only a few days before. By the road Bide, at the east end of Red <>ak Grove, where O. Denham now lives, the Omenta pitched their tent, with the Intention of making t1 %
place their future limue. At that time DO Cabin ha«i
been built north of La Salle prairie, and from there to
252 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
the lead mines, a distance of one hundred and forty miles, no marks of civilization could be seen except the tents of Dixon and Thomas, above referred to. The timber and prairie of Bureau county had not yet been explored by the enterprising pioneers, and the proba- bilities are, with the exception of surveyors and fur traders, no white man had ever crossed the Princeton prairie.
For two years the Aments kept a house of entertain- ment— the small boys doing the housework, while the larger ones were engaged in making a farm. They also traded much with the Indians, buying of them furs and pelts, and sending them south to sell. When the Galena road left Aments1 cabin, they became dissatisfied with their location. Justus and John L. went south for wives, and settled on Main Bureau, while Edward, with his younger brother, went to the Fox river country, and made it their permanent home.
In the spring of 1829, Sylvester Brig-ham and War- ren Sherley. two young men from Massachusetts, arrived at Henry Thomas', after having traveled on foot from Detroit, with knapsacks on their backs. After spending a few days in looking at the country, Mr. Brigham made a claim on the west side of West Bureau timber, on a farm now occupied by George Hinsdale, and Mr. Sherley made a claim at the head of the grove, which place was afterwards known as Heaton's Point. After working a few months on their claims, they returned east again, where Mr. Sherley remained.
ARRIVAL OF EMIGRANTS. 253
Next spring Mr. Brigham returned to his claim, accompanied by James G. Forristall, whose jolly, good- natured face was, for the first time, seen in the Bureau settlement. The traveler- had descended the Ohio river,and up the Illinois as far as Peoria, on a Bteamboat, and the boat on which they came was the !ir>T one that
er reached that place. This was the steamer Volun- teer, and her arrival at Peoria, in April. ls»n. astonished both whites and Indians, many of whom had ne\ seen r sti tmboat before. The arrival of the Volunteer caused much rejoicing among the people; many swung their hats and Bhouted, while Bogardus, one of the leading men of the place, brought out an old blunder- buss, planted it in the -and, and fired a salute in honor of her arrival.
On the arrival of Brigham and Forristall, they made claims on the easl Bide of main Bureau timber, now in the town of Dover) ; here they built cabins, and occupied them for -Mine year- alone, both being single men. M r. Brigham Lived on his claim twenty-five years, then went wot, and is at present living in Kansas. Mr. Forristall -ii!I lives near where he took his firel claim, being one among the few left of the early settlere of Bureau.
The portraits of Mr. Brigham and Mr. Forristall will he found in this book, and the\ will be recogn »\
uian\ of the old eili. if Bureau.
In the Bummer of L829, A.brain Stratton, then young in. m, in company with a friend
254 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
Burrell, traveled from the State of New York to Bureau i >n toot, with knapsacks on their backs. After exploring the country further south, Mr. Stratton made a claim on West Bureau, where he now lives, and consequently he is one of the first settlers of this county. About one year after coming here, Mr. Stratton returned east to make preparations for a permanent settlement in the west. While east, he selected farming utensils, such as plow irons, hoes, spades, &c, for himself and two of his neighbors; having boxed them up, he shipped them west, by the way of the lakes. Late in the fall the boxes containing the goods were landed from a schooner at the mouth of St. Joseph river, and about the same time Mr. Stratton arrived there on foot. Being late in the fall, no vessel would be likely to cross the lake before spring, so Mr. Stratton employed two Frenchmen, with a pirogue, to take him and his goods around the head of the lake to Chicago, one hundred and twenty miles distant. Winter was now close at hand — the lake so rough that their frail craft could scarcely buffet the waves, and many times they were compelled to land, unload their goods on the beach, and wait for the water to calm. After nine days spent in making this perilous voyage, they at last came in sight of the stars and stripes that floated over Fort Dearborn. On arriving at Chicago, Mr. Stratton had his boxes conveyed to Plainfield, thirty miles southwest. Here lie bought a yoke of cattle, made a sled, on which his boxes were placed, and proceeded on his journey
VBB \M STR \ TTON.
'UBLi RAR'
AST OR, LtNOX TtLDfcN FptJ
ARRIVAL OF EMIGRANTS. 25 i
westward. The snow at the time was very deep, the weather cold, and part of the way no road could seen, and the course was taken from grove to gro^ On arriving at Hartzell's trading house, on the Illinois river, Mr. Hartzell proposed to show him the way across the river and through the timber of the bottom; hnt when about to start, a large number of Indians came in to trade, and he could not leave. Mr. Stratton, on receiving directions concerning the route, went on alone. Being directed to cross the river above the point of Hennepin Island, then go up stream on the ice. until he came to a blazed tree, from which he could rind a road through the timber, cut out a few w< before, by Timothy Perkins and others. Alter goii _ ,-i short distance up the river, the ice cracked from the weight of the cattle and sled, and being fearful of breaking in, he left it for the shore, but here he was without a road, and was obliged to cut one through the timber; in doing so he losl his reckoning, and the da) was spent in finding his wa\ oul of the river timb<
It was a coid, windy day, the thermometer belov zer<». the -now three feet deep, and drifted in places bo that a road had t<> be made with a shovel i the
oxen could eret through. VThen Stratton arrived • the Princeton prairie, in vain he searched along the timber for Epp< reon's residen orth,
then .-oiiih .- 1 ! < . - 1 u the margin of tl
•lie t»n, and hi encamped in I
id. hen -l"li!i 11.
258 REMINISCENCES OF BUREA.U COUNTY.
lives. Shoveling away the snow, a place was made to camp, into which the cattle and sled was brought. Stratton cut down a dry tree, and as it fell it buried itself in the snow. With flint and tinder, (matches not being in use in those days ), he built a fire, by the side of which he remained until morning. Next morning, after cutting down a small tree for his cattle to browse, he started on foot, in search of Epperson's cabin, which he succeeded in finding; and next day he reached his claim on West Bureau, after spending two weeks in making a trip from Plainfield. For many years Mr. Stratton kept this yoke of cattle and sled — with them he frequently went to church or a visiting, and with them he fled from the country at the commence ment of the Black Hawk war.
In the fall of 1831, Mr. Stratton married Miss Sarah Baggs, a niece of Henry Thomas, and their wedding was the second one celebrated within the limits of this county.
It is a fact worthy of note — Abram Stratton, Ezekiel Thomas, and Michael Kitterman, are the only persons in this county, who continue to live on claims, which they made previous to the Black Hawk war.
About the first of March, 1830, Elijah Epperson, with his family, arrived on Bureau, in search of a place to make his future home. Leaving the Galena road, at Boyd's Grove, they crossed the prairie, near the mouth of Bureau creek, and stayed over night with Timothy Perkins. Next day they went in search of a claim.
ARRIVAL OF EMIGRANTS. 259
and by their wagon, the first track was made across the Princeton prairie. Mr. Epperson, and his son Hezekiah, followed up Bureau timber, in search of a spring, until they came to the present residence of James G. Forristall, and here they were surprised to find John L. and Justus Anient, engaged in building a cabin. Retracing their steps, they found in the timber, where F. Stoner now lives, a good spring, and by the side of which they built a cabin. Here Mr. Epperson settled, and here lived until his death, and he will long be remembered as one of the early pioneer.- of Bureau
county.
Probably there is no one among the pioneers of Bureau county, whose life has been so eventful, and who became so extensively known throughout the country, as Dad Joe. In the spring of Ls25, lie moved from Kentucky to Peoria, was one of the first commis- sioners of Peoria county, and assisted in its organization. A few years afterwards, Dad Joe moved to the lead mine.-, but Left it on the breaking out of the Win- uebaeo war, and settled at Rock [sland. lb- had made a claim near Black Hawk'.- yillage, and was engaged in making a i'arm, when difficulty arose between the
ittlers and Indian.-, which caused many of the former
, flee from the country. ( ),,,. day while Dad Joe was absent, a party of
■
drunken Indian- attacked bis family, probably with the intention of murdering them. While his wife was in
the door yard, an Indian struck her on the head with
260 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
his tomahawk, knocking lier down, and cutting her head in a shocking manner; as lie was about to repeat the blow, Young Joe, then a lad of twelve years of age. rode his horse on the Indian, and thereby thwarted the fatal stroke. Nicholas, an older son, ran to the rescue of his mother, and was about to shoot the Indian, but prudence dictated otherwise, knowing, in that event, the whole family, with all the settlers about Rock Island, would be massacred. It was after dark when Dad Joe returned to his home, to learn of an attempt to murder his wife, and it was with difficulty that he was restrained from taking revenge on the Indians.
Dad Joe, knowing that the life of himself and family would be insecure at Rock Island, left it, and in the spring of 1880 he settled at a grove which still bears his name.
It was a cold, windy day, in early spring when Dad Joe, with his family and all his household goods in a two horse wagon, arrived at the grove. Having been twice driven from his home on account of Indians, he concluded to make this grove his permanent residence, although off from a public road, and only two families living within twenty miles of him. On the east side ot the grove a tent was pitched, in which the family found shelter until a cabin could be built. Soon after settling at the grove, Dad Joe conceived a plan of changing the Galena road, which passed by Red Oak Grove, so as to go by his cabin. Accordingly he staked < >ut the new road, built a bridge across the Inlet, and in a few week.-
HAMPSHIRE COLONY.
261
it became a beaten track. For six years Dad Joe lived at the orove keeping a house of entertainment, and on leaving there he settled lour miles north of Princeton, when he died in 1852.
HAMPSHIRE COLON Y.
On the 23d of March, 1831, a colony was formed at Northampton, Massachusetts, for the purpose of settling in the west. This colony organized a religioi which was called the "Hampshire Colony Cong eg tional Church,"' and consisted of eighteen membe ;md it formed the micleus of the present ( Jong ional
Church, of Princeton. By agreement, the members the colony met at Albany, New York, on the 5th of May, for the purpose of continuing their jourm westward. From here they went on a canal boat to Buffalo, and from there on a Bteamer to Detroit. A: this place they expected toobtain pas ner
for Chicago; uo Bteamboat had at that time passed around the lake, and all the commerc* ied on
by sail vessels only. The Bchooner on which tin expected passage, was already loaded, and could not take them on board, consequently the) were left on shore. On learning that it would be about tin months before anoi chooner would leave for Chica the) hired teams and pursued their journe) by land. On arriving Mottsville, on I - , Joseph rh Mj -hican, two of the horeea belonging to the teams
262 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
died, and some of the party were obliged to continue the journey on foot. They bought two canoes, lashed them together, and proceeded down the river sixty-five miles, to the portage, or big swamp, five miles in length, which connected with the Kankakee river. In their canoes they passed down the Kankakee, and Illinois rivers, to the mouth of Big Vermillion, nearly opposite the present site of Lasalle. At this point the}' were met by their agent, Mr. Jones, who had preceeded them, and had selected what was afterwards known as Princeton prairie, for their future homes.
At that time, the settlers on Bureau, were all absent from their homes, having fled on account of Indian troubles; and to the colonists, things looked gloomy, and discouraging. The colonists remained at Baily's Point, east of the river, until a treaty with the Indians was concluded at Rock Island ; and the settlers returned to their cabins. Dr. Chamberlain, and Eli and Elijah Smith, joined in buying a wagon and two yoke of cattle, so as to move their families and house- hold goods, to Bureau. At that time, Phillips, Brig- ham, and Forristall, three single men, occcupied a cabin where Mr. Forristall. now lives, and to this cabin the emigrants were bound. Without anv road across
CD i
the prairie, they left Spring creek timber, shaping their course in a northwest direction, so as to strike Bureau at the desired point. In a stream on the prairie, ( sup- posed to be Brush creek), their wagon stuck fast in the mud. and as it was near night they left it and proceeded
HAMPSHIRE COLONY.
on their journey. Dr. Chamberlain, was riding the only horse that belonged to the party, and he took Mrs. Eli Smith, on behind him. Elijah Smith mounted an ox, with his wife behind him; Eli Smith was on another steer, with Oscar Chamberlain, riding behind him. Others of the party were mounted on the otl two steers, and in this way they Btarted for Phillip's claim, about ten miles distant. On reaching East Bureau creek, at a little grove near the present Bite of Maiden, night overtook them, and in the darkness they found it impossible to proceed further. Here in this little grove they decided to stay all night, and without tenta or bedding, they laid down among the brush to sleep. Next morning the men mounted the Bteers, with their women on behind them, as they had done the evenii g
fore, and returned to their wagon; the wagon at 1 was extricated from the mud. and they proceeded on their way. It was late in the afternoon when the emigrants reached Phillip's cabin, and their journey to the west, was al an end,
A few days before starting for the west, Eli and Elijah Smith were married to two si , and their journej to Illinois, occupying about three montlis, which will Ion remembered by them, as their weddi
tour.
When the Hampshire < Jolony arrived on B ■ an, Mi-. Epperson was the only person living in Princeton township, and he assisted them in sel< rclain &
The colonists surveyed the land from Epp< laim,
264 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
for five miles up Main Bureau timber, and staked oft' their claims; but few of them settled on the land assigned them. Dr. N. Chamber] in located one and one-half miles south of Princeton, on a farm now belonging to Mr. Dee. Eli and Elijah Smith built a double log cabin, on Bureau bluff, three miles north of Princeton. Among the young men of the colony, were C. G. Corss, George Hinsdale, Aaron Gunn, John P. Blake, E. H. and E. S. Phelps, Jr. Aaron Gunn made a claim on the Doolittle farm, and afterwards at La Moille, but is now living in La Salle. Mr. Corss made a claim two and one-half miles southeast of Princeton, on which he lived until his death, which occurred a few vears ago. John G. Blake made a claim where Arthur Br van t now lives, but soon afterwards went east of the river, where he settled. Mr. Blake now lives in Putnam county, and for many years was county judge. E. H. Phelps is now living in Princeton, and is one among the few original members left of the Hampshire Colony Church. E. S. Phelps, Sen., also lives in Princeton, but is tar advanced in life. E. S. Phelps. Jim., lives in Wyanet, and has been long known as a contributor to the public journals of Bureau county.
The settlement made by the colonist,- was called Greenfield, and Elijah Smith was appointed postmaster.
Their church, when organized on Bureau, consisted of only -i.\ members, and meetings were held alterna- tively at the cabins of Chamberlhrs and Smil li's. Before
HAMPSHIRE COLONY. 265
leaving Massachusetts, their Mends presented them with a silver scarament set. This set was left during the Black Hawk war, at the house of Elijah Smith, and was stolen either by whites or Indian-. Next spring after the war, when the prairie was burned, a part of this sacramental set was found on West Bureau, but was much damaged by the burning of the grass.
On account of the Indian war, the Hampshire Colony was partly broken up; many of its members Left the country, and settled in other localities, which were lese exposed to Indian depredations. E. S. Phelps, Sen.. and Alva Whitmarsh were members of the colony, but went south with their familes, and did not settle on Bureau, until some years afterwards.
Although the Hampshire Colony did Dot meet with such success as its projectors expected, .-till it formed the nucleus for a large New England settlement here, and many of the enterprising citizens of Bureau county
came here in consequence of it.
6
CHAPTER IV.
EXPLORING THE COUNTRY.
In the summer of 1829, Henry and Ezekiel Thomas, in company with four other persons, from Tazewell county, made a tour eastward to see the country. This party were all mounted on horseback, and supplied with provisions, blankets, &c, so they could camp out at night. Leaving Henry Thomas, on the morning of a bright summer day, they followed up Main Bureau timber, for a number of miles, then made their way eastward along the north side of the Illinois river timber. Not a settler nor one mark of civilization was to be seen through the limits of Bureau county. The party followed up the river to the foot of the rapids, near Starved Rock, where they forded it and explored the country, on the east side, along the great bend of the Illinois river. On their return homeward they came to Hartzell's Trading House, which was located on the bank of the river, a short distance above Hennepin Island. At that time there was no ferryboat, and the
EXPLORING THE COUNTRY. 2n7
party were compelled to swim their horses across the river. Ezekiel Thomas took the lead, and was followed by the rest of the party in Indian file, whose horg were soon floundering in the placid waters of I Illinois. When part way across the girth of Henry Thomas's saddle broke, and the saddle with the rider floated off by the current, while the horse continued on his way for the opposite shore. Mr. Thomas being left alone in the middle of the river, managed t<> km. p himself and saddle afloat, until he was rescued by a man in a canoe.
Tic par; \ being safely landed on the west Bide of the river, found their wav with great difficulty through the thick timber of the river bottom. A- they came aigli the present site of Bureau valley mills, they discovered a wagon track, which excited their curiosity , as no >n was then living west of the Illinois river, except Henry
omas and the Anient family. The party turned their horses about and followed the wagon track, iii order to obtain a cine to this mvsterous affair. The
*
the creek, and wound along the bluff, until it came to a .-mall opening in the timber, sin knows as Hoskins' prairi Here by the side oi spring, where the family of Brown Searl m»u lives, they found two families encamped. migrai
had cut down a large tree, againsl the trunk of which a fire " built, ami fronting the fire to shield their families from the sun ami rain. The women were busy with their dome . whi
268 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
the men were off deer hunting, in order to supply them with meat.
The names of these two emigrants were Amos Leonard and Daniel Dimmick, both of whom were prominent in the early settlement of this county, and a further account of them will be found in another part of this work. They were from Knox county, Ohio, and had traveled from there with an ox team. Crossing the river at Peoria, they followed up on the west side until they came to Bureau, when they stopped, with the intention of making it their future home.
SETTLERS FLEE FROM THEIR HOMES.
In the spring of 1831, the settlers on Bureau were apprehensive of trouble with the Indians, as rumors were in circulation that different tribes had united for the purpose of making war on the frontier settlement. Black Hawk, with a part of his band, had crossed the Mississippi, and had taken possession of his old village near Rock Island. Trouble existed between these Indians and the settlers, who had laid claim to the Indian cornfields and wigwams, and were unwilling to give them up, on their return to the village. In order to prevent bloodshed, Gov. Reynolds called out seven hundred volunteers, to protect the settlers, as well as to intimidate the Indians. In the later part of June. these volunteers, accompanied by Gen. Gain's with a regiment of regulars, repaired to Rock Island, to put
SETTLERS FLEE FROM THEIR HOMES. 269
an cud to these disturbances. On the approach of the army, the Indians tied west of the Mississippi, and this bloodless victory was celebrated by firing of cannon. The report of Gen. Gaines' cannon was heard oil Bureau, and the settlers believing that hostilities had commenced, tied from their homes. At that time, there were only sixteen families living within the limits of Bureau county, while the country north, and west, was an unbroken wilderness without one habitation of white men; BO that Bureau settlement occupied a frontier position, without protection from forts, or military posts. A report was current that the Indians • •I' Bureau had gone weal to join Black Hawk, and a
paid on the settlement might be expected at any time. A traveler, on the Sac and F<>.\ trail, said he met near Bureau Grove, about live hundred warriors, going west ward ; \'nr the purpose as he supposed, of joining the Sac
and Poxes at Rock Island.
The families of Elijah Epperson, John Williams, John L. and Justus Ament, hearing these reports, and the firing of cannon at Rock [sland; Btarted t<> leave the country, and ha<l procceeded as far as Round Point,
when- the city "I PrincetOIl nOW stand-, where thr\
halted, for ultation; some being in favor <>! con- tinuing on their way, while others opposed it. Ann- a l(>iiLr parley, it was agreed thai Shaubena should be consulted in regard to their safety, in ease thr\ remain*
. . .
in the countr . 'i bv hi- decision the) would abidei
• •
Elezekiah Epperson and Justus Amenl went to
270 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
Shaubena's camp, which was then located on the Corse nm east of the Doolittle farm, while the remainder of the fugitives, with their ox teams returned to Epperson's cabin to await events. When the messengers arrived at Shaubena's camp, they did not find him at home, having gone on business to Hartzell's Trading House, but thev left word on his return to come immediatelv to Epperson's cabin, where his friends were in waiting for him.
Men, women and children, were collected in the door yard, fronting the cabin, undecided what to do, when in the distance they heard the clattering of a horse's feet, and in a moment, Shaubena, with his pony on a gallop, was seen coming through the timber and across the Epperson nm, in the direction of the cabin. As he rode up to the settlers, he raised his hand high above his head, and addressed them with " Buzu Necons" which is in English, "How do you do, my friends.'' The men collected around Shaubena, to learn his opinion in relation to the war, and what he thought about their remaining longer in the country. In answer to these inquiries, Shaubena said he thought there would be trouble between the whites and Sacs and Foxes. The young men, he thought, might stay on their claims and raise a crop, but the squaws and pappooses should leave the country immediately. The oxen were again hitched on to the wagons, and they all fled east of the Illinois river. On the Ox Bow prairie, a call was made for volunteers to assist the
SETTLERS FLEE FROM THEIR HOMES. 2 / 1
Bureau settlers in taking away their property, when a hunt fifty came forward, who marched forthwith for Bureau settlement.
A short time previous, Thomas Hartzell, and Ira Ladd, built a small boat, and established a ferry at the head of Hennepin Island. At this ferry, the rangers were taken across, which occupied several hours, as the boat c<»uld only carry .six horses and their riders at a time. When the rangers wwa all landed <m the w< side of the river, they put their horse- on a canter for Indiantown.
It was a bright June day, without a cloud in the sky, and the wild flowers along Bureau valley, were in full bloom; birds were singing among the branches of the trees, and the rippling water of Bureau creek could be heard, as it glided quietly on its v I the river.
A- the rangers cantered their horses up the valley, crossing and re-crossing tin- creel;, at short intervals; they were enchanted by the beauty of the surroundii
mi r\ . Their loud talk and merry Laugh, a- well the clattering of their horses feet, could be heard at a disl . ami the Bound of which was made t<> re-echo from the surrounding bluffs.
All was quiet at the [ndian village; athletic hunters
were lazily lying around under the shade of trees.
Tic squaws were it work in their cornfields, sores
were playing on tic en, when all -»t
i sudden tic I lians disc 1 t hi- armed for
272 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
approaching their village, and believing that they were abont to be attacked, they tied in great haste. War- riors, with rifles in their hands, and squaws, with pappooses on their backs, were seen in great numbers, climbing the bluff south of the village, while others mounted their ponies, and putting them at the top of their speed, fled up Bureau bottom, and were soon out of sight of the rangers.
An old Indian, who was confined to his couch by sickness, believing that his time had come, commenced singing his death song, and was prepared to depart to the happy hunting ground.
John Griffith, one of the rangers, who afterwards owned a saw mill on Bureau creek, followed the Indians, and speaking well the Pottawatamie language, prevailed on their chiefs, and principal warriors to return. Autuckee, Meommuse and Girty, with others returned to their village and had a talk with the rangers. In this conference they stated that they had no intention of going to war, and until then they were not aware of the flight of the settlers. The rangers were now con- vinced, that the alarm was without any foundation, so far as the Pottawatamies were concerned, and they returned to their homes.
Seven young men, belonging to this company of rangers, among whom were Madison Study vin, John Griffith, Ira Ladd, and Jonathan Wilson, being desirous of seeing the country, continued their journey west- ward, and stayed over night at Henry Thomas. Next
SETTLERS FLEE FROM THEIR HOM 273
day. as they were returning home, they saw, while on the Princeton prairie, three men on horseback, travel- ing westward, and .being fond of sport, galloped th horses towards them. These three men proved to be E] on, Jones and Foot, who w m their way to Epperson's cabin: Mistaking the ra for Indians,
they wheeled their In out, anifled in the direct*
of Hennepin. The panic tnplete, and the
fugitives urged their h< forward under the whip,
lieving the pri ation of th on
the fleetness of their stee Saddle-bag lank.
►ther valuables, were thrown away to facilitate their On they went, at a tearful . purstted
the ran. In the flight, Foot's horse fell down,
tin die rider >>\vv hi.- head; hut Epperson and
Jones made no halt, havii time t<» look after th
unfortunate comrade, but leaving him, to tin- ler
ni' f savages, they <•< »nt ini!c< 1 mi their
\\ lit -M the fugitives arrived at the Hennepin ferrj , th< were exhausted from frighl and <>ver exertion; their hoi iii a foam of Bweat, while loud pui
l>re;itli came forth from their expanded nostril* the snorting of the horses, and clattering of their
■
were heard the hoarse voices of the rider the
topof their \ oice, '* Injun-, Injni:
the river were a number of people look in eir
cattle, which had been driven from their clain nd
<»n hearing the cry of Injun.-, they. t«.... ran i>v th-
li\< Epperson and hi- comrade Bpr from th.
274 REMINISCENCES OF BUREA.U COUNTY.
horses, and ran for the ferry boat, saying they had been chased by a large body of Indians, who were but a short distance behind, and would be upon them in a moment. As quick as possible, the ferry boat left for the opposite shore ; one man being left behind, jumped into the river, and swam to the boat, when all were safely landed on the Hennepin side. Soon after Epperson and his comrade were landed on the east side of the river, and before the panic subsided, the sup- posed Indians arrived, when the whole matter was explained.
Foot and Jones were single men, and belonged to the Hampshire Colony, having arrived in the county a short time before. Foot had made a claim two miles north of Princeton, on a farm now occupied by John Shugart, and Jones claimed the land where James Garvin now resides. This terrible scare disgusted them with the countrv, and neither of them ever returned to make good their claims, but settled east of the river.
HICKORY RIDGE.
A short distance below the mouth of Bureau creek, formerly covered with thick timber, is a slight elevation. miming parallel with the river, and called Hickory Ridge. In the early settlement of the country, and at times of high water, this ridge was made a place of landing for the Hennepin ferry-boat. According to tradition, this place has been the scene of a number of
HICKORY RIDGE. 275
incidents, which occurred long before the settlement of
the country.
In September, 1681, according to the Jesuit history, a company of French soldiers, commanded by Capt. Tonti, were stationed by La Salle at Fort St. Louis, on Buffalo Rock, two miles below the present site of Ottawa. To escape from being massacred by Indians, these soldiers aband< >ned the fort, and escaped at night, in their canoes, down the river. After proceeding on their way about twenty miles, they stopped at the mouth of a large creek to dry their clothing, and repair their noes. This large creek referred to, must have been Bureau, as no other stream on the route will answer tli! Iption. With this party of Boldiers wi
two noted mie ies, named Fath< Z liable and
briel, who bad ed their lives t<. the coi ion
of \\ . WTiile the party wereei
their her Gabriel, who was fond <-t* solitu
folio down the bank of the river, wandering ofl into tin' thick timber of the "1 was mi
when th*' tin depai arrived, il \ •'
for in vah \ ad fires built al the
bank of i1 !! to no purpose. After waiti
many hours, they i him up for lo . id pr on their journi
he w oner by a band of
and murdered by them, was much n ;- he was an old man i
pears, and much devoted to the work of the church.
276 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
Ou the upper end of this ridge, a few rods below the mouth of the creek, a Frenchman, named Beuro, from whom the stream took its name, built a trading house, but at what period is not known. Antonia Deschamps, who for many years was an agent of the American Fur Company, and spent most of his long life at Fort Clark, said, when a boy, previous to the year 1790, he saw every spring canoes loaded with furs and buffalo robes, and other skins, pass down the river from Beuro's trading house. The Indians say Beuro died, while his agent with canoes loaded with furs, was on a trip to St. Louis, and his wife, who was a Pottawatamie squaw, put his stock of goods into canoes, and took them to her people, living at the mouth of Fox river.
After the destruction of Black Partridge's village, which occurred in September, 1812, by volunteers under Gov. Edwards, as previously stated, part of the band took refuge on Hickory Ridge. These Indians, thinking that the volunteers would pursue them up the river in their boats, tore down the old trading house of Beuro, and with the logs built a breastwork on the river bank, so they could fire on them as they ascended the river. Grerton S. Hubbard sa " reastwork
was still standing when he ci to the country, in the year 1818.* It appears the volunteers did not ascend
•* A few years ago, David S. Miller cut the timber off Hickory Ridge, and put the land under cultivation. On the upper end of the ridge, many relics of t t were found, showing where a dwelling once
stood. Pieces of pottery, glassware, and other relics of lation,
were found imbedded in the ground. On the bank of the river are still
HICKORY RIDGE. 277
the river in Knar.-, as the Indians expected, but a part of them on horseback, commanded by Lieut. Robenson, came up to Bureau creek, and from that circumstance the stream took the name of Robenson river, which appeared on the old State maps.
to be seen the signs of a breast work or fortification. Thirty years ago, Cyrus Langworthy, In cutting timber on this ridge, found a rifle ball in a tree, which, according to the growth, must have been imbedded there some seventy years before.
CHAPTER V.
SETTLEMENT OF LEEPERTOWN AND HOSKINS' PRAIRIE.
It has already been stated that Amos Leonard and Daniel Dimmick settled on the Hoskins' prairie, in the snmmer of 1829, and were, therefore, the first settlers, with one exception, in the eastern part of the county. A few weeks after they came to the county, Timothy Perkins and Leonard Roth, ( the latter a single man ). came to Bureau, and built a cabin near the present site of Leepertown mills. In the spring of 1830, John Hall came in the set dement, bought the claims of Leonard and Dimmick, and on them he made a large farm. In the fall of the same year Win. Hoskins and John Clarke made claims in this vicinity, and became permanent settlers. Dimmick, having sold his claim, went to Dimmick's Grove (now La Moille), where lie lived two years, and then left the country. During the summer of 1830, Amos Leonard, who was a mill-wright by trade, built a grist mill on East Bureau, about eighty rods above its mouth. This mill was constructed with
LEEPERTOWX AND HOSKIXs" PBAIRIB. 279
round logs, twelve feet square, and all its machinery, with a few exception re made of wood. The mil!
stones were dressed out of boulder roe!:.-, which were taken troin the bluffs near by, and the hoop they ran in was a section of a holloa - jamore tr This mill, when in running order, would grind aboul ten <-U
lay, but poor a,- it was, people regarded it as ;. _ acc< >sion to the settlement, and it relieved th of the
►w process ot grinding on hand mills, or pounding their grain on a hominy block. Settlers east of tin* river, as well ae those living near the mouth of Fox river, patronized Leonard's mill, and it is now believed
it it was the first water mill built north of Peoria.
In 1831, Henry (> 'le man who was killed
at the Indian creek i . mad. laim. and built
a cabin, on the pro-'.!;: site of Bureau Junction, [n 33, John Leeper bougbl Perkins' claim, and a few irds built a flouring mill, which
received much patronage from adjoining lounties Quite a village (called Leepertown w up at tl
mill; hut in 1 " the mill burned down and the villi went to d<
In numbi r of emigrants found homes in this
locality, amo bom wen David Nickerson, John
M tElwain, J Howe, Charles Leeper, M
\V m. Shield i. i number of persoi
bad settled in Hoskins' neighborhood, among whom were Daniel Sherle> and G tI Kellums. 'u 1-
280 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
the large family of Searl came here, where many of their descendants continue to live.
MOSELET SETTLEMENT.
In August, 1831, Roland Moseley, Daniel Smith, and John Musgrove, with their families, came to Bureau, the two former were from Massachusetts, and the latter from New Jersey, having met by chance while on their way to the west. The emigrants ascended the Illinois river in a steamboat as far as Naples, and finding it difficult to obtain passage further up the river, they left then families there, and made a torn* through the country in search of homes. Hearing of the Hampshire Colony on Bureau, Mr. Moseley directed his course thither, and being pleased with the country, he selected a claim. At that time Timothy Perkins claimed, for himself and family, all the timber and adjoining prairie, between Arthur Bryant's and Caleb Cook's, bnt he agreed to let Mr. Moseley have enough for two farms, on condition of selling him some building material. A few months previous to the time of which we write, Timothy Perkins and Leonard Roth had built a saw mill on Main Bureau, a short distance below the present site of McManis' mill. This was the first saw mill built within the limits of Bureau county, and with one exception, the first north of Peoria.
Mr. Moseley marked out his claim, cutting the initials
MOSELEY SETTLEMENT. 2£ |
of his aame on witness trees, and contracting with Mr. Perkins to furnish him, on the land, some boards and Blabs for a shanty, after which he returned to Naples to report his discovery.
The three families, with their household goods, were put on board of a keel boat at Naples, and ascended the river as far as the mouth of Bureau creek. after their arrival on Bureau, they were all taken down sick with the intermittent fever, one not being able to assist the other. Although strangers in a strange land. they found those who acted the part of the good Samaritan. James G. Forristall, although living twelve miles distant, was a neighbor to them, spending days and even weeks in administering to their want.-. 1 fmiel Smith, father of Daniel P. and Dwight Smith, of Ohio town, found shelter for his family in a shanty constructed
of Bplit puncheon.-, which stood on the Doolittle farm.
Here Mr. Smith died a few weeks after his arrival, and he was the first white man buried within the limits of Bureau county. The widow of Daniel Smith, being
i
left with three -mall children, in a Btrange country,
*
and with limited mean-, experienced maiiv of the
hardships common t«» a new settlement. She made claim where Edward Bryanl dow lives, and with the
•
assistance of friends, built a cabin and made a (arm.
Mr. Moseley and Mr. Muwrrove were men of industn and enterprise, improving well their claim.-, ami li\.
on them until their death.
282 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY
SETTLEMENT EAST OF THE RIVER FIRST STEAMBOAT.
In the spring of 1827, James W. Willis and brother made a claim on the Ox Bow prairie, built a cabin, broke ten acres of land, and planted it in corn. On account of the trouble with the Winnebago Indians, which occurred that summer, they fled from the country. but returned in the fall to find a good crop of corn which had matured, without fencing or cultivating. In September, 1826, Capt. Wm. Haws explored the country east of the river, and selected a claim near the present site of Magnolia. Sometime afterwards, Capt. Haws settled on this claim, where he continued to live. and he is regarded the oldest settler now living" in Putnam county. Other pioneers came to that section of country a year or two later, among whom were J. Strawn. David Boyle, Daniel Gunn, Hilderbrans, Wilsons and others.
In 1828, Thomas Hartzell an Indian trader, occupied a cabin on the east bank of the river, a short distance below the mouth of Bureau creek. Three years after- wards, he established himself in Hennepin, and had an extensive trade with the Indians as late as the spring of 1836. when he retired from business after accumu- lating a fortune.
In the spring of 1831, Hooper Warren was appointed by Judge Young, clerk of the court, and he came t«> Hennepin to assist in organizing the county. For a
FIBS1 STEAMBOAT. 288
Qumber of years, Mr. Warren was clerk of the circuit court, county clerk, recorder, judge of probate, and justice of the peace, ail of which he held at one time. In 1819, Hooper Warren was editor of Edwards'
Spectator, one oi the two papers then published Illinois, and through it he carried on a warfare again6t the introduction of slavery, which was at that tin
«
contemplated.
In L829, Smiley and Nelson Shephard, Jam Dunlavey, Thomas Galleher, dohn E. Wornock, J<>hn Leeper, Samuel D. Laughlin, and others, settled at Union Grove, and in the vicinity of Florid. In Sep tember, L831, James and Williamson Durley opened a
re in a log cabin opposite the mouth of Bureau creek : afterwards they built the first house in Hennepin. and moved their store thither. In tin summer of
28, Sniile\ Shephard. then a young man, explored flic country along the Illinois river, and made a claim three miles east of the mouth of Bureau creek, where he now liv( His location is a romantic one, occupying a higrh knoll at the sidi ove, :r>\A overlooking
■
the beautiful prairie which skirts the great bend in the Illinois river, and where it- winding m for
foi i inil- After making his claim M . Shephard
returned to liis liome in 0 married h \\ i i . ! the it summ to 1 llinois, wit li i li. in! >n
of ma it his t'ut uru lion - - tin-
emigrants ascended the [llinois river in a keel bo
id from there t<» the mouth of Bureau
284 REMINISCE NOES OP BUREAU COUNTY.
creek, in a small Indian trading boat. At that time no steamboat had ever ascended the Illinois river above Beardstown, and some believed that twenty years or more wonld elapse before they would be required on the upper Illinois. But two years had scarcely elapsed, when on a bright May morning in 1831, Mr. Shephard and his neighbors were surprised to hear the puffing of a steamboat, and for many miles they could see the smoke from her chimneys as she followed around the great bend of the river. This was the steamer Caroline, the first boat that ever came above Peoria. The Caroline ascended the river as far as Crozier's trading house, at the mouth of Big Vermillion, and from that day the landing was called Shipmansport. After cutting and taking some wood on board, and piloted by Mr. Crozier, who was well acquainted with the channel, the boat ascended the river to Ottawa. In September following, the steamboat Traveler came up the river as far as Crozier1 s landing, and from that time steamboats would occasionallv ascend the river.
When John Hall, William Hoskins, and others, living near the Illinois river, heard the puffing of the steamer Caroline, it caused great rejoicing among them, regarding it a harbinger of commerce and civilization.
A party of Indians were encamped on Negro creek, about one mile above its mouth, when the Caroline ascended the river, and on hearing the puffiing the squaws and pappooses were greatly alarmed, never having seen or heard a steamboat before. Some of the
\\ II. 1. 1 \ M IIUSKIXS.
*!«£
PUTNAM COUNTY ORGANIZED. 287
Indians mounted their ponies, and put them at the top of their speed to learn the cause of the strange noise, and for some distance they galloped their ponies along the bank of the river, in order to get a good view of the monster. An Indian boy was the first to return to camp after seeing the steamboat, when the squaw* gathered around him for an explanation of the strange noise which they had heard. The boy, who was much excited, said to them that the Great Spirit had gone up the river in a big canoe. This big canoe, he said, was on tire, and the puffing which they heard was caused by the Great Spirit being out of breath paddling it SO fast up stream.
PUTNAM CODNTV ORGANIZED.
Tn the spring of 1831, Putnam county was organized, in accordance with an act of the legislature passed in 1 inuary previous. F*v this acl new boundaries were i^i\ (Ti to Putnam, which made it include territory on the easi Bide of the i-iver. that formerly belonged to
■
Tazewell county.
*
At the time Putnam county was organized, all the
intrv north and wesl of Bureau settlement, was a
wild, unsettled country, without a permanent resident,
•ept the minersabout Galena. At thai time Chicago
ling post, in the northeast part of I'm nam county , and contained nothing but a garrison 1 ndian tradei W ith th< >1 ion of the
Peoria and Galena road, then- was nol a mail rou
288 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
throughout the country: all other roads were scarcely mure than Indian trails, and not passable for wagons. The only commerce of the country was carried on by Indian traders, who were located at various places along the principal streams. Bureau post office, at Henry Thomas', was the only one in the new county, but a few weeks after the county was organized, David Boyle, of Ox Bow prairie, obtained a grant and opened a post office.
In accordance with the provisions of the legislature, an election was held on the tirst Mondav of March, at the house of William Haws, near the present site of Magnolia, to elect county officers, at which only twenty- four votes were east. Thomas Galleher, George Ish, and John M. Gay, were elected county commission ers ; Ira Ladd, sheriff; Aaron Paine, coroner; Dr. IS". Cham- berlain was afterwards appointed school commissioner. Mr. Gay and Dr. Chamberlain were residents of Bureau settlement.
The act of the legislature for laying off Putnam county, provided that the county seat should be located on the Illinois river, and called Hennepin. In May, the three commissioners appointed by the legislature met. and after examining a number of places along the river, located the county seat at Hennepin, where it still remains. It is said that the town site of Henry was first selected, but through the influence vi' settlers on the east side of the river, it was changed to the present site.
ORGANIZATION OF PUTNAM COUNTY. 28^
The first commissioners' court was held in ETartzelTs trading house, a short distance above the present site of Hennepin. One of the first acts of the commissioners was to borrow two hundred dollars, on the credit of the county, and send a man to Springfield to enter the land where Hennepin is located. But the land not being in market, it was not entered until some years afterwards. At the first meeting of the commissioners they passed a license act, fixing the tariff on the different kinds of business, among which were the following: License for merchant or peddler, from six to sixteen dollars; for tavern keeper, from three to five dollars, and they were restricted to the following charges : For keeping a horse over night, twenty-five cents; one full feed, twelve and one-half cents : one meal for a man, eighteen and three-fourth cents; one night's lodging, six and one-fourth cents; half pint of whisky, twelve and one- half cents; oiie gill, six and one-fourth cent-.
The first circuit court of Putnam countv was held in May, 1831, at the house of Thomas Hartzell. R. M. Young was judge, and Thomas Ford, afterwards Gov- ernor, state's attorney. The judicial district at thai time, extended from the month of the Illinois river to the northern boundary of the State, including Galena and Chicago. The records show that most of the earlv settlers on Bureau served either as grand or petit jurors at this term of court The grand jury held it- on
on a log, under the shade of a tree, and tin1 only indict- ment found was against a man for bigamy. The jury
290 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
regarded it unfair for a man to have two wives, while most of them were without any. There was no civil business before the court, and it adjourned, after being in session one day.
Putnam county was divided into four precincts, two on the east side of the river, named Hennepin and Sandy, and two on the west side of the river, named Spoon River and Bureau. Bureau precinct included all that part of the county west of the Illinois river, and north of a direct line drawn from the head of Crow- Meadow prairie to Six Mile Grove, thence northwest to the county line. This territory included all of Bureau, and part of Putnam, Stark, and Marshall counties. The first general election, after the organi- zation of the county, was held at the house of Elijah Epperson, on the 18th of August, 1831, when nineteen votes were cast, whose names were as follows : Henry Thomas, Elijah Epperson, Mason Dimmick, Leonard Roth, John M. G-ay, Samuel Glason, Curtiss Williams, Justus and John L. Anient, J. W. Hall, Henry Harri- son, Abram Stratton, Ezekiel Thomas, Hezekiah and Anthony Epperson, E. H. Hall, Adam Taylor, Daniel Dimmick, and Thomas Washburn.
At this election, John M. Gay and Daniel Dimmick were elected justices of the peace ; the latter did not qualify, but the former, John M. Gay, was the only acting justice of the peace on the west side of the river, for a number of years after the organization of the county.
CHAPTER VI.
PEORIA AND GALENA STATE ROAD.
This great thoroughfare of early times, had its origin in the spring of 1827, and for some years it was known as Kellogg's trail. The road which formerly connected the lead mines with the settled part of the state, passed by Rock Island until the spring of 1827, Mr. Kellogg, with three wagons and a drove of cattle, went direct through the country from Peoria to Galena, a distance of one hundred and sixty miles. Other travelers followed Kellogg's trail, and soon it became a beaten track. Charles S. Boyd passed over this road, on horseback, a few days after it was made, and he did not see a white man, after leaving the lead mines, until lie came within twenty miles of Peoria. At the time of the Winnebago war, in the summer of L827, Col. Xeale. with six hundred volunteers fnan the southern part of the State passed >ver this poad,and as no springs were then found on the route, the troops were obliged to
drink ou1 of sloughs or ponds along the way.
9
292 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
Soon after this road was opened, droves of cattle and hogs, with emigrant and mining wagons, as well as a daily mail coach, passed over it. which made it one of the great thoroughfares of the west. For a number of years after this road was opened, only six cabins were built along its entire length, and these stood fifteen or twenty miles apart, so as to entertain travelers. Besides these six cabins, no marks of civilization could be seen between Peoria and Galena, and the country through which it passed was still in the possession of Indians.
This road originally passed through the head of Boyd's Grove, over the town site of Providence, a few rods west of Wvanet, and by Red Oak Grove. After- ward it was changed to pass through Dad Joe Grove, and in 1833 it was made to pass through Tiskilwa and Princeton .
In the spring of 1831, Dad Joe received a large, sealed package, wrapped around with red tape, and inscribed, "Official Documents.'' On opening it. an order was found from the commissioner's court of Jo Daviess county, notifying him that he was appointed overseer of highways, and fixing his district from the north line of Peoria county to Kock river, a distance of
sixtv-five miles. In this district Dad Joe could onlv
./ •
find four men, besides himself, to work on this sixty- five miles of road.
In 1833, an act passed the legislature to survey and permanently locate the Peoria and Galena road, and appointed Charles S. Boyd, J. B. Merrideth, and Dad
PEORIA AND GALENA STATE ROAD. 293
Joe, commissioners for that purpose. Although this road had been traveled for six years, it had never been surveyed or legally established, and with the exception of brido-ino- one or two sloughs, no work had been done on it. The commissioners met at Peoria for the purpose of commencing their work, and at the ferry, now Front street, they drove the first stake. A large crowd of people had collected on that occasion, as the location of the road was to them a matter of some consequence. Dad Joe, mounted on old Pat, appeared to be the center of attraction, as he was well known by every one about Peoria. Eight years previously, he was a resident of Peoria, and while acting as one of the county commissioners, he had located the county seat there, and by him the name of the place was changed from Fort Clark to Peoria.
Many of the old settlers will recollect old Pat, Dad Joe's favorite horse, which was rode or drove by him for more than twenty years, and he became aim' well known in the settlement as his noted master. He was a dark sorrel horse, with foxy ears, a star in the forehead, a scar on the flank, and was always fit and sleek. It was this horse that young Joe rode when he carried the Governor's dispatch from Dix<»n"> ferry to Fort Wilburn, as previously stated.
Among the crowd that had collected around the commissioners, on this o< ' a, was John Winter, i mail contractor, and owner of the Btage line between Peoria and Galena. Many stories of early times were
294 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
told by those present, funny jokes passed, and all were enjoying the fun, when Winter offered to stake the choice of his stage horses against old Pat, that he could throw Dad Joe down. Now Dad Joe was no gambler, and would not have exchanged old Pat for all of Winter's horses; but being fond of fun, and while shaking all over with laughter, he said in his loud tone of voice, which could have been heard for half a mile, " Winter, I'll be blessed if I don't take that bet." Dad Joe was a thick, heavy-set man, of remarkable physical power, and wore at the time a long hunting shirt with a large rope tied around his waist. Winter was a spare, active man, a great champion in wrestling, and wore a pair of fine cloth pantaloons, made tight in accordance with the fashion of the da v. When all the preliminaries were arranged, and the parties taken hold, Winter sang out, " Dad, are you ready ?" to which Dad replied, "All ready, Winter, God bless you.1' Winter, as cpiick as thought, attempted to knock his adversary's feet from under him, but instead of doing so, he was raised off the ground, and held there by the strong arms of Dad Joe. Winter kicked and struggled to regain his footing, but all to no purpose; at the same time his tight pantaloons burst open, exj^osiug his person to the gaze of the laughing crowd. At last he said, "Dad, for God's sake let me down, and you shall have the best horse in my barn." Dad Joe released his hold. Winter again reached terra jirma, and old Pat was safe.
MARRIAGES UNDER DIFFICULTIES. 295
The first wedding celebrated within the limits of Bureau county, took place in the summer of 1830. and the parties were Leonard Roth and Nancy Perkins, a daughter of Timothy Perkins. The license was obtained at the county clerk's office in Peoria, and the parties were married by Elijah Epperson. There were some doubts about Mr. Epperson's authority to administer the marriage rite, as it was obtained through his church relation some years before, while living in Kentucky, but there was no authorized person, at that time, living within fifty miles of them, and the legality of the marriage was neyer que-tioned.
For a few years after Putnam county was organized, John M. Gay. as justice of the peace, was the pnly person on the west side of the Illinois river authorized to administer the marriage rite. Abram Stratton and Miss Sarah Baggs deferred their wedding two weeks, waiting for Mr. Gay to obtain his commission, so he could marry them. Squire Gay was sent for to marry a couple at Perkins' Grove, whose names were Peter Harmon and Rebecca Perkins, a daughter of Timothy Perkins. On the da\ appointed for the wedding. Gay's horse having strayed off on the prairie, could not be found until after noon, and the wedding party, being disappointed by his non-appearance, started in search of him. The groom, mounted on a horse, with the bride behind him, and the groomsman, also on horseback, with the bridesmaid behind him. and in this way they started for Gay's residence, twenty miles distant. After
• *
296 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
going about six miles, they met Gray, accompanied by ITezekiah Epperson, on their way to the marriage least. and it was agreed that the wedding should take place then and there. Near by stood a vacant shanty, which had been built in order to hold a claim. This shanty was without door or floor, and was very filthy, having been a resort for deer and cattle, but it answered the purpose of breaking off the wind, which was blowing hard at the time. Into this shanty the wedding party went, and here the marriage service was performed. When the wedding was over, the happy couple, with their attendants, again mounted their horses, in the same order as they came, and started on their wedding tour, while Squire Gay returned home with a two dollar marriage fee in his pocket.
DAVE JONES.
This individual became so notorious in the earlv settlement of the county, and figures so much in its history, that a further account of him may interest the reader. Dave Jones, or Devil Jones, as he was gene- rally called, was a small, well-built man, with very dark skin, hair and eyes as black as a raven, and he had a wild, savage appearance. He was strong and active, a good wrestler and fighter, and but few men could compete with him. For a number of years he was a terror to the settlement, being; feared both by whites and Indians. Jones came to the country in the spring
DAVE .TOXES. 297
of 1831, and built a cabin on the present site of Tis- kilwa, but getting into trouble with the Indians, he traded his claim to Mr. McCormis for an old mare, valued at ten dollars, and two gallons of whisky. He next built a cabin near where Lomax's mill now stands ; a year or two later, he went to Dimmick's Grove, and in 1835 he moved to Indiana, where he was hung by a mob soon after his arrival. Manv remarkable feats of Jones are still remembered by old settlers, some of which are worth preserving.
In the spring of 1832, a dead Indian was found in the creek, near the present site of the Bureau Valley mills, with a bullet hole in his back, showing that he came to his death from a rifle shot. The corpse was taken out of the water by Indians, buried in the sand near by, and the affair was soon forgotten. Jones said while limiting deer in the creek bottom, he saw this Indian setting on a log over the water, fishing, when all of a sudden he jumped up as though he was about to draw out a big fish, and pitched headlong into the water, and was drowned when he came up to him. Two other Indians disappeared mysteriously about the same time, who were supposed to have been murdered, and on that account, it is said, the Indians contemplated taking revenge on the settlers.
One warm afternoon, Jones, with a jug in one hand, came cantering his old mare up to the Hennepin ferry, saying that his wife was very sick, and would certainly die it' she did not gel some whisky soon. In great
298 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
haste Jones was taken across the river, and on landing on the Hennepin side, he put his old mare on a gallop up the bluff to Durley's store, where he filled his jug with whisky. Meeting with some old chums, he soon became intoxicated, forgot about his wife's sickness, and spent the afternoon and evening in wrestling, dancing "Jim Crow," and having a fight with some of his friends.
It was long after dark when Jones started for home, but on arriving at the ferry he found the boat locked up, and the ferryman in bed. Jones wrapped at the door of the ferryman's house, swearing if he did not get up and take him across, he would pull the house down, and whip him beside^. But all his threats were in vain ; the ferryman could not be moved. Jones went down to the river, took off the bridle reins, with which he tied the jug of whisky on his back, then drove his old mare into the river, and holding on to her tail, was ferried across the river, as he afterward.- expressed it, without costing him a cent.
One afternoon, while Dave Jones was engaged in cutting out a road from Hennepin ferry through the bottom timber, his coat, which laid by the wayside, was stolen. Although the value of the old coat did not exceed two dollars, it was all the one Jones had, and he searched for it throughout the settlement. At last Jones found his coat on the back of the thief, whom he arrested and took to Hennepin for trial. The thief was at work in Mr. Hays' field, immediately west of
DAVE JONES. 299
Princeton, when Jones presented his rifle at his breast, ordering him to take up his line of march for Hennepin, and if he deviated from the direct course, he would blow his brains out. The culprit, shaking in his boots, started on his journey, while Jones, with his rifle on his shoulder, walked about three paces behind. On arriving at Hennepin, the thief plead guilty, being more afraid of Jones than the penalties of the law, and was there- fore put in jail. After Jones had delivered up his prisoner, he got drunk, was engaged in several fights, and he, too, was arrested and put in jail. At that tim< the Hennepin jail consisted of only one room, being a log structure, twelve feet square, and Jones being put in with the thief, commenced beating him. Seeing that they could not live together, the thief was libe- rated and Jones retained. At this turn of affairs, Jones became penitent, agreed to go home and behave himself, if they would let him out. Accordingly, the sheriff took him across the river, and set him at liberty ; but Jones swore he would not ^o home until he had whipped every person in Hennepin, so he returned to carry out his threats, but was again arrested and put in jail.
A short time after the establishing of the Hennepin ferry, Dave Jones was on the Hennepin side of the river, with a wild yoke of cattle, and wished to cross over, but was unwilling to pay the ferriage. He swore before he would pay the ferryman's extravagant price,
lie would swim the river, saying that he had frequently
10
300 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
done it, and could do it again. Jones wore a long- tailed Jackson overcoat, which reached to his heels, and a coon skin cap, with the tail hanging down over hi.* shoulders, the weather at the time being quite cool. He drove his oxen into the river, taking the tail of one of them in his mouth, when they started for the oppo- site shore. Away went the steers, and so went Dave Jones, his long hair and long-tailed overcoat floating on the water, his teeth tightly fastened to the steer's tail, while with his hands and feet he paddled with all his might. Everything went on swimmingly, until they came near the middle of the river, where the waters from each side of the island come together; here the current was too strong for the steers — they turned down stream, and put hack tor the Hennepin side. Jones could not open his mouth to say gee or haw, without losing his hold on the steer's tail, and was therefore obliged to go where the steers led him, but all were safely landed some distance below the starting place. Jones was in a terrible rage at his failure to cross the river — beat his cattle, and cursed the bvstanders for laughing at his misfortune. After taking a lug dram of whisk v, he tried it again, but with no better success. Three different times Jones tried this experiment, each time whipping his cattle and taking a fresh dram of whisky. At last he was obliged to give it up as a bad job, and submit to paying the ferryman the exorbitant price of twenty-five cents to be ferried over.
CHAPTER VII.
THIRD INDIAN WAR.
During the latter part of the winter and spring of 1833, the settlers on Bureau were alarmed at the hostile appearance of the Indians. Humors were in circulation that the Pottawatamies and Winnebagoes were about to unite for the purpose of making war on the frontier settlements, and for that purpose held councils and Avar dances. In the latter part of February, a council was held between these tribes, on Green river, near tl it- present site of New Bedford, and a large number of warriors from the Kock river country were in attendance. It is said that a Winnebago chief, by the name of Naw- wa-see, who had a village near the present site of Rockford, was wounded, and his squaw, with an infant in her arms, killed the year before by the troops in pursuit ■ »(' Black Hawk, mistaking them for Sacs and Foxes. This chief, in order to avenge himself on the whites for injuries received, Tisited, it is said, almost every village between the lake and Mississippi, to
302 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
induce the Indians to make war on tlie settlers, to expel them from the country, and thereby retain their homes and hunting grounds. Indians were frequently seen riding at full gallop across the country, who 'were supposed to be conveying news from place to place, and at different times large bodies of them were known to have been collected together, as though in consultation. At Devil's Grove, a large number of warriors collected, and here they held a feast and war dance, which lasted two days.
The Indians no longer visited the cabins of settlers, but appeared shy and unfriendly; confidence between the white and red man no longer existed, each regarding the other with distrust. It was noticed that the Indians did not return to their village after their winter hunt, and were planting no corn, as formerly ; their furs and pelts were exchanged for munitions of war, instead of the necessaries of life. The settlers, at these indications of war, became alarmed, and were undecided what to do. A meeting was called at the residence of Dr. N". Chamberlain, for the purpose of consultation, when Major Chamberlain, with others, was appointed a com- mittee to visit Rock river, to ascertain, if possible, tl intentions of the "Winnebagoes, but they return without obtaining any important fact - .
While people were in a state of feverish excitement, not knowing at what moment, hostilities would com- mence. Mrs. Dixon, of Dixon's ferry, with her children, tied to the south in great haste, telling people
THIRD INDIAN WAR. 303
on West Bureau, as she passed, that the Winnebagoi 3, on Rock river, were collecting their warriors together, and in all probability would attack the settlement within a few days. At this announcement, the panic became general, and people fled from the country — -ome going to Peoria, and others east of the river. Many cabins on Bureau remained vacant all summer, and fields uncultivated, grew up to weeds. Three years in succession the settlers had been driven from their homes, many of them were sick of the country, and left it forever; others would have done soil* their means would have permitted. A number of settler^. <>n the Princeton prairie, joined together, and built a fort, so they could remain in the country. Joel Doolittle's cabin was selected as the proper place to build this fort, and around it they erected barricades, composed of split puncheons, about fifteen feet in height, using the former for a block house.
Although this affair passed off without bloodshed, it prevented the settler.- from improving their claims or raising a rul] crop. Many of the settlers did not return until the next year, while others abandoned their claims, and settled elsewhere, so that the settlement od Bureau had materially decreased in consequem e of this tronble.
tbrtj years have now passed awaj since ' - affair took place; n« >tli i ; > _ '.- positively known with regard to intentions of the India] -. and in all
obabilityil will remain a secret Som< people believe
304 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
that the Indians intended to make war on the settlers ; but others think different, as they made no hostile demonstrations.
This affair is sometimes called Mrs. Dixon's war, as it was the report which she brought to Bureau, that scared the settlers away from their homes.
FALSE ALARM.
In the winter of 1832-3, Capt. Brown, with a com- pany of rangers, spent some time on Bureau, in order to protect the settlers, in case hostilities should again commence. On New Year's day, these rangers were encamped on the Hoskins' prairie, near the present residence of Mrs. Brown Searl, and as the dav was warm and balmy, they amused themselves in fighting a sham battle. The sun was about one hour high when the firing commenced, and owing to the peculiar state of the atmosphere, the report of their guns were heard at a distance of fifteen miles, frightening both whites and Indians.
Sylvester Brigham, with his two sisters, both of whom were young women, were living on the Forristall farm, about two miles north of Dover. At that time they were the only persons in the neighborhood, all others having left through fear of the Indians. On hearing the firing of guns in the distance, they concluded that fighting between the whites and Indians had already commenced, and they were greatly alarmed, knowing
SI i.\ E8TEB m/KillAll.
flKism
AST,
FALSE ALARM. 307
their unprotected situation. Believing that their onlv means of safety was in flight, they hastily left for the settlement below. It was near sundown when Mr. Brigham and his two sisters left their cabin, with the intention of going to Eli Smith's, six miles distant. In the cabin were three rifles, and each of them carried one on their shoulder, and on foot thev commenced their journey for Smith's residence. Keeping out on the prairie, some distance from the timber, to avoid falling into an ambuscade of lurking savages, whom they were fearful of encountering along the edge of the timber. After traveling about one mile, they saw an Indian on horseback, who appeared to be looking at some object in the distance, but on seeing Brigham and his sisters, he jumped from his horse, and hid himself in the dead grass near by. On going a short distance further, thev saw a number of Indians come out of the timber, who stood for some time looking at them. It appears the Indians had also heard the firing, became frightened, and had come out on the prairie to make observations.
As Brigham and his sisters came nigh Smith's cabin, they were afraid to enter the timber, as they had seen Indians going in that direction: so they changed their course for Eppersons. It was now quite dark, and as they entered the timber, near Epperson's run, two Indian.- crossed their path, a tew rods in advance of them. Believing that the woods were full of Indians, and the settlers in all probability already massacred,
808 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
they turned about, and again fled for the prairie, and made their way southward, in the direction of the Moseley settlement.
It was late at night when the fugitives arrived at Mr. Musgrove's cabin, and not knowing whether it contained friends or foes, Mr. Brigham left his sisters behind, while he reconnoitred the situation. On his approach, the dog barked furiously, and Mr. Musgrove, thinking that some wrild animal or robber was about the premises, urged him on, when Mr. Brigham shouted and let himself be known. The tnrls were then brought to the house to rest for the night, after walking twelve miles, and carrying guns on their shoulders.
JERRO AND HIS FRIENDS SAVED FROM STARVATION.
The winter of 1830-31 was very cold; snow fell about three feet deep, and drifted badly on the prairies. The weather was so excessively cold that calves, pigs, and chickens, in a number of instance, froze to death. As the settlers wTere unprepared for such a severe winter, much suffering was the consequence. Part of the time the snow was so deep, and the weather so cold, that the Indians could not hunt, causing much suffering among them on account of scarcity of food; some of them were obliged to kill their dogs for subsistence, and many of their ponies died from starvation.
During the snow and cold weather, a party of Win- nebago Indians, from Kock river, were encamped in
JERRO AND HIS FRIENDS. 309
West Bureau timber, near the residence of John M. Gay, Jerro, their chief, having made Gay's acquaint- ance the year before, while he was engaged at Ogee's ferry (now Dixon). The Indians finding no game in West Bureau timber, went over to Main Bureau to hunt, but met with no better success. The hunters were absent three days, wading through the deep snow in search of game, while their squaws and pappooses were a part of the time without food, and no means of obtaining any until their return. Many times during the second and third days, the squaws were seen to go out to the edge of the prairie to look for the returning hunters, and then with sorrowful hearts go back to their little ones, who were crying for food. It was after dark, of the third day, when the hunters returned to camp, with their feet badly frozen, and nearly starved, as they had killed no game during their absence. Jerro, their chief, went to Gay's cabin, and told him of their suffering condition, saying that they would all perish unless assisted. Mr. Gay, although short of provisions himself, opened his potato hole and divided witli them his scanty supply of potatoes and corn. For many days these Indians were kept from starvation, by con- tributions from Gay, Henry and Ezekiel Thomas. As soon as the weather moderated, Jerro and his band of followers left for their own country, Baying t«> their benefactors that they should never again come to
Bureau to hunt. 11
310 REMINISCENCES OF BOREATJ COUNTY.
LITTLE JOHNNY, THE INDIAN CAPTIVE.*
In the fall of 1883, the Peoria and Galena road was changed so as to pass through Indiantown and Princeton, and among the first travelers that passed over it, were three families, with ox teams, moving from Morgan county to the lead mines. The emigrants encamped in the timber, near the present residence of Alex. Holbrook, and their cattle, with bells on, were turned out in the timber to feed. The weather being fine, the emigrants remained over here one day, in order to wash and bake before proceeding any further on their journey. Next morning two Indians were seen skulk- ing around the camp, as though they intended to steal something, and when they found themselves discovered they lied into the woods. In the afternoon the men went off deer hunting — the women were engaged in washing and baking, while the children were playing along the creek, some distance below the encampment. Among these children, was a beautiful little boy of four summers, called Johnny, who was a pet and favorite of this party of emigrants. This boy was left by the water's edge, playing with pebbles, while the larger
* For the following story, the writer is indented to Eli Leonard, who was at the time living near where the incident occurred, Although Leonard's story is not confirmed by other early settlers on Bureau, who ought to have heard of this incident, nevertheless, it might have occurred without their knowledge. The sequel to the story, which must be familiar to many of the readers, goes far to confirm Leonard's statement, or at least render it quite probable.
LITTLE JOHNNY, THE INDIAN CAPTIYE. 311
children were off gathering hickory nuts, and when thev returned he was missing. Search was made for the lost child, but without effect ; his hat and one shoe were found, and near by stains of blood were discovered on the leaves. The night before the cries of a panther had been heard in the timber, and it was believed the boy had been killed by it, and carried off. After searching two davs for little Johnny, the emiorants were obliged to give him up as lost, and they proceeded on their journey.
It was a cold, windy November morning, the sky overcast by gray clouds, the dry leaves were being- blown hither and thither by the chilly winds, and every thing appeared dreary and cheerless to the emigrants, as they resumed their journey towards the lead mines. The mother of the lost boy, almost frantic with grief, continued to wring her hands and cry, " Where is little Johny ? Oh how can I ever leave him here in these wild woods."
It was afterwards ascertained that a party of Indians, who lived west of the Mississippi, and wTere visiting friends at Indiantown, had stolen the buy, and carried him off with them. These Indians were met by two travelers, on the Sacs and Fox trail, going westward with their little captive, who was tied on a pony behind some camp equipage. On seeing white people, little Johnny, with tears rolling down his checks, reached his hands out towards them, crying "I want my ma." The travelers suspected something was wrong, and
312 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
inquired of the Indians how they came in possession of a white child, and in reply they said the boy was " half missionary" (that is a son of a missionary), and his mother was dead.
A sequel to this story went the rounds of newspapers in 1848, which ran as follows : " In the fall of 1833, a family named Cooper, while moving from Morgan county, to the lead mines, had a boy of four years of age stolen by the Indians. The boy remained with the Indians in the wilds of the west, until he arrived to manhood, when he was informed by one of his captives where his people would be likely to be found. After a long search, the captive found his parents, who were living in Wisconsin, and the long lost boy was at last restored to his parents and friends, after being absent fifteen vears."
CHAPTER VIII.
WILD ANIMALS.
At one time buffalo roamed at large over the prairies of Bureau county, but at what period they left the country is not positively known. In the year 1778, Antonia Deschamps, then a lad eight years of age, came to Fort Clark (now Peoria), where he continued to live until his death, which occurred more than seventy years afterwards. Deschamps said for some years after he came to the country, buffalo were plenty along the Illinois river, and at different times he saw large herds of them, and on one occasion, a canoe which he was in came nigh being swamped by them swimming the stream. In the early settlement of the country, buffalo bones were plenty on the prairies, and at three different places in this county, acres of ground were covered with them, showing where large herds had perished. Skulls of buffaloes, with the horns still on, were fre- quently found, and their trail leading to and from watering places, were still to be seen.
.\>14 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
Thirty-six years ago, an old Indian of near four score years, who had spent his youthful days on Bureau, said to the writer, " When a boy, buffalo were quite plenty throughout the country, and large herds of them were seen almost every day feeding on the prairies." He continued, " While yet a boy (which must have been previous to the year 1790), there came a big snow, as high as a man's head, and so hard that people walked on the top of it, and nearly all the buffalo perished.'' Next spring a few buffalo, poor and haggard in appear- ance, were seen making their way westward from the east part of the state. As they approached the carcasses of the dead buffaloes, which were lying on the prairie in great numbers, they would stop, commence pawing and lowing, then start off again on a lope for the west. From that time buffalo no longer lived in this country, and they were seldom seen east of the Mississippi river. Mr. Hubbard, of the American Fur Company, says small herds of buffalo were occasionally seen roaming through the country as late as 1818, and in 1815 the Indians killed two between Bureau and Green river.
An account of the killing of the last buffalo on Bureau, supposed to be the same spoken of by Mr. Hubbard, was communicated to Peter Demott by some of the Indians who participated in the sport. Early in the morning, a small herd of buffalo, consisting of fifty or sixty, were seen on the prairie near Black Walnut Grove, and were traveling northward, feeding as they went. The Indians had secreted themselves in a point
()
(
WILD ANIMALS. 315
f timber, supposed to be French Grove, awaiting their oming, and attacked them as they came along. These Indians were mounted on ponies, and armed with guns, spears, bows and arrows, &c, attacked the herd and succeeded in killing two, and wounding a number of others, that made their escape. In the fall of 1831, a Large buffalo bull was seen on the prairie, north of Dad Joe Grove, going in a southwest direction. Two travelers on horseback, carrying rifles, took after this buffalo, and followed him a number of miles along l^reen river timber, shooting at him several times, but he succeeded in making his escape.
Elk at one time were plenty on Bureau, and as late a.- 1818, their skins were sold in large numbers to the American Fur Company. Each year after that date, riiev became more scarce, and in the year 1826 the trade in them entirely ceased. A few bear and panther skins were sold at the trading house opposite the mouth oi Bureau creek, but according to the statement of Mr. Hubbard, these animal- were never plenty in this section of country. During the summer of 1836, a very large panther lived in Bureau timber, principally in the town of Dover, and it was frequently Been and heard by the Bettlers. The writer, .me night, came Middenlv upon its lair, when it appeared more inclined to fight than run. This panther came one night to the barn vard of James Gk Forristall, killed and carried off
<
a calf. Mr. Forristall was nol at homeat the time, but his wife hearing the calf bawl, ran out, and urged on
316 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
the dog, but the panther, regardless of their presence, killed the calf, and dragged it off some distance, where the remains were found next morning. People turned out en masse one day to hunt this panther, searching Bureau timber for miles in extent, but without success.
In the fall of 1836, Daniel Greeley killed a large bear in the town of Dover, and two bears were seen a few miles north of Princeton in the spring of 1837.
The large black and gray wolf were occasionally seen on Bureau, but the greatest pest of the early settlers was the prairie wolf, which lived on the prairie, and would come forth at night to kill sheep, pigs, poultry, &c. The state paid a bounty on wolf scalps, which done much toward their extermination. Hezekiah Epperson, of Dover, once shot a wolf in the head, and to all appearance killed it instantly. He commenced skining the wolf, and after completing one side he turned it over to skin the other, when all of a sudden it came to life again, jumped up and ran off, with the skin flopping in the air. In this way the wolf ran about two miles, when it was overtaken by the dogs, and captured.
Deer were plenty on Bureau until the year 1843, when a large number of them were killed during a deep snow. Elial Long killed, during the winter of 1842-3, seventy-eight deer, and other hunters from from forty to fifty each. During the summer of 1839, a large white deer was frequently seen north of Princeton, which attracted much attention among the
WILD ANIMALS. 317
people. Some thought this deer was of a different species, others a freak of nature ; the latter conclusion was the most probable, as it was always seen in com- pany with other deer. In the early settlement of the county, Mr. Perkins found the skulls of two bucks, with their horns entangled in such a way, that they could not be separated without breaking the prongs, evidently having caught while fighting, and in this way they both perished. Jacob G. Spangler, of the town of Gold, while hunting deer one day, came across two bucks, which had their horns fastened together while lighting, and not being able to get out of his way, be shot both of them.
Lynx, otter, catamounts, badgers, raccoon, and skunks were plenty in the early settlement of the country, but like the larger game have almost disappeared.
In the winter of 1828, John and Jacob Funk, of
McLean county, drove a lot of fat and stock hogs to
the lead mines, and for ten days these hogs were on the
road without food. While Funks were encamped on
Bureau, some of these hogs strayed off, bo ame wild,
and from them wild hogs were found on Bureau and
Green river many years afterwards. These wild hogs
were hunted in the groves the same as deer, and from
them some of the early settlers obtained their supply
of pork. Late in the fall of 1836, Franklin Marple,
who lived live miles north of Princeton, killed two of
these hogs, and taking out the entrails, he laid them in
one corner of his stable, where thev lav in a frozen 12
318 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
condition until spring, when they were skinned, and salted down for family use.
Two large wild boars, one black and the other blue, with enormous tusks, which showed them to be very old, were frequently seen on Green river, and for some time were a terror to hunters in that locality. One night these hogs followed a dog into the camp of two hunters, and they escaped with their lives by climbing a tree, while their supply of provision was devoured, and their camp kit damaged by these brutes. During a deep snow, these two boars came into West Bureau timber, and with their large tusks they crippled many of the tame hogs, causing the settlers to believe that their hogs had been attacked by a panther. These wild hogs were afterwards hunted down and killed by Nicholas Smith; thus the country was rid of these brutes, which had been feared by the settlers as though they were tigers.
MIRAGE AND SOUNDS.
In the early settlement of the country, mirage or optical illusions, some of which were so remarkable as to astonish the beholder, were of frequent occurrence. At sunrise, in a certain state of the atmosphere, objects at a distance would appear many times their actual size. A house would look to be two hundred feet or more high, and a grove of timber as though it was suspended in the air. People were frequently surprised on getting
MURDER OF REV. JOHN WILLIAMS. 819
up in the morning to see a grove of timber, or houses, off on the prairie, where none were ever seen before. This phenomenon is said to be caused by refraction, and is seldom seen since the settlement of the country.
Before the country was settled, sounds could be heard at a great distance. The report of a gun or cow-bell was frequently heard ten or twelve miles. Mr. Epper- son's cow-bell could be plainly heard at Henry Thomas', a distance of seven miles. On the first of January, 1833, the firing of the rangers guns in the Hall settlement, were heard along Main Bureau timber, a distance of twelve or fifteen miles. In the summer of 1831, when Gen. Gains removed the Indians from Rock Island, the report of his cannon were heard on Bureau, at Dad Joe and Boyd's Grove.
Was it owing to the stillness of the surroundings which caused these sounds to be heard at a remarkable distance, or has the settlement of the country produced a change in the atmosphere, impeding the transmission of sounds. This is a subject worthy of reflection.
MURDER OF REV. JOHN WILLIAMS.
One of the many conspicuous land marks in the early settlement of the county, was Black Walnut Grove, which is situated in the town of Macon, near the southern limits of the county. This grove originally contained several hundred acres of good timber, and as it occnpied high land, could be seen for miles away. Most all of
320 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
this grove was military land, and for many years it belonged to a non-resident by the name of Hall. Asa Barney had the supervision of this grove, and sold it out to people who settled around it. The settlement commenced at Black Walnut Grove in the year 1837, and among the early settlers were Thomas Motheral, William Bates, James B. Akin, Lewis Holmes, Charles Lee, T. J. Horton, John and Charles Wood.
More than half a century ago, Black Walnut Grove was the scene of a fearful tragedy, probably the most brutal, with one exception, that ever occurred within the limits of Bureau county. This was the murder of the Rev. John Williams, by the Indians, in the fall of 1812. An account of this bloody affair was communi- cated to Peter Demott by an Indian who participated in the murder. The spot where the murder occurred was pointed out to Demott, and the manner in which it was accomplished explained. Mr. Williams was a Baptist minister, and was sent out by the Home Mis- sionary Society, to preach to the Indians in the wilds of the west. He had spent three years preaching at the different Indian villages along the Mississippi river, making his home most of the time with a French trader, at Rock Island, named LeClere. He was now returning to his home at Marietta, Ohio, where kind friends awaited his arrival. Traveling on horseback and alone, unconscious of danger, he met his death at the hands of those savages whom he had been trying to convert.
MURDER OF REV. JOHN WILLIAMS. 821
A short time before this occurrence — in September, 1812 — volunteers under Gov. Edwards, had destroved the village of Black Partridge, on the Illinois river, and some of his band being driven from their homes, found refuge on Bureau ; about twenty of these Indians, some of whom had lost friends bv the destruction of their village, and were thirsting for revenge, met Williams as he was pursuing his way eastward. Instead of a friendly greeting, as Williams might have expected, the savages leveled their guns and fired at him, one of the shots taking effect in his side. Williams being mounted on a fleet horse, immediately put him at the top of his ^peed, throwing away his saddle bags and heavy- baggage, so as to facilitate his speed, and for a time he left the Indian ponies far behind. The race wTas con- tinued for several miles, the Indians whipping their ponies, and yelling at the top of their voice. Near Black Walnut Grove, Williams' horse mired in a slough, threw the rider over his head, and before he could mount again, the Indians came up and took him prisoner.
Some of the early settlers at Black Walnut Grove will probably recollect a big walnut tree, that stood near the east cud of the jjrove. To this tree the prisoner was taken, and around it the Indians formed themselves into a circle. Into this circle Williams was brought, with hi.- hands tied behind him. dive-ted of all his clothing, his ><-alp taken off, with the blood running down to his heels, and covering his naked
322 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
body with gore. In this way Williams was compelled to run around in the circle, and as he ran the Indians would stick their muskrat spears into his flesh. For some time the Indians continued to torture their victim, until overcome by loss of blood, Williams fell to the ground, when one of the Indians, more human than the others, struck him on the head with his tomahawk, and thus ended his sufferings.
CHAPTER IX.
SETTLEMENT AT BOYD's GROVE.
It has already been stated that John Dixon located at Boyd's Grove, in the summer of 1828, and sold his claim, two years afterwards, to Charles S. Boyd, who lived on it for fourteen years. Many incidents, worthy of note, have occurred at or near this grove, the most thrilling of which was the freezing to death of two men in December, 1830. Three persons, named Cooper, McMillan, and a Dr. Jones, were hauling goods from Peoria to Galena, on sleds, drawn by oxen, when they were caught in a snow storm while on the prairie south of the grove. It had been snowing all day until it became about three feet deep, and toward night it drifted so that their teams could not get through. About eight miles south of the grove, they left their teams, and started on foot for BovdV residence, Bright came on, and in the darkness and drifting snow, they lost their wax. Dr. Jones, overcome with cold and fatigue, gave out, and he was left by his comrades to
324 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
perish on the prairie. Cooper and McMillan, despairing of finding the grove in the darkness, buried themselves up in a snow drift, where they remained until morning. At daylight, the storm having abated, they could see the ffrove about three miles distant, and started for it. Cooper's feet being badly frozen, he could not travel, and McMillan wrapped him up in his blanket and covered him over with snow, and then started on his way. After proceeding a short distance, he looked back and saw Cooper trying to follow him, but he only went a few rods before he fell down and perished in the snow. Mr. McMillan, badly frost bitten and almost exhausted, reached Boyd's house to tell the sad story about the fate of his comrades. Mr. Boyd immediately started in search of Cooper, but his horse could not get through the snow drifts, so he was obliged to turn back, and the remains of Cooper were not found for some days afterwards. The remains of Dr. Jones were not found until the snow went off in the spring, having laid on the prairie about three months. Some of the cattle which belonged to the teams, wandered off toward Spoon river timber, and perished by cold and starvation.
On the night of January 18th 1832, Mr. Boyd's house took fire and burned down, with all its contents, leaving the family almost destitute. The snow at the time was almost three feet deep, the thermometer below zero, and not a dwelling within ten miles. The family, in their night clothes, were compelled to take shelter in
SETTLEMENT AT BOYd's GROVE. 325
the smoke house, where they remained for several days. Mr. Boyd was left without pantaloons, but was relieved from his embarrassing situation next day by a traveler, who had an old pair in his saddle-bags. Neighbors living twenty miles south, were notified by a traveler of the helpless condition of Boyd's family, and they came to their relief, supplying them with clothing, provisions, &c. Mr. Boyd constructed a tent in the thick timber of the grove, where himself and family remained during the winter. When spring opened, his friends came from Peoria county, and assisted in building a house.
Shaubena, with his band of followers, was encamped in the grove at the time Boyd's house was burned, and he made with his own hands, and presented to Mr. Boyd, two wooden trays, which he still keeps as a memento of the past, as well as in memory of the donor.
For ten years Mr. Boyd lived without neighbors — not a settler within ten miles of him — his dwelling being used, during the time, both for a hotel and post office.
Mr. Boyd is now living in Princeton, which has been his home fur more than twenty-five years; although far advanced in lift', he Mill retains much of the vigor of manhood.
In the spring of 1840, David Bryant and Mr. Clark
settled south of Boyd's Grove, and Barney I lagan north
of it. In 1841, John A. Griswold located on the farm 13
326 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
which is now occupied by him, and consequently he is the oldest settler now living in the southern part of this county. Some time afterwards, Isaac Sutherland, R Hayes, G. W. Griswold and J. W. Harris, became residents of this locality. Some years later, a settle- ment was made at a point of timber north of the grove, and among the early settlers were Edwin Merrick, Col. A. E. May, and J. V. Thompson.
EARLY SETTLEMENT OF LA MOILLE AND PERKINS GROVE.
On the 19th of May, 1830, Daniel Dimmick made a claim a short distance south of La Moille, on what is now known as the Collins' farm, and from that time the head of Main Bureau timber took the name of Dim- mick's Grove. In the fall of 1830, William Hall made a claim and built a cabin on the present site of La Moille, and occupied it about eighteen months. In April, 1832, Mr. Hall having sold his claim to Aaron Gunn, moved to Indian creek, twelve miles north ol Ottawa, where himself and part of his family were killed by the Indians a few weeks afterwards. At the commencement of the Black Hawk war, Dimmick left his claim, and never returned to it again, and for two vears Dimmick's Grove was without inhabitants; the cabins and fences went to decav, and the untilled land grew up in weeds. When Dimmick fled from the grove, he left two sows and pigs, which increased in a few years to quite a drove of wild hogs, that were
LA MOILLE AND PERKINS' GROVE. 327
hunted in the grove years afterwards, and from them
some of the early settlers obtained their supply of pork.
In the spring of 1834, Leonard Roth, Greenberrv
•
Hall, and Dave Jones, made claims in the grove, and for a short time Timothy Perkins occupied the Dim- mick cabin. In July of the same year, Jonathan T. Holbrook, Moses and Horace Bowen, settled in the grove. Mr. Holbrook and Moses Bowen bought Gunn's claim, and made farms. In the fall of 1834, Enos Hol- brook, Joseph Knox, and Heman Downing settled in the grove. In the spring of 1836, Tracy Keeve and Dr. John Kendall bought Moses Bowen's farm, and laid off La Moille. Mr. Bowen had previously made a survey of the town, but made no record of it when he sold to the above named parties. The town was originally called Greenfield, but was afterwards changed to its present name, on account of obtaining a post office.
Joseph Knox, on leaving Dimmick's Grove, located at a point of timber which was afterwards known as Knox's Grove. One night, while Mr. Knox and his sons were absent, two young Indians came to his house, probably without any evil intentions, but it frightened the women so they fled on foot for Dimmick's Grove, eight miles distant. Next morning these tw<> young Indians, accompanied 1>\ their father, came to Dimmick's Grove to give an explanation of their visit to the house the night before. There were present, Leonard Roth, J. T. Holbrook, and Dave Jon With the two former the explanation of the Indians was satisfactory, but
-
328 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
with the latter it was different. Jones ordered one of the Indians to lay down his gun, and with a long stick lie whipped him severely. •
In 1834, Timothy Perkins and sons claimed all of Perkins' Grove, and sold out claims to those who came in afterwards. The first house that was built in the grove, was on a farm now owned by John Hetzler, and it was occupied by Solomon Perkins and Elijah Bevens. The second house was built near the present residence of A. G. Porter, and occupied by Timothy Perkins. Part of the roof of this house was composed of deer skins, and the door and windows were filed with the same material.
Joseph Screach, Stephen Perkins, and Mr. Hart, settled on the west side of the grove in the spring of 1835. J. and A. R. Kendall, and J. and E. Fassett, were among the early settlers of Perkins' Grove. In 1842, a post office named Perkins' Grove was established here, but was discontinued some years afterwards.
SETTLEMENT IN THE EAST PART OF THE COUNTY.
In the summer of 1828, Reason B. Hall built a cabin in the bend of the prairie, near the present residence of J. Wassom. This cabin was the second or perhaps the third one, built in this county, and for many years it was occupied in turns by different new comers. Mr. Hall being alone in a wild country, without neighbors, became dissatisfied with his location, and aban- doned his cabin for a residence south of the river. He afterwards returned to his claim, and lived on it a
WEST BUREAU AND CENTER GROVE. 329
short time, then moved to the lead mines. Edward Hall, a brother of Reason's, made a claim in this vicinity, built a cabin and occupied it a short time, when he, too, left the country.
In the fall of 1829, a black man, named Adams, built a cabin at the mouth of N~egro creek, and from him the stream took its name. Adams was scared awav bv the Indians, abandoned his claim, and settled on the east side of the river.
In the summer of 1831, "William Tompkins, Sampson and John Cole, made claims on the east side of Spring creek, and for some time they were the only permanent settlers in the east part of the county. In August, 1832, Henry Miller, with his family, settled on the farm now occupied by his son, Henry J. Miller. About the same time William Swan made a claim in this vicinity, and the next year James G. Swan made a claim where he now lives. In 1833, Robert Scott became a resident of the settlement, and about the same time Martin Tompkins and Alexander Holbrook made claims near the east line of the count v, where H. W. Terry now lives. Other settlers came in soon after, among whom were Reason and E. C. Hall, Mr. Wixom, Mr, Wilhite, Nathaniel Applegate, Dr. Whithead, and 0. W. Combs.
WEST BUREAU AMD CENTER GROVE SETTLEMENT.
It has already been stated that Henry Thomas settled
«»n the west side of Wesl Bureau timber, in the spring
330 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
of 1828, and was therefore the first settler of Bureau county. In the spring of 1829, Ezekiel Thomas made a claim, built a cabin, and occupied it with his family, where he now lives, which makes him the oldest settler now living in this county. During the summer of 1829; Abram Stratton made a claim where he continues to live, but did not occupy it with his family until a year or two later. In 1830, John M. Gay built a cabin on the east side of the timber, on a farm now occupied by James Crownover, but sold it soon after to Abram Oblist, who lived here a short time, then sold it to J. Allen. John M. Gay had lived for two years previous to coming to Bureau, on Rock river (now Dixon), having charge of Ogee's ferry. Ogee, the proprietor of the ferry, having no education, and being drunk most of the time, the business was conducted by Mr. Gay. Soon after Mr. Gay went to Rock river, he was appointed post master, and opened an office ; but there was no one living within twenty miles of him who could read or write, and when he left the place, the office was discontinued, as there was no one capable of taking charge of it.
In 1831, Thomas Washburn made a claim immedi- ately west of the county farm, built a cabin and broke a few acres of prairie, but abandoned it the next year. Sometime afterward Benj. Lamb took possession of Washburn's claim, and in 1834 he sold it to James Triplett. In 1833, John Phillips, E. Chilson, and Thomas Fin ley, came to this neighborhood, and became
PROVIDENCE COLONY. 331
permanent settlers. Mr. Finley built his first cabin on the creek bottom, where J. Dy singer now lives; but afterwards located further up the creek. Thomas Finley was a school teacher by profession, and with one exception, taught the first school in this county. For many years Mr. Finley was a justice of the peace, and died three years ago in the poor house.
In the spring of 1834, Isaac Spangler, George Cole- man, Edward and Acquilla Triplett, made claims on the east side of Center Grove. William Allen and C. C. Corss, north of it. In 1835, Lemuel and Rufus Carey, Solomon Sapp, Jacob and Adam Galer, became residents of Center Grove settlement. The same year George Bennett settled at the head of West Bureau timber, and the next year Rees Heaton settled in that locality.
In the summer of 1836, Milton Cain built a house near the present site of Pond Creek station, which was the first house built west of the timber, with the excep- tion of that of Henry Thomas. A few years later, William Frankerbeger, Simon Lemon, Mr. Stubbs, N". Monrose, Moses and A. T. Thompson, T. Tilson, Ephraim Sapp, and J. M. Yearnshaw, made farms on the west side of West Bureau timber.
PROVIDENCE COLONY.
In the spring <>f 1<S3(J, a colony was organized at Providence, Rhode Island, for the purpose of making a
S'62 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
settlement in the west. This colony consisted of seventy-two stock holders, who owned from one to sixteen shares each, and each share was to draw eighty acres of land, which amounted in all to seventeen thousand acres. Com. Morris, Col. C. Oakley, Asa Barney, L. Scott, S. G. Wilson, Edward Bailey and Caleb dishing, was appointed a committee to select and enter the lands for the colony. This committee, after exploring the country in different parts of the state, selected township 15, range 8, (now Indian- town), for their future home. The land in this town- ship was then vacant, except a few tracts in the south east corner, and it was without inhabitants, with the exception of Martin Tompkins, and Mr. Burt. All the vacant land in this township, and some in the adjoining one, was entered by the colony, and a portion of which was soon after made into farms. The colony committee, after entering the land, laid off a town, and in honor of Roger Williams, named it Providence. Two of the committee, Asa Barney, and Caleb dishing, remained until fall for the purpose of erecting a building on their new town site; this build- ing was a large frame structure, built out of the funds of the colony, and intended to be used for a hotel.
In the spring of 1837, about forty persons belonging to the colony, arrived at their future home, all of whom found quarters in the house built by the colony, until other dwellings could be erected. With this colony, came many of the enterprising citizens of this county,
PROVIDENCE COLONY. 333
and they received a hearty welcome from the early
settlers. ,
This colony, like all others, did not meet the
expectations of its projectors, nevertheless, it added
much to the wealth and population of the county.
Among the members of this colony who settled here
were Alfred Anthony, Hosea Barney, J. Shaw, James
Harrington, James Pilkington, John Lannon, Thomas
Doe, Mathew Dorr, James Dexter, Elias Nickerson,
and Thomas Taylor. 14
CHAPTER X.
BUREAU COUNTY ORGANIZED.
During the fall and winter of 1836, the settlers on Bureau began to agitate the subject of dividing Putnam county, and forming a new one on the west side of the Illinois river. The great distance of part of the settle- ment from the county seat, and the river at some seasons of the year overflowing its banks, made it almost impossible to get to Hennepin to attend court or transact business, and rendered the division a matter of absolute necessity. A petition, signed by many citizens of Bureau, was forwarded to the legislature, and on the 28th of February, 1837, an act passed setting off the county of Bureau, and fixing its boundaries as it now stands, except the towns of Milo and Wheatland, which were afterwards added on the formation of Stark and Marshall counties. The act of the legislature was not to take effect however, unless a majority of the voters in the whole countv favored it. In accordance with the act, an election was held on the first Monday of
BUREAU COUNTY ORGANIZED. 335
March, and it was the most exciting one ever held in the county. Previous to the day of election, a meeting was held in Princeton, and delegates appointed to visit each precinct in the comity, to persuade people to vote for the division. Amariah Sherwin was appointed a delegate to Spoon river, (now Stark county), and after performing his duty, he left for parts unknown, to the disadvantage of his numerous creditors, and he has not yet returned to make his report. People on the east side of the river were equally active, and sent men to different localities, to electioneer against the division. Hennepin, at that time commanded nearly all the trade of the county, and it was well known that if a division took place, a town would spring up on the west side of the river, and much of the trade would be lost to Hennepin.
The election for or against division, was a very important one, and called forth a larger vote than the county was able to poll for some years afterwards. On the west side of the river, people voted almost en masse for the division, while on the east side, they voted against it. A few votes were cast in Indiantown precinct, against the division ; and a few in the south part of the county, in Sandy precinct, for it. On the day of the election, great excitement prevailed, and every voter, and BOme that were not voters came forward to the polls. Many illegal votes were cast, but it was contended, that the end justified the means. The writer, although a minor, was brought forward.
336 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
and almost compelled to vote, with many others who were yet in their teens. Hennepin had sent delegates to Princeton, to guard the polls by challenging voters, but all to no purpose ; loud talk and much quarreling was the result, and they left in disgust. On their return to Hennepin, they reported that a number of travelers were stopped on the highway, and hired to vote; that every boy of sixteen, as well as many women dressed in men's clothes, had voted. There was about thirty majority for the division, and when the result was known, there was great rejoicing on the west side of the river ; in Princeton by firing of guns, bonfires, and a torchlight procession with other tokens of joy. Although Bureau had won the victory fairly, (some however, contending unfairly), the matter was not yet decided, as the people on the east side of the river were determined to contest the election, on the grounds of illegality.
On the day appointed for the examination of the poll books at the clerk's office in Hennepin, many people from various parts of the county were in attendance. Thomas S. Elston, John H. Bryant and Cyrus Langworthy, were delegates from Princeton, and carried with them the poll book of the precinct. On their way to Hennepin, they went by Searl's settle- ment, and took with them as protectors, William, Brown, Job and Timothy Searl, who were all large, athletic men, and their appearance alone was almost sufficient to intimidate all opposition. Oaks Turner,
( rRUS LANGWOKT1IV.
^&
^^?-;:ox
BUREAU COUNTY ORGANIZED. 339
was at that time county clerk, and his office was crowded with excited people anxious to see the poll books opened. The returns of one precinct, which voted for division, could not be found, although it was proven to have been placed on the clerk's desk, and the returns of two other precincts, favoring division, was rejected on account of informality, which made a majority against division. Cyrus Langworthy, acting as spokesman for the Princeton delegation, was not backward in telling them of their rascality ; a regular quarrel was the result, and in all probability, he was only saved from violence by being a cripple, and backed by the four Searls, who appeared like giants among the crowd. That night there was great rejoicing at Hennepin, bonfires were lighted, powder put into the stumps, which made a loud report, and people shouted, "No Division, Putman county is still whole.'" A figure of a man with a broad rimmed hat, and a cane in its hand, representing Langworthy, was about to be burned in effigy, but through the interference of Mr. Durley and others, the burning was abandoned, and the old clothes saved for other purposes.
Notwithstanding the county authorities at Hennepin had decided no division, Bureau claimed to be a county uevertheless, and went on to comply with the provis- ions of the act of the legislature. William Stadden, Peter Butler and Benjamin Mitchell, three commie sioners who were appointed by the Legislature to locate
the county scat, met in May. and selected Princeton :i>
340 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
the seat of justice.* On the first Monday in June following, an election was held to elect county officers, when Robert Masters, William Hoskins, and Arthur Bryant, were elected county commissioners, Cyrus Langworthy, sheriff, Thomas Mercer, clerk, John H. Bryant, recorder, Jacob Galer, coroner, and Robert Stewart, surveyor.
Robert Masters and John H. Bryant, obtained a copy of the poll book of each precinct, showing the vote on division, and laid them before the governor, who decided that Bureau was a county, and ordered com- missions issued for the officers elected. Judge Stone, of the fifth judicial district, ordered court to be held the following August, and he appointed Cyrus Bryant, clerk. Courts were held in the Hampshire Colony church, until 1845, when a court house was built. A log jail twelve feet square, lined with heavy sheet iron, and a building intended for a jailor, but used for com- missoners' court, was built on a lot now occupied by the residence of Benj. Newell, northwest of the court house. The whole revenue of the county, for the first year, being 1838, including school, county, and state tax, only amounted to three hundred and thirty-two
* There was but little controversy about the location of the county seat. Windsor and Providence were spoken of by a few persons inte- rested in those paper towns, but they were not in fact competitors for it. Amariah Watson at that time owned a tract of land on Center prairie, immediately west of Dr. Woodruff's, which land was said to be in the geographical center of the county, and he proposed to give part of it, with other contributions, if the commissioners would locate the county seat there. But Princeton being then a place of about twenty houses, as well as a natural center of the county, the commis- sioners looked at no other place.
BANDITTI. 341
dollars, and this amount, small as it was, proved sufficient to meet all demands for the fiscal year.
BANDITTI.
From 1837 to 1852, Northern Illinois was infested with thieves, counterfeiters, and cut throats, who were organized into a band, and became a terror of the set- tlement. The country at that time being thinly settled, gave these desperadoes a good opportunity of prosecu- ting the business of stealing horses, waylaying, rob- bing, and murdering travelers as they passed through unsettled groves. It was very common in those days to hear of people being missed, who were thought to have been murdered by these bandit. A man was murdered, and his body thrown into a bayou, near the Bureau valley mills, where it was afterwards found, and it was never known who he was, or by whom he was murdered. Lee county was the head quarters for these outlaws; but they committed many depredations in Bureau, and here some of them made their temporary residences. Two of Col. Davenport's muderers, Fox and Birch, frequently visited Bureau; the former was tried in Princeton, under the name of William Sutton, This band oi* robbers became so numerous, some of whom occupied offices of trust, «• m < 1 by Bwearing each other clear, it was difficult to convicl them, and this band of thieves and counterfeiters was doI broken up
until DrisCOlls were killed on Rock river.
842 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
Among these outlaws was a large, athletic man, in the prime of life, by the name of McBroom, who at one time was a constable at Hennepin. This McBroom passed some counterfeit money at a store in Princeton, and a warrant was put into the hands of Sheriff Langworthy for his arrest. McBroom, suspect- ing trouble, in great haste ordered his horse at the hotel, and was in the act of mounting, when the sheriff arrested him. McBroom presented a pistol already cocked at the sheriff's head, swearing at the same time- that he would blow his brains out if he laid hands on him. Sheriff Langworthy in an authoritative tone of voice, ordered Mr. Yaughan, the hotel keeper, to take the horse by the bits, and as McBroom turned his eyes in that direction, the sheriff caught hold of the pistol, McBroom, as quick as thought, pulled the trigger ; but the hammer striking the sheriff's thumb, prevented it from exploding. Then followed a desperate struggle ; McBroom was dragged from his horse; both officer and prisoner was brought to the ground, when assist- ance came in time to secure the culprit. Irons were put on him, and he was taken to the Peoria jail, as there was none in Princeton at that time.
MURDER AT LOST GROVE.
About the first of August, 1837, a murder of a most revolting character, was committed at Lost Grove, and for many years this affair remained a mystery.
MURDER AT LOST GROVE. 343
As the Rev. Rufus Lumry was traveling on the Indian trail, and when about one mile west of Lost Grove, he discovered a large number of buzzards eating a carcass. Curiosity caused him to ride out to see what they were eating, when he was horrified to find it was the remains of a man. The body was divested of clothing, the eyes picked out by the buzzards, and from appearances it had laid there about three days. There was no one living at that time near the grove, and the people on Bureau were notified of the murder, an in- quest was held, and the remains buried on the prairie, near where they were found. From appearance, the murdered man had been attacked in the grove, shot from his horse, the ball breaking his left arm, and entering his side. From the grove he ran about one mile, in the direction of Bureau settlement, but was overtaken by the assassin, and his brains beat out with a club. The club, with hair and blood on it, was found close by ; also a suit of much worn clothes, and a pocket bible, but these afforded no clue to this mysterious affair.
The bible, which was found by the side of the murdered man, is now in the possession of Andrew Swanzy, a resident of Princeton. Its title page shows that it was printed in London, in the year 1824. On the ilv leaf is written the name of Frederick Bunn Ringstead, 1831. "The gift of his friend Mrs. Gard- ner." On the other page of the fly leaf is written a
poem, on the presentation of the bible, which consisted 15
344 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
of fourteen lines, and./ signed by Frederick Bunn. A page in Chronicles, and one in Isaiah are stained with blood, which is still plain to be seen, although thirty- five years have passed away since the murder was com- mitted. It has never been ascertained who Frederick Bunn, the owner of the bible was, or how his bible became connected with this affair.
For many years this murder remained a mystery ; no clue could be obtained to the murderer, or his victim, until a man named Green was convicted of murder in Iowa, and made a confession. The name of the mur- dered man was Dunlap, a resident of Knox county, Ohio, and he came to this country for the purpose of entering land. He had employed Green to conduct him through from Fox river to Princeton, as there was no direct road through the country at that time. When the travelers arrived at Lost Grove, traveling on the Sac and Fox trail, riding side by side, they discovered on the prairie two large black wolves, and while Dunlap was looking at them, Green drew his pistol and shot him. At the report of the pistol Dunlap's horse jumped and threw him. Although badly wounded, he ran near one mile, when he was overtaken by Green, and his brains beat out with a club, as pre- viously stated. After committing the murder, Green took his victim's clothes, leaving his own in the grass near by ; also his money, which amounted to about five thousand dollars. Green dressed himself in Dunlap's clothes, mounted Dunlap's horse, and leading his own,
ROADS AT EARLY SETTLEMENT. 345
continued his journey westward, stopping the first night in Princeton.
A sequel to this affair went the rounds of the news- papers, in the summer of 1851, which ran as follows : " On the night before Green was to have been executed, through the assistance of confederates, he escaped from jail, and the ends of justice were thwarted. Tears afterward Green joined some California emigrants, and while on the plains he murdered an Indian. The Indians, in retaliation, were about to take revenge on the whole party, but the matter was compromised by giving up the murderer, when the Indians took Green and flayed him alive. Before his death, Green confessed that he was the man convicted of murder in Iowa, and the one who had committed the murder at Lost Grove, in Bureau county. In the presence of the emigrants, the Indians took Green, stripped off his clothing, tied him to a small willow tree, and commenced skinning him, which operation was completed before death came to his relief."
ROADS AT THE TIME OF EARLY SETTLEMENT.
For a number of years after the .settlement had been commenced, the roadfl through the county were scarcely anything else than Indian trails, never having been legally laid or worked. With the exception of the Peoria and Galena road, there was not a post mute through the county, and but few of the roads across
346 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
the country were accessible for wagons. In the fall of 1833, the Peoria and Galena state road, which ran west of Bureau, was changed so as to pass through Princeton and Tiskilwa. Mr. Argrove, who occupied the farm now belonging to Alexander Holbrook, was at that time overseer of highways, and he called out the people to work on this road. Settlers on the Princeton prairie, among whom were Maj. Chamberlain, Cyrus and John H. Bryant, with their hoes and spades, were engaged in digging on the bluff south of Tiskilwa, and a few days afterwards the stage horn for the first time was heard in Princeton, when it was supplied with a tri- weekly mail.
In the spring of 1837, a state road was located from Princeton to Prophetstown, on Rock river, crossing Green river at ISTew Bedford, and passing near the northwest corner of the county, (now Yorktown).
During the summer of 1837, a road was laid direct from Princeton to La Moille, passing the whole way through unimproved land. This road ran diagonally across tracts of land, and as these lands were improved the road was fenced out. As this road ran in the direction of Chicago, where people had commenced to haul their produce, a straight road was considered of great importance, and in order to accomplish this, Judge Ballou drew up a petition, which was signed by many citizens, and which passed the legislature, legalizing the Princeton and Chicago state road. Under this act the road was surveyed from Princeton to the county
ROADS AT EARLY SETTLEMENT. 347
line, by the way of Dover and La Moille, and perma- nently located. Notwithstanding the road ran almost the entire distance diagonally across farm land, the damage allowed by the commissioners on the whole route, being a distance of about twenty miles, did not exceed one hundred dollars. From the corporation of Princeton, the road angled for nearly one half mile across land which belonged to H. E. Phelps, and the damage allowed him was twenty-five dollars. Mr. Phelps would not accept the damage offered, and appealed to court. At the trial, one witness swore that he was not entitled to damage, as the land where the road ran was so wet that it would not pay to fence it.
During the wild speculation of 1836, many paper towns were laid off, and many paper roads surveyed to connect them with important places. Richard Masters, of the town of Dover, had many roads surveyed and staked off, which ran in various directions through the county, without regard to section lines, and a large number of these passed by his own farm. These roads, with many others of their day, were never traveled except by the parties engaged in making the survey.
CHAPTER XI.
JUSTICE COUKT.
It frequently occurred, in the early settlement of the county, that men were elected justices of the peace who had no legal qualifications, and were therefore incompetent to fill the office. Sometimes attorneys would impose upon these justices, by explaining to them law which did not exist, causing them to make erroneous decisions, and thereby thwart the ends of justice. As soon as a man was elected a justice of the peace, his neighbors would apply to him for legal advice, although they well knew that he possessed no knowledge of law, before his election. The county records show many funny things in the official acts of newly elected justices, one or two of which are worthy of note. In one case the acknowledgement of the grantee appears to a deed of conveyance instead of the grantor; in another case, a justice of the peace sold his neighbor a tract of land, and to save expense, took the acknowl- edgment of his own deed, in which he says that he
JUSTICE COURT. 349
examined his wife separate and apart from her husband, &c. A justice, who lived not far from Princeton, took an acknowledgment of a deed where the title was vested in the wife, and filled it out in the usual form, which read as follows : " Mr. B. having been examined by me separate and apart from his wife, acknowledged that he signed the within deed of convevance, without fear or compulsion from his wife.1' In these times of women's rights, this acknowledgment may not be out of place, but it appeared strange at the time it was executed.
Many years ago, a justice of the peace, and the attorney for the town of Princeton, kept their respective offices in the court house, and as they regarded them- selves guardians of the public weal, they were always on the lookout to see that no offender of the law should go unpunished, especially if it put money in their own pockets. On different occasions, when the justice was absent the attorney would do business for him, and vice versa, always dividing the fees according to their respective offices. One warm afternoon, while the attorney was sitting at the window of his office, looking out for a client, he saw a man under the influence of liquor, riding his horse <>n the sidewalk, contrary to the ordinance therein provided. The attorney ran into the justice's office to obtain a warrant, but found him absent. On the table he found ;m old warrant contain- ing the justice's signature; from this he erased the original name and inserted, "an unknown person.'1
350 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
With the warrant in his hand, he looked for an officer to serve it, but finding none, he served it himself. All alone and without assistance, he arrested and brought the offender of the law into court, and tried him. Acting as marshal, attorney, witness, and justice, he fined the culprit five dollars, which was paid without a murmer, when he was again set at liberty.
Many years ago, a man named James Gladden stole a horse from one Thomas Hill, who lived on Green river. The thief was followed to Iowa, caught and brought back in irons. The prisoner was taken before a newly elected justice in that vicinity, where a large crowd of angry people had collected, who threatened to lynch the culprit. Thomas Hope and Thomas Hills, who were acting as prosecuting attorneys, advised the excited people to abstain from violence, and let the law take its course. The prisoner was without counsel or friends, his hands and feet in irons, and apparently without any prospect of escaping immediate death, or for a term of years in the penitentiary. Fortunately the prisoner, he had in his possession a good watch and some money. These facts coming to the know- ledge of Mr. W., who was at once moved to action by pure philanthrophy, came forward in defense of the oppressed, and requested the justice to suspend investi- gation until counsel could be procured for the defense. The justice, with the dignity of his position, said to the crowd of people around him, "Although the prisoner is guilty of horse-stealing, he should have a
JUSTICE COURT. 351
fair trial, and if his innocence can be shown, this court will not convict him, notwithstanding his guilt." Mr. W.'s request was granted, and he left in great haste for Princeton, where he procured the services of Judge Zearing. On the arrival of the learned counsel, both court and prosecuting attorneys appeared influenced by his presence, and the prisoner's spirits began to revive. The proof being conclusive against the prisoner, the judge admitted his guilt, but appealed to the court for mercy, which appeal was made in the following language :
"May it please the court — my client, as you will observe, is a very unfortunate man ; having no horse and being poor could not buy one on credit, and was therefore under the necessity of stealing. Had he been rich, it would have been an easy matter to have bought a horse on time, and then ran off without paying for it. This, your honor will observe, would be the same as stealing, but what law in this land of liberty would punish him for that offense. Before this court of justice and equal rights, I believe a poor man will fare the same as a rich one" — (the justice nodding assent). He continued, " If a rich man should commit an offense he could give security for a large amount, but this my client cannot <1<>, and because a man is poor should lu- be oppressed, his rights disregarded, and confined in a loathsome prison for months or perhaps years, while a rich mail gives security and retains his liberty? No.
your honor, this cannot be, for it would outrage justice 16
352 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
and be an open violation of the constitution of the United States, which expressly says, ' no man on account of poverty shall be deprived of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.' Therefore, your honor will decide that fifty dollar bonds will be sufficient to hold the prisoner for trial."
The attorneys for the prosecution were opposed to admitting the prisoner to bail, making long speeches against horse stealing generally, and the villainous conduct of Gladden in particular.
After hearing the arguments on both sides, the justice said that he would hold the prisoner in one hundred dollar bonds for his appearance at court, as the horse he stole was worth that amount. A bond was executed, being signed by his friend W., who was in possession of his watch and money, so as to indemnify him against loss. The irons were then taken off, the thief set at liberty, and he was never heard from afterwards.
Gen. Wallace, who was afterwards killed at the battle of Shiloh, was then state's attorney, and he made a motion to default the security, when Judge Zearing, attorney for the defense, called his attention to the wording of the bond, which bound the security (not the criminal) to appear at court, and he added, uthe security is now in court, and ready to answer." The state's attorney threw down the bond, and called the next case on the docket.
Another remarkable case in the examination of a horse thief, came before a new Green river justice in
POLITICIANS ON A RAMPAGE. 353
the early settlement of that region. Knowing that the proof of the prisoner's guilt would be conclusive, his attorney was under the necessity of introducing a new plan of defense. While the justice and prosecuting attorney were at dinner, he tore a leaf out of the statute which related to horse stealing. On resuming the examination, the attorney for the defense admitted the theft, but contended that there was no law in Illinois against horse stealing. Every one was surprised at this declaration, and the attorney for the prosecution said he would show the court what the law was. Taking up the statute he consulted the index, but on turning to the page indicated, could find neither page nor law. This was very perplexing to the attorney ; he could not explain this mystery, and after looking the statute over and over again, and finding no law against horse stealing, he abandoned the case.
The justice, leaning back in his chair, manifesting the great dignity which belonged to his position, he addressed the bystanders about as follows : " Gentle- men, I am satisfied in my own mind that horse stealing is wrong, and a great evil in community, but as there appears to be no law in this state against it, I do not feel authorized to hold the prisoner for trial." So the justice ordered the irons taken off, and the thief set free.
POLITICIANS ON A RAMPAGE.
In the summer of 1838, there was great excitement
354 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
among the people of Putnam county in relation to its division and formation of new counties. After Bureau had been set off, Putnam county was left in such a shape that other divisions became necessary. A new county named Coffee, was created in the Spoon river country, at the same time that Bureau was formed, but its boundaries did not suit the people, consequently it was voted down, and Coffee county was heard of no more. The people on Spoon river demanded a county, and those living near Henry and Lacon one, both of which they proposed to take from Putnam. Meetings were held in different localities, politicians were active, old party issues were forgotten, and the all-absorbing topic of forming new counties, was paramount to all other interests. Col. William H. Henderson, of Spoon river, A. Moon and B. M. Hayes, of Hennepin, and Andrew Burns, of Magnolia, were candidates for the legislature. Thomas S. Elston, of Princeton, was also nominated, but he refused to be a candidate. The only issue before
t/
the people was the formation of these new counties, and each of the candidates represented different views on the main issue. Henderson, however, was elected by a large majority over all his competitors.
On the day of election, Col. Henderson appeared in Princeton, for the purpose, as he said, of correcting some false reports in relation to his policy. Capt. Parker, of Spoon river, was also present, for the express purpose as he stated, of exposing some of Henderson's political chicanery. Parker said he did not care about
POLITICIANS ON A RAMPAGE. 355
electing either of the candidates, as he seldom voted to elect a man to office, but for many years he had felt it to be his duty to vote against all d — d rascals. A large crowd of excited people had collected on the street opposite where Jones' meat market now stands, some of whom took sides with Parker, and others with Henderson. Capt. Parker insisted on speaking first, but Henderson having previously notitied the people that he would address them on this occasion, the majority decided that he was entitled to the stand, and accord- ingly he mounted a store box and commenced his speech. Capt. Parker, being aware of Henderson's gifts of oratory, knowing that he would tell a smooth story, and thereby carry the voters with him, thought of destroying its effects by an opposition speech. He accordingly mounted an empty molasses barrel that stood near the speaker's stand, and commenced speaking in a loud key. Being much excited, and his brain frenzied by bad whisky, he denounced Henderson as a rascal, calling him a Little Bull and Old Wiggins politician, who was in favor of selling the state for a mess of pottage.* This accusation threw Henderson off his balance, and jumping down from the stand, he caughl Parker l>v the leg. upset the molasses barrel,
♦ Some years previous, the legislature bad borrowed one hundred thousand dollars Orom <»m Wiggins, at si. Louis, for the purpose of redeeming the outstanding notes of th< old state bank. This act was very unpopular, and people raised a hue and cry against It, saying that ( »i<i Wiggins bad boughl the state, and Its Inhabitants, for genera- tions to c >me, would be slaves to him, as Mich a large sum of money never could be paid. About the same time a bill passed the Legislature for Improving the stock of cattle, and prohibited, under a penalty,
356 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
and brought him sprawling on the ground. By the interference of bystanders, a fight was prevented, but Parker was compelled to defer his speech until Hen- derson was through.
CIVIL AUTHORITY SUPERSEDED BY AN ARMED FORCE.
Many of the early settlers of this and adjoining counties, will recollect Bill "Rogers, who acquired great notoriety throughout the west as a sporting character. Rogers was a tall, raw-boned, dark-complexioned man, fond of gambling, horseracing, fighting, &c, and was always the leading spirit among his associates. Many years ago Rogers went to California, where he became equally noted, and at one time was sheriff at Sacramento.
In the fall of 1837, the government removed the Indians from Michigan to lands assigned them west of the Mississippi river. Rogers was employed in con- ducting a party of seven or eight hundred of these Indians to their new home. While encamped in La Salle county, parties greedy of gain, brought whisky into camp to sell to the Indians. Rogers knocked in the head of a barrel, spilling the whisky on the ground, and then whipped one of the dealers. For this offense
little bulls from running at large. This law was thought to favor the rich people, who could own big bulls, and would profit by the de- struction of the small ones. The masses took sides with the little bulls, contending for equal rights even among brutes. These two acts were very unpopular, and for many years all that was necessary to defeat a candidate for office, was to make people believe that he was in favor of the'Old Wiggins and Little Bull acts.
CIVIL AUTHORITY SUPERSEDED. 357
a warrant was issued for the arrest of Rogers, but leaving the country before it was served, it was placed in the hands of Cyrus Langworthy, then sheriff of Bureau county, to serve. The sheriff at once proceeded to make the arrest, and coming up with Rogers in the valley of Bureau, a short distance above Tiskilwa, lie notified him that he was a prisoner, and must accompany him forthwith to Ottawa. At this announcement Rogers stretched his tall form up to its full height, while a self-possessing and determined smile lighted up his dark visage, as he politely informed the sheriff that he would not go, and could not be taken. Said he, " Surrounded as I am by numerous friends, (referring to the Indians), I am prepared to resist the state, or even the United States authority." Rogers told the Indians that the sheriff was one of the whiskv dealers,
*
had always been an enemy of the red man, and his object was to detain them, so he could steal their ponies. At this announcement the Indians were much exasperated, and formed around Rogers in battle array, showing by their acts that they were determined to defend him. Sheriff Langworthy not liking the looks of the rifles and tomahawks in the hands of several hundred Indians, beat a hasty retreat, while Bill Rogers, with his Indian friends, pursued their way westward.
CHAPTER XII.
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD.
For a number of years Bureau county was a strong- hold of abolitionism, and many exciting incidents, in connection with runaway slaves, took place within its boundaries, a brief account of a few of which mav interest the reader. The first case of this kind occurred at the house of Elijah Smith, in December, 1835, and* it created at the time great excitement in the neigh- borhood.*
In the summer of 1835, two black girls, belonging to Maj. Dougherty, of St. Louis, escaped from bondage and found refuge at Mineral Point, Wisconsin. Some
♦Those engaged in assisting slaves to escape, were regarded by many as wild fanatics, violators of law, and therefore could not be good citi- zens. Whether the acts of these mea were justifiable or not, it must be admitted that they were persons of moral integrity, and did only what they believed to be their duty. Among those most actively engaged in this business, were Owen Lovejoy, John Walters, Deacon Caleb Cook, D. E. Norton, Eli Smith and J. T. Holbrook. Eli Smith owned an old sorrel horse, named John, and a Dearborn wagon, with which, for many years, slaves were carried on their way to freedom. This horse and wagon became noted along the line, and it is said that It furnished the design for a cat that headed the advertising bill of the underground railroad.
ELI SMITE
PUBi g
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD. 361
months after they arrived there, a professional slave catcher, named Harris, learning of their whereabouts, captnred them, and was on his way to St. Louis, where he expected to receive the large reward that was offered for their return to slaver v. Harris was traveling on horseback, and leading by his side another horse, on which the two girls were mounted. On a cold De- cember night, Harris, with his two captives, whose feet wTere badly frozen, arrived at Elijah Smith's house of entertainment, where he procured quarters for the night. It so happened that same night that James G. Ross, of Ox Bow prairie, being on his way to Galena, was staying over night at Smith's house. Mr. Eoss, being an abolitionist, was soon engaged in a warm con- troversy with the slave catcher, each of whom accused the other of rascality. Smith's house of entertainment consisted of a double log cabin, of two apartments, the men occupying one, and the women, with the two black girls, the other. Eli Smith and wife, with another neighbor, were there spending the evening, and on hearing the girls tell their sad story, they became interested in their behalf, and a plan was adopted for their rescue. Mr. Ross being a party to this project, proposed to take the girls to his friends, east of the river, where they would bo assisted on their way to Canada.
To avoid being snspicioned by Harris, Ross com- plained of sudden illness, and the women gave him
warm teas, but getting worse, he went up stairs to bed. 17
362 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
Each of the cabins of which Smith's residence was composed, had a flight of stairs that met at the top. Ross, instead of going to bed, walked down the other flight of stairs, brought out his horse, hitched it on to Eli Smith's sled, and with the girls started for Hennepin. On reaching the timber, near Joel Doolittle's residence, he found the snow so near gone that his horse could not draw his load, so he left the old sled by the wayside, placed the girls on his horse, and going on foot himself, he continued the journey.
Harris, believing that Ross was sick in bed, gave him- self no further trouble about his chatties, but went on to tell what he would do if any one should attempt to steal his negroes. Before retiring for the night, Harris went into the other apartment to see if everything was right, and he was much surprised to find the girls gone. Assisted by Elijah Smith, carrying a lantern, the barn and haystacks were searched, but without effect. Harris was in a terrible rage, accused the family of being accessory to the escape of the girls, and taking out his revolver, he swore he would shoot all about the house if they were not forthcoming.
For three days Harris remained in the neighborhood searching for the runaways, but without success. The girls were assisted on their way towards Canada, and were never returned to slavery.
In 1840, Jonathan T. Holbrook, of La Moille, was indicted and tried in the circuit court of this county, for harboring a runaway slave. This being the first
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD. 363
case of the kind tried in Bureau county, it caused much excitement among the people, and it established a pre- cedent for similar cases, which were afterwards tried under the fugitive slave law.
A black man, named John, supposed to be a runaway slave, had been in the neighborhood of La Moille about one year, working for Mr. Holbrook and others. It being well known that Mr. Holbrook was an abolitionist, some of the friends of slavery thought it best to make an example of him, hence the indictment. J. D. Caton and T. L. Dickey, both of whom were subsequently circuit judge of this district, were employed in the defense of Mr. Holbrook. Thomas Ford, afterwards governor, was on the bench at that time, and his rulings were such as to displease the prosecution. Although the court and attorneys were opposed to abolitionism, they had no sympathy with the prosecution. The trial was a mere farce, and Mr. Holbrook was acquitted.
In the fall of 1838, a young man, with black hair, broad shoulders, and peculiar expressive blue eyes, was seen coming into Princeton on horseback. He was alone, and a stranger, without means, being in search of a place to make his future home, and came here by mere chance. This man was ( )\wn Lovejoy, subsequently of political celebrity.* Soon after arriving here, Mr.
*0n the morning ->r the 9th <>r November, i-;7, the writer landed from ;i Bteamboal on tin- wharf at Alton, and Learned from the excited people what bad transpired there the Dlghl before. The prl-hles on the wharf were stained with the blood <-t Bishop, and on the door of
364 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTS.
Lovejoy was installed pastor of the Congregational Church, and occupied that position for sixteen years. From that time Princeton became a place of note ; although containing but few inhabitants, and having but little commercial relation with other parts of the world, it was, nevertheless, the head center of aboli- tionism for the west. Newspapers of that day reported state conventions held here, and great speeches made in favor of immediate emancipation, so that Princeton was known in abolition circles throughout the Union. Even slaves at the south heard of it, and many of them came to see it, which caused Col. Barksdale in a speech in Congress, to denounce Princeton as one of the greatest negro stealing places in the west.
According to abolition papers of that day, an under- ground railroad was established, which extended from the slave states to Canada, passing through Princeton, and making it a place for changing cars. John Cross, a Wesleyan Methodist minister, who lived near La Moille, was announced general superintendent, and he was succeeded in office by Owen Lovejoy. Mr. Cross had hand bills and large posters circulated through the country advertising his business, and calling on
Godfrey & Gilman's warehouse, was seen standing in clotted pools, the life-blood of Elijah P. Lovejoy.
The death of Lovejoy was heralded throughout the Union, and caused people everywhere to go wild with excitement, but at that time no one thought that a quarter of a century would scarcely pass away before thousands of lives and millions of money would be sacrificed on account of slavery.
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD. 365
abolitionists everywhere for assistance in carrying out his plans. His bills were not headed with a picture of a locomotive and a train of cars, but with a bobtail horse in a Dearborn wagon — the driver leaning forward and applying the whip, while the heads of two darkies were seen peering out from under the seat. Stations were established at proper distances, and agents in readiness to convey fugitives forward as soon as thev arrived. It was almost an everv dav occurrence for slaves to pass through on this line, while their masters followed after by the ordinary means of conveyance, and were surprised to find how fast their chatties had traveled. Many exciting incidents occurred on this underground railroad, some of which are still fresh in the minds of the people.
In 1849, a vounff slave named John, ran away from his master in Missouri, located in Princeton, and became quite a favorite among the people. His master, hearing of his whereabouts, and accompanied by a friend to prove property, came after him. The slave was mowing in an out lot in the north part of town, and did not observe the slave catchers until they came upon him, each of whom presented a pistol to his head, which caused him to make no resistance. His hands were tied behind him, and his master holding one end of the rope, led him like a dog through the streets <>!' the town. News "t" the boy's capture flew like 'ightning, and people, much excited, were Been running hither and thither, marshaling their forces for tin; rescue. A
366 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
warrant was issued, and the slave catchers arrested ou the charge of kidnapping, and with the slave were taken to the court house for trial. The court room was filled with excited people, some of whom sympathized with the slave, and others his master. While the trial was progressing, some one cut the rope that bound the slave, and during the confusion he escaped from the court room, followed by the excited crowd, some to catch, and others to assist him in making his escape. A horse, with a woman's saddle on, was hitched in the street, on which they placed the slave, and ordered him to ride with all speed to the residence of Mr. Lovejoy, followed by the court and crowd of excited people. The house of Mr. Lovejoy was surrounded by the excited people, some to protect, and others to capture the slave. Behind the barn a man was seen to mount a horse, and a cry was raised, ''There goes the negro." The slave party put their horses at full speed in pursuit of the fugitive, who had taken across the prairie in the direction of Dover, but on coming up with him they were surprised to find instead of the negro Mr. Waldo with a black veil over his face.
The slave party attempted to force an entrance into the house, but Mr. Lovejoy forbid them doing so without due process of law. A messenger was sent for a search warrant, and while they were waiting for his return, the boy in disguise, with a basket on his arm, went to the barn. Behind the barn a wagon was standing, into which the slave was placed and covered
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD. 367
up with empty bags. This wagon was drove quietly away, and the slave escaped while the slave party stood guard around Mr. Lovejov's house, waiting for a search warrant.
The Rev. John Cross, general agent and superin- tendent of the underground railroad, was charged by parties in Knox county with assisting a slave on his way to freedom. For this offense a warrant was issued for his arrest, and placed into the hands of the sheriff of this countv, as Mr. Cross resided near La Moille at that time. The deputy sheriff arrested Cross, and proceeded with him on his way to Knoxville, where he was to be tried for the henious offense of assisting a slave on his way to Canada. At Osceola, Stark county, the deputy, with his prisoner, stopped for the night, and as Cross had an engagement to preach there the next day, he asked permission of the officer to fill his appointment, but his request was not granted. The friends of Mr. Cross offered to guarantee his safe de- livery after the service, but the officer was inexorable, and explained to then) that the law made no provision tor a criminal to stem while on his way to jail to deliver abolition lecture-, telling them that lie was an otlicer of the law, and should carry out its provisions at all hazards,- that no abolition mob could intimidate him. To tin- the friends of Mr. Cross replied that he Bhould stay and preach, intimating to the officer thai he might set into trouble it' he undertook forcible means to carry off his prisoner.* The deputy, finding that he had
368 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. %
fell into the hands of the Phillistines, lost all his courage, became nervous, and finally consented that his prisoner might stay and preach, but he kept all the while at his elbow to prevent his escape. After preaching was over, the officer summoned a posse to assist him in taking the prisoner to Knoxville, but finding they were all friends of the prisoner, he dismissed them, as they would be likely to do him more harm than good. The officer then inquired of Mr. Cross how much he would ask to deliver himself up peaceably to the jailor at Knoxville ; to which he replied that he would do it for ten dollars. The officer thought the price exhorbitant, but offered him five, and they finally agreed on seven dollars. Things being now arranged, they proceeded on their journey, but the officer appeared uneasy, being fearful that the prisoner's friends had laid a trap to rescue him on the road. The officer frequently inquired of Mr. Cross if he though, in case of a rescue, they would commit violence on him, to which Mr. Cross replied he could not tell what they would do, as his friends were very angry at his arrest, and therefore he would not be responsible for their acts. Fearful forebodings of evil had now taken possession of the officer's mind, and he turned pale, became nervous and excited. Mr. Cross assured him that he had nothing to do with the rescue, and in fact did not wish it, for in that case he would lose the seven dollars, which he very much needed.
As the officer with his prisoner came near Spoon
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD. 369
river timber, they saw two men in the road ahead of
them, who were engaged in conversation, while two
others were seen going towards them. Mr. Cross
appeared surprised to see his friends about to rescue
him, and said he would defeat their plans, as he could
not think of losing the forthcoming seven dollars. He
told the sheriff to lay down in the bottom of the buggy
and he would cover him over with buffalo robes, so his
friends, seeing him alone and not under arrest, would
not stop him. This arrangement was agreed to by the
sheriff, and he was nicely wrapped up in robes and
horse blankets, so that no part of his person was visible.
On coming up with the men in the road, who were
there by chance, Cross spoke to them, at the same time
whipping his horses, and went on at great speed. A
little further on, where the road was very rough, he
spoke to some imaginary person, again whipping his
horses into a gallop. The old buggy rattled and creaked,
as it bounded over stumps and through deep ruts, the
sheriffs head coming in contact with the seat, then
against the side of the box, while suppressed groans
came forth from the olHcial victim. Again and again
Mr. Cross would speak as though meeting some one,
and whipping his horses into a gallop as before, the
buggy rattled and the sheriff groaned, but on he went,
Jehu-like, for about two miles, over a rough timber road. At last Mr. Cross made a halt, uncovered the
sheriff, telling him to get up, as they had now ]>:i-^ed 18
370 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
all danger. As he arose, looking cautiously around him to see that no enemy was near, he took out his two pistols to examine them, saying at the same time, " If they had attacked me, I would have made a powerful resistance."
That same day the prisoner was safely delivered over to the authorities at Knoxville, and was set at libertv without an examination.
CHAPTER XIII.
THE MAGICIAN.
Many years ago, a tall, spare, light complexioned man, of peculiar appearance, by the name of Jacob Wade, came to this county, and for a number of years made his home near the village of Dover. Wade professed to be a magician, and by his magic art made a good living out of those who became his dupes. He would travel around the neighborhood telling fortunes, looking up stolen property, and pointing out hidden treasures. If horses or cattle had strayed off or been stolen, he would look into his hat, and tell where they could be found. For a while Wade's fame extended far and near, and many people from a distance came to consult him on secret matters. Young men and mai- dens were in the habit of consulting Wade on their love affairs, and by him they would always receive balm to heal their wounded hearts.
Among Wade's dupes was a man named James Peters, who at that time owned the Bureau Vallev mills, and
372 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
report says that this magician swindled him out of a large sum of money. Wade made Peters believe that the peep stone, with which Joe Smith discovered the golden bible, was still in existence, belonging to a man in Western New York, and could be bought for two hundred dollars. Peters believing this story, employed Wade to purchase this stone for him, advancing the purchase money and traveling expenses, besides giving him a fine yoke of cattle for his trouble. After a few weeks this wonderful peep stone was produced by Wade, but Peters could see nothing through it. Wade's magic power was again tested, and on looking through the stone he discovered a chest of diamonds secreted about ten feet under ground. Peters now believed his fortune was made, employed a number of Irish laborers, and commenced digging. Day after day the digging went on ; Peters was sanguine that the prize would be ob- tained, urging on the work by paying extravagant wages, while Wade sat on a log near by, looking through the peep stone, and giving directions to the laborers. As they came nigh the prize, something would be said or done to break the charm, when it would be moved to another place. In this way many holes were dug in the creek bottom, north of the Bureau Valley mills — some of which are still to be seen. After spending much time and monev in searching for diamonds, Peters lost all faith in the magic peep stone, and threw it into the creek, sold his property, and left the countrjr. Two prominent citizens of Dover were captivated with
THE MAGICIAN. 373
Wade's magic power, and by him they were made to believe that a pot of gold was secreted in the bluff near the present site of Bureau Junction. These men left their business one bright morning, and went off in search of gold, without letting their families know of their whereabouts. With spades and shovels, and two empty salt sacks to hold the gold, and accompanied by Wade, they left for Leepertown in order to secure their fortune. The spot was pointed out by Wade, and the work commenced. Neither of the men were accustomed to manual labor, and they found digging in a hard gravelly knoll very different from measuring calico. With blistered hands, and the sweat running down their faces, they worked away in silence, while Wade sat by their side looking into his hat, by which means he watched the pot of gold. The day was now far advanced, the gold diggers tired and their faith wa- vering, but Wade told them if they doubted their success, or used hard words, the charm would be broken and the gold removed. At last one of the gold diggers threw down his spade, at the same time exclaiming, "I'll bedurnedif I'll dig any more." Then said Wade, as he sat looking into his hat, "By yonr incredulity the
prize 18 lost, for thai moment I saw the pot <>t" gold move to another place."
It was long after dark when the gold diggers returned home, tired and disheartened, with their hands blistered, clothes soiled, and their salt sacks still empty.
Years have now passed away, and with many tins
374
REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
incident is almost forgotten, but the parties themselves still dislike to talk about digging for gold.
METEOROLOGICAL TABLE.
During the year 1850, the writer kept a record of the variation of the thermometer, taken morning and evening of each day, with the following result:
MEAN TEMPERATURE FOR EACH MONTH.
Montb .
02 •
3 '3
M
Q c
il"
-? o
January, 25
February, 30
March, 34
April, 40
May,
57
June, |71
July, 78
August 70
September,
October,
November,
December,
'60 51
a
21
1
2 4
8
i
9 10
10
5
2
2 3
934 1
1H
3
1
Winter, 29 degrees; spring, 43; summer, 73; autumn, 51. Mean tem- perature for the year, 48 degrees. Greatest cold, January 4th, — 12 degrees below zero; greatest heat, July 10th, — 101. During the year there were sixty-eight rains, and thirteen days snow
The winter of 1830-31 was intensely cold, with snow three feet deep, and drifted very much ; the winter of 1832-33 was unusually mild; the winter of 1842-43 was very cold, and snow lay from November 17th until April 2d; the summer of 1844 very wet, with great floods; 1845 was uncommon dry — no rain fell on the west side of Dover township from April 28th until Christmas day, when it rained hard, with heavy thunder and lightning.
CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS. 375
On the 20th of December, 1836, occurred a very remarkable change in the weather, which will long be remembered by early settlers. For two days previous to this sudden change, southern wind prevailed, the sun shining warm like spring weather, and the snow which was deep at the time, had melted into slush. About three o'clock in the afternoon, the wind changed to the northwest, and blew almost a gale, and within a few hours the thermometer changed eighty degrees. Forest trees cracked like guns; sleds and wagons which were standing in the street froze fast in their tracks. A man and his daughter who lived east of Hennepin, being out after their cattle, a short distance from the house, were frozen to death, and a number of people in different parts of the west perished that afternoon and evening. In a number of instances, cattle and hogs, while standing by the side of a building to shield them- selves from the wind, with their feet in slushy snow, were frozen fast in their tracks, and found dead next morning.
CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS.
The first religious service within the Limits of Bureau county, was held at the house of John Hall, in August 1830. Six or eight persons were present, and Elijah Epperson preached to them. There wh,> qo established ministry of any denomination, until the summer <>t" 1833, when William Koyal, a Methodist missionary,
376 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
made Bureau settlement one of his appointments, preaching once in four weeks, at the residence of Abram Stratton. His mission extended from Peoria to Ottawa, with twenty-two preaching places, some of which were more than thirty miles apart, and he passed around his circuit once in four weeks.
In the fall of 1833, the Rev. Lucien Farnham, a Congregational minister, located in Princeton, and received his support partly from the Home Missionary Society. In September, 1834, the first camp meeting for Bureau settlement was held in the grove west of Princeton, near the residence of Oscar Knox. The Methodists and Congregationalists united in holding this meeting, and it was agreed that proselytes should be at liberty to join which ever church they preferred. John St. Clair was at that time presiding elder; his district extended over all the north part of the state, including both Galena and Chicago. The elder, in his opening address to the congregation, said it was a Methodist meeting, and they would claim all the converts. The Congregational ministers, Mr. Farnham and Mr. Dickey, took exceptions to this, and from that time forward sectional feeling existed among the settlers.
The first school house within the limits of this county was built in the winter of 1833-34, on a farm now owned by Mrs. R. Moseley. This building was fourteen feet square, and intended to accommodate all of the settlement on the Princeton prairie. On the division
JOEL DOOLITTLE.
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY!
AtTfcK.LINOX TILDfcH POWKDATW*.
SETTLEMENT OF PRINCETON PRAIRIE. 379
of the school district, this school house was moved near Joel Doolittle's residence, and a new one built in the timber where George Brown now lives. The first school west of the Illinois river was taught by Elijah Smith, in a part of his own house, during the winter of 1833-34. The first school west of Main Bureau, and north of town sixteen, was taught by Miss Hattie Coulter, (now Mrs. Burnham), in the summer of 1836. This school was kept in a vacant cabin, where L. Holi- day now lives, and consisted of eight or ten scholars.
SETTLEMENT OF PRINCETON PRAIRIE.
It has already been stated that members of the Hamp- shire colony, as well as Roland Moseley and friends, had settled on the Princeton prairie during the summer of 1831. Early in the spring of the same year, John "Williams made a claim west of Princeton, on a farm now occupied by John Wagner. Mr. William- built a small log cabin by the side of a spring, where he remained for a year or two, but bis family was sick much of the time, and being obliged to liee from his home two years in succession, lie became disgusted with the country, abandoned his claim and left it never to return.
In the spring of 1832, Joel Doolittle settled ona Gum
which still bears his name, and in the fall of the same
year Cyrus and John II. Bryant came t<> the country.
In 1833 James Hayes and Ahram Jones made olaime 19
380 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
west of town, on farms now occupied by Aaron and Oscar Knox. The same year Arthur Bryant and L. Reeves came to the country, and settled where they now live. The land on which they located was claimed by John B. Blake, but he was then east of the Illinois river engaged in teaching school for ten dollars per month, leaving his claim with Dr. N. Chamberlain, who sold it to the above named parties for twenty-five dollars. In the spring of 1833, Maj. N". Chamberlain made a claim south of town, on a farm now occupied by E. Douglas, and lived here for many years. In 1834, Aaron Mercer,Caleb Cook, Asher Doolittle, Elisha Wood and Mr. Tucker came here. The next year Col. A. Bryant, Solomon Burr, James and Alby Smith, But- ler Denham, David Robinson and the large families of Coltons and "Winships, became residents of Princeton prairie.
CHENOWETH PRAIRIE AND LONE TREE SETTLEMENT.
- The prairie lying between Senachwine and Main Bureau timber, was known in the early settlement of the county as Chenoweth prairie. The first claim was made in the fall of 1834 by Ferrill Dunn, on the farm now occupied by Alanson Benson. In the spring of 1835, Elder J. B. Chenoweth, Elisha Searl, H. Sheldon and P. Kirkpatrick, settled here. A few years after- ward, Elial and ISToah Long, Harrison Shepard, Mr. Perkins, Dr. Swanzy, O. Milling, A. Brown, S. E.
CHENOWETH PKAIRIE AND LONE TREE. 381
Morris, V. Aldrich and S. B. Titcomb, became residents of this locality.
South of Chenoweth prairie, on high ground, some distance from timber, once stood a lone tree, which became a noted land mark in the early settlement of the country. This tree was a white oak, with large spreading top, and could be seen for miles away — a guide for travelers in the absence of roads. After having withstood the tempest, probably for centuries, at last it yielded to its power. During a violent gale in June, 1866, it fell to the ground, and is no more, but its memory will live long among the people of that locality. In 1841, a settlement was commenced here, and for many years it was known as the Lone Tree settlement. John and T. Kirkpatrick were the first to settle in this locality, and the next year they built a saw mill on Crow creek. In the spring of 1842, J. Larkins and Nelson Ballman made farms near the lone tree, and next year Alpheus Cook, J. Merritt and others, made farms north of it. Among the early settlers in the vicinity of the lone tree, were Iloiirv, G. W. and Raleigh Rich, S. M. Clark, J. and S. Miller, and the large family of Andersons.
About two miles northwest of Lone Tree is the Locust Spring, another old land mark of former days. This spring was a great watering place for buffalo, am: at the time <>t* early Bettlemenl their trails were visible, extending in various directions across tin- prairie,
382 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTS.
leading to and from the water. Along the Senachwine, above and below the spring, the ground for some ways was almost covered with buffalo bones, evidently showing where a large herd had perished.
CHAPTER XIV.
SETTLEMENT OF GREEN RIVER.
For many years after settlements had been made in the eastern and central portions of the county, the land on Green river remained vacant, unoccupied, without a house or a cultivated field, and was visited only by hunters and trappers. Originally the country was known as Winnebago swamps, but it took the name of Green river about the time the settlement commenced. In October, 1836, Henry Thomas entered land at the narrows (now New Bedford), and for a number of years it was the only entered tract in that section of the country. In the spring of 1837, Cyrus "Watson, the first settler on Green river, built a cabin on Thomas1 land, believing it to be vacant. About this time a state road was laid from Princeton to Prophetstown, on Rock river, crossing Green river at this point, when Henry Thomas built a ferry boat, and tor a number of years it was known as Thomas' ferry.
Among the first settlers on Green river, were Francis
384 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
and William Adams, Samuel D. Brady, Milton Cain, Daniel Davis, Lewis Burroughs, Dwight Bingham, Norman and Justus Hall, Peter McDonald, Mr. Heath, George W. Spratt, T. and N. Hill, Joseph Caswell, J. N. Kise and Jacob Sells. The Yorktown settlement commenced in the year 1846, and among the first that settled there were W. and S. Dow, R. H. and S. W. Seldon, and the large family of McKinzies.
The Indian Boundary line passed immediately north of New Bedford, and north of wThich the land was not in market until 1844. The people who settled here were poor, without money to enter their lands, and for years it was held by claims or pre-emption right. There was an organized society formed on Green river, known as the " Settler's League," with a constitution and by- laws, the object of which was to prevent speculators and others from entering their lands. From this settler's league, originated the phrase " State of Green river."
George "W. Spratt was the first justice of the peace elected on Green river, and the first suit before him was attended by almost every person in the settlement. Simon Kinney and Judge Ballou were at that time the only attorneys in the county, and they were employed in this case as opposing counsel. There was living in the settlement a half-breed, by the name of Green, with his two French sons-in-law, Battis and Shane, all of whom were hunters and trappers. Green was a party to this suit, and on account of color objections were
LOST GROVE SETTLEMENT. 385
made to his family testifying at the trial. The question of color was argued by the counsel, and decided by the court, but the jury did not like the decision, and con- sequently reversed it.
Spratt's cabin contained only one room, and the jury, for deliberation, were taken into a cave, dug out of a sand knoll, and used for a root house. Although the question of color was settled by the justice, the jury regarded it their duty to decide the constitutionality of the black laws of Illinois. And here in this dark and loathsome root house, lighted only by a single candle, the first Green river jury decided that a man with a drop of negro or Indian blood in his veins, could not be believed under oath.
LOST GROVE SETTLEMENT.
Lost Grove, is a small belt of timber in the town of Westfield, and contains from one to two hundred acres of land. Like many other groves in the county, it has a history; apart of which will be of interest to the reader. In the spring of 1831, Mason Dimmick, claimed Lost Grove, and commenced a cabin at its southeast end, where the village of Arlington, now
nds. Dimmick did not complete his cabin, nor upy it, and a few years afterwards he abandoned his claim. In 1834 O. II. BLngh, claimed the grove, com- pleted the cabin which Dimmick, had commenced,
386 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
moved into it, broke and fenced in a small field. Hugh being without neighbors, and as he thought, without any prospect of ever having any, became disatisfied with his location, and offered to sell his claim for twenty-live dollars. In the spring of 1835, Col. Austin Bryant, and Enoch Pratt, examined this claim for the purpose of buying it, but they thought the timber only sufficient for two farms, and they must necessarily be without meeting or schools. Mr. Hugh being unsuccessful in selling his claim, abandoned it and left the country ; his cabin went to decay and for five years no person lived at Lost Grove.
For twelve years after the settlement had commenced on Bureau, Lost Grove, and the country around it, remained vacant and unoccupied, the haunts and roving ground for deer and wolves. In the fall of 1835, Lost Grove was claimed by two young men named Blodgett and Lindley. While they were disputing about their respective rights, Benj. Briggs, a non-resident, entered it, and in 1840 he sold it to Michael Kennedy, who made a large farm here soon after.
In the summer of 1840, David Koth having a con- tract of grading on the old Illinois Central railroad, built a house on government land, two miles east of the grove, and sold it the next year to Martin Corley, who still occupies it. Others settled around the grove soon after, among whom were Daniel Cahill, Daniel Lyon, James Waugh, Peter Cassady, and others.
SETTLEMENT IN THE WEST OF THE COUNTY. 387
Previous to the year 1834 no settlement had been made in the western part of this county, and for many years after that period the country remained uninhabited and unoccupied, except a few families who lived at some of the principal groves. In the spring of 1834, Thornton Cummings made a claim on the north side of French Grove, and J. G. Keed at Coal Grove, near the present site of Sheffield. Next year Paul Riley, Caleb and Eii Moore, and James Laughrey, made claims at French Grove. A. Fay, at Menominee Grove, and Benjamin Cole at Bulbona Grove. In the summer of 1836, John, Thomas and Moses Stevens, with their large families, became residents of this locality, and at the same time Jesse and George Emerson, Joseph Lvford, and others settled here. Soon after, Amos Whittemore, Franklin and Joseph Foster, John and C. P. Mason, S. Brainard and Peter Fitield became residents.
In 1836, William Studley settled at the south end of Barren Grove, and soon after William and George Norton, IT. P. BatleriU and James Tibbetts located near by. About the same time a settlement was made at Sugar Grove, and the north end <>t* Barren Grov< ; among the early settlers were Curtiss Williams, Thomas Grattidge, John Clark, Dr. Ball, George Squires and E. I>. Kemp.
Tin- towns of Manlius and Gold were fche last in the
county to Bettle, and the land in them was principally
vacant as late as L850. Among tin- early settlers of
these towns were Samuel Matins. Sylvester Barber, 20
388 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
Thomas Rinehart, Allen Lathrop, Charles McKune, James Martin, Dr. Moore, JS". N. Hewitt, David Marple, George Detro, Jacob Waters and Joseph Johnston.
In the fall of 1834, J. G. Reed found a coal bank in Coal Grove, which was the first discovered within the limits of this countv.
EARLY SETTLEMENT ON MAIN BUREAU.
In the spring of 1830, John L. and Justus Ament made claims on the east side of Main Bureau timber ; built cabins, and occupied them with their families. These were the first claims taken along Bureau timber, and they are occupied at present by James G. Forristall, and Mathew Taylor. In the fall of 1830, Sylvester Brigham and James G. Forristall made claims south of Ament's, the former where James Hensel now lives, and the latter on a farm now occupied by James Ooddington. In 1833, James Garvin and D. Ellis made claims on the east side of the timber, and Green- berry Hall, and Abram Musick on the west side. In 1834, Elias Isaac, Robert Masters, Obadiah Britt, Thornton Wilson, and Robert Gerton settled on the east side of the timber, and about the same time Richard Masters, Marshall Mason, James Wilson, and John Elliott made claims on the west side. In 1835, Israel and J. H. Huffaker, John Wise, Thomas Cole, Abner Boyle and others settled on the east side of the timber.
JAMES <•• FOBRISTALL
PUBLICUBR^
\ TILOEHfOOHDiir
SETTLEMENT IN THE NORTH OF THE COUNTY. 891
As early as the spring of 1836, a settlement was commenced on what was afterwards known as the Dover prairie, and the first house was built by George Clark. on the farm now occupied by him. "With the exception of a few houses in Princeton and vicinity, there was none built off from the timber, and from this time dates the settling of the prairies of Bureau county.
In the summer of 1836, Enos, Sidney and Oden Smith, and Alfred Clark entered land and made farms out on the prairie, near East Bureau creek. Soon afterwards others came in, among whom were Martin Zearing, S. Mohler, John Bellangee, Peletiah, and Nathan Rackley, Benj. Porter, George Wells, and C. G. Reed.
Fur many years the settlement on the west side of the creek was confined to a string of farms along the margin of the timber, and land adjoining these farms belonged to non-residents. In 1840, Robert Limerick entered land and made a farm near where the village of Limerick now stands, and for a number of years he was the only resident on that prairie.
/
SETTLEMENT IN THE NORTH PART OF THE COUNT V.
Although two cabins were built in the north part of
the county at an early day, the settlement of that
loci lity is of ;i recent <late. The towns of Ohio and
Walnut, which arc among the best in the county, were mostly vacant in 1850, and from that time the Bettle- ment of them dates. It has alrea<i\ been stated that
392 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
the Anient family settled at Red Oak Grove, in the spring of 1828 ; three years afterwards they sold their claim to James Magby,who occupied it a short time, when he abandoned it and left the country. In 1833, James Claypoll lived here, and in 1836 he sold his claim to Luther Denham, who occupied it for some years.
In the summer of 1836, a man named Martin claimed Walnut Grove, built a cabin ; broke and fenced some prairie, but next year A.. H. Janes and Greenberry Triplett jumped his claim and made farms here soon after, others settled around the grove, among whom were Truman Culver, Richard Brewer, Peter McKnitt, Thomas Sanders, Richard Langford, E. Kelly, and the large family of Wolf.
In the spring of 1830, Dad Joe (Joseph Smith), located at Dad Joe Grove, and lived here for six years without neighbors. In 1836, T. S. Elston came in possession of this claim, and for many years it was occupied by different renters, who kept here a house of entertainment. In 1841, F. G. Buckan built a cabin on the north line of the county, and it was afterwards occupied by Mr. Abbot. In 1846, Wm. Cleveland built a cabin on high prairie, three miles south of Dad Joe Grove, but he abandoned it the next year. A year or two afterward John and Andrew Ross settled on the prairie, and soon afterwards others made farms in this vicinitv, amon^ whom were Squire Falvey, John Kasbeer, William Cowen, Stephen Wilson, Mr. Hun- ter, Daniel P. and D wight Smith.
EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PRINCETON. 393
Princeton is located on the school section, and was laid off by Koland Moseley, John P. Blake and John Musgrove, acting as school trustees. Its survey bears date September, 1832, and the sale of lots took place at Hennepin in May following. The lots were sold on credit, with six months interest, payable in advance. But a small portion of the school section was sold, and the average proceeds of the sale was about two dollars and fifty cents per acre.
The first building erected on the site of Princeton was a log cabin, built by S. Courtwright, in the fall of 1833, immediatelv north of the Congregational Church. and used by him as a blacksmith shop. The second building was a one story frame structure, twelve feet square, built by John M. Gay on the site of the " Tem- pleton Store,'' and was afterwards occupied by "William Wells as a dwelling. The third house was a log cabin built by F. Haskill, on a lot now occupied by the resi- dence of Elijah Dee. On the 7th of June, 1831, Mr. Haskill opened a store in this cabin, which was the first store within the limits of this county, and the first ar/icle sold was a horse collar to Christopher Corss. In the fall of 1834, Stephen Triplett built on the cast side of Main street a one story frame structure, sixteen by eighteen feet, with an earthen] fire place and a stick chimney, on the front of which was a large BigD of " Princeton HoteL" Afterwards MY. Triplett built an
addition on the front of his house, and foT some years
894: REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTS.
it was the principal hotel of the place. In the summer of 1835, Elijah "Wiswall built a one story frame house on the corner now occupied by the " Converse Block," and for some years it was used for a dwelling.
In the fall of 1835, the Hampshire Colony Congre- gational Church was built on the public square, where the court house now stands. This was a two story frame structure, raised high above the ground on wooden blocks, and made an imposing appearance. This church, at the time it was built, attracted much attention from travelers, as it was far in advance of the settlement, and had no equal as a public building within a circle of fifty miles. Deacon Elisha Wood built this church under a contract for six hundred and fifty dollars, and for some time the inside remained unfinished, con- taining only a rough board pulpit and slab seats. This building is now standing on the south side of the public- square, and occupied for a dwelling, it being the only original land mark of Princeton now remaining.
In the fall of 1837, the M. E. Church built a small frame building on First street, near the present residence of Mrs. C. L. Kelsey. In 1838, the Baptists built a small church, and soon after the Protestant Methodists erected a brick church on Third street.
Among the first mercantile firms of Princeton, were those of Daniel King and Justin H. Olds, D. G. Salis- bury and B. L. Smith; the latter firm, with their two families, occupied a frame building on the site of the
EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PRINCETON. 395
First National bank. In the front part of this building were dry goods and groceries, post office, county clerk and recorder's office, county judge and office of a justice of the peace.*
*For a further account of settlement, see "Sketches of Bureau County."
CHAPTER XV.
PROGRESS OF SETTLEMENT.
During the year of 1828, there were only rive families living with the limits of Bureau county, whose names are as follows : Henry Thomas, Reason B. Hall, John Dixon, Bulbona, and Anient family. In 1830, there were nine families; in 1831, sixteen families; in 1832, thirty-one families, besides a number of single men, who had built cabins and were living in them. The names and location of these thirty-one families were as follows : Town of La Moille, Daniel Dimmick ; Dover, John L. Ament; Princeton, Elijah Epperson, Dr. N. Chamberlin, Eli and Elijah Smith, John Musgrove, Roland Moseley, Mrs. E. Smith, Robert Clark, and Joel Doolittle; Arispie, Michael Kitterman, Ourtise Williams, and Dave Jones ; Selby, John Hall, William Hoskins, John Clarke, and Amos Leonard; Wyanet, Abram Oblist, and Bulbona; Bureau, Henry and Ezekiel Thomas, Abram Stratton, and John M. Gay ; Ohio. Dad Joe ; Walnut, James Magby ; Milo, Charles
PROGRESS OF SETTLEMENT. 397
S. Boyd ; Leepertown, Timothy Perkins, and Leonard Kotli ; Hall, William Tompkins, and Sampson Cole.
As late as the spring of 1836, there was no one living in the town of Fairfield, Manlius, Mineral, Neponset, Macon, Gold, Wheatland, Greenville, nor Westrield. There was but one family in Milo, one in Walnut, one in Ohio, four in Berlin, five in Bureau, five in Concord, and six in Clarion.
The dwellings throughout the county were log cabins, mostly built in the edge of the timber by the side of a spring. There was but one meeting house ; two or three log school houses; only two surveyed roads, and not a stream bridged. At that time there were but live families living on the west side of Main Bureau timber, and two west of West Bureau, north of town sixteen. There was not a resident on Green river, nor in the west part of the county, except a few families at French, Bulbona, and Coal Groves. A few houses were clustered around Princeton, and with the exception of these, not a dwelling could be seen on the prairies of tli nitv. All the land then under cultivation
was a smal] held here and there adjoining the timber, and the prairies throughout the county were in a state nature, a part of which had not yet been surveyed. M.-.-i of the early settlers believed that they would ah. remain vacant, and unoccupied, being valuable onL razing Land, \<>v horses and cal I le. At a house
raising two miles north of Princeton, in the Bummer
of L835, where manj of the settlers were collected,
21
398 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
one of their number, Elisha Wood, a Deacon of the Congregational church, expressed an opinion, that the time would come, when all the prairie between Main and East Bureau would be brought under cultivation. This opinion appeared to those present so ridiculous, and it was so much criticised, that the deacon qualified his statement by saying such a thing was possible.
The traveler who crossed these prairies while in a state of nature, can scarcelv realize the fact that they are now all under cultivation, fenced into fields, and dotted over with dwellings and barns. The wheat and corn fields of the present occupy the place of wild prairie, covered with grass and flowers of forty years ago. In less than a half of a century, it has been changed from a wild, uninhabited region, where the howl of wolves and yells of savages were heard, to a well im- proved and highly cultivated country, the homes of enterprising farmers, whose products feed people in foreign countries. As it were by magic, fine villages have sprung up here and there on the prairie, with their tall spires glittering in the sun beams, and the musical peals of the church and school bells are heard throughout the country. The shrill whistle of engines are heard as they fly swiftly across the prairies, conveying commerce from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The rude log cabins, with their puncheon floor, clapboard door and stick chimney, have been superseded by fine dwellings, containing the comforts and conveniences of civiliza- tion. The settlement of the country has exceeded
PKOGKESS OF SETTLEMENT. 3\*\<
the expectations of the most sanguine, as no one supposed that the prairies of Bureau county would be settled in so short a time.
In the summer of 1836, Deacon Alby Smith, who lived southeast of Princeton, on a farm now occupied by John Rinnan, was a candidate for the legislature. Some of the early settlers called Deacon Smith a visionary Yankee, and not a man of good judgment, because he had made a farm out on the prairie, while locations were still plenty adjoining timber. It was also alleged that the Deacon had expressed an opinion that the time would come when the prairie> throughout the state would all be brought under cultivation, with railroads across them. People thought a man enter- taining such wild, visionary view.-, was uot lit to represent them in the legislature, consequently he was dropped, and Thomas Atwater, of Eennepin, was elected in his place.
During the summer of 1836, there wasgreal emigra- tion to the western country, and settlements were commenced throughout the north part of the state. So soon as grass afforded feed for cattle, the \\hit<-- topped wagons of emigrants were Been crossing the prairies, and with them were miners with <>\ teams, called suckers, who wont north in the Bpringand south in the tall.
The great emigration to this county made il in try for provison to be brought up the river, to Bupply the demand. In I there was a Burplue of -rain and
400 .REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
pork, but it found a ready market among the new settlement on Rock river. About this time people commenced hauling produce to Chicago, and returning with lumber or goods. From 1840 to 1852, large quantities of produce was shipped down the river to St. Louis, and during part of that time wheat was only worth twenty-five cents per bushel, and pork, net, one dollar and fifty cents per cwt.
From 1837 to 1850, the settlement of this countv was very slow, but at the latter period railroads were projected, when people came here from various parts of the world, and settled on the prairies. About this time the old plan of fencing with rails was abandoned, and board, wire and hedge fence introduced. In the first settlement of the country, wooden mouldboard plows were in use, afterwards the cast mouldboards, but in 1845 the steel plow took their place. In the summer of 1837, Flavel Thurston, of "West Bureau, introduced the small breaking plow, and it is believed that he was the first man in the state to break prairie with a span of horses.*
MISCELLANEOUS.
Post Office. — In 1829, Henry Thomas obtained a grant for a post office, named Bureau, and for a number
* It was not intended in this work to give a history of the agricultu- ral and commercial resources of the county, nor of the settlement of towns and villages; but should another volume be required, these things can be added.
MISCELLANEOUS. 401
of years all the mail for the settlement west of the river came through it. In the winter of 1831-32, Elijah Smith was appointed postmaster for the settlement on Princeton prairie, and his office was called Greenfield. In 1833, the name of this office was changed to Prince- ton, and Dr. N". Chamberlain appointed postmaster. This office was supplied once a week with mail from Thomas' office, and was generally carried by William O. Chamberlain. When the streams were high, not fordable, the mail carrier would go on foot, crossing the Bureaus on trees which had been fallen for that purpose. The mail package consisted of a few letters and papers, which were carried in the coat pocket of the carrier.
Dr. Chamberlain, living one and one-half miles south of town, made it inconvenient for people to obtain their mail, and in the fall of 1834 John M. Gay having opened a store in town, was appointed postmaster.
Fire on the Prairie. — Before the settlement of the country, annual fires -wept over the prairies — the grand and \ct terrific appearance of which will long be remembered by the early settler.-. Sometimes fires would travel one hundred miles or more, regardless of intervening timber and streams. During the tall and winter, when the weather was dry, lights from these tires could be seen almost every night, frequently in
variuiis directions at the same tim< . The reflection on the horizon was such as to make these Lights visible for
402 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
fifty or sixty miles, and on a dark night they would supply the place of the moon.
In November, 1836, a fire started on Spoon river (Stark county), about 10 o'clock in the morning, and with a strong southwest wind, it traveled about ten miles per hour, passing between West Bureau and Green river, having a front of eight miles in width, and its roaring could be heard for many miles distant Before sundown, this fire had burned to the banks of Rock river, where Rockford now stands, passing over a country of about sixty miles in extent.
Physicians. — For the first three years after the settle- ment had commenced on Bureau, there was no physi- cian nearer than Peoria, In the summer of 1831, Dr. N. Chamberlain settled on Bureau, and for a number of years he was the only physician in the country. When the settlement was commenced on Rock river, Dr. Chamberlain extended his practice into that country, and visited patients in that region as late as 1837. At a later period, Dr. William O. Chamberlain and Dr. Swanzy were the principal physicians of this county. The former was known everywhere as Dr. Bill, and for twenty-five years he had an extensive practice in various parts of the country. The latter. Dr. Swanzy, stood high in his profession, and was frequently called as counsel in other sections of the country.
Blacksmithing-. — For a number of years after the
MISCELLANEOUS. 403
settlement had commenced on Bureau, there was no blacksmith shop in the country, and people were obliged to go fifty or sixty miles in order to have work- done. On different occasions Dad Joe, sent his plow irons to Peoria, sixty-five miles distance, in the boat or the stage coach to get them sharpened. Burton Ayres, at the mouth of little Vermillion (now La Salle), carried on blacksmithing, and was patronized by some of the Bureau settlers. In the summer of 1833, John H. Bryant, in order to ^et the irons of his breaking plow repaired, carried them on a horse before him to Laughlin's smith shop, six miles east of Hennepin. The first blacksmith shop within the limits of this county, was built in Princeton, by S. D. Courtwright, in the fall of 1833, and the next spring Abram Musick started one four miles north of Princeton.
In the summer of 1831, James G. Forristall, and George Hinsdale were under the necessity of having irons made for a breaking plow, and to obtain them, they made a trip to Peoria. At the mouth of Bureau creek they went on board of an Indian canoe, one occupying the bow, and the other the stern, and in this way they paddled it down to Peoria. On arriving at Peoria they found the shop closed, and the blacksmith off on a visit. Again tiny boarded their craft and wenl down to Pekin, twelve miles further, where they succeeded in getting their work done, and returned the
-ime wav they came, after being nine days in making
the trio. Each night while on the road they tied their
404 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTS.
canoe to a tree at the shore, and slept in it. The whole distance traveled in going to and from the blacksmith shop, was one hundred and sixty-live miles.
Township Organization. — Took effect in 1850, when the county commissioner's court was superseded bv the board of supervisors. At that time the county was divided into nine precincts, which were named as follows : Princeton, Tiskilwa, Dover, La Moille, French Grove, Green River, Hall, Brush Creek, and Hazle- wood.
During the late rebellion, Bureau county furnished 3,626 soldiers, and paid $650,000 in bounties to the same. A few years previous, in 1860, the board of supervisors appropriated $18,000 to remodel the courthouse. This appropriation was much criticised by the people, many believing this large debt was ruinous to the welfare of the county, but a few years afterwards a half a million of dollars was appropriated for soldiers bounties and paid without a murmer.
The politics of this county originally was Whig; it is now Republican, by a large majority.
The present population of the county is supposed to be about 35,000, about one-fourth of whom are foreigners.
Mills of Bureau County. — There has been built in this county, at different periods, forty-seven water mills — thirty-one of which were saw, and sixteen
MISCELLANEOUS. 405
flouring. Of these mills thirty were built on Main Bureau, four on West Bureau, two on East Bureau, one on Masters fork of Main Bureau, one on Spring creek, one on Crow creek, two on Coal creek, one on Green river, two on Brush creek, two on Negro creek, and one ran by a spring, at the head of Spring lake. Of these mills only fifteen are now running.
Illinois and Mississippi Canal. — In the spring of 1836, a project was agitated for constructing a canal, to connect the Illinois with the Mississippi river, and Dr. A. Langworthy employed R. R. Pearce, to make a survey of the route, as far as Green river. In the .summer of 186b\ another survey of this proposed canal was made, with a feeder to be taken out of Rock river, and intersect the canal near Devil's Grove. Again, in lb7(>, the general government in accordance with an act of congress, made a survey of this rout, for the purpose of making it a ship canal.
Railroads. — In 1839 a survey of the old Illinois
Central railroad was made through this county, and the
work on it commenced. This road entered the county
in section twenty-five, W^estfield, and left it in section
two, La Moille, passing north of Lost Grove, and
through the south end of Perkins1 Grove, making a
straight line through the county. After the grading
was partly done through the county, the enterprise wai
abandoned. 22
406 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
In the year 1853, the Chicago and Rock Island rail- road was built, and its length in this county is thirty- eight miles. The Chicago, Burlington and Quiney railroad was built in 1854, with a length, in this county of forty-two miles. The Peoria and Bureau Valley railroad was built in 1855, and its length in this county is about five miles. The Rushville and Buda railroad was built in 1870, and seven miles of its length is in this county. The Mendota and Prophetstown railroad was commenced in 1856, completed in 1870, and it has a length in this county of twenty-seven miles. The Kankakee and Pacific railroad was built in 1871, and three miles of its length is in this county.
18 1931"
:
1
:
_
•
■ . - ...
-
-
|
/:'• |
|||
|
• |
|||
|
• • |
|||
■
«• ••■
|
• |
|
■ |
|
; |
£. to
r m
,'
|
m m |
|
|
■ ■ ■ |
|
|
1 |
■ |
II,
I
I
•
|
-•. |
|||
|
• |
|||
|
-. |
|||
|
■ ' ■ -: • |
• |
||
|
- |
|||
|
1 - |
. |
||
|
" |
• |
GdT<%3
|
■ 1 |
||
|
^^^^^ |
■ |
|
|
■ III |
||
|
■ I |
g |
• |
|
| |
||
|
1 |
||
|
^H H | |
||
|
^m i |
■ |
■